Good morning, Chicago.
The House adopted a Republican-only $95 billion budget proposal yesterday, a long-shot effort to fund the Iran war and other White House priorities over objections from Democrats and a few GOP holdouts in a final push before the midterm elections.
House Republicans were divided over the plan, with conservatives wary because there are no offsetting budget cuts. But Speaker Mike Johnson plunged ahead, viewing the go-it-alone process as the best chance to usher President Donald Trump’s priorities through the split Congress, despite skepticism in the Senate.
The vote tally was 216-214, with all Democrats opposed.
“Just bullets and bombs to finish the job,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, the chairman of the Budget Committee.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including why some Northwestern and U of C alumni will receive class-action lawsuit payouts, the WNBA greats competing in an All-Star shooting competition and our picks for what to do in Chicago this weekend.
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Gov. JB Pritzker urges Illinois House Speaker Welch to be transparent on Harry Benton harassment allegations
Gov. JB Pritzker called on Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to come clean to the public about his office’s handling of sexual harassment allegations made three years ago against now-former state Rep. Harry Benton, as the House Democratic Women’s Caucus criticized Welch’s handling of the case as “insufficient.”
Aldermanic opposition rams through referendum questions for 2027 city election ballot
The City Council approved a slate of non-binding referendums favored by opponents of Mayor Brandon Johnson for Chicago voters to consider in next year’s citywide election, the most contentious of which asks whether aldermen should have their own lawyer to advise them during conflicts with the city Law Department.
Digital asset industry group sues to block Illinois’ first-in-the-nation cryptocurrency tax
A first-in-the-nation tax on cryptocurrencies and other digital assets that Gov. JB Pritzker signed last month is facing a legal challenge from an industry association that argues the law is unconstitutional because it singles out certain financial instruments based on how their transactions are recorded.
Some Northwestern and U of C alumni to receive class-action lawsuit payouts
Northwestern University and University of Chicago alumni involved in a class-action antitrust lawsuit regarding the schools’ tuition practices could soon see settlement payouts, according to a recent court order.
Bond granted for drug clinic operator accused of stealing millions, buying yacht called ‘Butt Nekkid’
The owner of an Oak Lawn methadone clinic accused in a massive Medicaid fraud scheme involving a yacht called “Butt Nekkid” withdrew nearly $3 million in still-unaccounted for funds from his bank and intended to flee to Brazil before he was arrested last month at an airport in Miami, prosecutors told a federal judge.
Former Blackhawks player Adrian Aucoin lists home in northwest Hinsdale for nearly $6M
Adrian Aucoin, 53, skated for the Blackhawks for two seasons, from 2005 until 2007. After leaving the Blackhawks and after his 18-year NHL career ended, Aucoin has chosen to continue living in the western suburbs.
WNBA greats Elena Delle Donne and Lauren Jackson to compete in All-Star shooting competition
The WNBA is going with a shooting stars competition instead of a skills challenge, pairing one former great with a current player tomorrow night as part of All-Star weekend in Chicago.
- 2026 WNBA All-Star weekend is back in Chicago. Here’s a guide to the events around the city this week.
- Chicago Sky drop a 1-point loss to the New York Liberty as Sabrina Ionescu scores 9 in the last minute
Chicago Bears rookie outlook: Will 1st-round pick Dillon Thieneman continue to be a quick study?
Dillon Thieneman may be a rookie, but the Bears safety has an opportunity to be a tone-setter on the field and in the locker room — and that’s by design.
Here’s what to know about Thieneman before training camp begins.
What to do in Chicago: The WNBA All-Star Game, Benson Boone and Buddy Guy at 90
Here are our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Lollapalooza 2026: Tell us what you’re looking forward to and share your memories
Lollapalooza 2026 is fast approaching, and we want to hear from the Chicago Tribune’s readers. What are you looking forward to the most? What are your best tips and tricks for navigating the festival? What food are you going to look for?
