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Chicago's City Council meeting this week was notably lengthy, reflecting significant local issues. Block Club reporters highlighted various neighborhood happenings, including Walter Burnett's farewell and traffic concerns on the Kennedy Expressway.
O'Hare Airport's apiary, established in 2011, provides a unique training ground for formerly incarcerated individuals through the North Lawndale Employment Network's Sweet Beginnings program. The initiative has produced over 1,000 graduates and significantly reduced recidivism rates among its participants. Sweet Beginnings not only fosters job skills but also promotes community engagement through the sale of honey and related products.
Mechanista, a new nonprofit auto garage in Ravenswood, aims to provide female and nonbinary individuals with hands-on automotive training. Founded by Lisa Thompson, the garage addresses the low representation of women in the industry, currently at just 2 percent. The facility offers apprenticeships and a welcoming atmosphere for customers seeking car maintenance.
A coalition of older Chicago residents and activists proposed a "Senior Bill of Rights" to protect seniors from predatory housing practices. Introduced by Ald. Jeanette Taylor, the ordinance seeks to reopen the Department of Aging and implement new safeguards for residents aged 55 and older. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed support for the proposal and is assessing its budget implications.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Daley Plaza to honor Rep. John Lewis and advocate for justice and voting rights five years after his death. The nationwide “Good Trouble Lives On” protest criticized policies from the Trump administration targeting marginalized communities. Speakers emphasized the need for continued action to uphold Lewis's legacy and protect civil rights.
NASCAR will not host the Chicago Street Race in 2026 but aims to return in 2027 after pausing to collaborate with city officials. This year’s race, held over the Independence Day weekend, attracted over 79,000 attendees and generated $128 million in economic impact.
Austin has designated its first official safe zone, named the ASAP Safe Zone, aimed at preventing gun violence and promoting youth programs. Established in 2021, the zone offers various programs, including internships and mental health resources, and recently expanded to include a new arts space. Organizers, led by Aisha Oliver, emphasize community-building to engage local youth.
City officials commemorated the 739 victims of the 1995 Chicago heat wave during a 30th-anniversary event, highlighting ongoing efforts to prevent similar tragedies. Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the need for equitable access to climate resilience resources, noting that only 30% of single-family homes in Chicago have air conditioning. Initiatives include expanding tree coverage and developing a Heat Vulnerability Index to identify at-risk neighborhoods.
Smoque BBQ has filed a trademark opposition against Weber-Stephen Products LLC over its new Weber Smoque smoker, which could confuse customers. Smoque BBQ, a popular restaurant in Chicago, has held the "Smoque" trademark for over a decade and fears that Weber's use of the name will dilute its brand. The dispute has escalated, with Weber's legal team arguing that the two brands operate in different markets.
Chicago will experience a brief cooldown with temperatures reaching 74 degrees Thursday and 80 degrees Friday, but humidity will return over the weekend. Meteorologist Bill Snyder reports that this summer has already recorded 18 days above 90 degrees, surpassing the average for a typical summer. The warm weather is attributed to a shift in the Bermuda-Azores High pressure system and increased humidity from corn evapotranspiration.