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City departments, including those involved with planning and zoning, will be required to produce an “environmental justice action plan” by Sept. 1.

Dozens gathered for a vigil for Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston; former President Barack Obama stopped by Lilydale First Baptist Church in Roseland; and Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared a state of emergency as immigrants arrived in Chicago with no space for housing.

Jeffrey Bertucci testified in 2010 to illegally paying out winnings from video gaming machines installed in his Cicero diner and splitting his take with the mob’s so-called video poker king. In 2019, gambling regulators gave him a license to legally operate video gaming devices.

Erika Villegas, who lives in Garfield Ridge, is among Chicagoans who have taken it upon themselves to visit police stations to help newly arrived immigrants. They want “the city to step up” more.

The city kept 126 beds but isn’t using them. The state has 1,125 more beds from the makeshift hospital but says the city hasn’t asked for them. And the city is missing out on $30 million from Springfield to support migrants.

Reformers were aiming to root out corruption with the advent of the 50-ward system in 1923, but illegal backroom deals have remained all too common for a legislative body that has otherwise seen massive change.

The suit alleges a plan to house asylum-seekers at the shuttered school violates a lease agreement and names the city of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools as defendants.

Lonette Sims, chair of People’s Response Network, announced Thursday that the group had drafted an ordinance calling for greater funding for community-based public health programs.

Next year is expected to be a big moment for cicadas, when two major broods — a 17-year group and 13-year group — both emerge in Illinois, potentially wreaking havoc for agriculture.

Annette Guzman, budget director for Cook County, will be city budget director under Johnson. Jennifer Johnson, chief of staff at the CTU, where Brandon Johnson has been a paid organizer, will serve as deputy mayor for education.

Barack Obama credits Lilydale First Baptist Church on the South Side — where he spoke with about 30 students — and its longtime pastor for helping him find his way.