The Rundown | Chicago News

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill to protect patient information from states that criminalize abortion. Chicago has been nationally recognized as a local government that shows a strong commitment to immigrant inclusion. It’s summer in Chicago, so people can see performances inside theaters and outdoors. Plus, Kathy Osterman Beach, or Hollywood Beach, is known as Chicago’s gay beach. But it wasn’t always that way. What are the origins of this LGBTQ+ haven?

Illinois has broken the record for most tornadoes in a year, and it’s only June. Public health officials are revealing why Chicagoans can expect to live longer than ever. More than 180 drawings created by famed artist Willem de Kooning are now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Plus, last week, chefs and celebrities from across the country came to Chicago for the annual James Beard Awards. We asked some of the visiting chefs where they ate while in town.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook is in effect for parts of north central and northeast Illinois as well as northwest Indiana. The city of Chicago is cracking down on airbag thefts. The City Council passed a measure Wednesday making it unlawful to purchase airbags from anywhere other than a repair shop, recycling facility or original manufacturer. Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill this week so Medicaid recipients can still access healthcare. Plus, being a journalist requires conversational skills. Chicago Sun-Times arts reporter Ambar Colon is familiar with the qualifications and has been a journalist for a decade. But growing up, Ambar struggled to speak to anyone outside of her household. She was diagnosed with selective mutism at the age of five. Her journey is now being shared in a new documentary called "Selective Mutism: Getting The Word Out."

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are back in Chicago for the Obama Presidential Center's official grand opening later this week. The head of the team that steers arts and culture programming in Chicago says she wants to create more career paths for young creatives. Roosevelt University graduate student Joabe Barbosa has now run every street in Chicago. Plus, the head of Chicago Public Schools was thrust onto the national stage last week. The U.S. House Education Committee forced her to testify. Superintendent Macquline King faced tough questions about the school district’s policies on trans students.

The Chicago area could see destructive winds up to 80 miles per hour, damaging hail and flash flooding. Chicagoans have registered at least 5600 complaints with the city's 311 hotline following Wednesday night’s storm. The World Cup kicked off this afternoon in Mexico City, and three players with the Chicago Fire are on the pitch for the tournament. Plus, the annual James Beard Awards return to Chicago on Monday. “The Oscars of the food world” turn Chicago into the culinary capital each year.

A coalition of Chicago alderpersons say they plan to reject the proposed sale of the city's parking meters to a New York investment firm. Queer elders in Chicago say it’s important to bridge the gap between the generations as the Trump administration rolls back protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. The Chicago Wolves have clinched a spot in the Calder Cup Final. Plus, when you go to an art museum, the seating isn’t typically top of mind, especially when you’re surrounded by masterpieces. But in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, the exhibit benches themselves are works of art. Renowned Chicago designer Norman Teague was commissioned to create the benches, and they draw inspiration from his roots on Chicago’s South Side.