⛈️ Summer storms continue

More Storms — and Damage — on Horizon

After a particularly stormy week, Chicagoans can expect … more storms. Severe weather is in today’s forecast, with heavy rainfall continuing tomorrow. Meanwhile, the city is still grappling with previous damage.

Confirmed: Seventeen tornadoes hit northern Illinois and northwest Indiana last week, which brings the area’s 2026 total to 44 — the third most of any year since recordkeeping began in 1950. As climate change continues, increasingly humid Midwest air is a key contributor to tornadoes.

• Yes, tornadoes can hit Chicagoland. Here’s how to prep.
• Derechos, too: Recently, fast-moving bands of destructive thunderstorms met the criteria of a derecho.
• As of Sunday: 13,000 Chicagoans were still without power while cleanup efforts continued.

No signs of stopping: Flooding is increasing in Chicago, particularly on the South and West Sides. Between 2007 and 2016, areas with the most federal flood-disaster claims were almost entirely communities of color. Reasons include outdated infrastructure, urban density, and too much concrete.

• Last year, “thousand-year” storms overwhelmed Chicago sewers.
• Reminder: Try not to overflow Chicago’s sewers!
• Meanwhile, Chicago is still vulnerable to drought.

Help from Washington? Probably Not: After storms last July and August caused over $140 million in damages, President Donald Trump rejected Illinois’ federal emergency aid requests. No state had previously been denied with damage at that level. Local leaders fear more of the same.

• FEMA Dwindling: Trump also slashed the Federal Emergency Management Agency workforce by 20% and left key positions — including the administrator overseeing Illinois — vacant.
• Previous funds: Chicago received $426 million in federal funds for 2023 flooding, and Cook County received $244 million. But none of that money had been spent as of April, according to the Sun-Times.

In the meantime: Stay alert and check the forecast!

Food Delivery Robots to Roll into South Side

Currently, food delivery robots don’t operate on the South Side — that’s about to change. Championed by Ald. William Hall (6th), they’ll start appearing in parts of Chatham, Englewood, and Greater Grand Crossing this fall. [Block Club]

• Crash out: Some Chicago delivery robots were tweaking. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
• In Logan Square and Wicker Park: Neighbors rejected the bots. [Block Club]

State Bans Hemp Sales to Anyone Younger Than 21

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill making it illegal to sell intoxicating hemp to anyone younger than 21. The measure also bans delta-8 and other hemp-derived products that mimic popular snack brands starting Nov. 12. All hemp products must be childproof. [WTTW]

Local Pharmacies to Receive State Assistance

Over 400 Illinois pharmacies will receive $25 million in state support to avoid closures, particularly in rural and low-income communities. The pot will be split equally, with each pharmacy receiving about $57,00. [Hyde Park Herald]

• On the South Side: Seven Walgreens have closed in the past year. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
• Meanwhile: Could Chicago open public pharmacies? [City Cast Chicago 🎤]

Ye’s Homecoming

The artist formerly known as Kanye West has announced he’s performing at Soldier Field in September. It comes two months after backlash over his antisemitic statements kept him from headlining a festival in Britain. [NBC]

• Do you think about me now and then? Ye and his hometown have a long — but complicated — relationship. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]