🖼️ Who took the city’s painting?

Cook County Invests in Violence Intervention

Cook County announced $20 million in funding Wednesday for community violence intervention services. Organizations like New Life Centers, Second Chance Initiatives, and others will receive a combined $5 million in grants in the immediate-term. Applications to receive additional funding open July 1.

In Chicago: Advocates are calling for a new Department of Gun Violence Reduction, aimed at stopping gun crimes. The coalition wants the city to consolidate all existing gun violence reduction resources and estimates a cost of $100 million, which they claim can come from existing safety departments.

• After weekend shootings across the city and a mass shooting that left 14 wounded in Roseland Friday night, they say the Office of Violence Prevention doesn’t do enough.
• Caught Trump’s attention: The president took to social media, saying, “Lots of killing going on in Chicago … Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe city.” He also alluded to deploying the National Guard as he has in Washington, DC.

Recent reduction: Despite the multiple shootings over the weekend, gun violence in the city has plummeted. Last year, Chicago saw a 30 percent reduction from 2024 — the lowest total murders in 60 years.

The decrease is largely attributed to a decline in West and South Side community areas, which disproportionately experience the most gun violence in the city. Experts point to community violence prevention efforts for why these areas have seen fewer shootings.

But not everywhere: Shootings in parts of the South Side are on the rise by more than 20 percent, and overall killings by more than 50 percent in 2026 compared to 2025.

How does violence prevention work? Violence prevention workers connect with families who have experienced gun violence, work to resolve conflicts, and provide resources for families who have survived gun violence.

• 🎧 Listen: We talked to Damen Morris, a chief program officer of violence prevention at Breakthrough, about how and why community violence prevention works.

CDOT: Bike Lanes Don’t Hurt Businesses

A city-backed case study showed that bike lanes in six business corridors have not had a negative economic impact.

• New South Side trail: Environmental work has started on the first elevated bike trail on the South Side. The Bronzeville Trail would start near 40th and Dearborn and stretch two miles east to 41st and Lake Park Avenue. [Block Club]

MSI to Reopen South Entrance

The last time anyone passed through the museum’s elaborate back door was likely during the 1893 World’s Fair. But a $22 million project to add a cafe and terrace will revive the original entrance. It’s set to be completed in 2027. [Sun-Times]

• Editor’s Note: I guess this means I have to finish my painting before the remodel. — Simone Alicea, executive producer

How Much Does It Cost To Run for Mayor?

The spending race for Chicago mayor has already begun. On today’s podcast, we discuss the money flowing ahead of the city’s mayoral election in February. Plus, the city breaks ground for Andersonville’s first pedestrian plaza. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

WLS vs. FCC

Along with ABC affiliates across the country, Chicago’s own WLS — aka channel 7 — is asking for support amid an ongoing battle with the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC is currently investigating whether “The View” violated federal rules requiring equal airtime for rival political candidates. ABC says the FCC is hampering free speech. [New York Times 🔒]

• Side with WLS? Make your voice heard. [ABC7]
• No Surprise: It all goes back to Trump’s beef with “The View.” [Daily Beast]