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Second Piping Plover Chick Dies

Tweedy, one of Montrose Beach’s piping plover chicks, has died following the rough weekend weather. Sibling chick Mavis died June 29. They were two of four chicks recently hatched to plovers Sea Rocket and Imani. [Block Club]

• In happier bird news: The baby bald eaglets finally have names! [WTTW]

Plainfield Rep. Harry Benton Resigns

State Rep. Harry Benton, representing Plainfield, stepped down after an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him. In February, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch exiled Benton from House Democratic caucus meetings over the claims. Benton was set to face off against Republican Gabby Shanahan in the fall election, whom he beat by a narrow margin in 2024. [Sun-Times]

• Who will run in the competitive race? Will County Democratic Party Chair Bill Morgan has a month to appoint a replacement for Benton in the House and till Aug. 20 to replace him on the ballot. [CBS]

South Suburban Reservoirs Nearly Full

Due to the weekend’s severe storms, Chicagoland’s two largest Deep Tunnel reservoirs are almost at capacity. The southwest suburban McCook reservoir is about 98% full, while the south suburban Thornton reservoir is 94% full. The Thornton Reservoir also serves the city’s South Side. If it reaches capacity, nearby communities face flood risks. [WTTW]

The Future of Pan-Latino Arts in Chicago

Pepe Vargas is stepping down from the International Latino Cultural Center after more than 40 years leading the organization. During that time, he’s grown the Latino Film Festival into the massive program it is today. Vargas’ right-hand man, Mateo Mulcahy, will take over. [WBEZ]