Nurses at Veterans Affairs hospitals in the Chicago area are sounding the alarm about staffing levels. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is making a push to allow homeowners to add coach houses or basement rental units to their homes without red tape. And, Chicago’s current longest-serving alderperson says he’ll leave the City Council soon.

Plus, the musical The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker’s book, is coming to the Goodman Theatre. WBEZ’s Mike Davis has the details.

Adult education programs in Illinois are in limbo with a funding freeze in their future. Lawyers for Commonwealth Edison’s former CEO say she shouldn’t serve any prison time for conspiring to influence Illinois’ one-time House speaker. And 30 years ago this week a heat wave killed more than 700 Chicagoans.

Plus, WBEZ’s Lisa Kurian Philip met with a Depaul student fighting back against the university’s total ban on distributing birth control.

The Chicago Abortion Fund is celebrating a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that strikes down the state’s 176 year old abortion ban. Despite unrest in the Middle East, gas prices continue to drop heading into the 4th of July weekend. And, nearly 2,000 visitors are in Chicago this week for the Mensa Annual Gathering.

Plus, The “World’s Largest Karaoke” party returns to Chicago tomorrow for a second year. WBEZ’s Justin Bull attended the inaugural event.

Governor Pritzker has selected his running mate. The Goodman Theatre is teaming up with the city’s cultural affairs department to put on 100 free plays. And, Democrats in Illinois are sounding the alarm bells after The Senate approved President Trump’s tax bill.

Plus, Tina Sfondeles is the national politics reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. She breaks down the potential impacts of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on Illinois residents.

Still no word on who Governor Pritzker’s running mate will be next year. A Chicago Park District lifeguard will be jailed while awaiting trial on charges that he shot two teenagers. And, the number of dust storms has increased in recent years.

Plus, a Curious City story about women in Chicago’s queer community.

Chicago advocates express their disappointment after a Supreme court decision today that could reshape the way birthright citizenship is granted in the U.S.,

Chicago Public Schools new interim leader is pegging the district’s budget deficit as much higher than previously announced.

Plus, Chicago’s Links Hall will close its doors for good after this weekend. We hear from dancers on what the venue has meant to them.