đź“ą How the city can pay for your security system
By Sidney Madden |Â @sidney_madden_
đź“ą Security System Program
Homeowners and business owners can get reimbursed up to $1,020 for security systems through a new city program that rolled out this week.
The Home and Business Protection Rebate Program will help Chicagoans pay for security cameras, vehicle trackers, outdoor lighting, and more in an effort to make residents feel safer following recent high-profile violence across the city.
The program’s application went live a day before Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s re-election announcement Tuesday. She first announced the $5.3 million initiative in April, citing it as a popular idea among attendees at public safety town halls earlier this year.
What applicants need to know:
👉 Eligibility. You must be a property owner or tenant in Chicago or have a vehicle registered in the city.
💵 Reimbursement process. You’ll get reimbursed for certain devices and technology purchased Monday or later. It’s not retroactive. You’ll get money back in 90 days after being approved.
❌ Police registration is optional. Recipients don’t have to register their devices with the Chicago Police Department — though they can — despite Lightfoot’s announcement earlier this spring saying that it would be required.
Tuesday’s Trivia Answer: Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke married Ald. Ed Burke of the 14th Ward in 1968, the same year she co-founded the first Special Olympics.
The longtime Southwest Side alder was indicted in 2019 on bribery, racketeering, and extortion charges. This week, a judge denied his efforts to suppress evidence at his 2023 trial.
Congrats to readers Natasha L., Suzy J., Sarah P., and Steffie D. for answering correctly! And big congrats to swag winner Courtney W. 🥳
🎰 Your Takes on Bally’s Casino
Pending approval from the Illinois Gaming Board, the city’s first casino is set to begin operating at the old Tribune publishing site in River West by 2026. City leaders say the casino will be good for the city — especially for filling city coffers — but what do neighbors think?
🎧 River West resident Sean Cogan tells us why he’s excited about the casino, and Streeterville resident Darren Monroe shares why he’s not.
Sponsored by Active Transportation Alliance: Register for Bike the Drive Presented by Fifth Third Bank
Active Transportation Alliance is excited to announce that registration for the 21st annual Bike the Drive presented by Fifth Third Bank is officially open!Â
This year’s ride on a car-free DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be Sept. 4 at 6:30 a.m. — instead of 5:30 a.m. Youth tickets are $18, and adult tickets start at $48.Â
🚲 Register at 53bikethedrive.org today before prices rise!Â
đź“° Newsfeed
Weigh in on CPS’ proposed budget. Nearly $3 billion of the $9.5 billion budget will come from federal relief funds. The budget would also have 1,500 new staffers — including teachers. CPS will host public hearings at its downton office Monday from 4–5:30 p.m. and next Wednesday from 6–7:30 p.m. [CPS]
Share where you stand on Roe v. Wade. Journalist Kristen Schorsch is looking to talk to patients, providers, and activsits in Illinois or nearby who are for and against abortion access. [WBEZ]
Think you know Chicago history? Take this test. See how much you actually know about the city’s architecture, politics, and more. [Tribune]
đź’– Love in the Air!
We’re a city of romantics! It makes my heart sing knowing a lot of you are fellow rom-com fans — and I mean a lot. Like 97% of you.
Lucky for us, Chicago is home to many books and films of the genre. Here are a couple to check out!
Books
“The Holiday Home Run”
“When Stars Collide”
“A Proposal They Can’t Refuse”
Films
“Love Jones”
“The Big Sick”
“The Thing About Harry”
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
P.S. Need more Chicago love stories? Revisit the ones fellow readers and listeners shared earlier this year.
P.P.S. If you have a Chi rom-com to suggest, my inbox is always open 🤓
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