Afternoon Briefing: Chicago to expand pilot that pays for homicide victims’ funerals

News Room

Good afternoon, Chicago.

Mayor Brandon Johnson will increase the scope of a pilot program that funds basic needs for victims of gun violence and their families, he announced today as the latest update in his public safety plan ahead of the summer.

In touting his announcement, Johnson repeatedly decried his predecessors as “stingy” toward communities on the South and West sides that needed relief from disinvestment and violence the most. The fund in question was started in 2022 under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and has since doled out aid to almost 400 victims.

Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.

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A woman and child walk past the scene of an apartment fire in the 2400 block of East 78th Street on June 15, 2024, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Boy, 7, dies days after South Shore apartment fire, officials say

Adrian M. Matias Pena of the 2400 block of East 78th Street was pronounced dead late Wednesday afternoon at Comer Children’s Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Read more here.

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A home at 235 N. Prospect, Park Ridge, was sold by real estate broker Ralph Milito for $1.8 million on Feb. 29, 2024. He said this is the first year the average asking price for a home in Park Ridge was over $1 million. (Ralph Milito)
A home at 235 N. Prospect, Park Ridge, was sold by real estate broker Ralph Milito for $1.8 million on Feb. 29, 2024. He said this is the first year the average asking price for a home in Park Ridge was over $1 million. (Ralph Milito)

Average home prices top $1 million in Park Ridge; Skokie, Niles prices also high

In this summer’s hot real estate market, average home prices have risen in the north suburbs. Read more here.

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UConn guard Paige Bueckers (5) shoots over Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke (45) during the first half of a Final Four game in the NCAA Tournament on April 5, 2024, in Cleveland. (Morry Gash/AP)
UConn guard Paige Bueckers (5) shoots over Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke (45) during the first half of a Final Four game in the NCAA Tournament on April 5, 2024, in Cleveland. (Morry Gash/AP)

Could the Chicago Sky tank for Paige Bueckers? How a Dallas pick swap affects their way-too-early draft outlook.

After welcoming one of the deepest rookie classes into the league this season, the WNBA is on track for another blockbuster draft next year centered on yet another star guard: Paige Bueckers. Read more here.

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Tyler, the Creator performs at Lollapalooza on July 30, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune

Tyler, the Creator performs at Lollapalooza on July 30, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Lollapalooza swaps headliners, with Tyler, the Creator off and Megan Thee Stallion added

No further details were given about the cancellation. Read more here.

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Canadian film star Donald Sutherland, circa 1975.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images/TNS

Film star Donald Sutherland, circa 1975.

Donald Sutherland, star of ‘MASH,’ ‘Klute’ and ‘Hunger Games,’ dies at 88

For over a half century, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor memorably played villains, antiheroes, romantic leads and mentor figures. Read more here.

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