🌱 Metra Rail Service Return Project + Free Museum Days In July

Hello, neighbors. Kaytlyn Smith here with your Friday edition of the Chicago Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny; low humidity. High: 77 Low: 65.

Here are the top three stories in Chicago today:

1. After a new partnership with Metra, a passenger railway service will be bringing a connective route between Rockford and Chicago for the first time since the 80s. It has been a priority to return rail service to northern Illinois and it looks like the time is finally coming. From an economic standpoint, this will help in community transportation as well as providing employment, reducing pollution, and reducing traffic. The wheels are beginning to turn to get this project underway, and if all goes according to plan, the $275 million dollar project will be ready for operation in 2027. (NBC Chicago)
2. With all the excitement that has already happened in the city of Chicago this month, you can add free museum days to the list, as a few museums in the city are offering free entry to Illinois residents throughout the month. Six museums are offering free days this month, while another 14 museums are requesting a small donation. At the link, view the full list of museums participating in free entry days. (NBC Chicago)
3. Dr. John A Greager II has been sentenced to a federal prison term and a $1 million fine after being caught submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare and BCBS Illinois. The suburban Chicago doctor lied about procedures removing moles on various dates to maximize his profit return. He also admitted that he knew this was a fraud and continued to do so, reportedly receiving about $1.7 million from the two insurers. Greager made his staff cooperate with his scheme, creating false patient charts and holding moles past time periods to better hide his scheme. (eNews Park Forest)

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Today in and around Chicago:

Friday, July 7

• Film Screening: Pokemon Detective Pikachu (2019) At Walker Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Chamber Takeout Stakeout At Poke Burrito 2023, Oak Park (12:00 PM)
• Summer Meals At Chicago Lawn Branch (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Chicago White Sox will be happily represented in this year's Home Run Derby this coming Monday. Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. is going into the contest as the No. 1 seed and is looking to bring home the title. (Chicago White Sox via Instagram)
• Chicago Bulls basketball is already back, kicking off their Summer League play tonight (Jul. 7). This will be the first opportunity for second-round pick Julian Phillips and undrafted Adama Sanogo to experience basketball at an NBA level. (Chicago Bulls via Facebook)
• If you have ever been curious about rock climbing, now is the perfect time to do it. Steelworkers Park is hosting a community climb tomorrow (Jul. 8) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! Registration is open to all (ages eight and up), from beginners to experienced climbers. (Chicago Park District via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Improovy Painters Chicago — (Visit website)
• 123 Exteriors — (Visit Website)

Featured events:

• Anime Midwest's Massive Annual Anime Festival (July 7)

For sale:

• All One Up and Live Savers on Patch (Details)

Featured job listings:

• Accounting Clerk (Part-Time) (Details)
• Small Business Insurance Agent (entry level) (Details)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you soon!

— Kaytlyn Smith

About me: Kaytlyn Smith is a managing editor at Lightning Media Partners – a content creation agency. She is a Rowan University graduate where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in writing. Outside of work, Kaytlyn is a dog mom to a boglen terrier named Finn and a golden retriever named Willow.