🌱 Solar Program Under Scrutiny + Schooling & Housing For Migrants

Hey, Chicago. I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Thunderstorm. High: 87 Low: 65.

Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. The State's incentive program "Illinois Shines" for solar panel investments faces criticism as some contractors fail to pass on incentive money to customers. The program, designed to reward consumers with reduced energy bills, relies on contractors to distribute the incentive payments, leading to frustrations for customers who have to chase down owed money. As the program handles payments through Solar Energy Renewable Credits, the Illinois Power Agency claims that involving a middleman is necessary due to the complex nature of the system, but some customers are left without their due incentives. (CBS Chicago)
2. Illinois taxpayers have incurred increased costs due to the state's plan to house undocumented migrants in Chicago, with $94 million in taxpayer funds allocated to support services for over 10,000 migrants. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has expressed his commitment to assisting Chicago in providing necessary aid to migrants, including food, clothing, shelter, and health care. However, concerns have been raised by state representatives and residents who feel underserved and believe that resources should be directed towards long-time residents of the city facing challenges such as increased crime rates and property taxes. (The Center Square)
3. As back-to-school expenses pose challenges for many families due to inflation and high costs, the National Retail Federation reports an average spending of $890 on school supplies this year. To alleviate this burden, Back 2 School America, a Chicago nonprofit focused on addressing educational inequities, is running a contest where anyone can nominate a school to win free school supplies for the year. Three winning schools will be selected, and each student will receive a kit, with nominations accepted until Jul. 24. (Patch)

Here's to our local sponsor. Check out what they can do for you:

Want to build a high-performing team that will take your business to the next level? Distinctive Coaching for Business Success can help. They’ll teach you how to:

• Cultivate trustworthy and capable employees
• Dedicate your team to your company's mission
• Empower your team members to foster a culture of excellence and growth

The result? Enhanced service quality, satisfied customers, and increased sales. Contact Jason at Distinctive Coaching for Business Success today.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in Chicago:

Thursday, July 20

• Preschool Story Time At Blackstone Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Sounds Of Summer Concert Series: Mike & Joe At NEWCITY (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking to take a road trip this summer? Check the link for the five most iconic road trips in Illinois! (Patch)
• On Saturday, Jul. 22, the Disability Pride Parade will start at Plymouth/Van Buren and travel down Dearborn to Daley Plaza at 11:00 a.m. The event celebrates people with disabilities and proud disability identities, with community organizations booths offering information and resources. (City of Chicago – Government via Facebook)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Chicago area! Get all the property details at the link. (Chicago Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Improovy Painters Chicago — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• NEWCITY Hosts Mike & Joe for Outdoor Concert Series Benefitting Lincoln Park Community Services (July 20)
• HR Professionals: Time to earn your certificate. (July 26)
• Become a Paralegal: Learn more at a free information session (July 27)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. 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.