Music and Protesting, Chicago Public Transit in Limbo, and Elon Musk’s Departure From the White House
plus, the expansion of a Northwest Side Latinx art organization
Welcome back to ‘In the Loop’! It’s your newsletter team Lauren, Noah, Ellie, Dani, Elliot, Sam, Audrey, Varun, Noël and Jana. We’ve got a good one for you today.
To start, we have a feature on the importance of music to protests, and how that’s been seen in protests since the beginning of the Trump administration. Then, we have information on shot putter Kash Allen’s success at the NCAA West Preliminary meet and the opening of the first medical school in Chicago. Next, we have information on victims of the Boulder Molotov cocktail attack and election results from Poland. To wrap up, we have information on the expansion of the The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance assuming zoning changes go through and a recommendation for an interesting running contraption.
If you want to show support for 14 East and ‘In the Loop,’ we invite you to donate directly to our newsroom. Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a monthly gift, every cent helps us build a newsroom that serves you, our readers, and we get 100% of your donation.
With that, let’s get into it!
How music drives a protest
By Noah Tomko-Jones
A few months ago, I attended the “Hands Off!” rally in downtown Chicago, covering it alongside my fellow reporter Dani Snedeker and Special Projects Editor Lauren Sheperd. Our job there was to capture the full scope of the political opposition to President Donald Trump’s second term. You can read our reporting here.
There was a lot we had to pay attention to: creative signs, costumes and chants; the demographics of the crowd, the goals of the organizers and how this protest fit into the larger culture.
There was one aspect, however, that couldn’t escape my attention the entire time we followed the march: the way music kept popping up.
“ I think everything's rhythmic,” Che Fred, a YouTuber and musician we met at the march, said. “Everything's a cadence. You know, everyone's chanting that same, similar beat, so it's great. You know, music unites us all.”
Although I was at this protest to cover it, I couldn’t help but be reminded of times in the past that I attended protests, memories that shaped my political awareness. I played cello in my high school’s orchestra and the school's music department became my second home.
So, when the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) went on strike during my junior year of high school, I made fond memories joining in on the never-ending drum circles formed on the school's front lawn, and marching behind a brass band of CPS music teachers during the rallies downtown. From that moment on, I became more and more aware of the ways in which music can unite people for a common cause.
Since then, I’ve become increasingly interested in the ways music is used as a political tool. My playlists are routinely filled with the folk and blues of the Great Depression, the radical aesthetics of punk classic and contemporary, and the rebel yell of conscious hip-hop. Music is my favorite medium with which to view history and how people respond to the historical pressures all around them.
At the march, people used their relationship to music to get their feelings across. At Daley Plaza, the starting point of the rally, there was a stage for speakers and rally leaders, but for much of the rally, it drew dancers and crowd members singing along as James Villar, a brother of one of the organizers, played a mix of hits old and new, certainly appealing to protestors both old and new. When we asked him about the reasoning behind his setlist, he said he wanted “music that gets you riled up.”
“Something about fighting the power,” he added.
But the crowd’s embrace of music was not limited to the stage. I saw several signs throughout the march referencing Charli XCX’s lyrical claim that “the apple is rotten right to the core” and Kendrick’s assertion that “they’re not like us.” These songs weren’t meant as revolutionary anthems but it reminded me that a song or a piece of art does not have to be explicitly political to resonate with someone and give them a way to process and communicate their feelings about the current political moment.
Alderman Andre Vasquez, alongside DJ Villar, hyped the crowd up as they prepared to march. As we stood on the press platform, documenting the energy all around us, I heard him yell something that, more than anything, captured what protest music can do best: he declared that this was a “revolution of joy.”
DePaul News
By Elliot Allison
Track and field athlete finishes among the best in nation during her final college career event — Kash Allen, a graduating DePaul senior, threw a 16.03 meter flight to close out her collegiate track and field career among the top 50 in the nation for shot put. The performance in Texas this weekend cemented Allen as DePaul’s all-time number one in shot put, in addition to the other records she holds at DePaul and her previous school, Benedictine. Her career has seen three titles in addition to numerous championship and preliminary appearances and was marked, most notably, by “consistency.” The DePaul University Athletics Newsroom has more.
DePaul Student Athlete Chase Stegall passed away in residence hall — Chase Stegall, a member of the DePaul men’s soccer team and sophomore at DePaul, passed away unexpectedly this morning. His family requests privacy at this time, and the details of his passing have been kept private. President Robert L. Manuel extended his condolences in an email this afternoon and memorial service details will be made available later. The vice president and director of athletics, DeWane Peevy, and the head coach of men’s soccer, Mark Plotkin, said jointly: “We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Chase Stegall, a cherished member of our community, dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chase’s family, friends, teammates and all who loved him. In the coming days, we will support Chase’s family and teammates through this devastating time. His loss will be deeply felt across our entire Athletics and university family and his memory will forever be a part of DePaul University.” The DePaul University Athletics Newsroom has more.
Associate Provost and Associate Professor of English Caryn Chaden retires — Since beginning her career at DePaul in 1986 Chaden has worked with students in the English department, the social sciences honors programs and Irwin W. Steans Center which helps to oversee service learning. After receiving tenure she was promoted to dean of her college before being appointed to associate provost of student success and accreditation. In this role, she oversaw the creation of the Office of Academic Advising and Support to further help students succeed at DePaul. She expects a smooth transition to the next associate provost, John Sahan. DePaul Newsline has more.
Chicago Headlines
By Sam Freeman
State lawmakers missed a deadline to fill $770 million budget gap, leaving Chicago Public Transit in limbo — State legislatures ended a spring session without passing a funding bill, putting the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and other public transit agencies at risk of deep budget cuts. On Saturday, state legislators approved a 2026 budget, but they failed to pass a bill that would reform the regional transit system. State Sen. Ram Villivalam introduced a bill that would have provided over $1 billion annually to funding for the CTA, Metra and Pace through a $1.50 tax on food delivery orders and other fees. While the bill passed the state Senate, it was rejected by the House by Saturday night’s deadline. Officials say that the lack of new funding may cause massive cuts to the services and workforces of the CTA and other transit agencies. The decline in funding would begin in 2026 as COVID relief money runs out. Villivalam said about 40% of the Regional Transit Authority’s service could be cut in addition to 3,000 layoffs without new funding. This would also mean that one in five Chicagoans could lose access to public transit in 2026, according to the Regional Transit Agency. Charles Thrush and Manny Ramos of Block Club Chicago have more information.
The first medical school in Chicago is set to begin classes in fall 2026 — The Chicago School’s new medical school is set to begin classes in fall 2026, hoping to address the nationwide physician shortage. The Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine will be the first medical school in Chicago in nearly 100 years. The school will aim to integrate physical health and mental health education for a more holistic wellness practice. “We strive to be a leader in redefining what it means to train a physician in the 21st century, blending osteopathic principles with a mental and behavioral health foundation,” Michele Nealon, The Chicago School president said to the Sun-Times. The school is currently undergoing the recruitment process for its first classes in fall 2026. According to Nealon, the first class will be only 85 students, but after the first two cohorts, the school plans to graduate up to 170 students per year. Shannon Tyler from the Chicago Sun-Times has more information.
Drive-by shooting near St. Sabina Church injures 7 teenagers — Seven teenagers were hospitalized after a drive-by shooting on the city’s South Side. Chicago police say the incident happened just before 2 a.m., when patrolling officers were trying to disperse a large gathering, only steps away from St. Sabina Church. As this was happening, an unknown vehicle drove by and opened fire at the crowd, hitting seven males between 17 and 19 years of age. Most are in fair condition with injuries to their legs, backs and arms, but an 18-year-old was taken to the hospital in serious condition after enduring injuries in the leg and chest. Father Michael Pfleger, the well-known pastor of St. Sabina, said they had been gathering at an after prom. They were listening to music and dancing. No one is in custody as of Saturday afternoon. Area 2 detectives were still investigating. Asal Rezaei and Jermont Terry from CBS News have more information.
The Chicago Bears blocked from new stadium in Arlington Heights — As state lawmakers rushed to pass a state budget on Saturday night, the Bears’ team of lobbyists were left without a bill that would pave the way for a new stadium in Arlington Heights. The Bears were trying to get “mega development” legislation that would freeze property tax assessments for massive projects; it would also allow them to negotiate with local taxing bodies. This would allow the team to break ground on the $5 billion suburban development. There were three bills that made their way to the General Assembly that could have propelled development at the former Arlington International Racecourse, but none of them made any headway at the end of the spring session. There also weren’t any funds set aside for any stadium projects in the $55.2 billion budget bill that is headed to Pritzker. Mitchell Armentrout and George Wiebe of the Chicago Sun-Times have more information.
National Headlines
By Audrey Leib
4 additional victims identified in Boulder attack — A man has been charged with a federal hate crime and murder after throwing Molotov cocktails into a group of people in Boulder, Colo. The group attacked gathered to bring attention to the Israeli hostages in Gaza. The man had planned the attack for more than a year and had targeted “Zionist groups.” As the suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, threw the Molotov cocktail, he was heard yelling “Free Palestine.” The number of people injured is now 12. An affidavit by the FBI said that Soliman confessed to the attack and told police he was led by a desire to “kill all Zionist people.” The attack happened at the start of the Jewish holiday Shavuot. Read the Associated Press’ coverage by Eric Tucker and Colleen Slevin here.
Elon Musk leaves the White House — Elon Musk departed from the White House on Friday. His 130 day tenure in government was riddled with controversy not only for his businesses, which saw stocks fall, protests, and vandalism, but for his position as Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) secretary. The Oval Office sendoff marked Musk’s return to his businesses. President Donald Trump said that Musk would not be leaving forever, but would be “back and forth,” calling DOGE Musk’s “baby.” Trump cited Musk’s departure as a result of “unfair scrutiny.” To read the takeaways from the Oval Office sendoff, The New York Times’ Luke Broadwater has it here.
Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” in the Senate — The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed the House last month and is being rushed through the Senate by the Republican imposed July 4 deadline. The bill includes much of Trump’s domestic agenda. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) has a narrow window to pass the bill as he is only able to lose three votes from Republicans. The bill includes new tax cuts and funding for border security and defense while slashing spending. So far, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) has said he will not vote yes. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Josh Hawley (R-Mississippi) are worried about the massive spending cuts and Medicaid in particular. On the other side, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) said the bill would add too much to the debt ceiling. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said the bill would not pass without more spending cuts. For more, read Theodoric Meyer of the Washington Post’s coverage here.
Trans high school student-athlete at the center of protests wins two state events — Transgender high school athlete A.B. Hernandez won two events at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Track and Field Championships. Her participation in this weekend’s championship sparked Trump to threaten removing state funding. The protests led to a new CIF Championship rule that more cisgender girls were allowed to compete in finals. For the three finals Hernandez qualified in, 13 girls would compete instead of the original 12. For more on the track meet, CNN’s Emma Tucker, Julia Vargas Jones and Norma Geleana have it here.
International Headlines
By Lauren Sheperd
Punitive terms set by Russia for peace talks with Ukraine — Russia told Ukraine that they would only agree to end the war if Kyiv handed over major chunks of territory and agreed to limit the size of their military. The talks, which took place today in Istanbul, highlighted Russia’s continued refusal to compromise and Ukraine’s refusal to surrender. This meeting, which lasted less than an hour, was only the second of its sort to happen since the war began over three years ago. Despite no peace being met, the two countries agreed to exchange prisoners of war — specifically the youngest and most wounded — and return the bodies of 12,000 dead soldiers. Vladimir Soldatkin, Tom Balmforth and Huseyin Hayatsever at Reuters have more.
South Koreans to vote tomorrow, months after former president was ousted — Millions of South Koreans will vote tomorrow in a snap election caused by the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently facing charges due to his brief imposing of martial law in Seoul back in December. Polls currently show Lee Jae-myung, Yoon’s liberal nemesis, in the lead. This strong lead and likely win has been caused by general frustration with the conservative party. Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung at the AP have more.
As Israeli soldiers continue to kill people near Gaza aid site, the UN demands probe — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation into a mass shooting that killed three and injured more than 30 Palestinians who were seeking aid from a distribution site in Gaza. The shooting happened this morning at the aid point in the southern part of Gaza, and followed Israeli soldiers opening fire at the same site just yesterday. According to witnesses, snipers and quadcopter drones are constantly monitoring aid sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — which is backed by Israel and the U.S. Al Jazeera has more.
Pro-Trump candidate elected in Poland — Karol Nawrocki, conservative candidate backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has been elected president of Poland. Winning 50.89% of the votes, Nawrocki beat Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who won 49.11% of the vote in the highly contested presidential runoff. While the Polish president operates separately from the prime minister, Nawrocki will have the power to veto laws, which will make it very difficult for centrist and pro-Europe Prime Minister Donald Tusk to pass legislation. Vanessa Gera at the AP has more.
14 East Pueblo: Puerto Rican Arts Alliance plans for expansion
By Annabelle Rivera
The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, a Latinx arts group on the Northwest Side, is aiming to expand operations into two buildings on their block.
The group has operated out of an old firehouse at 3000 N. Elbridge Ave. for the past 15 years. However, they soon could open a community center next door if a zoning change is approved. The Alliance recently purchased the two buildings next to them with the intent of making one into a gallery space and community center and the other into artist residences and offices.
“Number one, we need some more space here that makes it more accommodating for our programs, but number two, we’re not going to be able to afford the space anymore [and] would probably have to move from the community,” Puerto Rican Arts Alliance Founder Carlos Hernandez said at a community zoning meeting.
The extra space would allow the group to expand their programs, like music and art classes. Their $3 million proposal would remodel their courtyard and expand and renovate the first building purchased. If the change is approved by City Council, Hernandez predicts that renovations should be complete and the new facilities open by the end of 2026.
Hey, Check This Out!
With Featured Columnist Varun Khushalani
I’m in that phase of running where I’ve started to experiment with every piece of kit I use, trying to see how each part of the — albeit limited — gear affects the run. There’s an easy way to root out preferences; a few miles of anything annoying you is a pretty idea to throw it in the bin. For example, I used to run with headphones in, all the time, every single run. I needed the crutch; I grasped for any sort of fuel and threw it into these long, hyped-up queues that, to be fair, got me going pretty fast, but quickly tore up every cardiovascular organ I had. Film soundtracks, while better, still inevitably lead me up a ramp of adrenaline, and while good for in-the-seats at the movie theater, not so much for trying to maintain a steady pace during a long run. I found that I kept on losing myself in the music in this attempt to shift my thinking away from the pain, but inevitably, that avoidance always caught up with me. One day, bored, or maybe just especially in need of a challenging run, I decided to go out with no music, headphones, anything, just to see what would happen.
It hurts a lot more, there is no doubt about that. But you get used to it much faster, and then you can cross those next limits of yours so much easier because you’ve already done it once. I was amazed at how simple, yet shockingly effective, the change was for me. The trouble is, while it is a very nice thing, all this being silent in nature and the mindfulness of it all, sometimes you do just want to tune out to some music and just float down Lake Shore Drive.
Through my experimentation, I stumbled upon the “OpenRun Pro 2” by Shockz, this marvelous contraption that bone-conduces sound into your ear, or something. I don’t know, I’m not a scientist. This actually led me to initially doubt the strange-looking device that doesn’t actually go into the ear, just rests outside, allowing all the other sounds of the world to come in as well.
I've got to say, whatever the tiny contraption does, it works. While it is a simple idea, to run and have everything and music go in all at once, you don’t get the magic of it until you take it on a long run and in 30 minutes, you begin to flip through the channels, so to speak, between the running and the soundtracks or jazz or whatever else you listen to. See, it’s only a two track mix — but damn, does that ability to toggle back and forth make it a hell of a lot easier and more fun to run long and far and fast.
Resources
Need resources regarding cooling centers, rental assistance, abortion access, COVID-19 testing and vaccines or mental health? Check out our complete list here.
International students concerned about their visa status can contact the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Students can check their visa status through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) or the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
That’s it for today! See you next Monday.
The 14 East Newsletter Team