Afternoon Briefing: Chicago reaches deal with protest organizers ahead of DNC

Good afternoon, Chicago.

City officials this week reached a deal with protest organizers that will allow demonstrators to march along Michigan Avenue, adjacent to Grant Park, before the kickoff of the Democratic National Convention in August.

The ACLU of Illinois filed a federal lawsuit against the city last month on behalf of a coalition of LGBTQ+ and abortion rights groups, “Bodies Against Unjust Laws,” that sought a protest permit during the DNC. Wednesday, the ACLU announced the coalition was granted a permit to march south along Michigan Avenue from Wacker Drive to the statue of Union Army Gen. John Logan near 9th Street.

The alleged shooter in the Highland Park Fourth of July mass shooting Wednesday rejected a plea deal that would have put him in prison for life. Read more here.

Griffin Catalyst, a civic engagement initiative he launched last year, announced a $10 million donation Wednesday to Northwestern Medicine to fund advanced research and treatment into esophageal diseases. Read more here.

The Cubs dropped to six games under .500 (37-43) and have lost 14 of their last 18 road games. Read more here.

Arts patrons in Park Ridge lifted glasses of Champagne last week to toast a local Park Ridge artist’s sculpture being unveiled for permanent display on a plaza in a distinguished section of Paris. Read more here.

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About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say they are “extremely” or “very” likely to watch the debate live or in clips, or read about or listen to commentary about the performance of the candidates in the news or social media. Read more here.