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Severe thunderstorms are possible across much of the Chicago area Wednesday, with the potential for hail, tornadoes and flooding, according to the National Weather Service.Showers hit the area Wednesday morning and storms are more likely to roll through Wednesday afternoon, the weather service said. An elevated flooding risk, possible winds up to 70 miles per hour, quarter-size hail and tornadoes are all possible, though not necessarily likely.Severe storms are most likely southeast of Interstate 55 in eastern Illinois and northwest Indiana."That's not to say there's a zero percent chance in the city, but south of it has a better chance," said Gino Izzi, an NWS meteorologist.But the whole area can expect to get drenched Wednesday, even if not by severe thunderstorms, he said."Even if you don't get severe weather, there's gonna be some pretty soaking downpours and thunderstorms today," Izzi said.Wednesday's storms are moving east and northeast at around 30 miles per hour, the NWS said.Storms expected in southeast Wisconsin could spread to the northeast corner of Illinois Thursday and Friday. Damaging wind and hail could come, but it's not expected to last long.The rest of the week looks to be more mild, without as much precipitation expected. But hot and humid weather with a possible heat index of 100 or above is forecast for this weekend and early next week, according to the NWS. The area will likely see temps in the 90s, Izzi said."It's our first heat wave of the year; I don't know if I'd call it extreme," he said. "It's Chicago summer, so it's hot. It's definitely gonna be the hottest weekend so far this year."

Moon AlertAvoid shopping or big decisions from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. After that, the Moon moves from Pisces into Aries. Aries (March 21-April 19) A positive day This is a tricky day, which is why you might feel restless. Later in the day, the Moon will move into your sign, which will be empowering for you. Meanwhile, give serious thought to family members who need your help. Remain practical. Taurus (April 20-May 20) An average day A friend might surprise you today or perhaps you'll be caught off guard by a member of a group or an organization? Feelings of optimism mixed with sympathy might create confusion about how to approach a situation. If you're not sure what to do - don't act. At least, give things a sober, second thought. Gemini (May 21-June 20) An average day People notice you today. In fact, some will be aware of details about your personal life. Be aware of this in case you have to do some damage control. Meanwhile, think twice before you spend or share your money today. Know what you're doing. Cancer (June 21-July 22) A positive day Sudden changes to travel plans or something to do with education, medicine and the law might occur today. However, for the most part, be careful about important decisions that affect your future life direction. Get your data but wait a week (or two) to decide. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) An average day Double check banking details and anything to do with shared property because a few hiccups might create problems for you this morning. Later in the day, your humanitarian impulses or desire to assist someone might need to be fine-tuned. Be discriminating about whom you should help. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) An average day A spouse, partner or close friend might throw you a curveball early in the day. Whatever happens, you can handle this. However, major decisions about shared property, inheritances, and funding for groups and organizations could be subject to confusion thinking - even deceit. Be aware of this. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) An average day Double check issues related to work, your health, and a pet because something unpredictable (possibly even an accident) might happen today. However, be aware that important discussions with bosses and partners might not unfold as you think or hope. Double check everything. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) A positive day Parents should be vigilant today to avoid accidents with their kids. Meanwhile social plans might suddenly change. Scrutinize work-related opportunities, as well as other apparent advantages because things might not be as they appear. Do your homework. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) An average day Your home routine will be interrupted today. Small appliances might break down; a minor breakage could occur, or someone unexpected might appear at your door. Double check all aspects of benefits to children to make sure things are as they should be, especially with funding and inheritances. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) An average day Pay attention to everything you say and do today because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. Meanwhile, you also need to pay attention to decisions related to parents, home and real estate because what might look like good news could be deceptive. Get your facts. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) An average day Keep an eye on your money and your possessions today to avoid loss, theft or damage. Meanwhile, make sure you know what's going on at work, or with issues related to your health. What the large print giveth, the small print might taketh away. Always read the small print. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) A positive day You feel restless even impulsive today. Don't do anything you will regret later. Go slowly to avoid accidents. Meanwhile, sometimes it's worth looking a gift horse in the mouth, especially if it relates to your kids, vacations, the arts and the entertainment world. Be smart. If today is your birthdaySinger, songwriter musician Paul McCartney (1942) shares your birthday today. You're adventurous, positive and loyal. Your enthusiastic approach to life makes you attractive to others. This is a year of service, probably service to family. Therefore, take care of yourself so you can be a help or support to others. Explore the arts. Time for a makeover?

While Arturas Karnisovas has been active in trying to make changes with the Bulls’ current roster this summer, what won’t be getting an overhaul is key personnel in the offices that sit atop the practice courts of the Advocate Center.His included.According to a source on Wednesday morning, the Bulls were close to finalizing a contract extension for Billy Donovan and had been in discussions with the head coach since the season ended. Why the hold up? The source speculated that it was always going to happen, but Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley needed to be extended first and that has now likely happened.What was stressed is that the escalation of the deal getting done had nothing to do with the Knicks asking for permission to speak to Donovan about their coaching vacancy after they parted ways with Tom Thibodeau. Multiple sources indicated that Donovan had no interest in leaving the Bulls, especially for the Knicks position under the current regime, and told his bosses that when New York came calling.Karnisovas, who has been the executive vice president of basketball operations since 2020, has always been very open with Donovan, allowing the coach to have a say in the aspects of the team and the roster that he’s wanted.Basically, the antithesis of how the Knicks have operated the past few seasons.On the surface, Donovan, who was born and raised in Long Island, would be a great fit for a New York squad that made it to the Eastern Conference finals before losing to Indiana in six games. While the media reports of Thibodeau’s dismissal have inaccurately ranged from his players turning on him to ownership pulling the plug, those in the close NBA coaching circle know the real story and how much dysfunction was actually behind the firing.Donovan wanted no part of that.This will be the second time Donovan has been extended, as the coach had one year left on his current deal. The last time the Bulls extended him, however, ownership made the decision to not make it public. There were no indications if that would be the procedure this time.Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf never makes front office extensions public, but it’s safe to say that Karnisovas — fair or unfair — had a strong selling point in his own extension considering he has set the stage for what could be another roster overhaul next summer when six current players come off the books.

Vulnerable Americans may lose critical assistance as Congress considers deep cuts to social programs to fund expensive and cruel immigration enforcement that will separate families in the unfortunately named "Big Beautiful Bill." Our senators must oppose this bill. Not only will it cost human lives, but it perpetuates harmful narratives about Latinos and immigrants that are false and dangerous.If the bill is passed, millions of Illinois children and families could lose their health care over the next 10 years. Without Medicaid, people will forgo care, end up in emergency rooms or worse. Around a fifth of Illinois residents covered by Medicaid are Latino, over half being children. Latinos also have the highest rates of being uninsured — a fact especially true for children with foreign-born parents.Like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP food assistance, is a lifeline for millions. The proposed $300 billion reduction is expected to result in partial or total loss of coverage for almost 2 million Black and Latino families in Illinois. SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words. This bill will instead fund deportations, detention and miles of border wall, which will cost about $150 billion — almost as much as the U.S. spent between 1986 and 2012. House Republicans claim that this will ensure "more money is put back into hardworking Americans’ wallets … by ending taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants." These sentiments build on an American tradition of lying and exaggerating to scapegoat minority and immigrant communities to cut vital benefits in the 1970s and beyond.Congressional Republicans want to mandate work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid, but 92% of adults under 65 on Medicaid are already working. And Latinos work more than any other racial or ethnic group, with a workforce participation rate of 80% for men and 63% for women, and in industries that offer fewer benefits and protections. Work requirements do more harm and push people into even worse financial situations and perpetuate stereotypes.Plus, undocumented immigrants already are ineligible for most federal benefits, despite paying billions in local, state and federal taxes per year. There is virtually zero evidence that "millions" of undocumented immigrants are receiving Medicaid or SNAP.Cutting programs like Medicaid and SNAP to overfund immigration enforcement hurts the whole of low-income Americans and directly attacks Latino communities with racially targeted language. Should Americans sacrifice their family’s health and well-being for mere politics? We don’t think so.Nina Sedeño, senior immigration policy analyst, and Ruby Velez, civic engagement intern, Latino Policy ForumKudos to Chicago police I want to thank the Chicago police officers who worked the "No Kings" protest over the weekend. I witnessed great patience and forbearance as protesters were given space to be seen and exercise their rights. At the same time, everything I experienced felt safe and peaceful at all times. I expect there will be more protests in the coming months, but I am impressed and encouraged to believe that CPD will be an asset to the citizens of Chicago who need to express themselves this way.Drew Saunders Palos ParkForget him My granddaughter Luella is only a 1½ years old, but I am looking forward to the day when my wife tells Lue, "I was at the 'No Kings' protest at Daley Plaza as part of the national anti-Trump movement" and my granddaughter says, "Who’s Trump?" William Dodd Brown, Lincoln Square

The Illinois General Assembly just enacted a $55.2 billion General Fund budget for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year. A sizable chunk of that budget, $16 billion, covers mandatory spending obligations Illinois is required to pay either by law, such as debt service owed to bond holders, or contract, like health insurance for state workers. That leaves around $39 billion for services, over 94% of which goes to education, health care, social services and public safety, the core services families rely on across Illinois.Most of the commentary since the budget passed has highlighted one of three things: what the incremental increases were for various items, like the state’s school-funding formula, which got $307 million instead of the $350 million originally proposed; what got cut, like $330 million in health care for noncitizens between the ages of 42 and 64; or what didn’t get addressed at all, like the $771 million fiscal cliff facing the Regional Transportation Authority. Certainly, this short-term stuff matters. That said, it doesn’t paint a complete picture of state finances.For instance, while the $307 million bump for K-12 is welcome, the shortfall in what the evidence shows every school needs to provide an adequate education to all students will grow from $2.6 billion this year to $2.7 billion next year. Meanwhile, fiscal year 2026 appropriations for higher education will be around $2 billion, or 42% less, in real, inflation-adjusted dollars than they were 26 years ago. In fact, while year-over-year spending will increase slightly, total FY 2026 General Fund appropriations for the four core services are 12% less in real, inflation-adjusted terms than they were back in FY 2000.Despite cutting real spending on services for decades, the state still couldn’t balance its FY 2026 budget without bumping a number of taxes and fees by $482 million, sweeping some $237 million from other state funds, not making a $171 million scheduled transfer to the Road Fund, and creating a tax amnesty program to raise a quick $228 million. Columnist Columnist So why does Illinois, which has an economy of over $1 trillion, the fifth largest of any state, have to manufacture a combined $1.1 billion in revenue to balance its budget, even though real spending on services will be less next year than at the start of this century?No short-term budgetary analysis will explain that. However, a review of the long-term data does. And that data shows the Illinois General Fund has a structural deficit. A structural deficit exists when over time, tax revenue growth doesn’t support the inflationary cost of maintaining the same level of public services from year to year. The long-term data also shows that flawed tax policy caused this structural deficit, and those policy flaws are clear: Neither of Illinois’ two primary revenue sources — the income and sales taxes — are designed to respond to the modern economy. This has created a tax system that’s both unsound and unfair.Start with the Illinois sales tax, which applies primarily to purchase of goods, not services. That’s a losing proposition, given that the sale of goods accounts for just 17% of state gross domestic product, while the sale of services accounts for 74%. Failing to levy sales taxes on most of the largest and fastest-growing segment of the economy means the revenue it generates can’t grow with the economy. Fixing that requires assessing the Illinois sales tax to the purchase of all consumer services, like neighboring Iowa and Wisconsin do. That reform would generate over $2 billion in new revenue.Then there’s the income tax, which is supposed to create some tax fairness and respond to how income growth is actually shared among taxpayers over time. Since 1979, the real incomes of the bottom 10% of earners has declined. Folks in the middle realized a modest 8% growth in income, while the wealthiest 10% saw their incomes jump by 30%. So to respond to reality and tax people fairly, the income tax should vary with ability to pay, by imposing higher tax rates on higher levels of income and lower rates on lower levels of income.Except the Illinois income tax can’t, because the state Constitution requires utilization of only one, flat rate. To fix this, the state’s flat income tax rate should be increased by 1.5 percentage points, to 6.45%. That’s enough to generate about $4.4 billion in net new revenue, after covering the cost of implementing a new, refundable tax credit to offset the impact of the aforesaid tax increases on low- and middle-income families. Collectively, these reforms would eliminate the structural deficit, while simultaneously making state tax policy fairer for people.Bottom line: Getting Illinois’ fiscal house in order is the only way to fund core services sustainably over time, and getting there requires aligning Illinois tax policy with today’s economy.Ralph Martire is executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, a nonpartisan fiscal policy think tank, and the Arthur Rubloff professor of Public Policy at Roosevelt University.The Sun-Times welcomes letters to the editor and op-eds. See our guidelines.Get Opinions content delivered to your inbox