Mayor Brandon Johnson

Chicago Board of Education members aligned with Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union urged Governor JB Pritzker to hold a special legislative session to increase education funding, citing a $700 million deficit in Chicago Public Schools' budget. They advocated for progressive tax policies targeting wealthy individuals and corporations, but legislation for a millionaire's tax stalled in May.

The Getaway, a bar in Chicago's Lincoln Square, was closed indefinitely after an explosion caused by a gas stove injured at least one person. The city ordered the building closed due to code violations, and no reopening date has been announced.

Chicago has the largest inventory of lead water service lines in the U.S., with over 400,000 lines. Replacing each line costs an average of $31,000, more than six times the EPA’s national estimate of $4,700. High costs are attributed to inefficient contracts, permitting delays, and fragmented replacement strategies, with total replacement estimated at over $12 billion under a federal mandate.

Chicago welcomed 56.8 million tourists in 2025, generating $21.5 billion in visitor spending, a record high. The city saw 11.9 million hotel room bookings, with Millennials accounting for 37% of visitors. New events like the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game and 2027 MLB All-Star Game, along with a tourism improvement district, aim to further boost tourism.

Chicago filed a lawsuit against Airbnb and Slumber Stay, alleging they violated housing and consumer protection laws by processing unregistered short-term rental bookings. The city claims Slumber Stay, a top Airbnb host, repeatedly failed to register units, misused a hotel license, and continued illegal rentals despite prior fines.

Chicago has sued Airbnb and a host company for allegedly improperly listing properties without proper registration, using a single hotel license for multiple units, and ignoring citations. The city claims Airbnb profited from these violations, impacting housing affordability and safety.

Beatrice Lumpkin, a workers' rights leader and Communist Party member for nearly 90 years, died at 107. She was involved in labor struggles in Chicago, including supporting Starbucks unionization and advocating for workers fired at the Wisconsin Steel plant closure in 1980.

A person is in custody in Chicago following a cross burning in Grant Park, where Barack Obama delivered his 2008 presidential acceptance speech. A 21-year-old college student claimed he was the suspect in a photo but denied the act was racially motivated, stating it was a protest against Donald Trump and Christian nationalists.

A person is in custody in Chicago following a cross burning in Grant Park, where Barack Obama gave a 2008 speech. A 21-year-old college student claimed responsibility, stating it was a protest against Donald Trump and Christian nationalists, not a racist act, though cross burnings are historically linked to hate groups like the KKK.

Ald. Ray Lopez proposes renaming Northerly Island to honor Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, as part of a tribute initiated by Mayor Brandon Johnson. The underutilized lakefront area, formerly Meigs Field, is suggested for repurposing to celebrate the pope's legacy and enhance community use.

Police released a photo of a suspect linked to a burning cross discovered in Grant Park, which has sparked outrage and a $10,000 reward for information. The incident, associated with racial intimidation, occurred on June 9, 2026, with witnesses reporting a person fleeing the scene in dark clothing.

The Chicago Board of Education renewed charters for six charter school networks after a delayed vote, approving contracts with terms ranging from four to seven years. The decision followed a revamped oversight process aimed at addressing financial issues and preventing closures, amid criticism from some board members and the Chicago Teachers Union.

Pope Leo XIV met with Mayor Brandon Johnson at the Vatican to discuss the legacy of slavery, ending illegal wars, and a potential homecoming. The article also mentions other local news updates, including a high schooler returning to soccer and sports scores.