“While we do not know the motives of this attempted arson, it goes without saying that this type of violence has no place in our politics,” Johnson said. “While we may have strong disagreements on various issues, there is never any acceptable use of violence in a democracy.”

But her campaign will not officially kick off until after the 2026 election. That is because she is still up for reelection as Cook County treasurer.

Mayor Katrina Thompson, in a statement, said, “I will not allow threats of violence or intimidation to disrupt the essential functions of our government, and I will not allow other elected officials, Village Hall staff or residents to be placed in harm’s way.” The mayor says that declaration will remain in effect as long as threats against the village continue.

The city treasurer’s office says city spending increased, and there are fewer commercial spaces to pay their share of the pie.

After the meeting, Johnson vowed to veto any budget that includes a property tax hike, increase in garbage collection fees, or reinstatement of a grocery tax.

Because of “lax, vague, inadequate and unenforced CPS travel rules, training and procedures,” CPS employees excessively spent taxpayer money, in many instances without approval. Luxurious vacations were veiled as professional development conferences, according to the CPS Office of Inspector General.

This decline in business activity has coincided with a job market consistently worse than the national one. Chicago-area unemployment stood at 4.9 percent as of July 2025, higher than the country’s 4.6 percent rate, the latest data showed.

“Chicago’s high housing and mortgage rates, low inventory, stagnant wages and dwindling job prospects leave Gen Z workers with an unfortunate reality: Forget buying. Many struggle to simply move out of their parents’ homes.”

“This week’s vote, if it happens, will determine whether the city moves forward with short-term revenue measures, long-term structural reforms, or a mix of both. With aldermen divided and homeowners feeling the heat, City Council’s decision will set the tone for Chicago’s fiscal future and certainly will shape the 2027 municipal election.”

In August, Foxx, who left office in December, updated her LinkedIn profile, laying out themes for her next chapter as a “collaborative trailblazer.” Among her stated goals was a desire to “build systems of accountability that are not punitive, but transformational. … What if we became willing — strategically and morally — to absorb some harm in service of a greater good?” she asked.

“Chicago’s erasure of opportunity under the guise of ‘equity’ has entrenched segregation by quality and income, making education a civil rights issue requiring federal attention.”

“There’s been a divestment in this community for the most part, but it seems like now that people have found an interest in reclaiming the neighborhood, now it’s like we’re being taxed for prosperity,” Lawndale resident Milton Clayton said.

Authorities said the same group, believed to include two to four men who use crowbars or expandable pry tools to shatter glass doors, has now hit at least ten businesses citywide, targeting cash in safes and registers before fleeing into the night.

Due in large part to the recent decimation of commercial property values in Chicago’s urban core, the median residential tax bill in the city this year rose by 16.7% to $4,457

Downtown apartment rents jumped again last quarter, and they’re expected to continue rising as the city stares down a supply shortage. The net monthly rent at Class A, or top-tier, apartment buildings in downtown Chicago jumped 8.03% in the third quarter of 2025 from the same quarter last year

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday to direct additional city resources to local organizations working to address the ongoing food insecurity caused by the government shutdown, the pause in SNAP benefits, as well as upcoming SNAP requirement changes.

“Some suggest that by taking this stand, I’m somehow turning my back on America or violating my oath. Let me tell you what I believe as a Black woman, as a daughter of Englewood and Austin, and as a proud American: The most patriotic thing you can do in this country is to use your voice, your vote and, yes, your public office to protest your government when it is wrong.”

“Combating the epidemic of gun crime and violence is a national priority for this Department of Justice, and it is a top priority of mine,” said. “We will continue to devote substantial resources to supporting our law enforcement partners and prosecuting the most significant violent offenders.”

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas summed up the issue in a news release: “When the Loop gets a cold, the rest of the city gets pneumonia.”

The ages of the victims range from 15 to 55, according to police.

A close political ally of Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico, board member Sandra Ciancio has not responded publicly to the allegations made by contractor Michael D’Addosio that she engaged in possible bid rigging and allegedly solicited kickbacks.