Good afternoon, Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered a forceful defense of Chicago’s storied history as a haven for immigrants today during his opening statement before a Republican-led congressional hearing on sanctuary policies, setting the stage for a day that will surely feature heavy political theater over one of the nation’s most divisive issues.
Seated in the middle of a five-person witness panel that includes the Democratic leaders from three other major U.S. cities, Johnson touted Chicago’s downward trend in crime as he argued its policy blocking local police from assisting in immigration enforcement in fact makes communities safer.
Tribune reporter Alice Yin is in Washington, D.C., as the hearing continues this afternoon. Watch the hearing live and follow along for more updates.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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Visually impaired students learn to navigate Chicago streets without audible warning signals
In 2023, a federal judge ruled Chicago’s failure to install warning devices for the blind violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet nearly two years later, there is no court order to fix the problem. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- Chicago landlord ordered to pay $80,000 for threatening to call ICE on tenants, a first under 2019 state law
- Illinoisans push for a new clean energy law: ‘We are not going back.’
Cook County housing authority union workers ratify contracts, earn raises after telling of struggle to pay bills
Housing Authority of Cook County union workers ratified two new union contracts this week, earning average salary floor raises of 4% and 7% and annual cost of living wage increases of 3% and 4%. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- President Donald Trump grants 1-month exemption for US automakers from new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada
- Trump agency pulls 443 sites off market in real estate reversal
Offensive line makeover continues for Chicago Bears with trade for 2-time All-Pro Joe Thuney
The Bears acquired Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 2026. Thuney, 32, is a four-time Super Bowl champion and has been named first-team All-Pro twice. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Chicago Bears Q&A: What’s a best-case scenario for free agency? How do you rate the Jonah Jackson trade?
- Chicago Bulls’ Ayo Dosunmu dedicated to leadership despite season-ending injury: ‘I want to continue to grow’
CSO’s 2025-26 season sees Mäkelä and Muti split duties — plus our short list of unmissables
It’s hard to believe, for all the hubbub around Klaus Mäkelä’s hiring as the 11th music director of the Chicago Symphony, that next season will mark just the halfway point between his tenure and Riccardo Muti’s. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- ‘Travels with Agatha Christie and Sir David Suchet’ review: The actor known for Hercule Poirot follows in the author’s footsteps
- Column: Opening Day is upon us, and the new baseball book ‘Justice Batted Last’ hits a homer
The Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington is seen on June 21, 2013.
Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, according to internal memo
The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning an “aggressive” reorganization that includes cutting 80,000 jobs from the sprawling agency that provides health care for retired military members, according to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
