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Why Chicago isn't hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The city withdrew its bid in 2018, saying it didn't make economic sense to host the tournament.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="da422318-6d70-4c03-b0ef-fb2302fa4595" data-vars-headline="Why Chicago isn&#x27;t hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off next week and will be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada, but not in Chicago. The big picture: Eleven U.S. cities will host World Cup matches, including Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Dallas. The closest Midwest city is Kansas City.

Ferris Bueller turns 40: Rank the movie's best Chicago scenes

From Wrigley Field to the Art Institute, vote on the moments that made the movie a Chicago icon.

Culture

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="classic &#x27;80s movie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/05/ferris-bueller-vest-auction-sothebys-sale" data-vars-content-id="2626c797-b15f-40a3-bbdd-bb2fb5aa6ea5" data-vars-headline="Ferris Bueller turns 40: Rank the movie&#x27;s best Chicago scenes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/05/ferris-bueller-vest-auction-sothebys-sale" target="_self">classic &#x27;80s movie</a> about the lovable, sometimes irritating, slacker turns 40 this month. Flashback: John Hughes&#x27; &quot;Ferris Bueller&#x27;s Day Off&quot; premiered on June 11, 1986, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grossed more than $70 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/1986/?grossesOption=totalGrosses" data-vars-content-id="2626c797-b15f-40a3-bbdd-bb2fb5aa6ea5" data-vars-headline="Ferris Bueller turns 40: Rank the movie&#x27;s best Chicago scenes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/1986/?grossesOption=totalGrosses" target="_blank">grossed more than $70 million</a> at the box office, the 10th highest that year.

Chicago Bears advance plan to leave Illinois for Indiana

It's unclear if this is the final decision, and Illinois leaders stressed that negotiations are ongoing.

The Chicago Bears are moving forward on a plan to build a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Why it matters: This is the strongest signal yet that Chicago&#x27;s NFL franchise <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could leave Illinois" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/01/illinois-lawmakers-budget-bears-stadium-deal-taxes-gas-cell-phone-ban" data-vars-content-id="8106dd5a-ced0-4427-9ab6-ddc63df0fa99" data-vars-headline="Chicago Bears advance plan to leave Illinois for Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/01/illinois-lawmakers-budget-bears-stadium-deal-taxes-gas-cell-phone-ban" target="_self">could leave Illinois</a>.

What to know about Chicago school board elections

Voters will be asked to select a president and representative from their subdistrict.

Education

Chicago&#x27;s first full <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school board election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/06/results-chicago-first-elected-school-board" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/06/results-chicago-first-elected-school-board" target="_self">school board election</a> hits new milestones this week as officials accept final candidate objections Tuesday and decide ballot placement Wednesday morning.Why it matters: This consequential Nov. 3 election features 10 districts, 21 seats and staggered terms depending on the type of incumbent holding the current seat.<ul><li>In other words, voters will need a lot of public education.</li></ul>How it works: Chicagoans will be asked to vote for two candidates — one for school board president and one for their particular subdistrict.<ul><li>The city is divided into 20 subdistricts (identified by a number and letter) where the candidate must live. You can find yours <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here. " data-vars-click-url="https://www.cps.edu/about/chicago-board-of-education/member-map/" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cps.edu/about/chicago-board-of-education/member-map/" target="_blank">here. </a></li><li>Most of the 21 races have at least two candidates running, but two subdistricts feature candidates running unopposed.</li><li>So far, five people have thrown their hats in the ring for board president: Jessica Biggs, Jennifer Custer, Hilario Dominguez, Victor P. Henderson and Sendhil Revuluri.</li></ul>By the numbers: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="51 people have filed petitions " data-vars-click-url="https://cboeprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/prod/2026-05/Candidate%20Filing%20Report_20260526172953563.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cboeprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/prod/2026-05/Candidate%20Filing%20Report_20260526172953563.pdf" target="_blank">51 people have filed petitions </a>to run for president or as a board member.<ul><li>Yes but: Many could be eliminated through petition and signature challenges that will play out over the next several weeks.</li><li>Board president candidates need 2,500 valid signatures, while board candidates require 500 to 1,500 from residents of their districts.</li><li>The challenges can be costly and brutal. In 2024, a pool of 45 initial candidates [for school board] was whittled to 31 by the end of the process.</li></ul>The intrigue: As of Monday afternoon, not a single petition challenge had been filed against a school board candidate, Board of Elections officials tell Axios. Follow the money: Board members get no pay for their service, but spending on the 2024 partial school board races exceeded $13 million. Spending on this wider contest is expected to exceed that, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chalkbeat reports. " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/04/17/chicago-public-schools-board-races-draw-cash/" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/04/17/chicago-public-schools-board-races-draw-cash/" target="_blank">Chalkbeat reports. </a><ul><li>Much of the money came from the Chicago Teachers Union or super PACs funding candidates supportive of charters or school choice.</li></ul>Friction point: Despite heavy CTU spending on the 2024 election, union president Stacy Davis Gates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has warned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000019e-4176-d410-a1be-e5771aa10000" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000019e-4176-d410-a1be-e5771aa10000" target="_blank">has warned</a> businessman and Democratic donor Michael Sacks to stay out of this year&#x27;s race — comparing &quot;billionaire&quot; campaign funds to Jim Crow voting laws, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Politico reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/05/20/chicago-schools-elections-get-ugly-00929035?is_magic_link=true&amp;template_id=OT5J0E7B7DD7" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2026/05/20/chicago-schools-elections-get-ugly-00929035?is_magic_link=true&amp;template_id=OT5J0E7B7DD7" target="_blank">Politico reported</a>.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="In return" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000019e-415b-d0fd-a3de-f75f6acc0000" data-vars-content-id="e20238de-d984-4b83-8e73-f8d01b82cd6a" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago school board elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000019e-415b-d0fd-a3de-f75f6acc0000" target="_blank">In return</a>, Sacks accused Davis Gates of defamation and hypocrisy, writing, &quot;no one in this city is focused more on spending big money on politics … than you do.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Expect coverage of specific races, campaign spending and more as this historic election unfolds over the next five months.Editors note: An earlier version of this story indicated that the two subdistricts with uncontested incumbents were on the North Side, but only one is.

Inside the Obama Presidential Center before opening day

From Obama's South Side organizing days to the Oval Office, the new museum traces a remarkable journey.

Politics

The final touches are being put on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Obama Presidential Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/13/obama-presidential-center-chicago-art-collection-artists-jackson-park" data-vars-content-id="90daf676-2328-4490-9c1e-e7149610ab74" data-vars-headline="Inside the Obama Presidential Center before opening day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/13/obama-presidential-center-chicago-art-collection-artists-jackson-park" target="_self">Obama Presidential Center</a> on Chicago&#x27;s South Side, ahead of the June 19 public opening.Why it matters: OPC, where former President Barack Obama&#x27;s life and presidential legacy are memorialized, sits just blocks from the neighborhood where his political career was born.<ul><li>It also represents the foundation of his family. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Former first lady Michelle Obama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/13/michelle-obama-to-headline-essence-fest" data-vars-content-id="90daf676-2328-4490-9c1e-e7149610ab74" data-vars-headline="Inside the Obama Presidential Center before opening day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/13/michelle-obama-to-headline-essence-fest" target="_self">Former first lady Michelle Obama</a> and their two daughters were born in the neighborhoods surrounding the center. </li></ul>

Gender stereotypes still influence voter preferences

A Northwestern study finds voters often penalize candidates who don't fit gender norms.

A new study from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northwestern University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/18/northwestern-president-mung-chiang-purdue-michael-schill" data-vars-content-id="b8915080-2006-403b-966b-4333150b0b59" data-vars-headline="Gender stereotypes still influence voter preferences" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/18/northwestern-president-mung-chiang-purdue-michael-schill" target="_self">Northwestern University</a> says voters are more accepting of LGBTQ candidates in the last decade, but that support is conditional.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The research" data-vars-click-url="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2FNM3CMJqJMoJuzRt0hg-2BJ6ZF7WsDG-2BQB6fDCI4us4uFZc-2BNE-2FuaqD6q40NRZjzD-2FQ-3D-3DcvJh_O9v00qWCSEZ3FvEroyX4AFEcC-2BcKg-2B9erDt4Cn-2F3BLaHmZZD1yFfQ-2Fmk6Hq84qt467DmaXkVa7Kj5zsbiJIjY6qtc-2F4NxbLLH9zxwgYeEoFytV0xNCIypWmf-2Bu4xiJmXBSYHIykEghKz7PuDg4B7CVAVMyLSj6CPwfvVmaAaL-2Bxd0nxwre1TiM20mqQVmib0N6ojyB1pIK2ODQHgZVQnz3x5sfbd6-2BfRtCmMglczQ2r-2Fk6Vg92ZmZgoNocksUenwywPkQ2icikxETauvSP3117XWglwsGFA-2B66Sld9803DI5X-2F4r0aNFN9BmLG-2FTgcW0J-2FANB2yXmQerfihTG-2BaHPXL1ryLnamqIGT0fRUcVAUw-3D" data-vars-content-id="b8915080-2006-403b-966b-4333150b0b59" data-vars-headline="Gender stereotypes still influence voter preferences" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2FNM3CMJqJMoJuzRt0hg-2BJ6ZF7WsDG-2BQB6fDCI4us4uFZc-2BNE-2FuaqD6q40NRZjzD-2FQ-3D-3DcvJh_O9v00qWCSEZ3FvEroyX4AFEcC-2BcKg-2B9erDt4Cn-2F3BLaHmZZD1yFfQ-2Fmk6Hq84qt467DmaXkVa7Kj5zsbiJIjY6qtc-2F4NxbLLH9zxwgYeEoFytV0xNCIypWmf-2Bu4xiJmXBSYHIykEghKz7PuDg4B7CVAVMyLSj6CPwfvVmaAaL-2Bxd0nxwre1TiM20mqQVmib0N6ojyB1pIK2ODQHgZVQnz3x5sfbd6-2BfRtCmMglczQ2r-2Fk6Vg92ZmZgoNocksUenwywPkQ2icikxETauvSP3117XWglwsGFA-2B66Sld9803DI5X-2F4r0aNFN9BmLG-2FTgcW0J-2FANB2yXmQerfihTG-2BaHPXL1ryLnamqIGT0fRUcVAUw-3D" target="_blank">The research</a> found it&#x27;s harder for candidates who don&#x27;t look or sound &quot;straight,&quot; regardless of sexuality.

Illinois lawmakers pass budget but fail to reach Bears stadium deal

It's unclear if Gov. JB Pritzker will convene a special session this summer to hammer out a stadium deal.

Illinois lawmakers approved a new $55.9 billion state budget in the final hours of the spring session, but failed to reach a deal on incentives aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois.The latest: The spring legislative session officially expired at midnight, but lawmakers continued negotiating and voting until roughly 4:30am this morning.

Illinois lawmakers race to pass budget, Bears stadium deal before session ends

The next 72 hours will be crucial for lawmakers trying to keep the Bears in Illinois.

Lawmakers are preparing for a marathon weekend in Springfield as they race to pass a deal to keep the Bears in Illinois. Why it matters: The General Assembly must close a budget gap, navigate pressure over taxes and spending, and decide whether Illinois will offer incentives to keep the Bears from potentially leaving the state.

Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson

Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to thank the pope for his "moral clarity" on immigration and justice.

Chicago <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/19/mayor-brandon-johnson-reflects-on-3rd-year" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/19/mayor-brandon-johnson-reflects-on-3rd-year" target="_self">Mayor Brandon Johnson</a> is expected to discuss <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/21/judge-denies-ask-for-midway-blitz-special-prosecutor" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/21/judge-denies-ask-for-midway-blitz-special-prosecutor" target="_self">immigration</a> and restorative justice in his meeting Thursday morning with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV</a> at the Vatican.Why it matters: The first American pope meeting with his hometown mayor carries symbolic and political weight, highlighting shared views on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" target="_self">immigration,</a> social justice, and care for vulnerable communities.

Chicago alder considers fining parents over teen takeovers

Organized mass teen gatherings have led to gridlock, crime and, in some cases, deaths.

Several large &quot;teen takeovers&quot; over Memorial Day weekend have lawmakers reexamining how to stop them.Why it matters: Organized teen gatherings have led to gridlock, violence and, in some cases, deaths — while also drawing national attention to Chicago&#x27;s public safety debate.<ul><li>Trump said the mayor and governor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="should ask for help" data-vars-click-url="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5895958-teen-car-ramming-chicago-police/" data-vars-content-id="b534853a-960f-4dbb-9640-d857aa84a842" data-vars-headline="Chicago alder considers fining parents over teen takeovers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5895958-teen-car-ramming-chicago-police/" target="_blank">should ask for help</a>.</li></ul>

Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs

A meeting is scheduled on Saturday in Barrington.

A long-shot movement to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="split Illinois into two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" data-vars-content-id="658d88ab-cafd-4b4a-84fd-d93d82c39fef" data-vars-headline="Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" target="_self">split Illinois into two</a> states is finding support beyond rural downstate counties and into parts of the Chicago suburbs.The latest: Saturday morning, New Illinois will hold meetings in Barrington to give updates on the push for a new state.

Chicago passes tipped minimum wage compromise

The measure sets up different rules for small and large restaurants.

After months of back-and-forth, alders voted Wednesday to slow scheduled increases in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipped minimum wage." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" data-vars-content-id="69b1e53d-4745-4096-a602-275e8943a5cb" data-vars-headline="Chicago passes tipped minimum wage compromise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" target="_self">tipped minimum wage.</a>Why it matters: The fight over tipped wages has become one of the city&#x27;s most contentious debates, pitting worker advocates against restaurant owners worried about rising labor costs.

Mayor Brandon Johnson reflects on 3rd year

He won't support the Arlington Heights move, even if it means losing the Bears to Indiana.

As he marks three years as mayor this week, Brandon Johnson told Axios he thinks there&#x27;s a path to keeping the Bears— while sidestepping questions about re-election and closing low-enrollment CPS schools to save teacher jobs.

Report dissects Chicago's ETOD progress

A new report says Chicago has expanded ETOD policies, but gaps remain in disinvested areas.

Transit

Five years after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" data-vars-content-id="8c3411a8-b66f-4d7a-8d66-c4e8fea5969a" data-vars-headline="Report dissects Chicago&#x27;s ETOD progress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" target="_self">Chicago</a> adopted its first equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) plan, a new report digs into the city&#x27;s progress.Why it matters: City and state leaders have implemented policies that prioritize access to public transit when building and revitalizing residential and commercial properties, but more work is needed to ensure ETOD doesn&#x27;t favor wealthier, white neighborhoods as it has in the past, according to the report.

Politics 🇺🇸

Inside the Obama Presidential Center before opening day

Gender stereotypes still influence voter preferences

Illinois lawmakers pass budget but fail to reach Bears stadium deal

Illinois lawmakers race to pass budget, Bears stadium deal before session ends

Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson