Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling announced yesterday that he'll retire on July 15 after more than three decades with the department.

Why it matters: Snelling was Mayor Brandon Johnson's first pick to lead CPD and oversaw a drastic reduction in homicides during his tenure.

Zoom in: Snelling, respected by many in the department's rank and file, embraced greater collaboration with outside violence prevention groups and the Mayor's Office of Community Safety.

• After particularly brutal years under then-Superintendent David Brown, Chicago saw its homicide rate fall to historic lows under Snelling.

Flashback: Snelling counted his leadership during the 2024 Democratic National Convention as a win, as protests were mostly peaceful, with police largely avoiding violent clashes with demonstrators.

Between the lines: While Snelling seemed to have a positive working relationship with the mayor's office, there were some high-profile disagreements. Snelling reportedly pushed to keep ShotSpotter, even as Johnson opted not to renew the city's contract in 2024.

• The mayor also drew criticism after the removal of some key staffers in community safety, including director Garien Gatewood.

Snelling grew up in Englewood and graduated from DePaul before joining CPD in 1992. He started on patrol in his childhood neighborhood.

What's next: Fred Waller will serve as interim superintendent when Snelling leaves this month.

• The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will vet candidates and send finalists to Johnson, who makes the final selection.

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More than 100 Chicago police officers descended on Lakeview Sunday to head off a yearly post-Pride teen gathering that draws hundreds to party in the street and often twerk on cars.

Why it matters: For years, local lawmakers have debated how to prevent violence and property damage at "teen trends/takeovers," and this year's strategy — using police, transit restrictions and extensive barricades — largely achieved those aims.

• Some, however, are criticizing the operation as overkill.

Catch up quick: This year, the city fenced off Belmont sidewalks from Halsted to Seminary and cut off side streets to non-residents.

• After attendees blocked streets and ignored dispersal orders, police directed them to a barricaded area in front of the Vic Theatre, where they stayed until authorities enforced the 10pm curfew.

Between the lines: Mayor Brandon Johnson has often criticized expanding police power to address teen takeovers. He even vetoed an ordinance to let CPD impose earlier curfews.

What they're saying: "Here's an instance in which [dispersal] authority was lifted up before the curfew officially kicked in and people didn't respond," Johnson tells Axios.

The other side: "I felt disgusted, I felt intimidated, I felt worried for the young people and for everyone," Nata Abbott, co-founder of Lakeview group 44th Ward Action, tells Axios.

By the numbers: The CPD says it arrested 34 people at the event, including five juveniles.

The intrigue: Axios asked city officials why they didn't at least notify residents that the Belmont stop would close. They said the security plan was changing as circumstances on the ground progressed.

What's next

💦 The city estimates that replacing lead water lines costs about $31,000 per line, more than six times the U.S. EPA's national estimate of $4,700 per line, but officials won't say why it costs so much more. (Sun-Times)

✍️ Nineteen former military and defense officials praised Gov. JB Pritzker and other Democratic governors who declined to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., for this weekend's America 250 celebration in a letter Wednesday. (Axios)

🌳 After massive storms last month brought down trees and caused other damage, more than 9,000 tree cleanup requests were still open as of June 25. (Block Club)

⚾️ The Cubs walloped the Padres 23-3 yesterday, thanks in part to the red-hot Dansby Swanson, who hit three home runs. The Cubs haven't scored that many runs in a game since 1977. (NBC 5)

🏒 The Blackhawks have reportedly extended defenseman Bowen Byram on a six-year, $75 million deal, making him the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL. (WGN)

The Fourth of July in Chicago means celebrations, cookouts and, of course, illegal fireworks.

The big picture: While Chicago and its suburbs host professional fireworks shows, neighborhood parks become hotspots for illegal displays that fill the night with booming explosions, whistling rockets and thick smoke.

• These displays happen all around the city, including Independence Park and Humboldt Park.

Zoom in: The Chicago Fire Department reminds residents that all consumer fireworks — including sparklers and bottle rockets — are illegal.

Context: Police and emergency responders spend the holiday dealing with higher-priority emergencies, meaning fireworks complaints often go unenforced.

Yes, but: Not every community is taking the same approach. In suburban Carpentersville, the police are changing the enforcement policy.

• No more warnings: If you are caught lighting fireworks, you will face a fine. Police also identified hotspots to monitor.

By the numbers: Illinois reported 152 fireworks-related injuries last July.

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Independence Day weekend will bring dozens of parades and fireworks. These are some of the biggest events that will clog and close Chicago streets.

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👋 Hi, it's Justin, back with another Kaufmann quiz!

State of play: Since we are off for the Fourth, let's get into some of the awesome traditions that Chicago has surrounding the nation's birthday.

Today's quiz: Fourth of July traditions

Last week's quiz on Pride had a few winners! Congrats to John R., Beth S., Eulalia H. and Kim G.

Take the Fourth of July quiz here

If you watched last Sunday's episode of John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" on HBO, you saw a comprehensive piece on congressional redistricting.

That was our story! Not just Axios, but Axios Chicago. Whooo!

• Now we are hoping other HBO shows might follow suit. It will be quite an accomplishment if one of our articles makes it to the new season of "House of the Dragon." Just sayin'...