⚖️ What Supreme Court rulings mean in Chi

Johnson Transition Takes Time

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his transition report this week outlining his administration’s goals. The report comes two months into his term — much later than his predecessors’.  [Tribune 🔒]

• Why the slow rollout? We’re seeing Johnson's shift from candidate to mayor.  [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Illinois Still in Drought

Despite recent heavy rain around Chicago, Illinois farmers say dry weather has affected crops, and consumers could see an impact. [WTTW]

Chicago Pension Funds Hit Again

Stock market losses raised the city’s unfunded pension liability, i.e., Chicago has less on hand to pay out future benefits. [Sun-Times]

• How did we get here and why should you care? Here’s your guide to the city’s pension problems. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Passenger Rail Returning to Rockford

Metra plans to extend the Milwaukee District West Line to serve the northwestern city starting in 2027. It’s been more than 40 years since Chicago and Rockford were connected by passenger trains. [NBC Chicago]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

🔺 Karaoke in Little Village 🎤 Friday | 4–9 p.m.

Families come out to La Villita Park to sing your hearts out. [Free]

Chosen Few in Jackson Park 🎶 Saturday | 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Rain or shine, bump to house music from the iconic DJs. [$60+]

Bridgeview Rugby Championship 🏉 Saturday | 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While Chicago sports teams are breaking hearts, the Major Rugby League’s championship is coming to Bridgeview this weekend. [$40+]

Austin Peace & Healing Fest 💖 Saturday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Head to Bethel New Life for food, music, and fun. [Free]

🔺 Fuller Park Yoga Fest 🪷 Saturday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bring the whole family to the outdoor yoga fest! [Free]

Lakefront Firebird Dance Parade 🐦 Saturday | 5 p.m.

See the final performance celebrating the phoenix and stick around for the festive parade south of 31st Street Beach. [Free]

Humboldt Park Barrio Arts Fest 🎨 All Weekend | Varies

Meet local artists, participate in art workshops, and catch live music at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture Saturday and Sunday. [Donations suggested]

West Fest in West Town 🕺 All Weekend | Varies

The three-day fest will feature dozens of acts, a dog obstacle course, paw painting, train rides, and bouncy houses. [$10 suggested donation]

🔺 Roscoe Village Burger Fest 🍔 All Weekend | Varies

Vote for your favorite burger at the North Side fest through Sunday. [$10 suggested donation]

Edgewater Greek Fest 🥙 All Weekend | Varies

Sample Greek food like gyros and pastichio and tour St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church Saturday and Sunday. [$5 suggested donation]

+ Going to the Square Roots Fest this weekend? Explore Lincoln Square.

As student loan borrowers prep for payments to restart in the fall, Hey Chicago readers are sharing how the Supreme Court’s decision is affecting them.

Student Loans

Caleb H., between $30,000–$40,000: “I've been paying my loans as aggressively as possible for the entire pause under the assumption that all hope could be ripped away tomorrow. Forgiveness would've meant shortening my timeline, but I was unsurprised by the court's ruling.”

Dylan Z., between $20,000–$30,000: “[If the forgiveness plan had gone through] I'd be able to start saving for my first home, which would have been nice because I'm 36 and haven't made much of a dent in the loans.”

Christian A., more than $50,000: “It keeps me in debt for a college that has since dissolved for the loan I took out. Moreover, I did not graduate and the amount owed is only for the first year of tuition.”

DiAngela B., between $30,000–$40,000: “I'm on a fixed income. I was truly depending on the help!

PSAs

Jen K.: “Dance Dance Party Party Chicago is hosting its first post-pandemic Dance Dance Everybody, a 90-minute, all-gender dance party, Sunday in Goose Island. All profits benefit the Trans Formations Project.”

How Supreme Court Decisions Are Affecting Chicago

WBEZ’s Lisa Philip joins City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Simone Alicea to talk the Supreme Court’s recent decisions, near-record flooding in the city, and the tenure of Chicago State University’s president.