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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.

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>.

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.

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.

Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59

The former player transitioned into one of the most colorful broadcasters in Chicago history.

Sports

Stacey King, the Chicago Bulls&#x27; three-time champion and beloved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broadcaster" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2022/07/20/best-play-by-play-teams-chicago-sports" data-vars-content-id="aac38725-591e-4047-9173-8cc7b4999d9a" data-vars-headline="Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2022/07/20/best-play-by-play-teams-chicago-sports" target="_self">broadcaster</a>, has died, according to the team. He was 59.The big picture: King, a collegiate star at Oklahoma, was drafted by the Bulls in 1989 and played for them for five seasons. <ul><li>He was a key reserve on the Bulls teams that won three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 93. King was traded midway through the 1993-94 season. </li></ul>

Why June may define the Chicago White Sox season

A grueling month against playoff contenders will test the young squad.

The Chicago White Sox <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have emerged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/24/white-sox-munetaka-murakami-2026" data-vars-content-id="e421f1dd-ac55-44c6-98a3-33a2e93fbbf6" data-vars-headline="Why June may define the Chicago White Sox season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/24/white-sox-munetaka-murakami-2026" target="_self">have emerged</a> as one of baseball&#x27;s biggest surprises entering the summer. But a daunting June schedule will reveal whether the young roster is ready to stay in the playoff race.The latest: The Sox&#x27;s 33-29 start has energized a fan base that hasn&#x27;t had much to cheer about in recent years.<ul><li>The team is just two games back of the Guardians in the AL Central while holding the second Wild Card spot. </li></ul>

Caleb Williams becomes first Bears player on Madden NFL cover

The honor is just another step in the ascension of the team's franchise quarterback.

EA Sports has confirmed that Chicago Bears quarterback <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Caleb Williams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/19/bears-lose-nfc-playoff-rams-caleb-williams-ben-johnson-matt-stafford" data-vars-content-id="f8d855ab-aa63-461c-b183-c1508758dc6a" data-vars-headline="Caleb Williams becomes first Bears player on Madden NFL cover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/19/bears-lose-nfc-playoff-rams-caleb-williams-ben-johnson-matt-stafford" target="_self">Caleb Williams</a> will grace the cover of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Madden 27" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ea.com/en/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-27" data-vars-content-id="f8d855ab-aa63-461c-b183-c1508758dc6a" data-vars-headline="Caleb Williams becomes first Bears player on Madden NFL cover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ea.com/en/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-27" target="_blank">Madden 27</a>.Why it matters: Williams is the first-ever Bears player to appear on the cover of the flagship Madden NFL video game.<ul><li>Former Bears offensive lineman Roberto Garza was previously featured on the cover of &quot;Madden NFL 09 en Español.&quot;</li></ul>

Mayor Brandon Johnson reflects on 3rd year

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

Politics

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.

Chicago Mayor Johnson ramps up fight to keep Bears in city

The mayor is running out of time to convince the team and the state legislature.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is making a last-ditch push to keep the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bears in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/illinois-senate-bears-stadium-taxes-arlington-heights-indiana" data-vars-content-id="5e59ba3a-86f1-41c5-bfb0-73d314585f89" data-vars-headline="Chicago Mayor Johnson ramps up fight to keep Bears in city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/illinois-senate-bears-stadium-taxes-arlington-heights-indiana" target="_self">Bears in Chicago</a>.Why it matters: The battle over the Bears&#x27; next stadium is entering a critical final stretch as Springfield&#x27;s spring legislative session nears its end.

Quiz: The wildest fan moments in Chicago sports history

Can you get a perfect score on the hijinks and history at local stadiums?

Bears turn Rome Odunze into Bob Ross for 2026 schedule release

The annual schedule release video has become a trend in the NFL.

The Bears&#x27; Bob Ross-inspired schedule release video was no &quot;happy accident.&quot; Rome Odunze&#x27;s giant afro made him the perfect choice to channel Bob Ross in the Bears&#x27; 2026 schedule release video.The latest: The team tapped wide receiver Rome Odunze to unveil the 2026 schedule in a parody of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Joy of Painting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcnsr1R5Ge_fbTu5ajt8DQ" data-vars-content-id="2ee3c4d9-f337-4ca6-a401-4868f1bb94f2" data-vars-headline="Bears turn Rome Odunze into Bob Ross for 2026 schedule release" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcnsr1R5Ge_fbTu5ajt8DQ" target="_blank">The Joy of Painting</a>.&quot;

2026 NFL schedule puts Bears in primetime spotlight

The NFL is betting big on the Bears in 2026/2027.

The NFL released its 2026-27 schedule <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thursday night" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagobears.com/" data-vars-content-id="5fbe8e66-a4d7-4d77-a9c4-941810461bcb" data-vars-headline="2026 NFL schedule puts Bears in primetime spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagobears.com/" target="_blank">Thursday night</a>, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/19/bears-lose-nfc-playoff-rams-caleb-williams-ben-johnson-matt-stafford" data-vars-content-id="5fbe8e66-a4d7-4d77-a9c4-941810461bcb" data-vars-headline="2026 NFL schedule puts Bears in primetime spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/19/bears-lose-nfc-playoff-rams-caleb-williams-ben-johnson-matt-stafford" target="_self">Bears</a> are clearly one of the league&#x27;s biggest attractions.The latest: The Bears landed seven nationally televised games, including two appearances on &quot;Monday Night Football&quot; and a Thanksgiving showdown against Detroit.

Sports 🏅

Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59

Chicago Bears advance plan to leave Illinois for Indiana

Why June may define the Chicago White Sox season

Caleb Williams becomes first Bears player on Madden NFL cover

Why Chicago isn't hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup