I was on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans yesterday and looked to my left and saw some of the construction for the Red Line Extension. I was riding the former Illinois Central tracks — the same corridor many of us know as the Metra Electric line (you can see the electric wires above in the photo).
The pillars going up are part of the extension that will run southeast from about 115th & Michigan along the Union Pacific Railroad, where the next-to-last stop is planned. From there the Red Line will continue southeast to 130th Street, right in the vicinity of Altgeld Gardens.
Construction is also moving along at other points on the project, including the work starting from the current 95th/Dan Ryan terminal.
What’s your experience with the Red Line Extension so far? Are you seeing progress near your block, dealing with construction impacts, or still waiting to feel any benefit? Drop your observations in the comments.
The 2027 Chicago mayoral election is shaping up to be one of the most crowded in recent memory. With Election Day set for February 23, 2027 (and a potential runoff on April 6), the field of challengers to incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson continues to grow. Petitions can begin circulating as early as July 28, 2026, and the race remains fluid.
For residents of Chicago’s 9th Ward and the broader South Side, this contest matters deeply. We need leaders who will prioritize reliable transit (like Red and Green Line service to downtown jobs), safer streets, affordable housing that preserves long-time homeowners, equitable school resources, and economic development that actually reaches our neighborhoods instead of stopping at downtown or the lakefront. At the same time, the next mayor must tackle city-wide challenges that affect every Chicagoan — from structural budget deficits to system-wide transit reliability and government efficiency.
Here’s the latest breakdown of who has officially announced and who remains rumored or potential as of early July 2026.
A CBS Chicago report released yesterday highlights serious payroll troubles at Roseland Community Hospital, a key safety-net facility serving Roseland and the broader far South Side, including much of the 9th Ward.
Check out the report by Jermont Terry here [VIDEO]
Short Synopsis of the Story: Union leaders from SEIU Healthcare confirm they were notified on June 11 that the June 30 payroll for approximately 200 represented workers could be in jeopardy. The hospital, with over 500 total staff, faces a reported $16 million operational deficit according to its 2025 Medicare cost report. Workers are continuing to show up for shifts amid the uncertainty, but the hospital CEO has not responded to media requests for comment or clarification. A major union update is expected soon.
Why the Payroll Issue Matters: In a community hospital serving an area with limited healthcare options, unpaid or delayed paychecks for frontline staff risk disrupting care, morale, and operations. It underscores ongoing financial pressures that could affect emergency services, routine treatment, and the hospital’s ability to remain a reliable anchor for 9th Ward families.
Roseland Hospital’s Enduring Role in Our Neighborhood
Since opening in 1924, Roseland Community Hospital has provided essential healthcare to generations in the Roseland neighborhood and far South Side. It has adapted through major changes while staying rooted in the community it serves — often acting as both a medical provider and local economic contributor.
This situation affects Roseland directly. We’ll follow updates from the union and hospital. Roseland residents: Share your experiences or concerns in the comments (respectfully). What are your thoughts on supporting stability at this vital neighborhood institution?
Don’t miss Ald. Beale’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Block Party on Thursday, June 18, 2026, 10 AM – 2 PM at 34 E. 112th Pl. Music, food, games, raffles, and family fun for all 9th Ward residents. Veterans: Free Chicago VA Mobile Medical Unit services (9 AM–12 PM) with health check-ups and connections (walk-ins welcome). Full details on Ald. Beale FB / Instagram.
Residential Night: Continues every Monday (4:30–6:30 PM at ward office). Call ahead.
Community Cleanups: Ongoing with partners. 2026 Street Sweeping Schedule on ward09.com.
June 23 Townhall: Canceled (confirm any updates via official channels).
No major new 9th Ward incidents in the last 48 hours. Focus remains on summer events and South Side safety.
Broader Chicago City News & Politics (Recent Updates)
Parking Meter Deal Developments: Ongoing City Council discussions around the proposed transfer to Stonepeak Partners. Aldermen pushing for transparency.
Links: NBC Chicago | Chicago Sun-Times | Chicago Tribune
Juneteenth City-Wide: Flag raisings and preparations across Chicago, highlighting Black community progress and events. Chicago.gov Juneteenth info | WTTW coverage.
CTA & Transit Safety / Red Line Extension: Ridership gains and crime reductions continue (systemwide serious crimes down significantly year-over-year). On the Red Line Extension (key for Far South Side access): Construction progressing with utility work and preparations; project on track for 2030 completion with new stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan Ave., and 130th.
Links: WTTW CTA Update | CTA Official RLE Page | WTTW Red Line Extension Progress
Other City Notes: Summer festivals, recent storm recovery, and public safety efforts. Block Club Chicago for neighborhood coverage | WTTW Chicago News.
What’s happening in the 9th Ward? Share local tips, events, or concerns in the comments. This keeps ninthward.blog as your hyper-local go-to for Roseland, Pullman, Chatham, and beyond.
Stay informed and engaged—building a better future together. Follow ward09.com for official updates.
Fellow 9th Ward residents and South Side neighbors, here's the latest community and political roundup for our blog.
9th Ward Specifics
Alderman Anthony Beale continues steady service: Residential Nights, Juneteenth events w/ VA health resources, street sweeping schedules, and streetscape improvements. Alderman Beale's Official Site
Pullman National Historical Park events highlight our heritage.
Friends of Pullman
Broader South Side Stories
Back of the Yards: Ongoing concerns after recent mass shootings; community intervention groups active. Positive development with United Yards project.
→ Block Club: Back of the Yards Shootings
Storm Damage & Recovery: Recent powerful storms (June 10–11) caused widespread downed trees, power outages, and damage, hitting South Side areas including near the 9th Ward. Cleanup continues amid more severe weather possible this week.
Bears Stadium: Momentum toward Hammond, IN continues. South suburban officials note possible South Side benefits but many prefer keeping the team in Illinois. Multiple sites under review.
As residents of Chicago's 9th Ward and the broader South Side continue to grapple with everyday realities — reliable transit, safe streets, quality schools, affordable housing, and economic opportunity — the 2027 mayoral election is already casting a long shadow. With Election Day set for February 23, 2027, the field is forming early. Incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson faces growing dissatisfaction over city finances, public safety, and governance, opening the door for challengers. Here's a rundown of announced and rumored contenders, key issues likely to dominate, and thoughts on a potential big-name return.
Trying something a little different today. I'm offering this look at the past weekend's news using A.I. Let me know if you like this format and if you do, I will do this more often. Perhaps post more frequently with links like these.
Long time no hear, how many of you are gearing up for next year's mayoral race. We got one ready to go, our state comptroller - and former city clerk - Susanna Mendoza.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza officially announced today she’ll be running for mayor of Chicago in next year’s election. https://t.co/OcyOwGPSFr
Below are a compilation of stories regarding safety on CTA. With the Trump administration in Washington, there have been threats to federal funds to CTA if there no real plan for safety on public transit.
In recent weeks, the first story you see in the below video was that the Cook County State's Attorney has started a task force which will include Chicago Police to address criminal issues on CTA. I like the idea of banning an offender from CTA while their case is going through the courts.
Last year from about March to December - it seems the earliest story was December 18, 2025 - I saw a lot of things going on with CTA when I was riding it regularly.
For example the Red Line has always had people engaging in panhandling and solicitation. Smoking has been an issue in recent years, it's not just cigarettes it's also weed. I would like CTA to address the smoking and the panhandling & solicitation.
The the case of panhandling and solicitation, I really don't want to hamper anyone's ability to make a living at the same time I think the Red Line is safer without this activity. Over the years, I've seen people on the train begging and of course people selling anything from the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, to telephone cords, ID Wallets, barrettes, socks, candy, sometimes CTA passes to loose squares or loud most recently. One late night years ago on the train a man was peddling shots of liquor - small bottles of alcohol.
I hear the Blue Line is awful and just think this is the train to and from O'Hare. Any crime or issues on that line needs to be addressed for sure. And one factor in the surge of police on CTA is the woman set on fire on the Blue Line by a mentally disturbed man.
Finally I've seen that in addition to K-9 security, Chicago Police, now we have the Cook County Sheriff patrolling CTA. And there are some videos circulating on social media - especially Instagram - showing the Sheriff's Deputies don't play.
