Chicago Mayoral Race 2027 Update: John Kelly Joins the Field

 Petition circulation for the February 23, 2027 Chicago mayoral election officially began this week. The field continues to grow.

CBS Chicago has the story regarding circulating petitions [VIDEO]

From the Train Window: Red Line Work

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.

Chicago Mayoral Race 2027: Updated Who's In?

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.

Source: ABC7Chicago

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.

Roseland Neighborhood Hospital Faces Pay Crisis

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?

Ninth Ward & Chicago News Roundup – Tuesday/Wednesday, June 16–17, 2026

 Juneteenth Block Party Reminder – This Thursday!

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.

Ninth Ward & South Side News Roundup (June 15–16, 2026)

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. 
• Block Club: Storms & Outlook 
• NWS: June 11 Outbreak

Other Notes:

• Woodlawn housing pressures near Obama Center. South Side Weekly
• Hyde Park Academy student protests. South Side Weekly
• CTA Red Line Extension potential benefits.  Project Impacts

Citywide Political Notes

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.

• Chicago Tribune
• NBC Chicago

Ongoing city budget and safety efforts shape resources for our wards, including storm resilience.

What are your thoughts? Share 9th Ward experiences or tips below. Stay engaged and resilient.

Or feel free to send an e-mail if that's more comfortable for you. The address is in the sidebar.

Compiled as of June 15–16, 2026. 

Chicago Mayoral Race 2027: Who's in?

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.

9th Ward & Chicago News Roundup (Weekend Recap) #Ward09

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.

Now let's get to it.

State Comptroller Susana Mendoza is running for mayor

 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

— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) June 3, 2026

How many of you think she would make a great mayor? Anyone else you think you could vote for?

WGN: Chicago's CTA changes, safety concerns, crime rates & more transit news

 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.

Meanwhile's let's get to the video [VIDEO]

Does anyone have any thoughts on safety on CTA buses and trains. Does anyone have any thoughts about their commutes on the CTA Red Line especially?

Red Line Extension meetings this month

 CTA is hosting meetings on the South Side to discuss what to expect when construction begins on the extension. There will be three of these meetings this month.

You are encouraged to register: Click this link to RSVP.

March 10, 2026

Altgeld Gardens Community Youth Center

951 E. 132nd Street

5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

March 11, 2026

Another Chance Church

9550 S. Harvard Ave

5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

March 12, 2026

Visions Odeum & Events

11901 S. Loomis St. 

5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

h/t Concerned Citizens of Chatham

Early voting started on February 12

The image you see is the back of a sample ballot mailed to voters from the Cook County Democratic Party. The sample ballot itself shows you the slated or endorsed candidates for the county party. 

As far as early voting to be able to vote in all Chicago wards that's not available until March 2, 2026. Before then you have to go to site in downtown Chicago, the voting supersite located at 137 S. State Street.

Oh wait how many of you remember the old CVS which was formerly an Osco Drug store right on the northest corner of State & Adams? No excuse if you take the CTA Red Line, just get off at Jackson and then exit the station on Adams Street.

However, if you want to do early voting closer to home in the 9th Ward, then on March 2, 2026 you can go to Palmer Park as you see above at 201 E. 111th Street. If nothing else you can take the 111 CTA Bus there. Presumably any of these sample ballots will have the nearest early voting site to you printed on it depending upon your address.

Of course what I would suggest is checking the ChicagoElection.gov site to check for other early voting locations throughout the city. Especially once that becomes available in all Chicago wards for 2026.

Happy Presidents Day!
 

9th Ward Community Meeting Schedule #Ward09

 Hat-tip Concerned Citizens of Chatham

Bear in mind the meeting coming up this month on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 which features the Chicago Water Department. All meetings held at the Pullman Presbyterian Church located at 550 E. 103rd Street.

The year's schedule for all community meetings are below.

Recent 34th State Rep. District Mailers

 Nothing particularly new this time, just these mailers from candidate Aja Kearney. Remember I shared a mailer from another candidate last year for one Cleopatra Cowley. Both are running to succeed state Rep. Nick Smith who's retiring in 2027.

The primary election first and foremost is coming March 17, 2026. I need to find out about early voting.

This first mailer is more introductory for those who want to know her background. She wants us to know she's a union member and a small business owner.

Preservation Chicago: Roseland’s South Michigan Avenue Commercial District

 First and foremost, Happy New Year. I mark this almost one month in 2026 and allow me to share this history video regarding the Roseland neighborhood.

[VIDEO] We see a history lesson in this video highlighting Roseland's history as a settlement for Dutch immigrants and even as a station on the Underground Railroad. Never heard of that in your history class well here's a link learn about it.

And then the current story and what led up to it. The loss of manufacturing jobs in this part of the city led to disinvestment in Roseland. However, would the future look up with that Red Line extension being built in the next decade or so?

I'd like to see an updated Roseland history video discussing the Red Line extension.

Update on the Shedd School property

Photo shot March 2025

I'm sorry to say I missed the meeting with regards to Shedd School, however, upon Googling found that this was hosted by CPS and found this recent update. Shedd is among three other closed schools where there were bids and plans for these properties.

BlockClubChi:

The potential buyer for the old Shedd Elementary building at 99th and Indiana Ave. is the Peace for Preston Foundation, led by Dionne Mhoon, the mother of slain Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston. Two years ago, Mhoon launched a GoFundMe to support the foundation and raise money for a community center in honor of her daughter. Mhoon’s bid for the old Shedd school is $25,000.

Elected school board member Carlos Rivas said Wednesday he was Preston’s college counselor in the 2015-16 school year when he worked at Noble’s UIC College Prep.

“She was such a determined young lady and graduated from Illinois State in three and a half years because of her determination,” Rivas said. “She had such a bright life ahead of her, and she did so much for her community.”

“I am so incredibly proud that we’re going to be honoring her and using this building in this way for the Peace for Preston Foundation,” Rivas added.

There was some interest in the old Shedd school in 2017 from a private Christian school and another buyer, but neither bid had the backing of the local alderperson, according to South Side Weekly.

The board resolution says Peace for Preston wants to offer youth recreational programming, educational programming, youth mentoring and counseling, mental health support, job readiness and vocational training, wellness programs, and access to health care support, as well as GED and financial literacy courses.

Check out this list of closed schools that are up for bid. Perhaps you have a solid plan for these properties.

Here's the listing for Shedd.

Community meeting: Former Shedd Elementary School - TONIGHT

 Just saw this today via Concerned Citizens of Chatham. How many you already know about this? This meeting is with regards to the shuttered Shedd School property.

This meeting is happening tonight at Harlan Community Academy High School - 9652 S. Michigan between 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Set your clocks back an hour

Credit 94thepoint.com

 Fall is here and it's that time to set your clocks back an hour. Daylight saving time is ending on November 2, 2025. And never fear, we'll have to reverse the process again on March 8, 2026 at which point spring is around the corner again.

Tribune Editorial: A hardheaded rethinking of the Red Line Extension is needed now

RLE Extension Project

 I've seen articles about the cost of the Red Line Extension, and now this recent Chicago Tribune editorial. Here's an excerpt:

In the meantime, though, the Trump-induced uncertainty surrounding the project, combined with the push in Springfield this month to reform the Chicago area’s transit agencies and infuse them with more revenue as they face budget shortfalls, should resurface the lingering and legitimate questions about the wisdom of the Red Line Extension. Even if that nearly $2 billion is restored, the overall project cost that now sits at $5.75 billion — an ungodly $1 billion per mile, about twice what an above-surface train line should cost — is impossible even for fervent transit advocates to justify.

We’ve spoken in recent weeks to officeholders with a keen interest in the initiative, among them state Rep. Kam Buckner and U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, both of Chicago. What we heard from both — and they clearly reflect how many others in local and federal government feel — is disbelief and consternation about how high the RLE cost has gotten but fatalism, too, that Chicago simply can’t afford to say no to $2 billion in federal cash.

Buckner, who knows this part of the city well, went beyond criticizing the eye-watering price tag to questioning whether extending the Red Line from its current 95th Street terminus south to the city limits makes practical sense. The neighborhoods through which that extension would run simply are hollowed out, and while project advocates hope the line will galvanize development and repopulation, there’s plenty of reason to be highly skeptical. The risk of a new $5.75 billion (or likely higher when all is said and done) train line that serves just a smattering of riders is high.

We understand the point of view that so much federal help is politically difficult to refuse, but we also disagree with it. A project that only a few years ago was penciled at $3.7 billion now requires even more than that total in financing from the Chicago Transit Authority and other local resources — and that’s after the $2 billion in federal cash.

Even if city officials are able to reverse the Trump administration’s decision, does the RLE make sense anymore given the cost?

Read the whole thing. 

Commissioner Larry Rogers: Hyde Park Township Property Tax Appeal Forum

Hat-tip Chesterfield Community Council

Commissioner Larry Rogers of the Cook County Board of Review - that body that hears appeals of property tax assessments is hosting the Hyde Park Township Property Tax Appeal Forum which will be follwed by a dedicated Q&A session.

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