Good morning, Chicago.
There’s a new name in Chicago sports stadiums.
Fast-food giant McDonald’s has inked a long-term deal with the Chicago Fire to add its name — and a massive flagship restaurant — to the team’s new $750 million stadium going up at The 78 in the South Loop.
McDonald’s Park, as the new soccer venue will be branded, represents the first professional sports stadium naming deal for the Chicago-based restaurant chain, and a high-profile marketing partner for the Fire. Terms of the multiyear agreement were not disclosed, but it runs through at least 2040, according to the team.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Robert Channick.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including a potential case of hantavirus reported in Illinois, the Bulls front-office changes made under their new lead executive and Tribune Food Awards: The 2026 Readers’ Choice winners announced.
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People talk with employees at the Cook County treasurer’s office at City Hall in Chicago, Nov. 20, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Judge rules Cook County owes homeowners for equity kept in property tax sales
Cook County is on the hook for tens of millions of dollars to homeowners who lost their homes and their built-up equity as a result of the annual tax sale, a judge has ruled, while leaving unclear the total tally and how the county will pay for it.
Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King prepares for a Chicago Board of Education meeting, April 8, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Public Schools to cut teaching staff to help close $732.5 million deficit
Chicago Public Schools is planning to cut teaching staff to help close a $732.5 million deficit as it rolls out school-level budgets for next year, though the exact number of eliminated positions across the district remains unclear.
Ald. Ronnie Mosley, 21st, left, and Ald. Walter “Red” Burnett, 27th, speak after a City Council meeting, Jan. 21, 2026, at Chicago City Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Aldermen advance tipped wage raise delay following Mayor Brandon Johnson veto
Chicago aldermen advanced a plan yesterday to slow planned raises for workers like waiters making a subminimum tipped wage, shortly after Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed an effort to completely block the increases.
A sign with an image of a rodent that transmits hantavirus and information is posted at the Ramon Carrillo Zonal Hospital in Bariloche, Argentina, May 12, 2026. (Euge Neme/AP)
Potential case of hantavirus reported in Illinois, but it’s not linked to cruise ship outbreak
Health officials are investigating a potential hantavirus case in Illinois, though the case is not linked to a recent outbreak of the illness on a cruise ship, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced yesterday.
Cassie Carlson, who joined Fox 32 in April 2022, was recently promoted to replace Lou Canellis as lead sports anchor. (Fox 32)
Chicago Media Report: Fox 32’s new sports anchor, WGN’s stalled merger and final bell for CBS Radio at WBBM
Fox 32, which lost two prominent reporters this year to NBC 5, has filled one of its on-air openings. Cassie Carlson, who joined the station in April 2022, was recently promoted to replace Lou Canellis as lead sports anchor on WFLD-Ch. 32.
It’s game on for Carlson, 30, who dreamed of becoming a sportscaster while growing up in the northwest suburbs and hopes to bring a fan’s passion and a “breath of fresh air” to one of the highest-profile positions in Chicago TV.
Cumulus clouds lit by the setting sun are seen above the Chicago skyline after strong storms rolled through the area on July 12, 2023. In 2023, there were 58 tornadoes in the NWS Chicago office’s coverage area, which encompasses 23 counties in Indiana and Illinois. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Tornado season is underway in Chicago. Here’s what to expect and when.
The reemergence of thunderstorms and warming temperatures in the forecast are a reminder that tornado season is here in Chicagoland.
Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham responds to questions from the media during an introductory news conference May 6, 2026, at the Advocate Center. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bulls make their 1st front-office changes under new lead executive Bryson Graham
For the Bulls, there’s no time like the present to begin making changes. Barely a week has passed since the Bulls hired Bryson Graham as their new executive vice president of basketball operations. But time moves quickly in an NBA front office — especially for the Bulls, who are diving into a critical period of the offseason after winning big in the draft lottery Sunday.
Graham made the first changes to the Bulls front office yesterday, according to multiple sources, by releasing several staffers.
Defenseman Chase Reid of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. (Bob Davies/Soo Greyhounds)
Chicago Blackhawks will select 4th in the NHL draft. Here are 5 prospects they should consider.
The Blackhawks didn’t get lucky in the NHL draft lottery, dropping two spots to the No. 4 pick. It puts them in a weird spot — they might not be able to draft the game-changer they were hoping for, but general manager Kyle Davidson didn’t exactly jump at the idea of trading down.
Felicia Oduh, Jaeda LaVonne and Anji White in “Covenant” at Goodman Theatre. (Hugo Hentoff)
Review: ‘Covenant’ at the Goodman adds a spooky spiritual chill to the classic blues story
This 95-minute work was taken over by the Goodman after the financially strapped Paramount Theatre in Aurora canceled plans to produce this play under the direction of Malkia Stampley, replacing its stellar Bold series with stand-up comedy. The play’s focus is resolutely on the impoverished rural family of women who fall under this ambitious bluesman’s influence in the rural Georgia of the 1930s, writes Chris Jones.
The Tribune’s 2026 Readers’ Choice winners, clockwise from top left: Sip & Savor in Bronzeville, Mindy’s Bakery in Wicker Park, The Greggory in South Barrington, Brûlée in South Loop, Burger Bar in South Loop, Dion’s Chicago Dream in Englewood, The Polo Inn in Bridgeport, and Jimmy’s Red Hots in Humboldt Park. (Chicago Tribune)
Tribune Food Awards: The 2026 Readers’ Choice winners
After reviewing hundreds of nominations and thousands of votes, we’re excited to reveal this year’s Readers’ Choice Food Awards winners.
Many of this year’s winners have embraced the idea of being more than just establishments that offer great food and drinks; they’re also welcoming spaces where the community can gather to support each other.
Thanks to all the readers who submitted nominations and voted this year, and congratulations to the businesses that captured our readers’ support this year. Tune in later this month for the final part of the 2026 Tribune Food Awards: the Critic’s Choice winners.