Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff

Chicago remains a focal point for significant cultural and political developments. Recently, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American from Chicago's South Side, was elected Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment and drawing attention to his deep ties to the city and its diverse baseball fan culture. Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers are grappling with a substantial budget gap, unveiling a plan to overhaul the Chicago-area transit system through a new oversight agency, although funding solutions remain unresolved. Social issues also feature prominently, with debates over Medicaid cuts and health care access for undocumented residents amid federal budget considerations. Culturally, Chicago continues to highlight Black voices and stories, including a new opera celebrating Black female civil rights heroes and journalist Jonathan Capehart's memoir reflecting on identity and home. These developments underscore ongoing challenges and celebrations within Chicago's political and cultural landscape.