NewsWBEZ ChicagoJuly 17, 2026United States
Chicago News Rundown: School Board Election Spending, Air Quality Alerts, and Local Business Updates
Chicago's school board election spending has surpassed $1.6 million following a self-funded loan by a candidate, while poor air quality from Canadian wildfires has forced the closure of city beaches and venues. Meanwhile, major food companies are adjusting legacy product strategies, and a historic Frank Gehry desk has been sold at auction.
Read the full story at WBEZ ChicagoWhy It Matters
Residents face immediate service disruptions due to air quality alerts and are seeing a surge in campaign spending ahead of the first citywide election for all 21 members of the Chicago school board this November.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
personBrandon Johnson“Mayor of Chicago.”organizationGroundswell Coffee Roasters“Opening a new cafe in the Fine Arts Building.”organizationKraft Heinz“Food company launching new product lines and collaborations.”personHilario Dominguez“Former Chicago Teachers Union organizer running for school board president.”personJessica Biggs“Candidate for school board president.”personSendhil Revuluri“Candidate for school board president.”personVictor Hendorson“School board president candidate who self-funded $500,000 in loans.”personJennifer Custer“Candidate for school board president.”personSean Harden“Current school board president appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.”personFrank Gehry“Designer of the 'Icehenge' desk.”organizationMondelez“Food company updating legacy brands.”organizationChicago Park District“Closed beaches and outdoor pools due to air quality.”