Good afternoon, Chicago.

Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered a forceful defense of Chicago’s storied history as a haven for immigrants today during his opening statement before a Republican-led congressional hearing on sanctuary policies, setting the stage for a day that will surely feature heavy political theater over one of the nation’s most divisive issues.

Seated in the middle of a five-person witness panel that includes the Democratic leaders from three other major U.S. cities, Johnson touted Chicago’s downward trend in crime as he argued its policy blocking local police from assisting in immigration enforcement in fact makes communities safer.

Tribune reporter Alice Yin is in Washington, D.C., as the hearing continues this afternoon. Watch the hearing live and follow along for more updates.

Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.

Visually impaired students learn to navigate Chicago streets without audible warning signals

In 2023, a federal judge ruled Chicago’s failure to install warning devices for the blind violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet nearly two years later, there is no court order to fix the problem. Read more here.

Cook County housing authority union workers ratify contracts, earn raises after telling of struggle to pay bills

Housing Authority of Cook County union workers ratified two new union contracts this week, earning average salary floor raises of 4% and 7% and annual cost of living wage increases of 3% and 4%. Read more here.

Offensive line makeover continues for Chicago Bears with trade for 2-time All-Pro Joe Thuney

The Bears acquired Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 2026. Thuney, 32, is a four-time Super Bowl champion and has been named first-team All-Pro twice. Read more here.

CSO’s 2025-26 season sees Mäkelä and Muti split duties — plus our short list of unmissables

It’s hard to believe, for all the hubbub around Klaus Mäkelä’s hiring as the 11th music director of the Chicago Symphony, that next season will mark just the halfway point between his tenure and Riccardo Muti’s. Read more here.

Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, according to internal memo

The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning an “aggressive” reorganization that includes cutting 80,000 jobs from the sprawling agency that provides health care for retired military members, according to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. Read more here.