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Afternoon Briefing

Monday, May 4, 2026

Good afternoon, Chicago.

President Donald Trump is waging a retribution campaign against some fellow Republicans in tomorrow’s primary in Indiana. Seven GOP state senators who blocked his push to redraw the state’s congressional districts now face primary challengers endorsed by him.

The Trump-targeted Indiana state senators all represent districts he carried in 2024, mostly by 20 percentage points or more. The most competitive was District 1, near Lake Michigan and just southeast of Chicago. Here’s what to know about the election.

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.


news
Two people take pictures while renting a swan pedal boat at the Humboldt Park Lagoon, May 2, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

At Humboldt Park Lagoon, anglers hope fish and swan boats can coexist in urban ecosystem

After rebounding from harsh weather and invasive species, members point to population decline, expected after a decade of bass and bluegill fishing, and a new ecosystem threat: the park’s fleet of 15 swan boats, which have been a staple since 2018 and returned for the summer a week ago.

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business
Chief union steward and Brookfield Zoo groundskeeper Carrie Sapienza, far right, leads a group of chanting and striking zoo workers on May 4, 2026, outside the zoo in Brookfield. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Brookfield Zoo workers go on strike

The Teamsters said all members of the zoo union, excluding those who specialize in caring for the zoo animals, went on strike. The animal care staff will join the strike once an “essential care plan” for the zoo critters has been finalized, the Teamsters said.

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sports
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) throws to first base in the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field on May 3, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Windy Wrigley Field day leads to ‘incredible’ Nico Hoerner play as the Chicago Cubs win 11th straight at home

Nico Hoerner exited Friday’s win early with neck tightness, was kept out of Saturday’s win and returned to the lineup yesterday.

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eat. watch. do.
Chance the Rapper after performing during the third day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park on Aug. 2, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/for the Chicago Tribune)

Chance the Rapper hosts ‘Coloring Book’ movie night at Rooftop Cinema Club

The evening at the outdoor movie venue in the Fulton Market neighborhood will include a screening of his concert film, “Chance the Rapper’s Magnificent Coloring World.”

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nation & world
Mifepristone tablets sit on a table at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Ames, Iowa, July 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Supreme Court restores access to abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth, mail and pharmacies

The Supreme Court today restored broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking a ruling that had threatened to upend one of the main ways abortion is provided across the nation.

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