Juneteenth weekend
Coverage of Juneteenth weekend in the Nexus archive.
- Mayor Johnson embraces proposal for a stand-alone city Department of Gun Violence Reduction
Mayor Brandon Johnson supports creating a stand-alone Chicago Department of Gun Violence Reduction following a violent Juneteenth weekend that left eight dead and 40 injured. The proposal, backed by community leaders, aims to consolidate city efforts into a $100 million annual budget department, despite financial challenges including a $1.3 billion budget shortfall and $36 billion pension crisis.
- Chicago mayor ridiculed for touting trans violence 'state of emergency' amid murder-plagued Juneteenth weekend
Chicago's mayor faced ridicule for promoting a 'Transfemicide State of Emergency' amid a deadly Juneteenth weekend where 39 people were shot and six killed. Critics argued the focus on transgender violence overshadowed broader concerns about Black Chicagoans dying in gang-related violence. The mayor's office reiterated the emergency declaration, which centers on supporting transgender women, despite criticism about its timing and relevance.