Ask The Mayor, July 2025: Chicago’s Brandon Johnson answers the city’s questions

From the federal tax and spending bill to the city budget, Chicago’s chief executive answers your questions.

Data centers help run artificial intelligence models, but also consume energy at a rate equivalent to thousands of households. The increase in data centers in Illinois has contributed to a recent increase in energy bills for households.

From buying used items instead of new, to repairing items to make them last longer, “Things are already in our local economy. There’s opportunities to save money and grow money locally,” says Reset contributor Karen Weigert.

Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to call for a vote Wednesday on an ordinance that would legalize accessory dwelling units across the city.

A former Bronzeville apartment building with a rich cultural history is getting new life by way of public art.

The mall was once the cornerstone of one of the city’s preeminent shopping, dining and entertainment districts. Now, the owner is scaling back on retail spaces in the building.

The mall was once the cornerstone of one of the city’s preeminent shopping, dining and entertainment districts. Now, the owner is scaling back on retail spaces in the building.

“Heat is the number one weather related killer,” Dr. Sheetal Rao says. “This is preventable and that with education and appropriate response people can be saved.”

State Farm says in 13 of the last 15 years, it paid out more than budgeted to cover damage from severe weather events in Illinois.