Chicago celebrates Obama Presidential Center opening, but community concerns persist

WBEZ Chicago | By Araceli Gomez-Aldana

Published June 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM EDT

Some supporters view the Obama Presidential Center as a welcomed investment in a historically underserved area, while long-time residents and community members worry it may accelerate gentrification.

Related Content

'Grandmother of Juneteenth' celebrates freedom, 2.5 miles at a time

Erika Ryan, Sarah Handel

Opal Lee is known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talked with her in 2024 about her activism, and her hopes for the future.
Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews

Ava Berger

The luxury Boeing 747, initially valued at $400 million, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday. The jet caused controversy as one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government.
NPR's 'Code Switch' examines who gets compensated after being harmed by the government

Gene Demby

While a bill to study slavery reparations has failed to advance for decades, the Trump administration's 'anti-weaponization fund' could have used a source that exists due to other reparations efforts.
Algae clouded Trump's vision for the Reflecting Pool. But scientists aren't surprised

Rachel Treisman

The shallow, sunny waters of the reflecting pool are an ideal incubator for algae growth in the summertime. Experts say the recent renovation may have helped accelerate it.
National

What you need to know about the preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement signed by Trump

Ruth Sherlock

Here's a look at the preliminary agreement between the U.S. and Iran, and the challenges that remain to find lasting peace.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.