Illinois snubbed on federal lead removal help — again

1 big thing: Illinois snubbed on lead help — again

Why Chicago should be chosen for the 2024 DNC over Atlanta

2. DNC convention candidates: Chicago vs. Atlanta 

3. Tips and hot links: R.I.P. Golden Jet

Meet the (possible) mayor: Kam Buckner

4. Meet the (possible) mayor: Kam Buckner 

Take your career to the next level

5. Readers pick favorite rib tips 

6. Where in the world is ... Monica?

☃️ Happy Tuesday. On this day in 2011, Snowmageddon arrived! Snow fell so fast that cars were stranded for miles on Lake Shore Drive. 

🥶 Today's weather: January is getting all January on its last day. It's going to be very cold. High of just 15°.

It's a great day to contribute to our newsroom by becoming a member! 

Today's newsletter is 916 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

Edited by Alexa Mencia and copy edited by Rob Reinalda and Keely Bastow.

🌨 Monica is so ready for this long, gray, dreary month to be ovah! Bring on February with a side of sunshine, please!

😢 Justin is sad to hear of Cindy Williams' passing. She was so great in Andy Kaufman's television special "Andy's Funhouse" back in 1979. 

Want free Axios swag? Refer your friends to Axios Chicago and get cool merch like stickers, totes, hats, T-shirts and more!

Chicago

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng and Justin Kaufmann.

Axios Chicago

Chicago business community quiet on mayoral race

1 big thing: Biz community quiet on mayoral race

2. Chart of the day: We're still hot

3. Tips and hot links 

Illustration of the Art Institute of Chicago's Lion statue holding a newspaper in its mouth.

Lloyd Sachs uncovers decades-old chats with filmmakers on new podcast

4. Podcast spotlight: "Sachs and the Cinema"

New jobs to check out

Jesse White's Best Day Ever in Chicago

5. Best Day Ever: Jesse White 

Happy Friday! It's National Bubble Gum Day. We hope your gum never loses its flavor. 

🥶 Today's weather: Good news is that it's sunny again. The bad news is that it is subfreezing out. Today's high is only 12°. The wind-chill? Don't ask. 

🏀 Situational awareness: ESPN and the ACC Network are celebrating "Michael Jordan Day" today (2/3/23). They are showing classic games and highlights on several of their platforms.  

Today's newsletter is 899 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

🥰 Monica loves seeing her three great-aunties and Eng family restaurants featured in this current exhibit at the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago. 

🏈 Justin is sorry to see Tom Brady retire but is excited about the ripple effect it might have for the Bears. 

Chicago company Truleo uses AI to scan police bodycam footage

1 big thing: AI scans bodycam footage 

Illustration of a star-shaped spotlight on a police hat.

Meet the (possible) mayor: Ja'Mal Green

2. Meet the (possible) mayor: Ja'Mal Green 

Photo of a man speaking at a press conference. 

Illustration of a humongous Willis Tower looming over the earth and sending out small lightning bolts from its antennas.

Plan your future

4. Closing time: January 2023 

Photo of the outside of a Bed Bath & Beyond

5. Where's Monica? The Wicker Park Walgreens 

Photo of a room called the "vitamin vault" at a drug store. 

Today's weather: It's supposed to get to 28° later today. But right now at press time, it's only 7°. 

🗓 Situational awareness: Today is the first day of Black History Month. Who in the Black community is making a difference and deserves to be recognized? Hit reply to let us know.

Today's newsletter is 868 words — a 3-minute read. 

🇵🇱 Monica is extremely envious of her Cleveland colleagues who get to cover Pierogi Week in their city. She's headed to Alexandra's so she can host a Pierogi Day in her home. 

🍕 Justin is flabbergasted that his colleagues in Atlanta believe they have better pizza than Chicago. He loves civic pride, but that's just blasphemy. Let's take to Twitter! 

Candace Parker poised to leave Chicago for Las Vegas

1 big thing: Candace Parker heads west 

Photo of a woman celebrating on the court after winning a basketball championship.

Trail Mix: "Chuy" García off to rough start, Pritzker plays kingmaker

2. Trail Mix: Stumbling out of the gates 

Illustration of Chicago City Hall with lines radiating from it.

3. Tips and hot links

Illustration of a restaurant-style neon sign featuring the Axios logo, and reading "Tips & Hot Links."

Bite Club: Singapore fries at Chi Burgerbabi in Hegewisch

4.  Bite Club: Singapore fries  

Is a new job in your future?

5. Photo of the week: Mahalia Jackson's funeral 

Photo of a bunch of guys standing around in suits. 

Happy Monday! Today is National Bubble Wrap Day. So pop 'em if you got 'em. 

Today's weather:  Here comes the cold. The high is only 14°.

Today's newsletter is 907 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

🗓 Monica is excited about tonight's collaboration at Honey Butter Fried Chicken with Monchomoncheo, featuring fresh takes on the jibarito sandwich and more. 

🎂 Justin is wishing his mom a Happy Birthday! It's a day late, but hey, there's no newsletter on Sundays. Yet. 

Want free Axios swag? Refer your friends to Axios Chicago and get cool merch like stickers, totes, hats, T-shirts and more.

Chicago's food prices fall, but consumers still seek relief

1 big thing: Food prices are falling 

Meet the (possible) mayor: Sophia King

2. Meet the (possible) mayor: Sophia King 

Woodstock marks 30th anniversary of "Groundhog Day"

4. Woodstock celebrates 30th "Groundhog Day"

A new career is waiting for you

Food Fight: Chicago's best guacamole

5. 🥑 Food Fight: Holy guacamole

🌇 Happy Thursday. We were thinking about waking up super early to see if the groundhog saw his shadow, but maybe we'll just sleep in. 

Today's weather: Sunny and nice until the afternoon, when temperatures are expected to drop. The high will be around 33°.

🗳️ Situational awareness: Tonight, Justin is moderating the 45th Ward Aldermanic Candidate Forum at the Copernicus Center theater in Jefferson Park. Doors open at 6:30pm. 

🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Chicago member Judith Grobe Sachs!

Today's newsletter is 919 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

🤸🏿‍♀️ Monica is wishing she was 12 years old again, so she could audition for the Jesse White Tumblers on Saturday at 10am when they hold tryouts at Tuley Park on the South Side.  

🎶 Justin is excited for Beyoncé in Chicago. He can see the stars all the way from here, especially comin' up after midnight, while feeling like falling in love with them sirens going off. He bets you'll see far, bets you'll see stars. Alien Superstar. Oh yeah, he too has hot sauce in his bag. Swag. 

Want free Axios swag? Refer  your friends to Axios Chicago and get cool merch like stickers, totes, hats, T-shirts and more!

Justin Kaufmann

Newsletter editions

🍳 Jesse White's tasty day

🎤 Meet Sophia King

👀 AI police tool

🎤 Meet Kam Buckner

😢 Bye, Candace