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

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

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

Axios Chicago

On my way home from O'Hare on Saturday, I got my first look at the initial phase of the Kennedy Expressway work that will plague commuters as the state rebuilds 7.5 miles of roads and bridges.

Why it matters: This $150 million project to renovate infrastructure is going to make our already slow traffic a little slower for a few years.

And if you're like me, you might have recently been miffed by miles of closed lanes where it appears nobody is working.

I asked officials at the Illinois Department of Transportation what gives — and what to expect as construction gets underway.

What they're saying: IDOT is "still setting up the work zone, which we do at night to minimize disruption to traffic," spokesperson Maria Castaneda tells Axios.

"But once this work zone is set up, that's when you're going to see some really massive work going on."

What to expect: Rainy weather could interrupt work like concrete pouring and "striping," Castaneda says.

Also, for two weeks after concrete is poured in various sections, it may look like "no one is doing anything."

"That's because the concrete needs time to cure to ensure that it's the proper strength to allow a vehicle to drive over it," Castaneda says.

Yes, but: Why do they have to close lanes on the entire 7.5-mile stretch instead of working on smaller sections one at a time?

Doing it all at once actually speeds up the process, she says, "because we are able to do the work concurrently versus completely finishing one portion and then moving on."

What we're watching: Some night work could require even more lane closings, Castaneda warns, "especially if we have to get in there with big cranes or other big machinery."

What's next: IDOT hopes to have the inbound phase done by late fall, when construction will stop for the cold s

What to expect from the first phase of Kennedy Expressway renovations

This project is going to make our already slow traffic a little slower for a few years.

Work zones without workers on the Kennedy. Video: Monica Eng/Axios

Construction

On my way home from O&#x27;Hare on Saturday, I got my first look at the initial phase of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kennedy Expressway work" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcchicago.com/traffic/construction-kennedy-first-weekend-delays/3103553/#:~:text=A%20construction%20project%20on%20a,2025%2C%20operating%20in%20several%20phases." data-vars-content-id="14119f11-2b61-4f85-87f4-3757ff267d36" data-vars-headline="What to expect from the first phase of Kennedy Expressway renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/traffic/construction-kennedy-first-weekend-delays/3103553/#:~:text=A%20construction%20project%20on%20a,2025%2C%20operating%20in%20several%20phases." target="_blank">Kennedy Expressway work</a> that will plague commuters as the state rebuilds 7.5 miles of roads and bridges.Why it matters: This $150 million project to renovate infrastructure is going to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our already slow traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/02/21/chicago-traffic-times-2022" data-vars-content-id="14119f11-2b61-4f85-87f4-3757ff267d36" data-vars-headline="What to expect from the first phase of Kennedy Expressway renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/02/21/chicago-traffic-times-2022" target="_self">our already slow traffic</a> a little slower for a few years.

News

Axios reader Stephen B. recently wrote in about Oak Park's Broken Tart bakery, which serves a chili crisp cheddar biscuit that he dreams of and a "very tasty kale scone."

The place: A small, charming, sunny bakery with a sumptuous display of treats.

The bites: It was too hard to choose between the incredible biscuits and breathtaking scones here so I chose both.

The kale salad scone ($4): A crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside buttery scone studded with chopped kale, cheddar and golden raisins that will win over even the grumpiest kale hater. 

Savory cornbread biscuit ($6.50): Another impossibly rich, crisp and tender creation, but filled with aged cheddar and smoky crisp chilis.

The cornmeal adds a tiny pleasing sweetness to this little puff of heaven.

The verdict: I wanted to order everything in this delightful cafe, including the signature olive oil cake.

Bite Club: Biscuits and scones at Oak Park's Broken Tart bakery

Their kale salad scone will win over even the grumpiest kale hater.

Restaurants

Axios reader Stephen B. recently wrote in about Oak Park&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broken Tart" data-vars-click-url="https://brokentart.com/" data-vars-content-id="235ee270-f16c-496d-9e0a-952e8c9e5beb" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: Biscuits and scones at Oak Park&#x27;s Broken Tart bakery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brokentart.com/" target="_blank">Broken Tart</a> bakery, which serves a chili crisp cheddar biscuit that he dreams of and a &quot;very tasty kale scone.&quot;<ul><li>So naturally I had to check it out.</li></ul>

Food and Drink

With just a week before the Chicago's runoff election, the endorsement race is proving almost as interesting as the election itself.

What's happening: In just the last few days, failed Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey posted a now-removed video on Facebook that touted Paul Vallas' police union backing and said a Brandon Johnson win would be "a dark day" for Chicago and Illinois.

On Sunday, Sen. Dick Durbin threw his support behind Vallas, calling his potential win "an extraordinary opportunity."

Chicago hip-hop musician and actor Common just announced his endorsement of Johnson, while later this week Sen. Bernie Sanders is expected to hit town to do the same.

The intrigue: The most fascinating endorsement yet has come from Chicago indie rock band Wilco, whose lead singer Jeff Tweedy said in a video before a Riv show this weekend:

"We just want to let you know, this is the guy we're voting for: Brandon Johnson."

What he's saying: "Wilco started out via Chicago, and has ended up touring across the world. …This endorsement is a real shot in the arm for our movement," Johnson said in a statement slyly nodding to two Wilco song titles.

Between the lines: It's not clear if voters will dance to the Wilco tune, but it got us wondering which local luminaries could really sway a mayoral race.  Here's what we heard on our social media:

Dave H.: "If former Chicagoan Barack Obama endorsed a candidate, I'd pay attention to that."

Molly S.: "Apparently I'm just listening to musicians … I'm voting with Jeff Tweedy and Steve Albini."

Tom M.: "Since politics is full of clowns, I'd like to see who our dearly beloved Bozo the Clown would endorse?"

Barb G.: "I'm sure that Chicago (the band) speaks for all of us."

Justin's thought bubble: Why stop with Wilco! What does Fall Out Boy think of public safety? Does Dennis Franz care about charter schools? Does Twista want an independent city council?

Monica's thought bubble: Sure you can joke, but for white, affluent, middle-aged North Siders and Lakefront liberals (some of our most active voters) Wilco may offer the most influential endorsement yet.

Durbin is also big with this demographic, but most haven't piped his voice into their ears during the best and worst times of their lives. Music creates a bond.

From Wilco to Bernie Sanders, Chicago gets endorsement fever

It's not clear if voters will dance to the Wilco tune, but it got us wondering which local luminaries could really sway a mayoral race.

Jeff Tweedy and his band Wilco perform at Pritzker Pavilion on Aug. 28, 2021. Photo: Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Elections

With just a week before the Chicago&#x27;s runoff election, the endorsement race is proving almost as interesting as the election itself.What&#x27;s happening: In just the last few days, failed Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted a now-removed video on Facebook" data-vars-click-url="https://capitolfax.com/2023/03/22/bailey-predicts-dark-day-if-johnson-is-elected-mayor/" data-vars-content-id="2b7a8330-d572-4055-8054-d0e4070f728c" data-vars-headline="From Wilco to Bernie Sanders, Chicago gets endorsement fever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capitolfax.com/2023/03/22/bailey-predicts-dark-day-if-johnson-is-elected-mayor/" target="_blank">posted a now-removed video on Facebook</a> that touted Paul Vallas&#x27; police union backing and said a Brandon Johnson win would be &quot;a dark day&quot; for Chicago and Illinois.

Politics

Data: RE/MAX; Note: Overall number includes 50 metro areas analyzed by RE/MAX; Table: Kavya Beheraj/Axios

Home sales were down more than 28% year over year in the Chicago metro area, per RE/MAX's recent report on February data.

What's happening: In 2022, potential buyers were desperate for more inventory. Now, homes are hitting the market, but people can't afford them, Axios' Brianna Crane writes.

State of play: Rates for a 30-year loan were at 6.09% in early February, and shot up to 6.65% by the end of the month, per Freddie Mac.

By the numbers: Chicago's slowdown was worse than the national average but still less severe than those in Miami and San Francisco.

The median sale price for a Chicago-area home inched up from $284,000 in February 2022 to $285,000 last month.

The number of days a home stayed on the market jumped from 29 to 36 over that period.

Between the lines: Because there's less competition right now, buyers don't have to front as much cash as they did a year ago, Axios' Emily Peck reports

What's more: Buyers who can afford these mortgage rates have more power.

They choose from a wider variety of homes than they did a year ago and take their time searching.

And they no longer have to make offers wildly above list price.

Yes, but: These interest rates also make buying unaffordable for many.

What's next: Mortgage rates dropped nearly a quarter-point this month, which means buyer activity will probably pick up again.

Chicago home sales are slowing down

Homes are hitting the market and people can't afford them.

Housing

Home sales were down more than 28% year over year in the Chicago metro area, per RE/MAX&#x27;s recent report on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="February data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/remax-national-housing-report-for-february-2023-301774754.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/remax-national-housing-report-for-february-2023-301774754.html" target="_blank">February data</a>.What&#x27;s happening: In 2022, potential buyers were desperate for more inventory. Now, homes are hitting the market, but people can&#x27;t afford them, Axios&#x27; Brianna Crane writes.

Real Estate

Late last year Circle K convenience stores landed in Chicago, a new competitor to our tried-and-true 7-Eleven.

You may know Circle K for its highway gas station stores, but the company recently opened smaller "urban format" shops in Dublin, Hong Kong, Montreal and now Chicago.

First look: Their 10 stores across downtown, the West Loop and Lakeview feel like newer, shinier 7-Elevens with maki rolls, hot dogs, sandwiches and pricey groceries. But their big claim to fame? Good coffee.

So Monica decided to test drive Circle K's java for our feature reviewing life experiences around Chicago — and to determine whether it trumps 7-Eleven.

Circle K: The coffee is dispensed from a fancy touch-screen machine that lets you select your size, roast and bean. I chose a 5oz, medium Colombian coffee.

The brew came out hot, bold and tasty, and I used the creamer machine to inject it with cold half-and-half.

I paid $1.61, including tax, and enjoyed every last sip.

7-Eleven: I used a similar machine to order a 5oz Colombian dark-to-medium roast and topped it off with two half-and-half containers — no cream machine here.

It cost $2.19 and tasted weaker, older and colder.

The verdict: Circle K delivers a tastier, fresher and surprisingly cheaper coffee experience.

And one that could lure me in to try that sushi or even a hot dog.

Test Drive: Chicago's convenience store coffees

We put Circle K's java to the test to determine whether it trumps 7-Eleven.

We taste tested two major convenience store coffees with startling results. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Convenience stores

Late last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Circle K convenience stores landed in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2022/8/18/23311971/circle-k-convenience-stores-downtown-loop-chicago-market-7-eleven" data-vars-content-id="69ec2345-2c98-4289-9243-d694ba4b0c13" data-vars-headline="Test Drive: Chicago&#x27;s convenience store coffees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2022/8/18/23311971/circle-k-convenience-stores-downtown-loop-chicago-market-7-eleven" target="_blank">Circle K convenience stores landed in Chicago</a>, a new competitor to our tried-and-true 7-Eleven.<ul><li>You may know Circle K for its highway gas station stores, but the company recently opened smaller &quot;urban format&quot; shops in Dublin, Hong Kong, Montreal and now Chicago.</li></ul>

Monica Eng

Featured stories

What to expect from the first phase of Kennedy Expressway renovations

From Wilco to Bernie Sanders, Chicago gets endorsement fever

Chicago home sales are slowing down

Bite Club: Biscuits and scones at Oak Park's Broken Tart bakery

Test Drive: Chicago's convenience store coffees