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Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches in Chicago

From the sando at Sarima Cafe to the treats at TXA TXA and Doma, we've got you covered.

Things to Do

Chicago has no shortage of great breakfast sandwiches. Flashback: In 2022, Axios Chicago gathered<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" this tasty list " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" data-vars-content-id="4c8484a4-05f8-4c34-9939-1ad94e027464" data-vars-headline="Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" target="_self"> this tasty list </a>of old standbys, which included the sandwich from James Beard Award-winning Kasama and the tasty traditional fare at Do-Rite Donuts. Yes, but: That was four years ago — a lifetime for Chicago businesses and palates.

Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs

A meeting is scheduled on Saturday in Barrington.

News

A long-shot movement to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="split Illinois into two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" data-vars-content-id="658d88ab-cafd-4b4a-84fd-d93d82c39fef" data-vars-headline="Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" target="_self">split Illinois into two</a> states is finding support beyond rural downstate counties and into parts of the Chicago suburbs.The latest: Saturday morning, New Illinois will hold meetings in Barrington to give updates on the push for a new state.

New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy

From Uniqlo to Oakbrook pop-ups, new Chicago-area retail openings are sparking long lines.

Business

Excitement around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new retail stores in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/leica-chicago-first-store-michigan-avenue" data-vars-content-id="2992c1a0-4dc0-4557-b9e5-a86aa0c904d9" data-vars-headline="New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/leica-chicago-first-store-michigan-avenue" target="_self">new retail stores in Chicago</a> has led to long lines, and in at least one case, police on the scene.The big picture: New tenants continue to fill storefronts on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Avenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/president-trump-magnificient-mile-chicago-trump-tower" data-vars-content-id="2992c1a0-4dc0-4557-b9e5-a86aa0c904d9" data-vars-headline="New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/president-trump-magnificient-mile-chicago-trump-tower" target="_self">Michigan Avenue</a>, and shops with very loyal followers are popping up in neighborhoods and the suburbs.

Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities

The city is seeing an uptick in homicides, while other violent crimes drop.

U.S. cities are experiencing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sharp declines in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">sharp declines in homicides</a> this year — with one notable exception: Chicago.Why it matters: Chicago is entering the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional summer months for crime," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" target="_self">traditional summer months for crime,</a> with homicides slightly ahead of last year&#x27;s pace, even as many major cities report steep declines in killings.

Chicago loses a comedy outlet with end of Colbert's show

The late night television show wraps up Thursday night after CBS pulled the plug.

When Stephen Colbert signs off permanently Thursday night, it&#x27;ll also mark the end of an era for several &quot;Late Show&quot; staffers who got their start in Chicago.The latest: &quot;The Late Show With Stephen Colbert&quot; is ending its run after CBS canceled the show, having produced nearly 1,800 episodes.

Chicago passes tipped minimum wage compromise

The measure sets up different rules for small and large restaurants.

Politics

After months of back-and-forth, alders voted Wednesday to slow scheduled increases in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipped minimum wage." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" data-vars-content-id="69b1e53d-4745-4096-a602-275e8943a5cb" data-vars-headline="Chicago passes tipped minimum wage compromise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" target="_self">tipped minimum wage.</a>Why it matters: The fight over tipped wages has become one of the city&#x27;s most contentious debates, pitting worker advocates against restaurant owners worried about rising labor costs.

Billy Goat Tavern own Sam Sianis dies at 91

The Greek-born bar owner hosted presidents, sports stars and celebrities at his place.

Legendary<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Billy Goat Tavern " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/13/wrigleyville-billy-goat-opens" data-vars-content-id="71718b49-bcbd-4db3-a0b8-b85f744a9b32" data-vars-headline="Billy Goat Tavern own Sam Sianis dies at 91" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/13/wrigleyville-billy-goat-opens" target="_self"> Billy Goat Tavern </a>owner Sam Sianis, 91, died Friday morning surrounded by his family, the restaurant<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" announced on social media." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXhCKSRtz4/" data-vars-content-id="71718b49-bcbd-4db3-a0b8-b85f744a9b32" data-vars-headline="Billy Goat Tavern own Sam Sianis dies at 91" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXhCKSRtz4/" target="_blank"> announced on social media.</a>

Chicago Mayor Johnson ramps up fight to keep Bears in city

The mayor is running out of time to convince the team and the state legislature.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is making a last-ditch push to keep the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bears in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/illinois-senate-bears-stadium-taxes-arlington-heights-indiana" data-vars-content-id="5e59ba3a-86f1-41c5-bfb0-73d314585f89" data-vars-headline="Chicago Mayor Johnson ramps up fight to keep Bears in city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/illinois-senate-bears-stadium-taxes-arlington-heights-indiana" target="_self">Bears in Chicago</a>.Why it matters: The battle over the Bears&#x27; next stadium is entering a critical final stretch as Springfield&#x27;s spring legislative session nears its end.

McDonald's lands naming rights to Chicago Fire FC stadium

The partnership goes beyond the pitch, investing in soccer programs across Chicago.

The Chicago Fire FC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/17/first-look-chicago-fire-fc-soccer-mansueto-south-loop-stadium-78-renderings" data-vars-content-id="5b6422c5-63b0-48f9-bf3e-166011b83abe" data-vars-headline="McDonald&#x27;s lands naming rights to Chicago Fire FC stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/17/first-look-chicago-fire-fc-soccer-mansueto-south-loop-stadium-78-renderings" target="_self">new stadium</a> now has a name: McDonald&#x27;s Park. The latest: The team announced a partnership with Chicago-based McDonald&#x27;s that extends beyond traditional stadium naming rights.

Jim's Original, Rivers and more: Chicago businesses closing in 2026

Spring was rough for Chicago restaurants and small businesses.

Spring is usually when Chicago businesses look ahead. Instead, this year has brought a wave of restaurant and retail closures — from icons like Jim&#x27;s Original to longtime neighborhood staples across the city.The big picture: A growing list of Chicago restaurant and retail closures this spring offers a snapshot of broader changes reshaping neighborhoods, commercial corridors and dining habits.

Illinois AG opposes Peoples Gas rate hike request

Chicago gas customers could pay about $11 more monthly under the utility's proposal.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is opposing a proposed Peoples Gas rate hike alongside consumer advocates.Why it matters: The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Illinois PIRG say that Illinois customers could pay about $11 more a month by the end of the year if regulators approve the rate hike.<ul><li>Peoples Gas says it needs the hike to stay on track to replace aging gas lines.</li></ul>

Illinois lawmakers debate new AI guardrails

Lawmakers cited chatbot-linked suicides while debating new AI transparency requirements.

Illinois lawmakers are pushing for stronger guardrails around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="bc5a11d6-52a4-4703-b5bb-44dc689a83d5" data-vars-headline="Illinois lawmakers debate new AI guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a>, but opponents fear that regulation could stifle progress.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legislature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-car-insurance-bill-sb1486-rate-review-credit-score-zip-code-pricing" data-vars-content-id="bc5a11d6-52a4-4703-b5bb-44dc689a83d5" data-vars-headline="Illinois lawmakers debate new AI guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-car-insurance-bill-sb1486-rate-review-credit-score-zip-code-pricing" target="_self">Legislature</a> is currently debating several bills focused on the technology, including one calling on companies to prioritize user safety and another that would hold them liable for any potential harm.

Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set

A Springfield proposal would shift pricing toward driving records and require advance notice of rate hikes.

Illinois lawmakers are considering changes to how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="car insurance rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/car-insurance-rates-falling-rising-states-map" data-vars-content-id="0c826134-66cc-4255-a640-7b223c577f7b" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/car-insurance-rates-falling-rising-states-map" target="_self">car insurance rates</a> are set.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate Bill 1486," data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=SB&amp;DocNum=1486&amp;GAID=18&amp;SessionID=114&amp;LegID=160057" data-vars-content-id="0c826134-66cc-4255-a640-7b223c577f7b" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=SB&amp;DocNum=1486&amp;GAID=18&amp;SessionID=114&amp;LegID=160057" target="_blank">Senate Bill 1486,</a> which passed the House in March, would give the Illinois Department of Insurance new authority to review and challenge rates.<ul><li>It would also require insurance providers to give at least 60 days&#x27; notice before any excessive rate hike and to determine prices based on driving record rather than age, credit score or ZIP code.</li></ul>

Business 🏦

Chicago loses a comedy outlet with end of Colbert's show

Chicago passes tipped minimum wage compromise

New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy

Billy Goat Tavern own Sam Sianis dies at 91

Chicago Mayor Johnson ramps up fight to keep Bears in city