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The giant Pabst Blue Ribbon sign that once towered over downtown Chicago

Here's another installment in our "History Mystery" series investigating archival photos of Chicago.

History

This week&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="History Mystery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/05/history-mystery-palmer-house-construction-state-hotel-fire-potter" data-vars-content-id="bf1c97c2-1dd4-4c65-9f80-d90863844b04" data-vars-headline="The giant Pabst Blue Ribbon sign that once towered over downtown Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/05/history-mystery-palmer-house-construction-state-hotel-fire-potter" target="_self">History Mystery</a>&quot; features a long-lost photo of a neon beer sign that once welcomed people to downtown Chicago. <ul><li>The Pabst Blue Ribbon billboard lit up the night sky at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue decades before Millennium Park existed.</li></ul>

Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel

We compared 6 new and old brands and came out with a surprise.

Food and Drink

Last week, New York&#x27;s H&amp;H Bagels officially landed in Fulton Market, marking the third big national chain to enter the Chicago market in recent months — and raising some local hackles. Why it matters: Chicago&#x27;s local bagel scene has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boomed in recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2021/04/08/yes-chicago-has-good-bagels-heres-where-to-find-them" data-vars-content-id="7f73c0d8-63dc-4c20-9628-7464970e7764" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2021/04/08/yes-chicago-has-good-bagels-heres-where-to-find-them" target="_blank">boomed in recent years</a>, adding to an already strong base of stalwarts like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Bagel &amp; Bialy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newyorkbagelandbialy.net/" data-vars-content-id="7f73c0d8-63dc-4c20-9628-7464970e7764" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newyorkbagelandbialy.net/" target="_blank">New York Bagel &amp; Bialy</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BroBagel" data-vars-click-url="https://brobagel.com/" data-vars-content-id="7f73c0d8-63dc-4c20-9628-7464970e7764" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brobagel.com/" target="_blank">BroBagel</a>.

What to do if you spot a coyote in Chicago

Pup season has Chicago coyotes on the move. Here's how to stay safe and help avoid conflicts.

Environment

It&#x27;s not just <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rats roaming Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/chicago-rat-control-birth-control-pilot-city-council-lincoln-park" data-vars-content-id="c84845de-519d-467b-a5d1-dcec4f1a2c56" data-vars-headline="What to do if you spot a coyote 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/2026/02/05/chicago-rat-control-birth-control-pilot-city-council-lincoln-park" target="_self">rats roaming Chicago</a> streets. You may also be noticing coyotes right now.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire

The police chief leaves after helming a department that saw historic drops in homicides last year.

Public Safety

Chicago Police Department Superintendent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larry Snelling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/14/chicago-police-superintendent-larry-snelling" data-vars-content-id="d67f76c4-c9a6-4c8b-97a5-c51044bb8464" data-vars-headline="Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/14/chicago-police-superintendent-larry-snelling" target="_self">Larry Snelling</a> announced Wednesday that he&#x27;ll retire July 15 after more than three decades with the department. Why it matters: Snelling was Mayor Brandon Johnson&#x27;s first pick to lead CPD and oversaw a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drastic reduction in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/10/crime-decline-homicides-october-trump-national-guard-scotus-johnson" data-vars-content-id="d67f76c4-c9a6-4c8b-97a5-c51044bb8464" data-vars-headline="Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/10/crime-decline-homicides-october-trump-national-guard-scotus-johnson" target="_self">drastic reduction in homicides</a> during his tenure.

O'Hare braces for big Fourth of July travel weekend

The airport is expected to see record passengers even as airlines cut back flights.

News

The Fourth of July weekend may turn out to be another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-setting travel time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/ohares-government-shutdown-flight-midway-traffic-delays-slots" data-vars-content-id="873ce8b3-fd04-4989-b07a-d6444772ec06" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare braces for big Fourth of July travel weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/ohares-government-shutdown-flight-midway-traffic-delays-slots" target="_self">record-setting travel time</a> for O&#x27;Hare, just as the next phase of construction begins at the global airport. Why it matters: Americans continue to travel in record numbers despite higher airfares and fuel prices.

Chicago arts economy generates $50B, report finds

A new report says the creative sector supports 210,000 Chicago jobs and billions in tax revenue.

Money

A new report from Illinois&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arts advocacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/21/trump-art-cuts-chicago-landmarks" data-vars-content-id="d41e2c99-9174-4e5e-8b98-2a8b397b6d9c" data-vars-headline="Chicago arts economy generates $50B, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/21/trump-art-cuts-chicago-landmarks" target="_self">arts advocacy</a> finds that the arts generate more than $50 billion for Chicago&#x27;s economy.Why it matters: Chicago, and increasingly other parts of the state, promote the arts and culture sector to attract tourism, new businesses and residents. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arts Alliance Illinois report" data-vars-click-url="https://artsalliance.org/" data-vars-content-id="d41e2c99-9174-4e5e-8b98-2a8b397b6d9c" data-vars-headline="Chicago arts economy generates $50B, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://artsalliance.org/" target="_blank">Arts Alliance Illinois report</a> validates their argument and puts hard numbers on investment in the arts as an overall win for the economy.

Why Chicago sees LGBTQ+ tourism as a growing economic opportunity

The popular gay neighborhood is going to get a tourism boost from two new luxury hotels.

Business

<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/4585ba33-10b6-47f4-8d02-413f381112ce/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="4585ba33-10b6-47f4-8d02-413f381112ce" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="4585ba33-10b6-47f4-8d02-413f381112ce" data-vars-content-id="836bd9c5-2582-4081-a0d8-a28333044aac" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>This Sunday, the Pride Parade will draw hundreds of thousands of spectators to Northalsted for one of the country&#x27;s biggest neighborhood parades.Why it matters: As some states become less welcoming to LGBTQ+ visitors, Northalsted is betting that Chicago&#x27;s reputation for inclusion can translate into more tourism dollars.

Sam Panayotovich returns to Chicago, joins Fox 32 sports

He'll report on Fox 32 but also anchor Fox 32's digital sports platform.

Sports

Chicago sports reporter Sam Panayotovich is returning home, joining Fox 32&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revamped sports department" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/29/cassie-carlson-named-lead-sports-anchor-at-fox-32-chicago" data-vars-content-id="ee65ea04-4f31-4f60-ac5c-9dd8c414755b" data-vars-headline="Sam Panayotovich returns to Chicago, joins Fox 32 sports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/29/cassie-carlson-named-lead-sports-anchor-at-fox-32-chicago" target="_self">revamped sports department</a> after four years covering Boston sports for NESN. Why it matters: Panayotovich&#x27;s hire emphasizes Fox 32&#x27;s goal of having a stronger digital presence in Chicago sports coverage.The big picture: In 2020, Panayotovich, a Mount Carmel graduate, left WGN Radio for a gig at NESN, where he covered Boston sports and developed his on-camera television experience.<ul><li>He is also a sports betting analyst at Fox Sports. </li></ul>

After 5 seasons, Chicago bids farewell to "The Bear"

The award-winning series launches its final season Thursday night.

Starting Thursday night, viewers should savor the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="final bites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/08/01/the-bear-chicago-review" data-vars-content-id="599a3117-7836-432b-84b4-947657babf2b" data-vars-headline="After 5 seasons, Chicago bids farewell to &quot;The Bear&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/08/01/the-bear-chicago-review" target="_self">final bites</a> of one of the most influential television shows to ever shoot in Chicago. State of play: FX&#x27;s &quot;The Bear&quot; will release its fifth and final season on Thursday. All episodes are available for streaming.

ABC 7 Chicago fights back against FCC broadcast license review

The local station is airing new promos to urge viewers to write the FCC.

Chicago&#x27;s top-rated local newscast is becoming a focal point in a growing battle over broadcast regulation, political speech and the FCC&#x27;s role under President Trump.The latest: The FCC has ordered an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accelerated review" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fcc.gov/document/walt-disney-company-abc-and-tv-subsidiaries" data-vars-content-id="812ef960-3692-4891-87f2-3fe1206c8a09" data-vars-headline="ABC 7 Chicago fights back against FCC broadcast license review" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/walt-disney-company-abc-and-tv-subsidiaries" target="_blank">accelerated review</a> of the broadcast licenses of ABC&#x27;s local stations, including Chicago&#x27;s ABC 7, as it investigates whether the network&#x27;s diversity, equity and inclusion policies violate federal rules.

Illinois' new hemp law could reshape where THC drinks are sold

The law forces intoxicating hemp products into the state's regulated adult-use cannabis program.

Gov. JB Pritzker quietly signed a sweeping new framework into law to regulate hemp-derived <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="THC products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/26/hemp-derived-thc-products-drinks-edibles-cbd-cann-illinois-pritzker" data-vars-content-id="c5a8211e-2d0c-4b78-8792-49a1657a02e3" data-vars-headline="Illinois&#x27; new hemp law could reshape where THC drinks are sold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/26/hemp-derived-thc-products-drinks-edibles-cbd-cann-illinois-pritzker" target="_self">THC products</a>, effectively integrating much of Illinois&#x27; intoxicating hemp market into the state&#x27;s cannabis regulatory system.Why it matters: The new law effectively ends the unlicensed retail market for most THC hemp products and potentially reshapes where hemp-derived THC beverages can be sold.

Amazon Prime Day hotel sale gives Chicago tourism a boost

It's the city's first partnership with Amazon. It'll be the only city featured during Prime Day.

The city&#x27;s tourism arm is teaming up with Amazon to feature Chicago hotels as part of the upcoming Amazon Prime Day sale.Why it matters: Chicago is the only destination featured in the promotion, marking Choose Chicago&#x27;s first partnership with Amazon.

Sylvia Perez leaving Fox 32 after nearly 40 years in Chicago TV news

The veteran is the latest high profile talent to leave the station.

Longtime Chicago anchor and reporter Sylvia Perez announced her departure from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fox 32 on Friday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr3SdyJJH-0" data-vars-content-id="9300af93-2395-4d39-8f2a-61f91b879ca4" data-vars-headline="Sylvia Perez leaving Fox 32 after nearly 40 years in Chicago TV news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr3SdyJJH-0" target="_blank">Fox 32 on Friday</a>. Zoom in: Perez, who has been a fixture in Chicago news for almost 40 years, is leaving television news to expand her production company. <ul><li>She will concentrate on her podcast &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supper with Sylvia" data-vars-click-url="https://supperwithsylvia.buzzsprout.com/" data-vars-content-id="9300af93-2395-4d39-8f2a-61f91b879ca4" data-vars-headline="Sylvia Perez leaving Fox 32 after nearly 40 years in Chicago TV news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://supperwithsylvia.buzzsprout.com/" target="_blank">Supper with Sylvia</a>.&quot; </li></ul>

Business 🏦

O'Hare braces for big Fourth of July travel weekend

Chicagoans bristle at the arrival of big bagel

Chicago arts economy generates $50B, report finds

Why Chicago sees LGBTQ+ tourism as a growing economic opportunity

Sam Panayotovich returns to Chicago, joins Fox 32 sports