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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.

Chicago-area homes for sale may disappear from Zillow

A dispute over private listings means buyers may no longer see all Chicago-area homes online.

Real Estate

The company that distributes most Chicago-area home listings is cutting off <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/13/zillow-lawsuit-mred-compass-private-listings-chicago-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="7a9a3ebc-aa50-44d2-9e45-dcf6711a55ea" data-vars-headline="Chicago-area homes for sale may disappear from Zillow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/13/zillow-lawsuit-mred-compass-private-listings-chicago-housing-market" target="_self">Zillow&#x27;s</a> access to those properties.Why it matters: Homebuyers using Zillow and Trulia will soon no longer see all Chicago-area homes for sale, and sellers won&#x27;t be able to rely on those sites to get their listing in front of buyers.

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.

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.

Northern Illinois spared worst of power bill spike

Different energy companies, grids, housing and market structures play a role.

Climate

Residents of Northern Illinois pay about $140 per month for electricity — far less than the roughly $197 paid in central and southern parts of the state, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heatmap News data" data-vars-click-url="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" data-vars-content-id="3c084766-c51d-477d-8b53-bc41847fedbd" data-vars-headline="Northern Illinois spared worst of power bill spike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" target="_blank">Heatmap News data</a>.Why it matters: Although power bills have jumped across the state, they&#x27;ve hit some areas harder than others, which could shed light on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statewide anger" data-vars-click-url="https://superhits979.com/2025/08/05/ameren-illinois-customers-react-to-skyrocketing-electric-bill/" data-vars-content-id="3c084766-c51d-477d-8b53-bc41847fedbd" data-vars-headline="Northern Illinois spared worst of power bill spike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://superhits979.com/2025/08/05/ameren-illinois-customers-react-to-skyrocketing-electric-bill/" target="_blank">statewide anger</a> over energy prices while giving Chicagoans something to feel grateful for.

How to navigate Chicago's flooded roads

Experts say to avoid them but to take it slow and steady if you absolutely must drive through them.

Tuesday night&#x27;s storms were a preview of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heavier downpours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/11/extreme-rainfall-chicago-climate-disaster-costs" data-vars-content-id="e674f276-66e8-40b8-930b-c39caac24d9c" data-vars-headline="How to navigate Chicago&#x27;s flooded roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/11/extreme-rainfall-chicago-climate-disaster-costs" target="_self">heavier downpours</a> Chicago can expect over the next 25 years, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent University of Illinois bulletin" data-vars-click-url="https://stateclimatologist.isws.illinois.edu/2025/07/28/staying-ahead-of-intense-precipitation-in-illinois/" data-vars-content-id="e674f276-66e8-40b8-930b-c39caac24d9c" data-vars-headline="How to navigate Chicago&#x27;s flooded roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stateclimatologist.isws.illinois.edu/2025/07/28/staying-ahead-of-intense-precipitation-in-illinois/" target="_blank">recent University of Illinois bulletin</a>.Why it matters: Intense storms in Chicago are far more common than they used to be — but infrastructure hasn&#x27;t kept up, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sun-Times analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/04/10/flooding-chicago-climate-change-deep-tunnel-mold-metropolitan-water-reclamation-district-soaked" data-vars-content-id="e674f276-66e8-40b8-930b-c39caac24d9c" data-vars-headline="How to navigate Chicago&#x27;s flooded roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/04/10/flooding-chicago-climate-change-deep-tunnel-mold-metropolitan-water-reclamation-district-soaked" target="_blank">Sun-Times analysis</a>.

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

The process turns human remains into soil and is legal in 14 states.

Illinois could soon legalize human composting — a greener death option that&#x27;s currently illegal in state.

Chicago's North Side crushes it on composting

Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Avondale, Irving Park and Edgewater top the list.

North Side neighborhoods continue to dominate registrations for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago&#x27;s food scrap drop off program " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/07/food-scrap-compost-drop-off-pickup" data-vars-content-id="8204cd57-0f23-4e83-89b0-e2da9d0a3de7" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s North Side crushes it on composting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/07/food-scrap-compost-drop-off-pickup" target="_self">Chicago&#x27;s food scrap drop off program </a>that collects kitchen waste and turns it into compost for gardens and landscaping.State of play: Last October, the Department of Streets and Sanitation added <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="13 new drop off points" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/october/food-scrap-drop-off.html" data-vars-content-id="8204cd57-0f23-4e83-89b0-e2da9d0a3de7" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s North Side crushes it on composting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/october/food-scrap-drop-off.html" target="_blank">13 new drop off points</a> next to libraries to create a grand total of 33 sites.<div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food-WOW12" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food-WOW12" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="Tons of food scraps collected by Chicago for compost" class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food/fallbacks/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food-fallback.png" width="1200" height="404"/><img alt="Tons of food scraps collected by Chicago for compost" class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food/fallbacks/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food-apple.png" width="750" height="450"/></div><figcaption>Data: Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation; Chart: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>

Artemis II is ready for takeoff (weather permitting)

The first crewed Moon orbit since 1972 could launch Wednesday.

Aerospace

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/31/artemis-moon-mission-colorado-aerospace" data-vars-content-id="6ebf6dd7-5409-4dd4-b713-ca123eb3c1d5" data-vars-headline="Artemis II is ready for takeoff (weather permitting)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/31/artemis-moon-mission-colorado-aerospace" target="_self">Artemis II</a> is scheduled to launch Wednesday, no earlier than 5:24pm CT, from NASA&#x27;s Kennedy Space Center in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" data-vars-content-id="6ebf6dd7-5409-4dd4-b713-ca123eb3c1d5" data-vars-headline="Artemis II is ready for takeoff (weather permitting)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" target="_self">Florida.</a> Why it matters: This is the first time humans will travel around the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, and paves the way for future missions to Mars.

Neighbors split over $9B Quantum Shore project

The rift is also putting pressure on progressive quantum supporters, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker.

A group of Southsiders launched &quot;Southeast Neighbors for Quantum&quot; this week to support the nascent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$9 billion Quantum Shore campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/20/quantum-computing-hub-south-works-lllinois" data-vars-content-id="f7fb7e66-eb9d-437b-ac19-e5a5dd95d212" data-vars-headline="Neighbors split over $9B Quantum Shore project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/20/quantum-computing-hub-south-works-lllinois" target="_self">$9 billion Quantum Shore campus</a> — just days before their neighbors plan to rally for binding benefits from the developers.Why it matters: The dueling camps are putting Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson in a delicate spot, squeezed between progressive allies demanding stronger community protections and neighbors who see the project as a long-overdue economic investment.

Pritzker re-energizes nuclear power in Illinois

Illinois agencies have been directed to start evaluating new sites for power plants.

After lifting a moratorium on new nuclear facilities last year, Gov. JB Pritzker gave the technology another boost this week with an executive order directing Illinois agencies to start evaluating potential sites for them.

Illinois considers glitter ban over microplastics concerns

The new bill would ban glitter in personal care products.

Business

Illinois residents may need to find new ways to glow up as the state legislature considers banning body glitter.Driving the news: A new bill (HB 4175) would prohibit the sale of personal care products that use nonbiodegradable glitter, starting in 2029.

Southwest Siders file the most dibs complaints

Plus: How long it took the city to remove the objects.

After this weekend&#x27;s storm, you may be tempted to dig out a spot and save it with a lawn chair, but think again. Each year, thousands of Chicagoans turn in their dibbing neighbors, who could lose their chairs and even get a fine.🪏 Here&#x27;s some fresh dibs data we dug up through public records requests:

Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city

Chicagoans prioritize sleep and relationships, helping health ranking.

Health

The home of deep dish and the Chicago dog is actually quite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="healthy " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/health" data-vars-content-id="d90dc873-c113-4a4b-a8cf-470b30820808" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/health" target="_self">healthy </a>compared to other large cities, cracking the top 10.Why it matters: The study from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mindbody" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/top-10-healthiest-cities-united-states-2026" data-vars-content-id="d90dc873-c113-4a4b-a8cf-470b30820808" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/top-10-healthiest-cities-united-states-2026" target="_blank">Mindbody</a>, a fitness, beauty and wellness company, ranked the most populous cities in the U.S. to help determine where residents were prioritizing health and finding balance, factors that can affect overall happiness.

Climate 🌿

Northern Illinois spared worst of power bill spike

How to navigate Chicago's flooded roads

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

Chicago's North Side crushes it on composting

Artemis II is ready for takeoff (weather permitting)