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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.

Report dissects Chicago's ETOD progress

A new report says Chicago has expanded ETOD policies, but gaps remain in disinvested areas.

Transit

Five years after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" data-vars-content-id="8c3411a8-b66f-4d7a-8d66-c4e8fea5969a" data-vars-headline="Report dissects Chicago&#x27;s ETOD progress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" target="_self">Chicago</a> adopted its first equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) plan, a new report digs into the city&#x27;s progress.Why it matters: City and state leaders have implemented policies that prioritize access to public transit when building and revitalizing residential and commercial properties, but more work is needed to ensure ETOD doesn&#x27;t favor wealthier, white neighborhoods as it has in the past, according to the report.

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.

Chicago Architecture Center turns 60 — and looks ahead

CAC serves as a connector for the many entities vying to determine the city's built environment.

History

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Architecture Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/15/open-house-chicago-2025-new-sites-architecture-tour" data-vars-content-id="40ca46ed-feac-485f-9aa3-ba4f48528976" data-vars-headline="Chicago Architecture Center turns 60 — and looks ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/15/open-house-chicago-2025-new-sites-architecture-tour" target="_self">Chicago Architecture Center</a> celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Its leaders say their mission is not just to highlight the city&#x27;s history, but to help shape how Chicago looks in the future.Why it matters: While most locals and visitors know the center&#x27;s work through its walking and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boat tours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/02/chicago-bucket-list-experiences" data-vars-content-id="40ca46ed-feac-485f-9aa3-ba4f48528976" data-vars-headline="Chicago Architecture Center turns 60 — and looks ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/02/chicago-bucket-list-experiences" target="_self">boat tours</a>, CAC also serves as a connector for the many entities vying to determine the city&#x27;s built environment.

Chicago renters face bidding wars for apartments

With low inventory and rising rents, Chicago renters are increasingly forced to outbid others.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago renters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/16/chicago-rent-growth-big-cities-apartment-list-harvard-renters-cost-burdened" data-vars-content-id="d4ced31f-3bca-46c6-9000-0bc6050d6aab" data-vars-headline="Chicago renters face bidding wars for apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/16/chicago-rent-growth-big-cities-apartment-list-harvard-renters-cost-burdened" target="_self">Chicago renters</a> are facing bidding wars — competing for apartments the way homebuyers do.Why it matters: Chicago renters are paying roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$100 more per month " data-vars-click-url="https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/chicago-il" data-vars-content-id="d4ced31f-3bca-46c6-9000-0bc6050d6aab" data-vars-headline="Chicago renters face bidding wars for apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/chicago-il" target="_blank">$100 more per month </a>than a year ago, pushing many out of neighborhoods they could once afford.

New windows sharpen views at Chicago's 360 deck

New glass and added floors will expand the observation deck and sharpen skyline views by 2027.

The view at the top of 875 N. Michigan Ave. just got a little clearer.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="360 CHICAGO" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/11/hancock-tower-observation-deck-expansion" data-vars-content-id="6dcfcdca-91f2-497f-9872-1b0289e93b64" data-vars-headline="New windows sharpen views at Chicago&#x27;s 360 deck" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/11/hancock-tower-observation-deck-expansion" target="_self">360 CHICAGO</a> is adding two more floors to the current observation deck on the 94th floor in the building most Chicagoans know as the Hancock. <ul><li>When the two-floor viewing area and events space on the 95th and 96th floors are complete, it will create Chicago&#x27;s first multi-story observation deck.</li></ul>

The Hand & The Eye opens in Chicago

The Hand & The Eye joins a wave of recent openings on or near Michigan Avenue that draw crowds.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hand &amp; The Eye" data-vars-click-url="https://www.handandeye.com/" data-vars-content-id="9f04c5aa-9004-4c61-a42c-419b9c8d9ec7" data-vars-headline="The Hand &amp; The Eye opens in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.handandeye.com/" target="_blank">The Hand &amp; The Eye</a> — touted as the largest magic venue in the world — opens in Chicago on April 18. Why it matters: Tickets are on sale for the 36,000-square-foot venue that transformed the old McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St.

From stadiums to skyscrapers: Chicago's most anticipated 2026 projects

The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in June.

Last year brought us proposals for new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadiums" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/03/joe-mansueto-fire-fc-soccer-stadium-78-south-loop-white-sox" data-vars-content-id="fe597e20-7c34-42f7-9849-29ef3fd60e10" data-vars-headline="From stadiums to skyscrapers: Chicago&#x27;s most anticipated 2026 projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/03/joe-mansueto-fire-fc-soccer-stadium-78-south-loop-white-sox" target="_self">stadiums</a> and extreme pivots on massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="megadevelopments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/23/lincoln-yards-lori-lightfoot-sterling-bay/" data-vars-content-id="fe597e20-7c34-42f7-9849-29ef3fd60e10" data-vars-headline="From stadiums to skyscrapers: Chicago&#x27;s most anticipated 2026 projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/23/lincoln-yards-lori-lightfoot-sterling-bay/" target="_blank">megadevelopments</a>.Here are the big projects on our radar this year:

From bungalows to greystones: New book reveals real architecture of Chicago

It's a first-of-its-kind look at the stunning architecture of Chicago neighborhoods.

Development

There is so much fanfare for the city&#x27;s downtown architecture, but a new book argues the real heart and soul of Chicago design is in its homes.The big picture: The book &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Homes: A Portrait of the City&#x27;s Everyday Architecture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.agatepublishing.com/9781572843578/chicago-homes/" data-vars-content-id="8258fc8e-5edc-4cb0-8780-d6f4aa853760" data-vars-headline="From bungalows to greystones: New book reveals real architecture of Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.agatepublishing.com/9781572843578/chicago-homes/" target="_blank">Chicago Homes: A Portrait of the City&#x27;s Everyday Architecture</a>&quot; is a comprehensive look at the unique styles and designs in neighborhood homes.

Chicago's LGBTQ+ crosswalks make a vibrant comeback

The Northalsted Business Alliance is updating the design for the 11 crosswalks in the neighborhood.

Culture

The Northalsted neighborhood is finally bringing back the colorful LGBTQ+ crosswalks.The latest: Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) crews have been busy repainting select crosswalks around the North Side neighborhood after removing the older ones for a road repair and resurfacing project in September.

Chicago commuters brace for years of detours as bridge work begins

Just as the Kennedy Expressway construction project nears its end, three bridge closings could snarl traffic.

Chicago commuters: Do you want the good news or the bad news?First, the good news! The Kennedy Expressway construction is on schedule to be done by late fall, and the Illinois Department of Transportation says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outbound lanes could reopen" data-vars-click-url="https://illinois-department-of-transportation.prezly.com/outbound-kennedy-lanes-to-fully-reopen" data-vars-content-id="0ae4076d-259a-459c-b222-1d2d111ea789" data-vars-headline="Chicago commuters brace for years of detours as bridge work begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://illinois-department-of-transportation.prezly.com/outbound-kennedy-lanes-to-fully-reopen" target="_blank">outbound lanes could reopen</a> as soon as this weekend.<ul><li>And after three years, the Harrison Street Bridge and viaduct project is complete and the bridge is reopening Friday.</li></ul>

Development 🏗️

Report dissects Chicago's ETOD progress

McDonald's lands naming rights to Chicago Fire FC stadium

Chicago Architecture Center turns 60 — and looks ahead

Chicago renters face bidding wars for apartments

New windows sharpen views at Chicago's 360 deck