Chicago

blue

A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Axios Chicago Weekender

Weekender

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Chicago with Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann, and Carrie Shepherd.

Axios Chicago

Standard

Chicago Alerts

Alert

Axios Chicago Partners

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Chicago Members

Membership

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.

Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness

A new report says Americans — especially young people — are talking to their neighbors less and less.

Culture

Over my many years in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a>, it has been my neighbors who made me feel most at home. Why it matters: A new report says Americans — especially younger people — are talking to their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">neighbors</a> less and less. Honestly? That bums me out.

Northwestern University taps new leader

Chiang takes over after battles over antisemitism, DEI and transgender care policies.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northwestern University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/29/northwestern-job-cuts-evanston-budget-deficit-layoffs" data-vars-content-id="c75eb911-c6b1-4d66-a274-c3fd94b65ac5" data-vars-headline="Northwestern University taps new leader" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/29/northwestern-job-cuts-evanston-budget-deficit-layoffs" target="_self">Northwestern University</a> has named Mung Chiang as its new president.Why it matters: Northwestern&#x27;s emphasis on Chiang&#x27;s dedication to free speech and free expression signals how the school is aiming to navigate the Trump administration&#x27;s political scrutiny of elite universities.

Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent

Licensed day care centers for infants run about $1,800 a month.

Money

Monthly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="child care bills in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/30/child-care-costs-rise-2020-2024" data-vars-content-id="554916fa-3c2c-4027-9a49-a8d69a27d235" data-vars-headline="Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/30/child-care-costs-rise-2020-2024" target="_self">child care bills in Chicago</a> can cost more than renting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="studio apartment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/chicago-il/" data-vars-content-id="554916fa-3c2c-4027-9a49-a8d69a27d235" data-vars-headline="Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/chicago-il/" target="_blank">studio apartment</a>, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report from child care data analysts Beverly Research" data-vars-click-url="https://beverly.io/research/illinois/chicago-il" data-vars-content-id="554916fa-3c2c-4027-9a49-a8d69a27d235" data-vars-headline="Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beverly.io/research/illinois/chicago-il" target="_blank">new report from child care data analysts Beverly Research</a>.The pricey picture: Tuition for an infant at a licensed Chicago child care center typically runs about $21,613 a year or $1,810 a month, the report says.

White student enrollment at CPS increased from 2010 to 2025

The enrollment shift bucks previous trends of white flight from urban school districts.

While Chicago Public Schools enrollment plummeted between 2010 and 2025, its population of white students rose significantly, per a new Axios analysis.The big picture: The enrollment shift bucks previous trends of white flight from urban school districts and reflects broader demographic changes reshaping the city.<ul><li>Experts say the data highlights a growing preference among some white-collar workers to raise families in urban centers rather than leaving for the suburbs.</li></ul>

Illinois stands apart as book bans surge nationwide

New data shows more nonfiction and LGBTQ+ titles targeted in book bans across the U.S.

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="book bans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/23/book-bans-2024-censorship-libraries-schools" data-vars-content-id="581ffdfc-4119-482d-aa52-dbc195a81268" data-vars-headline="Illinois stands apart as book bans surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/23/book-bans-2024-censorship-libraries-schools" target="_self">book bans</a> reached one of their highest levels ever in 2025, Illinois remains one of the few states with legal protections against removing books from schools and libraries. Why it matters: The normalization and uptick of book bans across the U.S. point to growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="censorship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/trump-nyt-lawsuit-free-speech" data-vars-content-id="581ffdfc-4119-482d-aa52-dbc195a81268" data-vars-headline="Illinois stands apart as book bans surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/trump-nyt-lawsuit-free-speech" target="_self">censorship</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="authoritarianism," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/authoritarian-threat-2026-leaders-roundtable" data-vars-content-id="581ffdfc-4119-482d-aa52-dbc195a81268" data-vars-headline="Illinois stands apart as book bans surge nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/authoritarian-threat-2026-leaders-roundtable" target="_self">authoritarianism,</a> revealing that titles centered on themes of activism and self-expression are increasingly targeted.

Quiz: Test your knowledge of Chicago-area colleges and universities

College graduation season is firmly upon us as most schools are wrapping up finals this week.

DOJ probes Illinois schools over LGBTQ+ policies, but won't say why

Federal officials are reviewing curriculum and facility access, but have not said what laws might have been broken.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Justice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/04/denver-rejects-doj-demand-assault-weapons-ban" data-vars-content-id="aeb7d10c-21ad-4252-bd3f-57b4fe0a2433" data-vars-headline="DOJ probes Illinois schools over LGBTQ+ policies, but won&#x27;t say why" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/04/denver-rejects-doj-demand-assault-weapons-ban" target="_self">Department of Justice</a> is investigating whether 36 Illinois schools, including one Chicago charter network, have included &quot;sexual orientation and gender ideology&quot; content in K–12 classrooms.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-launches-investigations-concerning-gender-ideology-pre-k-12-schools-36" data-vars-content-id="aeb7d10c-21ad-4252-bd3f-57b4fe0a2433" data-vars-headline="DOJ probes Illinois schools over LGBTQ+ policies, but won&#x27;t say why" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-launches-investigations-concerning-gender-ideology-pre-k-12-schools-36" target="_blank">The investigation</a> will also explore whether schools allow transgender students access to restrooms and locker rooms.</li></ul>

Five tips for smart Chicago Day Camp registration

Register and create your wish list now and have a back up plan.

Things to Do

This week starts the yearly battle royale among Chicago parents to secure affordable summer childcare — aka: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Park District day camp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/day-camp" data-vars-content-id="22644267-9eaf-4e98-8472-512d429e08be" data-vars-headline="Five tips for smart Chicago Day Camp registration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/day-camp" target="_blank">Park District day camp</a> registration days.Why it matters: Sign ups for the most popular camps can feel like a Black Friday scrum, but district officials have added some new features this year aimed at helping.

Chicago Public Schools releases a May Day plan

School will be in session, but some can offer field trips and May Day related lessons.

After weeks of confusion over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Public Schools&#x27; May Day plans," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/10/chicago-schools-economic-boycott-ctu-davis-gates-king" data-vars-content-id="f4f0a045-849f-4895-ad4a-1a8db1bae234" data-vars-headline="Chicago Public Schools releases a May Day plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/10/chicago-schools-economic-boycott-ctu-davis-gates-king" target="_self">Chicago Public Schools&#x27; May Day plans,</a> district officials reached a compromise Friday with the Chicago Teachers Union that will keep schools open while allowing some students and teachers excused absences.Why it matters: The standoff left hundreds of thousands of parents and students unsure about child care, instruction and school activities that day.<ul><li>It also highlights ongoing tension between Mayor Brandon Johnson, the school board, CPS CEO Macquline King and the union.</li></ul>

Chicago Public School May Day survey

Do you approve of making May 1 a non-instruction day and understand where the city stands?

May 1 is quickly approaching, and Chicago Public Schools families are still getting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conflicting messages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/10/chicago-schools-economic-boycott-ctu-davis-gates-king" data-vars-content-id="219ffe2a-c558-4aea-8539-98d33dd2f555" data-vars-headline="Chicago Public School May Day survey" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/10/chicago-schools-economic-boycott-ctu-davis-gates-king" target="_self">conflicting messages</a> from the city and school officials about potential May Day closures.

May Day boycott sparks clash over closing Chicago Public Schools

The Chicago Teachers Union wants schools to close so students can participate in a day of civic action.

A planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="May Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/01/photos-chicagos-may-day-protest-thousands-trump-pritzker-gates" data-vars-content-id="5e75382f-71c4-415b-9b36-66a045ec6f97" data-vars-headline="May Day boycott sparks clash over closing Chicago Public Schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/01/photos-chicagos-may-day-protest-thousands-trump-pritzker-gates" target="_self">May Day</a> boycott is putting Chicago Public Schools at the center of a growing political and educational fight.The latest: Labor leaders are calling for a boycott and demonstration on May Day (May 1), asking Chicagoans to avoid shopping, working and attending school.

Education 📚

Northwestern University taps new leader

Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent

White student enrollment at CPS increased from 2010 to 2025

Illinois stands apart as book bans surge nationwide

Quiz: Test your knowledge of Chicago-area colleges and universities