Chicago

blue

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

Axios Chicago

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann and Carrie Shepherd.

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Chicago Alerts

Alert

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

Axios Chicago Weekender

Weekender

Axios Chicago Partners

Chicago Members

Membership

Food Fight: Where to get the best donuts in Chicago

Our reporters duke it out over their favorite treats in town.

Food and Drink

This week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/17/food-fight-best-thin-crust-pizza-dagostinos-foxs-michaels" data-vars-content-id="2608e0e9-7ba7-4e7a-837e-a2f60ec9ddd3" data-vars-headline="Food Fight: Where to get the best donuts 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/2026/08/17/food-fight-best-thin-crust-pizza-dagostinos-foxs-michaels" target="_self">Food Fight</a> is all about Chicago&#x27;s best pillowy, fluffy, glazed, gooey and fresh-fried treats.Why it matters: Life&#x27;s too short for mediocre donuts.

Chicago's most beautiful houses of worship face off

Vote your favorites through our 16-site bracket to crown Chicago's most picturesque place of worship.

Culture

This month&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Chicago tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/27/best-living-chicago-celebrity-murray-pope-oprah-cusack-obama" data-vars-content-id="17e46c77-73fa-41c5-8ff2-d84bbe247d57" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s most beautiful houses of worship face off" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/27/best-living-chicago-celebrity-murray-pope-oprah-cusack-obama" target="_self">Axios Chicago tournament</a> is about the best-looking houses of worship in the Chicago area.Between the lines: We&#x27;re not talking faith. We&#x27;re talking architecture.

Chicago civic leaders plan a 15-minute train to O'Hare 

There's no word yet on fare cost or a launch date.

Transit

The trip from downtown Chicago to O&#x27;Hare could take just 15 minutes if a new plan announced Tuesday takes off. Why it matters: Fast transportation from the city to O&#x27;Hare, like Elon Musk&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Boring Company&quot; plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/elon-musks-company-to-build-ohare-express-tunnel/147447/" data-vars-content-id="23c9f33a-9f8f-4ea3-93e9-a9902e6cbf41" data-vars-headline="Chicago civic leaders plan a 15-minute train to O&#x27;Hare " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/elon-musks-company-to-build-ohare-express-tunnel/147447/" target="_blank">&quot;Boring Company&quot; plan</a>, has fascinated leaders for years but hasn&#x27;t materialized.

Trump's Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight

Is Illinois getting the shaft on federal storm aid due to politics?

Climate

President Trump&#x27;s rapid emergency declaration for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storm-ravaged Indiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/17/indiana-launches-emergency-assistance-housing-vouchers-for-flood-victims" data-vars-content-id="5db2749c-7612-4556-901a-5f0771ddb6f5" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/17/indiana-launches-emergency-assistance-housing-vouchers-for-flood-victims" target="_self">storm-ravaged Indiana</a> is renewing Democratic concerns about partisanship in federal disaster aid.Why it matters: Thousands of Illinoisans are dealing with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="damaged or lost property" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/12/illinois-derecho-tornado-indiana-south-suburbs-trees-power-flooding" data-vars-content-id="5db2749c-7612-4556-901a-5f0771ddb6f5" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/12/illinois-derecho-tornado-indiana-south-suburbs-trees-power-flooding" target="_self">damaged or lost property</a> from the same derecho that produced eight tornadoes, power outages and flooding on both sides of the state line.

UChicago limiting tech in classes

Students will read on paper and discuss texts face to face in device-free classes.

Education

Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/uchicago-northwestern-financial-aid-lawsuit-settlement-payments-class-action" data-vars-content-id="0a459a36-1ad8-43da-bc79-7f780adcf2ab" data-vars-headline="UChicago limiting tech in classes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/uchicago-northwestern-financial-aid-lawsuit-settlement-payments-class-action" target="_self">University of Chicago</a> students can expect an analog classroom experience next school year.Why it matters: As higher education <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grapples with the role AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/college-major-ai-skills-job-search" data-vars-content-id="0a459a36-1ad8-43da-bc79-7f780adcf2ab" data-vars-headline="UChicago limiting tech in classes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/college-major-ai-skills-job-search" target="_self">grapples with the role AI</a> plays in students&#x27; academic careers, the prestigious university known for intellectual rigor believes the classroom should be a space for &quot;free, robust and uninhibited discussion.&quot;

Chicago Public Schools shifts 2026 AI rollout 

The district is retaining an AI-assisted literacy tool for grade-schoolers.

As Chicago Public Schools students return to class Monday, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="role of AI in the district " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/18/cps-board-candidates-asked-to-sign-ai-pledge-" data-vars-content-id="7f7b1c05-b856-4d55-8ad2-ef3abc78af60" data-vars-headline="Chicago Public Schools shifts 2026 AI rollout " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/18/cps-board-candidates-asked-to-sign-ai-pledge-" target="_self">role of AI in the district </a>remains under debate, with one AI literacy app in place and a high school chatbot getting the boot.Why it matters: The discontinuation of these programs could have a significant impact on how CPS students learn. And local questions on the issue reflect wider debates lawmakers and<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" education officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/alpha-schools-ai-expansion-50-campuses" data-vars-content-id="7f7b1c05-b856-4d55-8ad2-ef3abc78af60" data-vars-headline="Chicago Public Schools shifts 2026 AI rollout " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/alpha-schools-ai-expansion-50-campuses" target="_self"> education officials</a> are having around the country.

School board candidates split on AI use limits 

The pledge would place a 3-year moratorium on generative AI use.

A Chicago Public Schools parent group is asking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/01/chicago-school-board-campaign-season-begins" data-vars-content-id="2cf16b37-272f-4017-b148-981b46dd1302" data-vars-headline="School board candidates split on AI use limits " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/01/chicago-school-board-campaign-season-begins" target="_self">school board</a> candidates to sign a pledge limiting AI use in the district. So far, about half of all board contenders have signed.Why it matters: The effort, led by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois Families for Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilfps.org/" data-vars-content-id="2cf16b37-272f-4017-b148-981b46dd1302" data-vars-headline="School board candidates split on AI use limits " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilfps.org/" target="_blank">Illinois Families for Public Schools</a> (IFPS), could have a major impact on the way Chicago students learn this year.

NEIU adds AI major

The new program mixes computer science with AI ethics as students prepare for a changing job market.

Northeastern Illinois University on Chicago&#x27;s North Side just became the first public university in the state to offer an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI major" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/college-major-ai-skills-job-search" data-vars-content-id="b7bccef4-76f9-4a4a-8a31-d66d74c6e964" data-vars-headline="NEIU adds AI major" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/15/college-major-ai-skills-job-search" target="_self">AI major</a>.Why it matters:<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" " data-vars-click-url="https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market#--:explore:unemployment" data-vars-content-id="b7bccef4-76f9-4a4a-8a31-d66d74c6e964" data-vars-headline="NEIU adds AI major" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market#--:explore:unemployment" target="_blank"> </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Unemployment for recent grads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market#--:explore:unemployment" data-vars-content-id="b7bccef4-76f9-4a4a-8a31-d66d74c6e964" data-vars-headline="NEIU adds AI major" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market#--:explore:unemployment" target="_blank">Unemployment for recent grads</a> is the highest it&#x27;s been in three years, putting more pressure on universities to prepare students for a job market disrupted by AI.

Illinois' undocumented student tuition law faces uncertain future

It's unclear whether the state will appeal the recent federal court ruling striking down the law.

A federal judge ruled this month that Illinois&#x27; laws allowing eligible <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="undocumented students" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/25/illinois-hosts-some-of-the-most-unauthorized-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="e041a75a-c960-416e-813a-17a9875437ff" data-vars-headline="Illinois&#x27; undocumented student tuition law faces uncertain future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/25/illinois-hosts-some-of-the-most-unauthorized-immigrants" target="_self">undocumented students</a> to pay in-state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tuition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/06/northwestern-mutual-report-parents-pay-for-college" data-vars-content-id="e041a75a-c960-416e-813a-17a9875437ff" data-vars-headline="Illinois&#x27; undocumented student tuition law faces uncertain future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/06/northwestern-mutual-report-parents-pay-for-college" target="_self">tuition</a> are unconstitutional, threatening expanded college access for immigrants.Why it matters: The decision upends more than 20 years of Illinois legislation making it more affordable for tens of thousands of undocumented students to attend community college and university in Illinois.

Chicago school board passes amended CPS budget

Officials remained divided Thursday over the repercussions of the vote

Chicago school board members voted 11 to 7 Thursday night to reject a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CPS-crafted budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/03/chicago-public-schools-budget-tax-increment-financing" data-vars-content-id="8d843da8-0286-437e-92c0-44931b398d5b" data-vars-headline="Chicago school board passes amended CPS budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/03/chicago-public-schools-budget-tax-increment-financing" target="_self">CPS-crafted budget</a> and instead adopt a plan backed by the Chicago Teachers Union that restores jobs and relies on $150 million in uncommitted state funds. Why it matters: Depending on which officials you ask, the move will finally force Springfield to cough up the money it owes CPS — or it breaks state laws and will cause &quot;catastrophic&quot; pay delays.

Illinois slips in U.S. News Best States rankings

Illinois fell to 37th overall, with strong education marks but one of the nation's weakest environment scores.

News

It&#x27;s another tough year for Illinois in U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s annual state rankings.<ul><li>We actually got worse from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/15/illinois-state-rankings-2025-us-news" data-vars-content-id="669d124b-234d-465f-9504-4a19148bc8a9" data-vars-headline="Illinois slips in U.S. News Best States rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/15/illinois-state-rankings-2025-us-news" target="_self">last year.</a></li></ul>

New DHS rule adds hurdles for Illinois international students

A new DHS policy could add costs, delays and uncertainty for 66,000 international students in Illinois.

A new federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/immigration" data-vars-content-id="3130af1f-3636-4ccd-ab95-2560144d1e01" data-vars-headline="New DHS rule adds hurdles for Illinois international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/immigration" target="_self">immigration</a> rule could make it harder for Illinois universities to attract and keep international students.Why it matters: International students make up a significant portion of the population at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago and Illinois schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/uchicago-northwestern-financial-aid-lawsuit-settlement-payments-class-action" data-vars-content-id="3130af1f-3636-4ccd-ab95-2560144d1e01" data-vars-headline="New DHS rule adds hurdles for Illinois international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/uchicago-northwestern-financial-aid-lawsuit-settlement-payments-class-action" target="_self">Chicago and Illinois schools</a>, and they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generally pay higher" data-vars-click-url="https://theworld.org/stories/2024/03/28/high-fees-paid-international-students-help-us-universities-balance-their-books" data-vars-content-id="3130af1f-3636-4ccd-ab95-2560144d1e01" data-vars-headline="New DHS rule adds hurdles for Illinois international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theworld.org/stories/2024/03/28/high-fees-paid-international-students-help-us-universities-balance-their-books" target="_blank">generally pay higher</a> tuition and fees than domestic students. Making the barrier to entry more stringent could cut off a key source of tuition and talent for local colleges.

UChicago, Northwestern alumni receiving settlement checks

Approved claimants are receiving payments averaging about $2,000 from the financial aid lawsuit settlement.

Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Chicago " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/23/uchicago-humanities-phd-cuts-ai-alumni-reputation" data-vars-content-id="9a053590-d837-4367-b1b6-a8c6341965a3" data-vars-headline="UChicago, Northwestern alumni receiving settlement checks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/23/uchicago-humanities-phd-cuts-ai-alumni-reputation" target="_self">University of Chicago </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northwestern " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/18/northwestern-president-mung-chiang-purdue-michael-schill" data-vars-content-id="9a053590-d837-4367-b1b6-a8c6341965a3" data-vars-headline="UChicago, Northwestern alumni receiving settlement checks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/18/northwestern-president-mung-chiang-purdue-michael-schill" target="_self">Northwestern </a>alumni could be seeing thousands of dollars in their bank accounts.Why it matters: Students who received <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial aid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/student-loan-changes-july-1-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="9a053590-d837-4367-b1b6-a8c6341965a3" data-vars-headline="UChicago, Northwestern alumni receiving settlement checks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/student-loan-changes-july-1-what-to-know" target="_self">financial aid</a> at one of the elite colleges may qualify for a refund from a years-long antitrust lawsuit.

Faces of Chicago Youth Works summer participants

From real estate and politics to cooking, gardening and healthcare work, Chicago youth are doing summer jobs.

Business

More than 28,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago youths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/16/chicago-teens-joblessness-rate" data-vars-content-id="016c97ab-47d0-431f-ba8f-63e023562afd" data-vars-headline="Faces of Chicago Youth Works summer participants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/16/chicago-teens-joblessness-rate" target="_self">Chicago youths</a> are spending the summer learning things like how to grow food for a culinary career and how to build generational wealth through real estate. Context: They&#x27;re part of the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Youth Works" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagoyouthworks.org/" data-vars-content-id="016c97ab-47d0-431f-ba8f-63e023562afd" data-vars-headline="Faces of Chicago Youth Works summer participants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagoyouthworks.org/" target="_blank">Chicago Youth Works</a> program, which Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Tuesday has hit its goal this summer for the fourth consecutive year.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Studies show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagofed.org/publications/other/op-ed-summer-jobs-for-youth" data-vars-content-id="016c97ab-47d0-431f-ba8f-63e023562afd" data-vars-headline="Faces of Chicago Youth Works summer participants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagofed.org/publications/other/op-ed-summer-jobs-for-youth" target="_blank">Studies show</a> summer jobs help youth build career skills, reinvest money locally and improve safety.

Education 📚

UChicago limiting tech in classes

Chicago Public Schools shifts 2026 AI rollout

School board candidates split on AI use limits

NEIU adds AI major

Illinois' undocumented student tuition law faces uncertain future