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Pritzker revives Bears stadium talk in Chicago 

The Illinois governor suggested the legislature's veto session could help keep the Bears in the city.

Business

The Bears <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadium drama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/13/chicago-bears-new-stadium-hammond-indiana-nfl-pritzker-braun" data-vars-content-id="2003f906-66d9-4c59-b697-27ad32547575" data-vars-headline="Pritzker revives Bears stadium talk 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/2026/08/13/chicago-bears-new-stadium-hammond-indiana-nfl-pritzker-braun" target="_self">stadium drama</a> picked up steam again Tuesday night after a contentious debate between Illinois&#x27; gubernatorial candidates.The latest: After the debate, Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters he hopes state lawmakers will approve a tax incentive plan that could keep the Bears in Illinois — either in Arlington Heights or Chicago.<ul><li>Wait, Chicago?</li></ul>

Reported sexual assault at UChicago frat house under investigation

A person of interest has been banned from campus as Chicago police continue their investigation.

Public Safety

Warning: This story includes reporting on sexual assault and rape.Chicago police are investigating a reported sexual assault at a University of Chicago fraternity house earlier this week.The big picture: The UChicago investigation comes amid heightened national scrutiny of campus sexual assault allegations, fueled in part by a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former Cornell student&#x27;s lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/nyregion/cornell-men-university-discipline.html" data-vars-content-id="4472aa83-3ff8-4d62-8669-951f07e472ca" data-vars-headline="Reported sexual assault at UChicago frat house under investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/nyregion/cornell-men-university-discipline.html" target="_blank">former Cornell student&#x27;s lawsuit</a> over how the university responded to her report of a gang rape.

Illinois 2026 election voter guide: How to vote, key races and deadlines

Your 5-minute guide to Illinois' 2026 midterm election, including how to vote, key races, candidates and important deadlines.

Election

Welcome to our 2026 midterm voting guide with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="info on casting your ballot " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/02/how-to-vote-in-chicago-2026-midterm-election-mail-register-early-polling" data-vars-content-id="5f6bf445-dae4-4015-bc15-cab70b2d3142" data-vars-headline="Illinois 2026 election voter guide: How to vote, key races and deadlines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/02/how-to-vote-in-chicago-2026-midterm-election-mail-register-early-polling" target="_self">info on casting your ballot </a>and key races in Chicago and across Illinois.State of play: From statewide contests to local judicial races, there&#x27;s a lot to sort through this election season. <ul><li>We&#x27;ve broken down the essentials to help you make informed decisions before Election Day on Nov. 3.</li></ul>

Former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass to shut down website

Kass is stepping away from his news site due to health problems.

Longtime Chicago political columnist John Kass says he&#x27;s winding down his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent news website" data-vars-click-url="https://johnkassnews.com/" data-vars-content-id="02b1dbd3-512b-451d-8eee-847fc55d5337" data-vars-headline="Former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass to shut down website" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://johnkassnews.com/" target="_blank">independent news website</a> after suffering five strokes in three years.Why it matters: Kass has been a prominent and sometimes polarizing voice in Chicago journalism for decades, first at the Chicago Tribune and more recently through his own conservative website and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Way" data-vars-click-url="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-way/id1081158077" data-vars-content-id="02b1dbd3-512b-451d-8eee-847fc55d5337" data-vars-headline="Former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass to shut down website" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-way/id1081158077" target="_blank">Chicago Way</a>&quot; podcast.

Chicago advocates push for law protecting birds

A proposal requiring bird-safe glass in new buildings has been stalled in City Council for months.

Environment

<figure><img alt="Colorful bags gathered in a pile on a sidewalk with birds in them" height="708" id="e7b357af-06d2-472f-8850-5e3704cf4081" src="https://images.axios.com/11sFU35YZC5RELW4Ls2gpvm5tTI=/2026/10/20/1792523956870.jpeg" width="1008"/><figcaption>More than 700 dead birds were collected by Chicago Bird Collision Monitors over the weekend. Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors</figcaption></figure>After more than 1,000 birds were killed or injured in collisions over the weekend, advocates are renewing calls for Chicago to enact a bird protection law.Why it matters: Chicago is considered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the most dangerous U.S. city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" data-vars-content-id="f8b18a15-e19d-4442-aae0-130110833256" data-vars-headline="Chicago advocates push for law protecting birds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" target="_self">the most dangerous U.S. city</a> for migratory birds in the spring and the fall. Advocates say an ordinance requiring safer design standards could save thousands of birds.

Rat birth control cuts rat activity in Wicker Park

Wicker Park and Bucktown used 190 bait stations to curb rats, and now they're expanding the program.

Chicago&#x27;s Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods saw the intensity of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rat activity " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/08/why-rattiest-city-rankings-are-so-suss" data-vars-content-id="e623ad2c-0753-4bb4-b866-81bf41fd2daa" data-vars-headline="Rat birth control cuts rat activity in Wicker Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/08/why-rattiest-city-rankings-are-so-suss" target="_self">rat activity </a>drop by 88% in a rodent birth control test zone.Why it matters: Rats can<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" carry disease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2020/10/15/why-some-chicago-dogs-are-getting-sick-from-rats-and-what-you-can-do-about-it" data-vars-content-id="e623ad2c-0753-4bb4-b866-81bf41fd2daa" data-vars-headline="Rat birth control cuts rat activity in Wicker Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2020/10/15/why-some-chicago-dogs-are-getting-sick-from-rats-and-what-you-can-do-about-it" target="_blank"> carry disease</a>, tear up landscaping and freak us out when they scurry across alleys and sidewalks.

Why "rattiest city" rankings are so unreliable 

The lists are based on customer calls to particular companies at certain times.

Terminix declared Chicago the sixth most rodent-infested U.S. city this week, contradicting the No. 2 ranking Orkin gave our lovely burg last year.Why it matters: The ratings expose the variable nature of data used to create the lists, but they also give us a chance to burrow — like a rat — into the process and offer some hot rodent tips.

Lincoln Park billionaire accused of fueling rat infestation

Chicago billionaire accused of fueling Lincoln Park rat infestation

The city is weighing legal action against Lincoln Park billionaire Barre Seid over claims that his nut-spreading operation is fueling a rat infestation around<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Green City Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/20/snap-farmers-markets-chicago-green-city-market" data-vars-content-id="d83e5f19-c5d5-4263-bb7c-46da3d14ccaa" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park billionaire accused of fueling rat infestation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/20/snap-farmers-markets-chicago-green-city-market" target="_self"> Green City Market</a>, Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd) says.Why it matters: The infestation is causing property damage that could leave taxpayers on the hook for repairs, according to city documents.

Chicago weekend events: Chicago Gourmet, live music and fall fun

A scavenger hunt, prairie adventure and Riverside tour offer plenty of reasons to embrace the season.

Things to Do

Fall is definitely in the air. We&#x27;re in that sweet spot where outdoor activities are quite pleasurable — not too sweaty but not shivering.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s how we plan to savor it.</li></ul>

Chicago mayor proposes 12-month moratorium on new data centers

The move would give the city time to study the impacts data centers have on residents.

Chicago could halt new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/11/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-urges-moratorium-on-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="c3cd2ce8-1203-4cea-994a-38f331ba73cd" data-vars-headline="Chicago mayor proposes 12-month moratorium on new data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/11/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-urges-moratorium-on-data-centers" target="_self">data center development</a> within city limits for a year.Why it matters: Data centers&#x27; growing demand for electricity and water could affect residents&#x27; utility bills and the environment, and city leaders want more time to study those impacts.

Why yellowjackets are so aggressive in Chicago right now

September is seeing an uptick in aggressive wasps.

Chicago can&#x27;t catch a break from bugs this year.The latest: Earlier this summer, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian tiger mosquitoes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/getting-eaten-up-this-summer-invasive-asian-tiger-mosquitoes-may-be-to-blame/3977739/" data-vars-content-id="1d6f0544-7d62-4a08-9097-56830a644cf4" data-vars-headline="Why yellowjackets are so aggressive in Chicago right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/getting-eaten-up-this-summer-invasive-asian-tiger-mosquitoes-may-be-to-blame/3977739/" target="_blank">Asian tiger mosquitoes</a> wreaked havoc on outdoor activities. Now, pest experts say they&#x27;re getting an uptick in calls about notoriously aggressive yellowjackets.

Chicago ranked world's most climate-resilient city, but risks remain

With the EPA rolling back climate protections, Chicago looks to chart its own course.

Chicago ranked No. 1 for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate resilience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/realestate/is-your-city-prepared-for-climate-disaster.html" data-vars-content-id="7f05e169-e412-431f-ae99-5d12dc9cd417" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranked world&#x27;s most climate-resilient city, but risks remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/realestate/is-your-city-prepared-for-climate-disaster.html" target="_blank">climate resilience</a> in an AlphaGeo analysis of 72 major cities, a distinction Mayor Brandon Johnson is touting as he runs for reelection.The big picture: More than 50 years after officials adopted the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deep Tunnel plan" data-vars-click-url="https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/tunnel-and-reservoir-plan-tarp" data-vars-content-id="7f05e169-e412-431f-ae99-5d12dc9cd417" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranked world&#x27;s most climate-resilient city, but risks remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/tunnel-and-reservoir-plan-tarp" target="_blank">Deep Tunnel plan</a>, Chicago continues to invest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/05/30/tree-cover-pollution-chicago" data-vars-content-id="7f05e169-e412-431f-ae99-5d12dc9cd417" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranked world&#x27;s most climate-resilient city, but risks remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/05/30/tree-cover-pollution-chicago" target="_self">trees</a> and stormwater infrastructure as it prepares for more extreme weather.<ul><li>Now planners are considering the city&#x27;s next generation of climate defenses.</li></ul>

When is it too late to seed your lawn in Chicago?

The unseasonably warm September temperatures are causing complications.

Climate

Chicagoans hoping to repair their lawns after a hot summer are running out of time.Why it matters: Late summer and early fall are the best times to reseed lawns in northern Illinois, giving new grass enough time to establish before winter.

Beluga deaths raise questions about what's next

Animal welfare advocates are questioning captive care after three whales died at the Chicago aquarium.

The recent beluga whale deaths at Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shedd Aquarium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/05/making-drinking-water-from-sewage-recycling" data-vars-content-id="21eb1bcf-7dd9-4fbf-920a-188718657403" data-vars-headline="Beluga deaths raise questions about what&#x27;s next" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/05/making-drinking-water-from-sewage-recycling" target="_self">Shedd Aquarium</a> are renewing animal welfare activists&#x27; scrutiny of these facilities.Why it matters: Animal welfare activists point to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/03/2-more-beluga-whales-die-at-shedd-aquarium-including-recent-rescue/" data-vars-content-id="21eb1bcf-7dd9-4fbf-920a-188718657403" data-vars-headline="Beluga deaths raise questions about what&#x27;s next" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/03/2-more-beluga-whales-die-at-shedd-aquarium-including-recent-rescue/" target="_blank">deaths</a> as examples of the dangers of captivity, while aquariums and other marine facilities argue they&#x27;re best equipped to care for the mammals.