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Axios Chicago readers pick the best Chicago-style hot dogs

Readers chime in on our recent feature on the best hot dogs in town.

Food and Drink

Axios Chicago readers had some strong opinions about our recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/03/axios-food-fight-chicago-style-hot-dog-devil-dawgs-home-depot-vienna-beef" data-vars-content-id="d591c33f-37c7-41bb-9cbd-cc3baa5bbb65" data-vars-headline="Axios Chicago readers pick the best Chicago-style hot dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/03/axios-food-fight-chicago-style-hot-dog-devil-dawgs-home-depot-vienna-beef" target="_self">Food Fight</a> over Chicago-style hot dogs.

Axios readers pick the best tavern-style pizza in Chicago

Axios readers name their go-to tavern-style pizzas across Chicago, the suburbs and beyond.

Chicago is a town of many pizzas, but the tried-and-true style we regularly enjoy is tavern style.<ul><li>Don&#x27;t get us wrong, sometimes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deep dish hits the spot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/20/food-fight-chicago-deep-dish-pizza-malnatis-labriola-ginos-pizanos" data-vars-content-id="99ae62df-3eca-49cc-9683-91e87fadad69" data-vars-headline="Axios readers pick the best tavern-style pizza 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/2026/07/20/food-fight-chicago-deep-dish-pizza-malnatis-labriola-ginos-pizanos" target="_self">deep dish hits the spot</a>. </li></ul>Yes, but: For birthday parties, post-16-inch and Friday pizza night, thin-crust is where it&#x27;s at.

Axios readers pick the best Italian subs in Chicago

Readers sound off with their favorites in the Chicago area.

Our readers had a lot to say about our recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/10/food-fight-where-to-get-the-best-italian-subs-in-chicago" data-vars-content-id="bc92475d-9bac-4d25-82a5-304df7fc9b8e" data-vars-headline="Axios readers pick the best Italian subs 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/2026/08/10/food-fight-where-to-get-the-best-italian-subs-in-chicago" target="_self">Food Fight</a> over where to get the best Italian subs. We&#x27;re now swimming in great suggestions.

Fox 32 hires Brandon Pope as new political reporter

The veteran journalist gets ready to jump into election season.

Business

Fox 32 has landed a new political reporter: Veteran Chicago journalist Brandon Pope takes over just as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/19/illinois-state-fair-democrats-pritzker-durbin-gop-trump-rally-alexi" data-vars-content-id="322f221e-bfe5-4080-ab9a-ce982bc61b2c" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 hires Brandon Pope as new political reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/19/illinois-state-fair-democrats-pritzker-durbin-gop-trump-rally-alexi" target="_self">midterms</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayoral election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/02/alexi-giannoulias-campaign-mayor-johnson-mendoza-quigley-pritzker" data-vars-content-id="322f221e-bfe5-4080-ab9a-ce982bc61b2c" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 hires Brandon Pope as new political reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/02/alexi-giannoulias-campaign-mayor-johnson-mendoza-quigley-pritzker" target="_self">mayoral election</a> get underway.Why it matters: Pope joins the TV political beat at a consequential moment, with competitive midterms followed closely by Chicago&#x27;s 2027 mayoral election.

Beluga deaths raise questions about what's next

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

Environment

The recent deaths of three beluga whales 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.

Data centers could score a break under next assessor 

Statements from Cook County's front runner for assessor suggest so.

Cook County Assessor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fritz Kaegi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/02/16/cook-county-property-tax-relief-kaegi" data-vars-content-id="0b5e7607-f623-4849-a2b6-6611e89046d3" data-vars-headline="Data centers could score a break under next assessor " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/02/16/cook-county-property-tax-relief-kaegi" target="_self">Fritz Kaegi</a> has pushed back on suburban data center owners who, he believes, have undervalued their properties to achieve lower taxes.<ul><li>But Pat Hynes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who beat Kaegi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/18/cook-county-assessor-fritz-kaegi-pat-hynes-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="0b5e7607-f623-4849-a2b6-6611e89046d3" data-vars-headline="Data centers could score a break under next assessor " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/18/cook-county-assessor-fritz-kaegi-pat-hynes-democratic-primary" target="_self">who beat Kaegi</a> in the Democratic primary to run for assessor, tells Axios he would take a different approach — one that could lower taxes for data centers, leaving a greater tax burden on homeowners.</li></ul>

Chicago mayor spars with activists on quantum 

Later in the week the sides seem to be making up

Politics

After walking out of a tense anti-quantum event Saturday, Mayor Brandon Johnson is attempting to mend fences with progressive South Side activists who attended.Why it matters: The scene of Johnson being jeered off stage by Black and brown social justice advocates struck a discordant note for a progressive mayor who has long counted these groups as his voter base.

Mosquito bite remedies: What works for itching and prevention

Axios readers offer suggestions from lemon oil to hair dryers and more.

Health

After recently complaining about vicious mosquito attacks while walking my dog, I asked readers for their best itch remedies. 🦟 The buzz: Axios fans came through with a swarm of great advice for avoiding and treating mosquito bites — a few of which I&#x27;ve had a chance to try.

How far $500K goes at Chicago parks

A new voting process lets residents help decide which Park District improvements get funded.

Climate

For the first time, Chicagoans can weigh in on how the Park District spends $500,000.Why it matters: Participatory budgeting gives residents a say in how city officials spend tax dollars on public amenities and services.

Chicago-area families embrace school bike buses

Organized group rides are growing as families trade traffic jams for healthier school commutes.

Transit

As interminable school pickup lines inspire <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="memes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWhCvBMCRgp/" data-vars-content-id="b748d2d5-e15f-4225-96ce-fb0efe9004d7" data-vars-headline="Chicago-area families embrace school bike buses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWhCvBMCRgp/" target="_blank">memes</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral videos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch7VlFvD6Du/" data-vars-content-id="b748d2d5-e15f-4225-96ce-fb0efe9004d7" data-vars-headline="Chicago-area families embrace school bike buses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch7VlFvD6Du/" target="_blank">viral videos</a>, some Chicago-area families are ditching the car and hopping on a bike for organized &quot;bike buses.&quot;Why it matters: Studies show that kids who bike or walk to school feel more energized during the school day, gain a sense of independence and continue <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="healthy habits as they age." data-vars-click-url="https://www.rutgers.edu/news/young-children-who-walk-or-bike-school-are-more-likely-continue-habit-they-age" data-vars-content-id="b748d2d5-e15f-4225-96ce-fb0efe9004d7" data-vars-headline="Chicago-area families embrace school bike buses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rutgers.edu/news/young-children-who-walk-or-bike-school-are-more-likely-continue-habit-they-age" target="_blank">healthy habits as they age.</a><ul><li>Plus, bike commuting contributes to a healthier environment and builds community within the neighborhood and school.</li></ul>

Farewell, Corny, we hardly knew you

Last month, I saw what I thought was a Chicago miracle: a wild stalk of corn growing in a sliver of dirt at the Belmont exit of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Zoom in: I kept tabs on him and heard from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="folks on Facebook " data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10167397309978572&amp;set=a.10152292397693572" data-vars-content-id="a024ba11-8b78-4ab7-969e-e6e5060cf8ed" data-vars-headline="Farewell, Corny, we hardly knew you" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10167397309978572&amp;set=a.10152292397693572" target="_blank">folks on Facebook </a>who were also rooting for Corny to flourish.

Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges

Axios has been asking officials for a month and still has no answers

Chicago pays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="twice to three times as much" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/07/burbs-pay-less-than-chicago-for-lead-line-removal" data-vars-content-id="6bab1a8d-21fd-4524-b674-2d1830a890ac" data-vars-headline="Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/07/burbs-pay-less-than-chicago-for-lead-line-removal" target="_self">twice to three times as much</a> as nearby suburbs to remove lead water lines, and after a month of questions, officials have not identified to Axios any concrete plans to reduce those charges.Why it matters: At Chicago&#x27;s current rate — $33,784 per line — the city will pay $12 billion to replace its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400,000 toxic lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="6bab1a8d-21fd-4524-b674-2d1830a890ac" data-vars-headline="Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" target="_self">400,000 toxic lines</a> over the next two decades, and taxpayers will shoulder much of the cost.

Chicago gas costs rise with tension in Iran war

Rising costs have been associated with the ongoing tensions in Iran.

After a brief price dip, gas prices in the Chicago area have shot back up to an average of $4.49 a gallon, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gas Buddy." data-vars-click-url="https://www.gasbuddy.com/gaspricemap?lat=40.20315138825656&amp;lng=-83.67261602588505&amp;z=6" data-vars-content-id="899093fa-c3f4-4c2d-af80-a8cfba378775" data-vars-headline="Chicago gas costs rise with tension in Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gasbuddy.com/gaspricemap?lat=40.20315138825656&amp;lng=-83.67261602588505&amp;z=6" target="_blank">Gas Buddy.</a>&#x27;<ul><li>Some gas stations downtown are at $5.19 a gallon.</li><li>Around this time last year, Chicago prices hovered around $3.60.</li></ul>Between the lines: The dips and rise coincided with a ceasefire in the Iran war followed by the recent resumption <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="of attacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/trump-iran-bridges-power-plants-hormuz" data-vars-content-id="899093fa-c3f4-4c2d-af80-a8cfba378775" data-vars-headline="Chicago gas costs rise with tension in Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/trump-iran-bridges-power-plants-hormuz" target="_self">of attacks</a>.

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>