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

NBC 5's Brant Miller celebrates 35 years with new documentary

The meteorologist also gives us what a perfect day in Chicago would look like.

Things to Do

This year, meteorologist and local media personality Brant Miller is celebrating his 35th anniversary at NBC 5. The latest: To honor the occasion, NBC 5 is airing &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meet the Millers: Chicago&#x27;s First Family of Weather" data-vars-click-url="https://app.frame.io/presentations/5a757d82-f059-43e3-aede-cb724ea42dbb" data-vars-content-id="f2c0376c-7c32-42a6-8f68-c709d2b93a6d" data-vars-headline="NBC 5&#x27;s Brant Miller celebrates 35 years with new documentary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.frame.io/presentations/5a757d82-f059-43e3-aede-cb724ea42dbb" target="_blank">Meet the Millers: Chicago&#x27;s First Family of Weather</a>,&quot; a documentary that peeks behind the scenes at the working relationship between Miller and his son, Joey Miller, who also produces forecasts at the station.

New Anne Frank exhibit goes far beyond the diary

A haunting new exhibit at MSI brings Anne Frank's story to life through immersive rooms and artifacts.

History

Even if you&#x27;ve read the book or seen one of the many stage or film adaptations, a new exhibit reveals <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anne Frank&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/26/where-we-were-anne-frank-tree" data-vars-content-id="dac67e4f-64f9-4da5-90c7-203b11004d27" data-vars-headline="New Anne Frank exhibit goes far beyond the diary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/26/where-we-were-anne-frank-tree" target="_self">Anne Frank&#x27;s</a> story in a new way.The big picture: &quot;Anne Frank The Exhibition&quot; is on display at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Griffin Museum of Science and Industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/19/chicago-museum-slide-powers-up-new-exhibit" data-vars-content-id="dac67e4f-64f9-4da5-90c7-203b11004d27" data-vars-headline="New Anne Frank exhibit goes far beyond the diary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/19/chicago-museum-slide-powers-up-new-exhibit" target="_self">Griffin Museum of Science and Industry</a> through early 2027.<ul><li>Presented by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anne Frank House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annefrank.org/en/" data-vars-content-id="dac67e4f-64f9-4da5-90c7-203b11004d27" data-vars-headline="New Anne Frank exhibit goes far beyond the diary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annefrank.org/en/" target="_blank">Anne Frank House</a> in Amsterdam, the Chicago exhibit follows its January premiere in New York.</li></ul>

Food Fight: Best Caesar salad in Chicago

Our crew crowns standout Caesars from Armitage Ale House, Zarella and Pizz'amici.

Food and Drink

As part of our regular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/18/best-chicago-breakfast-sandwiches-doma-samira" data-vars-content-id="1066e234-18e5-4d60-942b-3e7065d8bfb7" data-vars-headline="Food Fight: Best Caesar salad 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/2026/05/18/best-chicago-breakfast-sandwiches-doma-samira" target="_self">Food Fight</a> series, we are hailing the venerable Caesar salad and arguing over the best one.

Chicago alder considers fining parents over teen takeovers

Organized mass teen gatherings have led to gridlock, crime and, in some cases, deaths.

News

Several large &quot;teen takeovers&quot; over Memorial Day weekend have lawmakers reexamining how to stop them.Why it matters: Organized teen gatherings have led to gridlock, violence and, in some cases, deaths — while also drawing national attention to Chicago&#x27;s public safety debate.<ul><li>Trump said the mayor and governor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="should ask for help" data-vars-click-url="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5895958-teen-car-ramming-chicago-police/" data-vars-content-id="b534853a-960f-4dbb-9640-d857aa84a842" data-vars-headline="Chicago alder considers fining parents over teen takeovers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5895958-teen-car-ramming-chicago-police/" target="_blank">should ask for help</a>.</li></ul>

Readers share stories of lasting neighbor bonds

From block coffee meetups to weddings, readers shared how neighbors shaped their lives.

Neighborhoods

Recently, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I offered a counterpoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/22/chicago-neighbor-connections-loneliness-young-people-aei-report-community" data-vars-content-id="23c6781f-afac-46c3-b627-defd79657d19" data-vars-headline="Readers share stories of lasting neighbor bonds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/22/chicago-neighbor-connections-loneliness-young-people-aei-report-community" target="_self">I offered a counterpoint</a> to a new study that says we don&#x27;t talk to our neighbors.<ul><li>Turns out, many Axios readers agreed that we are friendlier than researchers think.</li></ul>

Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge

Axios reporters try to grow tomatoes in cramped urban settings.

Welcome to Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional start " data-vars-click-url="https://extension.illinois.edu/gardening/when-plant" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://extension.illinois.edu/gardening/when-plant" target="_blank">traditional start </a>of tomato gardening season.What&#x27;s happening: We&#x27;re launching our first Axios tomato challenge, where each of us nurtures the same type of plant in our different environments to see who can produce the most or best fruits this summer.<ul><li>And we&#x27;d like you to play along.</li></ul>State of play: Because none of us has a ton of traditional gardening space, we asked the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Tomato Man, Bob Zeni, " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Tomato Man, Bob Zeni, </a>to advise us on the best option to suit:<ul><li>High-rise Carrie, who will need to garden on a south-facing windowsill</li><li>Townhouse Justin, who wants something off the ground that won&#x27;t attract rats.</li><li>Three-flat Monica, who gardens on her back porch.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Two small tomato seedlings in black plastic pots on a wooden surface. A pink plant tag with a QR code reads CHICAGO and Rosy Finch between the plants; blurred background." height="4284" id="977472ea-5e51-4ff2-beee-669bfb1202b5" src="https://images.axios.com/z-GHSwEXCWn-G6FBwARoy6TIWmU=/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/3Hw9ve1jJRXf5MKVlQQ8vMdV30c=/0x0:5712x4284/1920x1440/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/B2XahegexoafQ3re26Uy0-9QdpE=/0x0:5712x4284/1600x1200/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/WptlOTXZDw0uIJHyF36F2DwVeD8=/0x0:5712x4284/1366x1024/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/_xM7PKDJGEvwIjgUqmwnN8m7eIM=/0x0:5712x4284/1024x768/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/wLxcHg5rkgHOy2JRpZIuAYPAIBg=/0x0:5712x4284/768x576/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/0UWqH3372tmtlJbasMEaamCt14g=/0x0:5712x4284/640x480/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/IJ3cNYKHkjKbLY8VxTyLPDtK5aA=/0x0:5712x4284/320x240/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Two Rosy Finch tomato plants. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>The plant: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rosy Finch " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/shop-all/rosy-finch?rq=rosy%20finch" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/shop-all/rosy-finch?rq=rosy%20finch" target="_blank">Rosy Finch </a>tabletop seedling that we picked up at one of Zeni&#x27;s many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tomato Man pop-ups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/new-events-1?view=calendar&amp;month=05-2026" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/new-events-1?view=calendar&amp;month=05-2026" target="_blank">Tomato Man pop-ups</a> happening throughout May across the city and burbs.<ul><li>Other compact varieties include Golden Hour micro dwarfs or Little Bing cherry tomato plants available at local shops and nurseries.</li></ul>What he&#x27;s saying: The plants &quot;should do well in the ground, in pots outdoors or even indoors with the right light,&quot; Zeni tells Axios.<ul><li>&quot;Indoors, they won&#x27;t be as productive because they need six to eight hours of sunlight every day, but if you have a south-facing window, that&#x27;s good.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: &quot;I always recommend these for people that are just starting out because they&#x27;re so much easier to take care of than standard plants that get 6 to 8 feet, and you have all kinds of issues about staking and trimming,&quot; he said. Cold facts: Despite the conventional &quot;after-Mother&#x27;s Day&quot; timetable for outdoor planting, Chicago has proven unseasonably chilly this month. Zeni advises caution until nighttime lows remain above the mid-40s.<ul><li>He also urges folks to spend a week &quot;hardening off&quot; indoor-grown tomato seedlings. This means giving the plants outdoor exposure during the day followed by nights back inside.</li><li>Justin and Monica will follow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="these instructions all week" data-vars-click-url="https://savvygardening.com/how-to-harden-off-tomato-plants/" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://savvygardening.com/how-to-harden-off-tomato-plants/" target="_blank">these instructions all week</a> with our outdoor-bound plants. </li><li>Once the seedlings are ready to stay outdoors, we&#x27;ll lean on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zeni&#x27;s growing tips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/main-st" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/main-st" target="_blank">Zeni&#x27;s growing tips</a> all summer. </li></ul><figure><img alt="woman holding a flat of tomato plants" height="3573" id="d87756ef-e2dd-4afc-8c21-af2dedcb4822" src="https://images.axios.com/M6WDZezpKhF3IPZIzNVp4bKPa44=/2026/05/10/1778455555694.jpeg" width="5005"/><figcaption>Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot picks up her 2026 tomato seedlings from a Chicago Tomato Man pop-up in Lincoln Park Saturday. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>The intrigue: While picking up plants, Monica ran into a fellow gardener who also happens to be a former Mayor and Axios Chicago member.The judges? You! In a few months, we&#x27;ll post pics of our best tomatoes and let readers decide the winner. What&#x27;s next: We&#x27;re hoping you&#x27;ll follow along, plant your own tomatoes and share tips and pics as we dig into our first virtual Axios garden club.

Price spikes drive choices by Illinois farmers

Spiking fuel and fertilizer prices could drive change at the ballot box.

Environment

Rising fuel and fertilizer costs are squeezing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois farmers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/17/illinois-farmers-china-soybean-delay" data-vars-content-id="3d127a3b-b239-4729-a503-346bb8db65e1" data-vars-headline="Price spikes drive choices by Illinois farmers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/17/illinois-farmers-china-soybean-delay" target="_self">Illinois farmers</a>, forcing hard choices in the field that could show up at the ballot box. Why it matters: Representatives for farmers — who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overwhelmingly supported President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://barnraisingmedia.com/rural-america-in-the-2024-election-results/" data-vars-content-id="3d127a3b-b239-4729-a503-346bb8db65e1" data-vars-headline="Price spikes drive choices by Illinois farmers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://barnraisingmedia.com/rural-america-in-the-2024-election-results/" target="_blank">overwhelmingly supported President Trump</a> in 2024 — say they&#x27;re frustrated by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic hardships in rural areas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/trump-farm-bailout-bessent" data-vars-content-id="3d127a3b-b239-4729-a503-346bb8db65e1" data-vars-headline="Price spikes drive choices by Illinois farmers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/trump-farm-bailout-bessent" target="_self">economic hardships in rural areas</a> driven by Trump&#x27;s international trade and war policies.

Illinois tops U.S. in tornadoes as FEMA aid lags

With tornadoes and flooding rising, Illinois officials warn federal disaster support is slower and less reliable.

Politics

Illinois has seen more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="severe weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/09/12/illinois-severe-weather-mapped" data-vars-content-id="41ced267-3767-445b-a133-ec479531f077" data-vars-headline="Illinois tops U.S. in tornadoes as FEMA aid lags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/09/12/illinois-severe-weather-mapped" target="_self">severe weather</a> warnings than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="any state this year," data-vars-click-url="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/illinois-leads-nation-in-tornado-hail-and-wind-reports-so-far-in-2026/1883736" data-vars-content-id="41ced267-3767-445b-a133-ec479531f077" data-vars-headline="Illinois tops U.S. in tornadoes as FEMA aid lags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/illinois-leads-nation-in-tornado-hail-and-wind-reports-so-far-in-2026/1883736" target="_blank">any state this year,</a> but local and state officials say FEMA isn&#x27;t delivering aid as it has in the past.Why it matters: With climate change driving more frequent severe weather, federal disaster aid is often critical for recovery, but local officials warn that slower or reduced support places more of the burden on state and city governments.

Illinois bill pushes data center accountability

The massive bill also proposes reporting on energy and water use .

Business

A new state proposal would require large data centers to bring their own renewable energy and disclose how much water and electricity they use.Why it matters: Illinois energy prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have spiked in recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/electric-bills-map" data-vars-content-id="6c2e6c17-2e99-425f-8533-bc7b729402a0" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill pushes data center accountability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/electric-bills-map" target="_self">have spiked in recent years</a>, partly due to the enormous power demands of rapidly expanding data centers housing servers and other IT infrastructure.<ul><li>A recent state report warns that Illinois could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="face a power shortage by 2029." data-vars-click-url="https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/19/illinois-electrical-grids-could-face-power-shortages-and-price-increases-state-report#:~:text=Warnings%20of%20the%20potential%20shortfall,new%20generators%2C%20the%20report%20noted." data-vars-content-id="6c2e6c17-2e99-425f-8533-bc7b729402a0" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill pushes data center accountability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/19/illinois-electrical-grids-could-face-power-shortages-and-price-increases-state-report#:~:text=Warnings%20of%20the%20potential%20shortfall,new%20generators%2C%20the%20report%20noted." target="_blank">face a power shortage by 2029.</a></li></ul>

Chicago's "Lights Out" push could save thousands of birds

Thousands of birds die each spring in Chicago — but simple steps like turning off lights can help.

Chicago doesn&#x27;t have to become a graveyard for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="migratory birds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" data-vars-content-id="f4f0ce32-e0ea-4ef1-9da0-14056fc348c2" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s &quot;Lights Out&quot; push could save thousands of 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">migratory birds</a> every spring. There&#x27;s a simple solution to save these seasonal visitors.The big picture: Chicago&#x27;s Lights Out Campaign encourages buildings 40 floors and higher to turn off their lights from 11pm until sunrise. <ul><li>The lights throw off the birds&#x27; navigation, leading them to swarm and die from exhaustion or slam into the buildings. </li></ul>

Why Illinois utility bills may be too high

A Springfield proposal would limit price hikes and stop auto-renew traps that inflate power and gas bills.

Your utility bill may be higher than it needs to be — and Illinois lawmakers want to change that.Why it matters: While utilities such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ComEd and People&#x27;s Gas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/07/peoples-gas-rate-increases-comed" data-vars-content-id="dbc02f70-0925-46ef-8ef4-83ca498b8f6d" data-vars-headline="Why Illinois utility bills may be too high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/07/peoples-gas-rate-increases-comed" target="_self">ComEd and People&#x27;s Gas</a> are not allowed to mark up the cost of electricity and heat, alternative suppliers can, driving up consumers&#x27; bills.

Neighbors split over $9B Quantum Shore project

The rift is also putting pressure on progressive quantum supporters, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker.

Climate

A group of Southsiders launched &quot;Southeast Neighbors for Quantum&quot; this week to support the nascent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$9 billion Quantum Shore campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/20/quantum-computing-hub-south-works-lllinois" data-vars-content-id="f7fb7e66-eb9d-437b-ac19-e5a5dd95d212" data-vars-headline="Neighbors split over $9B Quantum Shore project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/20/quantum-computing-hub-south-works-lllinois" target="_self">$9 billion Quantum Shore campus</a> — just days before their neighbors plan to rally for binding benefits from the developers.Why it matters: The dueling camps are putting Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson in a delicate spot, squeezed between progressive allies demanding stronger community protections and neighbors who see the project as a long-overdue economic investment.

Pritzker re-energizes nuclear power in Illinois

Illinois agencies have been directed to start evaluating new sites for power plants.

After lifting a moratorium on new nuclear facilities last year, Gov. JB Pritzker gave the technology another boost this week with an executive order directing Illinois agencies to start evaluating potential sites for them.

Lincoln Park is using birth control to stave off rats

Eight blocks are being monitored as officials study whether contraception can reduce rat numbers over time.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rat control " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/02/16/rat-complaints-report-inspector-general" data-vars-content-id="6672cbd5-c080-4679-864e-86372c545cc5" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park is using birth control to stave off rats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/02/16/rat-complaints-report-inspector-general" target="_self">rat control </a>experiment is halfway into its one-year pilot, and the alder pushing the project wants to see the concept citywide someday.The big picture: Lincoln Park Ald. Timmy Knudsen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched the project" data-vars-click-url="https://chicagobirdalliance.org/rat-contraceptive-pilot-program" data-vars-content-id="6672cbd5-c080-4679-864e-86372c545cc5" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park is using birth control to stave off rats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicagobirdalliance.org/rat-contraceptive-pilot-program" target="_blank">launched the project</a> last August with Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Bird Alliance to distribute non-toxic pellets that function as birth control for rats.<ul><li>Scientists are monitoring eight blocks in the 43rd ward, chosen based on rat activity, commercial activity and 311 complaints.</li></ul>