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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.

Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches in Chicago

From the sando at Sarima Cafe to the treats at TXA TXA and Doma, we've got you covered.

Things to Do

Chicago has no shortage of great breakfast sandwiches. Flashback: In 2022, Axios Chicago gathered<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" this tasty list " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" data-vars-content-id="4c8484a4-05f8-4c34-9939-1ad94e027464" data-vars-headline="Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches 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/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" target="_self"> this tasty list </a>of old standbys, which included the sandwich from James Beard Award-winning Kasama and the tasty traditional fare at Do-Rite Donuts. Yes, but: That was four years ago — a lifetime for Chicago businesses and palates.

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 homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities

The city is seeing an uptick in homicides, while other violent crimes drop.

U.S. cities are experiencing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sharp declines in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">sharp declines in homicides</a> this year — with one notable exception: Chicago.Why it matters: Chicago is entering the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional summer months for crime," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" target="_self">traditional summer months for crime,</a> with homicides slightly ahead of last year&#x27;s pace, even as many major cities report steep declines in killings.

Billy Goat Tavern own Sam Sianis dies at 91

The Greek-born bar owner hosted presidents, sports stars and celebrities at his place.

Business

Legendary<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Billy Goat Tavern " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/13/wrigleyville-billy-goat-opens" data-vars-content-id="71718b49-bcbd-4db3-a0b8-b85f744a9b32" data-vars-headline="Billy Goat Tavern own Sam Sianis dies at 91" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/13/wrigleyville-billy-goat-opens" target="_self"> Billy Goat Tavern </a>owner Sam Sianis, 91, died Friday morning surrounded by his family, the restaurant<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" announced on social media." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXhCKSRtz4/" data-vars-content-id="71718b49-bcbd-4db3-a0b8-b85f744a9b32" data-vars-headline="Billy Goat Tavern own Sam Sianis dies at 91" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXhCKSRtz4/" target="_blank"> announced on social media.</a>

Petterino's brings 2001 nostalgia to Chicago

The Theater District staple marks 25 years with retro dishes, DJs, jazz and a toast.

Food and Drink

We&#x27;re all suckers for some nostalgia, and you can travel back to the turn of the century on Monday.The big picture: Petterino&#x27;s, in the heart of the Theater District at Dearborn and Randolph, celebrates its 25th anniversary, complete with a throwback menu of dishes and prices from its 2001 opening.

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.

Chicago Mother's Day plans beyond brunch

From comedy and wine tasting to meditation and a 5K, Chicago has Mother's Day plans covered.

Sure, brunch is a great way to treat the motherly figures in your life, but how about mixing it up this year?State of play: The maternal force in your life is a complex person — celebrate their many facets with these ideas.

Feds block Illinois' law to reduce swipe fees

Local officials hope to mount a challenge allowing the law to take effect July 1.

Illinois businesses hoping for relief from credit card fees saw that effort stalled by a new federal ruling.Why it matters: Consumers often end up absorbing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="those record-high credit card fees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/10/credit-card-fee-surcharge-legal-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="c855caf6-358b-4fe4-8bc9-7aed9474eaaa" data-vars-headline="Feds block Illinois&#x27; law to reduce swipe fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/12/10/credit-card-fee-surcharge-legal-north-carolina" target="_self">those record-high credit card fees</a>, either through credit card use charges at a store or restaurant, or through higher prices.<ul><li>This federal move halts Illinois&#x27; first-in-the-nation law to reduce those bank fees, meaning consumers will keep absorbing the charges.</li></ul>

Cage match: PopUp vs. Taste of New York bagels

We compared then and came out with a surprising answer.

I finally braved the line at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PopUp Bagels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.popupbagels.com/" data-vars-content-id="20eab0e0-3136-4837-8b02-b8a7b9bdb06f" data-vars-headline="Cage match: PopUp vs. Taste of New York bagels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.popupbagels.com/" target="_blank">PopUp Bagels</a> (2321 N. Lincoln Ave.) to see what all the fuss was about, and I have mixed feelings.

Fulton Market keeps growing: Six new spots to try

The trendy neighborhood keeps growing, adding new restaurants and shops.

Fulton Market boomed over the last decade — and it&#x27;s about to get even more crowded.The latest: Several restaurants and shops have announced they are setting up shop on the near West Side.

Survey shows support for higher base pay and benefits for servers

Readers had no idea that nine states, including Indiana, pay servers an hourly minimum of $2.13.

Our recent story on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local tipping laws " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/06/chicago-fights-over-tipped-minimum-wage" data-vars-content-id="7a04d097-312b-49e9-bcaf-01eafa4cfae1" data-vars-headline="Survey shows support for higher base pay and benefits for servers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/06/chicago-fights-over-tipped-minimum-wage" target="_self">local tipping laws </a>clearly made you hungry for a tipping survey — we got 1,225 responses!The big picture: While a majority approve of charging service fees to benefit workers, and boosting the tipped minimum wage to $16.60, few knew that servers can earn just $2.13 an hour (as base pay) in nine states, including Indiana.

Food and Drink 🍽

Fresh flowers and live music for Chicago weekend fun

Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches in Chicago

Billy Goat Tavern own Sam Sianis dies at 91

Chicago weekend picks: thrift and Mayfest

Petterino's brings 2001 nostalgia to Chicago