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Chicago celebrity quiz: Which stars are from Chicago?

Can you spot the celeb with Chicago roots?

History

First Illinois Trader Joe's unionizes

The Lincoln Avenue location is the fifth U.S. store to join Trader Joe's United.

Business

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trader Joe&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/inflation-business-reputation-trader-joes-costco-arizona" data-vars-content-id="9abe3d81-05d9-4cb5-af6c-6c472178ea4b" data-vars-headline="First Illinois Trader Joe&#x27;s unionizes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/inflation-business-reputation-trader-joes-costco-arizona" target="_self">Trader Joe&#x27;s</a> in Chicago&#x27;s North Center neighborhood just became the first location in Illinois to join the independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="union" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/14/unions-ai-2028-elections" data-vars-content-id="9abe3d81-05d9-4cb5-af6c-6c472178ea4b" data-vars-headline="First Illinois Trader Joe&#x27;s unionizes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/14/unions-ai-2028-elections" target="_self">union</a> of Trader Joe&#x27;s workers.Why it matters: One part of Trader Joe&#x27;s appeal, along with historically lower prices and unique products, is cheerful customer service. But union campaigns across the country in recent years have revealed that some Trader Joe&#x27;s workers aren&#x27;t as happy as they seem.

Chicago's Naked Comedy Show pops up before Naked Bike Ride

The showcase will feature nude stand up comedy.

Things to Do

If Chicago&#x27;s yearly Naked Bike Ride floats your boat, you might appreciate a similar comedy concept rolling into town this week. The latest: The Naked Comedy Show is bringing its nude stand-up tour to Chicago for the first time Friday at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crib Comedy Playspace" data-vars-click-url="https://thecribcomedy.square.site/" data-vars-content-id="d600a148-57e6-45a4-8503-0568edfe59d7" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s Naked Comedy Show pops up before Naked Bike Ride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thecribcomedy.square.site/" target="_blank">Crib Comedy Playspace</a> in East Garfield Park.

Darren Bailey's attack on Pritzker's yearbook sparks criticism

The Republican gubernatorial candidate mocked the governor's high school yearbook photos and captions.

News

Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is facing criticism after attacking Gov. JB Pritzker over decades-old high school yearbook photos.The latest: Bailey <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted screenshots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BaileyforIllinois/posts/pfbid027SeJgZSUJroM8r42HgVnR4cnYe2tn2yFFjS1hB6De5amUf1bKL4hsoYh6KkQmiUel" data-vars-content-id="4db38961-1d0b-42d6-a066-d1ebd3eb205c" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey&#x27;s attack on Pritzker&#x27;s yearbook sparks criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BaileyforIllinois/posts/pfbid027SeJgZSUJroM8r42HgVnR4cnYe2tn2yFFjS1hB6De5amUf1bKL4hsoYh6KkQmiUel" target="_blank">posted screenshots</a> of Gov. JB Pritzker&#x27;s high school yearbook photos and captions. <ul><li>The yearbook photo shows Pritzker hanging with a friend, while the caption quotes F. Scott Fitzgerald and a list of what could be best described as &quot;senior quotes,&quot; which is standard in yearbooks. </li></ul>

Experiences fuel Chicago retail comeback on the Mag Mile and beyond

Weekend traffic is rising as new stores, dining and attractions help Chicago retail districts rebound.

Major retail corridors like Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Avenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/07/hello-kitty-bad-butter-guillotine-chicago-influencers-lines" data-vars-content-id="385d93af-1cb6-49f9-bd61-1711e6e494b2" data-vars-headline="Experiences fuel Chicago retail comeback on the Mag Mile and beyond" 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/hello-kitty-bad-butter-guillotine-chicago-influencers-lines" target="_self">Michigan Avenue</a> are moving out of survival mode and into thriving.Why it matters: The Mag Mile, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fulton Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/fulton-market-mendocino-prasino-do-rite-pizza-lobo-labriola" data-vars-content-id="385d93af-1cb6-49f9-bd61-1711e6e494b2" data-vars-headline="Experiences fuel Chicago retail comeback on the Mag Mile and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/fulton-market-mendocino-prasino-do-rite-pizza-lobo-labriola" target="_self">Fulton Market</a> and other neighborhood corridors are seen as indicators of broader economic trends, and the picture for Chicago is bright right now.

Chicago arts economy generates $50B, report finds

A new report says the creative sector supports 210,000 Chicago jobs and billions in tax revenue.

Money

A new report from Illinois&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arts advocacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/21/trump-art-cuts-chicago-landmarks" data-vars-content-id="d41e2c99-9174-4e5e-8b98-2a8b397b6d9c" data-vars-headline="Chicago arts economy generates $50B, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/21/trump-art-cuts-chicago-landmarks" target="_self">arts advocacy</a> finds that the arts generate more than $50 billion for Chicago&#x27;s economy.Why it matters: Chicago, and increasingly other parts of the state, promote the arts and culture sector to attract tourism, new businesses and residents. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arts Alliance Illinois report" data-vars-click-url="https://artsalliance.org/" data-vars-content-id="d41e2c99-9174-4e5e-8b98-2a8b397b6d9c" data-vars-headline="Chicago arts economy generates $50B, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://artsalliance.org/" target="_blank">Arts Alliance Illinois report</a> validates their argument and puts hard numbers on investment in the arts as an overall win for the economy.

Illinois saw fewer March Madness bets after new sportsbook tax

DraftKings is also blaming the state tax for ending its sportsbook at Wrigley Field.

Illinois gamblers placed fewer sports bets during March Madness this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continuing a slowdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/14/illinois-betting-online-sports-gambling-draftkings-fanduel-betmgm" data-vars-content-id="7bf60f89-8634-4c01-ae30-071ac7366fb7" data-vars-headline="Illinois saw fewer March Madness bets after new sportsbook tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/14/illinois-betting-online-sports-gambling-draftkings-fanduel-betmgm" target="_self">continuing a slowdown</a> that online sportsbooks blame on the state&#x27;s new online wagering tax.Why it matters: March is typically one of the busiest months of the year for sportsbooks because of the NCAA men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s basketball tournaments.

Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent

Licensed day care centers for infants run about $1,800 a month.

Monthly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="child care bills in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/30/child-care-costs-rise-2020-2024" data-vars-content-id="554916fa-3c2c-4027-9a49-a8d69a27d235" data-vars-headline="Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/30/child-care-costs-rise-2020-2024" target="_self">child care bills in Chicago</a> can cost more than renting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="studio apartment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/chicago-il/" data-vars-content-id="554916fa-3c2c-4027-9a49-a8d69a27d235" data-vars-headline="Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apartments.com/rent-market-trends/chicago-il/" target="_blank">studio apartment</a>, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report from child care data analysts Beverly Research" data-vars-click-url="https://beverly.io/research/illinois/chicago-il" data-vars-content-id="554916fa-3c2c-4027-9a49-a8d69a27d235" data-vars-headline="Chicago child care costs as much as studio rent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beverly.io/research/illinois/chicago-il" target="_blank">new report from child care data analysts Beverly Research</a>.The pricey picture: Tuition for an infant at a licensed Chicago child care center typically runs about $21,613 a year or $1,810 a month, the report says.

Illinois AG opposes Peoples Gas rate hike request

Chicago gas customers could pay about $11 more monthly under the utility's proposal.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is opposing a proposed Peoples Gas rate hike alongside consumer advocates.Why it matters: The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Illinois PIRG say that Illinois customers could pay about $11 more a month by the end of the year if regulators approve the rate hike.<ul><li>Peoples Gas says it needs the hike to stay on track to replace aging gas lines.</li></ul>

Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set

A Springfield proposal would shift pricing toward driving records and require advance notice of rate hikes.

Illinois lawmakers are considering changes to how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="car insurance rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/car-insurance-rates-falling-rising-states-map" data-vars-content-id="0c826134-66cc-4255-a640-7b223c577f7b" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/car-insurance-rates-falling-rising-states-map" target="_self">car insurance rates</a> are set.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate Bill 1486," data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=SB&amp;DocNum=1486&amp;GAID=18&amp;SessionID=114&amp;LegID=160057" data-vars-content-id="0c826134-66cc-4255-a640-7b223c577f7b" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=SB&amp;DocNum=1486&amp;GAID=18&amp;SessionID=114&amp;LegID=160057" target="_blank">Senate Bill 1486,</a> which passed the House in March, would give the Illinois Department of Insurance new authority to review and challenge rates.<ul><li>It would also require insurance providers to give at least 60 days&#x27; notice before any excessive rate hike and to determine prices based on driving record rather than age, credit score or ZIP code.</li></ul>

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>

Northern Illinois spared worst of power bill spike

Different energy companies, grids, housing and market structures play a role.

Climate

Residents of Northern Illinois pay about $140 per month for electricity — far less than the roughly $197 paid in central and southern parts of the state, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heatmap News data" data-vars-click-url="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" data-vars-content-id="3c084766-c51d-477d-8b53-bc41847fedbd" data-vars-headline="Northern Illinois spared worst of power bill spike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" target="_blank">Heatmap News data</a>.Why it matters: Although power bills have jumped across the state, they&#x27;ve hit some areas harder than others, which could shed light on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statewide anger" data-vars-click-url="https://superhits979.com/2025/08/05/ameren-illinois-customers-react-to-skyrocketing-electric-bill/" data-vars-content-id="3c084766-c51d-477d-8b53-bc41847fedbd" data-vars-headline="Northern Illinois spared worst of power bill spike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://superhits979.com/2025/08/05/ameren-illinois-customers-react-to-skyrocketing-electric-bill/" target="_blank">statewide anger</a> over energy prices while giving Chicagoans something to feel grateful for.

What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King

King has served as interim CEO, but has not previously led a school district.

Education

Macquline King became the official <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/18/first-day-catch-up-chicago-public-schools" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/18/first-day-catch-up-chicago-public-schools" target="_self">Chicago Public Schools</a> CEO Monday as the board voted 8–1 to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approve her" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/03/30/chicago-board-of-education-hires-macquline-king/" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/03/30/chicago-board-of-education-hires-macquline-king/" target="_blank">approve her</a> for a three-year contract.Why it matters: Running the nation&#x27;s fourth-largest school district is tough in the best of times.<ul><li>But the next year could bring huge leadership upheavals as CPS shifts to a fully elected board and the city could elect a new mayor, who traditionally wields great power in the district.</li></ul>Between the lines: This period will require a steady but flexible leader.<ul><li>King has served as interim CEO, but has not previously led a school district or managed a CPS department or network.</li></ul>Catch up quick: After 15 years as a CPS elementary school principal (at Dumas on the South Side and Courtenay on the North), King became an education policy adviser to Mayor Lori Lightfoot and was kept on by Mayor Brandon Johnson.<ul><li>Johnson tapped King as interim CEO last June, after the acrimonious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="departure of CEO Pedro Martinez," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/21/cps-pedro-martinez-fired" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/21/cps-pedro-martinez-fired" target="_self">departure of CEO Pedro Martinez,</a> who refused to accede to the mayor&#x27;s wishes for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-interest loan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/10/02/cps-budget-deficit" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/10/02/cps-budget-deficit" target="_self">high-interest loan</a> to cover non-teacher pensions.</li><li>Facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$734 million budget deficit," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/21/chicago-school-budget-listening-session" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/21/chicago-school-budget-listening-session" target="_self">$734 million budget deficit,</a> King presented a balanced FY 2026 plan, which also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rejected the loan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/14/cps-interim-ceo-defies-johnson-budget-pensions-loan" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/14/cps-interim-ceo-defies-johnson-budget-pensions-loan" target="_self">rejected the loan</a> Johnson wanted.</li></ul>The search: Last fall, a search firm and the board drew up a list of permanent CEO finalists (which was later leaked) that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="did not include King" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/11/05/cps-ceo-search-macquline-king" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/11/05/cps-ceo-search-macquline-king" target="_blank">did not include King</a>, prompting blowback from the NAACP and Chicago Teachers Union.<ul><li>When the firm was dismissed and a new search was launched, some elected board members <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="charged sabotage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/02/12/school-board-terminates-contract-with-alma-advisory-group/" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/02/12/school-board-terminates-contract-with-alma-advisory-group/" target="_blank">charged sabotage</a> and called for a delay in the search until a fully elected board could be seated in January.</li><li>Instead, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King was announced as a finalist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/03/13/chicago-public-schools-has-three-ceo-finalists-king-porter-narcisse/" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/03/13/chicago-public-schools-has-three-ceo-finalists-king-porter-narcisse/" target="_blank">King was announced as a finalist</a> this month along with candidates from New York and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: How King balances the demands of CPS families, the board, the mayor, and Johnson-averse Springfield lawmakers who will be asked for more funding as the district faces a projected $520 million deficit in 2027.

Chicago rent prices went up more than other major cities

Median rent in the Chicago area hit $1,670 after a 4% jump — even as U.S. rents tick down slightly.

Real Estate

Chicago&#x27;s median rent rose faster than in the other nine largest U.S. cities.Why it matters: Housing is unaffordable for many. A new Harvard report finds a record number of renters are &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost-burdened" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/americas-rental-housing-2026" data-vars-content-id="c44a4d3d-5906-43c1-a316-4e063a2e69c7" data-vars-headline="Chicago rent prices went up more than other major cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/americas-rental-housing-2026" target="_blank">cost-burdened</a>,&quot; spending more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities.<ul><li>Although the median U.S. rent for new leases is down 1.5% from a year ago, it&#x27;s still roughly 20% above pre-pandemic levels, per Apartment List.</li></ul>