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Food Fight: Where to get the best donuts in Chicago

Our reporters duke it out over their favorite treats in town.

Food and Drink

This week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/17/food-fight-best-thin-crust-pizza-dagostinos-foxs-michaels" data-vars-content-id="2608e0e9-7ba7-4e7a-837e-a2f60ec9ddd3" data-vars-headline="Food Fight: Where to get the best donuts 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/2026/08/17/food-fight-best-thin-crust-pizza-dagostinos-foxs-michaels" target="_self">Food Fight</a> is all about Chicago&#x27;s best pillowy, fluffy, glazed, gooey and fresh-fried treats.Why it matters: Life&#x27;s too short for mediocre donuts.

Inside the $2.25B plan for a 15-minute O'Hare-to-downtown train

This express train could drastically change traveling to and from O'Hare airport.

Transit

A group of business leaders wants to build a high-speed train to dramatically cut travel times between O&#x27;Hare and downtown Chicago.Why it matters: The express rail connection could give airport travelers a faster alternative to the CTA, cabs and ride shares without relying on public subsidies.

BTS ARMY returns to Chicago

Fans are making freebies and planning events across Chicago as BTS returns to Soldier Field.

Things to Do

K-Pop megastars BTS return to Chicago for the first time in seven years, and their ARMY stands ready. The big picture: The group that launched the K-Pop phenomenon performs two sold-out shows on Thursday and Friday at Soldier Field as part of their &quot;ARIRANG&quot; world tour.

Buc-ee's co-founder casts doubt on Illinois expansion over politics

The co-founder said he prefers working with conservative states that reflect the company's values.

Business

Buc-ee&#x27;s co-founder says politics will increasingly influence where the travel-center giant expands — comments that are drawing pushback in Illinois.The latest: At a grand opening for a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s in Benton, Arkansas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/buc-ees-ceo-signals-expansion-shift-away-blue-states-dont-appreciate-chain" data-vars-content-id="106cc18f-5f28-4dea-84b5-c620f74ed95e" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s co-founder casts doubt on Illinois expansion over politics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/buc-ees-ceo-signals-expansion-shift-away-blue-states-dont-appreciate-chain" target="_blank">Buc-ee&#x27;s in Benton, Arkansas</a>, last week, president and co-founder Arch &quot;Beaver&quot; Aplin III said the company would rather build in conservative, &quot;business-friendly&quot; communities.

Data centers could score a break under next assessor 

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

Environment

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>

New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales

Sellers may need to pay closer attention to their building's finances, reserves and repair plans.

Real Estate

Some condo owners could find it harder to sell their units under tougher new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/12/trump-fannie-mae-freddie-mac" data-vars-content-id="f46acb3f-6acf-44d1-a5e1-cc21e59ab058" data-vars-headline="New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/12/trump-fannie-mae-freddie-mac" target="_self">Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac </a>lending standards.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The rules" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/bulletin/2026-C" data-vars-content-id="f46acb3f-6acf-44d1-a5e1-cc21e59ab058" data-vars-headline="New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/bulletin/2026-C" target="_blank">The rules</a> put new pressure on condo associations to stay on top of repairs and financial reserves, making sellers more dependent on the building&#x27;s overall appeal — not just their condo&#x27;s — to sell.

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.

News

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.