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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.

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 passes tipped minimum wage compromise

The measure sets up different rules for small and large restaurants.

Politics

After months of back-and-forth, alders voted Wednesday to slow scheduled increases in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipped minimum wage." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" data-vars-content-id="69b1e53d-4745-4096-a602-275e8943a5cb" data-vars-headline="Chicago passes tipped minimum wage compromise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" target="_self">tipped minimum wage.</a>Why it matters: The fight over tipped wages has become one of the city&#x27;s most contentious debates, pitting worker advocates against restaurant owners worried about rising labor costs.

Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness

A new report says Americans — especially young people — are talking to their neighbors less and less.

Culture

Over my many years in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a>, it has been my neighbors who made me feel most at home. Why it matters: A new report says Americans — especially younger people — are talking to their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">neighbors</a> less and less. Honestly? That bums me out.

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.

Money

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.

Business

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.

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>

Chicagoans still find bargain weed in New Buffalo

An Axios analysis found some cannabis products at half the Chicago price in New Buffalo.

Inexpensive weed products still abound <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="across the Michigan border" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/12/new-buffalo-michigan-illinois-marijuana-sales" data-vars-content-id="1bbed76c-444a-48ca-b98f-0fa4972af0a7" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans still find bargain weed in New Buffalo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/12/new-buffalo-michigan-illinois-marijuana-sales" target="_self">across the Michigan border</a> despite worries of higher prices after a new 24% wholesale tax kicked in. Why it matters: Michigan retailers warned last year that the tax could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="force them to raise prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/cannabis-business-reacts-to-wholesale-tax/" data-vars-content-id="1bbed76c-444a-48ca-b98f-0fa4972af0a7" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans still find bargain weed in New Buffalo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/cannabis-business-reacts-to-wholesale-tax/" target="_blank">force them to raise prices</a> and lose their edge over nearby states.<ul><li>But two and a half months<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" into the tax," data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/business-taxes/wholesale-marihuana-tax" data-vars-content-id="1bbed76c-444a-48ca-b98f-0fa4972af0a7" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans still find bargain weed in New Buffalo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/business-taxes/wholesale-marihuana-tax" target="_blank"> into the tax,</a> Michigan weed remains a bargain, with some products costing half the price of their Chicago counterparts.</li></ul>

Live Nation settlement not good enough, Illinois AG says

Attorney General Kwame Raoul joins other states arguing the proposed DOJ settlement wouldn't curb Ticketmaster's power.

Illinois and dozens of other states say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Live Nation&#x27;s tentative agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/live-nation-ticketmaster-doj-settlement" data-vars-content-id="d6a1b8f5-2e4d-4bbb-900a-da6248643816" data-vars-headline="Live Nation settlement not good enough, Illinois AG says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/live-nation-ticketmaster-doj-settlement" target="_self">Live Nation&#x27;s tentative agreement</a> with the federal government doesn&#x27;t do enough to protect concertgoers.Why it matters: Live Nation&#x27;s ownership of Ticketmaster has created a monopoly in live entertainment, allowing the two companies to control ticket prices for concerts and events, the U.S. Department of Justice and the states contend.