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Pritzker revives Bears stadium talk in Chicago 

The Illinois governor suggested the legislature's veto session could help keep the Bears in the city.

Business

The Bears <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadium drama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/13/chicago-bears-new-stadium-hammond-indiana-nfl-pritzker-braun" data-vars-content-id="2003f906-66d9-4c59-b697-27ad32547575" data-vars-headline="Pritzker revives Bears stadium talk 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/2026/08/13/chicago-bears-new-stadium-hammond-indiana-nfl-pritzker-braun" target="_self">stadium drama</a> picked up steam again Tuesday night after a contentious debate between Illinois&#x27; gubernatorial candidates.The latest: After the debate, Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters he hopes state lawmakers will approve a tax incentive plan that could keep the Bears in Illinois — either in Arlington Heights or Chicago.<ul><li>Wait, Chicago?</li></ul>

Reported sexual assault at UChicago frat house under investigation

A person of interest has been banned from campus as Chicago police continue their investigation.

Public Safety

Warning: This story includes reporting on sexual assault and rape.Chicago police are investigating a reported sexual assault at a University of Chicago fraternity house earlier this week.The big picture: The UChicago investigation comes amid heightened national scrutiny of campus sexual assault allegations, fueled in part by a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former Cornell student&#x27;s lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/nyregion/cornell-men-university-discipline.html" data-vars-content-id="4472aa83-3ff8-4d62-8669-951f07e472ca" data-vars-headline="Reported sexual assault at UChicago frat house under investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/nyregion/cornell-men-university-discipline.html" target="_blank">former Cornell student&#x27;s lawsuit</a> over how the university responded to her report of a gang rape.

Illinois 2026 election voter guide: How to vote, key races and deadlines

Your 5-minute guide to Illinois' 2026 midterm election, including how to vote, key races, candidates and important deadlines.

Election

Welcome to our 2026 midterm voting guide with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="info on casting your ballot " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/02/how-to-vote-in-chicago-2026-midterm-election-mail-register-early-polling" data-vars-content-id="5f6bf445-dae4-4015-bc15-cab70b2d3142" data-vars-headline="Illinois 2026 election voter guide: How to vote, key races and deadlines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/02/how-to-vote-in-chicago-2026-midterm-election-mail-register-early-polling" target="_self">info on casting your ballot </a>and key races in Chicago and across Illinois.State of play: From statewide contests to local judicial races, there&#x27;s a lot to sort through this election season. <ul><li>We&#x27;ve broken down the essentials to help you make informed decisions before Election Day on Nov. 3.</li></ul>

Former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass to shut down website

Kass is stepping away from his news site due to health problems.

Longtime Chicago political columnist John Kass says he&#x27;s winding down his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent news website" data-vars-click-url="https://johnkassnews.com/" data-vars-content-id="02b1dbd3-512b-451d-8eee-847fc55d5337" data-vars-headline="Former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass to shut down website" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://johnkassnews.com/" target="_blank">independent news website</a> after suffering five strokes in three years.Why it matters: Kass has been a prominent and sometimes polarizing voice in Chicago journalism for decades, first at the Chicago Tribune and more recently through his own conservative website and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Way" data-vars-click-url="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-way/id1081158077" data-vars-content-id="02b1dbd3-512b-451d-8eee-847fc55d5337" data-vars-headline="Former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass to shut down website" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-way/id1081158077" target="_blank">Chicago Way</a>&quot; podcast.

Sox ticket prices soaring for ALDS home games

The Sox organization is also calling for a "blackout" atmosphere when the team comes home on Wednesday.

Sports

White Sox fans have waited 21 years for a home playoff game after a series victory — and they&#x27;re going to pay for it.Why it matters: According to TickPick, Wednesday&#x27;s Game 3 at Rate Field is currently the most expensive divisional-round game in baseball and the most expensive White Sox game on record based on get-in price.

One Chicago doctor is trying to keep women in medicine

Chicago's Women in Medicine Summit tackles the pay and workplace gaps pushing doctors to leave.

Health

Women physicians can make millions less than their male colleagues, but a Chicago oncologist is working to change that.Why it matters: The pay gap is just one of the factors forcing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women out of the profession," data-vars-click-url="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/27/business/women-doctors-quit-medicine/" data-vars-content-id="eefb6bf2-967a-400e-9abe-99d8521f427a" data-vars-headline="One Chicago doctor is trying to keep women in medicine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/27/business/women-doctors-quit-medicine/" target="_blank">women out of the profession,</a> with negative effects on patient care.

Chicago faces a nearly $900 million budget gap

The expected deficit shrank by more than $200 million but is still approaching $900 million.

Chicago&#x27;s 2027 budget deficit checks in at $283.9 million less than what was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expected at this time last year." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/11/five-paths-to-shrinking-chicagos-deficit" data-vars-content-id="0697a0e4-2d35-4a18-bd47-1f13092d0143" data-vars-headline="Chicago faces a nearly $900 million budget gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/11/five-paths-to-shrinking-chicagos-deficit" target="_self">expected at this time last year.</a>Why it matters: While good news, it still leaves a whopping $882.4 million gap for Mayor Brandon Johnson and a contentious City Council to fill by the end of the year, according to projections released by the mayor&#x27;s office Thursday.

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>