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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann and Carrie Shepherd.

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A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

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Chicago's most beautiful houses of worship face off

Vote your favorites through our 16-site bracket to crown Chicago's most picturesque place of worship.

Culture

This month&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Chicago tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/27/best-living-chicago-celebrity-murray-pope-oprah-cusack-obama" data-vars-content-id="17e46c77-73fa-41c5-8ff2-d84bbe247d57" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s most beautiful houses of worship face off" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/27/best-living-chicago-celebrity-murray-pope-oprah-cusack-obama" target="_self">Axios Chicago tournament</a> is about the best-looking houses of worship in the Chicago area.Between the lines: We&#x27;re not talking faith. We&#x27;re talking architecture.

Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways

The Republican gubernatorial candidate unveiled a four-point plan, but it lacks details.

Transit

Illinois gubernatorial candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Darren Bailey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/18/bailey-wins-gop-primary-pritzker-rematch-illinois-governor" data-vars-content-id="478f836d-2a1b-41ec-b9ee-a56419d0277a" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways" 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/bailey-wins-gop-primary-pritzker-rematch-illinois-governor" target="_self">Darren Bailey</a> wants to make the state’s toll roads free, reviving a decades-old promise that’s much easier said than financed.Why it matters: Eliminating tolls would upend a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation funding system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/31/illinois-fall-veto-session-transit-deal" data-vars-content-id="478f836d-2a1b-41ec-b9ee-a56419d0277a" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/31/illinois-fall-veto-session-transit-deal" target="_self">transportation funding system</a> lawmakers just expanded. <ul><li>Last year&#x27;s sweeping transit package called for higher tolls to help finance a new multibillion-dollar Tollway construction program, while shifting other state transportation revenues toward mass transit.</li></ul>

New Chicago murals honor Caleb Williams, Stacey King and John Prine

The murals honor two Chicago legends and one trying to cement his legacy in real time.

Things to Do

Three new murals have sprung up in Chicago recently, celebrating two legends — and one young star building his legacy in real time. Why it matters: Chicago has long turned blank walls into tributes to icons.

Trump's Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight

Is Illinois getting the shaft on federal storm aid due to politics?

Climate

President Trump&#x27;s rapid emergency declaration for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storm-ravaged Indiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/17/indiana-launches-emergency-assistance-housing-vouchers-for-flood-victims" data-vars-content-id="5db2749c-7612-4556-901a-5f0771ddb6f5" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/17/indiana-launches-emergency-assistance-housing-vouchers-for-flood-victims" target="_self">storm-ravaged Indiana</a> is renewing Democratic concerns about partisanship in federal disaster aid.Why it matters: Thousands of Illinoisans are dealing with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="damaged or lost property" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/12/illinois-derecho-tornado-indiana-south-suburbs-trees-power-flooding" data-vars-content-id="5db2749c-7612-4556-901a-5f0771ddb6f5" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/12/illinois-derecho-tornado-indiana-south-suburbs-trees-power-flooding" target="_self">damaged or lost property</a> from the same derecho that produced eight tornadoes, power outages and flooding on both sides of the state line.

Chicago Weekend: Axios Chicago staff picks

Our picks include soul dancing, sidewalk chalk, indie rock, classical music and dining al fresco.

Summer is winding down. Yes, we&#x27;re sorry to break that news. <ul><li>But we&#x27;re making sure you make the most of it with these suggestions.</li></ul>

Chicago's bocce community gets a home court

The West Town clubhouse has five bocce courts, a backyard and a packed calendar of social events.

Sports

After more than a decade of playing the sport in bars and parks, Chicago&#x27;s bocce community has a home court.What to expect: Chicago Bocce Club in West Town calls itself the city&#x27;s first dedicated bocce clubhouse, with five professional-grade indoor and outdoor courts, a private backyard with other games and a coworking and events space.

Food Fight: Where to get the best thin-crust pizza in Chicago 

We pick three iconic spots to help you with your Chicago pizza cravings.

Neighborhoods

Despite Chicago&#x27;s national reputation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deep dish " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/20/food-fight-chicago-deep-dish-pizza-malnatis-labriola-ginos-pizanos" data-vars-content-id="e4f438df-fc1e-4636-95d8-fbfda2ba391d" data-vars-headline="Food Fight: Where to get the best thin-crust pizza 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/2026/07/20/food-fight-chicago-deep-dish-pizza-malnatis-labriola-ginos-pizanos" target="_self">deep dish </a>we all know square-cut, thin-crust pizzas reign supreme at bowling parties, union meetings, sports gatherings and easy dinners. <ul><li>But where do you find the best? We&#x27;re fighting about it this week.</li></ul>

Axios staff picks: Things to do in Chicago this weekend

Reporters Carrie Shepherd, Justin Kaufmann and Monica Eng's suggestions for the Chicago weekend.

Hope you didn’t plan a nice, quiet weekend. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="It&#x27;s Air &amp; Water Show time again." data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/air_water_show.html" data-vars-content-id="6ec98f97-cc7a-4719-a7d5-5af7b9a77085" data-vars-headline="Axios staff picks: Things to do in Chicago this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/air_water_show.html" target="_blank">It&#x27;s Air &amp; Water Show time again.</a> Best of luck to you and your pups.The big picture: If you&#x27;re looking for something to do a little closer to the ground, there&#x27;s plenty of outdoor eating, drinking and vibing happening across Chicago and the suburbs.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what the Axios Chicago crew has on our radars.</li></ul>

How far $500K goes at Chicago parks

A new voting process lets residents help decide which Park District improvements get funded.

For the first time, Chicagoans can weigh in on how the Park District spends $500,000.Why it matters: Participatory budgeting gives residents a say in how city officials spend tax dollars on public amenities and services.

Chicago summer 2026 closures: Hackney's, Wishbone, Zeitlin's and more

Several high-profile businesses announced they are closing up shop this month.

Business

In less than a month, several well-known <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago-area restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/16/chicago-restaurant-closures-dmk-burger-bar-magnolia-bakery-and-more" data-vars-content-id="66b94c63-62ab-454f-a698-aba26b289c04" data-vars-headline="Chicago summer 2026 closures: Hackney&#x27;s, Wishbone, Zeitlin&#x27;s and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/16/chicago-restaurant-closures-dmk-burger-bar-magnolia-bakery-and-more" target="_self">Chicago-area restaurants</a> and retailers announced plans to close.State of play: The reasons vary — from rising costs and changing consumer habits to health violations and lease disputes — but the announcements mark the end of some neighborhood institutions.

Food Fight: Where to get the best Italian subs in Chicago

Our choices range from Little Italy to Lakeview.

Food and Drink

A great Italian sub starts with the meat.The Genoa salami, capicola and ham should be toothsome and plentiful. Yes, but: To compete in Chicago, you also need a soft, chewy roll soaked with just the right squirt of seasoned oil.

Deaths revive debate on lakefront e-scooters

Recent e-scooter deaths in Chicago have revived the question.

Public Safety

While Lime and Divvy scooters riders can freely travel busy Chicago streets, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they&#x27;re electronically barred from " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/17/lime-scooters-lakefront-trail" data-vars-content-id="7d34e90f-73a9-4d8d-86aa-26619103b332" data-vars-headline="Deaths revive debate on lakefront e-scooters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/17/lime-scooters-lakefront-trail" target="_self">they&#x27;re electronically barred from </a>the relatively safe Lakefront Trail.<ul><li>People riding privately owned e-scooters, however, ride up and down the trail every day. </li></ul>