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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.

Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities

The city is seeing an uptick in homicides, while other violent crimes drop.

U.S. cities are experiencing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sharp declines in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">sharp declines in homicides</a> this year — with one notable exception: Chicago.Why it matters: Chicago is entering the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional summer months for crime," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" target="_self">traditional summer months for crime,</a> with homicides slightly ahead of last year&#x27;s pace, even as many major cities report steep declines in killings.

Can you guess where Carrie is this week?

Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd recently took a tour of the road and snapped this.

Things to Do

Illinois is celebrating the centennial of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic roadway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/12/new-route-66-tour-explores-chicagos-road-trip-roots" data-vars-content-id="eccd9bdf-8cbb-4ca5-a146-b9b66965b322" data-vars-headline="Can you guess where Carrie is this week?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/12/new-route-66-tour-explores-chicagos-road-trip-roots" target="_self">iconic roadway</a> that stretches from Chicago to California.The big question: Can you guess where along Route 66 Carrie is standing?

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.

New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy

From Uniqlo to Oakbrook pop-ups, new Chicago-area retail openings are sparking long lines.

Business

Excitement around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new retail stores in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/leica-chicago-first-store-michigan-avenue" data-vars-content-id="2992c1a0-4dc0-4557-b9e5-a86aa0c904d9" data-vars-headline="New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy" 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/leica-chicago-first-store-michigan-avenue" target="_self">new retail stores in Chicago</a> has led to long lines, and in at least one case, police on the scene.The big picture: New tenants continue to fill storefronts on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Avenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/president-trump-magnificient-mile-chicago-trump-tower" data-vars-content-id="2992c1a0-4dc0-4557-b9e5-a86aa0c904d9" data-vars-headline="New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/president-trump-magnificient-mile-chicago-trump-tower" target="_self">Michigan Avenue</a>, and shops with very loyal followers are popping up in neighborhoods and the suburbs.

Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches in Chicago

From the sando at Sarima Cafe to the treats at TXA TXA and Doma, we've got you covered.

Chicago has no shortage of great breakfast sandwiches. Flashback: In 2022, Axios Chicago gathered<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" this tasty list " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" data-vars-content-id="4c8484a4-05f8-4c34-9939-1ad94e027464" data-vars-headline="Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches 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/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" target="_self"> this tasty list </a>of old standbys, which included the sandwich from James Beard Award-winning Kasama and the tasty traditional fare at Do-Rite Donuts. Yes, but: That was four years ago — a lifetime for Chicago businesses and palates.

246 on electronic monitoring missing in Cook County

This was also the case for Alphanso Talley, charged with the murder of Chicago Police officer John Bartholomew

Neighborhoods

At least 246 defendants released on electronic monitoring in Cook County are currently unaccounted for despite warrants being issued for their arrests.Why it matters: The revelation comes weeks after prosecutors charged Alphanso Talley in the fatal April 25 shooting of Chicago police officer John Bartholomew. <ul><li>Court records show Talley <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="also violated the terms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/08/questions-linger-in-fatal-shooting-of-chicago-cop" data-vars-content-id="4427f612-6aed-43f4-816f-ecd7baef2360" data-vars-headline="246 on electronic monitoring missing in Cook County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/08/questions-linger-in-fatal-shooting-of-chicago-cop" target="_self">also violated the terms</a> of his electronic monitoring and was the subject of an unserved warrant before the shooting. </li></ul>

Sniffing out top lilac smelling spots in Chicago

The Streets and San building near Foster and Western is currently enchanting.

🌷While I love daffodil days and tulip time in Chicago, nothing beats lilac season. Driving the news: This week, we&#x27;re approaching peak lilac-sniffing days and the cooler temperatures have preserved the blossoms even longer than usual. My quirk: If I spot<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" a bunch of lilacs in May" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYOGRfdxfvc/" data-vars-content-id="9c033dbf-dc07-49ed-b237-e68defe95c89" data-vars-headline="Sniffing out top lilac smelling spots in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYOGRfdxfvc/" target="_blank"> a bunch of lilacs in May</a>, I&#x27;ll stop my bike or pull over my car just to stand in front of the bushes, close my eyes and breathe in the perfume. The ask: Tell me about the best local spots to smell lilacs by emailing a location or photo to chicago@axios.com. <ul><li>And don&#x27;t forget to take a moment to enjoy them yourself. </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Reader recommendations </h2>Top spot: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lilacia Park in Lombard" data-vars-click-url="https://lombardparks.com/lilacia-park/" data-vars-content-id="9c033dbf-dc07-49ed-b237-e68defe95c89" data-vars-headline="Sniffing out top lilac smelling spots in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lombardparks.com/lilacia-park/" target="_blank">Lilacia Park in Lombard</a>: Find &quot;seven acres of winding paths with tons of different cultivars and plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the lilacs...right off a Metra stop, so super convenient for those who don&#x27;t drive,&quot; says reader Mark Kolasa.<ul><li>More Lilacia Park recs came from Gail C. Susan B., Barry H., PJ B and Caroline F.</li></ul>💐 Broadway between Foster and Berwyn near the strip mall. — Simone A.📚Sulzer Library at Lincoln and Sunnyside. — Margaret S.🌸 Ravenswood Manor Park&#x27;s pergola surrounded by lilacs. — Maureen M.🥡 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lao Hu Tong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.laohutongschaumburg.com/" data-vars-content-id="9c033dbf-dc07-49ed-b237-e68defe95c89" data-vars-headline="Sniffing out top lilac smelling spots in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.laohutongschaumburg.com/" target="_blank">Lao Hu Tong</a> restaurant in Schaumburg has a few lovely bushes. — Beth S.🏞️ The Channel Trail in Evanston along McCormick Blvd between Golf Rd &amp; the Evanston Ecology Center. &quot;Did a run there this morning and the scent was fabulous!&quot; — Chuck J.🖼️ Monroe Street between Columbus and Michigan next to the Art Institute! — Theresa H.🛠️ SW corner of Kimball and Addison: &quot;Last Saturday the temps were in the 70s and there was a nice breeze. We had the car windows down while leaving the Home Depot and could smell the lilac bushes while waiting at the stoplight. Saturday errands were immediately leveled up.&quot; — Lynn A.🛒 Costco parking lot on Clybourn. — Leah N.🌻 Hyde Park: the south side of 53rd St between Kimbark and Kenwood is a whole block of them! — Steph L.🚆 Clark and Elm, trust me, coming off the Red Line, these are a refreshing scent. — Carrie S.🌳 Grant Park around Balbo and Lake Shore Drive where rows and rows perfume the air this week. — Monica E.

Restoried highlights Asian-American experience

Albany Park bookstore will host several events of AANHPI month.

In an era when independent booksellers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="face corporate competitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/02/barnes-noble-new-stores-chicago-loop-state-street-hyde-park-oak-park-old-orchard" data-vars-content-id="97d82e66-2ef7-4245-b028-ead53d33ea19" data-vars-headline="Restoried highlights Asian-American experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/02/barnes-noble-new-stores-chicago-loop-state-street-hyde-park-oak-park-old-orchard" target="_self">face corporate competitors</a> and shrinking attention spans, Justin Valas audaciously opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restoried Bookshop" data-vars-click-url="https://restoriedbookshop.com/" data-vars-content-id="97d82e66-2ef7-4245-b028-ead53d33ea19" data-vars-headline="Restoried highlights Asian-American experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://restoriedbookshop.com/" target="_blank">Restoried Bookshop</a>, focused solely on Asian and Asian-American works.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;For me, highlighting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander stories is important in painting a more complete picture of our past and a more vibrant vision for our future,&quot; Valas tells Axios about his goals for the two-year-old Albany Park shop.

Chicago gates several beach parking lots

New automated systems charge drivers after 15 minutes even if they stay in the car.

<figure><img alt="A large sign reads &quot;Just drive in&quot; with an arrow, set in a park. Background shows trees, grass, yellow striped bollards, and a person jogging with a dog." height="2507" id="9a8216ec-1af1-4ec2-9060-52416ae5baea" src="https://images.axios.com/Ni9ntelYBEmW_Y3v0cOTSKunszA=/2026/04/30/1777577155802.jpeg" width="4030"/><figcaption>New signs at automated gates near several Chicago lakefront lots. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>Parking on Chicago&#x27;s lakefront just got more automated — and in some cases, more expensive.Driving the news: The city installed new gates at 10 lakefront spots run by the Chicago Park District, using technology that reads your license plate and tracks when you arrive and leave.

May Day 2026 rallies and events in Chicago

Expect a plaque dedication, family chalk walk, a trivia night, rally and march.

After high-profile disputes over May Day plans, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago teachers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/17/chicago-public-schools-may-day-plan" data-vars-content-id="881fbf91-f86c-4461-a035-fe48fe93de8d" data-vars-headline="May Day 2026 rallies and events 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/2026/04/17/chicago-public-schools-may-day-plan" target="_self">Chicago teachers</a>, union members, advocates, and students are gearing up for events across the city.Why it matters: Friday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marks the 140th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/571.html" data-vars-content-id="881fbf91-f86c-4461-a035-fe48fe93de8d" data-vars-headline="May Day 2026 rallies and events in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/571.html" target="_blank">marks the 140th anniversary</a> of the Chicago Haymarket strike that ignited the May Day movement.

This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz

Monica tells the story of her great grandfather's 1920s Chinese jazz cafe.

In honor of<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" International Jazz Day tomorrow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/20/unescos-global-jazz-fest-lands-in-chicago" data-vars-content-id="dd022f57-4ffa-4c95-893f-28d20a76849c" data-vars-headline="This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/20/unescos-global-jazz-fest-lands-in-chicago" target="_self"> International Jazz Day tomorrow</a>, I&#x27;m looking back at the role of Chinese restaurants in jazz history — specifically my great-grandpa, Joe Eng&#x27;s Golden Pumpkin in Garfield Park.Why it matters: Few people remember the &quot;Dine &amp; Dance&quot; era of Chinese-American restaurants that ran from the 1910-ish through the &#x27;40s, colorfully novelized in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lisa See&#x27;s &quot;China Dolls.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.amazon.com/China-Dolls-Novel-Lisa-See/dp/081299289X" data-vars-content-id="dd022f57-4ffa-4c95-893f-28d20a76849c" data-vars-headline="This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.amazon.com/China-Dolls-Novel-Lisa-See/dp/081299289X" target="_blank">Lisa See&#x27;s &quot;China Dolls.&quot;</a>Catch up quick: In the early 20th century, Chinese restaurants were considered risqué joints by some, including Chicago aldermen who advanced legislation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to ban them." data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/02/27/how-chinese-restaurants-nearly-became-extinct-across-us/" data-vars-content-id="dd022f57-4ffa-4c95-893f-28d20a76849c" data-vars-headline="This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/02/27/how-chinese-restaurants-nearly-became-extinct-across-us/" target="_blank">to ban them.</a><ul><li>A 1910 Tribune editorial claimed &quot;more than 300 Chicago white girls had sacrificed themselves to the influence of chop suey joints during the last year&quot; after smoking, drinking and becoming &quot;hypnotized by the dreamy seductive music that is always on tap.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Black-and-white street scene of a vintage theater with arched windows and ornate cornice. Sign reads &quot;The Golden Pumpkin Exterior&quot; and vertical &quot;GOLDEN PUMPKIN&quot; marquee; a car is parked outside." height="3923" id="e0426230-815d-475a-a890-379a0a7257c3" src="https://images.axios.com/4iuGblNa7OLGyn73ctyPDf2Y4yE=/2026/04/28/1777400253907.jpeg" width="6000"/><figcaption>The exterior of The Golden Pumpkin Dine &amp; Dance in Garfield Park. Photo: Courtesy of Chuckman Chicago Nostalgia.</figcaption></figure>Zoom in: Great-grandpa Joe opened the Golden Pumpkin in 1927 at 3829 W. Madison in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Garfield Park&#x27;s bustling entertainment district " data-vars-click-url="https://www.bronzecommhub.com/blog/black-brilliant-and-resilient-the-untold-story-of-west-garfield-park" data-vars-content-id="dd022f57-4ffa-4c95-893f-28d20a76849c" data-vars-headline="This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bronzecommhub.com/blog/black-brilliant-and-resilient-the-untold-story-of-west-garfield-park" target="_blank">Garfield Park&#x27;s bustling entertainment district </a>anchored by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marbro " data-vars-click-url="https://jazzagechicago.wordpress.com/marbro/" data-vars-content-id="dd022f57-4ffa-4c95-893f-28d20a76849c" data-vars-headline="This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jazzagechicago.wordpress.com/marbro/" target="_blank">Marbro </a>and Paradise Theater.<ul><li>On one of his postcards, he called it the &quot;largest and most beautiful Chinese cafe in the world&quot; with a capacity for 2,000.</li></ul>State of play:<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Thelma Terry, " data-vars-click-url="https://combs-families.org/combs/marriage/thelma.htm" data-vars-content-id="dd022f57-4ffa-4c95-893f-28d20a76849c" data-vars-headline="This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://combs-families.org/combs/marriage/thelma.htm" target="_blank"> Thelma Terry, </a>a rare female bassist bandleader, helmed the Pumpkins&#x27; house band called &quot;The Playboys,&quot; featuring &quot;Austin High School Gang&quot; alum <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gene Krupa on drums" data-vars-click-url="https://syncopatedtimes.com/profiles-in-jazz-gene-krupa/" data-vars-content-id="dd022f57-4ffa-4c95-893f-28d20a76849c" data-vars-headline="This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://syncopatedtimes.com/profiles-in-jazz-gene-krupa/" target="_blank">Gene Krupa on drums</a>.<figure><img alt="Newspaper clipping with a bold headline reading &quot;Robber Gang Dances, Then Holds Up Inn.&quot; Smaller text describes three robbers mingling with a crowd at the Golden Pumpkin Inn." height="1080" id="b6576100-4bee-4f72-a752-7767fd2a3749" src="https://images.axios.com/xF2tSqX-w33_D2_YuP7XLHxVe8w=/2026/04/28/1777400866549.jpeg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/SY147xqei4_pbd6_gpmm5Y8_i_8=/0x0:1920x1080/1920x1080/2026/04/28/1777400866549.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/d2GsBN-I2sHovwOnTpPsiRKC4s8=/0x0:1920x1080/1600x900/2026/04/28/1777400866549.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/0bs06Q7CDl4taMtvkn8usecX5vo=/0x0:1920x1080/1366x768/2026/04/28/1777400866549.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/g-5ZW7Aj4cG4dK8PO29LabPjZZM=/0x0:1920x1080/1024x576/2026/04/28/1777400866549.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/-rbowJUF9uguq37STLxmBDVcsdk=/0x0:1920x1080/768x432/2026/04/28/1777400866549.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/oKybhLYjI3fSwZToz9AUJbeB6qk=/0x0:1920x1080/640x360/2026/04/28/1777400866549.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/6OUeFSp9Ctj4Dlj-wCcf8a7cvWo=/0x0:1920x1080/320x180/2026/04/28/1777400866549.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>A January 1929 Tribune clipping describes a hold up at the Golden Pumpkin. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>Dining and danger: A 1929 Tribune story described robbers who danced all night at the Pumpkin, sent their &quot;pretty girl companions&quot; home at 1am and swiped $800.<ul><li>Later that year, my great-grandpa lost his shirt in the stock market crash and shut the Pumpkin down by 1932.</li><li>He&#x27;d relaunch in 1932 with the huge new<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Hoe Sai Gai" data-vars-click-url="https://mocanyc.pastperfectonline.com/Media/3E4694C5-42D2-4290-A0CB-604925655137" data-vars-content-id="dd022f57-4ffa-4c95-893f-28d20a76849c" data-vars-headline="This 1920s Chinese cafe served up Chicago jazz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mocanyc.pastperfectonline.com/Media/3E4694C5-42D2-4290-A0CB-604925655137" target="_blank"> Hoe Sai Gai</a> on Randolph Street (where Daley Plaza now stands), featuring lush interiors but no more jazz bands.</li></ul>

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