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The giant Pabst Blue Ribbon sign that once towered over downtown Chicago

Here's another installment in our "History Mystery" series investigating archival photos of Chicago.

History

This week&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="History Mystery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/05/history-mystery-palmer-house-construction-state-hotel-fire-potter" data-vars-content-id="bf1c97c2-1dd4-4c65-9f80-d90863844b04" data-vars-headline="The giant Pabst Blue Ribbon sign that once towered over downtown Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/05/history-mystery-palmer-house-construction-state-hotel-fire-potter" target="_self">History Mystery</a>&quot; features a long-lost photo of a neon beer sign that once welcomed people to downtown Chicago. <ul><li>The Pabst Blue Ribbon billboard lit up the night sky at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue decades before Millennium Park existed.</li></ul>

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire

The police chief leaves after helming a department that saw historic drops in homicides last year.

Public Safety

Chicago Police Department Superintendent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Larry Snelling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/14/chicago-police-superintendent-larry-snelling" data-vars-content-id="d67f76c4-c9a6-4c8b-97a5-c51044bb8464" data-vars-headline="Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/14/chicago-police-superintendent-larry-snelling" target="_self">Larry Snelling</a> announced Wednesday that he&#x27;ll retire July 15 after more than three decades with the department. Why it matters: Snelling was Mayor Brandon Johnson&#x27;s first pick to lead CPD and oversaw a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drastic reduction in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/10/crime-decline-homicides-october-trump-national-guard-scotus-johnson" data-vars-content-id="d67f76c4-c9a6-4c8b-97a5-c51044bb8464" data-vars-headline="Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/10/crime-decline-homicides-october-trump-national-guard-scotus-johnson" target="_self">drastic reduction in homicides</a> during his tenure.

Chicagoans open French cottages in New Buffalo

The new cottage compound blends wellness and hospitality.

Things to Do

As someone who has rented summer homes in the Harbor Country area for decades, I was intrigued by the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Petite Acres" data-vars-click-url="https://www.petiteacres.com/" data-vars-content-id="67435586-1052-45d9-9965-88cf93983274" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans open French cottages in New Buffalo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.petiteacres.com/" target="_blank">Petite Acres</a> cottage compound in New Buffalo, which feels like a hybrid cottage, luxury hotel and summer camp.Background: Chicago couple Jeana Anderson Cohen and Justin Cohen dreamed up the facility after a 2020 trip to a resort in the south of France.

Chicago suburbs add drones this July 4

Environmental, safety and accessibility concerns are reshaping some local Fourth of July celebrations.

Fireworks symbolize the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fourth of July" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/30/ohare-fourth-of-july-travel-weekend-united-aaa-driving-travel-illinois" data-vars-content-id="9dcf7be1-575d-47cd-86be-ba4b5dfff2c6" data-vars-headline="Chicago suburbs add drones this July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/30/ohare-fourth-of-july-travel-weekend-united-aaa-driving-travel-illinois" target="_self">Fourth of July</a> as much as American flags, hot dogs and sweltering heat, but some Chicago suburbs are switching things up this year.

Fox 32 Chicago's talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck's departure

The Chicago product is moving on from anchoring the Fox 32 newscast.

News

Fox 32&#x27;s top news anchor, Dawn Hasbrouck, has left Fox 32 after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 17 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/10/23/tom-skilling-news-anchors-talent?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_chicago&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/10/23/tom-skilling-news-anchors-talent?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_chicago&amp;stream=top" target="_self">nearly 17 years</a>. Why it matters: Hasbrouck signed off late last week as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="colleagues showered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-rgjigwnp60959atb?link_source=ta_first_comment&amp;taid=6a4491f4ad50b40001f1728e&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawS44v5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtS0lmZkx2Vks0b0FXSUFtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn206hgddY52zAuOdaoUr_QFGz9Mneh-DiiAqyYBRPBcg4fNIWJK2cr2Twwt_aem_caObK1836hXGIMj0UJGTLA" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-rgjigwnp60959atb?link_source=ta_first_comment&amp;taid=6a4491f4ad50b40001f1728e&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawS44v5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtS0lmZkx2Vks0b0FXSUFtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn206hgddY52zAuOdaoUr_QFGz9Mneh-DiiAqyYBRPBcg4fNIWJK2cr2Twwt_aem_caObK1836hXGIMj0UJGTLA" target="_blank">colleagues showered</a> her with compliments on air. <ul><li>The Chicago native was only the second female ever to lead the station&#x27;s 9pm news. </li></ul>Context: Hasbrouck is the latest personality to depart Fox 32 this year, joining sports anchor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lou Canellis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/26/lou-cannelis-fox-32-nbc-5-sports-bears-bulls" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/26/lou-cannelis-fox-32-nbc-5-sports-bears-bulls" target="_self">Lou Canellis</a>, political reporter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paris Schutz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/fox-32-political-reporter-paris-schutz-is-leaving" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/fox-32-political-reporter-paris-schutz-is-leaving" target="_self">Paris Schutz</a>, and longtime anchor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sylvia Perez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/15/sylvia-perez-leaving-fox-32-40-years-chicago-television-news" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/15/sylvia-perez-leaving-fox-32-40-years-chicago-television-news" target="_self">Sylvia Perez</a>. <ul><li>Morning anchor Roseanne Tellez and Hasbrouck&#x27;s former 9pm co-anchor, Scott Schneider, were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fired in the spring" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/fox-32-chicago-fires-anchor-scott-schneider-executive-producer-marissa-rubino-sean-oheir-lou-canellis-roseanne-tellez" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/fox-32-chicago-fires-anchor-scott-schneider-executive-producer-marissa-rubino-sean-oheir-lou-canellis-roseanne-tellez" target="_blank">fired in the spring</a>. </li></ul>

Chicago storm damage: What to do when your home or car are hit

Chicago's flood defenses are being pushed to the limit  and wreaking havoc across the region.

Environment

Continuous heavy rainfall and storms in Chicago have led to fallen trees and flooded homes. Here&#x27;s what home and car owners need to know.

Sotheby's selling rare Virgil Abloh prints to fund scholarship

Four signed prints from Abloh's UW collaboration will fund scholarships at his alma mater after auction.

Culture

Proceeds from the sale of limited-edition prints will benefit a scholarship at the late artist and designer Virgil Abloh&#x27;s alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison.The big picture: Considered by some as one of the most influential young designers of the 21st century, Abloh often credited his time at UW for shaping his creative side.<ul><li>The sale aims to do the same for future students, with proceeds benefiting the Virgil Abloh Scholarship Fund at the university. </li></ul>

Critics decry CPD's post-Pride response to teens

But some Lakeview neighbors criticized the operation as "apartheid-like."

More than 100 Chicago police officers descended on Lakeview Sunday to head off a yearly post-Pride <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teen gathering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/09/chicago-curfew-enforcement-downtown-data" data-vars-content-id="99d4931a-66c0-4ac5-8298-8653292cb5fa" data-vars-headline="Critics decry CPD&#x27;s post-Pride response to teens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/09/chicago-curfew-enforcement-downtown-data" target="_self">teen gathering</a> that draws hundreds to party in the street and often <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="twerk on cars." data-vars-click-url="https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-belmont-red-line-news-police/13433104/" data-vars-content-id="99d4931a-66c0-4ac5-8298-8653292cb5fa" data-vars-headline="Critics decry CPD&#x27;s post-Pride response to teens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-belmont-red-line-news-police/13433104/" target="_blank">twerk on cars.</a>Why it matters: For years, local lawmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have debated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/curfew-law-advances-but-social-media-crackdown-stalls" data-vars-content-id="99d4931a-66c0-4ac5-8298-8653292cb5fa" data-vars-headline="Critics decry CPD&#x27;s post-Pride response to teens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/curfew-law-advances-but-social-media-crackdown-stalls" target="_self">have debated</a> how to prevent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-pride-parade-chaos-police-attacked-53-arrested" data-vars-content-id="99d4931a-66c0-4ac5-8298-8653292cb5fa" data-vars-headline="Critics decry CPD&#x27;s post-Pride response to teens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-pride-parade-chaos-police-attacked-53-arrested" target="_blank">violence</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="property damage" data-vars-click-url="https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-belmont-red-line-news-police/13433104/" data-vars-content-id="99d4931a-66c0-4ac5-8298-8653292cb5fa" data-vars-headline="Critics decry CPD&#x27;s post-Pride response to teens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-belmont-red-line-news-police/13433104/" target="_blank">property damage</a> at &quot;teen trends/takeovers,&quot; and this year&#x27;s strategy — using police, transit restrictions and extensive barricades — largely achieved those aims.

Illegal fireworks return to Chicago neighborhoods for July 4

Several illegal fireworks displays will take over neighborhood parks this weekend.

The Fourth of July in Chicago means celebrations, cookouts, and, of course, illegal fireworks. The big picture: While Chicago and its suburbs host professional fireworks shows, neighborhood parks become hotspots for illegal displays that fill the night with booming explosions, whistling rockets and thick smoke.<ul><li>These displays happen all around the city, including in Independence Park, Humboldt Park and Ravenswood&#x27;s Winnemac Park. </li></ul>

O'Hare braces for big Fourth of July travel weekend

The airport is expected to see record passengers even as airlines cut back flights.

The Fourth of July weekend may turn out to be another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-setting travel time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/ohares-government-shutdown-flight-midway-traffic-delays-slots" data-vars-content-id="873ce8b3-fd04-4989-b07a-d6444772ec06" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare braces for big Fourth of July travel weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/ohares-government-shutdown-flight-midway-traffic-delays-slots" target="_self">record-setting travel time</a> for O&#x27;Hare, just as the next phase of construction begins at the global airport. Why it matters: Americans continue to travel in record numbers despite higher airfares and fuel prices.

What to do if you spot a coyote in Chicago

Pup season has Chicago coyotes on the move. Here's how to stay safe and help avoid conflicts.

It&#x27;s not just <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rats roaming Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/chicago-rat-control-birth-control-pilot-city-council-lincoln-park" data-vars-content-id="c84845de-519d-467b-a5d1-dcec4f1a2c56" data-vars-headline="What to do if you spot a coyote 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/2026/02/05/chicago-rat-control-birth-control-pilot-city-council-lincoln-park" target="_self">rats roaming Chicago</a> streets. You may also be noticing coyotes right now.

Chicago's post-1995 heat playbook faces a major test

There has only been one other extended heat wave (more than four days straight) since 1995.

An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extended stretch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" data-vars-content-id="958971f6-4603-4e6b-a08c-46da2169b163" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s post-1995 heat playbook faces a major test" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/26/heat-wave-dome-july" target="_self">extended stretch</a> of dangerous heat is testing the emergency response system Chicago built after the deadly 1995 heat wave.Why it matters: Multi-day heat waves are especially dangerous because warm overnight temperatures prevent the body from recovering, driving up illness and deaths among vulnerable people.

Poll: What should Illinois send to Time Capsule 250?

Illinois sent a governor's letter and a poem. Here's what we'd add to the state's time capsule.

Politics

Illinois is one of ten states <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="skipping the &quot;Great American State Fair,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/26/illinois-opting-out-trump-america-250-state-fair-dc-pritzker-democrats" data-vars-content-id="4df19cc4-28f5-4b96-b4e7-0c84a71cdb4c" data-vars-headline="Poll: What should Illinois send to Time Capsule 250?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/26/illinois-opting-out-trump-america-250-state-fair-dc-pritzker-democrats" target="_self">skipping the &quot;Great American State Fair,&quot;</a> but the Land of Lincoln won&#x27;t be completely absent from the sesquicentennial.The big picture: All 56 states and territories contributed to &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/" data-vars-content-id="4df19cc4-28f5-4b96-b4e7-0c84a71cdb4c" data-vars-headline="Poll: What should Illinois send to Time Capsule 250?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Time Capsule</a>,&quot; which will be buried at Independence National Historical Park on July 4 and reopened in 2276.

News 🗞

Fox 32 Chicago's talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck's departure

Chicago storm damage: What to do when your home or car are hit

Sotheby's selling rare Virgil Abloh prints to fund scholarship

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to retire

Critics decry CPD's post-Pride response to teens