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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.

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.

Things to Do

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.

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 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.

Judge orders MRED to restore Zillow home listings

A court ruling restores Zillow's access to Chicago-area listings amid a fight over private sales.

A federal judge ordered the company that distributes most Chicago-area home listings to restore <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/20/chicago-homes-zillow-mred-listings-cutoff-compass-private-listings" data-vars-content-id="2ac3f004-c19c-48ca-bdfc-e1e9d07a2c79" data-vars-headline="Judge orders MRED to restore Zillow home listings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/20/chicago-homes-zillow-mred-listings-cutoff-compass-private-listings" target="_self">Zillow</a>&#x27;s access to its database — at least for now.Why it matters: Buyers who visited Zillow were not seeing the full scope of homes for sale after MRED, the major multi-listing service for the Chicago area, cut off Zillow&#x27;s access to its portal this week.

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.

Daily Herald deal could reshape local Chicago news

The Tribune's big move could have a seismic impact on suburban news coverage.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Tribune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/17/alden-global-capital-buy-tribune-630-million" data-vars-content-id="60080352-725e-4886-a894-09424465e65a" data-vars-headline="Daily Herald deal could reshape local Chicago news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/17/alden-global-capital-buy-tribune-630-million" target="_self">Chicago Tribune</a>&#x27;s push to buy the Daily Herald could reshape suburban news coverage across Chicagoland.Why it matters: The deal would put one of the region&#x27;s largest suburban newspapers under the control of the cost-cutting investment firm that owns the Tribune.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tribune Publishing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/05/21/chicago-tribune-daily-herald-deal/" data-vars-content-id="60080352-725e-4886-a894-09424465e65a" data-vars-headline="Daily Herald deal could reshape local Chicago news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/05/21/chicago-tribune-daily-herald-deal/" target="_blank">Tribune Publishing</a>, owned by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alden Global Capital" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/11/23/alden-lee-enterprises-local-newspapers" data-vars-content-id="60080352-725e-4886-a894-09424465e65a" data-vars-headline="Daily Herald deal could reshape local Chicago news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/11/23/alden-lee-enterprises-local-newspapers" target="_self">Alden Global Capital</a>, outbid Shaw Media to acquire the 150-year-old, employee-owned newspaper that serves much of suburban Chicagoland.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;This is an earthquake in the local news ecosystem in Chicago,&quot; Northwestern Medill School of Journalism&#x27;s Tim Franklin tells Axios. <ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s hard to overstate the significance of this acquisition for news consumers in the Chicago area, for communities themselves that rely on local news and information to make important decisions for their families and their local schools and for their local governments.&quot; </li></ul>By the numbers: While the financial details are still being finalized, the Daily Herald says it reaches more than 1.1 million readers each month. <ul><li>It employs around 40 full-time newsroom staff and over 200 employees. </li></ul>The intrigue: Questions remain about whether the Tribune&#x27;s newsroom will merge with the Daily Herald&#x27;s staff and whether the paper&#x27;s name will stay the same. <ul><li>It could be similar to the deal that the South Suburban Daily Southtown has in place. The paper&#x27;s name has stayed intact, but the Tribune manages its staff. </li></ul>Flashback: The Daily Herald and the Chicago Tribune used to be rivals, fighting for readers and advertisers in big suburbs like Schaumburg, Naperville and Libertyville. <ul><li>The Tribune lost that competition years ago, pulling back from its suburban bureaus and editions as economic conditions and shifts in management strategy unfolded. </li><li>When the Tribune sold its printing press in the Freedom Center in 2024, it took over a press in Schaumburg, where it prints its paper and the Daily Herald. </li></ul>Zoom out: If the purchase goes through, this would be another major addition to Alden&#x27;s newspaper portfolio. They will own more than three dozen newspapers in the Chicago area alone. <ul><li>Alden has a reputation, including for managing the Tribune, of draining resources from local newspapers and laying off reporters to improve the bottom line for investors. </li><li>&quot;Some will say that this move could save the Daily Herald by providing financial resources to the paper,&quot; Franklin adds. &quot;Others may say that Alden will justify the acquisition by cutting costs and reducing coverage, which will mean less coverage for news consumers in Chicago.&quot; </li></ul>Of note: This deal must be approved by the employees of the Daily Herald. The bottom line: The acquisition could reshape how suburban Chicago gets its local news for years — either stabilizing a legacy newspaper or accelerating consolidation in a region already hit hard by newsroom cuts.

Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor

The state's attorney says she will consider all cases referred to her office.

Public Safety

A Cook County judge on Thursday rejected a request for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special prosecutor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/11/special-prosecutor-federal-operation-midway-blitz-oneill-burke-delay-may-21" data-vars-content-id="41f0f427-b2ab-4272-a5ab-ab5fc6e8f0ff" data-vars-headline="Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/11/special-prosecutor-federal-operation-midway-blitz-oneill-burke-delay-may-21" target="_self">special prosecutor</a> to tackle complaints against federal agents tied to Operation Midway Blitz.Why it matters: Circuit Court Judge Erica Reddick&#x27;s ruling is a blow to 415 activists, clergy, media, and elected officials who petitioned for the change, saying Cook County State&#x27;s Attorney Eileen O&#x27;Neill Burke &quot;abdicated her statutory duty&quot; by, so far, not prosecuting any agents for misconduct in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the immigration operation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" data-vars-content-id="41f0f427-b2ab-4272-a5ab-ab5fc6e8f0ff" data-vars-headline="Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" target="_self">the immigration operation</a>.Catch up quick: Last fall federal immigration agents flooded the city, leading to multiple allegations of illegal use of force and civil rights violations but so far, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="few investigations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-police-to-investigate-shooting-by-ice" data-vars-content-id="41f0f427-b2ab-4272-a5ab-ab5fc6e8f0ff" data-vars-headline="Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-police-to-investigate-shooting-by-ice" target="_self">few investigations</a>.Yes, but: O&#x27;Neill Burke says — and Reddick agrees — that the state&#x27;s attorney can&#x27;t legally initiate an investigation and must wait for law enforcement to refer a case to her office.<ul><li>Reddick further said the petitioners failed to show that O&#x27;Neill Burke has a conflict of interest or that her office won&#x27;t prosecute any future cases.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Today&#x27;s ruling affirms &quot;that the state&#x27;s attorney&#x27;s office has not abrogated our duty and the facts that gave rise to this petition are not based on the law,&quot; O&#x27;Neill Burke said triumphantly outside the courtroom.<ul><li>She did, however, add that anyone who &quot;believes in constitutional government was repulsed by ICE behavior during their Operation Midway Blitz&quot; and that she remains open to considering all cases referred to her.</li></ul><figure><img alt="man in suit in front of cameras" height="2976" id="19c13ed4-a04a-4d06-be98-def68416b852" src="https://images.axios.com/zWlmYrMGl6i-1W5rjQ_QMTKCJek=/2026/05/21/1779394656805.jpeg" width="4953"/><figcaption>Loevy &amp; Loevy attorney Locke Bowman Thursday in Cook County Court. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>The other side: &quot;The path of accountability does not end here,&quot; attorney for the petitioners, Locke Bowman, said outside the courtroom. He says he&#x27;ll be helping Chicagoans bring complaints to police for investigation that can then be referred to O&#x27;Neill-Burke.Between the lines: The ruling portends a longer road to prosecutions, which frustrated former mayor and founder of the ICE Accountability Project Lori Lightfoot. She said in a Thursday statement: <ul><li>&quot;In Minnesota, Hennepin County authorities moved from incident to criminal charges against federal agents within months. Here in Cook County, eight months later, the public is still waiting to see who is leading the broader accountability effort.&quot; </li></ul>The intrigue: Axios has repeatedly asked Chicago police if and how they are investigating complaints filed against federal agents involved in the operation.<ul><li>We&#x27;ve received no response.</li></ul>

Chicago Mayor Johnson ramps up fight to keep Bears in city

The mayor is running out of time to convince the team and the state legislature.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is making a last-ditch push to keep the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bears in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/illinois-senate-bears-stadium-taxes-arlington-heights-indiana" data-vars-content-id="5e59ba3a-86f1-41c5-bfb0-73d314585f89" data-vars-headline="Chicago Mayor Johnson ramps up fight to keep Bears in city" 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/illinois-senate-bears-stadium-taxes-arlington-heights-indiana" target="_self">Bears in Chicago</a>.Why it matters: The battle over the Bears&#x27; next stadium is entering a critical final stretch as Springfield&#x27;s spring legislative session nears its end.

2026 NFL schedule puts Bears in primetime spotlight

The NFL is betting big on the Bears in 2026/2027.

Sports

The NFL released its 2026-27 schedule <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thursday night" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagobears.com/" data-vars-content-id="5fbe8e66-a4d7-4d77-a9c4-941810461bcb" data-vars-headline="2026 NFL schedule puts Bears in primetime spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagobears.com/" target="_blank">Thursday night</a>, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/19/bears-lose-nfc-playoff-rams-caleb-williams-ben-johnson-matt-stafford" data-vars-content-id="5fbe8e66-a4d7-4d77-a9c4-941810461bcb" data-vars-headline="2026 NFL schedule puts Bears in primetime spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/19/bears-lose-nfc-playoff-rams-caleb-williams-ben-johnson-matt-stafford" target="_self">Bears</a> are clearly one of the league&#x27;s biggest attractions.The latest: The Bears landed seven nationally televised games, including two appearances on &quot;Monday Night Football&quot; and a Thanksgiving showdown against Detroit.

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>

Zillow sues MRED and Compass over private listings

The lawsuit accuses MRED and Compass of colluding over private home listing access.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/02/zillow-pocket-listings-chicago-race-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="2e7a7c6f-d66b-48a1-808f-48a533547d7e" data-vars-headline="Zillow sues MRED and Compass over private listings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/02/zillow-pocket-listings-chicago-race-housing-market" target="_self">Zillow</a> sued Chicago-area listing service MRED and brokerage giant Compass this week, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accusing them" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/news/zillow-sues-mred-compass/" data-vars-content-id="2e7a7c6f-d66b-48a1-808f-48a533547d7e" data-vars-headline="Zillow sues MRED and Compass over private listings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/news/zillow-sues-mred-compass/" target="_blank">accusing them</a> of hiding home listings and colluding to push Zillow out of the market.Why it matters: The legal battle could shape how homes are sold in Chicago, one of the largest housing markets, and raises critical questions about transparency and access.

News 🗞

Judge orders MRED to restore Zillow home listings

Illinois saw fewer March Madness bets after new sportsbook tax

Daily Herald deal could reshape local Chicago news

Judge denies ask for Midway Blitz special prosecutor

Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs