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Better together: Vote for Chicago's best celebrity duo

Is it Michael & Scottie? Siskel & Ebert? Barack & Michelle?

Culture

Chicago has produced some of the biggest celebrities in the country. But what&#x27;s better than one? Two.

Illinois bill would curb homelessness penalties

Advocates say fines worsen homelessness, while critics warn the bill limits local control.

Politics

Legislation proposed in Springfield aims to stop the criminalization of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/10/chicago-homelessness-undercount-hud-definition-doubled-up-funding" data-vars-content-id="244701fd-5f9b-4c15-8e54-0ea89fda32e3" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill would curb homelessness penalties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/10/chicago-homelessness-undercount-hud-definition-doubled-up-funding" target="_self">homelessness</a>, but opponents say it won&#x27;t actually help people without housing.Why it matters: Advocates for homeless people warn that the U.S. Supreme Court&#x27;s 2024 decision <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allowing cities to penalize" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/28/supreme-court-decision-homelessness-case-grants-pass" data-vars-content-id="244701fd-5f9b-4c15-8e54-0ea89fda32e3" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill would curb homelessness penalties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/28/supreme-court-decision-homelessness-case-grants-pass" target="_self">allowing cities to penalize</a> people for sleeping outdoors has made it easier for Illinois cities to criminalize homelessness.

Chicago Public Schools releases a May Day plan

School will be in session, but some can offer field trips and May Day related lessons.

Education

After weeks of confusion over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Public Schools&#x27; May Day plans," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/10/chicago-schools-economic-boycott-ctu-davis-gates-king" data-vars-content-id="f4f0a045-849f-4895-ad4a-1a8db1bae234" data-vars-headline="Chicago Public Schools releases a May Day plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/10/chicago-schools-economic-boycott-ctu-davis-gates-king" target="_self">Chicago Public Schools&#x27; May Day plans,</a> district officials reached a compromise Friday with the Chicago Teachers Union that will keep schools open while allowing some students and teachers excused absences.Why it matters: The standoff left hundreds of thousands of parents and students unsure about child care, instruction and school activities that day.<ul><li>It also highlights ongoing tension between Mayor Brandon Johnson, the school board, CPS CEO Macquline King and the union.</li></ul>

How well do you know Chicago companies? Take this local brands quiz

Can you get a perfect score naming locally-based companies?

History

What&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dilla" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6KkDSlLmfI/" data-vars-content-id="93ca2110-15e2-4b61-a696-4385e539e780" data-vars-headline="How well do you know Chicago companies? Take this local brands quiz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6KkDSlLmfI/" target="_blank">Dilla</a> say? &quot;Everything dope about America comes from Chicago.&quot;Let&#x27;s put that to the test. How well do you know our homegrown companies?

Chicago Public School May Day survey

Do you approve of making May 1 a non-instruction day and understand where the city stands?

May 1 is quickly approaching, and Chicago Public Schools families are still getting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conflicting messages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/10/chicago-schools-economic-boycott-ctu-davis-gates-king" data-vars-content-id="219ffe2a-c558-4aea-8539-98d33dd2f555" data-vars-headline="Chicago Public School May Day survey" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/10/chicago-schools-economic-boycott-ctu-davis-gates-king" target="_self">conflicting messages</a> from the city and school officials about potential May Day closures.

Chicago alders keep tipped raises and DCASE boss

Restaurant industry says it will be pushing for state regulation and/or a compromise proposal.

The Chicago City Council on Wednesday fell short of overriding Mayor Brandon Johnson&#x27;s veto of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipped minimum wage freeze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" data-vars-content-id="6cad4539-9400-4876-b46b-ef171ac56aab" data-vars-headline="Chicago alders keep tipped raises and DCASE boss" 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 freeze</a>.Why it matters: The high-stakes vote preserves planned raises for tipped workers — a major win for labor advocates and a setback for the restaurant industry.State of play: The vote came during a busy council meeting that also saw a new cultural affairs commissioner confirmed, zoning power reshuffled and a police reform measure delayed.

"ComEd Four" decision sets stage for Madigan appeal

The federal court's ruling ordering a retrial for members of the "ComEd Four" could have implications in Madigan's appeal.

News

An appellate court ruling granting a new trial to two members of the &quot;ComEd Four&quot; could have implications for former Illinois House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Madigan&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/12/michael-madigan-jury-trial-corruption-illinois" data-vars-content-id="3291d867-c985-4b45-b7ce-8dd4ab8fffae" data-vars-headline="&quot;ComEd Four&quot; decision sets stage for Madigan appeal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/12/michael-madigan-jury-trial-corruption-illinois" target="_self">Michael Madigan&#x27;s</a> case.The latest: A federal appeals court ordered on Tuesday that former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain be released from prison and granted a new trial. <ul><li>The other two defendants did not appeal their convictions and have served their jail time.</li><li>The stunning reversal came just hours after the court heard the attorneys&#x27; arguments.</li></ul>

Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump

As Trump insults the pope, Chicago clergy and Catholics rally in defense of Leo's message.

Religion

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/trump-pope-leo-weak-terrible" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/trump-pope-leo-weak-terrible" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV</a> says he&#x27;s not a politician, but the Chicago-born leader of the Catholic Church has made it clear over the last year that he disagrees with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s policies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/iran-war-pope-leo-trump-civilization-threat" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/iran-war-pope-leo-trump-civilization-threat" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s policies</a>.Why it matters: Chicago has repeatedly been in the crosshairs of President Trump&#x27;s criticism — from clashes with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/trump-pritzker-national-guard-chicago-crime-memphis-ice" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/trump-pritzker-national-guard-chicago-crime-memphis-ice" target="_self">local leaders</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration fights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/06/trump-illinois-chicago-immigration-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/06/trump-illinois-chicago-immigration-lawsuit" target="_self">immigration fights</a> — and now the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Side-born pope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" target="_self">South Side-born pope</a> is a target.

Illinois bill pushes data center accountability

The massive bill also proposes reporting on energy and water use .

Business

A new state proposal would require large data centers to bring their own renewable energy and disclose how much water and electricity they use.Why it matters: Illinois energy prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have spiked in recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/electric-bills-map" data-vars-content-id="6c2e6c17-2e99-425f-8533-bc7b729402a0" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill pushes data center accountability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/electric-bills-map" target="_self">have spiked in recent years</a>, partly due to the enormous power demands of rapidly expanding data centers housing servers and other IT infrastructure.<ul><li>A recent state report warns that Illinois could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="face a power shortage by 2029." data-vars-click-url="https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/19/illinois-electrical-grids-could-face-power-shortages-and-price-increases-state-report#:~:text=Warnings%20of%20the%20potential%20shortfall,new%20generators%2C%20the%20report%20noted." data-vars-content-id="6c2e6c17-2e99-425f-8533-bc7b729402a0" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill pushes data center accountability" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/19/illinois-electrical-grids-could-face-power-shortages-and-price-increases-state-report#:~:text=Warnings%20of%20the%20potential%20shortfall,new%20generators%2C%20the%20report%20noted." target="_blank">face a power shortage by 2029.</a></li></ul>

May Day boycott sparks clash over closing Chicago Public Schools

The Chicago Teachers Union wants schools to close so students can participate in a day of civic action.

A planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="May Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/01/photos-chicagos-may-day-protest-thousands-trump-pritzker-gates" data-vars-content-id="5e75382f-71c4-415b-9b36-66a045ec6f97" data-vars-headline="May Day boycott sparks clash over closing Chicago Public Schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/01/photos-chicagos-may-day-protest-thousands-trump-pritzker-gates" target="_self">May Day</a> boycott is putting Chicago Public Schools at the center of a growing political and educational fight.The latest: Labor leaders are calling for a boycott and demonstration on May Day (May 1), asking Chicagoans to avoid shopping, working and attending school.

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

The process turns human remains into soil and is legal in 14 states.

Climate

Illinois could soon legalize human composting — a greener death option that&#x27;s currently illegal in state.

Chicago's North Side crushes it on composting

Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Avondale, Irving Park and Edgewater top the list.

North Side neighborhoods continue to dominate registrations for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago&#x27;s food scrap drop off program " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/07/food-scrap-compost-drop-off-pickup" data-vars-content-id="8204cd57-0f23-4e83-89b0-e2da9d0a3de7" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s North Side crushes it on composting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/07/food-scrap-compost-drop-off-pickup" target="_self">Chicago&#x27;s food scrap drop off program </a>that collects kitchen waste and turns it into compost for gardens and landscaping.State of play: Last October, the Department of Streets and Sanitation added <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="13 new drop off points" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/october/food-scrap-drop-off.html" data-vars-content-id="8204cd57-0f23-4e83-89b0-e2da9d0a3de7" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s North Side crushes it on composting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2025/october/food-scrap-drop-off.html" target="_blank">13 new drop off points</a> next to libraries to create a grand total of 33 sites.<div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food-WOW12" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food-WOW12" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="Tons of food scraps collected by Chicago for compost" class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food/fallbacks/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food-fallback.png" width="1200" height="404"/><img alt="Tons of food scraps collected by Chicago for compost" class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food/fallbacks/2026-04-08-1330-tons-of-food-apple.png" width="750" height="450"/></div><figcaption>Data: Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation; Chart: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>

Politics 🇺🇸

Chicago Public Schools releases a May Day plan

Chicago Public School May Day survey

Illinois bill would curb homelessness penalties

Chicago alders keep tipped raises and DCASE boss

"ComEd Four" decision sets stage for Madigan appeal