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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.

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.

Chicago alder considers fining parents over teen takeovers

Organized mass teen gatherings have led to gridlock, crime and, in some cases, deaths.

Several large &quot;teen takeovers&quot; over Memorial Day weekend have lawmakers reexamining how to stop them.Why it matters: Organized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teen gatherings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/04/11/cpd-warns-of-potential-teen-takeover-reigniting-curfew-debate" data-vars-content-id="b534853a-960f-4dbb-9640-d857aa84a842" data-vars-headline="Chicago alder considers fining parents over teen takeovers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/04/11/cpd-warns-of-potential-teen-takeover-reigniting-curfew-debate" target="_self">teen gatherings</a> have led to gridlock, crime and, in some cases, deaths.

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>

How to call for mental health help in Chicago

From 911 and 988 to a new email address, each service is for a different situation.

Many Chicagoans have witnessed mental health emergencies, but few know exactly how to respond.Why it matters: Choosing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="right city service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/09/21/differences-911-new-988-chicago" data-vars-content-id="df4482fe-4b6b-4b45-8c99-39784dea39d2" data-vars-headline="How to call for mental health help 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/2022/09/21/differences-911-new-988-chicago" target="_self">right city service</a> for someone in crisis can direct resources where they&#x27;re needed and boost safety for the person and the public.

Mayor Brandon Johnson reflects on 3rd year

He won't support the Arlington Heights move, even if it means losing the Bears to Indiana.

As he marks three years as mayor this week, Brandon Johnson told Axios he thinks there&#x27;s a path to keeping the Bears— while sidestepping questions about re-election and closing low-enrollment CPS schools to save teacher jobs.

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.

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>

Questions linger in fatal shooting of Chicago cop

The case is drawing scrutiny to policies in hospitals, policing and the warrant system.

As the city lays Chicago police officer John Bartholomew to rest on Friday, major questions remain about the chain of events that led to his fatal shooting last month.The big picture: Bartholomew&#x27;s killing is raising questions about hospital screening policies, Chicago police search protocols, judges&#x27; pretrial release decisions and authorities&#x27; handling of warrant responses.

Fired staffers claim retaliation by mayor's team

Three fired city leaders say they faced retaliation after complaints and disagreements.

Three recently fired city leaders are painting a picture of a hostile or retaliatory environment in the office of Mayor Brandon Johnson and his top appointees.Why it matters: Their accusations, taken together, suggest a pattern that Johnson&#x27;s office has yet to fully address.

New CTA crime data paints troubling picture

New data shows falling attacks on CTA workers but riders still facing crime.

Recent Chicago Transit Authority crime data shows a troubling rise in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violence for riders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" data-vars-content-id="145cfaac-bfeb-4851-b21f-1795bc2f0e93" data-vars-headline="New CTA crime data paints troubling picture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" target="_self">violence for riders</a>.Why it matters: The data comes as the CTA tries to win back passengers and protect federal funding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/17/chicago-cta-safety-federal-inspection-idot-pritzker-oversight-failure" data-vars-content-id="145cfaac-bfeb-4851-b21f-1795bc2f0e93" data-vars-headline="New CTA crime data paints troubling picture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/17/chicago-cta-safety-federal-inspection-idot-pritzker-oversight-failure" target="_self">under threat</a> over safety concerns.

What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations

Contact CTA help, never intentionally jump in and avoid the third rail.

As a frequent CTA rider, I&#x27;ll admit it: Recent reports about violence on the system have freaked me out.<ul><li>They also got me wondering what to do in rare but worrying scenarios.</li></ul>State of play: Last year, I shared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="advice for handling problems on trains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/01/07/how-to-report-issues-get-help-cta" data-vars-content-id="996b60c0-d9ef-4001-99d2-d4eb6ef4397e" data-vars-headline="What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/01/07/how-to-report-issues-get-help-cta" target="_self">advice for handling problems on trains</a>. But what about on the platform? Like, what do you do if you drop your phone on the tracks?<ul><li>And what if you&#x27;re shoved?</li></ul><figure><img alt="Four-panel CTA poster in teal: subway platform scene with a man, a blue-haired figure saying, &quot;I can get down there. It&#x27;ll just take a second...&quot;; a moving train and a man near a grave; bottom caption urges to alert CTA staff." height="866" id="85cce7d0-e4ad-494f-81d2-9b4cce6b07e7" src="https://images.axios.com/X3ZV1B1gsHlqnegM5Tj-G76xQks=/2026/03/24/1774378462937.png" width="1724"/><figcaption>Courtesy of the CTA</figcaption></figure>Phone scenario: CTA officials shared this 2023 comic showing what not to do if you drop valuables on the tracks.The right answer: Contact a CTA employee to help you safely retrieve it.Case in point: Carrie once dropped her phone on the tracks, watched the train whoosh by and discovered her phone was still OK. <ul><li>She sought out CTA help and a staffer grabbed it for her. </li></ul><figure><img alt="A subway platform with a blue edge and exposed tracks; a blue-red train sits on the opposite track. An orange &#x27;Third Rails&#x27; label spans the rails as a few people stand on the far platform near a digital display." height="1576" id="5261941a-8b1d-42fc-ac20-52e4fe458f97" src="https://images.axios.com/40-nvcipOCUoMVQb-KnGmOpzX6I=/2026/03/24/1774378498779.jpeg" width="2100"/><figcaption>The third rails — highlighted in red — are located farthest from the platform at the Belmont El stop. Photo illustration: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>Shoved into the tracks: If a train isn&#x27;t immediately approaching, your main goal is to avoid the third rail — typically the farthest rail from the platform. <ul><li>It carries 600 volts and can be deadly. </li></ul>Tip two: Ask someone to alert a CTA employee, who can signal coming trains, cut power and call for help.Tip three: If you&#x27;re able, assess your injuries and try to climb out with help from others nearby.<ul><li>Emergency ladders are typically located at the ends of platforms.</li></ul>Between the lines: CTA officials weren&#x27;t thrilled with the shoving question and stressed that these incidents are extremely rare.<ul><li>The roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="60 riders who&#x27;ve been shoved" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/16/chicago-transit-authority-shoving-incidents-train-platforms-trump-administration-targeting-crime" data-vars-content-id="996b60c0-d9ef-4001-99d2-d4eb6ef4397e" data-vars-headline="What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/16/chicago-transit-authority-shoving-incidents-train-platforms-trump-administration-targeting-crime" target="_blank">60 riders who&#x27;ve been shoved</a> onto the tracks over the past five years represent a tiny fraction of those who rode the system during that period. And none of those incidents proved fatal. </li><li>Officials remind that it&#x27;s illegal and very dangerous to intentionally enter this restricted area.</li></ul>