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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.

Robert Lewandowski brings global star power to Chicago

The Polish striker joins a Fire FC squad that now has MLS title ambitions.

Sports

Robert Lewandowski is coming to Chicago Fire FC in a blockbuster signing widely viewed as the biggest MLS acquisition since Inter Miami landed Lionel Messi. Why it matters: Lewandowski instantly raises the Fire&#x27;s MLS Cup hopes and gives the city one of the world&#x27;s biggest soccer stars.

Sam Panayotovich returns to Chicago, joins Fox 32 sports

He'll report on Fox 32 but also anchor Fox 32's digital sports platform.

Chicago sports reporter Sam Panayotovich is returning home, joining Fox 32&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revamped sports department" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/29/cassie-carlson-named-lead-sports-anchor-at-fox-32-chicago" data-vars-content-id="ee65ea04-4f31-4f60-ac5c-9dd8c414755b" data-vars-headline="Sam Panayotovich returns to Chicago, joins Fox 32 sports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/29/cassie-carlson-named-lead-sports-anchor-at-fox-32-chicago" target="_self">revamped sports department</a> after four years covering Boston sports for NESN. Why it matters: Panayotovich&#x27;s hire emphasizes Fox 32&#x27;s goal of having a stronger digital presence in Chicago sports coverage.The big picture: In 2020, Panayotovich, a Mount Carmel graduate, left WGN Radio for a gig at NESN, where he covered Boston sports and developed his on-camera television experience.<ul><li>He is also a sports betting analyst at Fox Sports. </li></ul>

World Cup watch party map finds fellow supporters

This free map helps fans find bars and venues showing matches around the world.

With the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/11/world-cup-fifa-travel-immigration-woes" data-vars-content-id="969bd4a7-60b2-4b48-bcab-0762f6189c13" data-vars-headline="World Cup watch party map finds fellow supporters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/11/world-cup-fifa-travel-immigration-woes" target="_self">World Cup </a>in full swing, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Watch Party Radar " data-vars-click-url="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=chicago" data-vars-content-id="969bd4a7-60b2-4b48-bcab-0762f6189c13" data-vars-headline="World Cup watch party map finds fellow supporters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=chicago" target="_blank">Watch Party Radar </a>shows you where to catch the latest match from anywhere in the world.

Disco skating rolls into Navy Pier for summer

Loved the music and vibe but derby skates were tough on my shins.

<figure><img alt="Woman rollerskating" height="533" id="b95cf118-d142-4717-8c2f-82ad2894256d" src="https://images.axios.com/GwBdI5NK6P6Dnk9uLfgvGjcnPqw=/2026/06/20/1781980943199.gif" width="795"/><figcaption>Monica almost gets the hang of disco rollerskating at Navy Pier. Photo: Courtesy of Colin McMahon</figcaption></figure>As someone who loved disco skating at birthday parties in the old Rainbo and Axle Roller Rinks, I couldn&#x27;t wait to relive my childhood at the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer Skate at Navy Pier" data-vars-click-url="https://bucketlisters.com/experience/summer-skate-at-navy-pier?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19099056444&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACv59cSSELvJzERMizEX4ahf8B5XG&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw9NjRBhATEiwA_p2J8UHygVn13Wfd4VUDnFgSoKlluxiYJfvZQcY_Rw9xV19EgyeVNqhbaBoCe4EQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="c4f8c93c-ba5e-487e-8026-0b3e2eef58e5" data-vars-headline="Disco skating rolls into Navy Pier for summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bucketlisters.com/experience/summer-skate-at-navy-pier?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19099056444&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACv59cSSELvJzERMizEX4ahf8B5XG&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw9NjRBhATEiwA_p2J8UHygVn13Wfd4VUDnFgSoKlluxiYJfvZQcY_Rw9xV19EgyeVNqhbaBoCe4EQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Summer Skate at Navy Pier</a>. State of play: The new attraction opened last week in the old Crystal Gardens space with disco lights, dancey tunes and spectacular views of the lake and the Ferris wheel.

Photos: 30th anniversary of the 1996 Bulls

These photos capture good memories and better mustaches.

On this day in 1996, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Seattle SuperSonics in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, capping what still stands as the greatest season in basketball history.<ul><li>It remains the only time the Bulls have won a championship on their home court at the United Center.</li></ul>

Chicago Bulls reportedly hire Tiago Splitter as head coach

Splitter has success in an interim role in Portland last season.

The Chicago Bulls hired former Portland Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter to take over as the new head coach of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="franchise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/06/bulls-fire-karnisovas-eversley" data-vars-content-id="52350842-790e-49be-b331-f1167bbaa8c2" data-vars-headline="Chicago Bulls reportedly hire Tiago Splitter as head coach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/06/bulls-fire-karnisovas-eversley" target="_self">franchise</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN&#x27;s Shams Charania" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49072541/sources-bulls-finalizing-hire-tiago-splitter-head-coach" data-vars-content-id="52350842-790e-49be-b331-f1167bbaa8c2" data-vars-headline="Chicago Bulls reportedly hire Tiago Splitter as head coach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49072541/sources-bulls-finalizing-hire-tiago-splitter-head-coach" target="_blank">ESPN&#x27;s Shams Charania</a>. Why it matters: The Bulls have spent the last two months <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tearing down the old regime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/21/billy-donovan-steps-down-chicago-bulls-head-coach-rebuild-reinsdorf" data-vars-content-id="52350842-790e-49be-b331-f1167bbaa8c2" data-vars-headline="Chicago Bulls reportedly hire Tiago Splitter as head coach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/21/billy-donovan-steps-down-chicago-bulls-head-coach-rebuild-reinsdorf" target="_self">tearing down the old regime</a> and are now betting their future on a coach known for developing young talent.

Chicago Bears fans still hot over potential Indiana move

An Axios reader poll revealed deep feelings on the team's potential relocation.

News

Chicago Bears fans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still seething " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/05/chicago-bears-indiana-hammond-stadium-mccaskey-braun-pritzker" data-vars-content-id="03be9f79-4d9c-40d4-81c1-7f9820712ea3" data-vars-headline="Chicago Bears fans still hot over potential Indiana move" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/05/chicago-bears-indiana-hammond-stadium-mccaskey-braun-pritzker" target="_self">still seething </a>over the Bears&#x27; decision to advance their stadium project in Indiana. The latest: While it&#x27;s not a done deal, the saga has turned political and lawmakers are quick to place blame. <ul><li>Gov. JB Pritzker said he&#x27;s open to calling a special session for the Illinois legislature this summer to hammer out a tax incentive deal, also suggesting the Bears fumbled the negotiations </li></ul>

Chicago's guide to watching the FIFA World Cup

Find the full tournament schedule, TV information and Chicago watch parties through July 19.

Aside from last Saturday&#x27;s friendly game between the USMNT and Germany, Chicago isn&#x27;t hosting any <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="cae01216-84cf-4c4c-8b71-d4529bfa215c" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s guide to watching the FIFA World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> matches.<ul><li>But there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the action.</li></ul>

Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59

The former player transitioned into one of the most colorful broadcasters in Chicago history.

Stacey King, the Chicago Bulls&#x27; three-time champion and beloved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broadcaster" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2022/07/20/best-play-by-play-teams-chicago-sports" data-vars-content-id="aac38725-591e-4047-9173-8cc7b4999d9a" data-vars-headline="Stacey King, Chicago Bulls champion and longtime broadcaster, dies at 59" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2022/07/20/best-play-by-play-teams-chicago-sports" target="_self">broadcaster</a>, has died, according to the team. He was 59.The big picture: King, a collegiate star at Oklahoma, was drafted by the Bulls in 1989 and played for them for five seasons. <ul><li>He was a key reserve on the Bulls teams that won three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 93. King was traded midway through the 1993-94 season. </li></ul>

Chicago Bears advance plan to leave Illinois for Indiana

It's unclear if this is the final decision, and Illinois leaders stressed that negotiations are ongoing.

The Chicago Bears are moving forward on a plan to build a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Why it matters: This is the strongest signal yet that Chicago&#x27;s NFL franchise <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could leave Illinois" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/01/illinois-lawmakers-budget-bears-stadium-deal-taxes-gas-cell-phone-ban" data-vars-content-id="8106dd5a-ced0-4427-9ab6-ddc63df0fa99" data-vars-headline="Chicago Bears advance plan to leave Illinois for Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/01/illinois-lawmakers-budget-bears-stadium-deal-taxes-gas-cell-phone-ban" target="_self">could leave Illinois</a>.

Sports 🏅

Robert Lewandowski brings global star power to Chicago

Sam Panayotovich returns to Chicago, joins Fox 32 sports

World Cup watch party map finds fellow supporters

Disco skating rolls into Navy Pier for summer

Photos: 30th anniversary of the 1996 Bulls