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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann and Carrie Shepherd.

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New Ryan Field faces its neighborhood test

The new stadium is set to bring 35,000 people to Central Street in Evanston on Friday.

Sports

Northwestern football returns home Friday night, unveiling its $870 million Ryan Field nearly three years after the old stadium was demolished.The big picture: The Wildcats kick off against Penn State at 7pm Friday, exactly 100 years after the original Ryan Field opened.

Bite Club: The Reuben sundae

Kith Treats is serving three Katz's-inspired desserts, including a wild Reuben soft serve.

Food and Drink

New York&#x27;s legendary Katz&#x27;s Delicatessen has landed in Chicago, but don&#x27;t expect pastrami and corned beef.

Durty Nellie's closes after 54 years in Palatine

The popular suburban destination hosted bands like Violent Femmes, Gin Blossoms and Local H.

Business

The iconic Irish pub and concert venue Durty Nellie&#x27;s has closed after 54 years in the northwest suburbs.Why it matters: For generations of suburban music fans, Durty Nellie&#x27;s offered something increasingly hard to find outside Chicago: a legitimate concert venue steps from a Metra station.

Chicago neighborhood quiz, volume 2: Do you know these famous landmarks?

There are so many landmarks in Chicago that it's ripe for a second quiz!

Neighborhoods

Last week, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I quizzed you" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/09/25/chicago-neighborhood-quiz-landmarks-lakeview-beverly-pilsen-gold-coast" data-vars-content-id="9efdac03-893d-41ff-b5ca-53b20dff4fc1" data-vars-headline="Chicago neighborhood quiz, volume 2: Do you know these famous landmarks?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/09/25/chicago-neighborhood-quiz-landmarks-lakeview-beverly-pilsen-gold-coast" target="_self">I quizzed you</a> on Chicago neighborhood landmarks. <ul><li>I gave you the landmark; you gave me the &#x27;hood.</li></ul>

Bridgeport gears up for White Sox playoff clincher

Businesses near the stadium are preparing for a huge turnout on Wednesday.

The White Sox return to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rate Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/02/white-sox-playoff-ticket-prices-alds-mlb-rate-field-record-cleveland" data-vars-content-id="6d4b6253-ff68-41c7-90cc-5ddfcb4b86f0" data-vars-headline="Bridgeport gears up for White Sox playoff clincher" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/02/white-sox-playoff-ticket-prices-alds-mlb-rate-field-record-cleveland" target="_self">Rate Field</a> Wednesday with a chance to sweep Cleveland and clinch a postseason series at home for the first time since 1906.Why it matters: After three consecutive 100-loss seasons, the South Side is preparing for one of the biggest White Sox games in generations.

Sox ticket prices soaring for ALDS home games

The Sox organization is also calling for a "blackout" atmosphere when the team comes home on Wednesday.

White Sox fans have waited 21 years for a home playoff game after a series victory — and they&#x27;re going to pay for it.Why it matters: According to TickPick, Wednesday&#x27;s Game 3 at Rate Field is currently the most expensive divisional-round game in baseball and the most expensive White Sox game on record based on get-in price.

Things to do in Chicago this weekend: Apple Fest, Ministry and more

Check out what our Axios Chicago writers are recommending.

Things to Do

We have a variety of events to help you plan your weekend — opportunities to laugh, move and snack on some apples!

White Sox advance in MLB playoffs as Cubs are eliminated

Dreams of a crosstown World Series have been dashed.

The White Sox wasted little time punching their ticket to the divisional round with back-to-back wins over the Houston Astros, while the Cubs&#x27; season sputtered to an end with a quick exit in San Diego.Why it matters: Dreams of a crosstown World Series are dashed.

White Sox clinch first playoff berth since 2021

The team could still win the AL Central this weekend.

The White Sox achieved an improbable turnaround and are heading to the playoffs.The latest: The Sox punched their ticket to at least a Wild Card berth with a 9-1 Thursday win over the Royals.

Cubs clinch playoff spot for second straight year

The team needs a big weekend in order to host a Wild Card playoff series at Wrigley Field.

The Chicago Cubs punched their ticket to the MLB playoffs for the second straight year.The latest: The Cubs held off the Miami Marlins 2-1 Thursday to clinch a postseason berth in front of the home crowd at Wrigley Field.

Trump to visit Chicago area for Presidents Cup at Medinah

It'll be President Trump's first visit to the Chicago area in his current term.

News

President Donald Trump will make his way to the Chicago area this week for the first time during his current term.The latest: The Presidents Cup runs Thursday through Sunday at Medinah Country Club in the northwest suburbs, with Trump serving as honorary chairman. Practices and fan activities begin Tuesday.

Chicago Bears caption contest: Sunday's loss to the Vikings

Each week, we give you a chance to sum up your thoughts on the Bears game with one photo. Sunday&#x27;s 9-3 loss to the Vikings featured plenty of sloppy play, but it&#x27;ll be overshadowed by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="injury to Caleb Williams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/09/20/caleb-williams-injures-hamstring-in-bears-loss-to-vikings" data-vars-content-id="f5e783d8-d2c5-4f67-a8eb-3720db816af9" data-vars-headline="Chicago Bears caption contest: Sunday&#x27;s loss to the Vikings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/09/20/caleb-williams-injures-hamstring-in-bears-loss-to-vikings" target="_self">injury to Caleb Williams</a>.<ul><li>I&#x27;ll go first: &quot;Ugly loss, ugly photo.&quot;</li></ul>

Williams carted off in Bears loss

The team says they are conducting further tests to determine the severity of the injury.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams injured his right hamstring late in Sunday&#x27;s 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field.Why it matters: The young superstar is the face of the franchise and has never missed a game due to injury.

Sports 🏅

Bridgeport gears up for White Sox playoff clincher

Sox ticket prices soaring for ALDS home games

New Ryan Field faces its neighborhood test

Things to do in Chicago this weekend: Apple Fest, Ministry and more

White Sox advance in MLB playoffs as Cubs are eliminated