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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.

Chicago loses a comedy outlet with end of Colbert's show

The late night television show wraps up Thursday night after CBS pulled the plug.

When Stephen Colbert signs off permanently Thursday night, it&#x27;ll also mark the end of an era for several &quot;Late Show&quot; staffers who got their start in Chicago.The latest: &quot;The Late Show With Stephen Colbert&quot; is ending its run after CBS canceled the show, having produced nearly 1,800 episodes.

New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy

From Uniqlo to Oakbrook pop-ups, new Chicago-area retail openings are sparking long lines.

Business

Excitement around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new retail stores in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/leica-chicago-first-store-michigan-avenue" data-vars-content-id="2992c1a0-4dc0-4557-b9e5-a86aa0c904d9" data-vars-headline="New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/leica-chicago-first-store-michigan-avenue" target="_self">new retail stores in Chicago</a> has led to long lines, and in at least one case, police on the scene.The big picture: New tenants continue to fill storefronts on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan Avenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/president-trump-magnificient-mile-chicago-trump-tower" data-vars-content-id="2992c1a0-4dc0-4557-b9e5-a86aa0c904d9" data-vars-headline="New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/president-trump-magnificient-mile-chicago-trump-tower" target="_self">Michigan Avenue</a>, and shops with very loyal followers are popping up in neighborhoods and the suburbs.

Petterino's brings 2001 nostalgia to Chicago

The Theater District staple marks 25 years with retro dishes, DJs, jazz and a toast.

Food and Drink

We&#x27;re all suckers for some nostalgia, and you can travel back to the turn of the century on Monday.The big picture: Petterino&#x27;s, in the heart of the Theater District at Dearborn and Randolph, celebrates its 25th anniversary, complete with a throwback menu of dishes and prices from its 2001 opening.

Bluebird brings improv stars back to Chicago

The comedy collective hits the Studebaker Theater on Saturday.

Chicago has exported plenty to the rest of the country — deep-dish pizza, Malört and maybe most importantly, improv.The latest: Bluebird Improv is bringing a rare homecoming of Chicago improv veterans to the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building this Saturday.

Sniffing out top lilac smelling spots in Chicago

The Streets and San building near Foster and Western is currently enchanting.

🌷While I love daffodil days and tulip time in Chicago, nothing beats lilac season. Driving the news: This week, we&#x27;re approaching peak lilac-sniffing days and the cooler temperatures have preserved the blossoms even longer than usual. My quirk: If I spot<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" a bunch of lilacs in May" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYOGRfdxfvc/" data-vars-content-id="9c033dbf-dc07-49ed-b237-e68defe95c89" data-vars-headline="Sniffing out top lilac smelling spots in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYOGRfdxfvc/" target="_blank"> a bunch of lilacs in May</a>, I&#x27;ll stop my bike or pull over my car just to stand in front of the bushes, close my eyes and breathe in the perfume. The ask: Tell me about the best local spots to smell lilacs by emailing a location or photo to chicago@axios.com. <ul><li>And don&#x27;t forget to take a moment to enjoy them yourself. </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Reader recommendations </h2>Top spot: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lilacia Park in Lombard" data-vars-click-url="https://lombardparks.com/lilacia-park/" data-vars-content-id="9c033dbf-dc07-49ed-b237-e68defe95c89" data-vars-headline="Sniffing out top lilac smelling spots in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lombardparks.com/lilacia-park/" target="_blank">Lilacia Park in Lombard</a>: Find &quot;seven acres of winding paths with tons of different cultivars and plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the lilacs...right off a Metra stop, so super convenient for those who don&#x27;t drive,&quot; says reader Mark Kolasa.<ul><li>More Lilacia Park recs came from Gail C. Susan B., Barry H., PJ B and Caroline F.</li></ul>💐 Broadway between Foster and Berwyn near the strip mall. — Simone A.📚Sulzer Library at Lincoln and Sunnyside. — Margaret S.🌸 Ravenswood Manor Park&#x27;s pergola surrounded by lilacs. — Maureen M.🥡 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lao Hu Tong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.laohutongschaumburg.com/" data-vars-content-id="9c033dbf-dc07-49ed-b237-e68defe95c89" data-vars-headline="Sniffing out top lilac smelling spots in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.laohutongschaumburg.com/" target="_blank">Lao Hu Tong</a> restaurant in Schaumburg has a few lovely bushes. — Beth S.🏞️ The Channel Trail in Evanston along McCormick Blvd between Golf Rd &amp; the Evanston Ecology Center. &quot;Did a run there this morning and the scent was fabulous!&quot; — Chuck J.🖼️ Monroe Street between Columbus and Michigan next to the Art Institute! — Theresa H.🛠️ SW corner of Kimball and Addison: &quot;Last Saturday the temps were in the 70s and there was a nice breeze. We had the car windows down while leaving the Home Depot and could smell the lilac bushes while waiting at the stoplight. Saturday errands were immediately leveled up.&quot; — Lynn A.🛒 Costco parking lot on Clybourn. — Leah N.🌻 Hyde Park: the south side of 53rd St between Kimbark and Kenwood is a whole block of them! — Steph L.🚆 Clark and Elm, trust me, coming off the Red Line, these are a refreshing scent. — Carrie S.🌳 Grant Park around Balbo and Lake Shore Drive where rows and rows perfume the air this week. — Monica E.

Get your kicks on Route 66 tour

The 2.5-hour ride spotlights West Loop, North Lawndale, Little Village and more.

A tour kicking off this month shows off the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic roadway&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/12/chicago-route-66-navy-pier-santa-monica-downtown" data-vars-content-id="b916146c-adcc-4c16-80de-a1642b384d9c" data-vars-headline="Get your kicks on Route 66 tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/12/chicago-route-66-navy-pier-santa-monica-downtown" target="_self">iconic roadway&#x27;s</a> origin story in Chicago.The big picture: As part of Route 66&#x27;s centennial, Illinois and Chicago are hosting events throughout the summer. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Choose Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/12/chicago-tourism-campaign-never-done-outdone" data-vars-content-id="b916146c-adcc-4c16-80de-a1642b384d9c" data-vars-headline="Get your kicks on Route 66 tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/12/chicago-tourism-campaign-never-done-outdone" target="_self">Choose Chicago</a> has teamed up with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tours with Mike" data-vars-click-url="https://tourswithmike.com/" data-vars-content-id="b916146c-adcc-4c16-80de-a1642b384d9c" data-vars-headline="Get your kicks on Route 66 tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tourswithmike.com/" target="_blank">Tours with Mike</a> for a trolley tour that explores Chicago neighborhoods along the route.

All-star John Prine tribute concert coming to Chicago Theatre

The concert is celebrating the late folk musician's 80th birthday.

Music

A star-studded lineup is coming together in Chicago to honor the late folk musician John Prine.The latest: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070064A57623192E" data-vars-content-id="b33aa081-3455-4a9c-95af-8c4b1f121997" data-vars-headline="All-star John Prine tribute concert coming to Chicago Theatre" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070064A57623192E" target="_blank">Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine</a>&quot; will take place Oct. 8 at The Chicago Theatre — two days before what would have been Prine&#x27;s 80th birthday.

Museum of Contemporary Photography opens its vast vault

The free exhibit traces decades of photography through Chicago scenes and global change.

Culture

On its 50th anniversary, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/06/photographer-chicago-public-schools-student-portraits" data-vars-content-id="1d5df5b5-aba6-41ff-b1b5-0909873f0e3a" data-vars-headline="Museum of Contemporary Photography opens its vast vault" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/06/photographer-chicago-public-schools-student-portraits" target="_self">Chicago&#x27;s</a> Museum of Contemporary Photography presents a snapshot of its impressive collection.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mocp.org/exhibition/mocp-at-50-collecting-through-the-decades/" data-vars-content-id="1d5df5b5-aba6-41ff-b1b5-0909873f0e3a" data-vars-headline="Museum of Contemporary Photography opens its vast vault" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mocp.org/exhibition/mocp-at-50-collecting-through-the-decades/" target="_blank">&quot;MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades&quot;</a> culls from the museum&#x27;s archive of 18,000 objects to illustrate the evolution of the art form, but also reveals images of how Chicago — and the world — have changed in half a century.

Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge

Axios reporters try to grow tomatoes in cramped urban settings.

Welcome to Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional start " data-vars-click-url="https://extension.illinois.edu/gardening/when-plant" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://extension.illinois.edu/gardening/when-plant" target="_blank">traditional start </a>of tomato gardening season.What&#x27;s happening: We&#x27;re launching our first Axios tomato challenge, where each of us nurtures the same type of plant in our different environments to see who can produce the most or best fruits this summer.<ul><li>And we&#x27;d like you to play along.</li></ul>State of play: Because none of us has a ton of traditional gardening space, we asked the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Tomato Man, Bob Zeni, " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Tomato Man, Bob Zeni, </a>to advise us on the best option to suit:<ul><li>High-rise Carrie, who will need to garden on a south-facing windowsill</li><li>Townhouse Justin, who wants something off the ground that won&#x27;t attract rats.</li><li>Three-flat Monica, who gardens on her back porch.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Two small tomato seedlings in black plastic pots on a wooden surface. A pink plant tag with a QR code reads CHICAGO and Rosy Finch between the plants; blurred background." height="4284" id="977472ea-5e51-4ff2-beee-669bfb1202b5" src="https://images.axios.com/z-GHSwEXCWn-G6FBwARoy6TIWmU=/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/3Hw9ve1jJRXf5MKVlQQ8vMdV30c=/0x0:5712x4284/1920x1440/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/B2XahegexoafQ3re26Uy0-9QdpE=/0x0:5712x4284/1600x1200/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/WptlOTXZDw0uIJHyF36F2DwVeD8=/0x0:5712x4284/1366x1024/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/_xM7PKDJGEvwIjgUqmwnN8m7eIM=/0x0:5712x4284/1024x768/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/wLxcHg5rkgHOy2JRpZIuAYPAIBg=/0x0:5712x4284/768x576/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/0UWqH3372tmtlJbasMEaamCt14g=/0x0:5712x4284/640x480/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/IJ3cNYKHkjKbLY8VxTyLPDtK5aA=/0x0:5712x4284/320x240/2026/05/10/1778455416737.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Two Rosy Finch tomato plants. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>The plant: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rosy Finch " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/shop-all/rosy-finch?rq=rosy%20finch" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/shop-all/rosy-finch?rq=rosy%20finch" target="_blank">Rosy Finch </a>tabletop seedling that we picked up at one of Zeni&#x27;s many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tomato Man pop-ups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/new-events-1?view=calendar&amp;month=05-2026" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/new-events-1?view=calendar&amp;month=05-2026" target="_blank">Tomato Man pop-ups</a> happening throughout May across the city and burbs.<ul><li>Other compact varieties include Golden Hour micro dwarfs or Little Bing cherry tomato plants available at local shops and nurseries.</li></ul>What he&#x27;s saying: The plants &quot;should do well in the ground, in pots outdoors or even indoors with the right light,&quot; Zeni tells Axios.<ul><li>&quot;Indoors, they won&#x27;t be as productive because they need six to eight hours of sunlight every day, but if you have a south-facing window, that&#x27;s good.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: &quot;I always recommend these for people that are just starting out because they&#x27;re so much easier to take care of than standard plants that get 6 to 8 feet, and you have all kinds of issues about staking and trimming,&quot; he said. Cold facts: Despite the conventional &quot;after-Mother&#x27;s Day&quot; timetable for outdoor planting, Chicago has proven unseasonably chilly this month. Zeni advises caution until nighttime lows remain above the mid-40s.<ul><li>He also urges folks to spend a week &quot;hardening off&quot; indoor-grown tomato seedlings. This means giving the plants outdoor exposure during the day followed by nights back inside.</li><li>Justin and Monica will follow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="these instructions all week" data-vars-click-url="https://savvygardening.com/how-to-harden-off-tomato-plants/" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://savvygardening.com/how-to-harden-off-tomato-plants/" target="_blank">these instructions all week</a> with our outdoor-bound plants. </li><li>Once the seedlings are ready to stay outdoors, we&#x27;ll lean on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zeni&#x27;s growing tips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/main-st" data-vars-content-id="45f95289-66fa-45b8-b58a-c067fb689540" data-vars-headline="Axios reporters take the tomato plant challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotomatoman.com/main-st" target="_blank">Zeni&#x27;s growing tips</a> all summer. </li></ul><figure><img alt="woman holding a flat of tomato plants" height="3573" id="d87756ef-e2dd-4afc-8c21-af2dedcb4822" src="https://images.axios.com/M6WDZezpKhF3IPZIzNVp4bKPa44=/2026/05/10/1778455555694.jpeg" width="5005"/><figcaption>Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot picks up her 2026 tomato seedlings from a Chicago Tomato Man pop-up in Lincoln Park Saturday. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>The intrigue: While picking up plants, Monica ran into a fellow gardener who also happens to be a former Mayor and Axios Chicago member.The judges? You! In a few months, we&#x27;ll post pics of our best tomatoes and let readers decide the winner. What&#x27;s next: We&#x27;re hoping you&#x27;ll follow along, plant your own tomatoes and share tips and pics as we dig into our first virtual Axios garden club.

Things to Do 🗓

Fresh flowers and live music for Chicago weekend fun

Chicago loses a comedy outlet with end of Colbert's show

New Chicago stores spark long lines and retail frenzy

Chicago museum slide powers up new exhibit

Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches in Chicago