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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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A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

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Chicago's most beautiful houses of worship face off

Vote your favorites through our 16-site bracket to crown Chicago's most picturesque place of worship.

Culture

This month&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Chicago tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/27/best-living-chicago-celebrity-murray-pope-oprah-cusack-obama" data-vars-content-id="17e46c77-73fa-41c5-8ff2-d84bbe247d57" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s most beautiful houses of worship face off" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/27/best-living-chicago-celebrity-murray-pope-oprah-cusack-obama" target="_self">Axios Chicago tournament</a> is about the best-looking houses of worship in the Chicago area.Between the lines: We&#x27;re not talking faith. We&#x27;re talking architecture.

Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways

The Republican gubernatorial candidate unveiled a four-point plan, but it lacks details.

Transit

Illinois gubernatorial candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Darren Bailey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/18/bailey-wins-gop-primary-pritzker-rematch-illinois-governor" data-vars-content-id="478f836d-2a1b-41ec-b9ee-a56419d0277a" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/18/bailey-wins-gop-primary-pritzker-rematch-illinois-governor" target="_self">Darren Bailey</a> wants to make the state’s toll roads free, reviving a decades-old promise that’s much easier said than financed.Why it matters: Eliminating tolls would upend a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation funding system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/31/illinois-fall-veto-session-transit-deal" data-vars-content-id="478f836d-2a1b-41ec-b9ee-a56419d0277a" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/31/illinois-fall-veto-session-transit-deal" target="_self">transportation funding system</a> lawmakers just expanded. <ul><li>Last year&#x27;s sweeping transit package called for higher tolls to help finance a new multibillion-dollar Tollway construction program, while shifting other state transportation revenues toward mass transit.</li></ul>

New Chicago murals honor Caleb Williams, Stacey King and John Prine

The murals honor two Chicago legends and one trying to cement his legacy in real time.

Things to Do

Three new murals have sprung up in Chicago recently, celebrating two legends — and one young star building his legacy in real time. Why it matters: Chicago has long turned blank walls into tributes to icons.

Trump's Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight

Is Illinois getting the shaft on federal storm aid due to politics?

Climate

President Trump&#x27;s rapid emergency declaration for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storm-ravaged Indiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/17/indiana-launches-emergency-assistance-housing-vouchers-for-flood-victims" data-vars-content-id="5db2749c-7612-4556-901a-5f0771ddb6f5" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/17/indiana-launches-emergency-assistance-housing-vouchers-for-flood-victims" target="_self">storm-ravaged Indiana</a> is renewing Democratic concerns about partisanship in federal disaster aid.Why it matters: Thousands of Illinoisans are dealing with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="damaged or lost property" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/12/illinois-derecho-tornado-indiana-south-suburbs-trees-power-flooding" data-vars-content-id="5db2749c-7612-4556-901a-5f0771ddb6f5" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/12/illinois-derecho-tornado-indiana-south-suburbs-trees-power-flooding" target="_self">damaged or lost property</a> from the same derecho that produced eight tornadoes, power outages and flooding on both sides of the state line.

A day at the Illinois State Fair: Pork chops, politics and parking

A Chicagoan's take on his first real visit to the state fair.

For this Chicago resident, the Illinois State Fair is a foreign experience. Sure, there are carnival rides and elephant ears, but everything else is on a scale that makes a local street festival look quaint.Here are five observations from this city dweller at the State Fair.

Chicago Weekend: Axios Chicago staff picks

Our picks include soul dancing, sidewalk chalk, indie rock, classical music and dining al fresco.

Summer is winding down. Yes, we&#x27;re sorry to break that news. <ul><li>But we&#x27;re making sure you make the most of it with these suggestions.</li></ul>

Chicago's bocce community gets a home court

The West Town clubhouse has five bocce courts, a backyard and a packed calendar of social events.

Sports

After more than a decade of playing the sport in bars and parks, Chicago&#x27;s bocce community has a home court.What to expect: Chicago Bocce Club in West Town calls itself the city&#x27;s first dedicated bocce clubhouse, with five professional-grade indoor and outdoor courts, a private backyard with other games and a coworking and events space.

Traffic snarls to avoid this weekend in Chicago 

From the Indian Independence Day Parade and Lakeview Taco Fest to triathlon activities up and down the lake, it will be busy.

From the Chicago Triathlon and Lakeview Taco Fest to big events at the United Center and Soldier Field, Chicago will be swimming with fun and traffic this weekend.

The ultimate Chicago to Springfield road trip

Pottery, cheese curds, local brews and Route 66 history await on the road from Chicago to Springfield.

Corndogs, fried Oreos, horse shows and a glorious butter cow await at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/08/13/illinois-state-fair-food-new-old" data-vars-content-id="2b90e7f2-5bee-43e0-959d-730c99a8633f" data-vars-headline="The ultimate Chicago to Springfield road trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/08/13/illinois-state-fair-food-new-old" target="_self">Illinois State Fair</a> in Springfield.<ul><li>But there are plenty of things to eat, see and do between Chicago and the state capitol.</li></ul>The big picture: The Illinois Office of Tourism has compiled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Illinois Made,&quot; " data-vars-click-url="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/illinois-made/" data-vars-content-id="2b90e7f2-5bee-43e0-959d-730c99a8633f" data-vars-headline="The ultimate Chicago to Springfield road trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/illinois-made/" target="_blank">&quot;Illinois Made,&quot; </a>a guide to small businesses stretching across the state, from unique finds in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/road-trip-itineraries/made-with-pride-in-chicago/" data-vars-content-id="2b90e7f2-5bee-43e0-959d-730c99a8633f" data-vars-headline="The ultimate Chicago to Springfield road trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/road-trip-itineraries/made-with-pride-in-chicago/" target="_blank">Chicago</a> to local wineries and nature in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Southern Illinois" data-vars-click-url="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/road-trip-itineraries/the-makers-trail/" data-vars-content-id="2b90e7f2-5bee-43e0-959d-730c99a8633f" data-vars-headline="The ultimate Chicago to Springfield road trip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/road-trip-itineraries/the-makers-trail/" target="_blank">Southern Illinois</a>

Axios staff picks: Things to do in Chicago this weekend

Reporters Carrie Shepherd, Justin Kaufmann and Monica Eng's suggestions for the Chicago weekend.

Hope you didn’t plan a nice, quiet weekend. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="It&#x27;s Air &amp; Water Show time again." data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/air_water_show.html" data-vars-content-id="6ec98f97-cc7a-4719-a7d5-5af7b9a77085" data-vars-headline="Axios staff picks: Things to do in Chicago this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/air_water_show.html" target="_blank">It&#x27;s Air &amp; Water Show time again.</a> Best of luck to you and your pups.The big picture: If you&#x27;re looking for something to do a little closer to the ground, there&#x27;s plenty of outdoor eating, drinking and vibing happening across Chicago and the suburbs.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what the Axios Chicago crew has on our radars.</li></ul>

Axios readers share more safe cycling tips 

From best greenways and mapping apps to solid tips on trusting drivers.

Public Safety

After our recent story about using greenways for safer cycling in Chicago, we asked Axios readers for their own safety tips, and they came through as always. Here are some of the best: 🛣️ &quot;The city recently painted new bike lanes along Wellington by Damen to allow for bike lanes going both ways along Wellington. It’s a bit narrow at times, but a great new option to have so that you can avoid Diversey and Belmont.&quot; — Mike R.

Get behind the wheel at Chicago's new F1 Arcade

The new bar and restaurant lets guests race on 61 simulators, then refuel with cocktails and food.

A new bar and restaurant in Chicago&#x27;s River North taps into the global popularity of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Formula 1 racing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/axios-house-the-fight-over-fis-remote-audience" data-vars-content-id="273bc6b3-b0c0-4074-b4cb-113dc772cf1c" data-vars-headline="Get behind the wheel at Chicago&#x27;s new F1 Arcade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/axios-house-the-fight-over-fis-remote-audience" target="_self">Formula 1 racing</a> by putting fans behind the wheel and onto the track.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="F1 Arcade" data-vars-click-url="https://f1arcade.com/us/chicago" data-vars-content-id="273bc6b3-b0c0-4074-b4cb-113dc772cf1c" data-vars-headline="Get behind the wheel at Chicago&#x27;s new F1 Arcade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://f1arcade.com/us/chicago" target="_blank">F1 Arcade</a> opens Friday in the former Rock Bottom Brewery spot at State and Grand.

St. Charles breweries pour Belgian beers for history museum

Six local breweries are toasting the town's heritage through the month of August.

Several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Charles breweries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stcsix.com/belgianbeer" data-vars-content-id="a91990b2-2853-42f6-85b6-622ff6b881ae" data-vars-headline="St. Charles breweries pour Belgian beers for history museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stcsix.com/belgianbeer" target="_blank">St. Charles breweries</a> are teaming up this month to celebrate the city&#x27;s Belgian heritage — one beer at a time.The latest: Six breweries are pouring Belgian-style beers to raise money for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Charles History Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stcmuseum.org/" data-vars-content-id="a91990b2-2853-42f6-85b6-622ff6b881ae" data-vars-headline="St. Charles breweries pour Belgian beers for history museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stcmuseum.org/" target="_blank">St. Charles History Museum</a>, which recently opened an exhibit exploring the suburb&#x27;s Belgian roots.

A table that lists eight Chicago traffic-impacting events for Aug. 21-23, 2026. Friday includes Kacey Musgraves at 6:30 p.m. and Sox vs. Mets at 6:40 p.m. Weekend disruptions span Grant Park, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, United Center, Soldier Field, Southport, Fulton and Devon.

ð¨ Chicago weekend traffic alert for Aug. 21-23, 2026

Data: Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication ; Chart: Monica Eng/Axios

Things to Do 🗓

A day at the Illinois State Fair: Pork chops, politics and parking

Chicago Weekend: Axios Chicago staff picks

Chicago's bocce community gets a home court

Traffic snarls to avoid this weekend in Chicago

The ultimate Chicago to Springfield road trip