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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.

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.

How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago

Travel early in the morning on Sunday for the least traffic.

Holidays

Chicagoans leaving for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" data-vars-content-id="896d46b8-6a3d-4c19-9cbf-00e3242579f1" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" target="_self">Memorial Day</a> roadtrips on Thursday or Friday afternoons will hit the worst traffic of the holiday weekend, per INRIX traffic data.The big picture: Despite soaring gas prices, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA is predicting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/memorial-day-travel-forecast-safety-tips.html" data-vars-content-id="896d46b8-6a3d-4c19-9cbf-00e3242579f1" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/memorial-day-travel-forecast-safety-tips.html" target="_blank">AAA is predicting</a> the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busiest Memorial Day ever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" data-vars-content-id="896d46b8-6a3d-4c19-9cbf-00e3242579f1" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/memorial-day-travel-forecast-record-aaa" target="_self">busiest Memorial Day ever</a> for travel — making strategic timing essential.

Report dissects Chicago's ETOD progress

A new report says Chicago has expanded ETOD policies, but gaps remain in disinvested areas.

Transit

Five years after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" data-vars-content-id="8c3411a8-b66f-4d7a-8d66-c4e8fea5969a" data-vars-headline="Report dissects Chicago&#x27;s ETOD progress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" target="_self">Chicago</a> adopted its first equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) plan, a new report digs into the city&#x27;s progress.Why it matters: City and state leaders have implemented policies that prioritize access to public transit when building and revitalizing residential and commercial properties, but more work is needed to ensure ETOD doesn&#x27;t favor wealthier, white neighborhoods as it has in the past, according to the report.

Illinois gas prices remain among nation's highest as another tax hike nears

Pressure is mounting for Gov. JB Pritzker to suspend a looming gas tax increase.

Gas prices are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushing past" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/01/why-chicago-gas-prices-just-surged-past-5-a-gallon" data-vars-content-id="7c63bb57-3d1f-4bef-a207-4eefc887e8e6" data-vars-headline="Illinois gas prices remain among nation&#x27;s highest as another tax hike nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/01/why-chicago-gas-prices-just-surged-past-5-a-gallon" target="_self">pushing past</a> $5 a gallon across parts of Illinois — and drivers may not get much relief anytime soon.The latest: Memorial Day travel demand and the annual switch from cheaper winter gasoline blends to more expensive summer blends are expected to keep upward pressure on prices in the coming weeks.

Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set

A Springfield proposal would shift pricing toward driving records and require advance notice of rate hikes.

Business

Illinois lawmakers are considering changes to how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="car insurance rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/car-insurance-rates-falling-rising-states-map" data-vars-content-id="0c826134-66cc-4255-a640-7b223c577f7b" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/car-insurance-rates-falling-rising-states-map" target="_self">car insurance rates</a> are set.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate Bill 1486," data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=SB&amp;DocNum=1486&amp;GAID=18&amp;SessionID=114&amp;LegID=160057" data-vars-content-id="0c826134-66cc-4255-a640-7b223c577f7b" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=SB&amp;DocNum=1486&amp;GAID=18&amp;SessionID=114&amp;LegID=160057" target="_blank">Senate Bill 1486,</a> which passed the House in March, would give the Illinois Department of Insurance new authority to review and challenge rates.<ul><li>It would also require insurance providers to give at least 60 days&#x27; notice before any excessive rate hike and to determine prices based on driving record rather than age, credit score or ZIP code.</li></ul>

Chicago bike lanes spark protests as residents push back on parking loss

The city is moving forward on citywide bicycle safety.

Chicago&#x27;s protected bike lane expansion is facing resistance in some neighborhoods, exposing growing tension between cyclists, drivers and residents.Why it matters: As the city pushes to make streets more bike- and pedestrian-friendly, complaints are mounting about the cost of reshaping how traffic flows through neighborhoods.

What Chicago riders can expect from driverless Waymos

A proposed state pilot would let Waymo go fully driverless in Cook County if safety goals are met.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo&#x27;s cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/25/self-driving-cars-spotted-waymo-phoenix-scottsdale-illinois" data-vars-content-id="12f0a6f5-ceb6-4ebf-b90d-7434ade88597" data-vars-headline="What Chicago riders can expect from driverless Waymos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/25/self-driving-cars-spotted-waymo-phoenix-scottsdale-illinois" target="_self">Waymo&#x27;s cars</a> still have human drivers in Chicago — but a bill in Springfield could change that.Why it matters: Lawmakers in Springfield are considering a bill to launch an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="autonomous vehicle pilot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&amp;DocNum=4663&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=165621&amp;SessionID=114" data-vars-content-id="12f0a6f5-ceb6-4ebf-b90d-7434ade88597" data-vars-headline="What Chicago riders can expect from driverless Waymos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&amp;DocNum=4663&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=165621&amp;SessionID=114" target="_blank">autonomous vehicle pilot</a> in several Illinois counties, including Cook County.<ul><li>If it passes, the cars would have to meet safety benchmarks over three years, with the state — not cities — overseeing the program.</li></ul>

New CTA crime data paints troubling picture

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

Public Safety

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>

FTA attacks Gov. Pritzker, Illinois over CTA safety

Officials say state oversight has fallen short as concerns grow about risks to riders and workers.

The Federal Transit Administration is once again calling out<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" safety problems on the CTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/10/cta-submits-new-safety-plan-to-fta" data-vars-content-id="4eaef3ad-9cad-45dd-9461-51b0867ed53e" data-vars-headline="FTA attacks Gov. Pritzker, Illinois over CTA safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/10/cta-submits-new-safety-plan-to-fta" target="_self"> safety problems on the CTA</a>, but this time, they&#x27;re blaming Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the state.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The FTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" data-vars-content-id="4eaef3ad-9cad-45dd-9461-51b0867ed53e" data-vars-headline="FTA attacks Gov. Pritzker, Illinois over CTA safety" 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">The FTA</a> on Tuesday announced it&#x27;s launching a safety inspection of the city&#x27;s transit system, chastising Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation, saying the state had &quot;not properly leveraged its oversight authority and resources to protect Chicago passengers and transit workers.&quot;

O'Hare Airport capacity concerns: FAA may limit summer flights

United and American are being hauled before the FAA after both added several flights.

The country&#x27;s busiest airport may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="too busy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/27/ohares-flight-boom-american-united-busiest-airport" data-vars-content-id="1ae6a893-fc26-4568-9c3a-efaccbb83e96" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare Airport capacity concerns: FAA may limit summer flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/27/ohares-flight-boom-american-united-busiest-airport" target="_self">too busy</a>.The latest: The Federal Aviation Administration is meeting with United Airlines and American Airlines to pare down the number of flights expected this summer at O&#x27;Hare Airport due to capacity issues.

A table that shows Memorial Day weekend 2026 road traffic forecasts by day. Worst driving windows are Thursdayfrom noon to 9pm, Friday from 11am to 8pm, Saturday from noon to 5pm, and Monday from noon to 5pm.

Transit 🚗

How to avoid Memorial Day traffic in Chicago

Report dissects Chicago's ETOD progress

Illinois gas prices remain among nation's highest as another tax hike nears

Chicago trains and buses get spring art

Illinois bill targets how car insurance rates are set