Chicago

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Chicago with Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann, and Carrie Shepherd.

Axios Chicago

Standard

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

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Chicago Alerts

Alert

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

Axios Chicago Weekender

Weekender

Axios Chicago Partners

Chicago Members

Membership

Buc-ee's co-founder casts doubt on Illinois expansion over politics

The co-founder said he prefers working with conservative states that reflect the company's values.

Business

Buc-ee&#x27;s co-founder says politics will increasingly influence where the travel-center giant expands — comments that are drawing pushback in Illinois.The latest: At a grand opening for a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s in Benton, Arkansas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/buc-ees-ceo-signals-expansion-shift-away-blue-states-dont-appreciate-chain" data-vars-content-id="106cc18f-5f28-4dea-84b5-c620f74ed95e" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s co-founder casts doubt on Illinois expansion over politics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/buc-ees-ceo-signals-expansion-shift-away-blue-states-dont-appreciate-chain" target="_blank">Buc-ee&#x27;s in Benton, Arkansas</a>, last week, president and co-founder Arch &quot;Beaver&quot; Aplin III said the company would rather build in conservative, &quot;business-friendly&quot; communities.

Inside the $2.25B plan for a 15-minute O'Hare-to-downtown train

This express train could drastically change traveling to and from O'Hare airport.

Transit

A group of business leaders wants to build a high-speed train to dramatically cut travel times between O&#x27;Hare and downtown Chicago.Why it matters: The express rail connection could give airport travelers a faster alternative to the CTA, cabs and ride shares without relying on public subsidies.

BTS ARMY returns to Chicago

Fans are making freebies and planning events across Chicago as BTS returns to Soldier Field.

Things to Do

K-Pop megastars BTS return to Chicago for the first time in seven years, and their ARMY stands ready. The big picture: The group that launched the K-Pop phenomenon performs two sold-out shows on Thursday and Friday at Soldier Field as part of their &quot;ARIRANG&quot; world tour.

Remembering Dolly Parton's star turn at Chicago's Rainbo Club

The iconic actress and singer was in town shooting "Straight Talk" in 1991.

News

Dolly Parton performed in Chicago several times, but one of her most memorable local star turns came on a tiny stage in a Wicker Park dive bar.The latest: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="musician and actress died" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" data-vars-content-id="ae944fb6-85fa-47f6-88ae-aa94848ae4fc" data-vars-headline="Remembering Dolly Parton&#x27;s star turn at Chicago&#x27;s Rainbo Club" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" target="_self">musician and actress died</a> Tuesday at age 80.

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>

Chicago's the 9th priciest U.S. commuting city

Chicago drivers face some of the nation's highest commuting costs.

Neighborhoods

If you needed another reason to take public transportation or a bike to work downtown, how about saving thousands of dollars in gas and parking? Zoom in: The ranking is based on gas prices and downtown parking costs for a 13.4-mile commute each way over 250 workdays, according to an analysis by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vettory.org" data-vars-click-url="https://vettory.org/" data-vars-content-id="b25b9b15-2e5f-4a64-bc54-54ff0f7d6f38" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s the 9th priciest U.S. commuting city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vettory.org/" target="_blank">vettory.org</a>, which offers data on veterans&#x27; assistance programs.

Weekend Getaway: Avrom Farm Party in Wisconsin

The eight-year-old festival celebrates sustainable food and indie music.

Local food gets equal billing with indie bands as a little slice of Chicago travels three hours north for the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Avrom Farm Party" data-vars-click-url="https://avromfarmparty.com/" data-vars-content-id="520f3d9d-974b-4c1e-946d-677bb124f7d1" data-vars-headline="Weekend Getaway: Avrom Farm Party in Wisconsin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://avromfarmparty.com/" target="_blank">Avrom Farm Party</a>, Aug. 21-23.The big picture: This three-day fest, started by Chicagoans Hayden Holbert, Spencer Tweedy and curators Avery Riel and Lily Moore, launched in 2018 on land in Green Lake, Wisconsin, that used to host the studio of famed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artist Lester Schwarz" data-vars-click-url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lester_O._Schwartz" data-vars-content-id="520f3d9d-974b-4c1e-946d-677bb124f7d1" data-vars-headline="Weekend Getaway: Avrom Farm Party in Wisconsin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lester_O._Schwartz" target="_blank">artist Lester Schwarz</a>, Holbert&#x27;s grandfather.

Chicagoans open French cottages in New Buffalo

The new cottage compound blends wellness and hospitality.

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.

How to avoid traffic snarls this weekend

Hot spots include Andersonville, Humboldt Park, Burnham Harbor and Old Town.

Travel

Here&#x27;s our weekend traffic hot spots list.

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.

Summer travel in Chicago: Flight cuts, rising fares and TSA delays expected

The summer outlook for Chicago flights is looking bleak.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer outlook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/12/ohare-airport-capacity-faa-united-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="4ffc48b8-c069-4026-ad64-ecb5991ea8e3" data-vars-headline="Summer travel in Chicago: Flight cuts, rising fares and TSA delays expected" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/12/ohare-airport-capacity-faa-united-american-airlines" target="_self">summer outlook</a> for Chicago flights is looking bleak as rising fuel costs, FAA limits and security concerns squeeze air travel after a rocky spring. Why it matters: Summer is peak vacation travel season, when O&#x27;Hare&#x27;s already heavy traffic is pushed to its limits.

O'Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence

Mayor Brandon Johnson said roughly 75 ICE officers were expected at O'Hare.

Travelers moving through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="O&#x27;Hare " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/chicago-airports-spring-break-travel-ohare-midway-faa-dhs" data-vars-content-id="b6f6cedc-59a9-4ee1-9640-32cf19cf5ec4" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/chicago-airports-spring-break-travel-ohare-midway-faa-dhs" target="_self">O&#x27;Hare </a>on Monday braced for long lines, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travel headaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="b6f6cedc-59a9-4ee1-9640-32cf19cf5ec4" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">travel headaches</a> — and the added uncertainty of ICE officers stationed at airport security.Why it matters: A partial government shutdown is straining airport operations nationwide — and hitting one of the country&#x27;s busiest airports at the start of spring break travel.

O'Hare, Midway brace for spring break crush amid shutdown chaos

The annual spring break for Chicago schools means a surge in traffic.

O&#x27;Hare and Midway are bracing for a spring break travel surge — just as delays and disruptions <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pile up nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/dhs-shutdown-tsa-fema-ice-democrats-discharge" data-vars-content-id="a9cf6a2c-0384-40c4-91f0-fddb3a8eb465" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare, Midway brace for spring break crush amid shutdown chaos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/dhs-shutdown-tsa-fema-ice-democrats-discharge" target="_self">pile up nationwide</a>.Why it matters: Chicago Public Schools&#x27; spring break is sending thousands more travelers through local airports at a moment when a prolonged federal shutdown is straining the system.

Chicago's Jibarito falls apart in Puerto Rico

The delicacy really disappoints due to a weird cheesy Salisbury steak-like filling.

Food and Drink

I recently spent a few days in Puerto Rico visiting family and eating lots of food including an island version of the Chicago-invented jibarito sandwich.Backstory: Humboldt Park restaurateur <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juan C. Figueroa started serving this steak sandwich " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/06/18/saga-of-a-sandwich/" data-vars-content-id="0e5f1612-b18c-42e2-bbb9-a7da0fc016f0" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s Jibarito falls apart in Puerto Rico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/06/18/saga-of-a-sandwich/" target="_blank">Juan C. Figueroa started serving this steak sandwich </a>using fried green plantain planks as bread in the mid-1990s at his Puerto Rican restaurant Borinquen.<ul><li>In the intervening decades it has spread to cities all over the country and even back to Puerto Rico, where I found it in San Juan&#x27;s old city at a spot called Restaurante el Jibarito or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Fonda del Jibarito " data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/lafondadeljibarito/" data-vars-content-id="0e5f1612-b18c-42e2-bbb9-a7da0fc016f0" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s Jibarito falls apart in Puerto Rico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/lafondadeljibarito/" target="_blank">La Fonda del Jibarito </a>depending on which sign at this location you follow.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Left: Woman with glasses holding a plate of food inside a restaurant with a Puerto Rican flag wall. Right: Green exterior wall of Restaurante El Jibarito on a colorful street with cars parked." height="1080" id="a0346c75-ee2b-46e5-b96d-b4890c61c93e" src="https://images.axios.com/w39zcR527o3o44m4dqD0Z7BrLTU=/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/WY_SzVl1r2J1viypNAJBte5m_9s=/0x0:1920x1080/1920x1080/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/Lq7ArmfKvHEgas2GJTjaH-ky38M=/0x0:1920x1080/1600x900/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/WRH7ce1lMiyMabZptBvWW7t5InY=/0x0:1920x1080/1366x768/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/sHK6Zrt5Thn_YIjFQ7BIOANDYfE=/0x0:1920x1080/1024x576/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/KQxgbgz5ywARnooHQY5Nel_v0KU=/0x0:1920x1080/768x432/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/2_lO70t6xqE-X2nzI2PYi4ocC0Q=/0x0:1920x1080/640x360/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/Pur9pvPkipzWfNvOMw-9pfrd9x8=/0x0:1920x1080/320x180/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Monica holds the Puerto Rican version of a Jibarito in San Juan. The exterior of Restaurante el Jibarito/La Fonda del Jibarito in San Juan&#x27;s old city. Photos: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>The sandwich: Disappointing. The plantain planks came out broken and filled with — not ribeye, pork or any of other Chicago faves but — some weird cheesy Salisbury steak for $19.95.<ul><li>Yes, but the sandwich does come with a tasty trifongo (breadfruit, plantain and yuca fritter) on the side. Has anyone ever seen this in Chicago?</li></ul>The bottom line: When trying &quot;Chicago treats&quot; in other cities, I often brace for the worst but here I expected something better.<ul><li>I guess we can chalk it up to another delicacy Chicago does better than any other place in the world.</li></ul>

The 10 most expensive cities for commuting in the U.S.

Data: Based on an analysis of multiple data sets by vettory.org; Chart: Monica Eng/Axios

ð¨ Weekend traffic alert  for June 12-14, 2026

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