Alexi Giannoulias has announced he's running for mayor.

The latest: The Illinois secretary of state officially launched his campaign on social media and held a rally for supporters at the IBEW Local 134 headquarters in Bronzeville Sunday afternoon.

Why it matters: His decision means Chicago's next mayoral race is shaping up to feature some of the biggest names in Illinois Democratic politics, including Comptroller Susana Mendoza, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and possibly incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson.

• Johnson has not formally announced whether he'll seek a second term.

What they're saying: "I believe fundamentally that government can be both competent and compassionate," Giannoulias said to a crowd of supporters Sunday. "Chicago deserves a city hall that works as hard as the people it serves."

The big picture: Giannoulias is also running for reelection as secretary of state this November. If he wins, he could continue serving in that role while campaigning for mayor, giving him a political safety net if his City Hall bid falls short.

By the numbers: Giannoulias has nearly $22 million in campaign cash, according to the latest campaign finance reports released in July.

Zoom out: The longtime Democrat launched his political career by winning election as state treasurer in 2006 and taking office in 2007. He was considered a rising star, speaking at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Reality check: His political rise stalled after losing a contentious U.S. Senate race to Republican Mark Kirk in 2010.

• After more than a decade out of elected office, he returned in 2022 by winning the race for secretary of state.

The bottom line: The worst-kept secret in Chicago politics is finally official: Alexi Giannoulias is in.

Go deeper

After a brief price dip, gas prices in the Chicago area have shot back up to an average of $4.49 a gallon, according to Gas Buddy.'

• Some gas stations downtown are at $5.19 a gallon.
• Around this time last year, Chicago prices hovered around $3.60.

Between the lines: The dips and rise coincided with a ceasefire in the Iran war followed by the recent resumption of attacks.

Zoom out: Nationally, the average price has risen to $4.09 after a recent low of $3.70 per gallon in late June.

On the bright side: Local gas prices are still lower than they were in mid-May when Chicago's average peaked at $5.29.

Hot tip: If you happen to be headed to Indiana — the Dunes, anyone? — don't forget to fill 'er up.

• Prices drop by about 70 cents a gallon as soon as you cross the border.

Tell a gas buddy

After more than a decade at WGN-TV, Jarrett Payton is stepping down from his nightly sports anchor role to focus on his family.

Why it matters: Payton has become one of Chicago's most recognizable sports broadcasters over the past decade, covering the Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks and Bulls while fronting WGN's nightly sports coverage.

What they're saying: "Over the last couple of months, I've been searching to figure out what's the most important," Payton said in a newscast.

• "From day one, it's my family; finding ways to be able to be around them as my kids grow is where my mind is at right now at this moment."

Zoom out: The son of Bears legend Walter Payton, Jarrett followed a different path to broadcasting. He starred in football at the University of Miami, spent time in the NFL and retired in 2012.

• He joined WGN in 2015 after hosting shows for CLTV and WGN Radio. He also co-hosted the nightly "GN Sports."

Between the lines: It's unclear what Payton's role at WGN will be now that he's stepping away from his nightly anchor duties.

• "WGN wishes nothing but the best to Jarrett Payton and his family. He is, and always will be, one of Chicago's Very Own," a WGN spokesperson tells Axios.
• "I'm keeping it together," Payton said as he signed off. "This is home for me, and this will always be home for me."

Keep reading

📫 A federal judge threw out a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit, ruling the agency cannot force the Illinois State Board of Elections to release voter registration information. (Tribune)

💰 Sales taxes in Chicago and five collar counties increased from 10.25% to 10.5% on Aug. 1 under a new law to fund public transit. (WGN)

⚾️ The White Sox traded closer Seranthony Domínguez and prospects to the Seattle Mariners on Saturday for veteran starting pitcher Luis Castillo. (MLB)

• The Cubs traded prospects to the Toronto Blue Jays for veteran starting pitcher Kevin Gausman.

The best local journalism helps you stay connected to the people, places and decisions shaping your community.

What we're hearing: Readers turn to Axios Chicago for clear, trustworthy reporting every day. Member support helps us continue delivering the coverage that keeps your community informed.

📍 Become a member today. You'll help support independent local journalism and keep our newsroom focused on the stories that matter most.

Thanks for being part of our community.

Finding the best Chicago-style hot dog in the city offers a formidable but delicious challenge.

Zoom in: We've drawn from our years of homework on the issue to offer our top picks for a dog dragged through the garden (which actually sounds mean) around town.

Today's Food Fight: Chicago-style dogs

Monica's pick: I loved childhood trips to the Vienna Factory deli on Elston with my mom (and look forward to its long-awaited reopening).

• In the meantime, I get my factory fix at the South Side Vienna Beef Factory Store in McKinley Park at 3847 S. Morgan. Adorable hut, perfect execution and the whole thing for $4.

Carrie's pick: As I've mentioned a million times during Food Fight, I'm a pescetarian.

Yes, but: I have to say, you can get a really good veggie dog ($7) at Devil Dawgs. None of that limp, grayish teeny weenie plopped in. It's grilled and juicy.

• My only critique? Needs more celery salt.

Justin's pick: I am more of a "depression dog" fan (paging Gene & Judes), but I understand this assignment.

• I picked up some light bulbs at Home Depot and chomped on a dog ($5.39) from Fixin' Franks.
• Don't sleep on the foyer dog! They do it right.

📫 Where do you get your favorite Chicago-style hot dogs? Reply to this email and we'll publish responses at a later date!

Share this story