It's election day, and thousands of voters are expected to show up at polling stations statewide.

Why it matters: Although the winners of Illinois' primary will still face challenges in November, tonight's results in deep blue Cook County will give candidates in some races a leg up in the general election.

The big picture: Both President Biden and former President Trump have already secured enough delegates to clinch their party nominations for the first presidential rematch since 1956.

• But there are plenty of exciting and important primary battles still on Illinois' ballot.

What they're saying: "We're going to see who is really motivated," NBC 5 News political reporter Mary Ann Ahern, who will cover results for the station's live-streamed show tonight, tells Axios.

• "While Chicago is a deep blue city, the migrant crisis has sparked debate on what direction voters want elected officials to take."

What we're watching:

• Cook County state's attorney: The Democratic primary fight started with two candidates who had similar backgrounds and philosophies, but it's turned into a proxy battle between downtown and community interests about how to handle crime.
• 7th Congressional District: Incumbent Danny Davis seeks to fend off two viable challengers in Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Kina Collins.
• Bring Chicago Home referendum: After months of political jockeying, court challenges and ad blitzes, we'll see where voters stand on the ordinance to add a tax to luxury real estate that would fund resources for people experiencing homelessness.

The intrigue: Early voting numbers are down significantly from 2020, so all eyes are on how many Chicagoans vote today.

Full voter guide … and where early voting turnout stands 👇

Only 157,858 Chicagoans have turned in early ballots this year, compared to 243,815 in 2020 and 160,930 in 2016.

Zoom in: The largest numbers come from far South and North Side wards that typically deliver some of the strongest turn out.

Today is sure to be an exciting one in Chicago. Whether it's celebrating first-time voters or electing presidents, this town loves a good political holiday.

• Look back on past Election Days via the Getty archives, featuring a rare photo of former Mayor Richard M. Daley as a teenager (above).

🚨 Police are investigating after an intruder was captured on video shouting obscenities and smashing the door at the Downtown Islamic Center on Sunday. (Sun-Times)

🚔 Chicago City Council is expected to vote tomorrow on a $45 million settlement to a teen who suffered a traumatic brain injury after an unauthorized car chase by police — $20 million of which is proposed to come from taxpayers.

• Taxpayers have spent more than $51 million from 2019 to 2023 on lawsuits brought by people injured during police chases. (WTTW)

🛣 Pilsen's 18th Street was named one of the coolest streets in the world by Time Out magazine, ranking No. 21 on the list. (NBC)

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Nearly 70% of Chicago children younger than 6 years old are estimated to be exposed to lead in their drinking water, according to a new study published in JAMA yesterday.

Why it matters: Health authorities say no level of lead consumption is safe and that the toxic metal is especially dangerous for childhood brain development.

What they did: With the help of AI tools, Johns Hopkins University researchers analyzed more than 38,000 voluntary home lead tests in the city from 2016 to 2023.

• Their findings were published on the Journal of the American Medical Association website.

What they found: Lead contaminates home water on 75% of residential city blocks.

• Children exposed to lead in water have about twice the amount of lead in their blood as unexposed children do.
• Black and Latino populations are less likely to be tested for lead exposure than their white counterparts.

Worthy of your time: If your home uses lead water pipes, here are the city's recommendations.

Full study

A new dance party for "ladies who got s--t to do in the morning" is bringing women out in droves to get their groove on at 6pm.

Why it matters: The popularity of the Earlybirds Club reflects a growing desire among local women — many middle-aged — to party like it's 1989 without the guys, the smoke and the late hours.

That's exactly what longtime friends and co-founders Laura Baginski and Susie Lee had in mind when they conceived it.

What they're saying: "We believe music and friendship have healing powers and, at this point in life, we have all dealt with some tough stuff," Baginski tells Axios.

• Lee, who's battling cancer for the fifth time, "knows better than anyone that you need to take chances and embrace life to the fullest," Baginski says. "Her energy is the driving force of this whole thing."

Tickets for last month's inaugural dance party in Logan Square sold out in two days, and women braved a snowstorm to attend.

• The organizers doubled the size of the venue for their next event — May 4 at the Color Club in Irving Park — and tickets ($35) have already sold out after being released yesterday morning.

Anyone interested in attending can join the waitlist, and follow their Instagram for future dance party announcements.

Happy St. Joseph's Day from Il Giardino Del Dolce in Montclare!

The Italian Catholic community celebrates the holiday with these sweet treats of fried dough, whipped cream and custard — sprinkled with powdered sugar.