Axios Chicago

October 07, 2025
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🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Chicago members Anna Edwards, Mark Shadle and Deborah Solomon!
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Today's newsletter is 1,050 words — a 4-minute read.
1 big thing: Illinois and Chicago journos sue Trump
Illinois filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration yesterday in an attempt to block its "unlawful" deployment of federalized National Guard troops to Chicago, which could arrive as soon as today.
Driving the news: Illinois and Chicago are asking the court to halt the "illegal, dangerous, and unconstitutional federalization" of troops from Illinois and Texas, arguing it violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the military's role in domestic law enforcement.
- The 69-page suit alleged the deployment rests on the "flimsy pretext" of protests outside the Broadview ICE facility.
The latest: A federal judge yesterday declined to block guards from deploying but has ordered the Trump administration to provide details by Thursday about where troops will be sent and the scope of their activities.
Catch up quick: Trump on Saturday called up 300 National Guard members in Illinois after his Department of Defense issued what Pritzker described as an ultimatum: "call up your troops, or we will."
- Pritzker emphasized that there is "no need for military troops on the ground in the State of Illinois."
The intrigue: A coalition of Chicago journalists, organizations and protesters, including the Chicago Headline Club and Block Club, are also suing President Trump and top administration officials over federal agents' "pattern of extreme brutality" at Broadview.
- The suit describes violent incidents involving agents, journalists and protesters, alleging the "acts of brutality by federal officers are too numerous to catalogue."
Zoom in: Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson issued an executive order yesterday that allows demonstrations only between 9am and 6pm, because of federal agents "needlessly deploying tear gas, pepper spray, mace and rubber bullets at individuals and reporters," Thompson said in a statement.
The other side: "President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to restoring law and order in Chicago and around the country. Anyone who actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties will face consequences, which could include arrest," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Axios in an email.
2. Johnson finds national spotlight battling Trump
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has quietly become one of the strongest Democratic voices in the resistance to the Trump administration.
The big picture: Johnson has been forced into national politics over issues of city crime, immigration and military intervention.
The latest: Yesterday, Johnson signed the "ICE Free Zone" executive order to prohibit federal immigration agents from using any city-owned property.
- "In the wake of the ongoing incursion on the Constitutional rights of Chicagoans and the operations of federal immigration agents designed to stoke fear in communities across Chicago, Mayor Johnson is taking decisive action to protect Chicago's immigrant community and the Constitutional rights of all Chicagoans," a statement about the order said.
Driving the news: The mayor, who has suffered low popularity numbers during the first part of his term, is now taking calls to appear on national talk shows like MSNBC and CNN, raising his profile and amplifying his message.
Zoom in: While Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has zeroed in on President Trump's attacks on freedoms and the U.S. Constitution, Johnson has gone even further, defending against Trump's attacks on the working-class and people of color.
- And it's working.
- "The Democrats shouldn't be talking about Gavin Newsom for president," a panelist said on "Roland Martin Unfiltered." "They should be looking at Mayor Brandon Johnson."
What he's said: "This is not about public safety. This is not even about immigration," Johnson said in a statement last week about expanded ICE activity. "This is a continuation of the Trump administration's war on the poor."
Reality check: Johnson still has his detractors, mainly city Democrats who have criticized his administration on issues over budgeting, schools and his candor with the media.
3. Tips and Hot Links: Cubs lose Game 2
⚾️ The Cubs were overmatched against the Brewers last night, falling 7-3. The Brewers are up 2-0 in the best-of-five playoff series, which shifts to Wrigley Field on Wednesday. (Marquee)
❄️ Two City Council committees blocked the "Plow the Sidewalks" pilot that would put the city in charge of shoveling snow. (Block Club)
✂️ ChiArts has asked Chicago Public Schools to take over the arts-centered high school in Ukrainian Village. (Chalkbeat)
4. Bedard poised to lift Blackhawks out of cellar
Chicago hockey fans are hoping to see the Blackhawks' youth movement take the next step this season.
Why it matters: It's been 10 years since the 'Hawks won their last Stanley Cup, five years since they made the playoffs, and we're in the third year of a brutal rebuild.
Driving the news: The Blackhawks kick off the 2025-2026 season tonight against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
Zoom in: The 'Hawks seem primed for another subpar year, opting not to splurge on free agent players this offseason.
The key: Connor Bedard. After a promising rookie season in 2023, the phenom had a sophomore slump last year. The 'Hawks are hoping this season he becomes the superstar that he has been projected to become.
- Outside of Bedard, the 'Hawks will feature young players like forward Frank Nazar, last year's No. 2 pick Artyom Levshunov, rookie defenseman Sam Rinzel and goalie Spencer Knight.
The intrigue: This season will be interrupted in February for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, which could feature some young Blackhawks on several countries' hockey teams.
5. What to eat at 'Hawks games this season
👋 Moyo here!
United Center has new food options for the upcoming Blackhawks and Bulls seasons.
Driving the news: The Blackhawks' regular season home opener is Saturday at 6pm.

What to expect: Queenie's Supper Club in the East Atrium has "Queenie's cut" topped with shishito peppers. It's flavorful and juicy — ideal for a pre-game dine-in experience.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try the elote hot dogs topped with cotija cheese and Hot Cheetos dust.

Dig in: Mindy Segal of Mindy's Bakery in Bucktown has whipped up some new sweet treats.
- The apple strudel was my favorite. The whipped cream and caramel topping gave just the right touch of sweetness, making it the perfect pastry for fall.
Edited by Lindsey Erdody.
🍁 Carrie is so pumped for all the events at the Farnsworth House, especially the fall landscape walk.
🎤 Justin is looking forward to being on a panel this afternoon with his old buddy Charlie Meyerson. Charlie is email newsletter royalty!
🏝️ Monica is on vacation.
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