When activists launch massive protests outside the Democratic National Convention next week, they'll face a very different mayor than 1968 DNC protesters did.

Why it matters: Unlike Mayor Richard J. Daley, Mayor Brandon Johnson has more experience marching with protesters than trying to contain them.

• But hosting the DNC is forcing Johnson and his staff to strike a delicate balance between embracing protests and controlling them.

What they're saying: "Mayor Johnson wouldn't be where he is today without protests," his chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas said recently. "And as the child of two organizers, I went to protests before I was in school, so we understand the power for protests.

• "But if it gets out of line, there will be some provisions in place to address it."

Driving the news: The coalition planning a massive march, largely to protest U.S. funding for the war in Gaza, has been fighting with the city for months over permits.

Catch up quick: In the face of a federal lawsuit, the city in June granted permission for the Coalition to March on the DNC to protest within sight and sound of the United Center, where the primetime speeches will take place.

• But protesters contend that the 1.1-mile route along some side streets is insufficient for the tens of thousands expected.

The latest: This week, District Court Judge Andrea Wood rejected the coalition's request for a 2.4-mile route on main thoroughfares.

• "We are understandably angry," Hatem Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for the coalition, said in a statement. "But either way it is our duty to march on the war makers and that's what we'll do."

Yes, but: "The community loves the mayor," Abudayyeh tells Axios. "But city attorneys have not negotiated with us in good faith."

What's next: Judge Wood has set another status hearing for the case tomorrow, and Abudayyeh says he remains hopeful continued negotiations will get them closer to "the permits and the route that we need."

Read the full story

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams took center stage again Tuesday night on the second episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Bears."

The big picture: Whether in meetings with head coach Matt Eberflus or joking around with teammates, Williams looked like a rookie building confidence and camaraderie.

Here are the other top takeaways:

Zoom in: The episode featured more football than facial hair. Fans saw more closed-door discussions about the roster and interactions between the general manager, coaches and players.

• Fans also saw more personality, especially from wide receiver D.J. Moore. After getting tackled in the preseason game, the wide receiver yelled "I like football."
• The bubble players on the roster have been chosen for the "will they or won't they get cut" storylines: Backup quarterback Austin Reed, running back Ian Wheeler and a surprising choice in kick returner and wideout Velus Jones Jr.
• Chicago blues music was a big part of this episode's soundtrack. The show recorded musicians playing at Rosa's on West Armitage Avenue, combining their performance with footage from the practice.

The bottom line: Despite the second episode's release being delayed, it delivered action-packed storylines, while also giving fans the insider glimpses they were hoping to see from the series.

Share this story

🔐 Some West Loop businesses are deciding to close rather than deal with "too many opportunities for chaos" at next week's DNC. (Block Club)

🌪 Cook County has declared a disaster over the tornado damage from the July storms that caused more than $5 million in damages to homes and businesses. (CBS2)

🆔 Gov. JB Pritzker enacted a law permitting mobile driver's licenses and IDs in Illinois. It will go into effect Jan. 1. (NBC5)

Plant-based food company Impossible Foods launched an Impossible Quality Meats pop-up in Uptown's XMarket Food Hall yesterday.

Why it matters: It marks the arrival of the city's first in-person Impossible restaurant.

On the plate: Plant-based sausage breakfast sandwiches, nachos, chicken Caesar salads, burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken nuggets and Oatly soft serve.

• Plus: products to cook at home from XMarket's bodega.

Taste test: Monica tried the Asian crispy chicken salad ($12.99), the Asian meatballs ($11.99), meatball sliders ($12.99) and smashburger ($9.99).

• The verdict: Enjoy the crispy chicken and tasty meatballs, but skip the mushy smashburger.

What's next: The pop-up will be giving away samples of Impossible hot dogs, burgers and Oatly soft serve while supplies last starting at 11am Saturday.

If you go: 804 W. Montrose Ave.

📆 Start planning your days ahead.

Your Mentall Matters 2024 Olympics at Ping Tom Park on August 24: A unique event designed to blend fun and mental wellness through a series of childlike games and activities. This event will feature classic games, all aimed at promoting mental health and well-being in an enjoyable setting. Free.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

We are excited to announce the Axios Chicago happy hour at the DNC!

The big picture: We invite you to come down to RPM Events for drinks, food and political conversation, all overlooking the Chicago River.

• It's 5-8pm Aug. 20. The event will also feature Axios national reporters, plus special guests like New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Yes, but: Make no mistake about it, the most important guest we're inviting is you.

State of play: It's free, but you have to register. This event will sell out.

Zoom out: It's part of the programming at Axios House, which will include newsworthy events with Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), former DNC chair Tom Perez and more on the latest around the 2024 election. See the full schedule and RSVP here.

The bottom line: Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to mix with the movers and shakers.

Most of you guessed correctly: Justin was standing outside the Thalia Hall building on 18th Street in Pilsen.

Zoom out: The building is a historic landmark, created by John Dusek around the beginning of the 20th century.

• Justin is standing right in front of the old Dusek's gastropub, which closed in 2023.

Want to guess some more? Check out our archives here.