Axios Chicago

June 15, 2026
🎡 Happy Monday! On this day in 1893, the first Ferris wheel debuted in Chicago.
🌤️ Today's weather: Mostly sunny, with a high in the 70s.
🎂 Happy birthday to our members Cheryl Foertsch, Arthur Friedson, and Andrew Rowe!
Today's newsletter is 1,143 words — a 4.5 minute read.
1 big thing: Bears fans still hot over stadium saga
Chicago Bears fans are still seething over the team's decision to advance their stadium project in Indiana.
The latest: While it's not a done deal, the saga has turned political and lawmakers are quick to place blame.
- Gov. JB Pritzker said he's open to calling a special session of the Illinois legislature this summer to hammer out a tax incentive deal, and also suggested the Bears fumbled the negotiations.
The other side (of the border): Indiana U.S. Sen. Jim Banks blasted Pritzker and Illinois Democrats, saying "their pattern of failed leadership was on full display."
Last week, we asked our readers to weigh in on whether or not they'd be upset if the team relocated to Hammond, Indiana.
Not surprisingly, we got 350 responses! Here are just a few of the fired-up comments:
- "We hear, 'We love our loyal fans.' 'We can't do this without our loyal fans.' 'Our loyal fans are the best fans in the NFL.' We've been loyal to them — they can't be loyal to us?" — Jan H.
- "I will cancel my Chicago Bears license plates and I will burn all my Bears gear. I am deeply offended that this team thinks money is more important than the fans who support it." — Michael D.
Not all fans are against it, or think a move across the border is a done deal:
- "The move to Indiana makes common sense and business sense. Everything is cheaper, especially gasoline. It's safer and less stressful." — Dennis D.
While most fans were irate about the potential move, Debby remained calm.
- "As long as the team remains the Chicago Bears, I personally do not think it matters." — Debby P.
2. The best things we ate during Beard weekend
Tonight, Chicago will host the 2026 James Beard chef and restaurant awards at the Civic Opera house following a weekend of events showcasing our gorgeous weather, warm hospitality and delicious food.
Why it matters: The annual "Oscars of food" generates tourism, revenue and a lot of great buzz about the city even as some choose to paint a different picture.
State of play: After a Saturday night media awards win by former Tribune food writer Ahmed Ali Akbar for a piece on Chicago bean pies, the city has three nominees up for chef awards tonight.
- Emerging chef: Bailey Sullivan of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio.
- Best chef: Great Lakes: Norman Fenton of Cariño.
- *Best chef: Great Lakes: Jacob Potashnick of Feld.
Yes, but: Justin and Monica are handing ur own awards — for the best things we ate at weekend Beard parties that you can also enjoy at neighborhood restaurants.
Evanston
Soul & Smoke chef D'Andre Carter's organic, regenerative Niman Ranch pastrami beef cheeks with gold sauce aioli and mustard seeds knocked our socks off. Look for it on the menu when the restaurant reopens on July 1. (photo above)

Uptown
Carino Chicago chef Norman Fenton's delectable Oyster Michelada featured a cold West Coast oyster topped with Clamato pearls and beer foam.

Beverly/Hyde Park
Sanders BBQ Supply chefs James Sanders and Nick Kleutsch's smoked beef brisket on five-cheese macaroni delivered crunch and smokiness on a creamy base.

River North
Crying Tiger chef Thai Dang's succulent and crispy yu tiao prawn toast pairs a Chinese fritter with shrimp paste and nam jim herb sauce.

Lincoln Park
Verzênay Chicago's Arshiya Farheen presented her cardamom mousse with carrot cashew halwa and saffron rice, marrying India and France.
3. Tips and Hot Links: Sox keep winning
⚾️ The White Sox went 4-1 on their homestand, winning back-to-back series against the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves and NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. They head to New York to face the Yankees on Tuesday. (MLB)
⛈️ As storm season continues, FEMA funding remains uncertain. (Tribune)
Chicago and local officials bid farewell to late funeral home director and community "pillar" Spencer Leak Jr. Saturday. (Sun-Times)
4. Is Earth, Wind & Fire a Chicago band?
Occasionally, a definitive documentary about a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame act graces us with its presence.
State of play: HBO has one in "Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World)."
- Directed and produced by Questlove, the film looks at the history of the groundbreaking Chicago funk act.
Yes, but: Is it really a Chicago funk act?
The intrigue: The film centers on the late Maurice White, the Chicago musician whose blend of spirituality and genre-defying sounds laid the foundation for Earth, Wind & Fire.
Zoom in: A Memphis native, White moved to the Windy City as a teenager and attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music.
- Footage of 1960s Chicago is featured early in the film, which also touches on White's time as a studio musician at Chicago's Chess Records and a top jingle writer in the city.
Yes, but: In 1969, he moved to Los Angeles, and that's where Earth, Wind & Fire officially formed.
What they're saying: The band "would not have sounded like they did without all of the pivotal experiences that Maurice had in this city," music historian Aaron Cohen tells Axios. "This city was not just a place where some of its members happened to be passing through."
Invest in local journalism
Strong communities grow with clear, reliable local news at their roots.
Why it matters: Your support helps our newsroom continue covering the stories that shape how your community grows, from big developments to everyday changes.
🌱 Become a member today. You'll support the reporting that keeps you informed and helps our newsroom keep growing alongside your community.
We appreciate your support.
5. 1 gif to go: The last lap

Joabe Barbosa conquered the final stretch in his quest to run every Chicago street.
- Barbosa led runners and walkers draped in Chicago flags down Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street Beach to Buckingham Fountain.
Flashback: When he moved to Chicago, the Brazilian student made it his mission to break down the stigma that some neighborhoods are too unsafe to visit.
- "I went out in the summer, the winter, every time of day, and I was fine. I've had so many good experiences, and the world isn't as scary as people think, and people aren't as unfriendly as people think."
Edited by Delano Massey.
🏃 Carrie loved starting her day yesterday watching Barbosa and runners show off their Chicago pride.
Monica was so pleased to see to Chicagoans — Ahmed Ali Akbar and Hailee Catalano — win James Beard media awards for best foodways article and best general interest cookbook Saturday night.
🍽️ Justin is always grateful for the restaurants and restaurant folks that open their doors for parties during the James Beard weekend.
Want more Axios Chicago content? Check out our Instagram for extra stuff to do, behind the scenes photos, videos and more!
Sign up for Axios Chicago









