Axios Chicago

March 26, 2026
๐๏ธ Happy Thursday and Opening Day (for the Cubbies!) Read on for what you need to know if you're braving Wrigley.
๐ง๏ธ Today's weather: Partly sunny then showers and thunderstorms, with a high of 60.
๐ Happy birthday to our Axios Chicago members Nancy Syburg, David Rosenberg, Jeanette Mathias, and Robin Coyne!
Today's newsletter is 951 words โ a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Fact-checking Senate candidate claims
Juliana Stratton and Don Tracy are shifting from primary fights to partisan attacks about President Trump and immigration as the general election race heats up for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's seat.
Why it matters: These early attacks offer a sneak peek at the strategies the two parties may use to woo Illinois voters over the next six months.
Between the lines: Tracy is criticizing Stratton's ties to Gov. JB Pritzker, who has bankrolled much of her campaign. Tracy's also calling her soft on welfare reform and immigration.
- Meanwhile, Stratton is casting Tracy as a presidential puppet whose policies the former Illinois GOP leader will have to carefully navigate in a blue state.
How some of the arguments are shaping up:
On immigration: "Miss Stratton is an open borders advocate, meaning that she is probably opposed to any and all deportations, except maybe a few exceptions," Tracy said on Paris Schutz's Chicago Report on Fox 32.
Stratton's campaign countered that she backs border security and deporting violent offenders, but accused Trump of targeting immigrant communities more broadly.
- "That's why Juliana believes ICE should be abolished and we need to overhaul our entire immigration system to move away from punitive enforcement and create real pathways for legal citizenship, including for Dreamers and DACA recipients," the campaign told Axios.
The bottom line: A lot of hyperbole will be thrown around over the next six months, especially about immigration and fealty to Trump.
- We'll be doing our best to follow up.
2. What you need to know about Cubs home opener
Welcome to the first day of Wrigleyville spring, a glorious moment when the Cubs have lost zero official games and anything is possible.
The basics: Thursday's opener against the Washington Nationals starts at 1:20pm with temps expected to hit the 60s followed by some potentially nasty rain and even hail.
- Gates open two hours before the first pitch.

๐ State of play: After a strong offseason, the Cubs might be positioned for another playoff run, Justin writes.
๐งข Catch up quick: The North Siders rekindled some 2016 vibes last year, but ultimately lost to the Brewers in the National League Division Series.
- Star center fielder and fan favorite Pete Crow-Armstrong reportedly signed a six-year, $115 million contract extension this week.
- PCA is joined by All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman and Miami flamethrower Edward Cabrera. Justin Steele should return later this summer from an injury.

๐ฝ๏ธ Owners of Wrigleyville fixture Uncommon Ground, Mike and Helen Cameron, announced they're retiring and hoping to sell the farm-to-table restaurant and music space.
๐ Parking pushback: The Cubs are facing neighborhood opposition to a proposed parking lot expansion near Grace and Clark.

๐ฒ Did you know the Cubs offer free bike valet service for home games?
- Just bring your bike to the alley near the Addison Red Line and valets will store it up to three hours before the game and one hour after.

๐ Latest bites: Several new Wrigleyville spots โ especially for hot chicken โ have opened in the last year, including:
- Hattie B's on Gallagher Way for Nashville hot chicken.
- Galata Mediterranean Grill has landed in the late great PS Bangkok spot.
- Mordecai, across Clark, closed in January and has relaunched with more family-friendly American classic options by chef Matthias Merges.

๐บ Drinking holes: Kincade's has opened its second location across from the park on Clark with $5 Guinness every day and free hot dogs on game days.
- Pilot Project Brewing and Stolen Saddle opened last spring and summer.
What's next: The White Sox play their home opener at Rate Field on April 2.
3. Tips and Hot Links: Crash test robots
๐ค Two different delivery robots smashed into bus shelters this week, shattering the glass. Serve and Coco Robotics say they're investigating. (ABC 7)
๐ซ Mars Snacking announced yesterday it's investing $100 million in an expansion that's expected to add 600 jobs. (Tribune)
๐ A new all-AI school without teachers is set to open in Chicago in the fall. (Block Club)
4. Happy Hour Hop: Wilma's Famous BBQ in the Loop
๐๐ฝ Hey, it's Monica and I'm back with a report from another intriguing happy hour.
The spot: Wilma's Famous BBQ, 17 N. Wabash Ave, a cavernous, second-story spot on Jewelers Row.
The vibe: Upbeat music, Afrocentric art, sports on TVs and paintings of Flintstones characters create an eclectic but welcoming atmosphere at this spot with views of the Washington and Wabash L platform.

The eats: "Mini" baskets of crispy seasoned fries paired with turkey, rib and chicken tips, wings or a turkey link smothered in sweet barbecue sauce go for $10.
- The regular menu offers jerk chicken, greens & turkey, peach cobbler, catfish and more.
The drinks: Lemon drops, margaritas and a sweet and boozy Wilma's punchbowl for $10, while draft beers go for $6.
Perfect pair: A turkey link and fries with a draft beer or a punch if you can handle it.
Eight-word review: Mellow after-work sports and commuter watching with barbecue.
Edited by Delano Massey.
๐ฅฏ Carrie is excited that Schneider Deli is opening a second location in Lincoln Park on April 1.
๐ชง Monica is thrilled that Streets and San recycled 6 tons of plastic and iron from thousands of election signs this month. And it's not just because the department calls it "the Monica Eng" policy because of a story she wrote.
๐ Justin is on vacation.
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