Axios Chicago
October 22, 2026
1 big thing: Alders pick apart Mayor's budget
Moments after leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson's budget address Wednesday, alders offered takes that ranged from robust support to claims that Johnson's budget is "imbalanced."
Why it matters: The yawning divide suggests a long, grueling and ultra-political budget season ahead as Johnson and the council try to close an $882 million gap while running for reelection.
What's inside: Mayoral critics say Johnson has proposed insufficient cuts while adding new expenditures and taxes, including:
- A corporate head tax.
- A higher personal property lease transaction (PPLT) tax, also called a cloud tax.
- Nearly doubling the sports wagering tax, from 10.5% to 20%.
- A 15-cent "package waste" tax on parcels delivered to Chicago.
- A higher off-premises liquor tax.
What they're saying: Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) argues the budget is illegal because it's "imbalanced," claiming its TIF spending, including CPS support, amounted to $200 million more than what is available.
- Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) notes that the city ratified a budget that froze the PPLT/cloud computing tax at 15% until 2028 and that the mayor's proposal to boost it to 20% would violate that.
The other side: Ald. William Hall (6th) praises Johnson's plan for avoiding property tax increases and incentivizing jobs in "economically disadvantaged" areas.
Middle ground: Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th), who often disagrees with Johnson, says he'll consider the head tax and PPLT plans but worries about new borrowing.
State of play: The mayor's opponents don't expect to propose their own full budget this year but will request amendments.
What's next: The council has until Dec. 31 to approve a budget.
2. Push to protect birds
After more than 1,000 birds were killed or injured in collisions last weekend, advocates are renewing calls for Chicago to enact a bird protection law.
Why it matters: Chicago is considered the most dangerous U.S. city for migratory birds in the spring and the fall. Advocates say an ordinance requiring safer design standards could save thousands of birds.
Zoom in: The Bird-Friendly Building Design Ordinance lays out a framework to design new buildings with:
- Glass that passes the American Bird Conservancy's threat rating, with a rating under 30 considered safe for birds.
- Or transparent or reflective windows featuring permanent visual markers, such as films or UV patterns.
Yes, but: The rules would not apply to single-family homes or two- and three-flats. They also wouldn't apply to smaller renovations; only those that create a new facade, for example.
How to help: Until there's a law in place, residents and businesses in tall buildings can reduce collision risk by:
- Installing motion sensors or putting lights on a timer.
- Drawing curtains or blinds to reduce escaping light.
What's next: Annette Prince, director of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, and other advocates are working on getting support from all 50 alders to pass the ordinance, she tells Axios.
3. Closing time: Hooters calls it quits
Fall has been particularly unkind to some of Chicago's most celebrated shops, restaurants and retail spaces.
Why it matters: These aren't just empty storefronts. Some closures mark the end of decades-long neighborhood institutions, while others leave prominent retail and entertainment spaces seeking new life.
Here are some notable closures from late summer and fall:
Hooters: The longtime River North sports bar is closing after 35 years at 660 N. Wells St. The chain cited neighborhood development and changes as reasons for the closure. Suburban locations will remain open.
Southport Grocery: The Lakeview grocery and cafe near Southport and Addison will close at year's end. Known for its comfort food, the neighborhood staple opened in the former Cooney Funeral Home in 2003. Dollop plans to take over the space with a new diner concept.
Flo: The West Town brunch spot, once featured on "Check, Please!," will close in December after its Chicago Avenue building was sold. The neighborhood favorite has served brunch for more than two decades.
The latest: Beatrix Market closed this summer, but Lettuce Entertain You didn't waste time finding a replacement for its Fulton Market space.
- Starting today, Pizzeria Gabbo will be slinging pies, plus other menu items.
4. Tips and Hot Links: Pope's good diagnosis
5. Readers: Our most cinematic spots
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