Chicago

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Chicago with Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann, and Carrie Shepherd.

Axios Chicago

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann and Carrie Shepherd.

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Chicago Alerts

Alert

A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Axios Chicago Weekender

Weekender

Axios Chicago Partners

Chicago Members

Membership

New Ryan Field faces its neighborhood test

The new stadium is set to bring 35,000 people to Central Street in Evanston on Friday.

Sports

Northwestern football returns home Friday night, unveiling its $870 million Ryan Field nearly three years after the old stadium was demolished.The big picture: The Wildcats kick off against Penn State at 7pm Friday, exactly 100 years after the original Ryan Field opened.

Bite Club: The Reuben sundae

Kith Treats is serving three Katz's-inspired desserts, including a wild Reuben soft serve.

Food and Drink

New York&#x27;s legendary Katz&#x27;s Delicatessen has landed in Chicago, but don&#x27;t expect pastrami and corned beef.

New book highlights healing power of dance and more 

New book by Chicago's Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark illuminates many paths to healing.

Health

When Chicago physician <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Geeta Maker-Clark" data-vars-click-url="https://drgeetamakerclark.com/about/" data-vars-content-id="a2308e2a-253a-4d1f-a866-650dff87df41" data-vars-headline="New book highlights healing power of dance and more " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drgeetamakerclark.com/about/" target="_blank">Geeta Maker-Clark</a> launched her book &quot;Medicine For All People&quot; this summer, she knew there had to be dancing — and lots of it.

Chicago neighborhood quiz, volume 2: Do you know these famous landmarks?

There are so many landmarks in Chicago that it's ripe for a second quiz!

Neighborhoods

Last week, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I quizzed you" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/09/25/chicago-neighborhood-quiz-landmarks-lakeview-beverly-pilsen-gold-coast" data-vars-content-id="9efdac03-893d-41ff-b5ca-53b20dff4fc1" data-vars-headline="Chicago neighborhood quiz, volume 2: Do you know these famous landmarks?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/09/25/chicago-neighborhood-quiz-landmarks-lakeview-beverly-pilsen-gold-coast" target="_self">I quizzed you</a> on Chicago neighborhood landmarks. <ul><li>I gave you the landmark; you gave me the &#x27;hood.</li></ul>

Amnesty International calls for abolishing ICE

A new report cites alleged abuses in Chicago and three other cities in making the case to dismantle ICE.

Immigration

Amnesty International is calling for the federal government to abolish <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="845b9de5-8f13-4d02-b1f4-db10bc53e11d" data-vars-headline="Amnesty International calls for abolishing ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">ICE</a>.Why it matters: Amnesty goes beyond calls to reform immigration enforcement, arguing the abuses it documented show the agency should be dismantled.

Destinos celebrates Chicago Latino theater

Latino artists explore labor, identity and community a year after Operation Midway Blitz reshaped Chicago.

Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest Latino theater festival" data-vars-click-url="https://clata.org/en/programs/Destinos-2026" data-vars-content-id="1182b3eb-c613-4449-a432-9225f201dfa5" data-vars-headline="Destinos celebrates Chicago Latino theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clata.org/en/programs/Destinos-2026" target="_blank">largest Latino theater festival</a> returns with productions exploring federal immigration enforcement and its impact on Latino communities.

Feds face no charges one year after Midway Blitz

Not a single federal agent has yet been charged.

Nearly one year after the launch of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Midway Blitz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" data-vars-content-id="b398a0e1-6104-481a-a797-224df6a49e65" data-vars-headline="Feds face no charges one year after Midway Blitz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" target="_self">Operation Midway Blitz</a> — which found Chicagoans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/05/illinois-pritzker-trump-national-guard-chicago-protests" data-vars-content-id="b398a0e1-6104-481a-a797-224df6a49e65" data-vars-headline="Feds face no charges one year after Midway Blitz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/05/illinois-pritzker-trump-national-guard-chicago-protests" target="_self">shot</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="killed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-police-to-investigate-shooting-by-ice" data-vars-content-id="b398a0e1-6104-481a-a797-224df6a49e65" data-vars-headline="Feds face no charges one year after Midway Blitz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/06/illinois-police-to-investigate-shooting-by-ice" target="_self">killed</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beaten" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-immigration-agent-hits-man-confrontation-e723bf7878da1d99a5c7ee2a3780a79e" data-vars-content-id="b398a0e1-6104-481a-a797-224df6a49e65" data-vars-headline="Feds face no charges one year after Midway Blitz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-immigration-agent-hits-man-confrontation-e723bf7878da1d99a5c7ee2a3780a79e" target="_blank">beaten</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tear-gassed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/19/daniel-biss-protesters-tear-gas-ice-broadview-agents" data-vars-content-id="b398a0e1-6104-481a-a797-224df6a49e65" data-vars-headline="Feds face no charges one year after Midway Blitz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/19/daniel-biss-protesters-tear-gas-ice-broadview-agents" target="_self">tear-gassed</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fired on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/29/ice-escalates-force-in-broadview-and-downtown" data-vars-content-id="b398a0e1-6104-481a-a797-224df6a49e65" data-vars-headline="Feds face no charges one year after Midway Blitz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/29/ice-escalates-force-in-broadview-and-downtown" target="_self">fired on</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="apprehended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/05/chicago-police-wont-explain-suspended-dhs-case" data-vars-content-id="b398a0e1-6104-481a-a797-224df6a49e65" data-vars-headline="Feds face no charges one year after Midway Blitz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/05/chicago-police-wont-explain-suspended-dhs-case" target="_self">apprehended</a> by DHS agents — not a single federal officer has faced charges for on-duty activities.Why it matters: This lack of accountability can contribute to hopelessness among residents and a feeling of impunity for federal agents.

Illinois' undocumented student tuition law faces uncertain future

It's unclear whether the state will appeal the recent federal court ruling striking down the law.

Education

A federal judge ruled this month that Illinois&#x27; laws allowing eligible <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="undocumented students" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/25/illinois-hosts-some-of-the-most-unauthorized-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="e041a75a-c960-416e-813a-17a9875437ff" data-vars-headline="Illinois&#x27; undocumented student tuition law faces uncertain future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/25/illinois-hosts-some-of-the-most-unauthorized-immigrants" target="_self">undocumented students</a> to pay in-state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tuition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/06/northwestern-mutual-report-parents-pay-for-college" data-vars-content-id="e041a75a-c960-416e-813a-17a9875437ff" data-vars-headline="Illinois&#x27; undocumented student tuition law faces uncertain future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/06/northwestern-mutual-report-parents-pay-for-college" target="_self">tuition</a> are unconstitutional, threatening expanded college access for immigrants.Why it matters: The decision upends more than 20 years of Illinois legislation making it more affordable for tens of thousands of undocumented students to attend community college and university in Illinois.

Fruit vending complaints are growing downtown

The complaints have led to citations that have ended in deportation.

Politics

Last month we reported on an uptick in ticketing and arrests of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown fruit vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/27/recent-fruit-vendor-arrests-could-push-new-laws" data-vars-content-id="5605bd2f-8ddc-4e4a-9df1-07ab7622f50d" data-vars-headline="Fruit vending complaints are growing downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/27/recent-fruit-vendor-arrests-could-push-new-laws" target="_self">downtown fruit vendors</a>.Why it matters: Some of the citations sent the vendors to criminal court, where they were apprehended and detained by federal agents, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="despite a state law" data-vars-click-url="https://law.illinois.edu/bivens-act-a-good-start-but-imperfect-argue-mazzone-and-amar/" data-vars-content-id="5605bd2f-8ddc-4e4a-9df1-07ab7622f50d" data-vars-headline="Fruit vending complaints are growing downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://law.illinois.edu/bivens-act-a-good-start-but-imperfect-argue-mazzone-and-amar/" target="_blank">despite a state law</a> prohibiting courthouse-adjacent arrests.

Chicago police won't explain suspended DHS case

As officials urge residents to file police reports, CPD suspends one of the only public reports yet.

Public Safety

Mayor Brandon Johnson wants Chicagoans to file police reports on potential crimes by federal immigration agents. But after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lakeview homeowner did just that" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/03/ice-raids-halloween-illinois-lawsuit-chicago" data-vars-content-id="0a6e332e-e41a-4b2b-bf57-eb653bcfee8b" data-vars-headline="Chicago police won&#x27;t explain suspended DHS case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/03/ice-raids-halloween-illinois-lawsuit-chicago" target="_self">Lakeview homeowner did just that</a>, Chicago police suspended his case and won&#x27;t say why.Why it matters: The unexplained suspension of Leo Feler&#x27;s police report, one of the only known reports filed with the Chicago Police Department against federal agents, makes the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="entreaties by Johnson, police officials" data-vars-click-url="https://news.wttw.com/2026/07/17/mayor-johnson-urging-midway-blitz-victims-file-reports-cpd-further-investigation" data-vars-content-id="0a6e332e-e41a-4b2b-bf57-eb653bcfee8b" data-vars-headline="Chicago police won&#x27;t explain suspended DHS case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.wttw.com/2026/07/17/mayor-johnson-urging-midway-blitz-victims-file-reports-cpd-further-investigation" target="_blank">entreaties by Johnson, police officials</a> and Cook County State&#x27;s Attorney Eileen O&#x27;Neill Burke ring hollow.

Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid

The lawsuit alleges violations of the Fourth Amendment.

A Lakeview homeowner is suing the U.S. government after Customs and Border Protection agents entered his property without a warrant, assaulted workers installing windows and took one away last October, his lawsuit alleges.Why it matters: This marks one of the few formal legal actions a Chicagoan has taken following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Midway Blitz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" data-vars-content-id="c4733515-98e4-4260-b1fb-5daf66f68fab" data-vars-headline="Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" target="_self">Operation Midway Blitz</a>, during which, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state officials say" data-vars-click-url="https://ilac.illinois.gov/" data-vars-content-id="c4733515-98e4-4260-b1fb-5daf66f68fab" data-vars-headline="Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilac.illinois.gov/" target="_blank">state officials say</a>, federal agents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="routinely broke the law" data-vars-click-url="https://ilac.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ilac/documents/final-report/IAC-Final-Report-April-2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c4733515-98e4-4260-b1fb-5daf66f68fab" data-vars-headline="Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilac.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ilac/documents/final-report/IAC-Final-Report-April-2026.pdf" target="_blank">routinely broke the law</a>. <ul><li>Thousands across the country are also trying to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="find paths to accountability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ice-expansion-has-outpaced-accountability-what-are-the-remedies/" data-vars-content-id="c4733515-98e4-4260-b1fb-5daf66f68fab" data-vars-headline="Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ice-expansion-has-outpaced-accountability-what-are-the-remedies/" target="_blank">find paths to accountability</a>.</li></ul>

New DHS rule adds hurdles for Illinois international students

A new DHS policy could add costs, delays and uncertainty for 66,000 international students in Illinois.

A new federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/immigration" data-vars-content-id="3130af1f-3636-4ccd-ab95-2560144d1e01" data-vars-headline="New DHS rule adds hurdles for Illinois international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/immigration" target="_self">immigration</a> rule could make it harder for Illinois universities to attract and keep international students.Why it matters: International students make up a significant portion of the population at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago and Illinois schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/uchicago-northwestern-financial-aid-lawsuit-settlement-payments-class-action" data-vars-content-id="3130af1f-3636-4ccd-ab95-2560144d1e01" data-vars-headline="New DHS rule adds hurdles for Illinois international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/uchicago-northwestern-financial-aid-lawsuit-settlement-payments-class-action" target="_self">Chicago and Illinois schools</a>, and they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generally pay higher" data-vars-click-url="https://theworld.org/stories/2024/03/28/high-fees-paid-international-students-help-us-universities-balance-their-books" data-vars-content-id="3130af1f-3636-4ccd-ab95-2560144d1e01" data-vars-headline="New DHS rule adds hurdles for Illinois international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theworld.org/stories/2024/03/28/high-fees-paid-international-students-help-us-universities-balance-their-books" target="_blank">generally pay higher</a> tuition and fees than domestic students. Making the barrier to entry more stringent could cut off a key source of tuition and talent for local colleges.

Recent fruit vendor arrests could push new laws

Some local fruit vendors were apprehended after court hearings, but new laws could be coming.

Recent arrests of Chicago <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fruit vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/09/25/chicago-snacks-crazy" data-vars-content-id="22e4e42b-99e9-4106-acbb-72ad29c4f3e9" data-vars-headline="Recent fruit vendor arrests could push new laws" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/09/25/chicago-snacks-crazy" target="_self">fruit vendors</a> have exposed bad communication between city departments, but also an opportunity to update old street vending laws.Why it matters: The arrests and tickets have sent vendors to criminal courts where some have been apprehended by federal agents and faced detention and deportation, immigrant advocates report.

CPD faces ICE monitoring questions

Six months after a mayoral executive order, advocates say policy changes are unclear.

As ICE apprehensions ramp up in Chicago, police officials will face tough questions Friday about compliance with mayoral directives to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="address potential crimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" data-vars-content-id="4d519e3f-399e-4f9c-bf19-6d6bf7445ad7" data-vars-headline="CPD faces ICE monitoring questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" target="_self">address potential crimes</a> by immigration agents.Why it matters: Six months after Mayor Brandon Johnson issued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE on Notice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/january/ice-on-notice.html" data-vars-content-id="4d519e3f-399e-4f9c-bf19-6d6bf7445ad7" data-vars-headline="CPD faces ICE monitoring questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/january/ice-on-notice.html" target="_blank">ICE on Notice</a>, an order directing police to monitor and even seek charges against federal agents, advocates say it&#x27;s unclear what results, if any, have emerged.