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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>

Chicago City Council weighs rival rental rules

Two competing plans could reshape the rules governing Chicago renters and landlords for years.

Politics

City Council is considering two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competing plans Wednesday to rewrite the rental rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/20/competing-renters-plans-work-through-city-hall" data-vars-content-id="a2662a67-e864-41da-a455-7c5092dae8b6" data-vars-headline="Chicago City Council weighs rival rental rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/20/competing-renters-plans-work-through-city-hall" target="_self">competing plans Wednesday to rewrite the rental rules</a> — the first major overhaul in decades.Why it matters: The dueling plans could reshape both tenant and landlord protections and costs in a city with more than 600,000 renters.<ul><li>Rent continues <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to increase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/advice/hyperlocal/chicago-rents-going-up/" data-vars-content-id="a2662a67-e864-41da-a455-7c5092dae8b6" data-vars-headline="Chicago City Council weighs rival rental rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/hyperlocal/chicago-rents-going-up/" target="_blank">to increase</a> in a city with more than 600,000 renters, and Chicago&#x27;s rental prices are higher than the national average.</li></ul>

Rent increases challenging city's affordability goal

Renters are paying more as Chicago weighs its biggest overhaul of tenant protections in 40 years.

Real Estate

Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants to make Chicago the most affordable big city in America. Rent prices continue to make that difficult.Why it matters: Chicago&#x27;s more than 600,000 renters pay more monthly than the national average.

Data centers could score a break under next assessor 

Statements from Cook County's front runner for assessor suggest so.

Environment

Cook County Assessor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fritz Kaegi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/02/16/cook-county-property-tax-relief-kaegi" data-vars-content-id="0b5e7607-f623-4849-a2b6-6611e89046d3" data-vars-headline="Data centers could score a break under next assessor " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/02/16/cook-county-property-tax-relief-kaegi" target="_self">Fritz Kaegi</a> has pushed back on suburban data center owners who, he believes, have undervalued their properties to achieve lower taxes.<ul><li>But Pat Hynes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who beat Kaegi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/18/cook-county-assessor-fritz-kaegi-pat-hynes-democratic-primary" data-vars-content-id="0b5e7607-f623-4849-a2b6-6611e89046d3" data-vars-headline="Data centers could score a break under next assessor " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/18/cook-county-assessor-fritz-kaegi-pat-hynes-democratic-primary" target="_self">who beat Kaegi</a> in the Democratic primary to run for assessor, tells Axios he would take a different approach — one that could lower taxes for data centers, leaving a greater tax burden on homeowners.</li></ul>

Chicago housing shortage pushes home prices higher

Chicago's median sale price hit $425,000 in July, while the metro area saw a nearly 7% jump.

Home prices continue to climb across the Chicago area.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/19/homeownership-housing-affordability-senate" data-vars-content-id="761976aa-9275-48df-9907-5ee1270aa3fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago housing shortage pushes home prices higher" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/19/homeownership-housing-affordability-senate" target="_self">Prices</a> in the city of Chicago were up 13% in July from a year ago, while suburban home prices rose nearly 7%.Why it matters: With buyers still facing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="far less inventory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/24/chicago-housing-affordability-listings-down-home-prices-up-road-to-housing-act" data-vars-content-id="761976aa-9275-48df-9907-5ee1270aa3fd" data-vars-headline="Chicago housing shortage pushes home prices higher" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/24/chicago-housing-affordability-listings-down-home-prices-up-road-to-housing-act" target="_self">far less inventory</a> than before the pandemic, sellers maintain a grip on the market, keeping upward pressure on prices.

Cook County homeowners' taxes increase again 

The growth reflects continued underperformance from the commercial real estate market.

Once again, Cook County <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners will shoulder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/17/cook-county-homeowners-tax-hike-loop-losses" data-vars-content-id="75b3d79e-18a8-447f-9b1b-cdb9e3457051" data-vars-headline="Cook County homeowners&#x27; taxes increase again " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/17/cook-county-homeowners-tax-hike-loop-losses" target="_self">homeowners will shoulder</a> a greater portion of the tax burden than commercial building owners, whose properties continue to underperform while many homes gain value, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new analysis " data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/researcharticles.aspx?articleid=2026082401" data-vars-content-id="75b3d79e-18a8-447f-9b1b-cdb9e3457051" data-vars-headline="Cook County homeowners&#x27; taxes increase again " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/researcharticles.aspx?articleid=2026082401" target="_blank">a new analysis </a>by the Cook County Treasurer&#x27;s office.The big picture: This marks the fifth consecutive year that a growing tax burden has fallen mostly on homeowners

New Chicago murals honor Caleb Williams, Stacey King and John Prine

The murals honor two Chicago legends and one trying to cement his legacy in real time.

Things to Do

Three new murals have sprung up in Chicago recently, celebrating two legends — and one young star building his legacy in real time. Why it matters: Chicago has long turned blank walls into tributes to icons.

New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales

Sellers may need to pay closer attention to their building's finances, reserves and repair plans.

Some condo owners could find it harder to sell their units under tougher new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/12/trump-fannie-mae-freddie-mac" data-vars-content-id="f46acb3f-6acf-44d1-a5e1-cc21e59ab058" data-vars-headline="New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/12/trump-fannie-mae-freddie-mac" target="_self">Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac </a>lending standards.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The rules" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/bulletin/2026-C" data-vars-content-id="f46acb3f-6acf-44d1-a5e1-cc21e59ab058" data-vars-headline="New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/bulletin/2026-C" target="_blank">The rules</a> put new pressure on condo associations to stay on top of repairs and financial reserves, making sellers more dependent on the building&#x27;s overall appeal — not just their condo&#x27;s — to sell.

Downtown vertical farming venture takes root

Farm Zero plans to expand by 10 times this fall.

Business

When Russell Steinberg looks at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacant downtown office spaces" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/04/03/lasalle-street-corridor-plan-to-build-more-housing-downtown-advances" data-vars-content-id="fe23ceba-6180-472a-a352-a321a2bc6b30" data-vars-headline="Downtown vertical farming venture takes root" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/04/03/lasalle-street-corridor-plan-to-build-more-housing-downtown-advances" target="_self">vacant downtown office spaces</a>, he doesn&#x27;t see failure — he sees farms.Why it matters: Steinberg&#x27;s first<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Farm Zero" data-vars-click-url="https://farmzerochicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe23ceba-6180-472a-a352-a321a2bc6b30" data-vars-headline="Downtown vertical farming venture takes root" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://farmzerochicago.com/" target="_blank"> Farm Zero</a> site, located kitty-corner from City Hall, feeds hundreds of Chicagoans with its lettuce, herbs, edible flowers and microgreens.<ul><li>But if his expansion plans stay on course, that number will grow to thousands this fall and eventually millions.</li></ul>Plus: This<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" summer&#x27;s cyclosporiasis outbreak " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" data-vars-content-id="fe23ceba-6180-472a-a352-a321a2bc6b30" data-vars-headline="Downtown vertical farming venture takes root" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" target="_self"> summer&#x27;s cyclosporiasis outbreak </a>is highlighting the value of transparently sourced produce as Chicagoans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seek locally grown lettuce. " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/23/chicago-readers-leafy-greens-cyclospora-outbreak-lettuce-salads-poll" data-vars-content-id="fe23ceba-6180-472a-a352-a321a2bc6b30" data-vars-headline="Downtown vertical farming venture takes root" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/23/chicago-readers-leafy-greens-cyclospora-outbreak-lettuce-salads-poll" target="_self">seek locally grown lettuce. </a>

Chicago's "phantom building" gets new life

After sitting mostly vacant for decades, the restored Gold Coast building welcomes residents this fall.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gold Coast " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/15/1954-photo-gold-coast-adolphs-agostinos-carmines-rush-street" data-vars-content-id="a9762bb1-3f14-4064-9157-6c99e067e0de" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s &quot;phantom building&quot; gets new life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/15/1954-photo-gold-coast-adolphs-agostinos-carmines-rush-street" target="_self">Gold Coast </a>condo building long known as the &quot;phantom building&quot; is getting new life after sitting mostly vacant for decades. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/04/chicago-endangered-historic-buildings-2025" data-vars-content-id="a9762bb1-3f14-4064-9157-6c99e067e0de" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s &quot;phantom building&quot; gets new life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/04/chicago-endangered-historic-buildings-2025" target="_self">Historic buildings</a> in Chicago&#x27;s highly sought-after neighborhoods, especially vacant ones, often succumb to the wrecking ball to make way for single-family homes. But the 45,000-sq. ft. residential building called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Dearborn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goldcoastrealty-chicago.com/the-dearborn-condos-1447-n-dearborn-st-gold-coast.php" data-vars-content-id="a9762bb1-3f14-4064-9157-6c99e067e0de" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s &quot;phantom building&quot; gets new life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goldcoastrealty-chicago.com/the-dearborn-condos-1447-n-dearborn-st-gold-coast.php" target="_blank">The Dearborn</a> has managed to avoid that fate and is starting a new chapter.

Competing renters' plans work through City Hall

The alders' plan would eliminate just cause and relocation payments when a landlord ends tenancy.

Competing renters&#x27; rights proposals — one by Mayor Brandon Johnson and one from a group of alders — have become a proxy fight for renters vs. landlords.Why it matters: Alders who oppose Johnson&#x27;s Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) argue it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could raise rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/16/chicago-rent-growth-big-cities-apartment-list-harvard-renters-cost-burdened" data-vars-content-id="88854944-c8a9-4fae-a75d-5e28a53e0bf0" data-vars-headline="Competing renters&#x27; plans work through City Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/16/chicago-rent-growth-big-cities-apartment-list-harvard-renters-cost-burdened" target="_self">could raise rents</a>, while housing advocates say the alders&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental " data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/gilbert36ward/status/2077508221666009378" data-vars-content-id="88854944-c8a9-4fae-a75d-5e28a53e0bf0" data-vars-headline="Competing renters&#x27; plans work through City Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/gilbert36ward/status/2077508221666009378" target="_blank">Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental </a>(FAIR) Ordinance could increase evictions.

Real Estate 🏠

Chicago City Council weighs rival rental rules

Rent increases challenging city's affordability goal

Data centers could score a break under next assessor

Chicago housing shortage pushes home prices higher

Cook County homeowners' taxes increase again