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Illinois Republican party leaders to watch in 2024
Republicans begin Day 2 of the RNC Tuesday with excitement over their new vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.The big picture: Unity has been the main message at the historic convention, which comes just days after an assassination attempt on presidential nominee Donald Trump.The vibe: If a local Republican had a problem with the direction of the party before, officials have signaled that this convention is not the place to air those grievances.What they're saying: "Before the convention, I thought we were coming in unified," U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) tells Axios. "But after the events on Saturday, seeing...
Is this the worst season for sports in Chicago history?
Tuesday night's All-Star Game marks the traditional halfway point for Major League Baseball, and both Chicago teams are sitting at the bottom of their divisions.Why it matters: The Cubs were the last hope to rescue what has been one of the worst seasons in Chicago history. Maybe THE worst.The big picture: The Cubs, Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Bears, Fire, Red Stars and Sky have all underachieved at once. If you include the fall 2023 records, you get these lowlights:The White Sox set the MLB record for most losses before the All-Star break.The Cubs collapsed down the stretch last year and have...
Illinois' long history of political violence
The country is reeling from the assassination attempt on former President Trump. Driving the news: Officials and lawmakers have condemned political violence, saying it has no place in America.Yes, but: Political historians would tell you that assassination attempts are sadly far too familiar in American history. Zoom in: In Illinois, political violence has plagued the state's history, including the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and Chicagoan Jack Ruby shooting of President John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. Here are three acts of political violence that shaped Illinois history:President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt & Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, 1933 On Feb....
Illinois GOP gets new leader before RNC
The Illinois GOP is heading into this week's Republican National Convention with a goal of uniting not just the country but their own state party. Catch up quick: In the wake of an assassination attempt at former President Trump's rally on Saturday, officials from both major political parties have issued calls to tone down divisive rhetoric.The RNC is continuing as planned but with heightened security.Driving the news: Prior to the rally at a meeting late Friday, Illinois GOP leaders selected Kathy Salvi to be the new chair of the state party. She'll begin on July 19, right after the RNC...
Illinois lawmakers want campaigns to cool off
The Republican National Convention begins today in Milwaukee as the nation reacts to the assassination attempt of the party's nominee, former President Trump. The big picture: Both Trump and President Biden will now face pressure to dial down the temperature ahead of an election that has transformed the country into a tinderbox, writes Axios' Zachary Basu. Trump is urging Americans to "stand united." President Biden, too. Catch up quick: Trump was shot in his right ear at a campaign rally on Saturday evening. Secret Service rushed the former president, who had blood on his face, from the stage.One rally attendee...
Quiz: How well do you remember Chicago in 1984?
I was perusing the Getty archives this week and saw that 40 years ago this week, Spinal Tap played Metro.I sent the above photo to Metro owner Joe Shanahan, and he remembered the show vividly: "It was the first time Metro was in People magazine! They were so much fun, and it was a great night of jokes in and out of character."Zoom out: It's hard to believe that 1984 was 40 years ago, but it's important to realize how great that year was for Chicago news, sports and culture.So let's get in the time machine for today's Kaufmann quiz!Play past quizzes:Chicago prideChicago local TVChicago DadsFancy foodiesChicago homesChicago summer traditionsNicknames and name changesChicago MothersChicago radio historyClosed Chicago restaurants & barsFamous Chicago stuntsHow well do you know 1992?
Sunday recipe: Cambodian chicken salad
Hermosa chef Ethan Lim has been busy this summer. The celebrated Cambodian American chef launched an à la carte menu option and earned a spot on Chicago Magazine's 50 Best Restaurants. Driving the news: He joined us at The Hideout to demonstrate a perfect hot weather salad. What they're...
Chicagoans hope to save on real estate commissions
When news broke about the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, many home sellers called their real estate agents wondering: Am I off the hook to pay you?Why it matters: The status quo is that sellers typically pay a 5-6% commission, which is split between the buying and selling agents.Catch up quick: Sellers can continue offering to pay both brokers, but according to the settlement, buyers should be compensating their own brokers.Between the lines: Some home buyers, particularly first-timers, will balk at paying a commission, on top of a down payment and other costs.What they're saying: "Obviously, [sellers] are trying...
These are all the Illinois congressional Democrats calling for Biden end his candidacy
Three Illinois Democrats in Congress have publicly called for President Biden to step aside as the party's presumptive nominee, which is the most of any state so far.The big picture: The Illinois lawmakers join over a dozen other Democrats in Congress making the same request of Biden over concerns about his ability to take on former President Trump.Why it matters: Biden has firmly resisted calls to step aside, but lawmakers have told Axios they expect the drumbeat to continue amid a barrage of fears from constituents and donors.Here are the Illinois Democratic members of Congress who have called for Biden...
Construction on Bally's Chicago is inching ahead
Bally's has released new construction plans for its permanent casino.Why it matters: Bally's says the planned 34-story hotel tower will be built on the south end of the former Tribune printing plant site, closer to Ohio Street, and be constructed in one phase rather than two.Driving the news: Bally's took control of the property at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street on July 5.Brandenburg Industrial this week started prepping the site for demolition. Photo: Courtesy of HKSFlashback: The casino giant was forced to adapt plans for the hotel earlier this year after learning construction could damage city water lines.State of play:...
Seven new Chicago restaurants to try
Summer is sizzling with new dining options from a Japanese cheesecake shop in West Town, a taqueria in Portage Park, highly anticipated steakhouses and possibly the city's most ambitious restaurant.Puffy CakesThis Japanese cheesecake cafe cranks out brightly colored Instagram-ready confections, including light, egg-white infused cheesecakes and rich Hokkaido tarts along with specialty tea and coffee by La Colombe.Dig in: We enjoyed the fluffy ube cheesecake ($10.50) with a side of Nutella and a frothy matcha latte ($4.50).Perilla Steakhouse Elements of a Korean breakfast at Perilla Steakhouse. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Yap.A sister eatery to Perilla in the West Loop, this...
Here's what's happening in Chicago this weekend
This weekend, taste good barbecue at Chicago's country music festival, jam to house music with the Chosen Few DJs or enjoy folk tunes and craft beer in Logan Square.1. 🎸 Windy City SmokeoutGrab your cowboy boots: The Windy City Smokeout is here.Why it matters: This four-day affair is Chicago's country music festival.The intrigue: The star-studded lineup of performers includes Thomas Rhett, Parker McCollum, DJ Pauly D, Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.Zoom in: Pitmasters and breweries from around the country will be present.Local selections include Bub City, Green Street Smoked Meats, Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Goose Island and Spiteful.When: Thursday until 10pm,...
"Mafia Spies" links Chicago Outfit to Castro assassination plot
A new Paramount+ docuseries highlights the role of the Chicago Outfit in a CIA-driven assassination scheme against Cuban president Fidel Castro in the 1960s.Why it matters: Many of the details emerged only a few years ago when the government declassified relevant documents.The big picture: Based on the book by Thomas Maier under the same name, "Mafia Spies" presents dozens of interviews with participants, scholars and historians to detail the Cuban Revolution and its ability to unite the feds and the mob against a common enemy.Zoom in: CIA officials tapped Chicago mob boss Sam Giancana and his Los Angeles enforcer Johnny...
We tried Axios Chicago readers' favorite French fries
In observance of National French Fry Day on Friday, we asked readers for their local favorites, and we got some golden answers.Monica's pick: She took reader Stephen S. up on his recommendation to munch some fresh-cut fries at Gene & Jude's in River Grove.The verdict: Crisp, fat and golden with nice stripes of potato skin, these delicious fries may be even more popular than the hot dog they accompany ($4.37).If you wanna skip the hot dog, you can order the fries alone for $3.43.Just remember to bring your own ketchup for dipping. The fries from Mr. D's Shish-Kabobs. Photo: Carrie...
Chicago mayor introduces a new program to break cycle of violence
After a deadly July Fourth weekend, Mayor Brandon Johnson is upping the city's efforts on violence intervention.Why it matters: More than 100 people were shot and at least 19 were killed during the long holiday weekend.Driving the news: Johnson says he's asked the federal government for resources, and he's launching a program that teaches conflict resolution and offers mentoring to young people.On Wednesday, local business leaders and philanthropists announced they had raised $100 million to invest in violence intervention.A Johnson spokesperson tells Axios that the federal support the city is seeking includes "victim services, family assistance, mental health support for...
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Axios Chicago, anchored by Monica Eng and Justin Kauffman, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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