Axios Chicago

THIS WEDNESDAY, JOIN US AT THE HIDEOUT!

🗳️ Several major candidates running in the 2026 midterms will join Axios Chicago on stage for the first-ever “Midterm Madness” event.

The goal? To find out where they stand on the really, really important issues affecting Chicago.

Expect questions like:

• How will you fix the long line at Walgreens?
• How can we bring down the cost of cocktails?
• What major artery or bridge would you close next?

The rapid-fire interview show will be hosted by Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann, Monica Eng, Carrie Shepherd and Moyo Adeolu.

The scheduled cavalcade of candidates includes Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, Ald. Brendan Reilly, Lyons Township Assessor Pat Hynes, frmr Dep. Gov. Christian Mitchell and our perennial favorite, Bob Fioretti.

🎉 Let’s celebrate the election cycle!

🎟️ The show is free, but you must RSVP to attend.

Hideout Chicago Several major candidates running in the 2026 midterms will join Axios Chicago on stage for the first-ever “Midterm Madness” event. The goal? To find out where they stand on the really, really important issues affecting Chicago.

Indiana lawmakers say they have reached a tentative deal with the Chicago Bears to build an NFL stadium in Hammond.

Why it matters: It would be a historic move — for both the Bears and Northwest Indiana.

The Indiana Bears? It's one step closer to reality. Indiana lawmakers moved legislation Thursday to build an NFL stadium in Hammond.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon who spent his career fighting against racial inequality and injustice, and who made two historic runs for the presidency, died Tuesday, his family said in a statement. He was 84.

The big picture: Jackson leaves behind an expansive legacy, starting with his time alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to founding Operation Rainbow PUSH on the South Side.

Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson dies at 84 He will go down in history as one of this country's most influential civil rights leaders.

The Illinois primary election is March 17, and we have the who, what, where and when to keep you informed.

How it works: Voters can choose a Democratic, Republican, or independent ballot. The independent ballot would only include referendums in places that have them.

Tap the 🔗for Important dates for voter registration.

2026 Illinois primary early voting is here. Here's what to know. From congressional candidates to county races, Axios Chicago has the breakdown.

From art to dance to comedy, here's how to celebrate Black History Month across Chicago.

https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/black-history-month-chicago-art-exhibits-comedy-shows