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Obama Presidential Center opening brings out all the stars

Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Common and Jennifer Hudson headline a star-packed opening ceremony.

Politics & Policy

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Obama Presidential Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/04/inside-the-obama-presidential-center-before-opening-day" data-vars-content-id="389be846-0297-4b67-996a-5000d4fe0e64" data-vars-headline="Obama Presidential Center opening brings out all the stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/04/inside-the-obama-presidential-center-before-opening-day" target="_self">Obama Presidential Center</a> just dropped its grand-opening performance lineup, and it may go down as one of the best Chicago concerts of the last 50 years.Why it matters: The opening brings a star-studded roster of performers to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="389be846-0297-4b67-996a-5000d4fe0e64" data-vars-headline="Obama Presidential Center opening brings out all the stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a> and marks the public debut of one of the city&#x27;s most anticipated civic projects.

Sylvia Perez leaving Fox 32 after nearly 40 years in Chicago TV news

The veteran is the latest high profile talent to leave the station.

News

Longtime Chicago anchor and reporter Sylvia Perez announced her departure from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fox 32 on Friday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr3SdyJJH-0" data-vars-content-id="9300af93-2395-4d39-8f2a-61f91b879ca4" data-vars-headline="Sylvia Perez leaving Fox 32 after nearly 40 years in Chicago TV news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr3SdyJJH-0" target="_blank">Fox 32 on Friday</a>. Zoom in: Perez, who has been a fixture in Chicago news for almost 40 years, is leaving television news to expand her production company. <ul><li>She will concentrate on her podcast &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supper with Sylvia" data-vars-click-url="https://supperwithsylvia.buzzsprout.com/" data-vars-content-id="9300af93-2395-4d39-8f2a-61f91b879ca4" data-vars-headline="Sylvia Perez leaving Fox 32 after nearly 40 years in Chicago TV news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://supperwithsylvia.buzzsprout.com/" target="_blank">Supper with Sylvia</a>.&quot; </li></ul>

The 13 best things we ate during Beard weekend

Dishes range from Beverly bbq and Uptown Michelada oysters to Evanston brisket and Northbrook lamburgers.

Food and Drink

Monday night, Chicago will host the 2026 James Beard chef and restaurant awards at the Civic Opera House following a weekend of events showcasing our gorgeous weather, warm hospitality and delicious food. Why it matters: The annual &quot;Oscars of food&quot; generate tourism, revenue, and a lot of great buzz for the city, even as some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="choose to paint a different picture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/trump-pritzker-national-guard-chicago-crime-memphis-ice" data-vars-content-id="6a5719f5-e4c9-4d19-a288-9d3fc48c2264" data-vars-headline="The 13 best things we ate during Beard weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/trump-pritzker-national-guard-chicago-crime-memphis-ice" target="_self">choose to paint a different picture</a>.

Obama Presidential Center to open in Chicago after nearly a decade of planning

Obama's Presidential Center opens in Chicago

The moment Chicago has been waiting nearly a decade for has arrived.

The moment Chicago has been waiting nearly a decade for has arrived: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Obama Presidential Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/04/inside-the-obama-presidential-center-before-opening-day" data-vars-content-id="8b612c0a-5e31-419b-b59f-5039af075447" data-vars-headline="Obama Presidential Center to open in Chicago after nearly a decade of planning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/04/inside-the-obama-presidential-center-before-opening-day" target="_self">Obama Presidential Center</a> opens Thursday in Jackson Park.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a full-circle moment for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barack and Michelle Obama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/04/inside-the-obama-presidential-center-before-opening-day" data-vars-content-id="8b612c0a-5e31-419b-b59f-5039af075447" data-vars-headline="Obama Presidential Center to open in Chicago after nearly a decade of planning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/04/inside-the-obama-presidential-center-before-opening-day" target="_self">Barack and Michelle Obama</a>, who began their public lives as community organizers and are now opening a permanent civic institution in the same city that shaped them.

World Cup watch party map finds fellow supporters

This free map helps fans find bars and venues showing matches around the world.

Sports

With the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/11/world-cup-fifa-travel-immigration-woes" data-vars-content-id="969bd4a7-60b2-4b48-bcab-0762f6189c13" data-vars-headline="World Cup watch party map finds fellow supporters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/11/world-cup-fifa-travel-immigration-woes" target="_self">World Cup </a>in full swing, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Watch Party Radar " data-vars-click-url="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=chicago" data-vars-content-id="969bd4a7-60b2-4b48-bcab-0762f6189c13" data-vars-headline="World Cup watch party map finds fellow supporters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://watchpartyradar.com/?city=chicago" target="_blank">Watch Party Radar </a>shows you where to catch the latest match from anywhere in the world.

Obama Presidential Center doubles as a showcase for contemporary art

From Richard Hunt to Nick Cave, the center highlights artists who helped shape Chicago's culture.

Culture

For months, I had seen little reveals here and there of the artists whose work would fill the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Obama Presidential Center. " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/04/inside-the-obama-presidential-center-before-opening-day" data-vars-content-id="5512c35d-3931-4ec7-a785-5a985bb77580" data-vars-headline="Obama Presidential Center doubles as a showcase for contemporary art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/04/inside-the-obama-presidential-center-before-opening-day" target="_self">Obama Presidential Center. </a><ul><li>Many of the most well-known names on the international scene are on display, but also Chicago artists who have dedicated their careers to creating stunning public art around the city.</li></ul>

World's largest Hello Kitty Café opening in Chicago

The 8,000-square-foot café will feature exclusive treats, merch and plenty of photo ops.

The world&#x27;s largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hello Kitty Café" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/12/hello-kitty-cafe-experience-bay-area" data-vars-content-id="e06453c6-3757-4873-94aa-cd4f5be3431a" data-vars-headline="World&#x27;s largest Hello Kitty Café opening in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/12/hello-kitty-cafe-experience-bay-area" target="_self">Hello Kitty Café</a> is opening in Chicago this month.Driving the news: The company announced Wednesday that the café will open at 10am on June 26 at 360 N. Michigan Ave. at the London House Hotel.

American Girl turns 40 as Chicago fandom endures

From its first flagship store to doll tourism, Chicago helped turn American Girl into a destination.

History

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Girl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/09/19/kansas-city-american-girl-doll-raquel-reyes" data-vars-content-id="a1c0c136-64c9-4334-b2aa-25e5b0d3b557" data-vars-headline="American Girl turns 40 as Chicago fandom endures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/09/19/kansas-city-american-girl-doll-raquel-reyes" target="_self">American Girl</a> turns 40 this year, and Chicago has played an integral role in the toy company&#x27;s evolution.Driving the news: A new book, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Making of American Girl," data-vars-click-url="https://www.americangirl.com/products/the-making-of-american-girl-hardcover-book-jnp35" data-vars-content-id="a1c0c136-64c9-4334-b2aa-25e5b0d3b557" data-vars-headline="American Girl turns 40 as Chicago fandom endures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americangirl.com/products/the-making-of-american-girl-hardcover-book-jnp35" target="_blank">&quot;The Making of American Girl,</a>&quot; tells the story of the doll company, including the Chicago store on Michigan Avenue — the company&#x27;s first.

What happens after the DePaul Art Museum closes

The Chicago museum's 4,000-piece collection will remain available by appointment.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DePaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/07/depaul-president-antisemitism-congress" data-vars-content-id="ae545588-2834-4e76-93e8-2395094d387f" data-vars-headline="What happens after the DePaul Art Museum closes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/07/depaul-president-antisemitism-congress" target="_self">DePaul</a> Art Museum closes to the public on Sunday, but the permanent collection is staying put. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opponents of the closure" data-vars-click-url="https://openletter.earth/letter-opposing-the-closing-of-dpam-f02e5d5a" data-vars-content-id="ae545588-2834-4e76-93e8-2395094d387f" data-vars-headline="What happens after the DePaul Art Museum closes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://openletter.earth/letter-opposing-the-closing-of-dpam-f02e5d5a" target="_blank">Opponents of the closure</a> argue that DPAM, which has been dedicated to exhibits centered on social justice and to showcasing underrepresented artists, is essential to helping students become critical thinkers.<ul><li>DePaul will continue to keep the more than 4,000-piece collection at the museum&#x27;s current Lincoln Park location, retaining students&#x27; and faculty&#x27;s access for research and academic purposes.</li></ul>

How well do you remember Chicago in 1996? Take the quiz

Can you get a perfect score revisiting one of Chicago's biggest years?

Survey says: What makes Chicago, Chicago? You tell us

Help us create the most authentic Chicago database ever.

We are unveiling a new regular feature that draws from the Axios reader hive mind.The big picture: To create the ultimate guide to authentic Chicago, we&#x27;re rolling out a series of questions about our city, its culture, its food, and other local quirks. <ul><li>The answers will be used in a live game show where we quiz contestants on their Chicago street cred.</li></ul>

Taste of Randolph drops suggested donations

The West Loop festival will test a raffle and silent auction as event costs rise.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taste of Randolph" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/05/26/chicago-street-festivals" data-vars-content-id="55fe7e91-6e74-4447-8548-f927ccb5fdcf" data-vars-headline="Taste of Randolph drops suggested donations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/05/26/chicago-street-festivals" target="_self">Taste of Randolph</a> festivalgoers will see something new at this year&#x27;s fest. Driving the news: The long-running <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Loop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/21/west-loop-walking-tour-shows-union-park-bartelme-mary-todd-lincoln" data-vars-content-id="55fe7e91-6e74-4447-8548-f927ccb5fdcf" data-vars-headline="Taste of Randolph drops suggested donations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/21/west-loop-walking-tour-shows-union-park-bartelme-mary-todd-lincoln" target="_self">West Loop</a> street festival will no longer suggest a donation at the entrance, instead launching a raffle and silent auction, the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) announced Friday.<ul><li>Participation in the raffle and auction is not required for entrance.</li></ul>

Chicago summer trivia: Mosquitoes, traffic jams and other seasonal blahs

Can you get a perfect score on our summer annoyances?

It&#x27;s summer in Chicago, the most glorious time of the year. It can also be annoying as hell.While we celebrate our favorite season, why not also test your knowledge of the annual nuisances?

Weekender: 25 things to do in Chicago from food to music to fitness

From Bleachers to Ribfest and Greek Fest, summer has arrived in Chicago.

Things to Do

We&#x27;ve waited long enough, but summer has arrived.<ul><li>Let&#x27;s get at it! Here are some ways to do just that.</li></ul>