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Chicago Bears move forward with Indiana stadium plans

The Hoosier State is on its way to being the future home of Chicago's NFL franchise.

Business

The Chicago Bears confirmed Thursday they are moving forward with two sites in Indiana for a new stadium. Why it matters: After 106 years in Illinois, the Bears are inching closer to becoming Indiana&#x27;s team.

Chicago's most beautiful houses of worship face off

Vote your favorites through our 16-site bracket to crown Chicago's most picturesque place of worship.

Culture

This month&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Chicago tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/27/best-living-chicago-celebrity-murray-pope-oprah-cusack-obama" data-vars-content-id="17e46c77-73fa-41c5-8ff2-d84bbe247d57" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s most beautiful houses of worship face off" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/27/best-living-chicago-celebrity-murray-pope-oprah-cusack-obama" target="_self">Axios Chicago tournament</a> is about the best-looking houses of worship in the Chicago area.Between the lines: We&#x27;re not talking faith. We&#x27;re talking architecture.

Mosquito bite remedies: What works for itching and prevention

Axios readers offer suggestions from lemon oil to hair dryers and more.

Health

After recently complaining about vicious mosquito attacks while walking my dog, I asked readers for their best itch remedies. 🦟 The buzz: Axios fans came through with a swarm of great advice for avoiding and treating mosquito bites — a few of which I&#x27;ve had a chance to try.

Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways

The Republican gubernatorial candidate unveiled a four-point plan, but it lacks details.

Transit

Illinois gubernatorial candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Darren Bailey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/18/bailey-wins-gop-primary-pritzker-rematch-illinois-governor" data-vars-content-id="478f836d-2a1b-41ec-b9ee-a56419d0277a" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways" 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/bailey-wins-gop-primary-pritzker-rematch-illinois-governor" target="_self">Darren Bailey</a> wants to make the state’s toll roads free, reviving a decades-old promise that’s much easier said than financed.Why it matters: Eliminating tolls would upend a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation funding system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/31/illinois-fall-veto-session-transit-deal" data-vars-content-id="478f836d-2a1b-41ec-b9ee-a56419d0277a" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey pledges free Illinois tollways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/31/illinois-fall-veto-session-transit-deal" target="_self">transportation funding system</a> lawmakers just expanded. <ul><li>Last year&#x27;s sweeping transit package called for higher tolls to help finance a new multibillion-dollar Tollway construction program, while shifting other state transportation revenues toward mass transit.</li></ul>

Exclusive: New Meta Lab coming to Chicago

The Gold Coast shop will let customers try Meta's AI glasses and VR gear ahead of the holidays.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/zuckerberg-ai-manifesto-meta" data-vars-content-id="258e7338-dcc7-40d5-9c9c-aa0caf6f3e6b" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: New Meta Lab coming to Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/zuckerberg-ai-manifesto-meta" target="_self">Meta</a> is opening a Meta Lab store in Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gold Coast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/12/zillow-most-popular-chicago-thompson-house-gold-coast" data-vars-content-id="258e7338-dcc7-40d5-9c9c-aa0caf6f3e6b" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: New Meta Lab coming to Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/12/zillow-most-popular-chicago-thompson-house-gold-coast" target="_self">Gold Coast</a> neighborhood. Driving the news: The company confirmed to Axios on Wednesday that it&#x27;s opening its first Midwest location at 932 N. Rush St., the former home of Glossier.

Johnson calls on state lawmakers to tighten data center rules 

He says that Springfield needs to do more at the state level.

Climate

When it comes to regulating data centers, Illinois lags behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/03/greg-abbott-halts-texas-data-centers-electric-grid" data-vars-content-id="fd925818-39b4-49da-814a-25010a39f1fe" data-vars-headline="Johnson calls on state lawmakers to tighten data center rules " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/03/greg-abbott-halts-texas-data-centers-electric-grid" target="_self">Texas</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-signs-law-protect-floridians-subsidizing-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="fd925818-39b4-49da-814a-25010a39f1fe" data-vars-headline="Johnson calls on state lawmakers to tighten data center rules " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-signs-law-protect-floridians-subsidizing-data-centers" target="_blank">Florida</a>, whose governors have recently enacted tough new laws to ensure local control and even stop development.<ul><li>But Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson moved to tighten data center rules in at least one big part of Illinois and called on state lawmakers to follow suit. </li></ul>

Bally's faces off with Chicago over video gambling

Bally's Chicago threatens legal action over video gambling.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bally&#x27;s Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/10/ballys-chicago-race-gender-lawsuit-settlement" data-vars-content-id="fbba5099-916e-40b0-a375-1ce23e4c6d25" data-vars-headline="Bally&#x27;s faces off with Chicago over video gambling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/10/ballys-chicago-race-gender-lawsuit-settlement" target="_self">Bally&#x27;s Chicago</a> is pausing construction on non-gaming amenities at its $1.7 billion casino, hotel and entertainment complex as it enters a standoff with the city over video gambling.Why it matters: Bally&#x27;s promises to open its casino next year, but this latest impasse raises questions about the future of full project already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/12/chicago-ballys-casino-hotel-tower" data-vars-content-id="fbba5099-916e-40b0-a375-1ce23e4c6d25" data-vars-headline="Bally&#x27;s faces off with Chicago over video gambling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/12/chicago-ballys-casino-hotel-tower" target="_self">under construction</a> in River West.

Claire's targets Gen Alpha with new store design

New training, dedicated piercing stations and selfie-friendly stores are part of the retailer's refresh.

Suburban Chicago-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Claire&#x27;s " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/30/needoh-claires-gen-alpha-sensory-retail" data-vars-content-id="91f09c8d-bf6f-49ca-9118-4e9f6d8d8ee5" data-vars-headline="Claire&#x27;s targets Gen Alpha with new store design" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/30/needoh-claires-gen-alpha-sensory-retail" target="_self">Claire&#x27;s </a>is remodeling stores and updating the piercing experience to appeal to a new generation.Why it matters: Ear piercing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Claire&#x27;s " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/03/12/claires-walgreens-expansion" data-vars-content-id="91f09c8d-bf6f-49ca-9118-4e9f6d8d8ee5" data-vars-headline="Claire&#x27;s targets Gen Alpha with new store design" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/03/12/claires-walgreens-expansion" target="_self">Claire&#x27;s </a>represents a rite of passage for tweens and teens, and the company is betting that a more modern experience geared toward Gen Alpha will keep the mall staple relevant.

Chicago summer 2026 closures: Hackney's, Wishbone, Zeitlin's and more

Several high-profile businesses announced they are closing up shop this month.

In less than a month, several well-known <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago-area restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/16/chicago-restaurant-closures-dmk-burger-bar-magnolia-bakery-and-more" data-vars-content-id="66b94c63-62ab-454f-a698-aba26b289c04" data-vars-headline="Chicago summer 2026 closures: Hackney&#x27;s, Wishbone, Zeitlin&#x27;s and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/16/chicago-restaurant-closures-dmk-burger-bar-magnolia-bakery-and-more" target="_self">Chicago-area restaurants</a> and retailers announced plans to close.State of play: The reasons vary — from rising costs and changing consumer habits to health violations and lease disputes — but the announcements mark the end of some neighborhood institutions.

Downtown vertical farming venture takes root

Farm Zero plans to expand by 10 times this fall.

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>

The Checkroom sells coats built to last

Handmade wool coats take four weeks to make as shoppers seek durable alternatives to fast fashion.

When Liz Williams couldn&#x27;t find a new winter coat after hers was at the end of its long life, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oak Park" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2023/01/26/intergenerational-cohousing-oak-park-commons" data-vars-content-id="0d2a88ba-f33e-4f03-8c18-343b30153d74" data-vars-headline="The Checkroom sells coats built to last" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/chicago/2023/01/26/intergenerational-cohousing-oak-park-commons" target="_self">Oak Park</a> designer made her own — and launched a new business.

BuyWander turns returns into bargain finds

BuyWander lets shoppers bid on returned and overstock goods, then pick them up in Addison.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/15/chicago-mag-mile-fulton-market-retail-foot-traffic-store-openings-experiences" data-vars-content-id="b5554318-e144-4484-a95a-6b488f9b104c" data-vars-headline="BuyWander turns returns into bargain finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/15/chicago-mag-mile-fulton-market-retail-foot-traffic-store-openings-experiences" target="_self">retail</a> store in suburban Chicago called BuyWander wants to be the savvy, frugal shopper&#x27;s go-to destination for &quot;misfit inventory.&quot;Why it matters: Shoppers who like bargains or rare finds can score deals on returned, excess and out-of-season inventory, giving the product a second chance. Plus, the buyer picks it up from a warehouse in Addison, cutting down on shipping costs.

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.

Business 🏦

Chicago Bears move forward with Indiana stadium plans

Exclusive: New Meta Lab coming to Chicago

Johnson calls on state lawmakers to tighten data center rules

Bally's faces off with Chicago over video gambling

Claire's targets Gen Alpha with new store design