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Chicagoans caught in narco violence in Mexico

Sunday night at least eight continue to shelter in place after car jacking and bombed car.

News

At least eight Chicagoans were sheltering in place in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday amid violent attacks throughout the region in response to the capture and death of the Mexican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cartel leader" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/09/trump-mexico-colombia-venezuela-strikes-maduro" data-vars-content-id="0620688d-d624-485a-9556-6d28b5f1f789" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans caught in narco violence in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/09/trump-mexico-colombia-venezuela-strikes-maduro" target="_self">cartel leader</a> known as &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="El Mencho" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/mexico-cartel-leader-el-mencho-drug-lord-killed" data-vars-content-id="0620688d-d624-485a-9556-6d28b5f1f789" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans caught in narco violence in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/mexico-cartel-leader-el-mencho-drug-lord-killed" target="_self">El Mencho</a>.&quot;Zoom in: Lakeview resident Jonathan Pizer tells Axios that he and his husband Brad Lippitz were heading to go whale watching with two Chicago friends Sunday morning when their car was stopped.

Chicago lawmakers pump brakes on stadium plan to keep Bears in Illinois

The Illinois House adjourned before voting on a package to help the Bears with property tax payments.

Illinois lawmakers are championing a bill to keep the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Bears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/19/illinois-lawmakers-bears-indiana-stadium-hammond-pritzker" data-vars-content-id="4106e73d-d170-40a0-b1da-8fe18a4c4eb1" data-vars-headline="Chicago lawmakers pump brakes on stadium plan to keep Bears in Illinois" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/19/illinois-lawmakers-bears-indiana-stadium-hammond-pritzker" target="_self">Chicago Bears</a> in-state, but Chicago Democrats have serious concerns. The latest: An Illinois House committee voted 13-7 to advance a new bill that provides property tax flexibility to the Bears in the hopes they will build their long-awaited domed stadium in the Land of Lincoln. <ul><li>Before the bill could get a full House vote, Chicago Democrats, including bill sponsor Rep. Kam Buckner, threatened to pull support if the bill didn&#x27;t include, among other things, financial concessions for the city if the Bears moved to Arlington Heights. </li></ul>

Axios Chicago poll: Should the Bears leave Illinois?

Take our ultimate poll about the continuing stadium saga in Illinois

While the Bears negotiate (again) for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new stadium site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="fef5ff15-c812-4d0a-b7a0-e4dd4b38e3cb" data-vars-headline="Axios Chicago poll: Should the Bears leave Illinois?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" target="_self">new stadium site</a>, we think it&#x27;s time to get your voice involved.State of play: We have a few questions for what we are calling the &quot;ultimate, hands down, definitive Bears stadium Axios Chicago poll,&quot; otherwise known as the UHDFBSACP.

A hidden pathway: Can you guess the Chicago landmark?

Can you guess this Chicago Black historic site ?

Culture

Throughout February, we&#x27;ve been showcasing sites and monuments that reflect Black history and culture in Chicago. Here&#x27;s our last site of the month. Where am I today? Here are a few hints:<ul><li>Just a few blocks south of Mag Mile.</li><li>A popular gathering space for community. </li><li>Over 100-years old.</li><li>A place you can let go. </li></ul><div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/308f565e-b428-4cea-a24b-e09f3703b326/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="308f565e-b428-4cea-a24b-e09f3703b326" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="308f565e-b428-4cea-a24b-e09f3703b326" data-vars-content-id="94d8c6b7-10ce-4df1-a094-9faa5583bc1f" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>

Illinois counters CDC vaccine changes

A new state law ensures hepatitis B vaccines stay available for newborns in Illinois.

COVID

This month a federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="panel voted to stop standard hepatitis B" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/cdc-panel-hepatitis-b-shot-dropped" data-vars-content-id="cc1bf1b7-1bcd-4d23-8049-0627734fba2c" data-vars-headline="Illinois counters CDC vaccine changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/cdc-panel-hepatitis-b-shot-dropped" target="_self">panel voted to stop standard hepatitis B</a> vaccinations at birth, but that won&#x27;t change recommendations and coverage for Illinoisans, according to state health officials.Why it matters: Medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, note that annual hepatitis B cases have dropped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="99% (from 16,000 to less than 20)" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/searchable-download/Universal%20Hepatitis%20B%20Vaccination%20at%20Birth%202Dec2025.pdf" data-vars-content-id="cc1bf1b7-1bcd-4d23-8049-0627734fba2c" data-vars-headline="Illinois counters CDC vaccine changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/searchable-download/Universal%20Hepatitis%20B%20Vaccination%20at%20Birth%202Dec2025.pdf" target="_blank">99% (from 16,000 to less than 20)</a> since the practice of birth vaccination began in 1991.<ul><li>The panel argued that the vaccine is not necessary for children born to mothers who test negative.</li></ul>

Think you're ineligible for a COVID vaccine? Think again, Illinois

Illinois still offers free COVID vaccines to people with common risk factors.

Illinois remains one of 34 states where people can still get COVID-19 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" data-vars-content-id="3f682941-684b-4d4e-ad07-40cd01ba6680" data-vars-headline="Think you&#x27;re ineligible for a COVID vaccine? Think again, Illinois" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" target="_self">vaccines</a> without a doctor&#x27;s authorization, as long as they attest to at least one risk factor, including being overweight or sedentary.Why it matters: Following Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kennedy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/15/rfk-anti-vaccine-revolution" data-vars-content-id="3f682941-684b-4d4e-ad07-40cd01ba6680" data-vars-headline="Think you&#x27;re ineligible for a COVID vaccine? Think again, Illinois" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/15/rfk-anti-vaccine-revolution" target="_self">Kennedy</a> Jr.&#x27;s major curtailing of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID vaccine eligibility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/covid-vaccine-2025-fda-recommendation-rfk" data-vars-content-id="3f682941-684b-4d4e-ad07-40cd01ba6680" data-vars-headline="Think you&#x27;re ineligible for a COVID vaccine? Think again, Illinois" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/covid-vaccine-2025-fda-recommendation-rfk" target="_self">COVID vaccine eligibility</a> last month, many Americans are left confused about whether and how they&#x27;ll be able to get shots amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surging &quot;stratus&quot; variant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/08/covid-19-stratus-variant-symptoms-cases-cdc" data-vars-content-id="3f682941-684b-4d4e-ad07-40cd01ba6680" data-vars-headline="Think you&#x27;re ineligible for a COVID vaccine? Think again, Illinois" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/08/covid-19-stratus-variant-symptoms-cases-cdc" target="_self">surging &quot;stratus&quot; variant</a>.

Our best and worst pandemic purchases

Yes to online fitness, ring lights and work tables. But no to the Yogibo.

Like many Chicagoans, we went a little shopping crazy during the pandemic, buying stuff we thought we&#x27;d need for our new reality.<ul><li>Some of it turned out to be great but other purchases are gathering dust or headed to the Salvation Army.</li></ul>

COVID cases are heating up this summer

The surge is mostly driven by the highly contagious FLiRT variants.

A summer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="f4826828-948d-4aa4-a5e6-ae6cd95f7f9d" data-vars-headline="COVID cases are heating up this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID-19</a> bump has hit Chicago.Why it matters: While the disease no longer kills as many as it used to, it&#x27;s still dangerous for vulnerable people, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last weekend&#x27;s holiday gatherings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/01/best-worst-july-fourth-travel-times" data-vars-content-id="f4826828-948d-4aa4-a5e6-ae6cd95f7f9d" data-vars-headline="COVID cases are heating up this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/07/01/best-worst-july-fourth-travel-times" target="_self">last weekend&#x27;s holiday gatherings</a> and travel are expected to spread more infections.

Chicago launches fun places for remote work this summer

Think museums, restaurants, bars, hotels and skyscrapers.

Chicago boosters are launching a bevy of cool summer &quot;office spaces&quot; designed to coax remote workers out of their pjs and back into the city for the workday.<ul><li>Think museums, rooftop bars, swank hotels and high rises with Wi-Fi, desks and more.</li></ul>

Visitors are returning to Chicago's downtown

Visits rose by 35% in the last year and weekend Loop foot traffic has surpassed pre-COVID levels.

Business

Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/25/us-cities-downtown-data" data-vars-content-id="7f73a3b0-0d1c-41fb-9704-f1bbf24591c4" data-vars-headline="Visitors are returning to Chicago&#x27;s downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/25/us-cities-downtown-data" target="_self">downtown visitors</a> increased by 35% from March 2023 to February 2024, according to new University of Toronto data.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a sign of improvement for downtown&#x27;s sluggish post-pandemic recovery.

University of Chicago students may receive compensation for remote learning

The settlement could spark more lawsuits from students seeking reimbursement after COVID-19.

Education

University of Chicago students who went remote during the spring of 2020 are receiving notices that they could be entitled to money from a class action lawsuit — pending a judge&#x27;s final approval. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The nearly $5 million settlement" data-vars-click-url="https://2020tuitionandfeessettlement.com/" data-vars-content-id="3dd96cb7-54dc-4819-8923-94aeab4cfef6" data-vars-headline="University of Chicago students may receive compensation for remote learning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://2020tuitionandfeessettlement.com/" target="_blank">The nearly $5 million settlement</a> could spark lawsuits from students at other schools seeking reimbursement after COVID-19 forced them out of in-person instruction, possibly taking away from the learning experience.

What to know about the updated COVID vaccines in Chicago

Clinics could offer the shots to the public later this week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared the way Tuesday for some Chicago clinics to offer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="updated COVID vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/cdc-advisors-endorse-updated-covid-vaccines" data-vars-content-id="e76c16d7-dd3b-4f4f-8730-f803e0f0f77f" data-vars-headline="What to know about the updated COVID vaccines in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/cdc-advisors-endorse-updated-covid-vaccines" target="_self">updated COVID vaccines</a> to the public later this week.Why it matters: The CDC recommended the shots for anyone ages 6 months and older amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="months-long uptick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/01/covid-cases-uptick-summer-2023-new-variant" data-vars-content-id="e76c16d7-dd3b-4f4f-8730-f803e0f0f77f" data-vars-headline="What to know about the updated COVID vaccines in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/01/covid-cases-uptick-summer-2023-new-variant" target="_self">months-long uptick</a> in COVID cases across the country.

Chicago's summer COVID cases slowly ticking up

COVID-19 cases are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising again nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/14/us-covid-hospitalizations-have-begun-to-rise-again" data-vars-content-id="10558897-8a93-4097-948a-5500962a9e98" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s summer COVID cases slowly ticking up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/14/us-covid-hospitalizations-have-begun-to-rise-again" target="_self">rising again nationwide</a>, and Chicago is no exception.By the numbers: Our laboratory-confirmed cases increased 27% from the previous week to 67 cases a day, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the city dashboard." data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" data-vars-content-id="10558897-8a93-4097-948a-5500962a9e98" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s summer COVID cases slowly ticking up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">according to the city dashboard.</a>

Chicago cellphone activity signals downtown's slow recovery

Remote and hybrid work remain strong, dealing a blow to commercial real estate owners and downtown restaurants and shops that rely on commuters.

Chicago&#x27;s downtown activity has returned to 57% of its pre-pandemic rates, according to anonymized mobile device data <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analyzed" data-vars-click-url="http://downtownrecovery.com/dashboards/recovery_ranking.html" data-vars-content-id="569d6961-1a44-4317-8b83-c8f31179a35c" data-vars-headline="Chicago cellphone activity signals downtown&#x27;s slow recovery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://downtownrecovery.com/dashboards/recovery_ranking.html" target="_blank">analyzed</a> by University of Toronto researchers.Why it matters: Even as the pandemic ebbs, remote and hybrid work remain strong in many big cities like Chicago, dealing a blow to commercial real estate owners, as well as to downtown restaurants, bars and shops that rely on commuters.

COVID 🦠

Illinois counters CDC vaccine changes

Think you're ineligible for a COVID vaccine? Think again, Illinois

Illinois avoiding latest COVID variant surge ... for now

Our best and worst pandemic purchases

COVID cases are heating up this summer