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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.

Illinois lawmakers push back on Chicago Bears' Indiana stadium plan

IL Gov. JB Pritzker said he was surprised by the Bears' announcement Thursday.

The Chicago Bears publicly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expressed interest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="3a84913f-bfe2-4c85-80a7-9d7f3f7a59a4" data-vars-headline="Illinois lawmakers push back on Chicago Bears&#x27; Indiana stadium plan" 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">expressed interest</a> in building a new stadium in Hammond, after Indiana lawmakers moved forward on a bill to lure them across the border.Why it matters: The &quot;Pride and Joy of Illinois&quot; could play football in a different state.

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.

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Chicago this weekend

From dances to dumpling classes, here's where to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse in Chicago.

Culture

Mark the Year of the Fire Horse with art, music and food this Lunar New Year. Here are a few ways to celebrate in Chicago this weekend.

2026 Illinois primary election voter guide

From congressional candidates to county races, Axios Chicago has the breakdown.

Politics

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.

Crowded GOP field targets Gov. JB Pritzker

The Republican primary candidates are squaring off to challenge the incumbent Democrat in November.

The gubernatorial primary features a crowded field of Republicans running for the opportunity to unseat incumbent Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. JB Pritzker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/24/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-reelection-president-2028" data-vars-content-id="ec89aec0-7159-4617-9bb1-fd590b021d40" data-vars-headline="Crowded GOP field targets Gov. JB Pritzker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/24/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-reelection-president-2028" target="_self">Gov. JB Pritzker</a>.Why it matters: The Illinois GOP hasn&#x27;t won the governor&#x27;s mansion since Bruce Rauner in 2015 and doesn&#x27;t control a single statewide office.

Illinois' 9th District: What to know about the primary

There are 15 candidates running for the Democratic spot and four Republicans.

Even before 14-term Congresswoman <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/jan-schakowsky-retiring-illinois-kat-abughazaleh" data-vars-content-id="31467f0d-70b6-4a95-9211-3265ff3db555" data-vars-headline="Illinois&#x27; 9th District: What to know about the primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/jan-schakowsky-retiring-illinois-kat-abughazaleh" target="_self">Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement</a> last April, her replacements started to line up. And they kept coming. State of play: Fifteen candidates are running in the Democratic primary, and four are vying for the Republican nomination.

Property tax politics play out in the Cook County assessor's race

The Democratic primary is expected to be a tight race.

The Democratic primary for Cook County Assessor may be the nastiest of the cycle, with an incumbent&#x27;s track record versus a challenger&#x27;s notorious surname.The big picture: Fritz Kaegi is running for his third term heading up the office that determines how much money you pay in property taxes.

Illinois 7th District draws old and new names

Contest draws candidates from longtime politicos and aides to a doctor and developer.

Since 1997, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Danny Davis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/30/danny-davis-retire-democrats-chicago-illinois" data-vars-content-id="1734a01e-680d-412d-967b-6bd4f28b72ea" data-vars-headline="Illinois 7th District draws old and new names" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/30/danny-davis-retire-democrats-chicago-illinois" target="_self">Rep. Danny Davis</a> has represented this strongly Democratic district that spans from downtown through the West Side and into the western suburbs, including Oak Park and Hillside.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a look at frontrunners — all Democrats — among 13 candidates looking to replace Davis, who is retiring: </li></ul>

Preckwinkle, Reilly offer competing visions for Cook County

The March primary will likely determine who is the next Cook County Board president.

Incumbent Toni Preckwinkle is seeking her fifth term as the leader of Cook County.The longtime politician, who once served in the city council, has steered the largest county in Illinois through COVID-19, criminal justice reform and budget issues since 2010.

Robin Kelly's Senate run fuels crowded primary in Chicago's 2nd District

The Democrats square off to represent the South Side of Chicago in Congress.

Chicago&#x27;s storied 2nd Congressional District has some familiar Democrats vying for the open seat. The big picture: Rep. Robin Kelly is leaving her post to run for the Senate, and her predecessor, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jesse Jackson Jr." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/jesse-jackson-jr-comeback-bid-congress-illinois" data-vars-content-id="3dc9751f-29b4-445a-9147-9572b30b752d" data-vars-headline="Robin Kelly&#x27;s Senate run fuels crowded primary in Chicago&#x27;s 2nd District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/jesse-jackson-jr-comeback-bid-congress-illinois" target="_self">Jesse Jackson Jr.</a>, is hoping to reclaim his seat. <ul><li>Jackson Jr. was forced from his 2nd district seat after being convicted of campaign fraud in 2013 and spent over two years in federal prison. </li></ul>

Republicans challenge Illinois voter rolls

President Trump has said he wants Republicans to nationalize elections in at least 15 states.

Election

Three Republican lawmakers want Illinois to turn over voter rolls to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investigate potential fraud" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/23/supreme-court-bost-mail-in-ballot-election-lawsuit-candidate-standing" data-vars-content-id="bdf0c5e6-2aba-45c7-bf69-0a3932f90e1f" data-vars-headline="Republicans challenge Illinois voter rolls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/23/supreme-court-bost-mail-in-ballot-election-lawsuit-candidate-standing" target="_self">investigate potential fraud</a>.The latest: In a letter to the Illinois Board of Elections, Republican Reps. Mary Miller (R-15), Mike Bost (R-12) and Darin LaHood (R-16) question the accuracy of the state&#x27;s voter rolls and accuse the state of not complying with the National Voter Registration Act.<ul><li>A spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Elections says the board has until Feb. 12 to respond.</li></ul>

Chicago alders pass budget without head tax

Plan lops off the head tax, but mayor could still veto it.

The Chicago City Council voted 30-18 to pass a historic alder-driven budget during a rare Saturday meeting. But Mayor Brandon Johnson could still veto it.Why it matters: If supporters of the passed budget are correct, the plan could protect the city&#x27;s precarious credit rating while keeping and attracting big local employers who were facing a monthly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$33 head tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/10/alders-push-back-on-mayors-new-head-tax-proposal" data-vars-content-id="78da3eb5-5cdf-4195-b4c4-2a8d932797ac" data-vars-headline="Chicago alders pass budget without head tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/10/alders-push-back-on-mayors-new-head-tax-proposal" target="_self">$33 head tax</a> as part of Johnson&#x27;s proposal.<ul><li>The move also illustrates a significant power shift in City Hall where decades of Chicago mayors have traditionally watched their preferred budgets sail through the council.</li></ul>

Chicago City Council eyes video gambling vote

The push comes as local officials scramble to fill a $1.1 billion budget hole.

Business

After passing out of committee last week, a measure to allow video gambling in Chicago could come up for a full City Council vote as early as Thursday.Why it matters: For years, Chicago lawmakers have banned the kind of video gambling terminals you see in suburban bars and diners from entering city limits.<ul><li>But increasing desperation to plug the upcoming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.1 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/11/five-paths-to-shrinking-chicagos-deficit" data-vars-content-id="2eb2674c-a475-40ee-a158-3b1eee52937a" data-vars-headline="Chicago City Council eyes video gambling vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/11/five-paths-to-shrinking-chicagos-deficit" target="_self">$1.1 billion</a> city budget gap appears to be weakening their resolve.</li></ul>

Election 🗳️

2026 Illinois primary election voter guide

Crowded GOP field targets Gov. JB Pritzker

Illinois' 9th District: What to know about the primary

Property tax politics play out in the Cook County assessor's race

Illinois 7th District draws old and new names