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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.

Trump's Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight

Is Illinois getting the shaft on federal storm aid due to politics?

Climate

President Trump&#x27;s rapid emergency declaration for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storm-ravaged Indiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/17/indiana-launches-emergency-assistance-housing-vouchers-for-flood-victims" data-vars-content-id="5db2749c-7612-4556-901a-5f0771ddb6f5" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/17/indiana-launches-emergency-assistance-housing-vouchers-for-flood-victims" target="_self">storm-ravaged Indiana</a> is renewing Democratic concerns about partisanship in federal disaster aid.Why it matters: Thousands of Illinoisans are dealing with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="damaged or lost property" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/12/illinois-derecho-tornado-indiana-south-suburbs-trees-power-flooding" data-vars-content-id="5db2749c-7612-4556-901a-5f0771ddb6f5" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Indiana storm declaration puts Illinois FEMA aid in spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/12/illinois-derecho-tornado-indiana-south-suburbs-trees-power-flooding" target="_self">damaged or lost property</a> from the same derecho that produced eight tornadoes, power outages and flooding on both sides of the state line.

New Chicago murals honor Caleb Williams, Stacey King and John Prine

The murals honor two Chicago legends and one trying to cement his legacy in real time.

Things to Do

Three new murals have sprung up in Chicago recently, celebrating two legends — and one young star building his legacy in real time. Why it matters: Chicago has long turned blank walls into tributes to icons.

New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales

Sellers may need to pay closer attention to their building's finances, reserves and repair plans.

Real Estate

Some condo owners could find it harder to sell their units under tougher new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/12/trump-fannie-mae-freddie-mac" data-vars-content-id="f46acb3f-6acf-44d1-a5e1-cc21e59ab058" data-vars-headline="New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/12/trump-fannie-mae-freddie-mac" target="_self">Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac </a>lending standards.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The rules" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/bulletin/2026-C" data-vars-content-id="f46acb3f-6acf-44d1-a5e1-cc21e59ab058" data-vars-headline="New rules could complicate Chicago condo sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/bulletin/2026-C" target="_blank">The rules</a> put new pressure on condo associations to stay on top of repairs and financial reserves, making sellers more dependent on the building&#x27;s overall appeal — not just their condo&#x27;s — to sell.

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.

Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges

Axios has been asking officials for a month and still has no answers

Chicago pays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="twice to three times as much" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/07/burbs-pay-less-than-chicago-for-lead-line-removal" data-vars-content-id="6bab1a8d-21fd-4524-b674-2d1830a890ac" data-vars-headline="Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/07/burbs-pay-less-than-chicago-for-lead-line-removal" target="_self">twice to three times as much</a> as nearby suburbs to remove lead water lines, and after a month of questions, officials have not identified to Axios any concrete plans to reduce those charges.Why it matters: At Chicago&#x27;s current rate — $33,784 per line — the city will pay $12 billion to replace its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400,000 toxic lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="6bab1a8d-21fd-4524-b674-2d1830a890ac" data-vars-headline="Chicago has no plan to reduce lead removal charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" target="_self">400,000 toxic lines</a> over the next two decades, and taxpayers will shoulder much of the cost.

Coffee may help your heart, American Heart Association says

An American Heart Association review says up to five cups of black coffee may support heart health.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/17/coffee-cafes-2025-bad-owl-oud-overflow-discourse-dialtone-magnifico" data-vars-content-id="b92773c6-cf07-431c-a17b-300e08391853" data-vars-headline="Coffee may help your heart, American Heart Association says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/17/coffee-cafes-2025-bad-owl-oud-overflow-discourse-dialtone-magnifico" target="_self">Coffee</a> lovers rejoice. The American Heart Association says that extra cup may actually help your heart.Why it matters: Studies have found that caffeine is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world&#x27;s most popular stimulant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/" data-vars-content-id="b92773c6-cf07-431c-a17b-300e08391853" data-vars-headline="Coffee may help your heart, American Heart Association says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/" target="_blank">world&#x27;s most popular stimulant</a>, and coffee is how most people enjoy it. A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new scientific statement " data-vars-click-url="http://newsroom.heart.org/news/coffee-and-heart-health-how-many-cups-of-caffeinated-coffee-are-safe-to-drink-each-day" data-vars-content-id="b92773c6-cf07-431c-a17b-300e08391853" data-vars-headline="Coffee may help your heart, American Heart Association says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://newsroom.heart.org/news/coffee-and-heart-health-how-many-cups-of-caffeinated-coffee-are-safe-to-drink-each-day" target="_blank">new scientific statement </a>from the AHA says up to five cups of coffee could be healthy.

Chicagoans rethink leafy greens amid outbreak

Axios Chicago asked readers how they're responding to the Cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Raw leafy greens are off the table for many Chicagoans as the country deals with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" data-vars-content-id="66521808-ea5d-47c6-82f5-269974471337" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans rethink leafy greens amid outbreak" 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">Cyclosporiasis outbreak</a>. Why it matters: An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Chicago poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/cyclospora-outbreak-fda-taylor-farms-lettuce-summer-illinois-vegetables" data-vars-content-id="66521808-ea5d-47c6-82f5-269974471337" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans rethink leafy greens amid outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/07/21/cyclospora-outbreak-fda-taylor-farms-lettuce-summer-illinois-vegetables" target="_self">Axios Chicago poll</a> found that nearly half of respondents are avoiding lettuce while public health officials investigate.

Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?

Let us know if your eating habits have changed due to the outbreak.

Some Americans are shifting their eating habits to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="avoid lettuce" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" data-vars-content-id="34fa6970-9881-4a2d-ae3a-7347128752ef" data-vars-headline="Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?" 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">avoid lettuce</a> and other uncooked vegetables due to the current Cyclospora outbreak. Why it matters: Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, and the FDA continues to focus on it as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="likely source" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/fda-cyclospora-taylor-farms-lettuce-false-positive" data-vars-content-id="34fa6970-9881-4a2d-ae3a-7347128752ef" data-vars-headline="Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/fda-cyclospora-taylor-farms-lettuce-false-positive" target="_self">likely source</a> of the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history.

How to make a "clean room" during wildfire season

Choose a room with an air filter and adjacent bathroom but no cooking.

In this<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" second consecutive summer of dangerous wildfire smoke, " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/06/chicago-air-quality-canadian-wildfire-smoke-explained" data-vars-content-id="70c9fba9-69e5-4322-8942-8c69d8729a60" data-vars-headline="How to make a &quot;clean room&quot; during wildfire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/06/chicago-air-quality-canadian-wildfire-smoke-explained" target="_self"> second consecutive summer of dangerous wildfire smoke, </a>you may already know to wear a mask, reduce outdoor exposure and check <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AQI levels," data-vars-click-url="https://www.iqair.com/air-quality-map/usa/illinois/chicago" data-vars-content-id="70c9fba9-69e5-4322-8942-8c69d8729a60" data-vars-headline="How to make a &quot;clean room&quot; during wildfire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iqair.com/air-quality-map/usa/illinois/chicago" target="_blank">AQI levels,</a> but do you know how to create a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;clean room&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/create-clean-room-protect-indoor-air-quality-during-wildfire#what" data-vars-content-id="70c9fba9-69e5-4322-8942-8c69d8729a60" data-vars-headline="How to make a &quot;clean room&quot; during wildfire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/create-clean-room-protect-indoor-air-quality-during-wildfire#what" target="_blank">&quot;clean room&quot;</a> in your house?Why it matters: Even fairly well-sealed homes can end up with dirty air during these times of &quot;unhealthy&quot; to &quot;very unhealthy&quot; air quality levels, which may dissipate this weekend but are expected to spike again next week.<ul><li>Clean rooms can create a haven in your home with better air for all during periods of heightened risk. </li></ul>

Chicago life expectancy reaches new high

The city exceeds the national average, but racial gaps still remain.

Chicago&#x27;s life expectancy hit its highest recorded level in 2024 with the strongest gains among Black Chicagoans, according to new data from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).Why it matters: Life expectancy rates can offer a broad picture of how well a city is serving its people in the areas of economics, public safety and public health.<div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-18-1034-chicago-residents-life-UD5GP" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-18-1034-chicago-residents-life-UD5GP" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-18-1034-chicago-residents-life/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A heat table that shows Chicago life expectancy by race from 2010 to 2024. Asian residents remain highest, at 86.7 years in 2010 and 86.9 in 2024. Black residents remain lowest, at 72.7 in 2010 and 73.3 in 2024. All groups fell in 2020, then recovered by 2024." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-18-1034-chicago-residents-life/fallbacks/2026-06-18-1034-chicago-residents-life-fallback.png" width="1200" height="422"/><img alt="A heat table that shows Chicago life expectancy by race from 2010 to 2024. Asian residents remain highest, at 86.7 years in 2010 and 86.9 in 2024. Black residents remain lowest, at 72.7 in 2010 and 73.3 in 2024. All groups fell in 2020, then recovered by 2024." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-18-1034-chicago-residents-life/fallbacks/2026-06-18-1034-chicago-residents-life-apple.png" width="750" height="468"/></div><figcaption>Note: Chicago Department of Public Health; Table: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>Super stat: Between 2023 and 2024, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="11-year life expectancy gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/24/chicago-life-expectancy-gap" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/24/chicago-life-expectancy-gap" target="_self">11-year life expectancy gap</a> between Black Chicagoans and their non-Black peers closed to 6.3.<ul><li>While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black men still have the lowest life expectancy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/17/chicago-life-expectancy-racial-gaps-persist" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/17/chicago-life-expectancy-racial-gaps-persist" target="_self">Black men still have the lowest life expectancy</a> of any demographic in the city, they saw the biggest advances between 2023 and 2024, gaining 2.2 years to reach 68.1 years.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;This is something that&#x27;s incredibly important to me as someone who lost my brother because of an addiction,&quot; Mayor Brandon Johnson tells Axios.<ul><li> &quot;The lives that we are saving, the investments that we&#x27;re making are critical to sustaining life here.&quot;</li></ul>Of note: Whites, Latinos and Asians saw small to modest gains between 2023 and 2024. Asians far outpaced other races with a life expectancy of nearly 87 years.Context: Like many places across the world, Chicago&#x27;s life expectancy fell during the COVID pandemic. But by 2024, the city rebounded to surpass pre-pandemic levels, now exceeding the national average of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="79 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db548.htm" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db548.htm" target="_blank">79 years</a>.Between the lines: These record-setting rates emerged during the tenure of Chicago health commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige, who took over the role in late 2023 and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abruptly resigned last month" data-vars-click-url="https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-department-public-health-commissioner-dr-olusimbo-simbo-ige-resigns-mayor-brandon-johnsons-office-says/19153303/" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-department-public-health-commissioner-dr-olusimbo-simbo-ige-resigns-mayor-brandon-johnsons-office-says/19153303/" target="_blank">abruptly resigned last month</a>. Johnson says his administration is interviewing candidates but has no date for a replacement.Zoom in: The improvements came largely from progress in three major drivers of death:<ul><li>Opioid overdoses</li><li>Homicides</li><li>Chronic disease</li></ul>Between the lines: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mirroring trends across the nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/09/china-fentanyl-crackdown-overdose-deaths" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/09/china-fentanyl-crackdown-overdose-deaths" target="_self">Mirroring trends across the nation</a>, Chicago saw a 34% decrease in opioid deaths from 1,131 to 745 between 2023 and 2024. CDPH scientists believe a few factors likely played a role:<ul><li>Greater access to the overdose reversal drug naloxone, now available at all <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Public Libraries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/narcan-available-chicago-public-libraries/" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/narcan-available-chicago-public-libraries/" target="_blank">Chicago Public Libraries</a>.</li><li>More law enforcement <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="interception of fentanyl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/13/fentanyl-pills-opioid-seizure" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/13/fentanyl-pills-opioid-seizure" target="_self">interception of fentanyl</a>.</li><li>Distribution of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fentanyl test strips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/dont-die-high.html" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/dont-die-high.html" target="_blank">fentanyl test strips</a> and harm reduction programs, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in conjunction with UIC" data-vars-click-url="https://coip.uic.edu/services/" data-vars-content-id="e0014c0f-9411-4453-ae6c-4e94656981bf" data-vars-headline="Chicago life expectancy reaches new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coip.uic.edu/services/" target="_blank">in conjunction with UIC</a>, to test for a host of new adulterants that are showing up in street drugs as more supply chains shift.</li></ul>The intrigue: As the flow of fentanyl slows, researchers are finding drugs that contain &quot;novel adulterants like metatomidine or super potent animal tranquilizer,&quot; CDPH&#x27;s Dr. Jenny Miao Hua tells Axios.<ul><li>And while these adulterated drugs may be less potent and potentially less acutely lethal, Hua says they also contain substances whose effects on humans are still not entirely clear.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: &quot;We&#x27;re going to continue calculating life expectancy to identify what cause of death categories or contributors are changing,&quot; CDPH epidemiologist Darlene Nolasco Magaña tells Axios.<ul><li>She hopes the data can help leaders direct resources to the areas of greatest need and to policies that deliver the best results.</li></ul>

Trying out Chicago's new Pilates rowformer class

We found it intense and effective, but loud and complicated.

A new fitness studio called STRONG Pilates has just docked in Chicago, combining Pilates with rowing in a high-energy, equipment-intense environment.Why it matters: Once a fitness regimen for dancers, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pilates has surged in popularity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/12/16/our-pilates-obsession" data-vars-content-id="1c8c235d-2fe4-4e80-b276-9a93ff85ace9" data-vars-headline="Trying out Chicago&#x27;s new Pilates rowformer class" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/12/16/our-pilates-obsession" target="_self">Pilates has surged in popularity</a> among the general public, spawning hybrid spinoffs that use specialized equipment and sometimes command high prices.Yes, but: Is it worth it? I recently tried one during a media preview at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Lakeview STRONG facility " data-vars-click-url="https://strongpilates.co/location/lakeview/#book" data-vars-content-id="1c8c235d-2fe4-4e80-b276-9a93ff85ace9" data-vars-headline="Trying out Chicago&#x27;s new Pilates rowformer class" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://strongpilates.co/location/lakeview/#book" target="_blank">new Lakeview STRONG facility </a>near the Music Box Theatre and came out with mixed feelings and delightfully sore muscles. The basics: The franchise started in Australia, where it&#x27;s also known as Australian Pilates.<ul><li>Classes last 45 minutes, involving a pretty complicated machine called a &quot;Rowformer,&quot; a play on the Pilates &quot;reformer&quot; machine.</li><li>Backed by loud, high-energy music, an instructor leads students through exercises on both the rowing part of the machine and sliding reformer sections that involve small, intense movements targeting specific muscles on arms, legs and hips.</li></ul>The pros: The workout is very intense, motivating and effective. Plus, STRONG offers some great introductory deals like seven classes for $59.The cons: I found the volume of the music and instruction ear-piercing. I moved to a different machine and even grabbed a pair of complimentary earplugs from the lobby, but it remained still distractingly intense.<ul><li>All the buttons, straps, knobs and bands on the machine can be complicated to manage, although I imagine repeat visitors would finally get the hang of it.</li></ul>The bottom line: I can see someone getting super fit at this gym if they can get past the intense exertion, complicated machines and super loud loud instruction.

Breaking down new Illinois e-bike, e-scooter laws

The bill standardizes the patchwork of municipal rules across the state.

Politics

State lawmakers are tackling concerns over e-bike and e-scooter safety with a new bill that addresses a wide range of so called micromobility devices.Why it matters: The measure, passed last week by the Illinois General Assembly and expected to be signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="standardizes the patchwork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/13/advocates-emotos-ebikes-legislation" data-vars-content-id="d26ceb46-1782-43ad-a594-f378a05faa8b" data-vars-headline="Breaking down new Illinois e-bike, e-scooter laws" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/13/advocates-emotos-ebikes-legislation" target="_self">standardizes the patchwork</a> of municipal rules across the state and regulates devices that, for years, fell into no-man&#x27;s-land.

How to call for mental health help in Chicago

From 911 and 988 to a new email address, each service is for a different situation.

Public Safety

Many Chicagoans have witnessed mental health emergencies, but few know exactly how to respond.Why it matters: Choosing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="right city service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/09/21/differences-911-new-988-chicago" data-vars-content-id="df4482fe-4b6b-4b45-8c99-39784dea39d2" data-vars-headline="How to call for mental health help in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/09/21/differences-911-new-988-chicago" target="_self">right city service</a> for someone in crisis can direct resources where they&#x27;re needed and boost safety for the person and the public.

Health 🩺

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