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Fox 32 Chicago's talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck's departure

The Chicago product is moving on from anchoring the Fox 32 newscast.

News

Fox 32&#x27;s top news anchor, Dawn Hasbrouck, has left Fox 32 after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 17 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/10/23/tom-skilling-news-anchors-talent?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_chicago&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/10/23/tom-skilling-news-anchors-talent?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_chicago&amp;stream=top" target="_self">nearly 17 years</a>. Why it matters: Hasbrouck signed off late last week as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="colleagues showered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-rgjigwnp60959atb?link_source=ta_first_comment&amp;taid=6a4491f4ad50b40001f1728e&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawS44v5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtS0lmZkx2Vks0b0FXSUFtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn206hgddY52zAuOdaoUr_QFGz9Mneh-DiiAqyYBRPBcg4fNIWJK2cr2Twwt_aem_caObK1836hXGIMj0UJGTLA" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-rgjigwnp60959atb?link_source=ta_first_comment&amp;taid=6a4491f4ad50b40001f1728e&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawS44v5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtS0lmZkx2Vks0b0FXSUFtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn206hgddY52zAuOdaoUr_QFGz9Mneh-DiiAqyYBRPBcg4fNIWJK2cr2Twwt_aem_caObK1836hXGIMj0UJGTLA" target="_blank">colleagues showered</a> her with compliments on air. <ul><li>The Chicago native was only the second female ever to lead the station&#x27;s 9pm news. </li></ul>Context: Hasbrouck is the latest personality to depart Fox 32 this year, joining sports anchor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lou Canellis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/26/lou-cannelis-fox-32-nbc-5-sports-bears-bulls" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/26/lou-cannelis-fox-32-nbc-5-sports-bears-bulls" target="_self">Lou Canellis</a>, political reporter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paris Schutz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/fox-32-political-reporter-paris-schutz-is-leaving" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/27/fox-32-political-reporter-paris-schutz-is-leaving" target="_self">Paris Schutz</a>, and longtime anchor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sylvia Perez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/15/sylvia-perez-leaving-fox-32-40-years-chicago-television-news" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/15/sylvia-perez-leaving-fox-32-40-years-chicago-television-news" target="_self">Sylvia Perez</a>. <ul><li>Morning anchor Roseanne Tellez and Hasbrouck&#x27;s former 9pm co-anchor, Scott Schneider, were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fired in the spring" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/fox-32-chicago-fires-anchor-scott-schneider-executive-producer-marissa-rubino-sean-oheir-lou-canellis-roseanne-tellez" data-vars-content-id="14bebbfa-947b-4b68-ad0c-c62a71bcbd4d" data-vars-headline="Fox 32 Chicago&#x27;s talent exodus continues with Dawn Hasbrouck&#x27;s departure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/fox-32-chicago-fires-anchor-scott-schneider-executive-producer-marissa-rubino-sean-oheir-lou-canellis-roseanne-tellez" target="_blank">fired in the spring</a>. </li></ul>

Suburbs pay less than Chicago for lead line removal

Chicago officials are mum, but experts say permits and "contractor-friendliness" play a role.

Public Safety

Nearby suburbs — including Evanston, Elgin and Riverside — pay less than half of what Chicago does for lead service line removal despite having access to the same local contractors to remove them, an Axios analysis finds.Why it matters: While some federal funding goes to lead line removal, Chicagoans will shoulder much of the estimated $12 billion cost of removing our record <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400,000 toxic lines over the next two decades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="5ff5f67e-36a2-41ad-8194-c719777418e1" data-vars-headline="Suburbs pay less than Chicago for lead line removal" 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 over the next two decades</a>.

Sotheby's selling rare Virgil Abloh prints to fund scholarship

Four signed prints from Abloh's UW collaboration will fund scholarships at his alma mater after auction.

Culture

Proceeds from the sale of limited-edition prints will benefit a scholarship at the late artist and designer Virgil Abloh&#x27;s alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison.The big picture: Considered by some as one of the most influential young designers of the 21st century, Abloh often credited his time at UW for shaping his creative side.<ul><li>The sale aims to do the same for future students, with proceeds benefiting the Virgil Abloh Scholarship Fund at the university. </li></ul>

Chicago celebrity quiz: Which stars are from Chicago?

Can you spot the celeb with Chicago roots?

History

Chicago life expectancy reaches new high

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

Health

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.

Things to Do

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.

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.

Illinois bill targets privacy for abortion care records

Legislators expect the bill to go to committee next week.

As many states have criminalized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/abortion-pill-restrictions-supreme-court-fda" data-vars-content-id="20ac9599-2f43-4d66-a64c-5676cc4017d6" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets privacy for abortion care records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/abortion-pill-restrictions-supreme-court-fda" target="_self">abortion </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gender affirming care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/11/northwestern-transgender-care-settlement-title-ix" data-vars-content-id="20ac9599-2f43-4d66-a64c-5676cc4017d6" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets privacy for abortion care records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/11/northwestern-transgender-care-settlement-title-ix" target="_self">gender affirming care</a>, a bill in the Illinois General Assembly seeks to protect patient privacy.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nearly a quarter of all patients " data-vars-click-url="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/full-year-estimates-show-overall-stability-abortion-incidence-decreased-travel-increased-telehealth-provision?emci=d39742e7-cf2d-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&amp;emdi=5ef0ef7b-d62d-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&amp;ceid=2088283" data-vars-content-id="20ac9599-2f43-4d66-a64c-5676cc4017d6" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets privacy for abortion care records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.guttmacher.org/report/full-year-estimates-show-overall-stability-abortion-incidence-decreased-travel-increased-telehealth-provision?emci=d39742e7-cf2d-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&amp;emdi=5ef0ef7b-d62d-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&amp;ceid=2088283" target="_blank">Nearly a quarter of all patients </a>who traveled out of state for abortions in 2025 received the care in Illinois.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&amp;DocNum=5295&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=167022&amp;SessionID=114" data-vars-content-id="20ac9599-2f43-4d66-a64c-5676cc4017d6" data-vars-headline="Illinois bill targets privacy for abortion care records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&amp;DocNum=5295&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=167022&amp;SessionID=114" target="_blank">proposed legislation</a> would allow patients in Illinois and other states to keep medical records about abortion care separate from other medical information unless the patient chooses to share it with a health care provider.</li></ul>

JB Pritzker questions CDC preparedness after hantavirus outbreak

The rumored 2028 Democratic presidential candidate takes aim at the CDC.

Gov. JB Pritzker is questioning the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC&#x27;s preparedness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/hantavirus-response-cdc-questioned" data-vars-content-id="408ccc29-5560-4ff6-b556-56f06bbfef07" data-vars-headline="JB Pritzker questions CDC preparedness after hantavirus outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/hantavirus-response-cdc-questioned" target="_self">CDC&#x27;s preparedness</a> after a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship led to the quarantine of American passengers.The latest: At least 11 hantavirus cases tied to the cruise ship had been confirmed as of Tuesday, though officials say additional cases are possible as testing continues. <ul><li>18 Americans are being quarantined in Nebraska and Georgia. </li><li>The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday afternoon that it is investigating a possible hantavirus case in Winnebago County. Officials said the case is not related to the cruise ship outbreak.</li></ul>Why it matters: While experts say hantavirus is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unlikely to become another COVID-style threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="408ccc29-5560-4ff6-b556-56f06bbfef07" data-vars-headline="JB Pritzker questions CDC preparedness after hantavirus outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" target="_self">unlikely to become another COVID-style threat</a>, the response is reviving debates about federal coordination, transparency and pandemic readiness.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;The State of Illinois maintains serious concerns about the federal government&#x27;s capacity to support international and domestic public health preparedness,&quot; Pritzker&#x27;s office said in a statement Monday. <ul><li>&quot;At this time, there is no reason to believe there are passengers from the MV Hondius located in Illinois. However, after many days of uncertainty, the federal government still has key questions to answer.&quot;</li></ul>Friction point: Pritzker&#x27;s office went on to lob rhetorical questions at the Trump administration, including why the federal government hadn&#x27;t provided states with full passenger manifests from the cruise and whether Illinois residents had been exposed to hantavirus.<ul><li>Pritzker also asked about how DOGE cuts at the CDC have affected global migration and quarantine operations and how the federal government is sharing information after its withdrawal from the World Health Organization. </li></ul>Reality check: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/acting-cdc-director-hantavirus-very-different-than-covid-defends-agency-response/" data-vars-content-id="408ccc29-5560-4ff6-b556-56f06bbfef07" data-vars-headline="JB Pritzker questions CDC preparedness after hantavirus outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/acting-cdc-director-hantavirus-very-different-than-covid-defends-agency-response/" target="_blank">CDC</a> and most infectious disease experts have assured people that the hantavirus outbreak is not cause for alarm and is very different from the early days of COVID-19, which led to a pandemic. <ul><li>&quot;The hantavirus outbreak will likely be quite limited, as many experts are predicting,&quot; Northwestern University&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Robert Murphy" data-vars-click-url="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2B9x8A0pvk3kHhSnIgM2xSzhy22gspnxxfCvqu5DXVF8ppVR15g79FfaZiwQHofkw-2Ff-2FWay3kG6-2B1PNuPP2FzmZ2PiOvppkvgFx8lOzstws05ut4_VL3Qt6TTLFvzrOhANJ8GlXp04nrdRS9E01P7vBuE8rT1lKCOC-2FsG2MrtVEJO-2B81Qd19O-2B2zFufg1toozd-2BWQKzccbUqm9-2F6k-2BLMt60jgQjYxlFRK6G9Gv4qnGxTkyt-2BWoBma9RdNJ-2BecwjtiUes6qamioQMI14oO4kay2GjecTQqA2UVfiXjmw5vZTYeewTwaJpe8rJ-2BNLOHaIf0-2BpviEtoKQcR4lScVSX3Zdhgul3veYbK6ZhWp8Q-2B1INdcRQQxGy-2BOhP2GEl4ABKhow-2BtXm-2FRLU7pO9llhQCc5PVn4LS7Ut8nOX80wx72N7Yz7AnRrwXksdPVyscF7rW5oi-2BE3jQ-3D-3D" data-vars-content-id="408ccc29-5560-4ff6-b556-56f06bbfef07" data-vars-headline="JB Pritzker questions CDC preparedness after hantavirus outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2B9x8A0pvk3kHhSnIgM2xSzhy22gspnxxfCvqu5DXVF8ppVR15g79FfaZiwQHofkw-2Ff-2FWay3kG6-2B1PNuPP2FzmZ2PiOvppkvgFx8lOzstws05ut4_VL3Qt6TTLFvzrOhANJ8GlXp04nrdRS9E01P7vBuE8rT1lKCOC-2FsG2MrtVEJO-2B81Qd19O-2B2zFufg1toozd-2BWQKzccbUqm9-2F6k-2BLMt60jgQjYxlFRK6G9Gv4qnGxTkyt-2BWoBma9RdNJ-2BecwjtiUes6qamioQMI14oO4kay2GjecTQqA2UVfiXjmw5vZTYeewTwaJpe8rJ-2BNLOHaIf0-2BpviEtoKQcR4lScVSX3Zdhgul3veYbK6ZhWp8Q-2B1INdcRQQxGy-2BOhP2GEl4ABKhow-2BtXm-2FRLU7pO9llhQCc5PVn4LS7Ut8nOX80wx72N7Yz7AnRrwXksdPVyscF7rW5oi-2BE3jQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Robert Murphy</a> tells Axios.</li></ul>Yes, but: &quot;The problem is that the response so far has been slow and uncoordinated,&quot; Murphy adds. &quot;We have apparently learned nothing from the COVID-19 pandemic: Could the virus mutate to something more infectious? Yes.&quot; <ul><li>&quot;One thing is for sure: We are not prepared.&quot;</li></ul>Zoom out: During the early days of the COVID pandemic, Pritzker and the IDPH earned high marks for communicating to residents about infection numbers, threats and safety measures through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="daily press conferences" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/05/29/pritzker-ends-daily-coronavirus-briefings/" data-vars-content-id="408ccc29-5560-4ff6-b556-56f06bbfef07" data-vars-headline="JB Pritzker questions CDC preparedness after hantavirus outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/05/29/pritzker-ends-daily-coronavirus-briefings/" target="_blank">daily press conferences</a>. The bottom line: Even if the hantavirus outbreak remains contained, the episode is giving Democratic governors an opening to challenge the Trump administration&#x27;s public health preparedness and transparency. Editor&#x27;s note: This story was updated to reflect the latest hantavirus in Winnebago County.

Axios reporter tries to tumble to her youth

After a near defeat, Monica tries to recapture the tricks of her youth and nails it.

<figure><img alt="Gymnastics gym scene with a balance beam in the foreground; a coach kneels on the beam while a student and others stand nearby. Bright mats, blue walls, and international flags along the back." height="711" id="efc38b85-5fd5-46c2-bac4-c7f554187c8e" src="https://images.axios.com/l2SqjeGThSOzWCYLk4npYLy2Wl0=/2026/04/30/1777567544870.gif" width="1280"/><figcaption>GIF: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>This week, I attended my fourth and final adult gymnastics class in a month-long quest to regain my teenage roundoff back handspring (flip-flop) before I hit 57 next month.Why it matters: It doesn&#x27;t really — except to the fragile ego of a certain middle-aged Axios Chicago reporter.

CVS opens new type of store in Chicago

The smaller store offers bilingual staff and walkable access for largely Spanish-speaking area.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CVS Pharmacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/cvs-stores-pharmacies-drugs-retail" data-vars-content-id="1874c13d-d9f5-4e75-856c-4d81929ee549" data-vars-headline="CVS opens new type of store in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/cvs-stores-pharmacies-drugs-retail" target="_self">CVS Pharmacy</a> is launching a new type of store and the first one is in Chicago&#x27;s Brighton Park neighborhood.Why it matters: The drugstore giant&#x27;s new pharmacy-only stores are meant to be more accessible and staffed and stocked with what the community needs.

Chicago's "Lights Out" push could save thousands of birds

Thousands of birds die each spring in Chicago — but simple steps like turning off lights can help.

Environment

Chicago doesn&#x27;t have to become a graveyard for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="migratory birds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" data-vars-content-id="f4f0ce32-e0ea-4ef1-9da0-14056fc348c2" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s &quot;Lights Out&quot; push could save thousands of birds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" target="_self">migratory birds</a> every spring. There&#x27;s a simple solution to save these seasonal visitors.The big picture: Chicago&#x27;s Lights Out Campaign encourages buildings 40 floors and higher to turn off their lights from 11pm until sunrise. <ul><li>The lights throw off the birds&#x27; navigation, leading them to swarm and die from exhaustion or slam into the buildings. </li></ul>

Illinois, other states sue Trump administration over HIV cuts

Illinois and three other states sue Trump administration over CDC cuts.

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Thursday in Illinois&#x27; lawsuit against the Trump administration over $600 million in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cuts to HIV prevention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/26/gop-medicaid-cuts-hiv-aids-impact" data-vars-content-id="0638eba3-b0b7-4d96-9680-b0804f70d618" data-vars-headline="Illinois, other states sue Trump administration over HIV cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/26/gop-medicaid-cuts-hiv-aids-impact" target="_self">cuts to HIV prevention</a> and other public health programs.

Chicago's life expectancy progress 1970-2024

Data: Chicago Department of Public Health; Chart: Monica Eng/Axios

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Health 🩺

Chicago life expectancy reaches new high

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