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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.

Illinois, other states sue Trump administration over HIV cuts

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

Health

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.

From "disgusting" to delicious: Everybody Eat snacks grow

Everybody Eat's founders scaled allergen-free snacks to 1,700 Chicago-area stores.

When Trish Thomas first shared her allergen-free crackers with Nichole Wilson at a school event, her friend appreciated the gesture, but secretly thought the snacks were &quot;disgusting.&quot;Why it matters: The experience led the two Chicago entrepreneurs to team up and launch a line of cookies, crackers and pretzels that are free of most food allergens but also delicious.<ul><li>Called<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Every Body Eat" data-vars-click-url="https://everybodyeating.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoppbpyjcJLCREh8R8oVLCcYs2aG1DLafCI2zeDiVBV_Pn8Zl2cs" data-vars-content-id="2f1a5246-ec56-4b69-9217-ebe9ffd72a86" data-vars-headline="From &quot;disgusting&quot; to delicious: Everybody Eat snacks grow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://everybodyeating.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoppbpyjcJLCREh8R8oVLCcYs2aG1DLafCI2zeDiVBV_Pn8Zl2cs" target="_blank"> Every Body Eat</a>, the snack line launched in 2020 and has now reached 1,700 Chicago-area stores, including Mariano&#x27;s, Jewel and Whole Foods.</li></ul>

Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water

Chicago tests the same number of households as Elgin despite being 27 times the size.

Environment

Elgin officials recently found <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high levels of lead" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/21/high-lead-levels-chicago-home-water" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/21/high-lead-levels-chicago-home-water" target="_self">high levels of lead</a> in the water of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="70% of the homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dailyherald.com/20260114/news/elgin-again-issues-alert-after-drinking-water-samples-exceed-allowable-lead-levels-during-test/" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dailyherald.com/20260114/news/elgin-again-issues-alert-after-drinking-water-samples-exceed-allowable-lead-levels-during-test/" target="_blank">70% of the homes</a> they tested, prompting the western suburb to give filters to residents whose homes are connected to lead lines.Why it matters: Elgin found these dangerous lead levels by testing 101 homes, or about 0.25% of the suburb&#x27;s households.<ul><li>Chicago tests a much smaller percentage of its homes — 0.01%. To reach Elgin&#x27;s ratio, the city would have to test about 2,800 homes every six months, not the 100 it tests today.</li><li>Elgin has an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8,094 lead lines" data-vars-click-url="https://elginil.gov/2640/Elgins-Lead-Response" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://elginil.gov/2640/Elgins-Lead-Response" target="_blank">8,094 lead lines</a>, while Chicago has more than 400,000.</li></ul>

Chicago's United Center now serving THC drinks

The stadium is the first major U.S. arena to add hemp-derived THC drinks to its event menu.

Business

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/06/bulls-blackhawks-united-center-no-cupholders-reinsdorf-wirtz" data-vars-content-id="24adc7f4-be31-48b9-bd62-f3f6f6baf074" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s United Center now serving THC drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/06/bulls-blackhawks-united-center-no-cupholders-reinsdorf-wirtz" target="_self">United Center</a> will be the first major arena in the country to offer hemp-derived THC drinks at concerts and events.Driving the news: Chicago-based brands Señorita and Rythm announced Tuesday that they have entered into a multiyear deal with the United Center to add hemp-derived THC drinks to the menu.

Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law

Illinois may lose federal funds after HHS said its abortion counseling law violates conscience rules.

In what&#x27;s become a regular occurrence, the Trump administration has once again <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="threatened to cut federal funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/trump-administration-freezes-child-care-funding-in-illinois" data-vars-content-id="88cf3e72-80f1-4359-b3c5-8a5c3d533d3e" data-vars-headline="Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/trump-administration-freezes-child-care-funding-in-illinois" target="_self">threatened to cut federal funding</a> to Illinois. This time it&#x27;s over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/01/illinois-texas-police-data-abortion-law" data-vars-content-id="88cf3e72-80f1-4359-b3c5-8a5c3d533d3e" data-vars-headline="Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/01/illinois-texas-police-data-abortion-law" target="_self">abortion access</a>.Driving the news: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent Illinois leaders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a letter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/nov-illinois.pdf" data-vars-content-id="88cf3e72-80f1-4359-b3c5-8a5c3d533d3e" data-vars-headline="Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/nov-illinois.pdf" target="_blank">a letter</a> last week alleging the state is violating federal conscience objection laws by requiring Illinois health care providers who oppose abortion over &quot;religious or moral objections&quot; to provide counseling and refer patients to a provider who does.

Chicago cold warning: How to stay safe

Bitter cold affects schools and events; warming centers, libraries open to help residents.

It&#x27;s about to be extremely cold.The big picture: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning through noon Friday. Wind chills could drop to -40F.<ul><li>The NWS says it&#x27;s putting every available resource into forecasting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potentially historic winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" data-vars-content-id="12236881-e7b6-43da-9ece-a2d44d0abf88" data-vars-headline="Chicago cold warning: How to stay safe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" target="_self">potentially historic winter storm</a> that&#x27;s wreaking havoc here and across the country.</li><li>Nearly 148 million Americans were facing winter storm watches in states spanning 2,000 miles, from New Mexico to Maine, as of Thursday afternoon.</li></ul>

What ordering an "angel shot" at a bar really means

A Chicago law now pushes broader hospitality training so staff can act when patrons order an "angel shot."

If you&#x27;ve ever heard a fellow bargoer order an &quot;angel shot,&quot; they&#x27;re not asking for a new, trendy drink. They&#x27;re asking for help.Why it matters: An &quot;angel shot&quot; is a coded order patrons can give to a bartender, server or bouncer to let them know they&#x27;re in trouble or feeling threatened while at a bar or restaurant.<ul><li>A Chicago law is aiming to make sure more hospitality workers know what it means.</li></ul>

Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city

Chicagoans prioritize sleep and relationships, helping health ranking.

The home of deep dish and the Chicago dog is actually quite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="healthy " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/health" data-vars-content-id="d90dc873-c113-4a4b-a8cf-470b30820808" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/health" target="_self">healthy </a>compared to other large cities, cracking the top 10.Why it matters: The study from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mindbody" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/top-10-healthiest-cities-united-states-2026" data-vars-content-id="d90dc873-c113-4a4b-a8cf-470b30820808" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/top-10-healthiest-cities-united-states-2026" target="_blank">Mindbody</a>, a fitness, beauty and wellness company, ranked the most populous cities in the U.S. to help determine where residents were prioritizing health and finding balance, factors that can affect overall happiness.

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>

Sugary and processed foods remain at CPS

Many CPS meals include more added sugar than experts recommend in a day.

Food and Drink

Some meals on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Public Schools menus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2021/10/28/mystery-of-the-disappearing-lentils-at-cps" data-vars-content-id="09dcaf94-0b7d-4de3-ac0b-7ed8ea8e72de" data-vars-headline="Sugary and processed foods remain at CPS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2021/10/28/mystery-of-the-disappearing-lentils-at-cps" target="_self">Chicago Public Schools menus</a> — full of processed foods and sweetened milk — deliver more sugar than the American Heart Association&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recommended limit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars" data-vars-content-id="09dcaf94-0b7d-4de3-ac0b-7ed8ea8e72de" data-vars-headline="Sugary and processed foods remain at CPS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars" target="_blank">recommended limit</a> for an entire day, an Axios analysis finds.Why it matters: CPS students experience <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high levels of overweight and obesity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/CDPH/Childhood%20Overweight%20Data%20Brief%2012.2020.pdf" data-vars-content-id="09dcaf94-0b7d-4de3-ac0b-7ed8ea8e72de" data-vars-headline="Sugary and processed foods remain at CPS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/CDPH/Childhood%20Overweight%20Data%20Brief%2012.2020.pdf" target="_blank">high levels of overweight and obesity</a> — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="46% of sixth graders and 43% of ninth graders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/CDPH/Childhood%20Overweight%20Data%20Brief%2012.2020.pdf" data-vars-content-id="09dcaf94-0b7d-4de3-ac0b-7ed8ea8e72de" data-vars-headline="Sugary and processed foods remain at CPS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/CDPH/Childhood%20Overweight%20Data%20Brief%2012.2020.pdf" target="_blank">46% of sixth graders and 43% of ninth graders</a> were either overweight or obese in 2018 (the district&#x27;s most recent analysis) — and sugary foods play a significant role.

Health 🩺

Illinois, other states sue Trump administration over HIV cuts

From "disgusting" to delicious: Everybody Eat snacks grow

Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water

Chicago's United Center now serving THC drinks

Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law