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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.

Galentine's Day events and celebrations in Chicago

From cocktail making to roller-skating, Chicago has a jam-packed Galentine's Day weekend.

Grab your girlfriends — Valentine&#x27;s Day weekend isn&#x27;t just for couples. It&#x27;s also a time to celebrate friendships with drinks, dancing and laughter!

How to celebrate Black History Month across Chicago

From a variety show to New Edition-themed paint and sip, here are some ways to celebrate Black History and culture in Chicago.

From art to dance to comedy, here&#x27;s how to celebrate Black History Month across Chicago.

Where to celebrate and honor MLK in Chicago this weekend

From music to art to community services, these MLK Day events are happening around Chicago this month.

Things to Do

Monday marks the commemorative day honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.The big picture: Whether you&#x27;re using the holiday as a day of service or taking time to learn more about the civil rights icon&#x27;s legacy, here are a few events happening around town.

The insiders' guide to Chicago's Christkindlmarket

Your local guide to Chicago's Christkindlmarket.

Holidays

Even if you hate the stinky cheese, being shoulder to shoulder or you&#x27;re just a Scrooge, at some point as a Chicagoan, you will probably experience the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christkindlmarket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/12/13/favorite-christkindl-chicago" data-vars-content-id="8d1166b7-71fd-4643-bd19-ca91be0a821b" data-vars-headline="The insiders&#x27; guide to Chicago&#x27;s Christkindlmarket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/12/13/favorite-christkindl-chicago" target="_self">Christkindlmarket</a>.We&#x27;re here to guide you through it.

Signs your dog is holiday-stressed — and what to do

How to tell if your dog is stressed and needs some extra love.

Environment

The &quot;most wonderful time of the year&quot; can also be the most stressful time of the year. And, we&#x27;re not the only ones feeling anxious.The big picture: With disrupted schedules, out of town guests and extra travel, our pets can pick up on the added stress of the holidays.

20 Chicago holiday pop-up bars to check out

20 festive bars to visit in Chicago this weekend.

☃️ &#x27;Tis the season to stay warm and get festive with holiday pop-up bars. Here&#x27;s your local guide to where to go this season.The vibe: These limited-time bars offer a cozy and fun place to meet with colleagues or friends to enjoy holiday-themed decor and specialty cocktails.

How to get the "Classy Clark Griswold" look this Christmas

Chicago residents are turning to full‑service installment teams for holiday lighting ease.

Business

The holidays are already filled with stress from planning, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/holiday-sales-2025-nrf-forecast-trillion-dollar" data-vars-content-id="cdc4186e-e14e-44cd-927c-14f3f74b8f75" data-vars-headline="How to get the &quot;Classy Clark Griswold&quot; look this Christmas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/holiday-sales-2025-nrf-forecast-trillion-dollar" target="_self">spending</a> and hosting. Homeowners and businesses are taking at least one thing off the list — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decorations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/26/best-christmas-holiday-decorations-decor-shops-illinois" data-vars-content-id="cdc4186e-e14e-44cd-927c-14f3f74b8f75" data-vars-headline="How to get the &quot;Classy Clark Griswold&quot; look this Christmas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/11/26/best-christmas-holiday-decorations-decor-shops-illinois" target="_self">decorations</a>.The big picture: Similar to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;pumpkin concierges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/porch-pumpkin-delivery" data-vars-content-id="cdc4186e-e14e-44cd-927c-14f3f74b8f75" data-vars-headline="How to get the &quot;Classy Clark Griswold&quot; look this Christmas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/porch-pumpkin-delivery" target="_self">&quot;pumpkin concierges</a>&quot; in the fall, there&#x27;s high demand in Chicago and the suburbs for professionals who handle everything from the initial design to the hanging of lights and greenery to the disassembling.

Marshall Field's Walnut Room is back — and it's as magical as ever

Chicago's Macy's renames the Walnut Room "The Marshall Field's Walnut Room."

Food and Drink

One of Chicago&#x27;s most enduring holiday traditions is leaning into history with a new name — and this beloved dining experience does just that.The big picture: This year, Macy&#x27;s honored its predecessor by renaming its seventh-floor restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Marshall Field&#x27;s Walnut Room" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2021/11/23/holiday-tips-walnut-room-zoo-lights" data-vars-content-id="be280ed0-ed15-4d17-9d2e-d484b4052886" data-vars-headline="Marshall Field&#x27;s Walnut Room is back — and it&#x27;s as magical as ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2021/11/23/holiday-tips-walnut-room-zoo-lights" target="_self">The Marshall Field&#x27;s Walnut Room</a>.<ul><li>Perhaps this will assuage the many die-hard Chicagoans who still call the State Street store <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marshall Field&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/19/elmhurst-history-museum-department-stores-exhibit" data-vars-content-id="be280ed0-ed15-4d17-9d2e-d484b4052886" data-vars-headline="Marshall Field&#x27;s Walnut Room is back — and it&#x27;s as magical as ever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/19/elmhurst-history-museum-department-stores-exhibit" target="_self">Marshall Field&#x27;s</a> rather than by its New York owner&#x27;s name.</li></ul>

Local special effects artist brings Chicago Bulls' mascot to life for Halloween

If you're looking to up your costume game this Halloween, a professional makeup artist might be the solution.

If you&#x27;re looking to up your costume game this Halloween, a professional makeup artist may be the solution.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kate Johnson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagocommercialmakeupandhair.com/special-fx-artist-chicago" data-vars-content-id="47e2e414-dbdf-4215-8315-b17c8c54f63d" data-vars-headline="Local special effects artist brings Chicago Bulls&#x27; mascot to life for Halloween" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagocommercialmakeupandhair.com/special-fx-artist-chicago" target="_blank">Kate Johnson</a>, who has a background in special effects and film, founded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bridal Beauty Team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebridalbeautyteam.com/" data-vars-content-id="47e2e414-dbdf-4215-8315-b17c8c54f63d" data-vars-headline="Local special effects artist brings Chicago Bulls&#x27; mascot to life for Halloween" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebridalbeautyteam.com/" target="_blank">The Bridal Beauty Team</a> in 2010 and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Glossed Finishing Studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.glossed.com/" data-vars-content-id="47e2e414-dbdf-4215-8315-b17c8c54f63d" data-vars-headline="Local special effects artist brings Chicago Bulls&#x27; mascot to life for Halloween" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.glossed.com/" target="_blank">Glossed Finishing Studio</a> in 2023. She offers costume makeup, special effects and body painting.<ul><li>Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson would typically have 20-50 clients during the Halloween season. Today, she sees around 15 clients a year looking for Halloween makeup services.</li></ul>

CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution

July Fourth sees more pets lost than any other time — here's how to keep your animals safe and calm.

Health

We&#x27;re approaching the perennial problem — how to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="keep pets calm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/30/fireworks-dog-scared-how-to-calm" data-vars-content-id="e5bcf92b-4661-49c0-bc30-0b004057ef8b" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/30/fireworks-dog-scared-how-to-calm" target="_self">keep pets calm</a> as the sounds of July 4th fireworks and revelry ring through their hyper-sensitive ears.Why it matters: Dog intakes and runaways are the highest around the Fourth of July, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shelter Animals Count" data-vars-click-url="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.8F7ZaQG-2BrnCDuOZkf5NrH1wQKRdcktA3j3-2Fvv8zxqzHoSvbscn7vB716FF0fY3H8t9pf_O9v00qWCSEZ3FvEroyX4AFEcC-2BcKg-2B9erDt4Cn-2F3BLaHmZZD1yFfQ-2Fmk6Hq84qt4Wy1MytgmqXfbMR-2FOQ9WoOStIMFjZ9sBA4roGKLjHmPTvOZoKw2fEfgFxTX8xHsiRur1qGqYorslNinzdm9IKfZk8Y5RLvoYQZTR4n2gy457hTN76McR-2B9XdJL2LDtWg7-2BT-2FwRnkuBt-2BhISSo4LUGOZNcmqVk44WghvGSRnqFwfgOf7c0RMH8mu5OsuE1IwYBCRtfH19SG3-2BVIo78uq-2FlRdXNZ7cGb4BemTJUucPhOqtiE4JwtV2Gxtw2v7oQsUVOp3DSfx6zuoSWWd6O7LJm6o7kQaKfrUEU1EUIhXpdMgO1dCgRXPmdLxlXGDBukS2XmLp91SdNTJbQfJRoOuWROg-3D-3D" data-vars-content-id="e5bcf92b-4661-49c0-bc30-0b004057ef8b" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.8F7ZaQG-2BrnCDuOZkf5NrH1wQKRdcktA3j3-2Fvv8zxqzHoSvbscn7vB716FF0fY3H8t9pf_O9v00qWCSEZ3FvEroyX4AFEcC-2BcKg-2B9erDt4Cn-2F3BLaHmZZD1yFfQ-2Fmk6Hq84qt4Wy1MytgmqXfbMR-2FOQ9WoOStIMFjZ9sBA4roGKLjHmPTvOZoKw2fEfgFxTX8xHsiRur1qGqYorslNinzdm9IKfZk8Y5RLvoYQZTR4n2gy457hTN76McR-2B9XdJL2LDtWg7-2BT-2FwRnkuBt-2BhISSo4LUGOZNcmqVk44WghvGSRnqFwfgOf7c0RMH8mu5OsuE1IwYBCRtfH19SG3-2BVIo78uq-2FlRdXNZ7cGb4BemTJUucPhOqtiE4JwtV2Gxtw2v7oQsUVOp3DSfx6zuoSWWd6O7LJm6o7kQaKfrUEU1EUIhXpdMgO1dCgRXPmdLxlXGDBukS2XmLp91SdNTJbQfJRoOuWROg-3D-3D" target="_blank">Shelter Animals Count</a>, as animals perceive the loud, unpredictable crashes of fireworks as a threat and try to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escape" data-vars-click-url="https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/behavior/understanding-dogs/why-are-dogs-scared-of-fireworks#:~:text=They&#x27;re%20Threatening,%2C%20panting%2C%20pacing%20or%20whining." data-vars-content-id="e5bcf92b-4661-49c0-bc30-0b004057ef8b" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/behavior/understanding-dogs/why-are-dogs-scared-of-fireworks#:~:text=They&#x27;re%20Threatening,%2C%20panting%2C%20pacing%20or%20whining." target="_blank">escape</a>.