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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.

Chicago's FRET12 brings analog vibes to a digital music world

Owner Dan Tremonti is betting on community in this retail space inside the Salt Shed.

Business

Chicago concertgoers love a good show, but they also love a good music store. The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FRET12" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fret12.com/" data-vars-content-id="2558c788-0bf6-43fc-8264-7719b8adba42" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s FRET12 brings analog vibes to a digital music world" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fret12.com/" target="_blank">FRET12</a>, located inside the Salt Shed, isn&#x27;t your ordinary music store. Yes, it has guitars and other music gear, but it&#x27;s not just about selling stuff; it&#x27;s about selling the music experience.

Andrew Bird debuts new song on "The Pitt"

The longtime Chicago artist is featured on the latest episode of the award-winning HBO drama.

Music

Chicago-based musician Andrew Bird released a new song today for HBO&#x27;s award-winning series &quot;The Pitt.&quot; The latest: Grammy-nominated Bird collaborated with &quot;The Pitt&quot; composer Gavin Brivik on the song &quot;Need Someone,&quot; which can be heard at a pivotal moment in episode six of season 2.

Vinhausa combines yoga, house music and community

Vinhausa turns yoga into a lively community experience with live DJs and iconic spaces in Chicago.

After attending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yoga" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/28/we-tried-goat-yoga-in-chicago-here-s-what-it-s-like" data-vars-content-id="2c791ac9-f394-4d50-b32b-bbbba8cfbddc" data-vars-headline="Vinhausa combines yoga, house music and community" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/28/we-tried-goat-yoga-in-chicago-here-s-what-it-s-like" target="_self">yoga</a> classes that didn&#x27;t quite fit his style, Colton Ksiazek and his friend Jake Degler created a space for non-traditional yogis. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="physical" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga" data-vars-content-id="2c791ac9-f394-4d50-b32b-bbbba8cfbddc" data-vars-headline="Vinhausa combines yoga, house music and community" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga" target="_blank">physical</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat" data-vars-content-id="2c791ac9-f394-4d50-b32b-bbbba8cfbddc" data-vars-headline="Vinhausa combines yoga, house music and community" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat" target="_blank">mental health</a> benefits of yoga are vast but it can still suffer from dated stereotypes of hippie instructors burning incense and playing &quot;woo woo&quot; music. That&#x27;s not for everyone.

Malört, movies and music merge at "Pools" event

Filmmaker Sam Hayes blends grief, Malört and pool-hopping in his immersive indie film.

Things to Do

If you like Malört, North Shore pool hopping, dancing and indie movies, we&#x27;ve got an event for you.Driving the news: Highland Park native and filmmaker Sam Hayes is hosting a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="POOLS of Malört&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://partiful.com/e/1NsmxMaXHiLUYHuR8Pmc" data-vars-content-id="437e590f-5aa2-475c-ae38-9d439d40fff8" data-vars-headline="Malört, movies and music merge at &quot;Pools&quot; event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://partiful.com/e/1NsmxMaXHiLUYHuR8Pmc" target="_blank">POOLS of Malört&quot;</a> movie event and drink experience on Thursday at CineCity, blending Chicago culture in ways that we&#x27;ve never seen before.

Chef Curtis Duffy to rock his Halloween Soiree

The award-winning chef will perform with Night Moves at After's Halloween Soirée.

This weekend, chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Curtis Duffy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/29/the-bear-season-2-ever-chicago" data-vars-content-id="256172d5-90a4-4cb0-8ecf-03ef2bb8d653" data-vars-headline="Chef Curtis Duffy to rock his Halloween Soiree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/29/the-bear-season-2-ever-chicago" target="_self">Curtis Duffy</a> makes his rock debut playing bass with Night Shift for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween Soiree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1333864&amp;restref=1333864&amp;experienceId=555859&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=shared&amp;dateTime=2025-10-31T20%3A00%3A00&amp;ot_source=social&amp;ot_campaign=Halloween&amp;partySize=2" data-vars-content-id="256172d5-90a4-4cb0-8ecf-03ef2bb8d653" data-vars-headline="Chef Curtis Duffy to rock his Halloween Soiree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1333864&amp;restref=1333864&amp;experienceId=555859&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=shared&amp;dateTime=2025-10-31T20%3A00%3A00&amp;ot_source=social&amp;ot_campaign=Halloween&amp;partySize=2" target="_blank">Halloween Soiree</a> at After, the sister bar to his acclaimed restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ever." data-vars-click-url="https://www.ever-restaurant.com/" data-vars-content-id="256172d5-90a4-4cb0-8ecf-03ef2bb8d653" data-vars-headline="Chef Curtis Duffy to rock his Halloween Soiree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ever-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Ever.</a>What he&#x27;s saying: &quot;We&#x27;ll be playing some rock and some punk — music to keep things creepy and fun and really get people in the Halloween spirit,&quot; Duffy tells Axios.

From rib tips to rock anthems: Tom Morello's perfect day in Chicago

Morello is back in town for the Goodman Theatre's "Revolution(s)" musical.

Tom Morello&#x27;s musical &quot;Revolution(s)&quot; is off to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hot start" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/14/tom-morello-revolutions-protest-goodman-musical-ratm" data-vars-content-id="02b8b180-a59f-4686-b5c6-bbb5bbf23c94" data-vars-headline="From rib tips to rock anthems: Tom Morello&#x27;s perfect day 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/2025/10/14/tom-morello-revolutions-protest-goodman-musical-ratm" target="_self">hot start</a>, as the Goodman Theatre has already extended the run due to popular demand. The big picture: Morello, who is the guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, can add writing a musical to his long list of achievements, which includes two Grammy wins and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nod. <ul><li>The rocker grew up in the Chicago area, which he still visits regularly. So naturally, he has opinions on where to eat, shop and play. </li></ul>

Indie music venues bring millions to Illinois, new report finds

Independent venues in Illinois drove $2.3B in GDP and supported 25,000+ jobs last year.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Independent music venues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/12/11/tennessee-live-music-funds-help-venues-artists" data-vars-content-id="807faaa5-07c2-45b3-a49d-891592e3a16c" data-vars-headline="Indie music venues bring millions to Illinois, new report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2024/12/11/tennessee-live-music-funds-help-venues-artists" target="_self">Independent music venues</a> in Illinois contributed $2.3 billion to the state&#x27;s GDP in 2024, according to a first-of-its-kind report released this week.Why it matters: The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) produced the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive/state-reports" data-vars-content-id="807faaa5-07c2-45b3-a49d-891592e3a16c" data-vars-headline="Indie music venues bring millions to Illinois, new report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive/state-reports" target="_blank">report</a> to inform policymakers and music industry stakeholders about the importance of independent venues.

Jennifer Hudson talks creativity, reinvention and Chicago roots

The annual fest celebrates Black creativity.

Chicago&#x27;s own <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jennifer Hudson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/18/hollywood-strikes-bill-maher-drew-barrymore" data-vars-content-id="641b21e2-74f5-4ab2-aa9f-10aab2b697e1" data-vars-headline="Jennifer Hudson talks creativity, reinvention and Chicago roots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/18/hollywood-strikes-bill-maher-drew-barrymore" target="_self">Jennifer Hudson</a> gave plenty of shoutouts to her hometown at this year&#x27;s CultureCon, and detailed how the city continues to shape her.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two-day conference" data-vars-click-url="https://theccnyc.com/culturecon" data-vars-content-id="641b21e2-74f5-4ab2-aa9f-10aab2b697e1" data-vars-headline="Jennifer Hudson talks creativity, reinvention and Chicago roots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theccnyc.com/culturecon" target="_blank">two-day conference</a> last weekend in Brooklyn brought together Black and brown creatives, media professionals and entrepreneurs.

Chicago's hot, new music venue was a 7-Eleven

The CheckOut is helping make classical music more accessible.

A former 7-Eleven in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="e10f92b8-b7ac-4d0c-8774-fd19d19e4b1f" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s hot, new music venue was a 7-Eleven" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Chicago&#x27;s</a> Lakeview neighborhood has been transformed into a community music venue.The big picture: ACM (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Access Contemporary Music" data-vars-click-url="https://acmusic.org/" data-vars-content-id="e10f92b8-b7ac-4d0c-8774-fd19d19e4b1f" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s hot, new music venue was a 7-Eleven" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://acmusic.org/" target="_blank">Access Contemporary Music</a>), the chamber music ensemble making classical music more accessible, opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The CheckOut" data-vars-click-url="https://acmusic.org/events/checkout-opening-festival/" data-vars-content-id="e10f92b8-b7ac-4d0c-8774-fd19d19e4b1f" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s hot, new music venue was a 7-Eleven" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://acmusic.org/events/checkout-opening-festival/" target="_blank">The CheckOut</a> this month as a performance venue and teaching space.<ul><li>The 21-year-old nonprofit already offers one-on-one piano, voice and guitar lessons in Ravenswood, Avondale and Rogers Park, and hosts the annual Thirsty Ears Street Festival and Sound of Silent Film Festival.</li></ul>