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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.

Chicago Public Schools shifts 2026 AI rollout 

The district is retaining an AI-assisted literacy tool for grade-schoolers.

Education

As Chicago Public Schools students return to class Monday, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="role of AI in the district " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/18/cps-board-candidates-asked-to-sign-ai-pledge-" data-vars-content-id="7f7b1c05-b856-4d55-8ad2-ef3abc78af60" data-vars-headline="Chicago Public Schools shifts 2026 AI rollout " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/18/cps-board-candidates-asked-to-sign-ai-pledge-" target="_self">role of AI in the district </a>remains under debate, with one AI literacy app in place and a high school chatbot getting the boot.Why it matters: The discontinuation of these programs could have a significant impact on how CPS students learn. And local questions on the issue reflect wider debates lawmakers and<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" education officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/alpha-schools-ai-expansion-50-campuses" data-vars-content-id="7f7b1c05-b856-4d55-8ad2-ef3abc78af60" data-vars-headline="Chicago Public Schools shifts 2026 AI rollout " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/alpha-schools-ai-expansion-50-campuses" target="_self"> education officials</a> are having around the country.

Axios readers share more safe cycling tips 

From best greenways and mapping apps to solid tips on trusting drivers.

Public Safety

After our recent story about using greenways for safer cycling in Chicago, we asked Axios readers for their own safety tips, and they came through as always. Here are some of the best: 🛣️ &quot;The city recently painted new bike lanes along Wellington by Damen to allow for bike lanes going both ways along Wellington. It’s a bit narrow at times, but a great new option to have so that you can avoid Diversey and Belmont.&quot; — Mike R.

Deaths revive debate on lakefront e-scooters

Recent e-scooter deaths in Chicago have revived the question.

While Lime and Divvy scooters riders can freely travel busy Chicago streets, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they&#x27;re electronically barred from " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/17/lime-scooters-lakefront-trail" data-vars-content-id="7d34e90f-73a9-4d8d-86aa-26619103b332" data-vars-headline="Deaths revive debate on lakefront e-scooters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/06/17/lime-scooters-lakefront-trail" target="_self">they&#x27;re electronically barred from </a>the relatively safe Lakefront Trail.<ul><li>People riding privately owned e-scooters, however, ride up and down the trail every day. </li></ul>

Greenways offer hidden gems for Chicago cyclists

They offer 85 miles of quieter biking routes that not enough riders know about.

Amid a wave of recent cycle and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scooter deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/08/chicago-e-scooter-ridership-injuries-data-tracking-hospital-crashes" data-vars-content-id="e1d7d5da-afb9-4aab-a8bc-c51f52ab2642" data-vars-headline="Greenways offer hidden gems for Chicago cyclists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/08/chicago-e-scooter-ridership-injuries-data-tracking-hospital-crashes" target="_self">scooter deaths</a>, many Chicagoans are looking to infrastructure for answers.<ul><li>But some of that infrastructure could be hiding in plain sight, in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="85.2 miles of quiet greenways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/complete-streets-chicago/home/bike-program/existing-bike-network.html" data-vars-content-id="e1d7d5da-afb9-4aab-a8bc-c51f52ab2642" data-vars-headline="Greenways offer hidden gems for Chicago cyclists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/complete-streets-chicago/home/bike-program/existing-bike-network.html" target="_blank">85.2 miles of quiet greenways</a> that wind their way through the city.</li></ul>

Chicago's the 9th priciest U.S. commuting city

Chicago drivers face some of the nation's highest commuting costs.

Neighborhoods

If you needed another reason to take public transportation or a bike to work downtown, how about saving thousands of dollars in gas and parking? Zoom in: The ranking is based on gas prices and downtown parking costs for a 13.4-mile commute each way over 250 workdays, according to an analysis by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vettory.org" data-vars-click-url="https://vettory.org/" data-vars-content-id="b25b9b15-2e5f-4a64-bc54-54ff0f7d6f38" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s the 9th priciest U.S. commuting city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vettory.org/" target="_blank">vettory.org</a>, which offers data on veterans&#x27; assistance programs.

Chicago police won't explain suspended DHS case

As officials urge residents to file police reports, CPD suspends one of the only public reports yet.

Mayor Brandon Johnson wants Chicagoans to file police reports on potential crimes by federal immigration agents. But after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lakeview homeowner did just that" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/03/ice-raids-halloween-illinois-lawsuit-chicago" data-vars-content-id="0a6e332e-e41a-4b2b-bf57-eb653bcfee8b" data-vars-headline="Chicago police won&#x27;t explain suspended DHS case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/03/ice-raids-halloween-illinois-lawsuit-chicago" target="_self">Lakeview homeowner did just that</a>, Chicago police suspended his case and won&#x27;t say why.Why it matters: The unexplained suspension of Leo Feler&#x27;s police report, one of the only known reports filed with the Chicago Police Department against federal agents, makes the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="entreaties by Johnson, police officials" data-vars-click-url="https://news.wttw.com/2026/07/17/mayor-johnson-urging-midway-blitz-victims-file-reports-cpd-further-investigation" data-vars-content-id="0a6e332e-e41a-4b2b-bf57-eb653bcfee8b" data-vars-headline="Chicago police won&#x27;t explain suspended DHS case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.wttw.com/2026/07/17/mayor-johnson-urging-midway-blitz-victims-file-reports-cpd-further-investigation" target="_blank">entreaties by Johnson, police officials</a> and Cook County State&#x27;s Attorney Eileen O&#x27;Neill Burke ring hollow.

Illinois slips in U.S. News Best States rankings

Illinois fell to 37th overall, with strong education marks but one of the nation's weakest environment scores.

News

It&#x27;s another tough year for Illinois in U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s annual state rankings.<ul><li>We actually got worse from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/15/illinois-state-rankings-2025-us-news" data-vars-content-id="669d124b-234d-465f-9504-4a19148bc8a9" data-vars-headline="Illinois slips in U.S. News Best States rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/15/illinois-state-rankings-2025-us-news" target="_self">last year.</a></li></ul>

Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid

The lawsuit alleges violations of the Fourth Amendment.

Immigration

A Lakeview homeowner is suing the U.S. government after Customs and Border Protection agents entered his property without a warrant, assaulted workers installing windows and took one away last October, his lawsuit alleges.Why it matters: This marks one of the few formal legal actions a Chicagoan has taken following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Midway Blitz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" data-vars-content-id="c4733515-98e4-4260-b1fb-5daf66f68fab" data-vars-headline="Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/dhs-claims-contradicted-video-court" target="_self">Operation Midway Blitz</a>, during which, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state officials say" data-vars-click-url="https://ilac.illinois.gov/" data-vars-content-id="c4733515-98e4-4260-b1fb-5daf66f68fab" data-vars-headline="Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilac.illinois.gov/" target="_blank">state officials say</a>, federal agents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="routinely broke the law" data-vars-click-url="https://ilac.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ilac/documents/final-report/IAC-Final-Report-April-2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c4733515-98e4-4260-b1fb-5daf66f68fab" data-vars-headline="Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilac.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ilac/documents/final-report/IAC-Final-Report-April-2026.pdf" target="_blank">routinely broke the law</a>. <ul><li>Thousands across the country are also trying to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="find paths to accountability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ice-expansion-has-outpaced-accountability-what-are-the-remedies/" data-vars-content-id="c4733515-98e4-4260-b1fb-5daf66f68fab" data-vars-headline="Chicago homeowner sues over warrantless raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ice-expansion-has-outpaced-accountability-what-are-the-remedies/" target="_blank">find paths to accountability</a>.</li></ul>

CPD faces ICE monitoring questions

Six months after a mayoral executive order, advocates say policy changes are unclear.

As ICE apprehensions ramp up in Chicago, police officials will face tough questions Friday about compliance with mayoral directives to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="address potential crimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" data-vars-content-id="4d519e3f-399e-4f9c-bf19-6d6bf7445ad7" data-vars-headline="CPD faces ICE monitoring questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" target="_self">address potential crimes</a> by immigration agents.Why it matters: Six months after Mayor Brandon Johnson issued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE on Notice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/january/ice-on-notice.html" data-vars-content-id="4d519e3f-399e-4f9c-bf19-6d6bf7445ad7" data-vars-headline="CPD faces ICE monitoring questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/january/ice-on-notice.html" target="_blank">ICE on Notice</a>, an order directing police to monitor and even seek charges against federal agents, advocates say it&#x27;s unclear what results, if any, have emerged.

Illinois assault weapons ban upheld, but Supreme Court could upend it

SCOTUS is expected to hear arguments this fall on Cook County's assault weapons ban.

A federal appeals court ruling keeps <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois&#x27; assault weapons ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/01/11/illinois-assault-weapons-ban" data-vars-content-id="b818db03-f2bd-4047-8630-8d2732f3428b" data-vars-headline="Illinois assault weapons ban upheld, but Supreme Court could upend it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/01/11/illinois-assault-weapons-ban" target="_self">Illinois&#x27; assault weapons ban</a> in place, but a U.S. Supreme Court case could ultimately determine whether it survives. Why it matters: Nothing changes in Illinois for now, but the Supreme Court&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upcoming review" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/supreme-court-ar-15-semiautomatic-rifle-bans-chicago" data-vars-content-id="b818db03-f2bd-4047-8630-8d2732f3428b" data-vars-headline="Illinois assault weapons ban upheld, but Supreme Court could upend it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/supreme-court-ar-15-semiautomatic-rifle-bans-chicago" target="_self">upcoming review</a> of Cook County&#x27;s ban could reshape the state&#x27;s gun laws—and similar bans nationwide.

The 10 most expensive cities for commuting in the U.S.

Data: Based on an analysis of multiple data sets by vettory.org; Chart: Monica Eng/Axios