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Judge orders MRED to restore Zillow home listings

A court ruling restores Zillow's access to Chicago-area listings amid a fight over private sales.

Real Estate

A federal judge ordered the company that distributes most Chicago-area home listings to restore <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/20/chicago-homes-zillow-mred-listings-cutoff-compass-private-listings" data-vars-content-id="2ac3f004-c19c-48ca-bdfc-e1e9d07a2c79" data-vars-headline="Judge orders MRED to restore Zillow home listings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/20/chicago-homes-zillow-mred-listings-cutoff-compass-private-listings" target="_self">Zillow</a>&#x27;s access to its database — at least for now.Why it matters: Buyers who visited Zillow were not seeing the full scope of homes for sale after MRED, the major multi-listing service for the Chicago area, cut off Zillow&#x27;s access to its portal this week.

Chicago alder considers fining parents over teen takeovers

Organized mass teen gatherings have led to gridlock, crime and, in some cases, deaths.

News

Several large &quot;teen takeovers&quot; over Memorial Day weekend have lawmakers reexamining how to stop them.Why it matters: Organized teen gatherings have led to gridlock, violence and, in some cases, deaths — while also drawing national attention to Chicago&#x27;s public safety debate.<ul><li>Trump said the mayor and governor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="should ask for help" data-vars-click-url="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5895958-teen-car-ramming-chicago-police/" data-vars-content-id="b534853a-960f-4dbb-9640-d857aa84a842" data-vars-headline="Chicago alder considers fining parents over teen takeovers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5895958-teen-car-ramming-chicago-police/" target="_blank">should ask for help</a>.</li></ul>

Food Fight: Best Caesar salad in Chicago

Our crew crowns standout Caesars from Armitage Ale House, Zarella and Pizz'amici.

Food and Drink

As part of our regular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/18/best-chicago-breakfast-sandwiches-doma-samira" data-vars-content-id="1066e234-18e5-4d60-942b-3e7065d8bfb7" data-vars-headline="Food Fight: Best Caesar salad 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/2026/05/18/best-chicago-breakfast-sandwiches-doma-samira" target="_self">Food Fight</a> series, we are hailing the venerable Caesar salad and arguing over the best one.

Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness

A new report says Americans — especially young people — are talking to their neighbors less and less.

Culture

Over my many years in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" 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</a>, it has been my neighbors who made me feel most at home. Why it matters: A new report says Americans — especially younger people — are talking to their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">neighbors</a> less and less. Honestly? That bums me out.

Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson

Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to thank the pope for his "moral clarity" on immigration and justice.

Chicago <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/19/mayor-brandon-johnson-reflects-on-3rd-year" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/19/mayor-brandon-johnson-reflects-on-3rd-year" target="_self">Mayor Brandon Johnson</a> is expected to discuss <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/21/judge-denies-ask-for-midway-blitz-special-prosecutor" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/21/judge-denies-ask-for-midway-blitz-special-prosecutor" target="_self">immigration</a> and restorative justice in his meeting Thursday morning with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV</a> at the Vatican.Why it matters: The first American pope meeting with his hometown mayor carries symbolic and political weight, highlighting shared views on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" data-vars-content-id="efbce9ce-edf7-4743-ae68-62f082432300" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/13/chicago-pope-leo-xiv-trump-feud-immigration-war-comments-catholics-reaction" target="_self">immigration,</a> social justice, and care for vulnerable communities.

Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump

As Trump insults the pope, Chicago clergy and Catholics rally in defense of Leo's message.

Religion

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/trump-pope-leo-weak-terrible" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/trump-pope-leo-weak-terrible" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV</a> says he&#x27;s not a politician, but the Chicago-born leader of the Catholic Church has made it clear over the last year that he disagrees with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s policies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/iran-war-pope-leo-trump-civilization-threat" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/iran-war-pope-leo-trump-civilization-threat" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s policies</a>.Why it matters: Chicago has repeatedly been in the crosshairs of President Trump&#x27;s criticism — from clashes with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/trump-pritzker-national-guard-chicago-crime-memphis-ice" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/trump-pritzker-national-guard-chicago-crime-memphis-ice" target="_self">local leaders</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration fights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/06/trump-illinois-chicago-immigration-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/06/trump-illinois-chicago-immigration-lawsuit" target="_self">immigration fights</a> — and now the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Side-born pope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" data-vars-content-id="4e2165af-1b66-4a5a-b9e3-c95339d3682a" data-vars-headline="Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV spars with Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" target="_self">South Side-born pope</a> is a target.

Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday

A federal ruling will allow clergy back into the immigration facility on Ash Wednesday.

Clergy are expected to enter the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broadview immigration facility" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44180286.56/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2NoaWNhZ28vMjAyNS8xMS8wNC9qdWRnZS1pY2UtZmFjaWxpdHktYnJvYWR2aWV3LXJlZm9ybXM_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/647f5d356ef6125956d9ec60B91a58c06" data-vars-content-id="1a9f32df-0d0b-41b0-bf5a-d423ee3dba6a" data-vars-headline="Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44180286.56/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2NoaWNhZ28vMjAyNS8xMS8wNC9qdWRnZS1pY2UtZmFjaWxpdHktYnJvYWR2aWV3LXJlZm9ybXM_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/647f5d356ef6125956d9ec60B91a58c06" target="_self">Broadview immigration facility</a> today for the first time in months after a federal judge ordered DHS to let them in.Why it matters: Religious leaders have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="been on the front lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-immigration-faith-leaders-resist" data-vars-content-id="1a9f32df-0d0b-41b0-bf5a-d423ee3dba6a" data-vars-headline="Judge allows clergy into Chicago-area immigration facility on Ash Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-immigration-faith-leaders-resist" target="_self">been on the front lines</a> in Chicago, Minneapolis and other cities in demanding justice for immigrants during the Trump administration&#x27;s aggressive enforcement.<ul><li>Clergy have long had a place at facilities like Broadview to offer religious comfort to immigrants.</li></ul>

Chicago clergy sue DHS over blocked access to immigrant facility

A coalition of Chicago‑area clergy say their First Amendment and religious‑rights were violated when DHS barred them from entering the Broadview immigrant processing site.

A group of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago-area clergy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/02/chicago-catholic-immigrants-fear-ice-abortion-politics" data-vars-content-id="e1a19924-321b-4129-97ea-818cf676ecde" data-vars-headline="Chicago clergy sue DHS over blocked access to immigrant facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/02/chicago-catholic-immigrants-fear-ice-abortion-politics" target="_self">Chicago-area clergy</a> is suing the Department of Homeland Security, saying it&#x27;s violating their religious rights by blocking them from ministering inside an immigrant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="processing facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/04/judge-ice-facility-broadview-reforms" data-vars-content-id="e1a19924-321b-4129-97ea-818cf676ecde" data-vars-headline="Chicago clergy sue DHS over blocked access to immigrant facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/04/judge-ice-facility-broadview-reforms" target="_self">processing facility</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="They argue" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66c35a80c168ad7206fb56c7/t/691e352977b58b5dde53b391/1763587369577/Broadview+Complaint+11.19.25.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e1a19924-321b-4129-97ea-818cf676ecde" data-vars-headline="Chicago clergy sue DHS over blocked access to immigrant facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66c35a80c168ad7206fb56c7/t/691e352977b58b5dde53b391/1763587369577/Broadview+Complaint+11.19.25.pdf" target="_blank">They argue</a> the denials violate their constitutional and religious freedom rights, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, when DHS denied clergy entry to administer communion and provide spiritual guidance inside the Broadview ICE facility.

Pope Leo XIV says DHS should allow communion at Chicago area ICE facility

The pope appealed to U.S. authorities to allow Catholic clergy to minister to immigrants detained at the Broadview facility.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" data-vars-content-id="d2f46af4-2d94-48d8-b208-89129c40255a" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV says DHS should allow communion at Chicago area ICE facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV</a> has spoken in opposition to the Department of Homeland Security denying a coalition of Catholic priests, nuns and other clergy entry to the Broadview ICE processing facility outside Chicago.The big picture: For decades, clergy have gathered weekly outside Broadview, notably Catholic nuns, to offer prayers for the immigrants inside. Since the launch of &quot;Operation Midway Blitz&quot; this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sister JoAnn Persch told the Sun-Times " data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/11/01/religious-leaders-request-to-give-communion-to-detainees-at-broadview-facility-is-denied-again" data-vars-content-id="d2f46af4-2d94-48d8-b208-89129c40255a" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV says DHS should allow communion at Chicago area ICE facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/11/01/religious-leaders-request-to-give-communion-to-detainees-at-broadview-facility-is-denied-again" target="_blank">Sister JoAnn Persch told the Sun-Times </a>her relationship with officers at the facility has frayed, despite being welcomed before President Trump took office.

Chicago's archbishop says Catholics must welcome immigrants

The statement was in response to the backlash of Sen. Durbin receiving an award from the church.

Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Catholic Church" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/04/21/pope-francis-death-chicago-catholics" data-vars-content-id="dcd6f9db-0365-4504-a431-951e65a7857f" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s archbishop says Catholics must welcome immigrants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/04/21/pope-francis-death-chicago-catholics" target="_self">Catholic Church</a> leader thinks today&#x27;s parishioners are &quot;politically homeless&quot; because of their views on politically charged topics like immigration and abortion.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increased presence " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/29/ice-escalates-force-in-broadview-and-downtown" data-vars-content-id="dcd6f9db-0365-4504-a431-951e65a7857f" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s archbishop says Catholics must welcome immigrants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/29/ice-escalates-force-in-broadview-and-downtown" target="_self">increased presence </a>of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers in the Chicago area has made some immigrants fear that work, school and even church are no longer safe.<ul><li>&quot;We have noticed some reduced participation in parish activities from immigrant families, which is understandable given the current climate of fear and uncertainty they are facing,&quot; Archdiocese spokesperson Susan Thomas told Axios.</li></ul>

Chicago restaurateurs tapped for only restaurant at Vatican retreat

Phil Stefani and Art Smith will run the only restaurant at a public Papal retreat near Rome.

The Vatican has tapped Phil Stefani and Art Smith to create and run the only restaurant at a retreat outside Rome called Borgo Laudato Si&#x27;.Why it matters: Stefani and Smith will operate a yet-to-be named restaurant at the 135-acre Papal Villas of Castel Gandolfo, a one-time summer residence for Popes since the 17th century, that will now be open to the public.

Chicago parish celebrates canonization of first millennial saint

The Bucktown church is named after the digital-age teen being canonized Sunday in Rome.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Catholic Church&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" data-vars-content-id="ca55d4c2-e35f-4fa2-b48d-ff2ca59d6500" data-vars-headline="Chicago parish celebrates canonization of first millennial saint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" target="_self">Catholic Church&#x27;s</a> first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, will be canonized Sunday, and a Chicago parish bearing his name is celebrating the historic event.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Acutis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.carloacutis.com/en/association" data-vars-content-id="ca55d4c2-e35f-4fa2-b48d-ff2ca59d6500" data-vars-headline="Chicago parish celebrates canonization of first millennial saint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.carloacutis.com/en/association" target="_blank">Acutis</a> has been described as a deeply devout teen who reached out to the unhoused and stood up against bullies, but also enjoyed typical kid activities, like playing soccer and video games.<ul><li>The Italian teen built a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, which grabbed the attention of Catholics around the globe.</li><li>When Acutis died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, thousands from around the globe came to Italy to mourn him.</li></ul>

Chicago celebrates Pope Leo XIV with citywide mass

The archdiocese will announce ticket details soon.

The Chicago Archdiocese will host a mass next month to honor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" data-vars-content-id="bdc33b79-f0a8-43e7-b89d-ba618c45252c" data-vars-headline="Chicago celebrates Pope Leo XIV with citywide mass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV</a>, the first Chicago-born pope.Driving the news: The announcement comes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the heels of" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/12/pope-leo-xiv-da-pope-trademark-portillos-suntimes-tshirts" data-vars-content-id="bdc33b79-f0a8-43e7-b89d-ba618c45252c" data-vars-headline="Chicago celebrates Pope Leo XIV with citywide mass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/12/pope-leo-xiv-da-pope-trademark-portillos-suntimes-tshirts" target="_self">on the heels of</a> Leo&#x27;s inaugural mass Sunday at the Vatican.

Chicago reacts to Pope Leo XIV with "Da Pope" trademark frenzy

It's unlikely the U.S. Patent Office would grant trademarks over "Da Pope" but that hasn't stopped folks from trying.

Business

After the initial shock that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV was from Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" data-vars-content-id="91ab3ba3-af1b-4201-8b50-1903b5106276" data-vars-headline="Chicago reacts to Pope Leo XIV with &quot;Da Pope&quot; trademark frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-american-elected" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV was from Chicago</a> wore off, several budding entrepreneurs rushed to trademark &quot;Da Pope&quot; to profit off the trending nickname.The big picture: A trademark would give owners the ability to sell all sorts of merchandise, including T-shirts, coffee mugs and bumper stickers.Yes, but: Hold your horses, folks.