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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.

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.

Religion

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.

Food and Drink

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.

Pope Leo XIV is not just the first American pope. He's a Chicagoan

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as first American pope, ushering in a new era of progressive Catholic leadership.

Pope Leo XIV, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the first American pope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/05/us-power-conclave-new-pope" data-vars-content-id="110b7cd2-32f9-474a-b54a-04986f770f15" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV is not just the first American pope. He&#x27;s a Chicagoan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/05/us-power-conclave-new-pope" target="_self">the first American pope</a>, was born in Chicago and grew up in south suburban Dolton.Why it matters: Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, he now heads the Catholic Church, which has some 1.4 billion members worldwide. But Pope Leo&#x27;s power will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transcend the faith community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/01/pope-influence-noncatholics" data-vars-content-id="110b7cd2-32f9-474a-b54a-04986f770f15" data-vars-headline="Pope Leo XIV is not just the first American pope. He&#x27;s a Chicagoan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/01/pope-influence-noncatholics" target="_self">transcend the faith community</a> as he assumes a role with vast diplomatic and social influence.

Chicago celebrates hometown pope with memes, Malört, deep dish jokes

We've collected some funny quips about the new pope from social media.

World

Robert Prevost has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elected the first American pope in history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/08/pope-conclave-white-smoke-vatican" data-vars-content-id="be8bca8f-4b47-4d0a-bf0d-05d025a89c27" data-vars-headline="Chicago celebrates hometown pope with memes, Malört, deep dish jokes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/08/pope-conclave-white-smoke-vatican" target="_self">elected the first American pope in history</a>, and Chicago is here for it.The big picture: When word came of Pope Leo XIV&#x27;s Chicago roots, witty local comments flooded social media timelines, even from our elected leaders.<ul><li>&quot;Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago,&quot; Mayor Brandon Johnson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/ChicagosMayor/status/1920533436248305771" data-vars-content-id="be8bca8f-4b47-4d0a-bf0d-05d025a89c27" data-vars-headline="Chicago celebrates hometown pope with memes, Malört, deep dish jokes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/ChicagosMayor/status/1920533436248305771" target="_blank">posted</a>.</li></ul>