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Food Fight: Where to get the best donuts in Chicago

Our reporters duke it out over their favorite treats in town.

Food and Drink

This week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/08/17/food-fight-best-thin-crust-pizza-dagostinos-foxs-michaels" data-vars-content-id="2608e0e9-7ba7-4e7a-837e-a2f60ec9ddd3" data-vars-headline="Food Fight: Where to get the best donuts 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/2026/08/17/food-fight-best-thin-crust-pizza-dagostinos-foxs-michaels" target="_self">Food Fight</a> is all about Chicago&#x27;s best pillowy, fluffy, glazed, gooey and fresh-fried treats.Why it matters: Life&#x27;s too short for mediocre donuts.

Inside the $2.25B plan for a 15-minute O'Hare-to-downtown train

This express train could drastically change traveling to and from O'Hare airport.

Transit

A group of business leaders wants to build a high-speed train to dramatically cut travel times between O&#x27;Hare and downtown Chicago.Why it matters: The express rail connection could give airport travelers a faster alternative to the CTA, cabs and ride shares without relying on public subsidies.

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.

Buc-ee's co-founder casts doubt on Illinois expansion over politics

The co-founder said he prefers working with conservative states that reflect the company's values.

Business

Buc-ee&#x27;s co-founder says politics will increasingly influence where the travel-center giant expands — comments that are drawing pushback in Illinois.The latest: At a grand opening for a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s in Benton, Arkansas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/buc-ees-ceo-signals-expansion-shift-away-blue-states-dont-appreciate-chain" data-vars-content-id="106cc18f-5f28-4dea-84b5-c620f74ed95e" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s co-founder casts doubt on Illinois expansion over politics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/buc-ees-ceo-signals-expansion-shift-away-blue-states-dont-appreciate-chain" target="_blank">Buc-ee&#x27;s in Benton, Arkansas</a>, last week, president and co-founder Arch &quot;Beaver&quot; Aplin III said the company would rather build in conservative, &quot;business-friendly&quot; communities.

Pope Leo XIV meets with Mayor Brandon Johnson

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

News

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.