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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.

Olympic swimmer Olivia Smoliga's best Chicago day

It includes beach time, Walker Bros. pancakes, Doma coffee and a Blackhawks game.

Things to Do

After winning Olympic Gold in 2016 and acing the Chicago River swim last summer, Glenview native Olivia Smoliga is plunging back into elite training with an eye on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.What she&#x27;s saying: &quot;After founding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="In Depth Swim Academy " data-vars-click-url="https://www.indepthswimacademy.com/" data-vars-content-id="efbac9c4-c6a6-42c6-899e-bea723597cb6" data-vars-headline="Olympic swimmer Olivia Smoliga&#x27;s best Chicago day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indepthswimacademy.com/" target="_blank">In Depth Swim Academy </a>and mentoring young athletes over the last two years, my perspective toward the sport shifted,&quot; she tells Axios.<ul><li>&quot;I was able to see swimming through the eyes of a beginner again and I felt refreshed, like I had been given another chance. By bringing a sense of wonder and creativity to the water, I am excited to see what I am capable of with my sights on LA2028.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Swimmer in water " height="2400" id="641aa63a-33f4-42b0-9d48-3d7261935042" src="https://images.axios.com/hIH1QfxntnuZhukM1SIUDG3hIxw=/2026/04/09/1775760971653.jpeg" width="3600"/><figcaption>Olivia Smoliga. Photo: Courtesy of Becca Wyant</figcaption></figure>River talk: She said winning the first River Swim felt &quot;nostalgic and monumental.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;I&#x27;ve always wanted to swim in the river. It was a huge catalyst for my return to competition, too. I was fired up to race in a way I hadn&#x27;t felt in a while.&quot;</li></ul>Pro tip: Applications for the September river swim <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="close April 27" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagoriverswim.org/Race/ChicagoRiverSwim/Page/EntryDetails" data-vars-content-id="efbac9c4-c6a6-42c6-899e-bea723597cb6" data-vars-headline="Olympic swimmer Olivia Smoliga&#x27;s best Chicago day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagoriverswim.org/Race/ChicagoRiverSwim/Page/EntryDetails" target="_blank">close April 27</a> and Smoliga has some advice for this year&#x27;s competitors: &quot;It&#x27;s a dog fight out there! Start strong, and give it your all. It&#x27;s a blast.&quot;State of play: Smoliga is back in town this weekend to lead programs at her In Depth Swim Academy, so we asked her to describe her ideal Chicago day.<figure><img alt="Sunset over a calm sea with an orange sun near the horizon; a blue boardwalk winds along the sandy beach, lifeguard stands on either side, a lone figure near the water." height="1601" id="43481238-a860-4406-a888-7137dc81a725" src="https://images.axios.com/vG4sygg1rZLFQj4aZChDKxHpQk4=/2026/04/09/1775761665751.jpeg" width="2327"/><figcaption>The sun rises over an Evanston beach. Photo: Monica Eng</figcaption></figure>🌅 Morning Activity: &quot;My perfect morning begins before sunrise at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sauna Club" data-vars-click-url="https://mysaunaclub.com/" data-vars-content-id="efbac9c4-c6a6-42c6-899e-bea723597cb6" data-vars-headline="Olympic swimmer Olivia Smoliga&#x27;s best Chicago day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mysaunaclub.com/" target="_blank">Sauna Club</a>&#x27;s lakeside sauna at Evanston Beach. Moving between the 190° wood-burning sauna and a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan, all before the sun peeks over the horizon, is a 10/10.&quot;🥞 Breakfast: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walker Brothers Original Pancake House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.walkerbros.net/" data-vars-content-id="efbac9c4-c6a6-42c6-899e-bea723597cb6" data-vars-headline="Olympic swimmer Olivia Smoliga&#x27;s best Chicago day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.walkerbros.net/" target="_blank">Walker Brothers Original Pancake House</a> on Green Bay Road for order of chocolate chippies and the Southwest crepes.&quot;🌊. Afternoon Activity: &quot;North Avenue Beach to swim in Lake Michigan with my friends at N.A.S.T.Y. (North Avenue Swim &amp; Triathlon, Yo!) against the Chicago skyline.&quot;<figure><img alt="Sunlit beach volleyball game on a sandy court; players near a net, one shirtless man jumping; a yellow and black AVP volleyball sits in the foreground, with a city skyline against a clear blue sky." height="2330" id="2241d552-007c-44c7-a144-c3ef1e2a83fd" src="https://images.axios.com/JiT1UgaEuTI3w5bcQLdUk4L0LV0=/2026/04/09/1775761485787.jpeg" width="3746"/><figcaption>People play beach volleyball at North Avenue Beach. Photo: Justin Kaufmann</figcaption></figure>☕️ Lunch: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Doma Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.domachicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="efbac9c4-c6a6-42c6-899e-bea723597cb6" data-vars-headline="Olympic swimmer Olivia Smoliga&#x27;s best Chicago day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.domachicago.com/" target="_blank">Doma Cafe</a> in River North for Kata&#x27;s Klub, a slice of olive cake and an oat milk cortado.&quot;🍔 Dinner: My parents&#x27; house in Glenview. Burgers on the grill.🔥 Evening Activity: &quot;If the Hawks are playing, my brother and I will head to the United Center. On an off week, it&#x27;ll be a fire pit game night with my family.&quot;Editors note: This story has been corrected to say that Smoliga won Olympic gold in 2016 not 2020.

Chicago street quiz: Roads, avenues or boulevards?

Can you identify the correct roads, streets, boulevards and avenues of Chicago?

History

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

The process turns human remains into soil and is legal in 14 states.

Climate

Illinois could soon legalize human composting — a greener death option that&#x27;s currently illegal in state.

Summer travel in Chicago: Flight cuts, rising fares and TSA delays expected

The summer outlook for Chicago flights is looking bleak.

Travel

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer outlook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/12/ohare-airport-capacity-faa-united-american-airlines" data-vars-content-id="4ffc48b8-c069-4026-ad64-ecb5991ea8e3" data-vars-headline="Summer travel in Chicago: Flight cuts, rising fares and TSA delays expected" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/12/ohare-airport-capacity-faa-united-american-airlines" target="_self">summer outlook</a> for Chicago flights is looking bleak as rising fuel costs, FAA limits and security concerns squeeze air travel after a rocky spring. Why it matters: Summer is peak vacation travel season, when O&#x27;Hare&#x27;s already heavy traffic is pushed to its limits.

O'Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence

Mayor Brandon Johnson said roughly 75 ICE officers were expected at O'Hare.

Travelers moving through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="O&#x27;Hare " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/chicago-airports-spring-break-travel-ohare-midway-faa-dhs" data-vars-content-id="b6f6cedc-59a9-4ee1-9640-32cf19cf5ec4" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/chicago-airports-spring-break-travel-ohare-midway-faa-dhs" target="_self">O&#x27;Hare </a>on Monday braced for long lines, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travel headaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="b6f6cedc-59a9-4ee1-9640-32cf19cf5ec4" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">travel headaches</a> — and the added uncertainty of ICE officers stationed at airport security.Why it matters: A partial government shutdown is straining airport operations nationwide — and hitting one of the country&#x27;s busiest airports at the start of spring break travel.

O'Hare, Midway brace for spring break crush amid shutdown chaos

The annual spring break for Chicago schools means a surge in traffic.

O&#x27;Hare and Midway are bracing for a spring break travel surge — just as delays and disruptions <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pile up nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/dhs-shutdown-tsa-fema-ice-democrats-discharge" data-vars-content-id="a9cf6a2c-0384-40c4-91f0-fddb3a8eb465" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare, Midway brace for spring break crush amid shutdown chaos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/dhs-shutdown-tsa-fema-ice-democrats-discharge" target="_self">pile up nationwide</a>.Why it matters: Chicago Public Schools&#x27; spring break is sending thousands more travelers through local airports at a moment when a prolonged federal shutdown is straining the system.

Chicago's Jibarito falls apart in Puerto Rico

The delicacy really disappoints due to a weird cheesy Salisbury steak-like filling.

Food and Drink

I recently spent a few days in Puerto Rico visiting family and eating lots of food including an island version of the Chicago-invented jibarito sandwich.Backstory: Humboldt Park restaurateur <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juan C. Figueroa started serving this steak sandwich " data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/06/18/saga-of-a-sandwich/" data-vars-content-id="0e5f1612-b18c-42e2-bbb9-a7da0fc016f0" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s Jibarito falls apart in Puerto Rico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/06/18/saga-of-a-sandwich/" target="_blank">Juan C. Figueroa started serving this steak sandwich </a>using fried green plantain planks as bread in the mid-1990s at his Puerto Rican restaurant Borinquen.<ul><li>In the intervening decades it has spread to cities all over the country and even back to Puerto Rico, where I found it in San Juan&#x27;s old city at a spot called Restaurante el Jibarito or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Fonda del Jibarito " data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/lafondadeljibarito/" data-vars-content-id="0e5f1612-b18c-42e2-bbb9-a7da0fc016f0" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s Jibarito falls apart in Puerto Rico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/lafondadeljibarito/" target="_blank">La Fonda del Jibarito </a>depending on which sign at this location you follow.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Left: Woman with glasses holding a plate of food inside a restaurant with a Puerto Rican flag wall. Right: Green exterior wall of Restaurante El Jibarito on a colorful street with cars parked." height="1080" id="a0346c75-ee2b-46e5-b96d-b4890c61c93e" src="https://images.axios.com/w39zcR527o3o44m4dqD0Z7BrLTU=/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/WY_SzVl1r2J1viypNAJBte5m_9s=/0x0:1920x1080/1920x1080/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/Lq7ArmfKvHEgas2GJTjaH-ky38M=/0x0:1920x1080/1600x900/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/WRH7ce1lMiyMabZptBvWW7t5InY=/0x0:1920x1080/1366x768/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/sHK6Zrt5Thn_YIjFQ7BIOANDYfE=/0x0:1920x1080/1024x576/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/KQxgbgz5ywARnooHQY5Nel_v0KU=/0x0:1920x1080/768x432/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/2_lO70t6xqE-X2nzI2PYi4ocC0Q=/0x0:1920x1080/640x360/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/Pur9pvPkipzWfNvOMw-9pfrd9x8=/0x0:1920x1080/320x180/2026/03/09/1773065919984.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Monica holds the Puerto Rican version of a Jibarito in San Juan. The exterior of Restaurante el Jibarito/La Fonda del Jibarito in San Juan&#x27;s old city. Photos: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>The sandwich: Disappointing. The plantain planks came out broken and filled with — not ribeye, pork or any of other Chicago faves but — some weird cheesy Salisbury steak for $19.95.<ul><li>Yes, but the sandwich does come with a tasty trifongo (breadfruit, plantain and yuca fritter) on the side. Has anyone ever seen this in Chicago?</li></ul>The bottom line: When trying &quot;Chicago treats&quot; in other cities, I often brace for the worst but here I expected something better.<ul><li>I guess we can chalk it up to another delicacy Chicago does better than any other place in the world.</li></ul>

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.

Travel's newest flex: "Skillcations"

72% of people want time off work to explore a personal passion, Hilton's 2026 trends report found.

In 2026, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/23/2026-vacation-holidays-pto" data-vars-content-id="4092dab8-936c-47ba-b758-117bda09eee0" data-vars-headline="Travel&#x27;s newest flex: &quot;Skillcations&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/23/2026-vacation-holidays-pto" target="_self">vacations</a> aren&#x27;t just about switching off — they&#x27;re about coming back smarter. Why it matters: Vacations are being redefined as investments in personal growth — a shift that&#x27;s reshaping how people use PTO and how the travel industry sells time away.

How to beat Illinois traffic this Thanksgiving

Avoid gridlock with travel advice for the busiest Thanksgiving week on record.

Culture

Thanksgiving&#x27;s almost here and AAA is expecting a record 4.1 million Illinoisans to travel at least 50 miles over the next six days.Why it matters: Record holiday trips could bring heavy holiday traffic. So we&#x27;ve gathered some data to help you do more chewing and less stewing, more baking and less braking, more memory sharing and less highway swearing. OK, we&#x27;ll stop.

FAA flight reductions could spark Chicago holiday travel meltdown

Chicago airports brace for impact of government shutdown as holiday season approaches.

Business

The FAA will begin reducing flights and restricting airspace on Friday to alleviate stress on air traffic controllers due to the government shutdown.Why it matters: These drastic moves will impact dozens of U.S. airports, including O&#x27;Hare and Midway, forcing airlines to cancel and delay flights.

O'Hare's boom continues despite shutdown flight chaos

O'Hare is seeing record growth as airlines compete for market share.

The government shutdown continues to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="impact both Chicago airports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/27/flight-delays-shutdown-controllers" data-vars-content-id="a1ea15cb-7d19-42d4-be0c-f503500704c5" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare&#x27;s boom continues despite shutdown flight chaos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/27/flight-delays-shutdown-controllers" target="_self">impact both Chicago airports</a>, even as O&#x27;Hare sees record growth in 2025. Why it matters: Air traffic controllers have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="calling in sick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/07/staffing-shortages-ohare-airport-federal-shutdown-delays-faa" data-vars-content-id="a1ea15cb-7d19-42d4-be0c-f503500704c5" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare&#x27;s boom continues despite shutdown flight chaos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/07/staffing-shortages-ohare-airport-federal-shutdown-delays-faa" target="_self">calling in sick</a> during the shutdown, forcing full airport ground stops and massive delays across the country.

Monos opens first Chicago storefront and cafe in West Loop

Experience travel, music and food inside West Loop's Monos and Postcard

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monos" data-vars-click-url="https://monos.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=8222006582&amp;utm_adgroup=84490726546&amp;utm_content=424845545674&amp;utm_term=dev_c--net_g--tid_kwd-533064761--kwmt_e--kwid_monos--prodid_%7Bproductid%7D--plc_&amp;wm_source=google&amp;wm_medium=ads&amp;wm_ad_id=424845545674&amp;wm_adgroup_id=84490726546&amp;wm_campaign_id=8222006582&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=8222006582&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC6YPFlXPpQbX8gUPdueIGk76MMjo&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUveXL8bxklv5OIm9d49CR5590VyOpXelwaxeHUZDNmneK93XsAGmGxoCgKgQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="af858fe3-51be-4ab6-9890-e4b512b51ff6" data-vars-headline="Monos opens first Chicago storefront and cafe in West Loop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://monos.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=8222006582&amp;utm_adgroup=84490726546&amp;utm_content=424845545674&amp;utm_term=dev_c--net_g--tid_kwd-533064761--kwmt_e--kwid_monos--prodid_%7Bproductid%7D--plc_&amp;wm_source=google&amp;wm_medium=ads&amp;wm_ad_id=424845545674&amp;wm_adgroup_id=84490726546&amp;wm_campaign_id=8222006582&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=8222006582&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC6YPFlXPpQbX8gUPdueIGk76MMjo&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUveXL8bxklv5OIm9d49CR5590VyOpXelwaxeHUZDNmneK93XsAGmGxoCgKgQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Monos</a> is now open in Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Loop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/21/west-loop-walking-tour-shows-union-park-bartelme-mary-todd-lincoln" data-vars-content-id="af858fe3-51be-4ab6-9890-e4b512b51ff6" data-vars-headline="Monos opens first Chicago storefront and cafe in West Loop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/21/west-loop-walking-tour-shows-union-park-bartelme-mary-todd-lincoln" target="_self">West Loop</a>, one of the Canadian luggage brand&#x27;s first U.S. stores. The big picture: Launched in 2018, Monos is aiming to curate new experiences for customers through shopping and hospitality. The brand&#x27;s name comes from the Japanese phrase &quot;mono no aware,&quot; the concept of finding and appreciating beauty in life&#x27;s fleeting moments.