Texas Democrats continue to hide out in the Chicago area, skipping yesterday's statehouse session on redistricting the Lone Star State's congressional map.

Why it matters: The fight over fair elections has landed on Illinois' doorstep.

The latest: Several Texas Democrats met with Illinois lawmakers last night in Warrenville, defying Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has called for their arrest.

What they're saying: "I didn't run for office to walk out of the Capitol, but I also didn't run for office to stand by while democracy is stolen in broad daylight," Texas Democratic state Rep. John Bucy said at the Warrenville press conference last night.

The big picture: About 30 Texas Democrats fled to keep the state's legislature from having a quorum to vote on new congressional maps that would create more right-leaning districts to keep the U.S. House under GOP control in 2026.

The intrigue: This move isn't unprecedented. Illinois has long been a haven for other Democratic state lawmakers who flee their states.

• In 2011, Wisconsin Democrats came here to avoid a vote on a sweeping anti-union bill, while Indiana Democrats did the same thing over the same issue.

Reality check: Those protests didn't change the outcome.

Between the lines: Texas Democrats met with Gov. JB Pritzker last month. It's unclear if Pritzker and other local Democrats encouraged the move.

• But their presence here solidifies Pritzker as a leading voice of the opposition party.

Friction point: Local Republicans accused Pritzker of gerrymandering the state for Democrats in 2021, which they say is the same thing Texas Republicans are doing now.

• Pritzker campaigned on fair maps when he first ran in 2018.

What's next: If Texas ultimately redraws the map, the focus will shift to blue states like Illinois, which could redraw left-leaning districts to counter Texas.

• Pritzker could call a special session as early as this month.

Go deeper

Justin Timberlake has put a spotlight on Lyme disease after revealing his diagnosis last week.

What's happening: Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of a tick that carries a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi.

• In the U.S., mainly deer ticks spread this bacteria — they're most common in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, which includes Wisconsin, Michigan and Northern Illinois.
• In short, the places where we plan our outdoor vacations.

Why it matters: It's important to be mindful of the tick-borne illness that — if left untreated — can lead to long-term neurological problems and body aches.

The big picture: More than 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the CDC in 2023, but the agency estimates that roughly 476,000 people are actually diagnosed and treated annually.

Zoom in: Lyme disease can present with a rash or flu-like symptoms.

• Most Lyme cases caught early can be treated with antibiotics. But diagnosing the disease early can be difficult because not all infected people get rashes, and early testing can produce false negatives.

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🧑‍🏫 Chicago Public Schools need $1.6 billion in state funding to provide students with an adequate education, according to the state's formula. (WBEZ)

💰 Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill to add $750 million to cops and firefighters' pensions. (Crain's)

HIV/AIDS activist and co-founder of Open Hand Chicago Lori Cannon died Sunday at the age of 74. (Windy City Times)

👋 Hi, it's Monica.

Justin Lerias opened Del Sur Bakery in March to great acclaim and demand, but the long lines and his one-pastry-per-type rule (to address hoarding) have spurred online haters who've even accused Lerias of orchestrating the hype.

Driving the news: Last week, I interviewed the 24-year-old chef at our Axios Office Hours event.

• The young baker says he doesn't think people should be waiting two hours for a pastry, but it doesn't excuse disrespectful behavior toward his staff.

The latest: Del Sur is expanding to the space next door with tables and seating as soon as the city permits come through, Lerias tells Axios.

The pastries: Lerias and his team create artisanal Filipino-Midwest treats that are intentionally unique to avoid stealing customers from nearby traditional bakeries.

• His faves include the sweet and salty longanisa sausage croissant ($10) drizzled with soy sauce caramel and the turon danish ($8) with sweet plantain and flan.

Here are five tips from Lerias for a successful visit:

🌅 Visit Thursday or Friday mornings (starting at 8) when the wait is 20 minutes or less.

🚴🏽‍♀️ Walk, bike or take public transportation if possible. The bakery sits under the Damen Brown Line stop and the area is blanketed with permit parking.

🥐 Study the online menu to make ordering easier.

🌺 Enjoy your wait in line by taking in the flower arrangements (by Lerias) and the Filipino cookbooks laid out on the table.

👦🏻 Ask staff for recommendations: "They're so good at answering questions and building you a box based on your preferences," Lerias says.

Monica's experience

👋 Hey, it's Carrie with my latest dispatch from the vintage scene.

The shop: Found by Steph (2050 N. Halsted St.)

The era: Special occasion pieces, including wedding dresses, primarily from the 1960s-'90s, with a few exceptions that date back as early as the '30s.

• All dresses are under $500.

My treasures: A cream sheath with lace, beaded sleeves ($125) and a long, peach dress with a chiffon overlay and rosette ($185).

Yes, but: Hard to believe, I know, but I have an abundance of dresses, so I didn't purchase these. Yet.

👚 9-word review: Unique finds certain to start conversations at the party.