Chicago high schoolers have joined the pro-Palestinian protest movement spreading through college campuses nationwide.

Why it matters: Despite efforts by university officials to tamp down protests, the demonstrations seem instead to be spreading to younger students, who targeted Wednesday because it marked college decision day for many.

The latest: Students from Jones Prep High School in the South Loop staged a sit-in on Wednesday to support Palestinians.

• Similar sit-ins took place at Hancock Prep in West Eldon and a handful other high schools.

Zoom in: Some Jewish parents gathered outside Jones College Prep High School during Wednesday's sit-in, including Claudia Mendelson, who told Axios her children were nervous: "I think they're scared. They feel uncomfortable."

• Some Jewish leaders held a press conference at the Loop Synagogue on Wednesday afternoon with a handful of alders "to provide a critical perspective on the sit-ins," organizers wrote in a text.

Friction point: Jane Charney, an official at the Jewish United Fund, which organized the press conference, tells Axios she believes most of the student protesters are joining in "to be part of the in crowd, and the in crowd are antisemites."

Flashback: Hundreds of CPS high schoolers also protested the war in Gaza in January by walking out of classes and, in some cases, traveling to City Hall.

The big picture: The high school rallies took place as students at several local colleges — including the University of Chicago, DePaul, Loyola, UIC and Columbia College — continue protests and encampments on campus.

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Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts has ventured into the tech arena.

Why it matters: Ricketts' company Freedom Fries launched Freespoke in 2022 to take on big tech companies like Google. The search engine allows anonymous queries so users are not fed content and news based on past searches, as they are with Google.

Between the lines: Like Google, Freespoke serves up news from a variety of sources, but each story is labeled right, middle or left.

• For example, the New York Post is labeled "right," the Associated Press "middle" and Axios "left."

How it works: Company president Kristin Jackson tells Axios the labels are based on how sites like Ad Fontes Media, Factcheck.org and Allsides.com have categorized news sources.

Yes, but: Ricketts, the only public investor in the Illinois-based company, is a regular donor to the Republican Party.

What they're saying: "It's not about one person. This is just about a technology platform that solves a human need," Jackson says. "It's not a political mission. It's a debate of ideas, and shows information."

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The suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca was arrested yesterday in Glendale Heights. (Sun-Times)

🏟 After Bears executives met with aides to Gov. J.B. Pritzker yesterday, the governor's spokesperson said the stadium proposal is a "non-starter for the state." (Tribune)

⚾️ Former White Sox All-Star and AL MVP José Abreu has had such a bad start to the baseball season, the Astros have demoted him to the minor leagues. (NBC Sports)

Once again, Jewel-Osco leads local grocers with the highest market share in the Chicago metro area.

By the numbers: There are 176 Jewel-Osco stores in the greater metro area.

• Kroger — comprising Food 4 Less, Mariano's Fresh Market, Ruler Discount Foods — has the fewest stores with 15.
• Batavia-based Aldi has more than 160 stores, but only 4% of market share.

Catch up quick: Jewel parent company Albertson's has been trying to merge with Kroger since 2022.

Of note: These rankings use data from Chain Store Guide, which was collected before last week's announcement that Foxtrot and Dom's were closing up shop.

Fun fact: We asked you what your favorite grocery store was. The winner: Trader Joe's.

When Goose Island's new pub opens tomorrow next to the Salt Shed, it'll become an obvious choice for concertgoers and non-concertgoers alike.

Why it matters: The pub's innovative chow, excellent beer selection and stunning riverside patio are alone worth a trip to the Elston Avenue spot.

Dig in: We tried the juicy smashburger ($18) with a Bourbon County Stout milkshake ($5-$8), a rich smoked trout melt ($18.50) and a fried chicken sandwich with gochujang and kimchi slaw ($17.50).

• Next time, we want the burnt carrot sandwich ($16), spicy cabbage salad with coconut dressing ($16) and the Green City Market Pop Tarts filled with strawberries and basil ($9).

On tap: Visitors will find six permanent Goose Island beers, including 312, Kick Back, Hazy Beer Hug IPA and the latest Bourbon County Stout, as well as seven rotating fruited ales, Belgian pale ales, a kölsch and more.

Pro tip: Goose Island staffers tell Axios that you can hear outdoor Salt Shed concerts from their patio seating.

• Our dream would be to score one of these patio couches Saturday night during the Belle and Sebastian show — which we forgot to buy tickets for.

Fleurs De Villes, an immersive exhibition, is bringing May flowers to a Mag Mile mall.

What's happening: The floral celebration returns to the 900 North Michigan shops for the first time since 2019.

• Since then it have toured 23 cities, highlighting over 700 talented florists.

Behind the scenes: Co-owners Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley say their goal is "to build community within the floral industry while showcasing other artists."

• This year, the show includes local Chicagoland florists such as Fleur, Honey Street Flowers, The Shy Flower and more.

If you go: Floral mannequins will be on display mall-wide through Sunday.

Watch our behind the scenes video