With mayoral debates and forums kicking into high gear, we keep hearing: "What should the city do to keep the Bears?"

Why it matters: The organization has consistently signaled they want to build a stadium in Arlington Heights, even after the city proposed billions in perks to keep the team at Soldier Field.

Between the lines: The team's hiring of CEO Kevin Warren — who led the Vikings' construction of U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016 — seems to cement the reality that they're leaving.

• Maybe the more salient question for candidates should be, "What would you do with Soldier Field?"

State of play: This month, Landmark Preservation released a video depicting a sparkling redevelopment of the district-run stadium.

• But could that be a reality? Justin caught up with the company's CEO, Bob Dunn, to find out.

Justin: How does your Soldier Field redevelopment plan stack up against the better stadiums in the NFL?

Dunn: "I've been working on sports and NFL stadium development for over 25 years, and I truly believe that there is no comparable location — in the heart of one of the world's most exciting cities — in this country. A redeveloped Soldier Field wouldn't just make the best of the current venue; it can become the very best stadium in the world with the right vision."

• "By keeping about 70% of the current stadium, the redevelopment could cost $1 [billion] to $1.5 billion less than building a new stadium from the ground up."

Justin: In the teaser video, I noticed you didn't use the word "Bears" or even "football." Why?

Dunn: "Soldier Field is an iconic public asset that will be with us whether the Bears continue to play there or not. I think we can agree that the stadium is currently deficient in many ways, but our video shows how it is truly possible to give players and fans the superior experience that they expect, while preserving the stadium's iconic character."

Keep reading

Despite the rare sun yesterday, this January has brought us a super-long stretch of gloomy days. And we're kinda sick of it.

• Plus, the National Weather Service predicts more of the same for the next week.

Why it matters: Midwest winters with cold temperatures and short days make all of us more vulnerable to the wintertime blues, Axios' Alissa Widman Neese reports.

• An estimated 5% of Americans deal with a more serious winter depression that significantly impairs daily function: seasonal affective disorder (SAD), per the American Psychiatric Association.

How it works: SAD symptoms can range from feeling run down or tired to experiencing mood changes and social withdrawal.

• It's not clear what causes the condition, but researchers believe the daylight changes can alter our brain chemicals and rob us of sunlight-derived vitamin D, per the National Institute of Mental Health.
• Women are affected more often than men.

Yes, but: Some lifestyle changes can help make these symptoms more manageable, Samar McCutcheon, a psychiatrist with Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, tells Axios. They include:

🛌 Maintain a daily routine, including a set bedtime.

🧘 Exercise both your brain and body through activities like meditation and yoga.

🍷 Avoid alcohol and drugs.

💡 Try light therapy for 30 minutes daily.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Increase social activity.

Eggs have become the latest food to skyrocket due to inflation — exacerbated by a devastating Avian flu outbreak — as prices for a dozen have nearly doubled around the country.

The latest survey of Instacart prices in December puts the average price in Illinois at $4.82.

• That's similar to states like Wisconsin and Michigan, but slightly higher than Iowa and Indiana.

Yes but: It could be worse; we could live in Hawaii ($9.73), Florida ($6.36) or California ($6.05).

Go deeper

🚔 Chicago police plan to increase patrols for Sunday's Lunar New Year celebration in Chinatown after the mass shootings in California. (NBC5)

👩‍⚖️ Former state Senator Darren Bailey has filed a new lawsuit against the state's assault weapon ban. (ABC7)

🪧 UIC faculty have settled with the university, ending their four-day strike. (Tribune🔒)

⚽️ Get the ball rolling. Check out these openings from our Job Board.

1. Media Director, Programmatic at Starcom.
2. Vice President of PACE at Esperanza Health Centers.
3. Governance and Controls Advisor at CIBC US.

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Last week we tried to perk up a dreary January by presenting our favorite grilled cheese sandwiches — preferably served with a hot bowl of tomato soup.

• Monica chose the Classic at Gayle V's Best Ever Grilled Cheese in Block 37.
• Justin went for the plump toasted sandwich from Fat Shallot.

As usual, our lactose-indulgent readers served many cheesy opinions of their own:

Leslie M.: "The incredibly rich 5 cheese masterpiece at Lady Gregory's in Andersonville. Gruyere, white Cheddar, mozzarella and brie with fried shallots and candied bacon on parmesan-crusted sourdough."

Monica H.: "Chef Debbie's grilled cheese at the Peckish Pig paired with an in-house brew will cure what ails you, especially on a dreary winter afternoon."

McKinley S.: "Grilled cheese rec: Carver 47 in Kenwood. Don't skimp on the red pepper jelly they offer with it — a delightful combo of spicy and sweet."

More reader picks

Do you know where Justin is this week? Here's a hint:

• It beckons travelers based on its looks
• A sunken treasure trove of so many books
• Hidden away next to our gothic past
• A contemporary addition, hopefully not the last

📫 Reply to this email with the correct answer and you'll be entered into a drawing to win some Axios swag!