Chicago has had some of the worst air quality, severe heat islands and leftover lead pipes in the country. Add noise pollution to the mix.

Why it matters: Noise pollution is proven to take years off your life.

Driving the news: A recent New York Times investigation shows chronic noise — as suffered by residents near flight paths — can shorten life spans.

• Chicago ranks third-noisiest among large U.S. cities, per a study from commercial real estate listings platform 42Floors.

Methodology: The study factors in airport takeoffs and landings, construction activity, population density and car use to define the noisiest cities.

By the numbers: According to TomTom, Chicago residents spend 82 extra hours each year in congestion, second only to New York City.

• Chicago has two city airports, which is why we have over a million airplane takeoffs and landings a year, more than most cities.

What they're saying: "As the most densely populated city outside of New York, life in the Windy City can get rather hectic with the 11,841 people per square mile," authors of the 42Floors study conclude.

The big picture: According to the Times, chronic noise is a largely unrecognized health threat affecting more than 100 million Americans. Studies have shown a correlation between louder decibel levels and cardiovascular disease.

• The louder levels you live with, the higher your chances are for disease.
• Higher noise levels also can cause stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure and sleep disruption.

Of note: Chicago has a sound insulation program for those who live close to airports. To this date, Milhouse engineering and the city's Department of Aviation have insulated over 20,000 homes near O'Hare and Midway.

💭 Justin's thought bubble: All these factors affect most Chicagoans. It's great the city is sound-proofing homes near the airport, but what about noise issues in other parts of town?

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A festival for food lovers who crave more than a nibble and cooking demos is coming to Chicago for the first time this month.

Driving the news: Infatuation's EEEEEATSCON will be at The Salt Shed Aug. 19-20, featuring local and national restaurants, music performances, and, yes, the Jesse White Tumblers.

Zoom in: In addition to the familiar local spots, Austin and San Francisco restaurants are on the menu. So we asked some of our Axios Local colleagues what we should eat at EEEEEATSCON.

Taco Mafia

"Taco Mafia is a collective of some of Austin's favorite taco restaurants and food trucks — Discada, Cuantos Tacos and Nixta Taqueria," Axios Austin's Nicole Cobler tells us.

• Cobler says Cuantos' secret weapon is the salsa roja, while Nixta creates unique options like duck carnitas and beet "tartare."

The intrigue: The festival is offering an exclusive blend of all three restaurants' signature tacos, called The Mafia.

Prubechu

"Prubechu is a vibe. Get the Tinaktak, a noodle dish with beef and veggies," Axios San Francisco's Megan Rose Dickey says.

• "Also, leave plenty of room for the chamorro sweet rolls with tuba butter. You won't regret it."

Go deeper.

🏒 A public memorial for Rocky Wirtz will be held this morning at the United Center. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for the 11am tribute. (CBS 2)

🏟 Biden advisor Minyon Moore has been tapped to chair the 2024 Democratic National Convention. A Chicago native, Moore has worked at National Rainbow Push Coalition and was CEO of the Democratic National Committee. (Politico)

⛪️ St. Adalbert Church in Pilsen passed the first step this week to becoming a city landmark, which would protect it from demolition or being sold. (WBEZ)

👋 Hi, it's Carrie!

Last week, Monica admitted her blindspot as a lifelong Chicagoan was never having gone on a Chicago architecture boat tour (😮).

• Now it's my turn to rectify the blemish on my "Real Chicagoan" card: Never have I ever .... walked the Pedway!

How it works: The Pedway is about five miles of connected tunnels and covered bridges in the Loop. Regulars like it as a quick, convenient way to move through downtown, particularly in winter.

Yes, but: The Pedway is a little like Lower Wacker to me. If you know how to use it, it's great. If you don't, you're nervous and avoid it.

The verdict: I entered at 303 E. Wacker and exited at Macy's at 111 N. State St. Justin was my guide, and the signage was pretty helpful, but I think it would be difficult for tourists (and newbies like me) to know their way around.

Best moment: We somehow ended up on the seventh floor of Macy's, which had an odd but nostalgic exhibition about the history of the building's former owner, Marshall Field's. I never knew it was there and it brought up lovely memories.

The bottom line: I now feel more confident traversing the tunnels, but would love your tips.

• Reply to this email with any great Pedway hacks.

📅 Upcoming events around the city.

Comedy Night at Foundation Room on August 17:

• Enjoy the best comedians and delicious cocktails inside the world-famous House of Blues' club, The Foundation Room.
• Chicago Comedy Club is a special standup show featuring national and local headliners in one of the city's most beautiful venues. It's a perfect night out in downtown Chicago.
• DJ Toe-Knee spins all night long. Stick around after the show for some drinks and music.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

This was a tough one! Many of you guessed City Hall's rooftop, while others were closer, saying Willis Tower's terrace.

The right answer: The park across the street from Willis Tower at 311 S. Wacker.

This year, Willis Tower is celebrating its 50th anniversary with several free events, including a flamenco band tomorrow on the fourth-floor terrace.

• Congrats to Gary Y. and Kevin K., whose names we pulled from an old Sears bag.

You can pick up your swag at our next Office Hours event in September. Details soon!