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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann and Carrie Shepherd.

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Chicago gift ideas: Local food, books and experiences to shop

If you want to be the partygoer who stands out at your next White Elephant exchange, we've got you covered.

Things to Do

New Asian grocery store and food court officially opens in Chicago

The food court features a full bar, bubble tea stand and cafe along with six food stalls.

Food and Drink

Migrant resettlement progress report

The city has helped find housing for nearly a third of the new arrivals.

News

Chicago is emerging as a quantum tech hub

The cutting-edge particle can help speed up broadband, eliminate hacking and create new treatments in the quest to cure cancer.

Business

Survey forecasts Chicago holiday shopping slump

Many small businesses are worried that this holiday season could be "make or break."

Even though shoppers flooded local shops and malls this past weekend, a new survey suggests holiday spending in our area will be down this year.Why it matters: Many small-business owners worry that this holiday season could be &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make or break" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/22/as-small-business-saturday-approaches-local-shop-owners-report-dwindling-sales-support-these-places-otherwise-they-wont-be-here-anymore/" data-vars-content-id="6ff31425-cf62-4326-9e3b-db0e8e5d7860" data-vars-headline="Survey forecasts Chicago holiday shopping slump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/22/as-small-business-saturday-approaches-local-shop-owners-report-dwindling-sales-support-these-places-otherwise-they-wont-be-here-anymore/" target="_blank">make or break</a>.&quot;

Keeping track of Chicago's labor union wars

Labor strife is heating up at several institutions across Chicago. Here's where strikes stand.

Chicago workers from the Teamsters walked the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="picket line Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/teamsters-picket-amazon-warehouse-chicago" data-vars-content-id="38097bd6-42f6-475b-84e1-530f3ac33910" data-vars-headline="Keeping track of Chicago&#x27;s labor union wars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/teamsters-picket-amazon-warehouse-chicago" target="_blank">picket line Tuesday</a> at an Amazon warehouse in Bridgeport to protest working conditions and pay levels.The big picture: Labor strife is heating up across Chicago — and the country — as more employees organize to demand better workplaces.

Illustration of pinback buttons with union slogans

Lost department stores on display at Elmhurst History Museum

Finally, a place to feed your shopping nostalgia!

An exhibit at the Elmhurst History Museum looks back at the rise — and fall — of department stores in the Chicago area.Why it matters: Finally, a place to feed your nostalgia about our iconic department stores! Plus, you can learn about how Chicago&#x27;s State Street became a shopping destination.

What to know about proposed Peoples Gas rate hike in Chicago

Customers could see the rate hike as early as next month, if approved.

Illinois regulators are scheduled to vote Thursday on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed Peoples Gas rate hike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/07/peoples-gas-rate-increases-comed" data-vars-content-id="15b6cb03-a48f-4f31-ad7b-5793d965eed1" data-vars-headline="What to know about proposed Peoples Gas rate hike in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/07/peoples-gas-rate-increases-comed" target="_self">proposed Peoples Gas rate hike</a> of $11.83 on residents&#x27; monthly bills.Why it matters: If approved, more than 800,000 customers across Chicago could see the rate hike as early as next month.

Illustration of a pipeline surrounded by money elements and abstract shapes.

The Chicago area is quickly emerging as a national leader in quantum technology.What&#x27;s happening: The region was recently designated a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quantum technology hub" data-vars-click-url="https://quantumcomputingreport.com/chicago-region-designated-as-a-u-s-tech-hub-for-quantum-technology-as-part-of-the-u-s-chips-and-science-act/" data-vars-content-id="0ce6d6e2-3b81-434c-98cc-8ff521ac9d8a" data-vars-headline="Chicago is emerging as a quantum tech hub" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://quantumcomputingreport.com/chicago-region-designated-as-a-u-s-tech-hub-for-quantum-technology-as-part-of-the-u-s-chips-and-science-act/" target="_blank">quantum technology hub</a> by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will bring federal funding to area universities.

West Town restaurant Split-Rail to close

Split-Rail is ending its more than six-year run in West Town.Driving the news: The owners of the popular upscale-casual spot sent an email this week to customers announcing the closure, set for Dec. 10.

Axios Chicago Power Players: 15 influential people in 2023

We picked 15 of the most influential people who've shaped our city this year.

From burgeoning industries to legendary institutions, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="17efbd15-469a-4c92-9c79-3edd60333ae5" data-vars-headline="Axios Chicago Power Players: 15 influential people in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a> is under new leadership, up against big challenges.What&#x27;s happening: Some leaders have risen to the occasion, both in the public eye and behind the scenes, by sparking advancements or showcasing commitment to serving our communities.

Photo illustration of a collage of Kevin Warren, Che Rhymefest Smith, Sarah Stegner, Laura Ricketts, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, and Francis Wang framed by stair-like shapes.

Axios Chicago's 2022 Power Players

We explore 10 Chicagoans making waves and taking names.

Welcome to our inaugural annual Axios Chicago Power Players List, a chance to look back at influential leaders who left their marks on our area this year. Methodology: We selected these power players using our own expertise, polling readers and through interviews with influential people.

Illustration of two rows of dominos falling with text overlaid that reads Power Players Chicago.

Matt Moog steps down as CEO of Chicago Public Media

The board says they'll name a successor in early 2024.

Chicago Public Media CEO <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matt Moog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/12/10/power-players-chicago-pritzker-chance-parker-ewing" data-vars-content-id="8af8424f-8047-4883-a117-a067368ce6fb" data-vars-headline="Matt Moog steps down as CEO of Chicago Public Media" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/12/10/power-players-chicago-pritzker-chance-parker-ewing" target="_self">Matt Moog</a> announced that he is stepping down as the leader of both WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times. Driving the news: Moog shared his plans to resign in a statement to staff on Monday, and said he intends to serve in the role until the public media company&#x27;s board chooses a successor in early 2024.

World Business Chicago CEO Michael Fassnacht resigns

Michael Fassnacht is resigning as president and CEO of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Business Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/11/23/global-pop-up-shops-magnificent-mile-chicago" data-vars-content-id="eb18ff47-e9f6-4637-923a-5d0b80e53a70" data-vars-headline="World Business Chicago CEO Michael Fassnacht resigns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/11/23/global-pop-up-shops-magnificent-mile-chicago" target="_self">World Business Chicago</a>, the public-private agency tasked with leading economic development in the city.Driving the news: World Business Chicago announced Tuesday that Fassnacht will step down in February.

Chicago's Center on Halsted names new CEO

Joli Angel Robinson will step into the role in January.

Joli Angel Robinson will lead the Center on Halsted, the Chicago LGBTQ+ community center announced Tuesday.Driving the news: Robinson will become the center&#x27;s new CEO in January.

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