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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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A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

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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

Scoop: Thompson Center demolition to begin in February

It's expected to take approximately two years.

Demolition on parts of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James R. Thompson Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/09/22/chicago-architecture-biennial-2023" data-vars-content-id="7cb63af8-e95c-4d9c-bebf-305d64e9e576" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Thompson Center demolition to begin in February" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/09/22/chicago-architecture-biennial-2023" target="_self">James R. Thompson Center</a> will begin early next year.Why it matters: The former State of Illinois building is a darling for historic preservationists who have argued Helmut Jahn&#x27;s original design of the postmodern &quot;spaceship&quot; glass structure, accented by salmon and blue hues, should be restored.

Kennedy Expressway lanes opening as construction eases

Goodbye, gridlock! Lanes are starting to reopen along the Kennedy Expressway.Driving the news: A phased reopening of lanes and ramps on the inbound Kennedy and Edens expressways begins Friday morning, and it should be completed by Tuesday morning rush hour.

Construction equipment and barriers on the highway with Chicago skyline in background.

Cook County and Illinois races to watch in 2024

Cook County voters will be choosing a new state's attorney and several congressional seats next year.

Politics

The filing deadline for candidates to appear on the 2024 ballot is officially over.Why it matters: Next year, Chicago-area voters will be choosing a new Cook County state&#x27;s attorney and several congressional seats in both the March primary and the general election in November.

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.

Illinois cancels Brighton Park migrant camp

State officials cite environmental concerns.

Illinois officials put a permanent stop to Chicago&#x27;s partially built <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="migrant camp in Brighton Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/12/04/migrant-camp-brighton-park-construction-paused" data-vars-content-id="b7d8cb8d-6c55-411f-bcd1-15589ecfbee1" data-vars-headline="Illinois cancels Brighton Park migrant camp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/12/04/migrant-camp-brighton-park-construction-paused" target="_self">migrant camp in Brighton Park</a> on Tuesday, citing environmental concerns. Why it matters: The move sends city and state officials back to the drawing board on where to locate alternative housing for thousands of migrants who&#x27;ve been living in makeshift tents, police stations, churches and overcrowded shelters.

Two giant white tent constructed on gravel in Brighton Park.

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.

Illinois halts construction of Chicago migrant camp

The state is reviewing a report that found high levels of mercury, lead and other dangerous toxins at the site.

Illinois officials have paused construction on the Brighton Park <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="migrant camp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/09/08/chicago-migrant-tents" data-vars-content-id="93a3cfc6-f050-4719-a096-e0c52db1eea9" data-vars-headline="Illinois halts construction of Chicago migrant camp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/09/08/chicago-migrant-tents" target="_self">migrant camp</a> in order to review a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-commissioned report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/12/03/chicago-migrant-camp-brighton-park-mercury" data-vars-content-id="93a3cfc6-f050-4719-a096-e0c52db1eea9" data-vars-headline="Illinois halts construction of Chicago migrant camp" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/12/03/chicago-migrant-camp-brighton-park-mercury" target="_self">city-commissioned report</a> that found high levels of mercury, lead and other toxic elements at the site.Why it matters: The state-funded camp, initially set to open in mid-December, was intended to be the first major sector of alternative housing for thousands of migrants sleeping in makeshift tents, police stations, churches and overcrowded shelters.

Man holding sign reading "This land is contaminated" in front of a police SUV and next to traffic blockades. 

Chicago left out of EPA's new lead action plan

The proposal gives Chicago 40-50 years to address its lead lines — not much different from the city's current situation.

<figure><img alt="Photo of a lead pipe next to a glass of water " height="3024" id="1bf5efb0-7685-4d61-8a54-31541677ba12" src="https://images.axios.com/E4qZ5gXTb_DxZ6X4wrFROJZi_vI=/2023/12/01/1701467087772.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>New federal rules aimed at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="getting lead out of the nation&#x27;s water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/epa-lead-pipe-replacement-drinking-water" data-vars-content-id="14718938-372b-4f32-a3a4-66e66b7371e6" data-vars-headline="Chicago left out of EPA&#x27;s new lead action plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/epa-lead-pipe-replacement-drinking-water" target="_self">getting lead out of the nation&#x27;s water</a> could vastly improve water safety in most of the country — but not in Chicago.What&#x27;s happening: Health advocates had been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushing for a rule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/17/illinois-lead-line-removal-epa" data-vars-content-id="14718938-372b-4f32-a3a4-66e66b7371e6" data-vars-headline="Chicago left out of EPA&#x27;s new lead action plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/17/illinois-lead-line-removal-epa" target="_self">pushing for a rule</a> that would shorten Chicago&#x27;s timeline to remove 400,000 toxic lead water lines to just 10 years.

Construction underway on new Green Line stop at Damen Avenue

The pandemic had stalled construction until this fall.

<figure><img alt="" height="450" id="99dfd567-efe8-4d83-8dd6-f91c6010cd54" src="https://images.axios.com/cUtMu8LtkK60agSUC1oeN2-7KJc=/2023/12/01/1701467531318.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The work happening at Damen Avenue. GIF: Courtesy of F.H. Paschen</figcaption></figure>Anyone who&#x27;s tried to navigate West Lake Street in the past couple of months must be wondering about the status of the monster construction project that helped close it down.What&#x27;s happening: A brand-new stop is being built on the Green Line at Damen Avenue, as riders know well because of the slowdowns around the site.

Mercury found on Brighton Park migrant camp site

City officials say they've taken steps to reduce exposure to the toxins.

High levels of mercury, arsenic and lead were found on the site of the Brighton Park migrant camp, according to a city-commissioned report.Driving the news: Chicago officials say they&#x27;ve taken steps to reduce exposure to the toxins and make the site safe for temporary stays.

One of Chicago&#x27;s most interesting new grocery stores is hosting a grand opening this weekend.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gangnam Market" data-vars-click-url="https://gangnammarketusa.com/" data-vars-content-id="d24732ea-8590-4bb5-b923-24201b720ede" data-vars-headline="New Asian grocery store and food court officially opens in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gangnammarketusa.com/" target="_blank">Gangnam Market</a> — featuring standard groceries with Asian specialties and a six-restaurant food court — could turn River West into an unlikely Asian street food mecca.

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.

Pogues singer Shane MacGowan's death rocks Chicago music community

Tributes have poured in for the Irish punk rock/folk singer from all over the world and right here in Chicago.

The Pogues notorious frontman Shane MacGowan died this week at age 65. What&#x27;s happening: Tributes have poured in for the Irish punk rock/folk singer from all over the world and right here in Chicago.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Shane was a genius,&quot; Metro owner Joe Shanahan tells Axios.<ul><li> &quot;Chicago was a wonderful town for him because he made a lot of connections. He would go to a bar and sit and talk to people. A lot of people have stories because he connected with them.&quot;</li></ul>

Chicago Blackhawks culture in question again after Corey Perry cut

The veteran player's contract was waived for "inappropriate" conduct, the team said.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Blackhawks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/10/10/chicago-blackhawks-penguins-connor-bedard" data-vars-content-id="081a666d-9934-4e4c-9e9a-44ff76a5dbd4" data-vars-headline="Chicago Blackhawks culture in question again after Corey Perry cut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/10/10/chicago-blackhawks-penguins-connor-bedard" target="_self">Chicago Blackhawks</a> made headlines this week by cutting veteran Corey Perry for &quot;inappropriate&quot; conduct.What&#x27;s happening: GM Kyle Davidson announced the team was notified of apparent misconduct by Perry during a game last week, from which the player was pulled. Shortly after, the &#x27;Hawks conducted a swift internal investigation, and Perry&#x27;s contract was terminated.

Photo of a man behind a podium listening to questions. 

Mystery dog illness puts Chicago pet owners on edge

The illness has been reported in 14 states, including Illinois.

The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago are monitoring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mysterious illness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/20/mysterious-respiratory-dog-illness-us-states" data-vars-content-id="47020785-7036-4c49-ae9f-4030dbf605cf" data-vars-headline="Mystery dog illness puts Chicago pet owners on edge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/20/mysterious-respiratory-dog-illness-us-states" target="_self">mysterious illness</a> that is affecting dogs across the country.Why it matters: The unknown and contagious respiratory disease, which can in some cases be fatal, is perplexing veterinarians and worrying dog owners at a time when many are planning to board their pets or bring them to packed get-togethers.

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