All Access

Chicago

blue

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

Axios Chicago Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Chicago Alerts

Alert

Axios Chicago

Standard

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

Axios Chicago Weekender

Weekender

Chicago Members

Membership

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

Chicago's DNC host committee announces key staffers

The behind-the-scenes team is a who's who of political operatives in Illinois.

Politics

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic National Convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/11/democrats-chicago-2024-convention" data-vars-content-id="41889f47-4376-4481-8755-2bf2bcf9affc" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s DNC host committee announces key staffers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/11/democrats-chicago-2024-convention" target="_self">Democratic National Convention</a> is just nine months away and the Chicago host committee is staffing up. Why it matters: The DNC will bring Democrats from all over the country to Chicago in what could be an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic benefit for the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/04/11/dnc-chicago-2024" data-vars-content-id="41889f47-4376-4481-8755-2bf2bcf9affc" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s DNC host committee announces key staffers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/04/11/dnc-chicago-2024" target="_self">economic benefit for the city</a>.

Illustration of the Democratic party donkey logo, with the American flag-themed design changing to a Chicago flag.

Inmigrantes recién llegados a Chicago ya no calificarán para asistencia en el alquiler

Estas políticas más estrictas marcan un enorme cambio con respecto a las reglas anteriores.

Inmigrantes recién llegados a Chicago estarán limitados a 60 días de acceso a estadías en refugios y ya no calificarán para asistencia de alquiler. Por qué es importante: Estas políticas más estrictas marcan un enorme cambio con respecto a las reglas anteriores, intensificando la atención a los inmigrantes ya viviendo en la ciudad y haciendo que Chicago sea menos atractiva para los recién llegados.

New Chicago budget relies on more city fines

The new budget counts on $348 million in fines from people who get ticketed for violating parking and traffic laws, among others.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is relying on $46 million in additional revenue from fines next year to balance his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/10/11/chicago-2024-budget-proposal" data-vars-content-id="317b000f-e291-4070-84eb-5ea0ef18cabe" data-vars-headline="New Chicago budget relies on more city fines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/10/11/chicago-2024-budget-proposal" target="_self">2024 budget</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Tribune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-johnson-2024-budget-fines-and-fees-20231120-6sh2rv3kdjc4dlsd7hh42nmgeu-story.html" data-vars-content-id="317b000f-e291-4070-84eb-5ea0ef18cabe" data-vars-headline="New Chicago budget relies on more city fines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-johnson-2024-budget-fines-and-fees-20231120-6sh2rv3kdjc4dlsd7hh42nmgeu-story.html" target="_blank">per the Tribune</a>.What&#x27;s happening: Overall, the new budget is counting on $348 million in fines from people who get ticketed for violating parking, speeding, red light, traffic and sanitation laws, among others.

Holocaust survivors urge "empathy and peace" in Israel-Hamas war letter

The only way forward, the survivors write, is together.

Ten local Holocaust survivors penned an open letter on the Israel-Hamas war, urging people to &quot;come together to affirm each other&#x27;s humanity.&quot;Why it matters: The letter and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="video" data-vars-click-url="https://vimeo.com/884027046/100947df19?share=copy" data-vars-content-id="750c50eb-caef-46bb-944f-75b2201c9b5d" data-vars-headline="Holocaust survivors urge &quot;empathy and peace&quot; in Israel-Hamas war letter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vimeo.com/884027046/100947df19?share=copy" target="_blank">video</a>, posted on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center&#x27;s website" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/open-letter-from-survivors/" data-vars-content-id="750c50eb-caef-46bb-944f-75b2201c9b5d" data-vars-headline="Holocaust survivors urge &quot;empathy and peace&quot; in Israel-Hamas war letter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/open-letter-from-survivors/" target="_blank">Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center&#x27;s website</a>, offers a message of healing and unity at a time when people around the world remain deeply divided.

New migrant policies cut services to new arrivals in Chicago

New arrivals get 60-day shelter stays and no rental assistance.

New migrants arriving in Chicago will be limited to 60-day shelter stays and no longer qualify for rental assistance.Why it matters: These stricter policies mark a huge departure from previous rules, doubling down on caring for current migrants while making Chicago less attractive for new arrivals.

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.

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.

How former Ald. Ed Burke became Chicago's king of swag

Salt and pepper grinders, VIP badges, and more.

Culture

In <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent witness testimony" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/21/23971891/ed-burke-chicago-corruption-trial-burger-king" data-vars-content-id="2880311e-d42e-4da0-888c-411d9bceb4f1" data-vars-headline="How former Ald. Ed Burke became Chicago&#x27;s king of swag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/21/23971891/ed-burke-chicago-corruption-trial-burger-king" target="_blank">recent witness testimony</a> at Ed Burke&#x27;s corruption trial, a fast-food mogul revealed that the alder once gave him fancy Burke-branded &quot;salt and pepper shakers&quot; over lunch at the Beverly Country Club.<ul><li>That got us thinking about the various totems we&#x27;ve heard about Burke offering Chicagoans over the years.</li></ul>

Man with hand up to his mouth, covering it, wearing glasses and pinstriped suit.

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.

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 alders advance measure to bolster sanctuary city protections

The measure counters legislation introduced earlier this fall aiming to place a sanctuary city referendum on the March ballot.

A Chicago City Council committee passed a resolution on Thursday to strengthen the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary city status" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/07/sanctuary-city-referendum-vote-council" data-vars-content-id="43d95df6-2a89-4602-94c3-cdc1506f1566" data-vars-headline="Chicago alders advance measure to bolster sanctuary city protections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/07/sanctuary-city-referendum-vote-council" target="_self">sanctuary city status</a>.Driving the news: The resolution, introduced by progressive Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th), also urges President Biden to extend protections recently granted to some new arrivals to longtime undocumented residents as well.

Jessie Fuentes in front of empty chairs at City Council chambers.

Politics 🇺🇸

Chicago's DNC host committee announces key staffers

Inmigrantes recién llegados a Chicago ya no calificarán para asistencia en el alquiler

New Chicago budget relies on more city fines

Holocaust survivors urge "empathy and peace" in Israel-Hamas war letter

New migrant policies cut services to new arrivals in Chicago