Some leaders in agriculture, food service and health care are urging the Trump administration to craft an immigration policy that "removes dangerous individuals" but "protects law-abiding immigrant workers who are vital" to their sectors.

Why it matters: The bipartisan group says President Trump's pledged mass deportations could gut their industries and drive further inflation for consumers.

The big picture: The campaign called "Secure Our Borders and Secure Our Workforce" was launched yesterday by the Chicago-based American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), which represents 1,700 employers nationwide.

• On a call for the campaign launch, many prominent industry figures, including Marc Schulman of Chicago's Eli's Cheesecake, spoke about immigrant and refugee workers who have kept their businesses alive.

State of play: Homeland Security chief Tom Homan is in Chicago this week leading deportation operations that so far have reportedly resulted in dozens of arrests targeting people charged with crimes.

By the numbers: ABIC executive director Rebecca Shi said removing undocumented immigrant labor could slash the gross domestic product by 4.2%.

• Plus, she said Chicago members reported a 50% drop in foot traffic over the last week due to fears of immigration raids.

What they're saying: "We can import workers and continue to produce our food here in the United States, or we can import food" and risk our country's food security, said Matt Teagarden, CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association.

The other side: Axios reached out to the White House for a response to ABIC's concerns but did not immediately hear back.

The intrigue: When Axios asked the business leaders how much they'd have to raise their prices for meat, produce and health care if they hired only U.S. citizens, they said the question was moot because citizens don't apply for their open positions.

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A new Lincoln Park Raising Cane's opens today, marking the chicken finger restaurant's next phase in Chicago.

The big picture: The Texas-based restaurant chain plans a huge expansion in the Chicago area, competing with Chick-fil-A, Harold's Chicken, Roost and Fry the Coop, among others.

The latest: The new restaurant, at 2376 N. Lincoln, is just the beginning of the chain's plans for 2025, which also includes its first stand-alone drive-thru, on Taylor Street in the South Loop, expected later this winter.

• The chain already operates 31 locations in the Chicago area, including in Rogers Park, Wrigleyville and the Loop.

The intrigue: In 2024, reports swirled that a Cane's restaurant was poised to take over the former Little Goat Diner in the West Loop, but some complained about bringing fast food and neon signage to Randolph Street.

• A Raising Cane's representative confirms it will open in that location later in 2025.

The other side: Last year, Fry the Coop owner Joe Fontana protested plans for the new Lincoln Park Raising Cane's, imploring consumers to support local businesses. Fry the Coop is right around the corner from the new restaurant.

• Also, a planned drive-thru Raising Cane's in Roscoe Village was scrapped after residents pushed back complaining of congestion and pollution issues.

What's next: Locations in River North, Chatham and Chicago Ridge are also planned for later this year and next.

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The spread of influenza A, COVID and RSV is "high" or "very high" across much of the U.S. while norovirus cases remain above normal levels, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows.

Why it matters: The result is a "quad-demic" of illness hitting simultaneously in what's shaping up to be a more active virus season than last year.

• Some hospitals are hitting capacity and implementing masking protocols among staff, ABC News reports.

Zoom in: This week in Chicago, flu indicators are high, while RSV signs are moderate to high and COVID is low.

• The city has also seen multiple norovirus outbreaks this month.

🕵️‍♀️ Chicago is one of four cities under scrutiny by a U.S. House panel investigating sanctuary cities. Mayor Brandon Johnson is being called to testify in Washington, D.C. in February. (WGN-TV)

🏫 Border czar Tom Homan is demanding an apology from Gov. JB Pritzker for sharing (later-corrected) stories about ICE agents at a Chicago school Friday. (Newsweek)

💰 The Chicago Teachers Union, Super PACs and other groups spent a combined $13 million in last year's first-ever elected school board races. (Chalkbeat)

🪞Lookingglass Theatre is slated to reopen Thursday on the Mag Mile after an 18-month renovation. (Fox 32)

The country's oldest independently run Black arts center in Bronzeville is getting a major facelift.

The big picture: South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC), located at 3831 S. Michigan Ave., plans to undergo a $15 million renovation and expansion led by local architects Future Firm.

State of play: Plans include more than 10,000 square feet of new space, updated galleries and classrooms, a rooftop gathering space and new sustainable features to be finished next year, the art center announced.

Flashback: A group of Black Chicago artists, led by Margaret Burroughs, acquired the current building in 1940 and received funding through the New Deal for renovations and staffing.

What's next: Future Firm and SSCAC are hosting a project unveiling Feb. 22 at Apostolic Faith Church.

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All this week we are on a quest to crown the top romantic spot in Chicago.

• The first round of voting is complete!

Lopsided win: The Lincoln Park Lagoon had little trouble beating downtown Riverside.

Closest win: Grant Park squeaked by the Green Mill.

Biggest upsets: The MCA sculpture garden knocked off the South Shore Cultural Center, while the Kinzie Street Bridge defeated the Willis Tower Skydeck.

• Now only eight spots remain.

Round two voting is here. We'll close the polls at 4pm.