"Controversy Erupts Over Brighton Park Migrant Site in Chicago"

The Illinois government has halted plans to construct a migrant base camp in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, citing serious environmental concerns. The governor's office released a statement blaming the city for not consulting with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency or the state before releasing an environmental report on the site. The state is now expediting efforts to launch a brick-and-mortar shelter in the Little Village neighborhood and exploring alternate sites with the Archdiocese of Chicago. The decision to move away from the Brighton Park plans comes after an environmental assessment revealed levels of mercury and other contaminants in the soil that exceeded environmental limits. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson acknowledged alternate locations are being explored but did not specify which could be a likely backup.