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Stories by Andrea Guthmann

Geoffrey Baer Celebrates More of the City in ‘The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2’

Since no one program could contain every beautiful place in town, its high time for the sequel. “The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2” debuted Monday on WTTW.

Alds. Lopez and Sigcho-Lopez Debate Attempt to Add Sanctuary City Referendum to March Primary Ballot

A handful of Chicago City Council members want voters to weigh in during the March primary election on whether Chicago should stay a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. 

‘The Wiz’ Eases On Down the Road to Chicago Ahead of Broadway Run

The reimaging of the classic story, now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theater in the production’s pre-Broadway run, has a devoted set of fans stretching back decades.

Illinois Officials Stop Construction of Chicago Base Camp for Migrants as Environmental Review Continues

Work will not resume Tuesday, while the review of the 800-page report by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency officials continues, said Jordan Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 

Ed Burke’s Defense Team Calls First Witness, But Prosecutors Still Days Away From Resting Case in Corruption Trial

Gabriella Garcia-Martinez, a firm administrator with Burke’s property tax practice, was allowed to testify Monday because she is set to undergo a medical procedure that would make her unavailable for the remainder of the trial.

Voodoo Doughnut Sets Dec. 16 Opening Date in Fulton Market, Get Ready for a Taste of West Coast Weirdness

Voodoo Doughnut has announced a Dec. 16, 8 a.m., opening date for its Fulton Market shop at 945 W. Randolph St.

Move to Limit Access to City Council Meetings ‘Likely Illegal,’ Better Government Association Warns Mayor

New restrictions on where members of the public can sit during meetings of the Chicago City Council are “inequitable and likely illegal,” David Greising, president of the Better Government Association, warned Mayor Brandon Johnson. 

Supreme Court Wrestles with OxyContin Maker’s Bankruptcy Deal as Billions of Dollars at Stake

The agreement hammered out with state and local governments and victims would provide billions of dollars to combat the opioid epidemic. The Sacklers would contribute up to $6 billion and give up ownership of the company, but retain billions more. 

Father of Palestinian American Boy Killed in Plainfield Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Oday Al-Fayoume filed the lawsuit last month against the suburban Chicago landlord charged in the attack that left his child dead and the boy’s mother seriously wounded. 

Dec. 4, 2023 - Full Show

Disagreement over whether or not Chicago should remain a sanctuary city. Geoffrey Baer shares the stories behind some of Chicago’s most beautiful places. And “The Wiz” hits town. 

Illinois State Police Launch Online Form to Report Public Corruption

Credible cases will be pursued by the Illinois State Police Special Investigative Unit, a group of agents dedicated to investigating public corruption cases.

What Are Some of Chicago’s Hidden Secrets? A New Book Lists 500 of Them

In her new book, Lauren Viera compiles a list of places to eat, buy food, drink, shop and sleep with a short description of why each location is a “hidden secret.”

US Targets Oil and Natural Gas Industry’s Role in Global Warming With New Rule on Methane Emissions

The EPA said the rule will sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollutants generated by the oil and gas industry, promote use of cutting-edge methane detection technologies and deliver significant public health benefits.

Land Set to Become Base Camp Safe for Migrants After Removal of Polluted Soil, Addition of Stone Barrier, City Says

Construction began earlier this week in Brighton Park on the massive tents that will house at least some of the more than 1,000 migrants living in police stations across the city and at O’Hare Airport.

Week in Review: Secret Recordings in Burke Trial; Construction Advances on Migrant Camp

Jurors hear secret recordings in former Ald. Ed Burke’s corruption trial. And construction is underway for a new controversial migrant base camp.

Big Win for Grasslands as Openlands, Wetlands Initiative Celebrate $1.5M Federal Grant to Restore 1,000 Acres at Midewin

The grant was awarded through the America the Beautiful Challenge. The program, now in its second year, is funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

State, Greater Chicago Food Depository to Spend Additional $4M on Meals for Migrants; City to Take Over Next Year

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration cites “procurement delays” by Chicago as the reason for the shortfall, and says that the city in January will assume the responsibility of making sure migrants are fed, according to a news release.

What Homelessness Among Latinos Looks Like Amid Growing Need for Housing

According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless’ recent report, which just became available in Spanish, an estimated 68,000 people are homeless in Chicago.

Supreme Court Rules Chicago Teen Bicyclist Is Covered by Father’s Auto Insurance Policy

The case involved a 14-year-old Chicago boy who was struck by a hit-and-run driver in 2020 while riding his bicycle on a public street. He suffered injuries to his right arm, shoulder and thigh that required medical attention.

Prosecutors Finish Making Case Ex-Ald. Ed Burke Held Up Redevelopment of Old Post Office Until His Law Firm Was Hired

Former Ald. Ed Burke faces 14 criminal charges, including racketeering, bribery and extortion, in a case that accuses Burke of using his powerful position at City Hall to force those doing business with the city to hire his private law firm, formerly known as Klafter & Burke.

Growing Up Gay and Going Into Showbiz — New Memoir Spotlights Celebrities, Crimes and Seductions: Column

David Vass’ new memoir, “Liar, Alleged,” is a wildly entertaining narrative of gay life in the 1950s and ‘60s. The book moves through the hedonism of the ‘70s, the tragedy of the ‘80s and why it all matters now.

Retired Chicago Firefighter Sentenced to Prison for Role in Jan. 6 Insurrection

Joseph Pavlik, 66, was sentenced to two months in prison, six months of home confinement and 24 months of supervised release. He also must pay a $6,000 fine and $2,000 in restitution.

Appellate Court Upholds Jussie Smollett’s Disorderly Conduct Convictions, Sentence

In a 2-1 decision published Friday, the First District court rejected the actor’s claims that he had faced double jeopardy when a special prosecutor filed renewed charges against him after Cook County prosecutors dropped their initial criminal case.

House Expels New York Rep. George Santos in Just the Sixth Expulsion in the Chamber’s History

The vote to expel was 311-114. Expulsion requires support from two-thirds of the House, a purposefully high bar, but a blistering House Ethics Committee report that accused Santos of breaking federal law proved decisive.

Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the First Woman on the Supreme Court, Has Died at Age 93

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra O’Connor died of complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness, the Supreme Court said in a news release.

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Nov. 30, 2023 - Full Show

The mayor drops plans to house migrants at Amundsen Park. How local organizations are aiding those facing homelessness. And a nonprofit that’s helping Chicago restaurants start up and scale up.
 

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