Good afternoon! The reversible lanes of the Kennedy Expressway are finally set to reopen next month. Here’s what else you need to know today.
1. Chicago Loses Key Figure in Migrant Crisis Amidst Deportation Fears
Brandie Knazze, commissioner of the city’s Department of Family and Support Services, is stepping down on December 31st after four years in the role, according to Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times. In a letter to social service providers, Knazze highlighted her accomplishments, including establishing nearly 40 shelters for the thousands of migrants arriving from Texas and coordinating their medical care, food service, school enrollment, and work permits. She emphasized that her departure is not due to policy disagreements with Mayor Johnson, stating, “I have covered every major crisis the city has had since 2017… I’ve done great work. I’m proud of the work that I did for Mayor Emanuel, Mayor Lightfoot and Mayor Johnson.” [Chicago Sun-Times]
2. Sheriff Dart to Scrap Electronic Monitoring Program Due to Safety Concerns
Sheriff Tom Dart plans to discontinue the decades-old electronic monitoring program after April 1st, citing safety concerns. Frank Main and Matthew Hendrickson of the Chicago Sun-Times report that while the program will continue until existing cases are adjudicated, Dart is negotiating with Chief Judge Timothy Evans to transfer responsibility to the Cook County court system’s GPS program. However, Evans stated that his court lacks the budget, personnel, and legal authority to fully replicate Dart’s program. The EM program, initiated in 1989 to alleviate overcrowding at Cook County Jail, was intended to release individuals charged with low-level crimes awaiting trial. [Chicago Sun-Times]
3. CTA Expands Bus Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The CTA is increasing bus service to pre-pandemic levels starting this Sunday, with added weekday service on 19 lines and increased weekend service on six others, reports David Struett. This expansion follows efforts to increase train and bus frequency since the pandemic’s impact on ridership. Despite challenges in hiring and retaining operators, the CTA has doubled its hiring efforts this past year. CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. attributed the schedule adjustments to changing ridership patterns, noting increased off-peak and weekend travel. [Chicago Sun-Times]
4. Federal Prosecutors Rest Case Against Michael Madigan
The trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his confidant, Michael McClain, has entered a new phase with the defense now presenting their case. Following testimony from approximately 50 witnesses since late October, closing arguments and jury deliberations are anticipated after the holidays. Madigan and McClain face charges of racketeering conspiracy, with the indictment alleging five separate schemes involving the alleged “Madigan Enterprise.” [Chicago Sun-Times & WBEZ]
5. Demolition of Damen Silos Moves Forward
The demolition of the Damen Silos is one step closer to reality after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the plan. Brett Chase of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that owner Michael Tadin Jr. received approval, contingent on the installation of historical markers using salvaged materials. Preservationists had sought to save the structures, but the silos have been unused for decades. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Here’s what else is happening:
Demolition has begun on the former E2 Nightclub building, where a 2003 stampede resulted in 21 deaths. The demolition follows an emergency order issued by city officials despite the Commission on Chicago Landmarks’ previous denial of the demolition request. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Tell me something good …
What’s your favorite Chicago-specific gift to give family and friends who don’t live in the area?
Chad writes: “My favorite Chicago themed gift for those out of town would hands down be the Chicago flag or anything Chicago flag themed. The Chicago flag is loved by Chicagoans and recognizable worldwide!”
Feel free to email me, and your response may be included in the newsletter this week.
© 2024 Chicago Public Media Inc. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | FCC Public Filing Info | Notice of FCC Applications