Chicago News Roundup
Good afternoon! The city is accepting name suggestions for its annual snowplow contest. Here’s a summary of today’s top news:
1. Chicago City Council Approves Budget, Avoiding Tax Hike:
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.1 billion budget passed by a narrow 27-23 margin after significant compromises. The budget avoids layoffs and cuts to essential services but eliminates some progressive programs funded by pandemic relief. It relies on increased taxes and fines, efficiency measures, cuts to vacant positions, and debt restructuring. Alderwoman Maria Hadden criticized the protracted and messy budget process, while Mayor Johnson highlighted its collaborative nature and blamed the challenges on a lack of progressive revenue options at the local and state levels. [WBEZ]
2. Advocate Health Plans $1 Billion South Side Investment, Replacing Trinity Hospital:
Advocate is investing $1 billion in South Side healthcare to address health disparities and aims to close the city’s 30-year life expectancy gap between the North and South Sides. A new, 52-bed facility will replace the existing Advocate Trinity Hospital. The project will include surgery, ICU, observation, and dialysis units, and a 16-bay emergency room. [Chicago Sun-Times]
3. Mayor Johnson Appoints New CPS School Board Members:
Mayor Johnson appointed primarily community organizers and activists to fill the remaining seats on the 21-member Chicago Public Schools Board of Education. His 11 appointees solidify his influence over CPS for the next two years, joining the 10 members elected last month. [WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times]
4. Chicago Film Office Leader Departs:
Deputy Commissioner Jonah Zeiger has left the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), marking the fourth deputy commissioner departure since Mayor Johnson appointed Clinée Hedspeth in March. The change comes during a time when the city is seeking to increase revenue from the film industry. [WBEZ]
5. Christkindlmarket Crowned Most Overcrowded Holiday Market:
A survey reveals that Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza has the highest percentage of Yelp reviews mentioning overcrowding among holiday markets nationwide. [Block Club Chicago]
Here’s what else is happening:
Chicago Public Media staff offer their favorite book recommendations of 2024, spanning various genres.
Tell me something good…
What’s your favorite Chicago-specific gift to give out-of-town family and friends? One reader suggests gift packages from Tastes of Chicago, including Lou Malnati’s pizza, Garrett popcorn, and Frango Mints.
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