Good morning, Chicago.
The city failed to meet its own deadline yesterday, yet again delaying a decision on the fate of a scrap metal shredder in Pilsen with a history of environmental violations. The permit is largely retroactive at this point, covering operations from 2021 to 2024, but the city’s inaction has left the shredder’s neighbors concerned for their health.
Sims Metal Management’s operating permit for its facility at 2500 S. Paulina St. expired in November 2021. A month earlier, it was sued by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul for failing to show it was reducing air pollution there. This came after Sims was fined in 2018 by the U.S. EPA for emitting high levels of harmful particulate matter.
Data from five EPA-mandated air pollution monitors installed in 2022 have consistently shown that pollution from the facility is below levels that would cause short- or long-term health consequences. The city is weighing this data heavily as it makes the permitting decision, public health commissioner Olusimbo Ige told concerned community leaders during a private meeting Friday.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Karina Atkins.
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Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO charged with weapons, forgery and other counts
Police arrested a suspect Monday in the Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after a McDonald’s employee in Pennsylvania alerted authorities to a customer who was found with a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush.
The chance sighting at the restaurant in Altoona led to a dramatic break in a challenging but fast-moving investigation that had captivated the public in the five days since the shooting that shook the health insurance industry.
Chicago grand jury charges Syrian intelligence officials with war crimes
A federal grand jury in Chicago charged two high-ranking Syrian intelligence officials close to the country’s ousted president with war crimes against prisoners at an airport near the capital city of Damascus, according to an indictment unsealed Monday.
The indictment alleges that between 2012 and 2019, the two officials were involved with “forcibly removing (detainees’) toenails,” burning them with cigarettes, hot liquids and acid and hanging them by their wrists. Detainees were predominantly Syrian but also included American citizens, people with dual citizenship and foreign nationals, according to the indictment.
‘Hero’ cop from scene of Officer Ella French shooting faces firing
CPD is seeking to fire Chicago police Officer Thomas Raap, who, in the years since the shooting, has faced persistent legal trouble.
The effort to fire him stems from his alleged failure of a drug test in July 2022. CPD says his urine contained traces of cocaine.
Mayor Brandon Johnson says top adviser voting in Texas is ‘personal matter’
Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to weigh in Monday on the fact that his top advisor voted last month in Texas, saying any questions about whether it was improper for him to cast his ballot in Houston are the responsibility of election officials there.
HelloFresh being investigated for alleged child labor violations at Aurora plant
Meal kit company HelloFresh is under investigation by federal regulators for alleged child labor violations at an Aurora food production and distribution facility.
A different kind of homeless shelter for men opens in Rogers Park
A new shelter for homeless single men has opened in Rogers Park, rejecting typical shelter hallmarks such as congregate living and a ban on residents remaining during the daytime.
Grady Sizemore sticks with the Chicago White Sox, named offensive coordinator with the 2025 coaching staff
Manager Will Venable sees the new Chicago White Sox coaching position of “offensive coordinator” as an opportunity for Grady Sizemore to impact strategy and help set the tone for what the team wants to accomplish situationally, at the plate and on the bases.
“A lot of times, it’s nice to have somebody that can have an overarching perspective and be aware of trends and overarching philosophical stuff that is really important to keep an eye on, too,” Venable said yesterday at the MLB winter meetings. “That role is going to be really important to our staff.”
- Plenty of trade interest in White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet and CF Luis Robert Jr. at the MLB winter meetings
- White Sox sign outfielder Mike Tauchman, who spent the last 2 seasons with the Cubs
For new Chicago Cubs lefty Matthew Boyd, his family connection and postseason desire bring him to the North Side
Veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd, the grandson of a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, sees “a ton of upside” in his new team.
Shedd Aquarium shows off new centerpiece Wonder of Water and a refreshed rotunda
Wander through the gently curving path between two 28,110-gallon tanks in the Shedd Aquarium’s redesigned rotunda space, and the calming green hues of a freshwater ecosystem greet you on one side, while the electric blues, pinks and oranges of saltwater life form a vibrant palette just opposite. Together, the two habitats make up Wonder of Water, a new exhibit that opens today and represents the latest phase of an ongoing renovation leading up to the aquarium’s centennial in 2030.
Wine gift guide: Expert recommendations for every wine lover on your list
When it comes to wine gifts, there’s so much out there that’s overhyped or unnecessary, says Kat Hawkins, the wine director of Miru and Tre Dita in Lakeshore East. For starters, “no one needs an aerator for any reason,” she cautions, and anything that claims to remove sulfites or make your wine hangover-free is probably nonsense.
To help you navigate the clutter, we’ve put together a list of wine gifts that professionals actually recommend — perfect for any wine enthusiast on your list.
