Good morning, Chicago.
Elgin police officers and social service staff walked through the eight-acre homeless encampment along the Fox River this week, letting the people who live there know about the city’s plans to relocate them to a hotel this winter and assessing their needs.
The relocation process is to start the week of Jan. 20.
The space, known by locals as “tent city,” has existed for decades, but two recent fires underscored the dangerous conditions that exist there now.
The Elgin City Council approved a $2.5 million contract with a disaster recovery firm to clear the space.
“It’s so much bigger than people (realize),” Councilmember Steve Thoren said at the Wednesday council meeting where the contract was approved. The demolition and removal project poses “unbelievable areas of challenge,” Thoren said, not the least of which is access and topography.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
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Jimmy Carter’s funeral brings together 5 current and former US presidents to honor one of their own
As they filed into the front pews at Washington National Cathedral, wearing dark suits and mostly solemn faces, five current and former presidents came together for Jimmy Carter’s funeral. For a service that stretched more than an hour, the feuding, grievances and enmity that had marked their rival campaigns and divergent politics gave way to a reverential moment for one of their own.
Los Angeles area’s two biggest blazes burn at least 10,000 structures, while new fire leads to more evacuations
The two biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have killed at least 10 people and burned more than 10,000 homes and other structures, officials said as they urged more people to heed evacuation orders after a new blaze ignited and quickly grew.
- Chicago transplants flee wildfires raging across Los Angeles: ‘I just didn’t know how fast things could spread’
- The Los Angeles landmarks from film and TV damaged by wildfires
Donald Trump will be sentenced in his hush money case, days before he returns to the White House
In a singular moment in U.S. history, President-elect Donald Trump faces sentencing today for his New York hush money conviction after the nation’s highest court refused to intervene.
Chicago small businesses, content creators brace for possible TikTok ban that could affect their livelihoods
Today, the Supreme Court will hear arguments over a law requiring TikTok to break ties with its Chinese-based parent company, ByteDance, or face a U.S. ban. Creators and small business owners in Chicago who use TikTok remain hopeful, but say they’re bracing for the looming ban which could impact their livelihoods.
A record 449,553 Illinois residents sign up for Affordable Care Act insurance, amid uncertainty over future
A record number of Illinois residents have signed up for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans for this year — amid uncertainties about the future of tax credits that lower the cost of those plans for most consumers.
Houston-based developer pays $148M for Evanston complex as apartment boom gets underway
A Houston-based developer paid Northwestern Mutual $148 million for the 352-unit E2 apartment complex at 1890 Maple Ave. in downtown Evanston, according to Cook County records. It’s believed to be the largest amount ever paid for a suburban multifamily property, according to one expert.
“It’s the first time we’ve ever crossed the $140 million threshold in suburban Chicago,” said Ron DeVries, senior managing director at Integra Realty Resources.
Judge releases woman who stabbed a classmate to please Slender Man from a psychiatric hospital
A Wisconsin woman who at age 12 stabbed her sixth grade classmate nearly to death to please online horror character Slender Man is set to be released from a psychiatric hospital, a judge ordered.
Morgan Geyser has spent nearly seven years at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. She has petitioned Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren, who committed her, for release four times since June 2022.
Chicago Cubs acquire reliever Matt Festa from the Texas Rangers and designate Miles Mastrobuoni for assignment
The Chicago Cubs have added another arm to their bullpen mix.
The Cubs acquired right-hander Matt Festa from the Texas Rangers on Thursday for cash considerations. In the corresponding 40-man roster move, infielder Miles Mastrobuoni was designated for assignment.
‘I’m more than happy to play a new position every day’: Josh Rojas brings versatility to the Chicago White Sox
Josh Rojas can fill just about any spot on the ball field.
He has 237 career starts at third base, 122 at second, 46 in left field, 35 at shortstop and 32 in right field. He also has made appearances at first base and on the mound.
From goat snacks to garden mulch, recycling Christmas trees reduces landfill emissions
As seasonal decorations are put away and discarded, Christmas trees are often tossed in the trash. They end up in landfills where — lacking oxygen and unable to break down and return to the soil — they decompose and release methane, a greenhouse gas more than 25 times as powerful as carbon dioxide in trapping heat.
But there are many alternatives, including mulch for gardens, food or activities for animals and even a habitat for your backyard.
‘The Last Showgirl’ review: Pamela Anderson, back in the spotlight and free at last
In “The Last Showgirl,” Pamela Anderson plays Shelly, the longest-running cast member in the longest-running retro spectacle in town, writes Tribune film critic Michael Phillips. In her baubles, bangles and bright, shiny beads this workhorse has made a living in the (fictional) show, “Le Razzle Dazzle,” for 38 years.
What to do around Chicago: Buddy Guy, ‘Too Hot to Handel’ and bull riders at Allstate Arena
Also on our list: the work of Cecilia Beaven, Andrew Santino back in town and the Chicago Boat Show.
