Daywatch: Another sentenced in case stemming from Madigan probe
Good morning, Chicago.
With a new mayoral administration, no permanent police superintendent and a new federal judge overseeing the case, the Chicago Police Department’s consent decree is in grave danger of failing, according to the city’s former chief watchdog.
“For meaningful reform to reach critical mass, the City must be prodded — repeatedly and publicly,” Joe Ferguson, the city’s former Inspector General, wrote in a June 5 letter made public in a federal court filing.
The consent decree — a sweeping set of reform mandates that were born out of the 2014 murder of Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer — was approved in early 2019. Former U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow selected a team led by former federal prosecutor Maggie Hickey to grade the CPD’s adherence to the reforms.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Sam Charles.
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Michael Acevedo sentenced to 1 month in prison in tax fraud case stemming from Madigan probe
The son of former Democratic state Rep. Edward Acevedo was sentenced to one month in prison for federal tax fraud conviction connected to the sprawling investigation of Commonwealth Edison’s alleged attempts to influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Michael Acevedo, 36, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in December to three counts of failing to file federal tax returns.
Park District permits Riot Fest amid protester pushback against ‘mega fest’ music festivals
The Chicago Park District’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a provisional permit for Riot Fest, clearing the way for the three-day rock music festival to return to Douglass Park in September.
The festival faced heavy backlash last year as community members led a movement to evict big-ticket festivals from the park. Two other large music festivals held in the park last summer have since moved to other venues.
NASCAR street race touts economic benefits for Chicago, but pushback grows over street closures, traffic, access and safety concerns
Concerns about traffic and public safety — and skepticism of the street race’s economic benefit to the city — were among the issues aldermen raised at the City Council’s Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee, where they questioned Chicago street race President Julie Giese, staff from the emergency management office and other city leaders.
Tinley Park hopes to boost brewery business on Wednesdays with Ale Trail Trolley
A new summertime trolley is traveling Tinley Park roads as part of a village effort to connect residents and visitors with its independently-owned craft breweries and wine bars.
Chicago hotel guide: 7 new, updated and renovated spots for summer tourists and staycations
There’s no better time to enjoy Chicago than in the summer. Whether you’re taking advantage of world-class museums or soaking in the sun on the lakefront, the city comes alive when the days are long and the weather is warm.
Some hotels are especially eager to welcome guests this year because they have a new look to show off.
DeMarcus Walker has emerged as a tone-setter. But do the Bears still need pass-rushing help?
What the Bears have on the edge right now is a willing leader in DeMarcus Walker, someone who seems comfortable being in that position as a newcomer, writes Brad Biggs.
The Who’s Pete Townshend tells the story behind ‘Tommy,’ now reinvented at the Goodman Theatre
Pete Townshend was in his early 20s when he wrote most of “Tommy,” which was released in 1969. Now, as the album-turned-Broadway musical plots a Chicago comeback, he’s 78. With Townshend credited with music, lyrics and book and Des McAnuff as director, “Tommy” the musical opens soon at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre.
