Daywatch: Chicagoans of the Year announced
Good morning, Chicago.
As we near the end of 2023, the writers and critics of A&E take a look back on the year to celebrate some people who have made a difference when it comes to the arts.
Among our picks: Carlos Tortolero, founder of the National Museum of Mexican Art who rethought what a museum could be; Roche Schulfer, the artistic director who guided the Goodman through the arts storm of the century; and Jahari Stampley, the 24-year-old pianist who wowed Herbie Hancock.
And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
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Authorities investigate death of 5-year-old migrant boy as pastor says parents remain devastated
For migrant advocates, the boy’s death marked the tipping point of the city’s shelter system overflowing with demand. More than 26,000 migrants have come to Chicago over the past 16 months, and advocates say they have been worried about something like this happening for weeks.
Health care specialists have questioned both the conditions and coordination of care not only in the warehouse at 2241 S. Halsted St., but in the entire 27-shelter system.
Groups sue over new Texas law that lets police arrest migrants who enter US illegally
A temporary migrant shelter will open in Portage Park. Residents have strong feelings.
Thursday is the shortest day of the year. Here’s what the winter solstice means for Chicago.
The winter solstice, which occurs precisely at 9:27 p.m. Thursday, marks the shortest day of the year and the start of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Chicagoans will only experience about nine hours of daylight.
Donald Trump banned from Colorado ballot in historic ruling by state’s Supreme Court
A divided Colorado Supreme Court is removing former President Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot, saying in a historic ruling that he is ineligible to be president after his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The ruling Tuesday marks the first time in history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate. Trump’s campaign spokesman called it a “flawed decision” and said they will appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has never ruled on Section 3.
Illinois’ population declined by nearly 33,000, new 2023 census figures show
Illinois lost 32,826 people between July 2022 and July 2023, trailing only New York and California in total population decline. But Illinois maintained its ranking as the sixth most populous state at 12,549,689, according to the annual census update released Tuesday.
Jurors in ex-Ald. Ed Burke corruption trial end first full day of deliberations after asking two questions
Jurors held their first full day of deliberations Tuesday in the racketeering case of ex-Ald. Edward Burke, the longtime City Council powerhouse charged with abusing his substantial clout for his own personal gain.
The panel of nine women and three men have now deliberated for about 10 ½ hours over two days without reaching a verdict.
Dom’s Kitchen & Market to open first suburban location in Vernon Hills
The grocery company plans to invest $19 million in the Vernon Hills location, said Mike Mallon, a consultant with Draper & Kramer who works with Dom’s.
Meghan Jones makes history with Chicago Cubs
The Cubs promoted Meghan Jones to vice president of baseball strategy, making her the first woman to hold a VP title in baseball operations in franchise history.
“It’s not lost on me the importance of having representation at this level,” Jones said. “It’s obviously a testament to my work, but it’s also an opportunity to have a platform in a different way for women in sports.
The Bears have played 8 times on Christmas Eve and twice on Christmas Day. Here’s how they’ve done since 1989.
The Bears played on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) for the first time in 1989 and Christmas Day (Dec. 25) in 2005.
This season, they’ll face the Arizona Cardinals at 3:25 p.m. Christmas Eve at Soldier Field.
10 Champagne alternatives, budget bubbles to toast in 2024
For many, the price tag alone puts Champagne squarely out of reach. Because of sexier marketing and its blue-chip reputation, Champagne rarely sells for under $40 in retail stores these days, regardless of quality or provenance. In restaurants, you’re lucky to find it for less than $100. While truly great and exceptionally rare Champagne can certainly merit top-tier pricing, there are many other distinctive, delicious styles of sparkling wines that are starkly underpriced by comparison.
Review: In ‘Faith Ringgold: American People’ at the MCA, an African American artist’s decades of work get their due
Faith Ringgold, the 93-year-old doyenne of African American art, a trailblazing master who foreshadowed the recent rise of art activism and Black figuration, is having her first solo museum show in Chicago.
