Good afternoon! It’s Tuesday, and WBEZ’s summer season live shows information has been up to date with extra occasions by means of the top of the season. Right here’s what else it’s essential know immediately.
Mayor Brandon Johnson might or might not have the votes to provide single-family owners carte blanche to show their attics, basements, garages and coach homes into revenue-generating “granny flats,” however he’s decided to strive, my colleague Fran Spielman writes for the Chicago Solar-Instances.
Senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee mentioned it’s time to convey to a head — in a manner that maximizes the variety of inexpensive models created — the yearlong debate aimed toward figuring out whether or not to legalize accent dwelling models citywide “by proper” or require a particular use allow for these added residential models.
“There are … representatives of sure communities who’ve expressed actual considerations about … not having some capability to manage the proliferation of ADUs,” Lee informed the Solar-Instances. “Whereas we perceive these considerations, we predict we must always all the time err on the facet of extra housing. … If we improve the availability of housing, we’re going to decrease the price, and ADUs is one solution to do it with the land we have already got.”
Southwest Aspect Ald. Marty Quinn, thirteenth Ward, reiterated his longstanding argument that permitting accent dwelling models citywide “by proper” would destroy the character of Chicago’s bungalow belt and undermine the unwritten rule often called aldermanic prerogative. [Chicago Sun-Times]
2. Convicted former Ald. Ed Burke has left jail after 9 months for group confinement
Burke left the northwestern Illinois jail the place he’s been held since September for his historic racketeering, bribery and tried extortion conviction, my colleague Jon Seidel studies for the Chicago Solar-Instances.
Meaning Burke will both proceed to serve his sentence in residence confinement or a midway home. His official Bureau of Prisons launch date stays Feb. 20, a spokesperson mentioned.
Burke’s two-year jail sentence raised eyebrows when it was handed down in June 2024 by U.S. District Decide Virginia Kendall, now the town’s chief federal decide. Ultimately, it seems the punishment for Burke’s abuse of workplace is a complete of 9 months behind bars.
As soon as the 81-year-old Burke reaches his launch date, he’s anticipated to start serving a 12 months of supervised launch. Throughout that point, the once-powerful politician should abide by a number of court-ordered situations, together with a prohibition on possessing “a firearm, harmful machine, or different harmful weapon.” [Chicago Sun-Times]
3. Some native officers need to ban ICE brokers from carrying masks
The No Secret Police Act of 2025 would additionally require Division of Homeland Safety brokers to determine themselves and put on uniforms or insignias that make it clear they’re members of the division, Block Membership Chicago studies.
Illinois Reps. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Delia Ramirez, Jonathan Jackson, Danny Davis, Sean Casten, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Jan Schakowsky co-sponsored the invoice.
Chicago’s twelfth Police District Council has additionally known as for a restriction on face masks for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Homeland Safety brokers working within the metropolis.
Masked federal brokers have been seen arresting individuals at immigration courts, throughout routine immigration check-ins and in raids in Chicago and throughout the nation. [Block Club Chicago]
4. The feds need practically six years for former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore
Pramaggiore “made the selection to take part in a years-long conspiracy that corrupted the legislative course of in Springfield,” federal prosecutors wrote in a 64-page court docket submitting yesterday, referring to a plan to bribe former Illinois Home Speaker Michael J. Madigan by giving jobs and different advantages to his allies.
The feds’ bid to place the previous head of the state’s largest utility behind bars comes every week after they requested for a sentence of greater than 4 1/2 years for John Hooker, a former prime lobbyist for ComEd. Each had been convicted on the finish of a six-week trial in 2023. [Chicago Sun-Times]
In a separate corruption case, federal prosecutors need a jail sentence of greater than 5 1/2 years for former Cook dinner County Commissioner Jeff Tobolski, who they are saying “went on an aggressive and protracted money seize to counterpoint himself” whereas holding elected workplace. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Windy Metropolis Smokeout has all the time been a story of two loves: barbecue and nation music.
On one facet, the lovers of barbecue congregate on the occasion each July to pay homage to slow-smoked brisket, Kansas Metropolis ribs and secret sauces. On the opposite, lovers of nation music kind a sea of boot-wearing followers craving guitar licks and whiskey-soaked choruses.
When these two loves collide someplace within the huge and infrequently very popular parking zone exterior the United Middle, the actual magic occurs — and summer season begins.
The Chicago Solar-Instances created a information to having the perfect time on the annual extravaganza of meat and music, this 12 months that includes headliners Kane Brown and Jon Pardi. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Right here’s what else is going on
- The IRS mentioned church buildings can now endorse political candidates. [NPR]
- Vacationers might not be required to take away sneakers earlier than boarding a aircraft at U.S. airports. [AP]
- The well being of U.S. youngsters has declined considerably since 2007, a brand new research discovered. [NPR]
- Listed below are some science-backed methods to assist preserve mosquitoes at bay. [NPR]
Oh, and another factor …
On the west facet of Dorchester Avenue, between 83rd and 87th streets, the brand-new group of Marynook arose within the Nineteen Fifties: 432 split-level and raised ranch properties, large again yards and curvilinear streets and cul-de-sacs.
Marynook turned 70 this 12 months, and the Marynook Householders Affiliation and residents are celebrating their little city hamlet this summer season, Chicago Solar-Instances structure critic Lee Bey studies.
“Marynook continues to be an exquisite place to dwell,” mentioned Cheryl Sturdy Morris, vp of the owners affiliation and a resident since 1969. “There’s a way of group right here you don’t discover in all places.” [Chicago Sun-Times]
Inform me one thing good …
What’s your favourite place to seize a candy deal with throughout summertime within the Chicago space?
Fran writes:
“There’s no place higher than Miko’s Italian Ice. We go to the Irving Park location at Kimball and Warner. They use recent fruits, and specials change weekly. The ices are so refreshing! I’ve had kiwi twice this week, tho I additionally love the mango ice. My favourite taste is their chocolate, which I’ll pair with bitter cherry or cranberry when these can be found.”
Jasmine writes:
“My favourite place to seize a mango smoothie is Osaka Sushi & Recent Fruit Smoothies within the Positive Arts Constructing.”
Jerry writes:
“My new go-to fave is Del Sur Bakery & Cafe at 4639 N Damen Ave. It’s Filipino with distinctive pastries. I used to be blown away by the Ube Oatmeal Cream Pie which is a sandwich of two brown butter oatmeal cookies with a filling of ube buttercream. I used to be unfamiliar with ube which is a purple yam that originated within the Philippines. The purple cream filling is distinctive, however I’d be glad simply with the cookies that are the show-stopper. I additionally tried the Calamansi Chamomile Bun which is laminated dough topped with Philippine lime curd — one other winner. There are 9 extra pastries on the menu and I plan on working my manner by means of the record with time between to stabilize my sugar stage. Bear in mind you could’t name forward as there is no such thing as a cellphone listed on the web site and could also be restricted on the variety of pastries you should buy at one time.”
Be happy to electronic mail me, and your response could also be included within the e-newsletter this week.
