Good afternoon! It’s Monday, and I simply realized that procrastinating on taking down vacation decorations might convey dangerous luck. Right here’s what else you should know at this time.
1. Chicago’s homelessness surged in 2024 as main U.S. cities bore the brunt of a nationwide development
Household homelessness greater than doubled in 13 U.S. communities affected by migrants, together with Chicago, in keeping with the nationwide report from the U.S. Division of Housing and City Growth.
Chicago estimated that 18,836 individuals skilled homelessness in 2024 in contrast with 6,139 in 2023. However whilst migrants discover everlasting housing, the town’s drawback persists with its lack of sources and sufficient reasonably priced choices, my colleagues Cindy Hernandez and Violet Miller report for the Chicago Solar-Occasions.
“The abatement of the migrant disaster doesn’t imply that issues are higher for these experiencing homelessness,” stated Doug Schenkelberg, government director on the Chicago Coalition to Finish Homelessness, who added the problem of incomes a dwelling wage stays an issue.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Carry Chicago Residence initiative, which might have used an actual property switch tax on high-end properties to sort out homelessness, failed final yr. In the meantime, the Chicago Housing Authority has just lately confronted protests for letting about 500 scattered-site items sit empty throughout the town and for shifting slowly to make uncared for ones livable whereas residents languish on ready lists. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Practically 250 flights have been canceled at O’Hare Airport this morning due to a blast of winter climate that’s anticipated to linger within the Chicago space all through the week.
Meteorologists warned of slick roads from freezing rain with 1 to three inches of snow accumulation doable at this time. [Chicago Sun-Times]
The Nationwide Climate Service is predicting chilly the remainder of the week, with highs within the mid-20s and lows within the teenagers. Nonetheless, no snow is predicted after at this time. [NWS]
In response to the frigid air, Chicago will open warming facilities at six devoted places, together with Chicago Public Libraries, Chicago Park District websites and senior facilities. [Chicago Sun-Times]
3. Respiratory virus season is in full swing in Chicago
The Chicago Division of Public Well being reported a spike in circumstances of flu, RSV, COVID-19 and different respiratory ailments, Block Membership Chicago stories.
A rise is typical after the vacation season and through chilly climate, in keeping with Michael Lin, an infectious illness doctor and professor at Rush Medical Middle.
“Respiratory viruses are likely to spike within the winter months, primarily when persons are gathering indoors, spending extra time collectively and probably spreading viruses,” Lin instructed Block Membership.
Consultants advocate sporting a masks in crowded areas, staying at residence when sick and getting updated on vaccinations when you aren’t already. [Block Club Chicago]
The Chicago Bears ended the 2024 season yesterday with a 24-22 win over the rival Inexperienced Bay Packers. Regardless of the profitable finale, the crew completed with a disappointing 5-12 report, together with a number of shut losses that price then-coach Matt Eberflus his job in the midst of the season. Chicago Solar-Occasions Bears’ reporter Mark Potash graded the gamers, coaches and entrance workplace.
Quarterback — C: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is an improve over former QBs Mitch Trubisky and Justin Fields, “however he wasn’t capable of rise above the muck of a poorly coordinated offense and completed his rookie season with no certainty that he’ll be the elite quarterback the Bears assume they’ve,” Potash writes.
Teaching — F: “As unsuccessful because the Bears have been for the reason that Mike Ditka period ended, not often have they been so clearly poorly coached as this season,” Potash writes.
See all of Potash’s grades within the hyperlink. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Esteras, who portrays the dishwasher Manny on the hit TV collection, is among the many forged for the Anton Chekhov basic being introduced contained in the Servi-Certain manufacturing facility on Chicago’s North Facet, Solar-Occasions contributor Mary Houlihan writes.
Not like the opposite actors within the forged, Esteras, who has acted in solely two performs, had no familiarity with Uncle Vanya however says he was “up for the problem” of taking part in the character Waffles.
Waffles is a mild-mannered, impoverished landowner who needs individuals to get alongside. And in Chekhov’s play, crammed with themes of remorse and the seek for which means in life, that’s an uphill battle.
“Richard brings an obvious contradiction to the position, which I believe is unbelievable,” Director Spencer Huffman stated. “It’s this nice alternative as an actor to play in opposition to his sort so the viewers will uncover one other facet of his expertise.” [Chicago Sun-Times]
Right here’s what else is going on
- Congress licensed President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory. [AP]
- President-elect Donald Trump’s legal professionals requested to delay the sentencing in his hush-money case whereas they attraction. [AP]
- Fewer than 1 in 1,000 US adolescents obtain gender-affirming drugs, researchers discovered. [AP]
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned at this time. [AP]
Oh, and another factor …
This yr will convey a number of main celestial moments to offer you a cause to keep watch over the night time sky.
In mid-January, six planets will line as much as kind a protracted arc. All however Neptune and Uranus must be seen with the bare eye simply after sundown, climate allowing.
Later within the yr, look ahead to meteor showers, three supermoons and much more probabilities to catch the northern lights. [AP]
Inform me one thing good …
I like watching snowfall whereas sitting inside a comfortable condo or espresso store, however typically going exterior is inevitable. So I’m questioning, what’s your greatest tip for coping with the chilly in Chicago?
Be happy to electronic mail me, and your response could also be included within the publication this week.
