Joliet police shot a person Nov. 16, 2021, in the southwest suburb. | Foto de Adobe Stock

The person was taken to a hospital in an unknown condition.

A person was shot by Joliet police during a traffic stop Tuesday in the southwest suburb.

Officers conducted a traffic stop about 3:30 p.m. in the 100 block of North Center Street when the suspect struck an officer with his vehicle and pinned them against another vehicle, Joliet police said in a statement.

More officers arrived at the scene and opened fire, striking the suspect, police said. The person was taken to a hospital in an unknown condition.

The officer who was struck by the vehicle was also taken to a hospital, police said. His condition was stabilized.

The Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force is conducting the investigation.

Read More

A 39-year-old man was charged Nov. 14, 2021, after a CTA employee was stabbed, and a Chicago police officer was injured on a train platform in the Loop. | Adobe Stock Photo

Hours before the Loop attack Sunday, Albert Burage was arrested and released from custody in Forest Park for attacking a group of people at a house of worship with a drumstick, prosecutors said,

Hours before an Arlington Heights man stabbed a CTA worker and beat a Chicago police officer on a Blue Line platform in the Loop, he was arrested and released from custody in Forest Park for attacking a group of people at a house of worship with a drumstick, Cook County prosecutors said Tuesday.

And this wasn’t the first time Albert Burage, 39, assaulted a CTA employee, prosecutors said.

In 2012, Burage attacked a CTA guard with a stolen sword, cutting the guard’s ear and arm at a CTA station in the South Loop, prosecutors said.

Burage was found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity in that case, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors Tuesday described Burage as “a danger to the community” while an assistant public defender pointed out to Judge Mary Marubio that he “appears to have a history of mental health issues.”

On Sunday, after Burage was arrested for the attack in Forest Park, he was released on his own recognizance from a police station in the western suburb.

Later that day at 5:40 p.m. Burage got into a fight on the Blue Line platform in the 300 block of South Dearborn Street, prosecutors said.

Burage’s rival appeared to be antagonizing him and hitting him with a belt or chain, prosecutors said.

During that fight, Burage allegedly pulled out a knife and threw the weapon and bicycle at the person. Both the bicycle and the weapon landed on the CTA tracks. The person Burage was fighting with eventually left the station before Burage went onto the tracks to recover the knife, prosecutors said.

Burage then went on to stab the 44-year-old CTA worker who had witnessed the confrontation, prosecutors said. Burage allegedly stabbed the CTA worker multiple times, causing the man to fall to ground during a struggle with Burage. Burage continued to slash the CTA employee several times in the face until commuters came to help, prosecutors said.

Chicago police
Albert Burage

When two police officers arrived, Burage picked up a guitar that was on the platform and smashed it against a support pillar before hitting one of the officers with the neck of the musical instrument, prosecutors said.

Other officers came to the scene and Burage was take into custody.

Burage later admitted to police he was trying to kill the CTA worker because he believed he had sided with the person he had been fighting with, prosecutors said.

The CTA worker was taken to a hospital where he was treated for lacerations and a fractured jaw, prosecutors said.

The incident was captured by CTA surveillance cameras and a witness recorded portions of it on a cellphone, prosecutors said.

Marubio ordered Burage held without bail for attempted murder, aggravated battery to a police officer and aggravated battery to a transit worker.

Burage served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2000-2004 and was honorably discharged, according to his assistant public defender.

He is expected back in court Nov. 24.

Read More

Ald. George Cardenas (12th) wants Chicago to study buying the Bears to keep them from moving to Arlington Heights. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file

Ald. George Cardenas (12th), Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s City Council floor leader, plans to introduce a resolution Wednesday to authorize a feasibility study on whether it is practical and advisable for the city to pursue the purchase of the Chicago Bears.”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been urged to pull out all the stops to keep the Bears in Chicago. But does that include the possibility of the city purchasing the team and selling shares to fans, following the Green Bay Packers’ model?

The mayor’s deputy City Council floor leader believes it should — and he’s planning to introduce a resolution Wednesday to get the ball rolling.

Ald. George Cardenas (12th) was undaunted by the fact that Forbes Magazine has valued the Bears at $4.06 billion, a valuation 16% higher than last year.

And the team’s value could surge if it makes the move to a new stadium in Arlington Heights after signing an agreement to buy the 326-acre site of the now-shuttered Arlington International Racecourse for $197.2 million.

Cardenas was equally unfazed by the fact that the Bears have been a family business for generations and that the family, led by 98-year-old matriarch Virginia McCaskey, has shown no interest in selling the team.

A candidate for the Cook County Board of Review, Cardenas simply wants City Hall to be “creative” to keep the beloved Bears in Chicago.

“The city just acquired a casino. We need these assets to stay in the city. And we have to come up with a way to entice the Bears. If they don’t want to be here, let’s buy them out. I mean — they can’t manage this team. They haven’t managed this team [well] in decades,” Cardenas said of the 3-6 Bears.

“We can definitely find and have a group of investors, including the city, to be able to say, ‘We’ll take it off your hands. Let us do the hard work that needs to be done.'”

Cardenas’ resolution calls on the City Council’s Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation to “convene a hearing” to authorize a “feasibility study on whether it is practical and advisable for the city to pursue the purchase of the Chicago Bears.”

The resolution notes that there “may be financial or legal barriers to the city acquiring an ownership stake in an NFL franchise — including NFL bylaws regarding ownership and potential issues regarding the city having a stake in a for-profit enterprise or in a gaming position.”

But, it states, “The City Council feels the city should explore every opportunity to keep the Bears in Chicago, even if that means buying the team.”

Cardenas told the Chicago Sun-Times he’s discussed the possibility of municipal ownership with Lightfoot, including the possibility of using “crowd-sourcing.” The mayor’s office refused to comment.

Chicago-based sports marketing expert Marc Ganis branded Cardenas’ proposal a “ludicrous idea” that will “never happen” and sounds more like a “publicity stunt” than a serious proposal to keep the Bears in Chicago.

“The Packers … ownership was grandfathered in … generations ago. Any concept like that is totally and completely contrary to all of the ownership rules of the National Football League,” said Ganis, who has advised numerous NFL teams on their stadium financing.

“The league is not ever going to change its rules in that manner.”

Even if the McCaskeys ultimately decided to sell the family business, Ganis said there are “rights within the company that go to the company” on whom the buyer should be. Chicago businessmen Andrew McKenna Sr. and insurance magnate Patrick Ryan also have a 19.6% ownership stake in the Bears, he said.

“If city officials wanted to put their efforts into stopping a move to Arlington Heights, they should be thinking about how to build a new stadium for them within the city limits,” Ganis said.

Veteran sportswriter Lester Munson called a city purchase of the Bears “implausible” — to say the least.

“I’m sure you could get a lot of Bear fans to put up money the way Packer fans do. But that is a one-of-a-kind thing under a bizarre Wisconsin law, and I’m not sure it’s even legally feasible here. You might need legislation in Springfield,” Munson said.

Calling the idea a “pipe dream,” Munson said, “The price is too high, and I’m not sure the city belongs” in the business of owning an NFL franchise.

Civic Federation President Laurence Msall is among those who have urged Lightfoot to pull out all the stops to keep the Bears in Chicago — and not necessarily at Soldier Field.

But he, too, argued that municipal ownership is a bad idea.

“I don’t know where the city of Chicago would come up with … the $4 billion that is the expected market value,” Msall said.

“A better use of city resources and time would be to come up with additional proposals beyond Soldier Field for the Bears stadium if they [cannot be persuaded] to stay at Soldier Field.”

Read More

A woman died months after she was shot July 8, 2021, in the Heart of Chicago. | Sun-Times file

Olivia Aguilera, 35, died Friday of complications from the gunshot wound she suffered during a fight July 8 in the 2100 block of South Ashland Avenue, officials said.

A woman who was shot during a fight over the summer in Pilsen near Benito Juarez Community Academy has died.

Olivia Aguilera, 35, died Friday of complications from the gunshot wound she suffered during a fight July 8 in the 2100 block of South Ashland Avenue, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.

That day, Aguilera got into an altercation with another woman near Benito Juarez Community Academy when a car pulled up and someone from inside fired shots, police said.

Aguilera was shot in the neck and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said.

A 16-year-old boy, who was a student at the school, was also shot in the leg and was taken to the same hospital in good condition at the time, police said.

No arrests have been reported.

Read More

New research from City Colleges and suburban community colleges finds support is key to student success. | Brian Rich/Sun-Times

In Chicago, the three-year community college graduation rate is just under 23%. If we care about creating a more equitable society, we must provide better support for these students.

Like many of her peers planning on enrolling in community college, Monique L. Harvey was facing challenges that often derail a student’s dreams. Hers were especially acute. She was struggling with homelessness, financial insecurity and more.

“Where am I going to live, how am I going to keep my grades up, how am I going to pay?” she recalls asking herself.

In her pursuit of a community college degree, Monique saw the promise of an exciting career and economic and social mobility. She also saw just how daunting it can be. Nearly half of all post-secondary students in the U.S. start at two-year colleges, where earnings for graduates are over 40% higher than those of a high school graduate. Yet, nationally, two-thirds of first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students who enroll in community college do not earn a degree within three years.

In Chicago, the three-year community college graduation rate is just under 23%. The reasons are many: from juggling debt, family responsibilities and jobs to the absence of role models and pressing social and emotional needs.

Now 23, Monique graduated in 2019 from Kennedy-King College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, with an associate’s degree, followed by a bachelor’s from Columbia College. She is now working as a family coach at Metropolitan Family Services with a goal to combine her interests in music, movies and community advocacy.

Her journey highlights what is possible for all students when a broad array of resources is available. Monique credits not just drive and determination for her success, but also support that included mentoring and professional coaching, connections to social and housing services, emergency financial assistance, and clothes for interviews.

She remembers standing in front of students at Kennedy-King over the course of Saturday sessions with her coach, sharing the accumulating good news: “I found an apartment and a job, I am vice president of student government, and I have a radio show.”

A research-backed approach

Monique is one of the thousands of students — at the seven City Colleges and three suburban community colleges — who have taken advantage of comprehensive support from Chicago-based One Million Degrees. Her achievements are not one-off anecdotes.

They are part of a growing body of evidence across the country that shows the significant impact that support programs have on community college student enrollment, persistence, and, most important, graduation rates. “OMD was the backbone I didn’t know I was missing,” says Monique.

New research from the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab finds that students from City Colleges of Chicago and Harper College in Palatine who enrolled in the OMD program were 18% more likely to earn a degree within three years. At a time when college enrollment is falling at both four-year and two-year colleges, there was more encouraging news: High school students who applied to OMD during their senior year in high school were 73% more likely to graduate from college in three years.

When prospective college students are hesitant about what lies ahead, knowing there are others who have their back can make a huge difference.

The latest findings build on research from two years ago that found a meaningful impact on enrollment and persistence for students in the OMD program.

The role of community colleges has been at the center of the national higher education discussion; President Biden sought free tuition in his Build Back Better plan, although the proposal was later scrapped. But these findings, and research from other programs, matter when it comes to increasing the odds of graduation and offering a brighter economic future for under-represented women, Black and LatinX students. In a fast-changing economy, the research also matters to employers, who increasingly are turning to community colleges for training and re-training. In Chicago, “earn and learn” partnerships between community colleges and companies are growing, providing apprenticeships and career certificates.

The pandemic has tested community college students like no other time, and made even clearer the importance of support programs. OMD is expanding our services this fall to Colorado through a new partnership with the Colorado Department of Higher Education to provide support for low-income adults to obtain college credentials or degrees in Adams County, outside Denver.

Monique’s story and this latest research are a call to action, to accelerate the growth of programs like OMD in Chicago and around the country. Community college students, no matter the challenges they may face, are capable of extraordinary things when surrounded by supportive relationships.

If we believe in creating a more just and equitable society and work force, we must step up and support them.

Aneesh Sohoni is chief executive officer of One Million Degrees.

Send letters to [email protected]

Read More

A 39-year-old man was charged Nov. 14, 2021, after a CTA employee was stabbed, and a Chicago police officer was injured on a train platform in the Loop. | Adobe Stock Photo

Hours before the Loop attack Sunday, Albert Burage was arrested and released from custody in Forest Park for attacking a group of people at a house of worship with a drumstick, prosecutors said,

Hours before an Arlington Heights man stabbed a CTA worker and beat a Chicago police officer on a Blue Line platform in the Loop, he was arrested and released from custody in Forest Park for attacking a group of people at a house of worship with a drumstick, Cook County prosecutors said Tuesday.

And this wasn’t the first time Albert Burage, 39, assaulted a CTA employee, prosecutors said.

In 2012, Burage attacked a CTA guard with a stolen sword, cutting the guard’s ear and arm at a CTA station in the South Loop, prosecutors said.

Burage was found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity in that case, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors Tuesday described Burage as “a danger to the community.” while an assistant public defender pointed out to Judge Mary Marubio that he “appears to have a history of mental health issues.”

On Sunday, after Burage was arrested for the attack in Forest Park, he was released on his own recognizance from a police station in the western suburb.

Later that day at 5:40 p.m. Burage got into a fight on the Blue Line platform in the 300 block of South Dearborn, prosecutors said.

Burage’s rival appeared to be antagonizing him and hitting him with a belt or chain, prosecutors said.

During that fight, Burage allegedly pulled out a knife and threw the weapon and bicycle at the person. Both the bicycle and the weapon landed on the CTA tracks. The person Burage was fighting with eventually left the station before Burage went onto the tracks to recover the knife, prosecutors said.

Burage then went on to stab the 44-year-old CTA worker who had witnessed the confrontation, prosecutors said. Burage allegedly stabbed the CTA worker multiple times, causing the man to fall to ground during a struggle with Burage. Burage continued to slash the CTA employee several times in the face until commuters came to help, prosecutors said.

Chicago police
Albert Burage

When two police officers arrived, Burage picked up a guitar that was on the platform and smashed it against a support pillar before hitting one of the officers with the neck of the musical instrument, prosecutors said.

Other officers came to the scene and Burage was take into custody.

Burage later admitted to police he was trying to kill the CTA worker because he believed he had sided with the person he had been fighting with, prosecutors said.

The CTA worker was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for lacerations and a fractured jaw, prosecutors said.

The incident was recorded by CTA surveillance cameras and portions were recorded by a witnesses’ cellphone.

Marubio ordered Burage held without bail for attempted murder, aggravated battery to a police officer and aggravated battery to a transit worker.

Burage served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2000-2004 and was honorably discharged, according to his assistant public defender.

He is expected back in court Nov. 24.

Read More

Reba McEntire and John Schneider are shown in a scene from the holiday special “Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune,” premiering Nov. 26 on Lifetime. | AP

Here’s a sampling of what to watch while sipping nog and nibbling on roasted chestnuts.

LOS ANGELES — Supply-chain woes are this year’s Grinch, threatening to steal gifts and good cheer. But TV is overstocked with holiday specials and rom-coms — including the Food Network’s first movie and the rebranded GAC Family channel’s Christmas debut.

Old favorites such as 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” may require a measure of strategy to watch. The classic Peanuts special will air on PBS and, for a three-day window, be available free on Apple TV+.

The twist for the Food Network’s film is its debut on corporate sibling discovery+ which, as with other streaming services, offers a free-trial option. Like Santa Claus scoring courtesy cookies, enjoy the gift while it lasts.

Here’s a sampling of what to watch while sipping nog and nibbling on roasted chestnuts — if available on store shelves.

AP
This image released by BET shows Tyler Abron in a scene from “A Rich Christmas,” currently streaming on BET+.

Movie time

“A Rich Christmas,” streaming now on BET+. A self-absorbed socialite gets a new perspective on life when she’s forced to work at a family homeless shelter. Bill Bellamy and Tyler Abron star.

“Candy Coated Christmas,” discovery+, Nov. 19. Molly McCook plays an executive whose life takes a detour when she visits the town of Peppermint Hollow. Ree Drummond (Food Network’s “The Pioneer Woman”) plays the local baker.

AP
This image released by GAC Family shows Jennie Garth and Cameron Mathison in “A Kindhearted Christmas,” premiering Nov. 20.

“A Kindhearted Christmas,” GAC Family (formerly Great American Country), Nov. 20. A woman wants to emulate her late husband’s generosity, bringing joy to others and maybe to herself. Jennie Garth stars.

“A Kiss Before Christmas,” Hallmark Channel, Nov. 21. James Denton, Teri Hatcher and Marilu Henner star in the tale of a man who gets the alternate life he wished for, and tries to give it back.

“Who Is Christmas Eve?” Bounce, 8 p.m. Nov. 21. A young woman (Paige Audrey-Marie Hurd) abandoned as an infant delves into her past with help from her boyfriend (Romeo Miller) and an investigative genealogist.

“Romance in the Wilds,” Fox Nation, Nov. 25. A forest ranger and geologist (Kaitlyn Leeb, Victor Zinck Jr.) join ranks to flee a wildfire. Does love ignite? The actors also star in Fox Nation’s “Christmas in the Wilds,” out the same day.

“Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune,” Lifetime, 8 p.m. Nov. 26. Georgia (McEntire) and Joe (John Schneider) broke up as a couple and a singing duo years ago, but their daughter wants a reunion for charity.

“Christmas Again,” Disney Channel, Dec. 3. Teenager Rowena is caught living the holiday over and over again after wishing that she could reclaim her life before her parents’ divorce. Scarlett Estevez stars.

AP
This image released by Disney Channel shows Scarlett Estevez in a scene from “Christmas Again,” a holiday film premiering Dec. 3 on Disney Channel.

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” NBC, 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 24. Jimmy Stewart stars as a despairing man who finds value in his life with the help of an aspiring angel, Clarence.

“Our Christmas Journey,” Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, 10:01 p.m. Dec. 4. Holly Robinson Peete stars as a single mom who faces an independent new chapter for her teenage son with autism and herself. Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, are parents of a son with autism. The actor said on Twitter that “I have wanted to make a movie about an #autism family making transitions at #Christmas for a while.”

“The Christmas Thief,” ION Television, 8 p.m. Dec. 5. A novice private eye, home for the holidays and trying to solve burglaries blamed on Santa Claus, clashes with a local detective. Michelle Borth and Vivica A. Fox co-star.

Fa La La La La

“iHeartRadio Holiday Special,” the iHeartRadio app, YouTube and Facebook pages. 7 p.m. Nov. 24. Mario Lopez hosts a virtual concert including Train, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, and Pentatonix.

Hunter Berry/CMA
Gabby Barrett performs “Silent Night” on “CMA Country Christmas,” airing Nov. 29 on ABC.

“CMA Country Christmas,” ABC, 8 p.m. Nov. 30. Performers and songs include Kelsea Ballerini (“Santa Baby”), Gabby Barrett (“The First Noel”), Lady A (“Wonderful Christmastime”) and Little Big Town (“Christmas Time Is Here”).

“Kelly Clarkson Presents When Christmas Comes Around,” NBC, 9 p.m. Dec. 1. Clarkson hosts a special that offers music, celebrates tradition, and gives to those in need.

“Christmas Under the Stars,” BYUtv, 6 p.m. Dec. 5, and on the BYUtv app. The a cappella group Pentatonix mixes favorite tunes and carols with songs from its new holiday album, “Evergreen.”

“Michael Buble’s Christmas in the City,” NBC, 9 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 22. The pop singer marks the 10th anniversary of his album “Christmas” with music and comedy.

“20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir,” PBS, Dec. 13 and Dec. 24 (check local listing for times). Brian Stokes Mitchell narrates a retrospective of performances by Kristin Chenoweth, Audra McDonald and dozens more artists.

Stocking Stuffers

AP
Charlie Brown and Linus appear in a scene from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” now on Apple TV+; and on PBS Dec. 19 (6:30 p.m. on WTTW-Channel 11). Is Christmas all about the goods or good-heartedness? The question unsettles Charlie Brown.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” CBS, 7 p.m. Nov. 22. A reindeer finds that being different is worthwhile in this 1964 special that’s based on the Johnny Marks song and narrated by Burl Ives.

“Mary McCartney Serves It Up,” discovery+, Nov. 23. In four new holiday episodes, the British cookbook author enjoys meatless meals with guests including her famous dad, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” NBC, 7 p.m. Nov. 26 and Dec. 25. Horror movie king Boris Karloff provided the voice for Dr. Seuss’ infamous Grinch for the enduring 1966 cartoon.

“‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas,” Apple TV+, Nov. 26. A documentary about an Idaho neighborhood that became a battleground for a man with a large-scale holiday obsession and his foes, aka other homeowners.

“A Home for the Holidays,” CBS, 8 p.m. Dec. 5. In the special’s 23rd annual broadcast, inspiring stories of youngsters adopted from foster care are joined with performances by pop artists.

Read More

Read More

Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara speaks to reporters yesterday as he walks out of a Chicago Police Board hearing in the Loop. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

This afternoon will be mostly sunny with a high near 50 degrees. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a chance of drizzle and temperatures rising to around 57 overnight. Tomorrow will be cloudy with temperatures falling to about 48 by the late afternoon.

Top story

Facing firing, Chicago’s controversial police union boss formally retires from CPD

John Catanzara, the incendiary president of Chicago’s largest police union, formally retired from the city’s police force this morning, effectively ending a lengthy disciplinary case that could have resulted in his firing.

Catanzara’s attorney, Tim Grace, confirmed to us that his client submitted the necessary paperwork to retire.

The move comes a day after Catanzara announced his intention to call it quits during the first hearing in his disciplinary case. He was accused of a string of departmental rule violations, including making a series of obscene and inflammatory social media posts and generating false reports against superior officers, most notably former Supt. Eddie Johnson.

Lauren Freeman, the hearing officer overseeing the case, suspended the proceedings after Catanzara’s curveball and announced they would resume this morning.

Catanzara later told reporters that he now plans to run for mayor as he took shots at Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who he has repeatedly butted heads with. “I’m running against the mayor to change this damn city and the direction it’s on,” he said.

Today, Grace announced that Catanzara’s resignation was effective immediately. Jim Lydon, an attorney for the Chicago Police Department, then moved to withdraw the list of charges without prejudice, meaning they could potentially be brought again.

Catanzara wasn’t present for the hearing, which was held via teleconference.

Tom Schuba has more on the FOP head here.

More news you need

Mayor Lightfoot today handed the interim chief of Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability the permanent job. The move defied 20 City Council members who wanted Andrea Kersten disqualified for releasing a report recommending a three-day suspension for slain Chicago Police Officer Ella French.

The co-founder of the music label Audiotree and owner of Schubas Tavern and Lincoln Hall has been accused in criminal charges and a civil lawsuit of setting up hidden cameras to record his nanny and her friend. The lawsuit alleges that Michael Johnston and his wife Kelly Johnston recorded the nanny and her friend while they were undressing or bathing.

The inspector general’s office is sounding the alarm about hundreds of Chicago Fire Department badges reported missing or stolen by firefighters and paramedics within months of their retirement. It’s a practice driven by nostalgia, sources tell our Fran Spielman.

The Jeep plant in Belvidere, struggling with reduced demand for its Cherokee model, is facing a layoff of 400 people. Jeep brand owner Stellantis said the layoffs will take effect starting Jan. 14, 2022.

In other vehicle news, Gov. Pritzker today signed legislation aimed at drawing electric vehicle manufacturers to the state. The Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act provides incentives for electric vehicle production across Illinois to help reach a 2030 goal of putting 1 million electric cars on the road.

Phil Collins and Genesis took the stage at the United Center last night for the first of two concerts in what Collins says will be his final tour with the group. Read Jeff Elbel’s full review of the show.

A bright one

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival to be live again with Kool & the Gang, Deborah Cox, Tag Team

Kool & the Gang, an “American Idol” finalist and the “Whoomp! There It Is” guys will join Mickey and Minnie Mouse at this weekend’s BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

The 30th annual fest, an adrenaline shot for the Chicago holiday season, returns as a live event after the COVID-19 scare last year limited the festivities to just a TV broadcast.

The two-day extravaganza culminates with the traditional Michigan Avenue parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Oak Street. As the Disney mice light more than a million lights along, the crowd will be entertained by Kool & the Gang (performing their hit “Celebration”), Tag Team (the rap duo best known for “Whoomp!”) and Grace Kinstler, the Crystal Lake singer who finished third on “American Idol” earlier this year.

Magnificent Mile Association
Minnie and Mickey Mouse wave to fans during the 2019 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

R&B and Broadway star Deborah Cox will do double duty, performing at a tree lighting ceremony at the Wrigley Building plaza (4 p.m. Friday) and then the next day in the parade, which ends with fireworks at Wacker Drive.

Leading up to the parade will be a variety of free events starting at 11 a.m. at 401 N. Michigan Ave., including pet adoption, a temporary tattoo booth, photos with Santa and DJ entertainment.

Visitors are asked to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

Highlights from the parade will air in a TV special premiering at 6 p.m. Sunday on WLS-Channel 7.

If you’re looking for another holiday-themed event later this week, Chicago will kick off the season Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. by lighting the city’s official Christmas tree in Millennium Park.

From the press box

At the midway point of the Bears’ season, Patrick Finley and Mark Potash answered the nine biggest questions facing the team.
Illinois football coach Bret Bielema has tested positive for COVID-19. Bielema will miss the Illini’s game Saturday against Iowa.
Bulls star DeMar DeRozan almost ended up with the Lakers instead. Here’s how close it was.

A bye week could be just what Bears rookie Justin Fields needs.

Your daily question ?

Where would you put Chicago’s next cannabis dispensary?

Email us (please include your first name and where you live) and we might include your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday, we asked you: What’s a food/snack you seek out to help keep warm when winter weather hits?

Here’s what some of you said…

“Whiskey and chili.” — Erika Hoffmann

“Hot chocolate or hot apple cider! Both warm me up inside (or is that incider?)” — Paul Lockwood

“Chili and gumbo.” — Tiffany Jones

“Caldo de Res — AKA beef shank soup with veggies and rice.” — Jose A. Rodriguez

“Ben and Jerry’s Vanilla Caramel Fudge.” — Colleen Curry

“Tamales.” — Benitez Jessica

“Roasted chestnuts.” — Delfina Cecchini Centanni

“Malort and chili” — Ikceiwezrd Eimaj

“Mexican red pozole” — James Gonzalez

“Puertorican salchichon con yuca papas with guineo and avacado.” — Anaiz Gutierrez

“Hot men. ” — Debbie Lawryn Korecky

Thanks for reading the Chicago Afternoon Edition. Got a story you think we missed? Email us here.

Sign up here to get the Afternoon Edition in your inbox every day.

Read More

A file photo of a deer stand during archery season in Illinois. | Dale Bowman

Deer harvest by Illinois bowhunters remains well behind the pace of 2020, but is ahead of harvests for the same period in 2019 and 2018.

The pattern of the fall continues for Illinois bowhunters: Harvest remains well behind the pace of 2020, but ahead of harvests in 2019 and 2018. Through Sunday, Nov. 14, harvest was down 4,031 from the same time in 2020.

That certainly seems to be related to people getting back to more normal lives after pandemic abnormalities of 2020.

I will be very curious whether the drop in bow harvest will impact harvest by firearm hunters. The first firearm season is Friday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 21. I suspect the weather will have more of an impact, The forecast seems a fairly normal fall forecast for this weekend. That should help the firearm hunters, too.

Here is the word from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:

ARCHERY DEER SEASON

Through Sunday, November 14, 2021, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 47,711 deer, compared to 51,742 for the same period in 2020. Archery deer harvest for the same period (Oct. 1 through Nov. 14) in 2018 was 45,416 and in 2019 was 45,962.

The top five counties for Archery Deer harvest through Nov. 14, 2021 were Pike (1,635), Jefferson (1,224), Fulton (1,156), Adams (1,066), and Macoupin (920).

(A table with county harvest info is attached)

ILArcheryHarvest-ThroughNov14.pdf

Read More