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Afternoon News: Monday December 18, 2023 Dec 18, 2023

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A federal jury is now deliberating the federal corruption case against former Chicago Alderperson Ed Burke. The death of a 5-year-old boy who was staying at a migrant shelter in Pilsen is raising questions about conditions inside these facilities. The Columbia College Faculty Union says a tentative agreement has been made with the administration that ends a 49-day strike with adjuncts.

Looking back on an unforgettable year of Chicago news Dec 18, 2023

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Five years from now, when you think of Chicago in 2023, what might come to mind? Maybe Brandon Johnson’s victory in the mayoral race, the statewide elimination of cash bail or the escalating migrant crisis. Maybe the Northwestern football hazing scandal or the giant snapping turtle affectionately nicknamed Chonkasaurus. We couldn’t possibly cover it all, so we’re closing out 2023 by looking back on the most memorable moments of the year. In this episode, host Erin Allen and The Rundown newsletter writer Hunter Clauss reflect on the stories that defined Chicago this year.

Morning News: December 18, 2023 Dec 18, 2023

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Migrants are now subject to a 60-day limit on how long they can live in Chicago city shelters, but a WBEZ analysis finds that a majority of migrant shelter stays have been longer than that. Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke’s fate could be in the hands of a federal jury as soon as today. Fewer people are donating toys to the Salvation Army in the Chicago area this holiday season, yet there is greater need this year.

Afternoon News: Friday December 15, 2023 Dec 15, 2023

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Attorneys for former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke are asking the jury to find him not guilty and send him home for his birthday later this month. A transgender Chicago man has filed a federal lawsuit against his former employer and union, saying they denied him gender-affirming care. Metra will offer discounted rides to anyone who receives assistance through SNAP – the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – starting in February.

Where Chicago’s migrants are living – and how they’re getting there Dec 15, 2023

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Where are recently-arrived migrants to Chicago living? And how do they get there?

The answer to the first question is churches, police stations, city-run shelters, hotels, apartments, and – still for many – outdoors.

The answer to the second question is just as complicated.

“A lot of folks are having some success walking around neighborhoods and just looking for for-rent apartment signs, and then they try and go and talk with the landlord there,” said Chicago Sun-Times Reporter Michael Loria. “Sometimes landlords are ok with it. Sometimes they're not.”

Rundown host Erin Allen talks with Loria about his recent reporting on where migrants are living and the myriad ways they’re getting there. We also hear from environment reporter Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco about the botched plan to put up shelters in Brighton Park and that community’s reaction to living near a site that state regulators recently deemed toxic.

Morning News: December 15, 2023 Dec 15, 2023

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Gun advocates remain optimistic despite recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to preserve Illinois’ gun ban. A mental health program for migrants in Chicago shelters could be a model for other cities. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his strategy to reduce crime by using a community-driven approach.

Afternoon News: Thursday December 14, 2023 Dec 14, 2023

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The U.S. Supreme Court is leaving Illinois' Assault Weapons ban in place. The Chicago City Council blocked a resolution for voters to weigh in on the city’s sanctuary city designation. Starting December 31, anyone who works in Cook County can use paid leave at work for any reason.

‘A culture without borders:’ Carlos Tortolero looks back on his career Dec 14, 2023

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In 1982, Carlos Tortolero left his teaching career to start a museum. The National Museum of Mexican Art opened its doors in Pilsen five years later, and it has stayed in the same building ever since. The museum champions Mexican artists from both Mexico and the U.S. “We represent a culture without borders,” Tortolero said. Now, with the museum on solid financial footing, he plans to retire at the end of 2023. In this episode, host Erin Allen talks to Tortolero about his work, legacy and hopes for the future of the organization.

Morning News: December 14, 2023 Dec 14, 2023

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says nearly all of the city’s police stations are no longer being used to shelter migrants. A Chicago City Council vote maintains Police Board authority over the most severe officer discipline cases – but the city could end up in a risky court fight about it. Closing arguments continue today in the federal corruption trial of former Chicago alderman Ed Burke.

Afternoon News: Wednesday December 13, 2023 Dec 13, 2023

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Attorneys are making their closing arguments to the jury in the federal corruption trial of former Chicago alderman Ed Burke. The Chicago City Council voted to delay a plan to expand paid leave for workers. Google revealed its latest renovation plans for the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago, plans that would keep the building’s signature 17-story open atrium.

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