Good evening, and Happy New Year's Eve! The newsletter will stop tomorrow, but I'll be back in your inbox on Thursday. But first, here's what you need to know today.
1. Violent crime rates are falling in Chicago, but prevention groups worry they're running out of money
The city may end the year with fewer than 600 homicides for the first time since 2019. But with grant money running out, leaders of violence prevention groups say they're worried about how to continue their work amid signs of progress, says my colleague David Strout. Reports for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Although shootings and homicides are down 7% compared to 2023, according to data from the Chicago Police Department, that number is lower than the national average homicide decline of 10% to 15% over the past year.
Since 2021, homicides in Chicago have decreased by 29%, and most other types of violent crimes continue to decline.
“We've now seen a rise in once-in-a-lifetime homicides in Chicago” in 2016 and 2021, says Kim Smith, director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab. “We cannot take it that we will continue to experience declines, especially after witnessing two historic highs.”
But not all areas are seeing progress: Little Village and some North Side neighborhoods have seen a significant increase in violent crime, which Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling attributes to increased gang conflict and changing crime patterns. (Chicago Sun-Times)
2. 16 Chicago creatives whose music, art, and theater will stand out in 2024
As the city's art scene returns in full force post-coronavirus, 2024 has brought big ideas, new collaborations, and stunning new releases from all angles, my colleague Cassie Walker Burke writes for WBEZ.
WBEZ chose to focus this look back on distinguished creators whose work stuck with our arts reporters even after we filed our stories. Some are just plain fun, while others brilliantly grapple with the world we live in, refusing to shy away from politics and global conflicts.
There's Ayanna Woods, who's barely in her 30s but has built a resume as a contemporary classical composer, with notable bands like The Crossing, Chanticleer and Chicago's Third Coast Percussion performing her music.
And there's John Michael Hill, the youngest actor ever invited to join the Steppenwolf Theater Company in the world premiere of Purpose.
You can see the full list at the link. (wizz)
3. Ald. Jim Gardiner settled a case involving residents being blocked on social media
Six Northwest Side residents accused the alderman of violating their First Amendment rights in 2021 when he blocked them and deleted their comments on his government account, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Although Gardiner did not admit any wrongdoing in last week's settlement, he agreed to pay a total of $157,500, or $4,000 to each resident. It is unclear how much taxpayers will pay.
“Social media sites like Facebook provide the public with a powerful tool to petition elected officials and have their voices heard,” plaintiffs’ attorney Adele Nicholas said in a statement. “Elected officials cannot selectively ban people they disagree with.” (Chicago Tribune)
4. Bally's intends to sell Chicago casino ownership stakes to women and minority investors
Chicagoans from diverse backgrounds could soon be betting on Bally's stock in the city's upcoming mega-casino.
The equity is expected to help cover $250 million in financing for the permanent Bally's Casino at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street, scheduled to open in 2026, Mitchell Armentrout reported for the Chicago Sun-Times.
The terms of the initial public offering are still awaiting final approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
The minority ownership stake was a key commitment from Bally's that helped it win former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's approval of the more experienced casino operators to become the city's choice for a long-coveted gaming license in 2022. (Chicago Sun-Times)
5. Sober drinkers find their fill of alcohol-free bars
As abstaining from alcohol gains acceptance among Gen Z, and many people experience Dry January after holiday festivities, bars and cafes are serving up cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, coffee drinks and teas to keep the party going, Emanuel Camarillo reports for the Chicago Sun-Times. .
“Sometimes just having sober spaces is great, and that's very important,” said Eric B., who told the Sun-Times he has been sober for two years. “Especially for people who are sober curious or don't necessarily have a history of drug use but also don't want to be around it.”
Hector Diaz opened In Good Spirits in 2023 in West Town with his fiancée, Adriana Gaspar. The non-alcoholic bottle shop has seen an increase in business over last year, and sales this holiday season have surpassed last year, Diaz said.
Nicholas Hodge, manager of Eli Tea Bar, said he has noticed an increase in sales during the two and a half years he has worked at the bar. Queer social events, which used to be sparsely attended, are now crowded, he said. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Here's what else happens
The Treasury Department said Chinese hackers gained remote access to documents in a “major” cyber incident. (AP) Power goes out in almost all of Puerto Rico on New Year's Eve. (AP) The world's population will reach 8.09 billion people on New Year's Day after an increase of 71 million in 2024. (AP) Here are photos of New Year's Eve celebrations from around the world. (AP)
Oh, and one more thing…
TV personalities Cheryl Scott and Terrell Brown will play teachers in the upcoming tightly choreographed dance video for ABC7's Countdown Chicago, my colleague Stefano Esposito reports for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Over the years, they've braved the bitter cold and rain to attend New Year's Eve segments, as well as last-minute changes for a presidential visit.
Viewers who have watched (and admired) the routines from Japan, Dubai and all over the United States have written in. The event began when a producer suggested that Scott and Brown do an impromptu dance on air.
“So we decided on it, and it was a complete and utter disaster,” Brown said while working on the final edit of the 2025 show in mid-December. “We walked away from that experience and wondered: Why not take our time if we're going to do something like this and actually produce it and put some effort behind it?” (Chicago Sun-Times)
Tell me something good..
What are you excited about for 2025?
My colleague Molly writes:
“My partner and I booked an AirBnB from Matthiessen State Park near Starved Rock; We hiked there in the fall but I'm excited to see it in the winter. Growing up in Chicago, I never knew we had such amazing geology and elevation in our state. “It was really fun to figure it all out.”
My colleague Jennifer wrote:
“We're having the family cat's 20th birthday party in April!”
Please feel free to email me, and your response may be included in this week's newsletter.
