Good morning, Chicago.
After more than two decades, Amy Dickinson is preparing to write her final “Ask Amy” column.
She announced her decision in today’s column, writing, “I’m healthy, happy, and 64 years old. This is a decision I’ve been wrestling with for more than a year.”
Dickinson told the Tribune’s Darcel Rockett, of her decision: “Maybe I’ll be the first advice columnist not to die at my desk,” she said jokingly. “Ann Landers (the columnist Dickinson succeeded) — they ran her column after she died. She had banked a bunch of columns. Mad respect for her, but I am not built like that.”
She will continue to offer advice through the end of June then hand the reins of syndicated column writing to R. Eric Thomas, a Black male playwright, screenwriter, bestselling author and a former columnist for Elle.com and Slate.com. His new column will be called “Asking Eric.”
Thomas wrote a column introducing himself to readers as well as offering insight into what informs his advice.
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Ahead of Memorial Day, Illinois treasurer seeks to return a dozen unclaimed Purple Heart medals
Ahead of Memorial Day, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs made a renewed request for the public’s assistance in returning a dozen Purple Heart medals to their rightful owners.
The medals were submitted to the treasurer’s office through its unclaimed property program, but their stories remain shrouded in mystery. A Purple Heart is awarded to those who are killed or wounded in service.
As CPS begins finalizing a new policy prohibiting cops in schools, a state bill could upend the district’s plans
Chicago Public Schools moved a step closer to finalizing a new school safety policy Thursday, following a Board of Education vote in February to remove uniformed Chicago Police Department officers from all district schools as of the end of the school year.
But a state bill that could supersede the district’s plans may also be voted on this week. Sponsored by Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, HB5008 would allow high school Local School Councils to contract directly with CPD to employ school resource officers, known as SROs, through February 2027.
Brown Line station rehab could disrupt some weekend service through late 2025
The CTA is set to begin a $19 million upgrade to a Lincoln Square Brown Line station, and that will mean some weekend service disruptions to parts of the line.
Alderman accuses colleague of antisemitism over social media post
Ald. Debra Silverstein, 50th, highlighted and harshly criticized a post recently made by Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, 33rd. It includes a photo of Rodriguez-Sanchez with her child and a request that Facebook friends share pediatrician recommendations.
“Looking for an anti Zionist pediatrician for this baby,” the caption reads.
Silverstein called the caption an attempt by Rodriguez-Sanchez to blacklist Jewish doctors. Rodriguez-Sanchez described the accusation as a bid to stifle her long-running criticism of Israel’s war effort in Gaza.
City Winery worker fatally stabbed in West Loop venue identified
A man was fatally stabbed Wednesday afternoon inside City Winery in the West Loop, authorities said.
The victim, a 47-year-old man, was attacked by another man about 5 p.m. at the entertainment venue in the 1200 block of West Randolph Street, according to Chicago police.
Column: Chicago White Sox broadcaster John Schriffen seems to love a good beef — but he should beware of the ‘haters’
In the battle between Chicago White Sox broadcaster John Schriffen and the “radio losers,” put your money on the losers, writes Paul Sullivan.
They’ll always have the last word.
Bears OTAs recap: Dissecting QB Caleb Williams’ struggles and the defense’s ‘salty’ approach
The Chicago Bears wrapped up their first week of organized team activities Thursday at Halas Hall with the third of three practices. While the spotlight remains centered on the team’s promising rookie quarterback, a lot more is coming together as coach Matt Eberflus pushes his team through an important spring. Here are the highlights from practice and interviews in Lake Forest.
Lagunitas Brewing closing Chicago brewing operations and taproom amid declining sales
The local brewing arm will move to Petaluma, California, where the company is based and has its original brewhouse, by early August, the company said in a news release. The Chicago taproom inside of the brewery will also close. The company’s Chicago warehouse, adjacent to the brewing facility, will stay open.
The closure will affect 86 employees, the company said. Some will work in remote positions or relocate to California, while others will work through the transition and get “departure packages including support services and job-placement assistance,” the company said.
Utility tries to bring a new spin on hospitality industry shows, with a focus on independent restaurants
Thousands of restaurant owners, big-box franchisees and hospitality industry staffers head to Chicago each May to participate in the National Restaurant Association Show at McCormick Place. They flock to consume content such as celebrity chef demos on hot topics l such as plant-based cuisine and culinary cannabis, seminars on overcoming labor challenges and increasing profits, and exhibits on everything from the latest functional beverage machines and compostable packaging to robotic servers and cutting-edge food delivery systems.
This year, there was a new kid in town, The Utility Show, a “2-day celebration of everything hospitality” produced by Tilit, a hip restaurant uniform and gear company out of New York City.
Hemp beverage brewers fear Illinois hemp ban will end fledgling industry
Just after popping the lid off a new market, hemp beverage makers fear a proposal to ban intoxicating hemp products in Illinois would end their new business.
