Chicago’s Latest: Housing Woes, Record Travel, and Snowy Owls

Good afternoon, Chicago! As we head into a bustling Thanksgiving week, the city is buzzing with significant news. Today’s rundown covers a deep dive into South Side housing neglect, a surge in holiday travel, a congressional inquiry into the CTU, and even a plea for federal flood aid after summer storms. Plus, a special appearance by snowy owls draws crowds, prompting safety measures.

The “Sausage King” and South Side Housing Neglect

The company dubbed “The Sausage King of Chicago,” named after the iconic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” character, is making real-world headlines for its ownership of the Indian Trails Apartments in West Pullman. Long-time residents of this 180-unit subsidized housing complex once considered it a good place to live, but it’s now set to change hands after years of alleged neglect.

WBEZ colleagues Esther Yoon-Ji Kang and Amy Qin report that out-of-town real estate investors, Alan Smolinisky and Brian Chen, have overseen conditions described by tenants as deplorable. Residents shared stories and photos of rodent infestations, lack of heat, unexpected water shut-offs, flooding, and no hot water. This story highlights a troubling trend: wealthy investors acquiring federally subsidized properties, collecting millions in rent, yet failing to provide safe and clean living conditions for low-income residents.

Thanksgiving Travel Hits Record Highs

Chicago is bracing for a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel week, with O’Hare International Airport and Amtrak anticipating their busiest holiday periods in history. If you’re planning to travel, expect company!

The Chicago Department of Aviation expects over 1.63 million travelers through O’Hare during the seven-day Thanksgiving period, marking a 9.5% increase from last year. Meanwhile, AAA Travel projects 81.8 million Americans will drive at least 50 miles from home, with the Illinois Tollway expecting peak traffic tomorrow. Amtrak is also preparing for a record number of passengers, with Sunday likely being the busiest day.

CTU to Cooperate with Congressional Financial Inquiry

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is facing a request from the Republican-led U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce to provide five years of financial documents. The committee aims to explore potential changes to federal laws requiring labor unions to disclose financial information to their members.

Michael Bromwich, the CTU’s attorney, confirmed the union will cooperate and respond by December 22nd, but stated he is not concerned. He highlighted that these audit reports are already accessible to rank-and-file members at the union office, characterizing the inquiry as “a waste of time and … resources.”

Pritzker Pleads for Federal Flood Disaster Aid

Governor JB Pritzker is urging President Donald Trump’s administration to reconsider its rejection of approximately $620 million in federal flood disaster aid for Illinois. Brett Chase of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that almost 438,000 residents across nine Illinois counties could benefit from these funds following severe summer storms.

The rejection by the federal government, which typically provides hundreds of millions through FEMA after severe weather, is described as seemingly unprecedented given the extent of claimed damages. The state’s recourse to secure the much-needed money remains uncertain.

Snowy Owls Draw Crowds to Montrose Beach Pier

Wildlife enthusiasts and curious locals have been flocking to Montrose Beach to catch a glimpse of snowy owls, leading the Chicago Park District to limit access to the pier. Crowds estimated between 75 and 100 people at a time raised concerns for the safety and well-being of these arctic visitors.

The Park District emphasizes the need to respect these “vulnerable” birds, which have traveled all the way from the Arctic. Admirers are advised to maintain a distance of at least 300 yards and use binoculars or scopes to observe them without disturbance.

Other Local Headlines

• Chicago is already experiencing a worse-than-normal flu season for this early in the year, with increased hospitalizations.
• An ex-Guantánamo detainee testified that a former Chicago detective subjected him to months of torture.

A Night with Sleeping At Last and the Chicago Philharmonic

For a touch of local arts and culture, Illinois multi-instrumentalist Ryan O’Neal, known as Sleeping At Last, will once again join the Chicago Philharmonic for a special one-night holiday performance this weekend. After selling out two shows last year, O’Neal brings his original music and holiday covers back to the stage, showcasing his talent that has been featured in popular TV shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and the “Twilight” film series.

FAQs About Today’s Chicago News

• Who is the “Sausage King of Chicago” behind the housing controversy?
  It’s a company owned by out-of-town real estate investors Alan Smolinisky and Brian Chen, operating the Indian Trails Apartments on the Far South Side.
• Why is Thanksgiving travel expected to be record-breaking in Chicago this year?
  Both O’Hare International Airport and Amtrak are forecasting their busiest Thanksgiving periods ever, with a significant jump in air and road travelers compared to last year.
• What is the Chicago Teachers Union’s response to the congressional financial inquiry?
  The CTU plans to cooperate and provide the requested financial documents, though their attorney considers the inquiry a “waste of time” as the audits are already available to members.
• What prompted the Chicago Park District to limit access to Montrose Beach pier?
  Large crowds, estimated at 75-100 people, were getting too close to snowy owls, raising concerns for the birds’ safety and well-being.
• What is the status of federal flood disaster aid for Illinois?
  Governor Pritzker is appealing the Trump administration’s rejection of $620 million in aid, which would assist nearly 438,000 residents affected by summer storms.

From critical housing issues to holiday travel, and from political appeals to rare wildlife sightings, Chicago continues to be a city of dynamic stories. Stay informed and engaged with your community as these developments unfold, and remember to appreciate the unique blend of urban life and Midwestern spirit that makes our city special.

Chicago Housing Woes Record Travel Snowy Owls