Former Mayor and possible Biden Administration cabinet member Rahm Emanuel closed six of the City’s twelve free mental health centers in April 2012. Referencing these closures as “consolidations,” Emanuel publicly stated these closings would increase the time therapists could spend with patients in private clinics and that he was not closing the clinics to cut costs and save money.
Main Content
NEWS

Election saw large turnout and some new office holders
Turnout was high in the recent election, as more than five million of Illinois’s approximately eight million registered voters cast ballots.

‘Granny flat’ ordinance vote postponed due to opposition from aldermen
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and five aldermen in late May introduced a highly anticipated ordinance to City Council, which if passed would amend provisions of the Municipal Code to permit coach houses and other accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential areas.

Coronavirus cases rise; testing is available in this community
Illinois is seeing a severe coronavirus (COVID-19) flareup, rivaling its initial pandemic peak in May.
MORE NEWS
Verizon tearing up sidewalks with no forewarning to residents
Contractors are installing Verizon 5G infrastructure throughout the City of Chicago in some 600 locations, according to one contractor.
First in thriller series of novels adds to discourse on role of police, wealth gap
Chicago native Ian K. Smith has written a new murder mystery, The Unspoken—An Ashe Cayne Novel, released in early October as the first in a series of thrillers.
Next Gazette Chicago issue will be available Friday, February 5
As we did last year, Gazette Chicago will skip publishing in the month of January to give our hard-working staff of reporters, designers, photographers, and advertising sales representatives some well-deserved time off during the holiday season.
Year in Review: Coronavirus dominated eventful year in local communities
The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most momentous in history, and the ten communities comprising this area contributed to that history by making news of their own.
Loretto Hospital to host socially distant visit with santa
Loretto Hospital will host its 30th Annual Visit with Santa. On Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon, community members are invited to take part in this event taking place at the Columbus Park Refectory located at 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
Late Breaking News
Elected officials comment on attempted terrorist coup of Jan. 6
After pro-Donald Trump terrorists attacked and vandalized the U.S. Capitol in an attempted coup on Jan 6, a variety of local officials issued statements on Jan. 7.
A nurse’s plea for people to be vaccinated
This week we have hope. This vaccine is our final hope to save lives.
Longtime Near West Sider Joan Angelini passes away
Joan (Hochstetter) Angelini, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 9, 2020.
December is National Impaired Driving Month
Alcohol-related fatality rates are nearly twice as high for 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds as for those over age 21 in December.
Jimmy Collins, former UIC basketball coach, passes away
Jimmy Collins, the first head coach to lead the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) men’s basketball program to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament, passed away December 13. He was 74 years old.
NEWS YOU CAN USE FROM OTHER MEDIA
What Biden’s Appointments to Economic Team Mean for Business Leaders
Gazette Chicago Associate Editor William S. Bike was quoted in Forbes Magazine Nov. 30 in an article by Edward Segal, “What Biden’s Appointments to Economic Team Mean for Business Leaders.”
EDITORIAL

A trip to the North Pole, courtesy of NORAD, offers a Holiday Wish List like no other
“Good evening, Gazette Chicago, how may I help you?” I answered the phone in the waning hours of Thanksgiving weekend, 2020.
LATE BREAKING EDITORIAL
Lipinski Leaves with Final Insult to Voters
In a final insult to the residents of the 3rd Congressional District, outgoing Congressman Dan Lipinski, in the last week of his Congressional career and after he had given his farewell speech, was one of only two Democrats who voted against providing $2,000 stimulus checks to Americans.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Important message from the publisher
Dear Gazette Chicago Readers:
Well, we made it to the holiday season, despite the incredible challenges brought forth by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Special Guides

In a Christmas season like no other, Chicago offers entertainment opportunities
After a year like 2020, most of us are looking for some holiday entertainment to take our minds off of our troubles. Although fewer entertainment options are available due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Chicago area still provides attractions and activities to enjoy.

Spirit of Giving opportunities available to help the vulnerable in a difficult year
This year has been unlike any other, with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, job loss, business closures, and financial and personal hardships, making life challenging for many.

Holiday Services: During a most challenging time, local churches celebrate the Christmas season
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has taught us to be flexible and grateful for our health and for the health of our loved ones.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Around the Neighborhood: December 2020
Editor’s note: At press time, future events listed in Around the Neighborhood still were scheduled, but changes are happening on a daily basis due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Check websites or call before going out in case organizers have postponed or canceled events.
Emergency Rental Assistance
Emergency rental assistance available
City of Chicago emergency rental assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship due to a crisis such as loss of job, home fire, or illness. The program is intended to allow families to maintain housing during the time it takes to regain stability….