Welcome to the Reader‘s morning briefing for Friday, December 9, 2016. Have a great weekend!
- Weather: Very cold again
It will be very cold again Friday, with a high of 25 and a low of 16—but it will feel even colder. The sun will be out for a bit during the day. [AccuWeather]
- Illinois universities offering protection for undocumented students refuse “sanctuary campuses” label
Illinois universities are not declaring themselves “sanctuary campuses” despite petitions and other pressures, but they are taking other action to protect undocumented students, according to the Tribune. Northwestern University campus police are not allowed to detain students who are unable to prove their legal residency or question anyone about their immigration status. “We cannot declare our campuses as sanctuaries, as the concept is not well specified and may actually jeopardize our institution,” according to a letter signed by University of Illinois president Timothy Killeen and other school officials. “However, we will continue to do everything we can within the law to reassure, support and protect our students.” The University of Chicago will continue to support undocumented students and raise more money for their financial aid. [Tribune]
- Democrat Chris Kennedy considering run for governor
Chris Kennedy, son of the late Democratic senator Robert F. Kennedy, is considering running against Governor Bruce Rauner for the state’s top job in 2018, according to Politico. The businessman has kept a low profile for many years despite being a member of the fabled Kennedy clan. “He’s making pretty aggressive outreach across the state,” an anonymous aide told Politico. “He has made a decision internally that he is going to move forward.” [Politico]
- Starbucks will test stand-alone Italian bakery in the West Loop
Starbucks is planning to open the first U.S. location of its chain of Italian bakeries, Princi, in the West Loop, according to Eater Chicago. Starbucks already has Princi locations in Italy and London, and plans to open U.S. restaurants in Chicago, then New York and Seattle. [Eater Chicago]
- McDonald’s will open a restaurant in its West Loop headquarters
Fast-food giant McDonald’s will open a restaurant on the ground floor of its West Loop corporate headquarters, which are expected to open in the spring of 2018. The Oak Brook-based company is tight-lipped on details, including whether or not it will be a new restaurant concept for the chain. [DNAinfo Chicago]