Welcome to the Reader‘s morning briefing for Thursday, March 3, 2016.
- Weather: More snow and cold
It won’t be a pleasant Thursday, with snow, clouds, and wind in the forecast. The high will be 34, with a low of 26. [AccuWeather]
- Study: More poverty and fewer services in African-American neighborhoods
Chicago’s segregation problem is diminishing, but there is increasing poverty and fewer social services in the city’s predominantly black neighborhoods, according to a new study by the Chicago Urban League. An official from the group is told reporters that “This is not a situation that’s getting better. This is a situation that’s getting worse.” [Reuters]
- The Chicago Tribune backs Madigan challenger in state house race
People either love or hate powerful house speaker Mike Madigan and the “iron grip” he has on state Democrats. Now the Tribune has endorsed Madigan’s challenger in the Democratic primary, Jason Gonzales, for the 22nd District seat on the southwest side. If Gonzales manages to beat arguably the most powerful man in Illinois, the Chicago political machine will also be shaken. [Tribune]
- Chicago’s gun violence, police problems inspire art, TV, and comedy
The city’s ongoing issues with police brutality and gun violence have inspired a variety of art and entertainment, according to DNAinfo Chicago. NBC’s Chicago PD tackled the tragic murder of nine-year-old Tyshawn Lee in a recent episode, a local artist has created a wall inspired by the Vietnam Memorial listing all the names of people murdered in Chicago since 2012, and Chicago native Hannibal Buress addressed police brutality in his latest stand-up comedy special. [DNAinfo Chicago]
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater set to expand with a third stage at Navy Pier
The Chicago Shakespeare Theater will extend its already sizable presence on the pier with a new $35 million expansion project. “The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare” will add another stage near the new Ferris Wheel. [Crain’s Chicago Business]
- A sign of summer: Ravinia announces its 2016 lineup
Music icons Diana Ross and Paul Simon will play the Ravinia Festival for the first time this year, and Bob Dylan will take the stage in Highland Park for the first time since 1964. Some of the other artists on the lineup include: Johnny Depp (playing with his band Hollywood Vampires), Duran Duran, Don Henley, and Garrison Keillor with A Prairie Home Companion. [Tribune]