We hope you have a lovely day of rest, good food and plenty of time with loved ones tomorrow. Before you do, read up on what’s happening in Chicago courtesy of WTTW News. 

Solis Testimony Turns to Alleged Chinatown Land Development Scheme in Madigan Trial

The parking lot along Wentworth Avenue in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood in October 2024. (Andrew Adams / Capitol News Illinois)

Disgraced former Alderman Danny Solis took the witness stand Tuesday in Michael Madigan's corruption trial. His testimony largely centered on the former Illinois House speaker's alleged efforts to illegally steer business to his private property tax law firm amid efforts to develop a state-owned parcel of land in Chinatown, which was in Solis’ aldermanic ward, into a commercial development.

But to do so, that land — which was owned by the state of Illinois and was leased to a nonprofit — needed to be transferred to the city of Chicago so it could then be sold to developers. Solis testified about those efforts and covering up Madigan’s role from then-Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Madigan allegedly orchestrated multiple corruption schemes, rewarding loyal allies and enriching himself. He and his right-hand man Michael McClain are each charged with racketeering, bribery and wire fraud. They have each pleaded not guilty.

What else happened? 

• Jurors on Tuesday saw videos of in-person meetings with McClain and project developers secretly recorded by Solis while he worked as an undercover mole for the government.

• Solis was approached by FBI agents in 2016 and was presented with evidence of his own bribery activity. He agreed to help the government by secretly recording conversations.

• The longtime 25th Ward alderperson and Zoning Committee chair is testifying under a deferred prosecution agreement. Solis began his testimony last week and is expected to be on the witness stand for several days.

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One of ‘World’s Worst Aquatic Weeds’ Found in DuPage County Creek

Invasive hydrilla. (hiindy22 / iStock)

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) — “considered one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds” — has been discovered in DuPage County.

This marks only the second known report in Illinois. The banned statewide hydrilla may have been unintentionally released from a homeowner’s aquarium or a water garden, which is how the plant was introduced into U.S. waterways in the first place.

Here's why it's bad: 

• The plant can grow up to an inch per day and forms dense mats of vegetation that “choke waterways, block sunlight and drastically alter the water chemistry,” according to the North American Invasive Species Management Association.

• Along with crowding out and displacing native plant species, hydrilla reduces oxygen levels in water, killing off fish and other aquatic species. Hydrilla’s presence can also affect human health by creating stagnant waterbodies that promote mosquito breeding.

Anyone who suspects they've seen hydrilla in a waterbody should notify the IDNR Aquatic Nuisance Species Program at dnr.ans@illinois.gov.

Also From WTTW News: 

• For those hitting the roads Wednesday, the Chicago office of the National Weather Service is forecasting mostly dry conditions and temperatures maxing out in the 40s.
  

• Flying for the holiday? You're not alone. O’Hare and Midway airports are expected to see more than 1.8 million travelers during the week.

• Heather Cherone reports that there’s no evidence a CPD chief who resigned under investigation for excessive force was ever added to the required Do Not Hire list.

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Local Live Music Recommendations for Nov. 27-Dec. 3

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Wednesday, Nov. 27:
The O’My’s, Shawnee Dez, Frsh Waters, Sparklmami, DJ Coco Nic at Metro. Tickets. 
An all-Chicago lineup full of innovative acts in soul, hip-hop and more. 

Friday, Nov. 29:
Color Green, Glyders at Hideout. Tickets. 
Psychedelic rock and cerebral guitar riffs galore. 

Saturday, Nov. 30: 
Sleeper's Bell, Morgan Powers, Radium Girl, Memory Cell, Orisun at Schubas. Tickets.
Audiotree celebrates local talent with their Chicago Community Fest at the Lakeview venue. 

Sunday, Dec. 1: 
Sharp Pins, Answering Machines, Deerest Friends at Schubas. Tickets.
Power-pop melodies, catchy choruses and crunchy guitars are this local songwriter’s forte. 

Back in the Day: November 27, 1954 - Lake Shore Drive Extension to Hollywood Ave. Opens 

Though DuSable Lake Shore Drive dates all the way back to 1882 when a businessman named Potter Palmer begged the city to construct a street next to his house to improve his property values, the iconic roadway has been slowly expanded throughout its history. In the 1930s, it extended north from Belmont Avenue to Foster Avenue then in the 1950s it stretched from Foster to Bryn Mawr Avenue. On this day 70 years ago, Lake Shore Drive opened its latest northward addition from Bryn Mawr to Hollywood Avenue. “It’s a monument to cooperative enterprise,” Mayor Martin H. Kennelly said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Chicago is progressing with all agencies pulling together.” 

Tell us about your Thanksgiving plans. Are you staying in Chicago? Going anywhere? What’s your favorite local memory of the holiday?

Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published. 

• Area business owners are looking for a bump in traffic now that the holidays are approaching.
• A look at how local Native Americans are celebrating their heritage. 

5:30 PM|10:00 PM

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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry