Good morning. Tomorrow’s the weekend. Take a break this morning to catch up on these local stories from WTTW News. 

Chicago Is on Track to Break the Record for Warmest Year

(Chris Jensen / Stock)

Chicagoans just shivered through one of the coldest Thanksgivings in a decade. Despite the frigid end of the month, November 2024 was still nearly 5 degrees warmer than normal. In fact, the entire year is on track to become the warmest since recordkeeping began in 1872, according to the National Weather Service.

Through November, Chicago had an average temperature of 57 degrees for the year, topping the previous record of 56.4 (through November) set back in 1921. The record for warmest year is 54.5 degrees, set in 2012. To beat that mark, this December will just have to notch an average temperature of at least 27.1, which seems likely. The typical average temperature for Chicago in December is 30.5 degrees.

Some more notable weather facts from the year:  

• Even the lows were high, with 63 degrees on Nov. 4 setting a record daily warmest low temperature.

• A record daily high temperature of 82 degrees was set on Oct. 29.

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Seven Illinois Counties Voted in Favor of Secession. Why?

(WTTW News)

Illinois celebrated its 206th birthday Tuesday, but some downstate residents say it’s time to create another state. The November ballot included a referendum asking some downstate residents if they support exploring how to break away from Illinois and form their own state. Seven counties were added to the growing list, signaling their dissatisfaction with what’s happening in Springfield and Chicago.

The Chicago area accounts for roughly two-thirds of the state population in a small portion of the state. It’s also home to the majority of legislators in the Illinois General Assembly. The Illinois Separation Referendum seeks to mitigate a perceived power imbalance with the rest of the state. Because election results don't mean that these counties will secede, critics say the secession movement doesn’t have a plan for what would happen if separation is successful, making this a performative vote.

Also From WTTW News: 

• Cook County Health announced a new program that connects pregnant patients with free doula services.

• Chicago Cubs extend contracts for radio broadcasters Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer.

• Via Capitol News Illinois: Michael Madigan attorney hammers Danny Solis’ agreement with the feds.

• Yuengling beer is finally coming to Chicago.

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Arts and Culture Events from Marc Vitali

Each Thursday, WTTW News reporter Marc Vitali highlights the best events in arts and culture. 

This weekend brings an ensemble of enticing musical choices, and it’s not just holiday songs and show tunes. OK, much of it is, but the hardest part will be deciding what to see – and hear.

“The Four Phantoms in Concert” – McAninch Arts Center/Glen Ellyn
When it says “As seen on PBS” you know it meets a certain standard. These four veteran singers have cumulatively played the lead in “The Phantom of the Opera” 6,000 times. Joining them in this fete of musical theater is Kaley Ann Voorhees, who performed the role of Christine on Broadway.  Saturday, Dec. 7

“Brian d’Arcy James” – Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre
James is a Northwestern alum and a Broadway vet – he originated the role of King George in “Hamilton” and has earned five Tony nominations. Here he sings from the musical theater canon, plus a mix of pop standards. Save money on a plane ticket to New York and see him in Chicago. Two shows on Saturday, Dec. 7

“Holidays a capella” – Various locations
Chicago’s ensemble of ten unaccompanied singers brings their vocal chops to a holiday concert with four shows at four local venues. And these voices deliver the goods. The show starts with a retelling of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Jeff Award-winning actor Greg Vinkler. Dec. 6–14

“Black Voices in Cabaret” – Epiphany Center for the Arts
A dozen strong vocalists – including Lynne Jordan and Randolph Johnson – take the stage for a showcase titled “Re-Imagining Cabaret: Jazz, Rhythm and Blues.” And if you haven’t yet been to the Epiphany Center – a onetime church built in 1885 – you have one more reason to go. Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:30pm

”Bohème and Beyond – The Legacy of Puccini” – DePaul University
This unusual concert celebrates the legacy of Giacomo Puccini, composer of “Tosca,” “Madama Butterfly” and “La bohème,” Arias from Puccini operas will be performed alongside music by composers influenced by the great Italian composer, including Samuel Barber and Stephen Sondheim. Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m.

Back in the Day: December 5, 1979 - Grateful Dead Plays Uptown Theatre 

Yesterday, the Grateful Dead offshoot Dead & Company announced their 2025 return to the state-of-the Las Vegas venue Sphere. While that’s great news for those who want another chance to catch the living Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart (drummer Bill Kreuztman is still alive but hasn’t toured with Dead & Co in years), let’s look back on a piece of the band’s storied history in Chicago. On this day 45 years ago, the Grateful Dead closed out a three-night stint at the Uptown Theater. The weekday run of shows marked the local debut of keyboardist Brent Mydland, who joined the band in 1979. While the north side’s 4400-capacity Uptown Theater has been closed since 1981, the Dead managed to play there 17 times. You can listen to the full show from Dec. 5 here and if you’re curious about the other nights, the full show from Dec. 3 and a portion from Dec. 4 were compiled on the 2019 CD release Dave’s Picks 31. 

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

• We dive into reports that show a mishandling of asylum seekers' private information by the company hire to oversee migrant shelters.

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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry