Welcome to RedEye Rush Hour, your breakdown of news to help you pass the time while you’re surviving your commute.
Sorry, Donald
What’s up: President Obama beat out President-elect Donald Trump for the spot of most admired man in America. Quick, someone go check the PEOTUS’ Twitter for the incoming tweet storm.
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Why you care: For each of the past 15 years, Gallup’s most admired man in America poll has belonged to either the president or president-elect. Obama edged out his successor for the title that he’s held since he was president-elect in 2008. The most admired woman? Hillary Clinton, for the 21st time and the 15th year in a row. Damn, girl.
For more on Trump’s impending temper tantrum, click here.
Body cameras incoming
What’s up: Police body cameras will be coming to Chicago a year earlier than expected, in 2017 rather than the previously planned 2018.
Why you care: A few months ago, the Chicago Police Department announced plans to expand a 2015 body camera pilot program to all 22 police districts by the end of 2018, but now, City Hall and CPD have announced they’ll accelerate the program to outfit thousands of officers by late 2017. Use of cameras was “ramped up,” according to the Tribune, following the outcry over the release of the 2014 video of Office Jason Van Dyke shooting Laquan McDonald.
Soundbite: “The citywide use of body worn cameras within the Chicago Police Department will provide a greater sense of self-awareness to both officers and the individuals that they interact with,” police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a news release announcing the change.
For more, click here.
No lame ducks here
What’s up: President Obama eliminated the government registry for immigrant men—predominantly from Muslim countries—that was instated after the events of 9/11.
Why you care: Though the U.S. hasn’t used the registry since 2011, its elimination would make it harder for President-elect Donald Trump to renew it—something that a top immigration adviser to Trump said the incoming administration would look into.
Soundbite: After a bombing at a Christmas market in Berlin this week, Trump told reporters, “You know my plans,” regarding a registry.
For more, click here.
Ridin’ around and gettin’ it
What’s up: Higher Metra fares, a completed Jane Addams Tollway and more construction? There’s no way around these 2017 transit changes so we might as well get used to them.
Why you care: Metra will be increasing its fares for the third time in three years (lol) so maybe now they finally won’t be delayed AF? The CTA is also working on finishing its many stop renovations (s/o to Wilson Red Line!) And if you’re driving west, I-90 will hopefully soon be a much more pleasant experience, with major construction projects wrapping up. Not getting our hopes up about any traffic improvements, though.
For more transit updates that may or may not make you want to stay home forever, click here.
Stay away from Betty
What’s up: This South Carolina dude started a GoFundMe to make sure 2016 keeps its grubby hands off of actress, national treasure and superior “Golden Girl” Betty White.
Why you care: This sh*tty year has claimed many an entertainment legend, from Bowie to Rickman to Prince and most recently, George Michael and Carrie Fisher. Can you blame the dude for wanting to do all he can to protect Betty? No. You can’t.
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For more—and to donate to the worthwhile cause—click here.
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