Your Daily Guide

Alleged ‘Child-Sex Ring’ at South Side Parish

The once-celebrated Rev. George Clements orchestrated a “decades-long child sex ring” at his parish, Holy Angels, according to a new series of lawsuits. Abuse continued on a near-daily basis throughout Clements’ 22 years there, according to more than 100 clients now represented by a single law firm. Victims were allegedly as young as five at the time. [Tribune 🔓]

Investigation on Hilario Dominguez Closed

Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general found “no actionable finding of sexual misconduct” in its investigation of whether school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez acted inappropriately with a minor at a past workplace. The former student said she’s disappointed with the findings but hopes others feel empowered to step forward. [Chalkbeat]

• Meanwhile: Here’s what’s happening in the rest of the race. [City Cast Chicago 💻]

City OKs Massive Settlement Over Disgraced Ex-Cop

On today’s podcast, we’re talking about what went down at City Council this week, including a $260 million police settlement to 17 people who were framed for murders by former Chicago Police Det. Reynaldo Guevara. Also discussed: the Westside Love Maps Project. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• In 2018, a judge was voted out over ties to Guevara. [City Cast Chicago 💻]

Judge Halts Vet’s Park Plant Operations Over Foul Odor

A judge granted a temporary restraining order pausing operations at Pullman Innovations until Jan. 14. The city and the Illinois Attorney General’s office are suing the company, which makes animal feed additive, over odors that allegedly violate air pollution laws. [Sun-Times]

• Meanwhile: A class-action suit against Pullman Innovations is ongoing. [Block Club]
• For years: The area has been plagued by foul odors. [WBEZ]

Old-School Lakeview Electronics Shop Closing

Saturday is the last day for Royal Home Entertainment. The unassuming electronics shop has occupied space in Lakeview since 1971 — it’s been at its current home on Broadway since 1980. Owner Joe DeGuide says he’ll still offer custom installation services. [Block Club]

• Hey: Wasn’t this just the premise of a Goodman play?

Hey! It’s the Tamale Guy!

Claudio Velez is a Chicago legend who’s been feeding Logan Square, Wicker Park, and West Town for years. (Hitting the hot bar strips with a cooler full of tamales is a bang-up business plan.) Velez received wide recognition in 2020 — two viral GoFundMes and, later, a short-lived brick-and-mortar — but this piece goes deeper with accounts from local musicians and other night owls. [Reader]

• Inflation alert: A bag of Velez’s tamales is now $14. (I learned last night at Cafe Mustache.)