Good afternoon, Chicago. ✶
The legacy of Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has loomed large in Chicago for decades, even as he remains incarcerated.
In today’s newsletter, we take a look at Hoover’s latest bid for freedom as he prepares for a hearing Thursday.
Plus, we’ve got reporting on a federal disaster proclamation after the rash of tornadoes in July, why a short-lived local band is getting back together four decades later and more community news you need to know below. 👇
⏱️: A 7-minute read
— Matt Moore, newsletter reporter (@MattKenMoore)
TODAY’S TOP STORY
Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover’s quest for freedom faces key test this week
Reporting by Jon Seidel and Erica Thompson
Who is Larry Hoover?: Those who remember still compare him to Al Capone, the leader of a ruthless 1920s criminal syndicate that cemented the city’s bloody, violent reputation. Others say he studied Richard J. Daley, the “boss” mayor of Hoover’s youth — and then paid for his political ambition. Either way, 26 years ago, the prison door seemed to permanently slam shut behind Larry Hoover.
Misdirected talents: Hoover helped form the violent Gangster Disciples street gang, and he ran it from state prison while serving time for murder. In 1998, a federal judge issuing a life sentence told Hoover he’d misused his ability to lead thousands — a “gift” from God. Hoover is now incarcerated at a federal supermax prison in Colorado.
A different legacy: Leonard “GLC” Harris, a 46-year-old Chicago rapper and entrepreneur, says that “[b]eing in Mr. Hoover’s organization taught me the five p’s on life: proper preparation prevents poor performance. And I applied that to my everyday life from elementary school up until now.”
Key quotes: One of Hoover’s attorneys, Jennifer Bonjean, said that he’s now a “frail, elderly man” languishing in the country’s harshest prison. Another, Justin Moore, said Hoover is “no longer the man people associate with his past,” adding, “He deserves a sentence that reflects his transformation and commitment to change, not outdated perceptions.”
A key test: Hoover is set to appear in a Chicago courtroom Thursday for the first time in decades, albeit by video. The 73-year-old hopes a new judge will undo that life sentence. Thursday’s hearing could be crucial.
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?
Ed Burke in prison: The onetime dean of Chicago’ City Council — and its longest-serving member — has surrendered to a federal prison in Thomson, Illinois, to begin serving his two-year sentence for racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion, authorities confirmed.
Relief on the way?: Following the rash of tornadoes in July, the federal government has issued a disaster proclamation for the Chicago region. The move would make federal money available to help those affected by the storms, adding to existing state and county relief resources.
West Side affordable housing: The first phase of apartments at a North Lawndale development is already 50% leased. The amenity-heavy project will bring more housing units to the community as it starts Phase 2.
$305M to IDOT for improvements: A US. Transportation Department grant will be used for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program and to improve the Interstate 290-First Avenue interchange.
3 stars for ‘All Happy Families’: Josh Radnor stars as a North Sider hosting his visiting parents and brother in this Chicago-set slice-of-life film that rings true in every moment, writes Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper.
SUN-TIMES STAFF SUGGESTS 📖
Find your next read at the Book Cellar
Today’s recommendation comes from our assistant city editor Dorothy Hernandez, who suggests the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square for finding your next read.
An avid reader, Dorothy says she loves exploring bookstores — and she’s always on the hunt for quiet places to work when she needs to get out of her condo. Opened in 2004, this bookstore and cafe owned by women hosts frequent author events and book clubs, making the Book Cellar a perfect “third space.”
Small but mighty: “It’s a tiny shop, with narrow aisles and packed bookshelves, but they have a very well-curated selection and can order any book to have it delivered at the store,” Dorothy says. “I recently ordered a book that will take five days, which is more than it takes to get it from Amazon, but I’d like Book Cellar to celebrate another 20 years. Plus Amazon doesn’t need more of my money.”
One-stop destination: “Books, coffee and wine — it has it all! You can work with a coffee in hand by day and then when the laptop shuts, you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer while catching up with friends,” she says.
While you’re here: “Book Cellar is surrounded by other amazing independent shops, including my favorite gift shop, Enjoy, as well as excellent restaurants and markets like Gene’s Sausage Shop.”
📍The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave.
BRIGHT ONE ✨
Chicago’s Verböten reunites for Riot Fest gig — their first show in 41 years
Reporting by Selena Fragassi | For the Sun-Times
Riot Fest has been known to host major reunion sets over the years — Slayer, the Replacements, Jawbreaker and Naked Raygun, to name a few. After their performance at the music festival on Saturday, Verböten can add themselves to that impressive shortlist.
To say the anticipation was high for this special set is an understatement. It was the first time the band has played a show since 1983, after forming as wonder kids (their ages ranged from 10-14 year) and then soon disbanding.
Verböten has become local lore in the many years since, even the inspiration for an award-winning musical produced by the House Theatre of Chicago in early 2020.
“We formed 42 years ago in a small bedroom in Evanston. Our original drummer had an apartment, and we played shows for our parents, changing out the lights to make it a ‘concert,’ ” guitarist/singer Jason Narducy explained, flanked on stage by original singer Tracey Bradford and bassist Chris Kean. Drummer John Carroll is the only new member. He now fills in for Zack Kantor (though Kantor’s nephew, Aaron Shapiro, joined in Saturday on guitar).
Verböten’s 1983 show at Cubby Bear has also been the stuff of legend. In fact, it’s where a young Dave Grohl got his first taste of punk rock (he’s cousins with Bradford). He’s brought up that foundational story nearly every time Foo Fighters have played Chicago.
For their Riot Fest set, the band — still synchronized all these years later — focused on new material from their album out Oct. 4. They’ll play a record release show at Evanston’s SPACE on Oct. 5.
“Hopefully we’ll see you in two weeks. … This has been really special,” Narducy said to end the set Saturday.
YOUR DAILY QUESTION ☕️
The temperature has dropped; autumn has begun — and that means soup season is officially here. So we want to know:
Who makes the most comforting bowl of soup in Chicago? Be sure to tell us the restaurant, if it’s not homemade, and the kind of soup.
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Written by: Matt Moore
Editor: Esther Bergdahl
Copy editor: Angie Myers