Sun-Times file photo
Through the years, it’s attracted the likes of Jimmy Fallon, Vince Vaughn and Lady Gaga as well as thousands of others willing to charge into a frigid Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach to raise money for charity.
But the organizers of the Chicago Polar Plunge announced Tuesday the annual event now in its 21st year is going virtual. Blame the coronavirus. Organizers say it’s the first time in the event’s history that the event had been canceled.
Last year, the plunge raised about $2.2 million, with about 4,800 people participating. The money goes to support the 7,500 participants of the Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities program.
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This afternoon will be cloudy with a high near 37 degrees. Tonight’s low will be around 24 degrees. Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy with a high around 41 degrees.
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The 2,891-square-foot sign Donald Trump slapped on his 96-story Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago would have to come down, if an influential alderman has his way.
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s City Council floor leader, plans to introduce an ordinance at the Jan. 27 City Council meeting that would force the issue seven years after the vanity sign along Chicago’s riverfront touched off a clash of giant egos with then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel.