Hey there, it’s Thursday. And I bet, in the future, there will not only be apple-picking farms, but marijuana-picking farms. Mark my words! Here’s what you need to know today. (PS: You can have this delivered to your inbox by subscribing here.)

1. Impeachment witness calls out GOP on Ukraine conspiracy theory

Fiona Hill, a former top Russia expert on the National Security Council, criticized House Republicans for spreading a debunked conspiracy theory that Ukraine — not Russia — meddled in the 2016 presidential election.

“I would ask that you please not promote politically driven falsehoods that so clearly advance Russian interests,” Hill told House impeachment investigators.

Hill testified today along with David Holmes, a top aide at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Holmes said he became convinced in August that President Donald Trump froze military aid to Ukraine because he wanted an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. [NPR]

2. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s “Magic Lobbyist List”

WBEZ obtained an email that suggests powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan played a role in connecting lobbyists with clients whose fortunes rely heavily on his favor.

The email was sent by Madigan confidant Michael McClain to a group called the “Magic Lobbyist List.” McClain wrote that “A Friend of ours” had reviewed the list and winnowed down the roster of lobbyists who would continue to enjoy this favored status.

Sources told WBEZ that the “Friend” is Madigan. [WBEZ]

Meanwhile, the Chicago Tribune reports that McClain arranged contracts with ComEd lobbyists that steered money toward Kevin Quinn, a former Madigan aide who was ousted over allegations of sexual harassment. [Chicago Tribune]

3. CPS receives about 3 adult sexual misconduct complaints per school day

Chicago Public Schools has received 535 reports of sexual misconduct since October 2018, with 239 cases still under investigation, according to the inspector general for Chicago Public Schools. Among those cases, there have been 228 reported complaints involving a teacher and 81 involving a security guard.

The inspector general’s office was given full authority to investigate all sexual abuse cases after the Chicago Tribune reported last year that CPS widely failed to protect students from sexual assault. [Chicago Sun-Times]

4. Netanyahu indicted on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges

The corruption charges unveiled today against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu throw his political future in doubt and further inflame the political chaos facing Israel.

The charges against Netanyahu stem from allegations he gave lucrative favors to media companies in exchange for favorable coverage. Netanyahu, who is now the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be indicted while in office, says he has done nothing wrong. [NPR]

5. Winners and losers from the Democratic presidential debate

Ten candidates faced off last night in Atlanta for the fifth Democratic presidential primary debate. If you missed the (squints at notes) two-hour debate, here’s a recap of five big takeaways, like whether the impeachment inquiry might have made last night’s debate, shall we say, a little more boring. [NPR]

So who won and who lost? Columnists and contributors for the opinion section at The New York Times gave high marks for Sens. Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders. [New York Times]

When it comes to losers, the Times and the Washington Post agree that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s strategy of attacking Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party is … odd. The Post also said former Vice President Joe Biden’s performance continues to be shaky. [Washington Post]

Here’s what else is happening

• The Starved Rock killer will be released from prison. [Chicago Tribune]

• The feds want a former Chicago police commander locked up for as much as two years after he was caught stealing more than $360,000 in Social Security payments. [WBEZ]

• Parents are worried that three prestigious public schools on Chicago’s North Side will begin capping enrollment. [WBEZ]

• Get the inside scoop on a bright orange health center in Brighton Park in this week’s “What’s That Building?” [WBEZ]

Oh, and one more thing …

We’re counting down the weeks until the entire state becomes a giant weed hot box on Jan. 1, when recreational marijuana becomes legal in Illinois … or should I say Chill-inois? Get it?

Anyway, because WBEZ obviously has no in-house experts, we talked to some folks in the industry about what curious first-timers can expect when they walk into a dispensary next year.

Here’s a handy guide on some of the products sold at dispensaries, the effects of certain marijuana strains and how you can tell how high you’ll get from some products. [WBEZ]

Meanwhile, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration is warning kids and young adults to “protect your brain” ahead of the legalization of pot. [WBEZ]

Tell me something good …

Thanksgiving is coming up, and I’d like to know what plans you’ve got cooking.

Paul Lockwood writes:

“I’m participating in a Turkey Trot for hospice in McHenry County Thanksgiving morning, working off some calories during my fast walking/jogging to the 5k finish line… so I can feel a LITTLE less guilt when I go to a bountiful buffet later in the day.”

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Feel free to email at therundown@wbez.org or tweet to @whuntah.

Have a nice night! I’ll see you tomorrow. And if you like what you just read, you can subscribe to the newsletter here and have it delivered to your inbox.