CHICAGO -- Chicago police say dozens of people suspected of participating in gang-related crimes have been arrested as part of anti-violence efforts ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Police say in a statement officers were joined by agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in "precision raids" that started Thursday and continued Friday. They reported more than 70 arrests and more than a dozen weapons seized. Officers also raided a child daycare facility suspected of being used as a stash house for guns. Four guns and ammunition were seized. No children were at the facility.The raids come as more than 1,000 extra officers are set to hit the streets to help stem the surge in violence that typically accompanies long holiday weekends in Chicago. … [Read more...] about Chicago police arrests dozens in pre-Memorial Day raids
Chicago
Vote expected on new Chicago police training academy
CHICAGO -- The Chicago City Council is set to vote on a proposal to build a police academy on the city's West Side. The proposal has sparked protests from residents angry about the $95 million price tag. Friday's scheduled vote follows Mayor Rahm Emanuel decision to halt Wednesday's council meeting during which a vote on the academy was to be taken. As protesters gathered outside the council chambers, an alderman urged the vote be delayed to draw attention to their argument the money for the training center would be better spent on education and job training programs.Observers say the proposal will almost certainly be passed by the council, but some aldermen have said more debate is needed. … [Read more...] about Vote expected on new Chicago police training academy
Young parents learn to love Chicago, even with a toddler in tow
At least once a year, Chicago was our playground. For my wife and me, it was a fast, fun vacay that always delivered. Typical Chi-city night: experimental cocktails at a Wicker Park speakeasy. Multicourse dinners by a “Top Chef” champion in the West Loop. Nightcap on a rooftop in downtown. And do it all again the next day. Then we had a baby. Aurora is a year old now. The farthest we’d taken her was Grandma’s house in the middle of Wisconsin. She’s wild. Likes to eat with her hands. Says “no” a lot. But we still wanted to return to the city of our former after-dark adventures. It’d be fun to go on vacation. We needed a vacation. But could we survive the Windy City we love with a baby on board? Are we ready for diaper changes and meltdowns on Michigan Avenue? More important: Is Chicago ready?We gave it a shot. We marveled at beluga whales, strolled through the zoo, discovered casual spots opened by big-name chefs and enjoyed our revised … [Read more...] about Young parents learn to love Chicago, even with a toddler in tow
Chicago’s black, low-income students suffer most for school closures
Chicago’s controversial mass school closures in 2013 have had negative effects on thousands of the city’s students—mostly those who are Black and from low-income households— according to a new report. Transferred students fell behind academically, despite officials’ promises to provide a better education once they left under-populated schools for higher-performing ones, said the report which was released Tuesday by University of Chicago Consortium on School Research scholars. This study—the most comprehensive yet to evaluate the educational, social and emotional impacts of the city’s decision to shut down an unprecedented 47 elementary schools to save money five years ago— examined the outcomes of 10,700 students who were in kindergarten to 7th grade at the time of the closures. They also looked at outcomes of students and staff at “welcoming” schools that took in kids. Through data, surveys, student and school staff … [Read more...] about Chicago’s black, low-income students suffer most for school closures
Boy, 17, wounded in South Chicago drive-by shooting
A teenager was shot Thursday evening in South Chicago. The 17-year-old boy was sitting outside about 5:45 when someone opened fire from a passing car drove in the 8800 block of South Marquette, Chicago Police said. He was struck in the lower back, and his condition stabilized at University of Chicago Medical Center. … [Read more...] about Boy, 17, wounded in South Chicago drive-by shooting