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Chicago Public Schools to Remain Open on May 1, Allowing Participation in Civic Rallies

Chicago Public Schools to Remain Open on May 1, Allowing Participation in Civic Rallies

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced that it will remain open on May 1, but will allow students and staff to participate in civic engagement events, including a rally. This decision comes after discussions with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which had been advocating for May 1 to be a teacher-directed professional development day. The day, known as International Workers' Day, is marked by nationwide protests against federal policies and in support of immigrant and labor rights. CPS CEO Macquline King emphasized the importance of maintaining classroom time while also respecting the tradition of civic action. The district will provide transportation and bagged lunches for students and staff attending the events, and will not retaliate against those who choose to participate. Additionally, CPS and CTU have agreed to designate May 1, 2028, as a professional development day.
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Chicago Public Schools to Become Sustainable Community District by 2050

Chicago Public Schools to Become Sustainable Community District by 2050

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is set to transform into a sustainable community school district by 2050, as outlined by Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Federation of Teachers. This vision is part of a broader initiative to integrate schools more deeply into their communities, providing not only education but also essential services such as healthcare, mental health support, and meals. The transformation is already underway, with the Board of Education having passed a five-year plan focused on equity and a four-year union contract aimed at creating schools that meet the diverse needs of students. Recent developments include the implementation of the Black Student Success Plan, reopening of libraries, installation of solar panels, and the establishment of sanctuary and LGBTQ+ safe schools protocols. The district is also expanding access to arts, music, and sports, and establishing dual language schools in predominantly Black communities.
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Chicago Public Schools to Embrace Sustainability and Community Integration by 2050

Chicago Public Schools to Embrace Sustainability and Community Integration by 2050

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is set to transform into a sustainable community school district by 2050, as envisioned by Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Federation of Teachers. This transformation is part of a broader initiative to integrate schools more deeply into their communities, providing not only education but also essential services such as meals, healthcare, and mental health support. The initiative aims to address past policies of school closures and privatization, creating schools that serve as community hubs. Recent developments include the implementation of the Black Student Success Plan, reopening of libraries, installation of solar panels, and the establishment of safe school protocols for LGBTQ+ students. These efforts are part of a five-year plan centered on equity and a four-year union contract focused on creating schools that meet the needs of students and their families.
SB Nation SB Nation
WrestleMania 42 night one preview: The main event of WrestleMania is so bad that Cody Rhodes is crying over it

WrestleMania 42 night one preview: The main event of WrestleMania is so bad that Cody Rhodes is crying over it

This should have been such an easy story to tell, but WWE screwed it all up with mystery man Pat McAfee.
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Pope Leo downplays feud with Trump, says 'not in my interest' to debate him

Pope Leo downplays feud with Trump, says 'not in my interest' to debate him

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT, April 18 (Reuters) - Pope Leo sought to downplay his feud with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, saying reporting about comments he has made so far during his Africa tour "has not been accurate in all its aspects".
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Cedar Rapids Embraces School Choice, Sparking Debate on Educational Outcomes

Cedar Rapids Embraces School Choice, Sparking Debate on Educational Outcomes

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the concept of school choice is gaining traction, leading to a competitive educational environment. This shift is part of a broader national trend where public schools face competition from alternative educational institutions. The idea is that competition will drive improvements in education quality. However, this movement has sparked a debate about its effectiveness. President Trump and other Republicans have criticized public schools for not meeting students' needs and being overly 'woke,' while Democrats often resist school choice, arguing it undermines public education. NPR's Cory Turner explores how this dynamic is playing out in Cedar Rapids, examining whether students benefit from this competitive approach.
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Chicago Mayor Johnson Compares Restaurant Industry to Slavery Amid Tipped Wage Debate

Chicago Mayor Johnson Compares Restaurant Industry to Slavery Amid Tipped Wage Debate

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has sparked controversy by comparing the restaurant industry's reliance on tipped wages to slavery. This statement comes as the Chicago City Council failed to override his veto of a measure that would have halted the phaseout of the subminimum wage for tipped workers. The policy aims to raise base pay to the full minimum wage by 2028, a move opposed by restaurant owners who argue it could increase prices and reduce jobs. Johnson's comments highlight the racial and economic dimensions of the tipped wage system, emphasizing that many workers in the service industry are minorities who rely on tips for their income.
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Chicago Teachers Union and Public Schools Designate May Day for Civic Action

Chicago Teachers Union and Public Schools Designate May Day for Civic Action

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have reached an agreement to designate May Day as a 'day of civic action' for students and teachers. This decision allows both students and staff to participate in civic activities and rallies on May 1. Despite the civic action focus, CPS has confirmed that schools will remain open on this day. The initiative is part of a broader effort to engage the school community in civic matters, reflecting a commitment to social and political awareness among students and educators.
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Alexi Giannoulias Leads Chicago Mayoral Fundraising with $12 Million

Alexi Giannoulias Leads Chicago Mayoral Fundraising with $12 Million

In the race for the mayor of Chicago, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has emerged as a dominant figure in fundraising, amassing over $12 million in the first quarter of 2026. This amount significantly surpasses the combined total of seven other potential candidates. Giannoulias's fundraising success is largely attributed to contributions from trade labor unions and wealthy Chicago residents. Although he has not officially declared his candidacy, the substantial financial backing positions him as a formidable contender should he decide to run. Other candidates, including current Mayor Brandon Johnson, have raised considerably less, indicating a potentially competitive and crowded election in February 2027.
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Chicago Public Schools Restores Disability Support Funding for Catholic School Students

Chicago Public Schools Restores Disability Support Funding for Catholic School Students

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reinstated instructional support funding for over 800 students with disabilities attending Catholic schools in the Chicago area. This decision comes after the Archdiocese of Chicago accused CPS of halting services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) just two months before the school year ended. The funding will resume on Monday and continue through May 22, as initially planned. The Archdiocese expressed gratitude towards CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King and her team for restoring these services, highlighting the support from parents and the community. The funding, which is federally mandated under IDEA, is distributed by CPS to Catholic schools within its jurisdiction for services like specialized instruction and assistive technology. Previously, CPS and the Archdiocese had conflicting accounts regarding the cessation of funding, with CPS citing budget constraints and the Archdiocese claiming a lack of prior warning.
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ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to Resign Amidst Controversy Over Enforcement Tactics

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to Resign Amidst Controversy Over Enforcement Tactics

Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will resign at the end of May, as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Lyons, a key figure in President Trump's immigration agenda, oversaw significant expansions in ICE's operations, including increased arrests and deportations. His tenure was marked by controversy, particularly following high-profile enforcement actions in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, which led to public outcry over the deaths of American protesters. Lyons' leadership has been both praised for enhancing community safety and criticized for aggressive tactics.
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Pope Leo, newly forceful global voice, heads to Angola on Africa tour

Pope Leo, newly forceful global voice, heads to Angola on Africa tour

By Joshua McElwee YAOUNDE, April 18 (Reuters) - Pope Leo sets off on Saturday for Angola, where he is expected to address exploitation of natural resources in the oil-rich country on the third leg of his four-nation Africa tour, during which he has taken on a new forceful speaking style.