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Dorothy Flynn, Esteemed Chicago Educator, Passes Away at 88

Dorothy Flynn, Esteemed Chicago Educator, Passes Away at 88

Dorothy P. Flynn, affectionately known as 'Judy,' passed away on April 29, 2026, at the age of 88. She was a devoted daughter to the late Mary and Timothy Flynn and the last surviving sibling among 12 brothers and sisters. Dorothy was a long-time teacher and assistant principal within the Chicago Public Schools system, where she made significant contributions to education. Her legacy is cherished by many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Chicago on May 4, followed by a Mass. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Cooney Funeral Home, and in lieu of flowers, donations to Immaculate Conception Church are appreciated.

Chicago Public Schools Engage in May Day Civic Activities Amid Teacher Absences

Chicago Public Schools Engage in May Day Civic Activities Amid Teacher Absences

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) participated in May Day activities, with dozens of schools organizing field trips to rallies and civic engagement events. This decision followed negotiations between CPS officials and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which initially proposed making May 1 a professional development day to allow staff participation in protests. Ultimately, a compromise was reached to maintain regular classes while permitting field trips. Approximately 2,200 students attended these activities, which included visits to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and participation in labor history lessons. The day saw a higher-than-average teacher absence rate, with CPS deploying substitute teachers to cover classes.

Chicago Teachers Union and Public Schools Facilitate Student Participation in May Day Rally

Chicago Teachers Union and Public Schools Facilitate Student Participation in May Day Rally

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have reached an agreement to allow students and staff to attend the May Day rally. This agreement includes the provision of district-provided buses to transport participants to the event. Importantly, the agreement also includes a pledge that there will be no retaliation against those who choose to participate in the rally. The May Day rally is part of a broader series of demonstrations advocating for workers' rights and economic justice, aligning with the historical significance of May Day as a day of labor activism.

Leonard Strazewski, Renowned Journalist and Comic-Book Writer, Passes Away at 71

Leonard Strazewski, Renowned Journalist and Comic-Book Writer, Passes Away at 71

Leonard F. Strazewski, a prominent figure in journalism and comic-book writing, has passed away at the age of 71. Born and raised in Chicago, Strazewski was a celebrated journalist and professor, known for his contributions to various publications including Crain's Business Insurance and Ad Age. He was also a beloved figure in the comic-book community, co-creating characters like Prime and Jesse Quick. Strazewski's career in academia was marked by his tenure at Columbia College Chicago, where he served as an associate professor of journalism and was granted emeritus status in 2022. His legacy includes a significant impact on both the journalism and comic-book industries, as well as a lasting influence on his students and colleagues.

Louise Harenza's Legacy Celebrated in Chicago Obituary

Louise Harenza's Legacy Celebrated in Chicago Obituary

Louise Harenza, a former resident of Chicago, passed away peacefully on April 8th at the age of 85. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward and a loving mother to her children Karen, Katherine, Kimberly, and Kristina. Louise was also a cherished grandmother and dear sister. She and her husband raised their family in Garfield Ridge and were active members of St. Daniel the Prophet Parish. After becoming widowed, Louise continued to live life to the fullest, enjoying travel and spending time with family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, and memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or PAWS Chicago.

Mary Lou Bilder-Gold's Legacy Celebrated in Glenview, IL

Mary Lou Bilder-Gold's Legacy Celebrated in Glenview, IL

Mary Lou Bilder-Gold, a cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert L. Gold. Her legacy continues through her daughter, Marina Bilder-Burman, and her stepsons, Thomas and William Gold. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A visitation is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at Donnellan Family Funeral Services in Skokie, IL, followed by a funeral service on May 5, 2026, at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. Entombment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church.

Louise Harenza Passes Away at 85, Leaves Legacy of Family and Community Involvement

Louise Harenza Passes Away at 85, Leaves Legacy of Family and Community Involvement

Louise Harenza, formerly of Chicago, passed away peacefully on April 8th at the age of 85. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward and a loving mother to her four children, Karen, Katherine, Kimberly, and Kristina. Louise was also a cherished grandmother and a dear sister. She and her husband raised their family in Garfield Ridge and were active members of St. Daniel the Prophet Parish. After becoming widowed, Louise continued to live a vibrant life, enjoying travel and spending time with friends and family. She was particularly fond of playing games, with Yahtzee being a favorite. A celebration of her life is planned for a later date, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or PAWS Chicago.

Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools Agree on May Day Rally Participation with No Retaliation

Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools Agree on May Day Rally Participation with No Retaliation

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have reached an agreement allowing students and staff to participate in the May Day rally without facing any retaliation. This agreement includes the provision of district-provided buses to facilitate attendance. The May Day rally, traditionally held on May 1st, is a significant event for labor rights and social justice, and this year, the agreement ensures that participants from the school district can join without fear of repercussions. The decision reflects a collaborative effort between the union and the school district to support civic engagement and uphold the rights of students and staff to participate in peaceful demonstrations.

Illinois Accountability Commission Concludes Investigation into ICE Operations

Illinois Accountability Commission Concludes Investigation into ICE Operations

The Illinois Accountability Commission has completed its investigation into Operation Midway Blitz, an immigration enforcement effort conducted in the Chicago area last fall. The commission's final report, which was compiled after several months of testimony, has been submitted to local law enforcement for further investigation and potential prosecution. This operation was part of a broader effort to hold Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accountable for its actions in the region. In related news, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's attempt to overturn his corruption conviction was unsuccessful, as a federal appeals court upheld his more than seven-year sentence. Additionally, the Illinois Senate Democrats have decided not to advance a constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening minority representation protections during redistricting, following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on voting rights.

Chicago Judge Orders Severance in Adam Toledo Case, Family Plans to Refile Lawsuit

Chicago Judge Orders Severance in Adam Toledo Case, Family Plans to Refile Lawsuit

A Cook County judge has ordered the severance of claims in the lawsuit concerning the death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who was fatally shot by Chicago police officer Eric Stillman in 2021. The judge's decision separates the allegations of negligent hiring by the city of Chicago from the claims against Officer Stillman. This ruling means that the allegations against Stillman will proceed first, and only if the Toledo family wins this part of the case will the claims against the city be addressed. In response, the Toledo family's attorney, Adeena Weiss Ortiz, has dismissed the current lawsuit with plans to refile, aiming to protect the family's rights and continue seeking accountability. The case has been closely watched by the community, sparking protests and calls for police reform in Chicago.

Chicago School Board Urged to Engage Families to Combat Absenteeism

Chicago School Board Urged to Engage Families to Combat Absenteeism

Chicago is preparing to elect its first fully representative school board, a move aimed at increasing community involvement and accountability. The city faces significant challenges, including high rates of chronic absenteeism, with about 40% of students missing 10% or more of school days. This rate is notably higher than both state and national averages. Experts like Arne Duncan, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, and Bibb Hubbard, founder of Learning Heroes, emphasize the importance of integrating families into the educational process. They argue that strong family-school connections can significantly improve student attendance and academic outcomes. A study by Learning Heroes and The New Teacher Project supports this, showing that schools with effective family engagement had better attendance and academic performance post-pandemic.

Chicago's Strategy to Reduce School Absenteeism Focuses on Family Engagement

Chicago's Strategy to Reduce School Absenteeism Focuses on Family Engagement

Arne Duncan and Bibb Hubbard advocate for reducing absenteeism in Chicago Public Schools by strengthening family engagement. With chronic absenteeism affecting 40% of students, the authors argue that integrating families into the educational process can improve attendance and academic outcomes. They cite research showing that schools with strong family involvement had better post-pandemic outcomes. The strategy involves building strong relationships between educators and families, providing transparent information, and ensuring families are informed about their children's academic progress.