Friday, October 30, 2015

Tribune: Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' gets Dec. 4 release date

How many of us will go to the Studio Movie Grill in Chatham to check this film out. There was lots of publicity generated by certain politicians hate for the film title. Here's hoping it gets the reception it deserves from Chicagoans and the rest of the world when it's released on Dec. 4th.
Spike Lee's controversial "Chi-Raq" movie that's a satirical look at Chicago violence will be released Dec. 4 in some theaters, Lee confirmed on Instagram.

The movie, which is set on the South Side and based on the ancient Greek comedy "Lysistrata," is about women withholding sex to get their men to stop committing violence. Lee drew backlash from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and some aldermen when he announced the title of the movie earlier this year.

Lee shot the movie, which is produced by Amazon Studios, from June 1-July 9. Amazon Studios has partnered with Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate for the theatrical release, according to Deadline, which was the first to report the news of the release date. It's unclear when the film will be available on Amazon's Prime Instant Video service.

CBS Chicago: Mayor Rahm Emanuel Planning To Run For Third Term

It's probably always smart for an unpopular politician who has to tackle some important issues to state their future plans which is to stay in the game. We've heard earlier this year how unpopular the mayor is but with the budget impasse in Springfield and the need for a city to increase revenue is it in his best interest to be seen as a lame duck?

Those who don't like the mayor may have a problem with him even thinking about a third term, but let's remember he still won a second term.

EDIT 11:49 AM There's a growing fued between the Mayor and Governor. Even though they represent different parties during last year's campaign it came out they were buddies of sorts. Of course when it comes to politics things change. It appears in the press they're trading barbs according to the CapFax.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Buy-N-Save Supermarket: What would YOU like to see here?

Last week I walked along 103rd Street and these two images are examples of some of the shots I had taken. Not sure how long this store at 209 E 103rd St has been closed, but it was a surprise when I found out it had been and in a boarded up state. The next is what would you like to see here? Is it possible to attract another grocer here?


Thursday, October 22, 2015

CPS enrollment: Drops, rises and consequences

Via @ChiTribGraphics
I intended to post this earlier this month and never got around to it until now. So apologies for that. Here's hoping further information on enrollment will be available during the course of the school year.

A page you should look at via Chicago Tribune. That in addition to the graphic above:
Chicago Public Schools released 10th-day enrollment statistics and projected changes to school budgets and special education staffing as a result of the changes in enrollment. This is the first year CPS is using this student-based budgeting policy where enrollment is more important than ever. Changes to funding and positions will be finalized based on enrollment as of the 20th day of the school year.
For two of our local schools:
And of course search for more 10th day enrollment information here.

What is going on at Shedd School

See the ivy growing over the windows at the closed Shedd School. Vegetation growing over the windows to the kindergarten classroom and across the way over the windows to the auditorium. At least the rest of the property appears to be well maintained as the grass is cut.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Trouble for Dorothy Brown?

It was reported last week that federal authorities executed a search warrant and it involved the Circuit Court
Clerk
The FBI has seized the cellphone of Cook County Circuit Clerk Dorothy Brown as part of an ongoing investigation into a 2011 land deal involving a longtime campaign contributor that netted Brown and her husband tens of thousands of dollars.

Agents showed up at Brown's home last week armed with a search warrant for her phone, said attorney Edward Genson, who is representing Brown in the criminal investigation. Genson said he had "no idea" why the FBI wanted the phone.

"They are very close-mouthed about their investigations," he said.
...
Sources told the Tribune that federal authorities have joined an investigation initially launched by the Cook County state's attorney's office into the sale of a North Lawndale building owned by Narendra Patel, a longtime campaign donor to Brown and a west suburban businessman.

Patel, who is now deceased, gave the 2,275-square-foot, triangle-shaped property on South Pulaski Road to Brown's husband, Benton Cook III, at no cost in June 2011, records show. Within months, Cook put the property in the couple's name. Later, they transferred it to the Sankofa Group, a for-profit company Brown had set up years earlier.

The couple then sold the run-down building for $100,000 to developer Musa Tadros, county documents show.
And now here is some fall out:
The Executive Committee of the Cook County Democratic Party will meet Wednesday to consider reversing its decision to slate Clerk of the Circuit Courts Dorothy Brown.

If the Executive Committee decides to no longer support Brown, it will need a full vote from all of the 80 members of the Central Committee, according to Manuel Galvan, a spokesperson for the Cook County Democratic Party.

Brown, who has held office for 15 years, is now facing a federal investigation, although she says the multiple published reports about it are just rumors. Cook County Democratic Party Chairman Joe Berrios told reporters Friday that Brown was questioned before the slating about whether she faced an investigation, and she told them no.
 Rich Miller of the Capitol Fax further opines: "That last sentence right there is enough to revoke the slating."

She's up for re-election next year will there be trouble for her with the county Democrats and amongst primary voters?

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Capitol Fax: Four of the ten worst cities for African-Americans are in Illinois


Linking to a post yesterday discussing a study at the Huffington Post, Rich Miller makes sure to note that our neighbors in Dairyland or more specifically Milwaukee, Wisconsin are #1 on this list. Otherwise we see Kankakee, Chicago area, Peoria, and Rockford were in the top 10.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

CPS enrollment: Drops, rises and consequences

Via @ChiTribGraphics
A page you should look at via Chicago Tribune. That in addition to the graphic above:
Chicago Public Schools released 10th-day enrollment statistics and projected changes to school budgets and special education staffing as a result of the changes in enrollment. This is the first year CPS is using this student-based budgeting policy where enrollment is more important than ever. Changes to funding and positions will be finalized based on enrollment as of the 20th day of the school year.
For two of our local schools:
And of course search for more 10th day enrollment information here.

The city council Black caucus wants McCarthy to go

Photo by Rich Hein/Sun-Times
A press release was e-mailed to us yesterday regarding this. It surprised me although, I realize many aren't happy with our police superintendent. I never thought this would turn into a full rebellion as columnist Mark Brown states:
The demand for the firing of Police Supt. Garry McCarthy by the City Council’s Black Caucus shapes up as the biggest aldermanic rebellion faced by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in his four and a half years on the job.

“It’s bold,” agreed Caucus Chairman Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) of the surprise call to oust McCarthy, although Sawyer disputed my characterization of it constituting a “rebellion.”

I don’t know what else to call such an in-your-face move announced less than 24 hours before the police superintendent, long viewed as an Emanuel favorite, is scheduled to appear before the City Council for his annual budget hearing.
And now the playing field, what are the possibilities? Do we even know?

Monday, October 5, 2015

Harlan Community Education Advisory Committee. #harlanfalcons

Photo credit Levois J.
Received this e-mail from the President of the Roseland Heights Community Association. Interesting
development, and I'm hoping the surround community would be willing to be involved with Harlan Community Academy High School:
  • Hello Everyone,

    As you may be aware, Harlan High School has a new prinicipal. She has asked for community support to lead the school to good standing status.

    I have spoken with many of you about the importance of the schools in our community. The challenge facing Harlan requires a concerted effort and our support to reach the level of performance that is evident in a school, parents and community working together.

    You are being invited to be a member of the Community Education Advisory Committee. Communities invited to attend represent Chesterfield, Roseland Heights, Rosemoor, Vernon Park and West Chesterfield.

    The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 4:30pm at the West Chesterfield Community Center, 9351 S. Michigan.

    If you are Community Association President receiving this email and you have an association member who is serving as the education liaison for your organization, please feel free to extend this invitation to them also. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 312-972-8239.

    I look forward to our meeting. Thank you in advance for your anticipated participation and cooperation.

    Sincerely,

    Sharon Banks-Pincham
Now I wonder whatever came of Principal Reginald Evans. Where is he today?

Friday, October 2, 2015

John T. Pirie School’s Annual Wellness Fair

This event is via the GCA e-mail blasts
  • John T. Pirie School’s Annual Wellness Fair
    This Saturday, October 3rd
    10 am to 2 pm
    John T. Pirie Fine Arts & Academic Center
    650 E. 85th Street, Chicago, IL
    For more info, call 773.535.3435

    Many services will be offered but are not limited to the following:

    · Blood Pressure Screenings
    · Back to School Immunizations
    · Glucose Checks
    · Financial Literacy
    · Health & Beauty
    · Fire Safety
    · Educational Resources

    Sponsors include but are not limited to:

    Advocate Healthcare
    Ronald McDonald Mobile Unit
    Chicago Fire Department
    Mary Kay
    City Colleges of Chicago
    Ronald McDonald
    Metro Family
    YMCA
    Chicago Fire Department
    Care Van - Chicago Public Health
    Chiro
    NHS- Neighborhood Housing Services
    Seaway Bank
    CCC - Chicago Community Collage
    Chicago Public Library
    Art Creations by Ms. Anton
    Saria “Baby Cakes”
    Zuba
    Trans American Financial
    Mary Kay
    Safelink
    CAPS Fierce Cheerleaders