Sept. 24, 2008 - On Nov. 4, Illinois voters will decide if they want lawmakers to re-work the state constitution. Specifically, they will vote on whether the state should hold its Seventh Constitutional Convention. The 1968 convention resulted in the 1970 Illinois Constitution, which is still in place today.
Three participants of the last "con con," as the convention is popularly known, said they put the option on the ballot every 20 years to "force a discussion." Last week these attorneys and politicians debated the merits of a 2008 convention at John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
"Then there was an almost universal belief that we needed to go back and review the entire constitution," said 1968 convention participant and law professor Dawn Clark Netsch.
The last convention was supported by both parties and business and labor groups, Netsch said at the event hosted by the Chicago Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society. Today, she said, only a few individual issue groups want single changes to the constitution.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/should-illinois-have-a-con-con
Showing posts with label Community News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community News. Show all posts
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Volunteers Rescue Many Migrating Birds
Millions of birds migrate through Chicago every spring and fall on routes as far north as Alaska and as far south as South America. But many birds never reach their destination because they collide with buildings, particularly along the lakefront.
A local group finds about 4,000 birds a year on sidewalks and streets in just one square city mile. More than half of these birds are dead but many are just stunned according to the group, whose 70 volunteers monitor the east end of Randolph Street from the river to Congress Parkway.
"Tens of thousands (of birds) are killed or injured as they pass through the city," said Annette Prince of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, a non-profit that has tracked and rescued birds since 2003. There is a "huge variety," she said, about 120 species including neo-tropical birds, yellow rails, warblers and humming birds.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/volunteers-rescue-thousands-of-migrating-birds
A local group finds about 4,000 birds a year on sidewalks and streets in just one square city mile. More than half of these birds are dead but many are just stunned according to the group, whose 70 volunteers monitor the east end of Randolph Street from the river to Congress Parkway.
"Tens of thousands (of birds) are killed or injured as they pass through the city," said Annette Prince of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, a non-profit that has tracked and rescued birds since 2003. There is a "huge variety," she said, about 120 species including neo-tropical birds, yellow rails, warblers and humming birds.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/volunteers-rescue-thousands-of-migrating-birds
Friday, January 25, 2008
After 35 Years, Roe's at Risk
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling known as Roe v. Wade, which gave women the privacy and right to decide if they want an abortion, was delivered 35 years ago this week. But the 50 or so reproductive rights advocates who gathered downtown this week were not in the mood to celebrate.
Although the Supreme Court has not technically reversed the famous decision that sought to protect the "health of the woman," advocates said the Court completely changed its priorities and opened the door for anti-choice legislation on the state level in 2007 with Gonzales v. Carhart.
"For the first time, women's health was not a priority; there was no health exception," said Lorie Chaiten, attorney and director of the Reproductive Rights Project in Illinois. "(In Carhart) the Court changes how they look at women."
For full story, go here: http://creatingcommunityconnections.org/node/3125
Although the Supreme Court has not technically reversed the famous decision that sought to protect the "health of the woman," advocates said the Court completely changed its priorities and opened the door for anti-choice legislation on the state level in 2007 with Gonzales v. Carhart.
"For the first time, women's health was not a priority; there was no health exception," said Lorie Chaiten, attorney and director of the Reproductive Rights Project in Illinois. "(In Carhart) the Court changes how they look at women."
For full story, go here: http://creatingcommunityconnections.org/node/3125
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Every day products, every day toxins, report says
Potentially toxic chemicals are entering our bodies from every day items such as tin cans, water bottles, shower curtains, electronics, sofa cushions and other textiles. These are the surprising results of a biomonitoring project released last week that found all three types of industrial chemicals being studied in participants from seven states, including Illinois.
Environmental organizations and health professionals tested participants’ hair, blood and urine samples for evidence of the chemicals. They released the report, Is It In Us?: Chemical Contamination in our Bodies, which included test results and recommendations for fixing what they called a "broken chemical safety system.”
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/every-day-products-every-day-toxins-report-says
(c) Keri Lynch 2008
Environmental organizations and health professionals tested participants’ hair, blood and urine samples for evidence of the chemicals. They released the report, Is It In Us?: Chemical Contamination in our Bodies, which included test results and recommendations for fixing what they called a "broken chemical safety system.”
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/every-day-products-every-day-toxins-report-says
(c) Keri Lynch 2008
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Durbin addresses deadly staph infections
News of the so-called "super-bug" continues to swirl around Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, causing concern in schools, communities and hospitals. In several cases, small cuts and scrapes have turned into life-threatening illnesses.
For others, routine visits to a hospital left patients seriously ill with antibiotic-resistant staph infections. The particularly dangerous Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, referred to as MRSA ("mur-suh"), has already caused the death of several area children and an estimated 19,000 people nationwide.
To deal with the growing problem, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) authored legislation that would help hospitals and communities prevent, detect and treat staph infections, including the deadly MRSA.
The Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction (CHAIR) Act, introduced Oct. 30, addresses public awareness, research, reporting and prevention efforts.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/durbin-addresses-deadly-staph-infections
For others, routine visits to a hospital left patients seriously ill with antibiotic-resistant staph infections. The particularly dangerous Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, referred to as MRSA ("mur-suh"), has already caused the death of several area children and an estimated 19,000 people nationwide.
To deal with the growing problem, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) authored legislation that would help hospitals and communities prevent, detect and treat staph infections, including the deadly MRSA.
The Community and Healthcare-Associated Infections Reduction (CHAIR) Act, introduced Oct. 30, addresses public awareness, research, reporting and prevention efforts.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/durbin-addresses-deadly-staph-infections
Friday, October 5, 2007
State legislators share mass transit woes
With tough budget and overtime sessions all summer, state Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago) said in some ways it's been a "horrific year." But he still had some positive things to talk about at a recent Town Hall meeting at the Center on Halsted.
"One of the most important issues in my district is the CTA, more important perhaps than the state budget," Cullerton said. "I'm the sponsor of a bill that, if it passes, will be a long-term solution to the RTA /CTA funding crisis."
Mass transit problems are partly due to incompetence and mismanagement of funds, Cullerton said. But raising fares will not solve the problem, he said, because fares cover the cost of just half of mass transit, so more money is needed.
"We've been funding the RTA through a sales tax," Cullerton said. "There's a 1 percent sales tax in Cook County and a .25 percent sales tax in the collar counties" (Lake, McHenry, Kane, Will and DuPage).
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/state-legislators-share-mass-transit-woes
(c) Keri Lynch 2008
"One of the most important issues in my district is the CTA, more important perhaps than the state budget," Cullerton said. "I'm the sponsor of a bill that, if it passes, will be a long-term solution to the RTA /CTA funding crisis."
Mass transit problems are partly due to incompetence and mismanagement of funds, Cullerton said. But raising fares will not solve the problem, he said, because fares cover the cost of just half of mass transit, so more money is needed.
"We've been funding the RTA through a sales tax," Cullerton said. "There's a 1 percent sales tax in Cook County and a .25 percent sales tax in the collar counties" (Lake, McHenry, Kane, Will and DuPage).
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/state-legislators-share-mass-transit-woes
(c) Keri Lynch 2008
Saturday, September 22, 2007
A day in the life...of a refugee camp
Imagine quickly leaving home because of a sudden catastrophe or conflict, not knowing if you would ever be back.
Where would you go? What would you bring? What would you do for food and water? And what if you or a family member got sick?
Few Chicagoans can relate to the experience of displaced persons or refugees, yet every year millions are forced from their homes around the world. Many spend time in refugee camps, where they receive basic services and remain relatively safe.
To help understand the plight of refugees, Doctors Without Borders created a traveling exhibit, which is staffed by aid workers who lead tours and answer questions. Visitors glimpse life in a crowded tent with limited water and makeshift facilities.
"People can put themselves in the mentality of a refugee," said tour guide nurse Lisa Pint, a former aid worker in Sudan, who works at Rush University Medical Center in suburban Chicago.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-refugee-camp
Where would you go? What would you bring? What would you do for food and water? And what if you or a family member got sick?
Few Chicagoans can relate to the experience of displaced persons or refugees, yet every year millions are forced from their homes around the world. Many spend time in refugee camps, where they receive basic services and remain relatively safe.
To help understand the plight of refugees, Doctors Without Borders created a traveling exhibit, which is staffed by aid workers who lead tours and answer questions. Visitors glimpse life in a crowded tent with limited water and makeshift facilities.
"People can put themselves in the mentality of a refugee," said tour guide nurse Lisa Pint, a former aid worker in Sudan, who works at Rush University Medical Center in suburban Chicago.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-refugee-camp
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Beach clean-up: Chicago & 'round the world
Beaches around the world received a makeover over the weekend as volunteers gathered with gloves and garbage bags to clean up trash and debris.
Besides cleaning up items that could pollute or harm wildlife, organizers of the annual event hope to inspire people to stay involved in their local waterways.
On Chicago's North Side, about 200 people signed up to lend a hand at Montrose Beach, including teachers and students from several area high schools, families with children of all ages and members of local environmental groups, such as Sierra Club and the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/beach-clean-up-day-chicago-and-round-the-world
Besides cleaning up items that could pollute or harm wildlife, organizers of the annual event hope to inspire people to stay involved in their local waterways.
On Chicago's North Side, about 200 people signed up to lend a hand at Montrose Beach, including teachers and students from several area high schools, families with children of all ages and members of local environmental groups, such as Sierra Club and the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/beach-clean-up-day-chicago-and-round-the-world
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Locals Raise Voices for "Jena 6"
A racially charged case against six black high school students from a small town in Louisiana struck a nerve 900 miles away in Chicago. Last weekend, about 50 people gathered downtown for a march and rally on behalf of the young men known as the "Jena Six."
In September 2006, several black students sat under a shade tree popular with white students at a Louisiana high school. The next day several nooses hung from the tree and, from there, a series of conflicts erupted in the 3,000-person town of Jena.
After allegedly beating up a white student who reportedly taunted them, six black students were arrested in December and charged with attempted murder. The white student suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from a hospital the same day.
Several black students are still in jail, unable to make bond. All six face possible sentences of 15 to 100 years. Civil rights leaders, including Jesse Jackson Sr. and Al Sharpton, have come to the defense of the young men, and the NAACP says the teens are facing "overly aggressive prosecution and extended incarceration."
"We are trying to take a stand for these kids," said Tanisha Wilkerson, who first heard about the case on Democracy Now and helped organize the Chicago rally. "Why the hell are they being charged for attempted murder?"
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/local-voices-raised-to-defend-the-jena-six-in-louisiana
In September 2006, several black students sat under a shade tree popular with white students at a Louisiana high school. The next day several nooses hung from the tree and, from there, a series of conflicts erupted in the 3,000-person town of Jena.
After allegedly beating up a white student who reportedly taunted them, six black students were arrested in December and charged with attempted murder. The white student suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from a hospital the same day.
Several black students are still in jail, unable to make bond. All six face possible sentences of 15 to 100 years. Civil rights leaders, including Jesse Jackson Sr. and Al Sharpton, have come to the defense of the young men, and the NAACP says the teens are facing "overly aggressive prosecution and extended incarceration."
"We are trying to take a stand for these kids," said Tanisha Wilkerson, who first heard about the case on Democracy Now and helped organize the Chicago rally. "Why the hell are they being charged for attempted murder?"
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/local-voices-raised-to-defend-the-jena-six-in-louisiana
Friday, August 31, 2007
City's Move May "Chill" Class Action
Lawyers for the Chicago Police Department filed a motion last week in U.S. District Court that could have a "chilling effect" on the approximately 800 members of a class-action lawsuit, attorneys for the group of protesters say.
Attorneys from the People's Law Office filed a lawsuit against the police department, accusing officers of falsely arresting and detaining at least 800 individuals March 20, 2003, after a large peace march held the night the Iraq war began. Thousands hit the streets in protest.
Witnesses say police officers initially helped marchers by guiding them onto Lake Shore Drive but later marchers and bystanders were blocked in an area on Chicago Avenue between Michigan Avenue and inner Lake Shore Drive, preventing them from leaving. Hundreds were arrested, including the reporter of this story.
The lawsuit - which was granted class-action status in 2006 - stems from the arrests.
For this update story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/city-s-move-may-chill-lawsuit-filed-by-protesters-lawyers-say
For a detailed story on the arrests and lawsuit: http://chicagocatalyst.blogspot.com/2007/08/public-peace-violation.html
Attorneys from the People's Law Office filed a lawsuit against the police department, accusing officers of falsely arresting and detaining at least 800 individuals March 20, 2003, after a large peace march held the night the Iraq war began. Thousands hit the streets in protest.
Witnesses say police officers initially helped marchers by guiding them onto Lake Shore Drive but later marchers and bystanders were blocked in an area on Chicago Avenue between Michigan Avenue and inner Lake Shore Drive, preventing them from leaving. Hundreds were arrested, including the reporter of this story.
The lawsuit - which was granted class-action status in 2006 - stems from the arrests.
For this update story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/city-s-move-may-chill-lawsuit-filed-by-protesters-lawyers-say
For a detailed story on the arrests and lawsuit: http://chicagocatalyst.blogspot.com/2007/08/public-peace-violation.html
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Schakowsky Sees Iraq Up Close
Congresswoman Sees Iraq Up Close, posted 8/29/07:
Security in Iraq is "horrible" and the troop surge is a "failure," said U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th District) at a Town Hall meeting last weekend on the city's North Side. Back from a visit to the Middle East earlier this month, Schakowsky told the crowd of about 300 she's convinced the U.S. should get out of Iraq.
As a consistent critic of the Iraq war and a new member of the House Intelligence Committee, Schakowsky said it was important to see the region for herself. She headed the delegation, which included four Republicans and two Democrats, and said it was very contained and the messages very controlled.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/congresswoman-sees-iraq-up-close
Security in Iraq is "horrible" and the troop surge is a "failure," said U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th District) at a Town Hall meeting last weekend on the city's North Side. Back from a visit to the Middle East earlier this month, Schakowsky told the crowd of about 300 she's convinced the U.S. should get out of Iraq.
As a consistent critic of the Iraq war and a new member of the House Intelligence Committee, Schakowsky said it was important to see the region for herself. She headed the delegation, which included four Republicans and two Democrats, and said it was very contained and the messages very controlled.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/congresswoman-sees-iraq-up-close
Monday, August 20, 2007
Iraq War Costs Illinois Billions
Iraq War Costs Illinois Taxpayers Billions (Posted 8/20/07):
The billions of dollars spent on the Iraq War could instead be used to improve the lives of Americans, according to local MoveOn.org members.
About 40 people gathered during a busy lunch hour at the Thompson Center last week to discuss the cost of the war and what else that money could be spent on here at home.
With financial problems facing Illinois schools, public transit and the healthcare system, state taxpayers' money could be put to better use at home, said organizer Richard Stowell. For example, the CTA is facing service cuts and fare hikes and 7 million Illinois kids lack health insurance.
As Stowell spoke, other organizers held up a giant check signed by "American Taxpayers." Illinois' share of the bill: $24.69 billion. That's $4.8 billion for Chicago alone, according to the National Priorities Project, which tracks spending of federal tax money.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/iraq-war-costs-illinois-taxpayers-billions
The billions of dollars spent on the Iraq War could instead be used to improve the lives of Americans, according to local MoveOn.org members.
About 40 people gathered during a busy lunch hour at the Thompson Center last week to discuss the cost of the war and what else that money could be spent on here at home.
With financial problems facing Illinois schools, public transit and the healthcare system, state taxpayers' money could be put to better use at home, said organizer Richard Stowell. For example, the CTA is facing service cuts and fare hikes and 7 million Illinois kids lack health insurance.
As Stowell spoke, other organizers held up a giant check signed by "American Taxpayers." Illinois' share of the bill: $24.69 billion. That's $4.8 billion for Chicago alone, according to the National Priorities Project, which tracks spending of federal tax money.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/iraq-war-costs-illinois-taxpayers-billions
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Public Outcry Leads to Pollution Summit
BP America's plans to dump more pollutants into the Great Lakes resulted in an unprecedented gathering of environmentalists, a company executive and public officials from several states and levels of government in Chicago this week.
They faced a "virtual firestorm of concern" over a new permit that allows BP to discharge increased levels of ammonia and sludge into Lake Michigan from its Whiting, Ind., oil refinery, said a top federal environmental official who convened the summit.
"As the agency with ultimate responsibility for protecting the Great Lakes, we feel it is time to get beyond these headlines and the emotions, no matter how justified, and begin a more practical discussion," said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Mary Gade
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/public-outcry-leads-to-pollution-summit
They faced a "virtual firestorm of concern" over a new permit that allows BP to discharge increased levels of ammonia and sludge into Lake Michigan from its Whiting, Ind., oil refinery, said a top federal environmental official who convened the summit.
"As the agency with ultimate responsibility for protecting the Great Lakes, we feel it is time to get beyond these headlines and the emotions, no matter how justified, and begin a more practical discussion," said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Mary Gade
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/public-outcry-leads-to-pollution-summit
Uptown Community Gardens
Community News story posted on 6/18/07:
Community Gardens Growing in Uptown
Bird calls mix with the loud cheers of baseball fans in the Ginkgo Garden in Uptown. This productive plot is tucked between condo buildings less than a mile from Wrigley Field. Despite its urban location near the "el" tracks, this garden really grows.
The first harvests, in May, are mostly herbs, radishes and a few greens. As summer arrives, the baskets, bags and bins start filling up - with tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, beans, tomatillos, squash and assorted greens, plus plums, pears, apples, grapes and raspberries.
Every Saturday, an all-volunteer crew arrives at 4055 N. Kenmore Ave. and works from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. They weed, stake plants, harvest and pack up the van. The all-organic goods are delivered to GroceryLand, a local pantry that provides food to low-income people with AIDS.
For full story: http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/community-gardens-growing-in-uptown
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
Community Gardens Growing in Uptown
Bird calls mix with the loud cheers of baseball fans in the Ginkgo Garden in Uptown. This productive plot is tucked between condo buildings less than a mile from Wrigley Field. Despite its urban location near the "el" tracks, this garden really grows.
The first harvests, in May, are mostly herbs, radishes and a few greens. As summer arrives, the baskets, bags and bins start filling up - with tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, beans, tomatillos, squash and assorted greens, plus plums, pears, apples, grapes and raspberries.
Every Saturday, an all-volunteer crew arrives at 4055 N. Kenmore Ave. and works from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. They weed, stake plants, harvest and pack up the van. The all-organic goods are delivered to GroceryLand, a local pantry that provides food to low-income people with AIDS.
For full story: http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/community-gardens-growing-in-uptown
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
Green Roofs on Rise
Community News story posted on 7/11/07:
Green Roofs on the Rise in Chicago
More than 20,000 plants and countless birds and bees live 11 stories above the busy city streets and sidewalks of Downtown Chicago. About 150 varieties of hearty and mostly native flowers, grasses and vines grow on this rooftop garden most residents have never seen. But the garden's green impact is beginning to spread well beyond the Loop.
Funded through a $1.5 million settlement with Com Ed, the 20,300-square-foot City Hall rooftop garden is both a showcase and a pilot project for Mayor Daley's efforts to encourage green building and design. Since its completion in 2001, the number of green roofs continues to grow.
"Seven years ago, it was a novel idea (green roofs)," said Mark Farina, spokesman for Chicago's Department of Environment. "Now there are over 300 green roofs in Chicago, in various stages. That's how much we have grown."
Although it's one of the highest-profile roof gardens in the world, access for the general public is very limited. This is partly due to the landmark status of the building, Farina said, which is not accessible to persons with disabilities, and also for security reasons.
Besides not having a fence, visitors must walk through a mechanical room to get onto the roof, after taking an elevator to the 10th floor and walking up another flight of stairs. Occasionally, the Department of Environment will arrange tours for small groups of 10 to 15 people with a guide, such as Farina.
"This is an elaborate green roof that gives us an idea what we can do elsewhere," Farina said.
Currently, 60 percent of all roofs in Chicago are dark-colored, according to the city's rooftop garden guide, and these surfaces absorb - or trap - heat. This raises the temperature of the surrounding area and requires more energy to heat and cool buildings. Urban areas are warmer than outlying areas due to this "heat island" effect, which also creates more smog.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/green-roofs-on-the-rise-in-chicago
(c) Keri Lynch
Green Roofs on the Rise in Chicago
More than 20,000 plants and countless birds and bees live 11 stories above the busy city streets and sidewalks of Downtown Chicago. About 150 varieties of hearty and mostly native flowers, grasses and vines grow on this rooftop garden most residents have never seen. But the garden's green impact is beginning to spread well beyond the Loop.
Funded through a $1.5 million settlement with Com Ed, the 20,300-square-foot City Hall rooftop garden is both a showcase and a pilot project for Mayor Daley's efforts to encourage green building and design. Since its completion in 2001, the number of green roofs continues to grow.
"Seven years ago, it was a novel idea (green roofs)," said Mark Farina, spokesman for Chicago's Department of Environment. "Now there are over 300 green roofs in Chicago, in various stages. That's how much we have grown."
Although it's one of the highest-profile roof gardens in the world, access for the general public is very limited. This is partly due to the landmark status of the building, Farina said, which is not accessible to persons with disabilities, and also for security reasons.
Besides not having a fence, visitors must walk through a mechanical room to get onto the roof, after taking an elevator to the 10th floor and walking up another flight of stairs. Occasionally, the Department of Environment will arrange tours for small groups of 10 to 15 people with a guide, such as Farina.
"This is an elaborate green roof that gives us an idea what we can do elsewhere," Farina said.
Currently, 60 percent of all roofs in Chicago are dark-colored, according to the city's rooftop garden guide, and these surfaces absorb - or trap - heat. This raises the temperature of the surrounding area and requires more energy to heat and cool buildings. Urban areas are warmer than outlying areas due to this "heat island" effect, which also creates more smog.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/green-roofs-on-the-rise-in-chicago
(c) Keri Lynch
State Not Doing Enough to Recycle
Illinois is taking steps to reduce global warming emissions, but much more could be done to improve the state's recycling programs, say members of the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, managed by Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.
"Current practices are detrimental to total recycling," said Marc Miller, senior policy analyst for Quinn, who coordinated the council's quarterly meeting in Chicago in late June. "This is the view, voiced numerous times, of this council."
In Springfield, where thousands of state workers are based, only cardboard is recycled from paper waste, said George Vander Velde of the Illinois Waste Management Research Center, a division of the Department of Natural Resources that analyzes waste issues. "The current status of recycling is inadequate."
At the council's last meeting, agency representatives announced that a new five-year recycling contract was signed for state offices in Springfield that maintains the current program. This prompted Quinn to ask if the Thompson Center - where his office is located and where the meeting was held - and other state buildings in Chicago were recycling.
Council members agreed that this contract - and Illinois' recycling programs in general - needs to be reviewed on a broader level.
"It's embarrassing," Quinn said.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/state-not-doing-enough-to-recycle-illinois-officials-say
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
"Current practices are detrimental to total recycling," said Marc Miller, senior policy analyst for Quinn, who coordinated the council's quarterly meeting in Chicago in late June. "This is the view, voiced numerous times, of this council."
In Springfield, where thousands of state workers are based, only cardboard is recycled from paper waste, said George Vander Velde of the Illinois Waste Management Research Center, a division of the Department of Natural Resources that analyzes waste issues. "The current status of recycling is inadequate."
At the council's last meeting, agency representatives announced that a new five-year recycling contract was signed for state offices in Springfield that maintains the current program. This prompted Quinn to ask if the Thompson Center - where his office is located and where the meeting was held - and other state buildings in Chicago were recycling.
Council members agreed that this contract - and Illinois' recycling programs in general - needs to be reviewed on a broader level.
"It's embarrassing," Quinn said.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/state-not-doing-enough-to-recycle-illinois-officials-say
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
Uptown Crime & Grime Update
Community News story posted on 7/2/07:
Burglaries have been on the rise in parts of Uptown recently, causing concern for area residents and police officers. At recent community policing meetings (CAPS), officers said this is not unique to the 46th Ward or the 23rd police District, which runs from the lake to Clark Street between Lawrence and Fullerton avenues.
"Burglaries have gone up all over the city," said officer Margaret Murphy, Beat 2313 in Uptown. "My house was just burglarized, and we have an alarm system and a big dog."
With nine reported in a two-week period between June 8 and June 21 in Beat 2312 alone, burglaries were at the top of the list at three Uptown-area CAPS meetings in June. Citywide, burglaries have decreased 4.4 percent and auto thefts dropped 21 percent in the first five months of 2007 compared to 2006, according to crime summary reports released by the Chicago Police Department of so-called "index crimes."
Other crimes on the "Top Ten" lists for three Uptown beats in May 2007 included battery (15 to 21 incidents) and narcotics (13 to 20 incidents), followed by theft, which includes motor vehicles, with 12 incidents per beat. Burglaries were much lower, with 2 or 3 incidents per beat.
Murphy and other 23rd District beat officers have been checking doors, garages and cars to try to reduce the number of break-ins and thefts in the North Side neighborhood. They say a warm-weather spike is normal, and residents can help prevent these crimes.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/crime-and-grime-update-from-uptown
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
Burglaries have been on the rise in parts of Uptown recently, causing concern for area residents and police officers. At recent community policing meetings (CAPS), officers said this is not unique to the 46th Ward or the 23rd police District, which runs from the lake to Clark Street between Lawrence and Fullerton avenues.
"Burglaries have gone up all over the city," said officer Margaret Murphy, Beat 2313 in Uptown. "My house was just burglarized, and we have an alarm system and a big dog."
With nine reported in a two-week period between June 8 and June 21 in Beat 2312 alone, burglaries were at the top of the list at three Uptown-area CAPS meetings in June. Citywide, burglaries have decreased 4.4 percent and auto thefts dropped 21 percent in the first five months of 2007 compared to 2006, according to crime summary reports released by the Chicago Police Department of so-called "index crimes."
Other crimes on the "Top Ten" lists for three Uptown beats in May 2007 included battery (15 to 21 incidents) and narcotics (13 to 20 incidents), followed by theft, which includes motor vehicles, with 12 incidents per beat. Burglaries were much lower, with 2 or 3 incidents per beat.
Murphy and other 23rd District beat officers have been checking doors, garages and cars to try to reduce the number of break-ins and thefts in the North Side neighborhood. They say a warm-weather spike is normal, and residents can help prevent these crimes.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/crime-and-grime-update-from-uptown
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
Uptown Writers Space
Community News story posted on 6/25/07:
New Space for Writers Opens on Northside
Confessions of love, lust and loss opened the first-ever Chicago Lions and Typers Festival earlier this month on the Northside.
About 100 people attended the three-day festival, which organizers hope to make an annual affair. The event was hosted by and held at the Uptown Writers Space, at 4802 N. Broadway Ave., where area writers hang out to work, collaborate and socialize.
"Diary Night" began with Uptown Writers Space member Marianna Swallow sharing her teenage crush on pop star Rick Springfield, which filled up much of her dreams as well as a diary she began writing at age 10. Swallow also shared stories of real life loves, as a 20-something living in Oakland who had feelings for a co-worker while involved with another man.
Swallow said she "pestered" the organizers to let her read from her diaries, and other writers agreed to participate and kick off the first festival at the space. Over the three days, 26 pre-selected writers from a variety of backgrounds read from their work, including short stories, plays, monologues, poetry and some very personal journals.
Two area writers, Susan Karp and Julie Saltzman, joined forces in September 2006. They rented office space above the famous Green Mill Jazz Club, redesigning and decorating it to create an inviting space where writers - who can be members for one month, six months or a year - can work and drink free coffee.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/new-space-for-writers-opens-on-northside
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
New Space for Writers Opens on Northside
Confessions of love, lust and loss opened the first-ever Chicago Lions and Typers Festival earlier this month on the Northside.
About 100 people attended the three-day festival, which organizers hope to make an annual affair. The event was hosted by and held at the Uptown Writers Space, at 4802 N. Broadway Ave., where area writers hang out to work, collaborate and socialize.
"Diary Night" began with Uptown Writers Space member Marianna Swallow sharing her teenage crush on pop star Rick Springfield, which filled up much of her dreams as well as a diary she began writing at age 10. Swallow also shared stories of real life loves, as a 20-something living in Oakland who had feelings for a co-worker while involved with another man.
Swallow said she "pestered" the organizers to let her read from her diaries, and other writers agreed to participate and kick off the first festival at the space. Over the three days, 26 pre-selected writers from a variety of backgrounds read from their work, including short stories, plays, monologues, poetry and some very personal journals.
Two area writers, Susan Karp and Julie Saltzman, joined forces in September 2006. They rented office space above the famous Green Mill Jazz Club, redesigning and decorating it to create an inviting space where writers - who can be members for one month, six months or a year - can work and drink free coffee.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/new-space-for-writers-opens-on-northside
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
Hunger Walk Helps Thousands
Community News story posted on 6/14/07:
Thousands to Benefit from June 16 "Hunger Walk"
On a recent Wednesday, residents arrived at 3831 N. Broadway Ave. with empty carts. When the doors opened, dozens of people streamed inside. Each took a number, placed their carts in back, out of the way, and sat down. By 4 p.m., about 125 people filed out with carts, backpacks and bags full of fresh produce, bread, meat and canned goods - about 40 pounds' worth per person.
This is a typical day at Lakeview Pantry, one of the most-used food pantries in Chicago. It expects 26,000 visits to its two locations this year from seniors, homeless people and other individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.
Lakeview Pantry is one of 600 organizations connected with the Greater Chicago Food Depository that will participate June 16 in the 22nd Annual Hunger Walk. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the 2.5-mile walk begins at 9:30 a.m. near Montrose Harbor. About 4,000 walkers are expected to raise an estimated $300,000 for the depository's network.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/thousands-to-benefit-from-june-16-hunger-walk
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
Thousands to Benefit from June 16 "Hunger Walk"
On a recent Wednesday, residents arrived at 3831 N. Broadway Ave. with empty carts. When the doors opened, dozens of people streamed inside. Each took a number, placed their carts in back, out of the way, and sat down. By 4 p.m., about 125 people filed out with carts, backpacks and bags full of fresh produce, bread, meat and canned goods - about 40 pounds' worth per person.
This is a typical day at Lakeview Pantry, one of the most-used food pantries in Chicago. It expects 26,000 visits to its two locations this year from seniors, homeless people and other individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.
Lakeview Pantry is one of 600 organizations connected with the Greater Chicago Food Depository that will participate June 16 in the 22nd Annual Hunger Walk. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the 2.5-mile walk begins at 9:30 a.m. near Montrose Harbor. About 4,000 walkers are expected to raise an estimated $300,000 for the depository's network.
Full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/thousands-to-benefit-from-june-16-hunger-walk
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
It's Easy Being Green
Community News story posted 6/13/07:
It's Easy Being Green, Experts Say
It's easy being green - that's what a recent event announcement proclaimed. With environmental issues at the forefront, many Chicagoans are wondering what they can do to reduce global warming and live more sustainably. A June 7 event, part of an Illinois Humanities Council series hosted at the Chicago History Museum, gave residents some ideas about how to lead a greener life.
The city's newest green building, the Center on Halsted, grabbed much of the event's spotlight. Center Chairman Robert Kohl spoke proudly of the building at 3656 N Halsted St. - for both its design and purposes.
"When we began planning and designing the building, we knew of (Mayor) Daley's fondness for green," Kohl said, and thought "how cool it would be to have a green roof."
One center advocate understood the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) codes and knew that "a lot of grant money was available," Kohl said. "And because we had significant commitments from city and federal government, it felt like good stewardship for us as leaders of our communities to do this green building."
The center earned a silver rating in the LEED program, which provides points for design, construction and operation. The five areas evaluated are: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor-environmental quality, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, which established the rating system.
In Illinois, there are more than 300 LEED-registered projects, according to the U.S. Green Building Council project list dated April 12, 2007. These projects include government and office buildings, libraries, schools and non-profit organizations. Slightly more than half of the projects are in Chicago.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/it-s-easy-being-green-experts-say
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
It's Easy Being Green, Experts Say
It's easy being green - that's what a recent event announcement proclaimed. With environmental issues at the forefront, many Chicagoans are wondering what they can do to reduce global warming and live more sustainably. A June 7 event, part of an Illinois Humanities Council series hosted at the Chicago History Museum, gave residents some ideas about how to lead a greener life.
The city's newest green building, the Center on Halsted, grabbed much of the event's spotlight. Center Chairman Robert Kohl spoke proudly of the building at 3656 N Halsted St. - for both its design and purposes.
"When we began planning and designing the building, we knew of (Mayor) Daley's fondness for green," Kohl said, and thought "how cool it would be to have a green roof."
One center advocate understood the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) codes and knew that "a lot of grant money was available," Kohl said. "And because we had significant commitments from city and federal government, it felt like good stewardship for us as leaders of our communities to do this green building."
The center earned a silver rating in the LEED program, which provides points for design, construction and operation. The five areas evaluated are: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor-environmental quality, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, which established the rating system.
In Illinois, there are more than 300 LEED-registered projects, according to the U.S. Green Building Council project list dated April 12, 2007. These projects include government and office buildings, libraries, schools and non-profit organizations. Slightly more than half of the projects are in Chicago.
For full story:
http://chicagotalks.org/wiki/it-s-easy-being-green-experts-say
(c) Keri Lynch 2007
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