Archive for March 2017

Chicago Sex Assault Case Reveals Much About Our Culture of Voyeuristic Indifference

As I scanned yesterday evening’s edition of the Tribune, I noticed an article about a local sex assault case.  While any incident of that nature is alarming, this one is especially appalling. According to the report, a 15-year-old girl from the Lawndale neighborhood, who had been missing since Sunday, was reunited with her family Tuesday... Read more »
By April Leachman,
March 22, 2017 at 3:04 pm • 

It's going to take more than housing to help Chicago's homeless population

I was pondering the plight of the homeless in Chicago a few days ago as I looked at the week’s weather forecast.  After a February in which temperatures at one point climbed high enough for some Chicagoans to head to the beach, March is indeed coming in like a lion. I wonder how this affects... Read more »
By April Leachman,
March 18, 2017 at 1:12 pm • 

Chicago Police Academy's Unusually High Graduation Rate Raises Questions

There aren’t many institutions that boast a graduation rate of 97%, but Chicago offers a program that does.  Other programs of its kind report an overall graduation rate of only 86%.  In Los Angeles, the success rate is only about 74%.  The Justice Department has recently criticized Chicago for onboarding large numbers of recruits who... Read more »
By April Leachman,
March 15, 2017 at 9:27 am • 
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Chicago Lowers the Bar for West Side Liquor License

The sign on the front of the dilapidated building reads, “Icehouse.”  Located near the Green Line “L” stop at Cicero and Lake, the liquor store is a hotspot for activity, especially on the weekends after 2 a.m. Over the years, its parking lot has been the site of several gunfights.  It’s also been cited for... Read more »
By April Leachman,
March 7, 2017 at 10:07 am • 

Happy Birthday, Chicago!!!

Just had to take a few minutes to write a birthday tribute to my beloved city.  Chicago turns 180 today, and despite the negative media coverage lately, there’s plenty to celebrate. Last year we saw the Cubs reach World Series championship status.  The new Ferris Wheel recently opened at Navy Pier, and Grammy Award-winner Chance... Read more »
By April Leachman,
March 4, 2017 at 6:57 pm • 

Chicago Must Be Held Accountable for Police Department Abuses

After President Donald Trump’s recent promises to “send in the Feds” to curb violence in Chicago, it looks like the administration wants to leave the city to its own devices regarding allegations that police are poorly trained and sometimes use excessive force. Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier this week declared to Congress that the Trump... Read more »
By April Leachman,
March 3, 2017 at 10:37 am • 
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