April 9, 2026 Edition

TREACH TREACH STILL NAUGHTY

STILL NAUGHTY

APRIL 8, 2026 - APRIL 15 , 2026 VOLUME NO. 34

E-NOTES Publisher Cheryl Mainor Norman

Editor-In-Chief

Kai EL’ Zabar

Chief Content Officer Managing Editor

Laura Miller

Editorial Assistant Creative Direction Art Director

Malachi Webster CNW Studio, LLC L.D. Hunter

Copy Editor Staff Writers

Max Blaisdell Malachi Webster Zada Johnson, PhD. Candi McCrary Mila Marshall. PhD. Cabryl Breotti C.L. Blackburn Ryan Willis Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson Elijah Lee

Columnists Intern & Illustrator Cover Photography

The Silverman Group Chicago News Weekly, LLC 700 N Sacramento Blvd Suite 320 Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 877-5151 Volume No. 34 April 8 - April 15, 2026 Chicago News Weekly is Published on Thursday www.cnwmedia.com advertising@cnwmedia.com editorial@cnwmedia.com

The Ripple Effect From Historic Inspiration to Neighborhood Action Make the Difference Kai EL’ Zabar - Editor-In-Chief Growing up in the 1960s felt like having a frontrow seat to the transformation of the American spirit. As I reflect upon my life, I feel fortunate to have grown up during the time that I did. I am grateful to have had the experiences to which I’ve been privy. It’s crystal clear that my youth took place during some of the most exciting and significant moments in the history ofAmerica.

From the youthful energy of John F. Kennedy’s election to the shattering moment a teacher’s tears announced his assassination, my generation received its "marching orders" early.

Kennedy’s famous challenge—“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”— Immediately following that line, he addressed the international community: "My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man"--wasn't just a quote; it was a catalyst for the Peace Corps and a precursor to the Civil Rights milestones led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Lyndon B. Johnson. We saw that same spark again in 2008 with Barack Obama. Both were the first of their time. JFK was the youngest man elected and first Catholic president to be elected.

Obama was the first Black man elected U.S. president. These leaders reminded us that progress is driven by those who choose service over self-interest.

The Foundation of Service

CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S ISSUE AT WWW.CNWMEDIA.COM/E-EDITIONS

So here we are in 2026 where the rubber meets the road, where it is easy to succumb to a "get yours" mentality, instead of help those less fortunate, but the antidote remains the same: active community responsibility. My own education in service didn't happen in a boardroom; it happened in a nursing home. At twelve, my mother assigned me to read and write letters for seniors three days a week. I also learned to "meet people where they are" through our neighbor, Nina. Despite being a specialneeds adolescent, Nina was a brilliant concert pianist. Her life taught me that every individual, regardless of their challenges, has a unique gift to contribute to the collective.

SmallActs, Large Impact Community thrives when we stop waiting for "someone else" to fix things. Most monumental shifts begin with a single, small-scale action that creates a ripple effect.

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If you’re looking for a way to fulfill your moral duty to your neighbors, consider these practical starting points: Micro-Volunteering: Offer to include an elderly neighbor in your weekly grocery run or water plants for a friend who is traveling.

Hyper-Local Organizing: Join or start a block club. In apartment settings, host a small open house or a "hallway gathering" (a habit many of us picked up during COVID) to break the ice between neighbors.

Skill Sharing: If you have a green thumb, help others plan organic gardens. If you’re a natural connector, organize an annual neighborhood potluck or an outdoor movie night.

Purposeful Innovation: Look at local challenges with fresh eyes. Just as the founders of StreetWise created a way for the homeless to earn a living, you can transform abandoned spaces into playgrounds or community gardens or an outdoor movie theater The Essence of Community Whether your contribution is a visionary project or a practical favor, it is the lifeblood of a functioning society. We are currently witnessing a tug-of-war between individual greed and the Christian-based ideology of helping the less fortunate. Choosing to contribute, you aren't just helping a neighbor; you are upholding a legacy of service that defines the very best of who we can be.

Propose your idea, start a new tradition, and remember community is not something you join—it is somethingyou create.

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CITY NEWS

Mayor Brandon Johnson Breaks Ground on South Side Birth Center Center Aimed at Addressing Maternal Health Gaps

CNW STAFF REPORT

Brandon Johnson joined city officials and community leaders Tuesday to break ground on a long-anticipated birth center on the South Side, a project aimed at expanding access to maternal health care and addressing longstanding racial disparities in birth outcomes.

The Chicago South Side Birth Center will be the first dedicated birth center on the South Side and the first nonprofit birth center in Illinois.

Backed by city funding, the facility will transform a former church building at 8301 S. Shore Drive into a community-based reproductive health clinic featuring three birthing suites and on-site midwifery care.

“Today, we come together to lay the foundation for healthier families and stronger support for our mothers,” Johnson said at the ceremony.

“The gaps in maternal healthcare mothers in our city, particularly Black mothers, have faced are not new, they are the result of decades of disinvestment. Shaped by advocates with deep roots in the community who understand both what families need and what has long been lacking on the South Side, this center is a major step forward in our work to address health inequities while reaffirming our commitment to investing in the success and well-being of Chicago families.”

The center is designed to provide a wide range of services, including prenatal care, childbirth services, postpartum support, lactation assistance, holistic reproductive health care, and wellness programming.

The center is designed to provide a wide range of services, including prenatal care, childbirth services, postpartum support, lactation assistance, holistic reproductive health care, and wellness programming. Organizers say the facility is intended to serve as both a medical and community hub, offering education and support to families throughout the birthing process.

Jeanine Valrie Logan, founder and lead steward of the Chicago South Side Birth Center, said the project reflects years of community advocacy and planning.

“This birth center represents what becomes possible when community vision and public partnership come together,” Logan said.

“Families on the South Side have long deserved access to midwife-led care in our own neighborhoods, and today marks the beginning of a space built with and for this community.”

The $7.4 million project includes $3.3 million in city funding through a Community Development Grant awarded by the Department of Planning and Development in May 2025.

City officials framed the project as part of a broader effort to invest in neighborhood infrastructure while addressing social and economic disparities.

“So much of what we do at the Planning Department is about community-wealth building and helping residents thrive in their own neighborhoods. So, it’s uniquely gratifying to support facilities like this because, fundamentally, health is wealth from birth and beyond,” said Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright.

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Advocates say the need for expanded maternal care on the South Side is urgent.

Only four hospitals in the area currently offer maternity services, contributing to limited access to care and higher rates of maternal and infant morbidity. Black women, in particular, face disproportionately high risks during pregnancy and childbirth.

The birth center aims to address those inequities by providing culturally centered, midwifery-led care in a community-based setting. Organizers say this model can help build trust, improve outcomes and remove barriers such as transportation and access.

“This birth center reflects what it means to respond to longstanding inequities in maternal and infant health with intention and care,” said Carla Kupe, the city’s chief equity officer. “For too long, Black mothers and babies, particularly on the South Side, have navigated systems that were not designed with their safety, dignity, or lived experience in mind. By rooting care in community, trust, and cultural responsiveness, this space represents both repair and possibility and a meaningful step toward closing gaps that have persisted for generations.”

Johnson also highlighted the personal connection he and his wife, Stacie Johnson, have to maternal health advocacy. The first lady, a former doula, has been involved in shaping the project, including participating in a 2024 roundtable that helped guide its development.

“This work is deeply personal to not only me, but to my wife and First Lady, Stacie,” Johnson said. “As a former doula, Stacie’s care and advocacy for mothers extends past our own family, but to women across our city who need support throughout every step of the birthing process. I am blessed to experience her transcendent love for people every single day.”

City leaders say the project reflects a broader strategy to use public investment to drive community development, create jobs and improve quality of life across Chicago neighborhoods.

Construction is expected to move forward in phases, with the birth center ultimately serving as a model for communitybased maternal care in underserved areas.

CITY NEWS Chicago Expands Automatic Library Access to More Than 315,000 Public School Students The 81 Club Returns CNW STAFF REPORT More than 315,000 students in Chicago Public Schools will now have automatic access to digital library resources through a new partnership with Chicago Public Library, city officials announced.

The initiative, known as The 81 Club, eliminates traditional barriers to library access by automatically enrolling every CPS student into the library system using their school ID number. The program connects students to all 81 neighborhood library branches and a vast array of digital tools without requiring an application or additional paperwork.

“This partnership reflects what is possible when we align our resources around students,” said Interim CPS Superintendent and CEO Dr. Macquline King. “The 81 Club connects our classrooms to Chicago Public Library’s resources, giving students more opportunities to read, explore and grow.”

Library officials emphasized that the program is designed not only to expand access but to deepen engagement with learning.

“At Chicago Public Library, the library is the city’s most accessible out-of-school learning space,” said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown. “The 81 Club moves us beyond access. It ensures every CPS student can step into “This partnership demonstrates my administration’s opportunity, with the freedom to explore their interests and commitment to build a more equitable and thriving the joy of choosing their own path.” city by bringing all of government together to invest in our young people,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By The initiative also extends benefits to educators. CPS removing barriers and connecting young people to teachers will receive “eTeach” accounts, allowing them to tap learning opportunities in every neighborhood, we are into research databases, instructional tools and the Sora helping to ensure that students have access to the platform, which offers access to eBooks and audiobooks resources they need in school and beyond.” aligned with classroom learning.

City leaders say the effort represents one of the most expansive school-library data-sharing partnerships in the country, positioning Chicago Public Library as a leading out-of-school learning network

Through The 81 Club, students gain access to a collection of more than 6 million items, including books, online databases, digital media and academic support services. Programs such as Teacher in the Library and Brainfuse provide one-on-one tutoring both in person and online, reinforcing classroom instruction outside school hours.

“This partnership reflects what is possible when we align our resources around students,” said Interim CPS Superintendent and CEO Dr. Macquline King. “The 81 Club connects our classrooms to Chicago Public Library’s resources, giving students more opportunities to read, explore and grow.”

The initiative also extends benefits to educators. CPS teachers will receive “eTeach” accounts, allowing them to tap into research databases, instructional tools and the Sora platform, which offers access to eBooks and audiobooks aligned with classroom learning.

Officials said the program was designed with equity in mind, ensuring participation for students who often face the greatest barriers, including foster youth, unhoused youth and students from undocumented families, without requiring additional documentation.

Early results suggest the model is already having an impact. A 2022 pilot found library access increased by 63% among economically disadvantaged students and 81% among English language learners, according to Chapin Hall. In several neighborhoods, including Englewood and Rogers Park, participation in The 81 Club now exceeds traditional library card ownership among high-need populations.

The program also aligns with broader gains in literacy across the district, with state assessments showing a 12-percentage-point increase in reading proficiency since 2022.

City officials said the initiative will continue to expand through partnerships, including a collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to create limited-edition library cards designed by local artists.

Supporters say The 81 Club represents a scalable model for connecting students to educational resources and opportunities beyond the classroom — a step toward strengthening both literacy and long-term academic success across Chicago.

"She Owns It She Biz" Conference Presents Year 5: A Two-Day Celebration of Empowerment, Creativity, and Community CNW STAFF REPORT Chicago officially welcomes the 5th Annual She Owns It She Biz Conference (SOISB) on Friday April 10–11, 2026. This landmark anniversary event brings together a diverse collective of entrepreneurs, career professionals, influencers, and community leaders for two days of intentional connection and professional growth.

Under this year’s theme, “She Creates,” the conference celebrates the multifaceted role women play in driving business, shaping culture, and leading communities with purpose. Founded by culture curator and publicist Christi Love, the event has evolved from an intimate gathering into a premier destination for those looking to collaborate and be inspired.

“Five years ago, we created a space rooted in connection and the belief that women are powerful when we come together,” said Christi Love, creator of SOISB and founder of With an Eye PR. “As the conversation around DEI shifts, we aren’t discouraged; we’re energized. This is our opportunity to come together and find resolutions for ourselves.”

Honoring History and Artistry This year’s conference features a special “She’s History” highlight honoring the legendary journalist and activist Ida B. Wells. In a powerful bridge between past and present, the tribute will include the participation of her great-great-grandchildren.

Additionally, acclaimed artist Dana Todd Pope returns for her fourth year as Artist-in-Residence. She will present her Giving Her Her Flowers exhibit, a curated 6 MARof 19 -original MARCH 25, 2026 by women artists collection portraits celebrating the stories of successful Chicago women.

Fostering the Next Generation Expanding its community footprint, SOISB has announced a strategic partnership with the Girls Like Me Project, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young Black girls. This collaboration ensures a pipeline of leadership by connecting today’s mentors and mothers with the changemakers of tomorrow.

Two Days of Impactful Programming The conference is structured to provide both tactical professional development and deep community building: Friday, April 10 — She Moves: Focused on career advancement and leadership, featuring panels, workshops, and a keynote address. The day concludes with the She’s Honored Reception, recognizing individuals making significant impacts in their fields.

Saturday, April 11 — She’s Community: A day dedicated to collective impact, networking, and the power of supportive ecosystems.

Strategic Allyship and Support The 5th anniversary celebration is supported by returning sponsor Moors Brewing Company.

“When you intentionally invest in women, especially Black women, you’re investing in stronger communities and a better future for everyone,” said Jamhal Johnson,

CFO and co-founder of Moors Brewing Company. “We’re proud to continue building alongside this movement for a third year.”

Other key sponsors and partners include NBC and Telemundo, Black Girl Vitamins, Cultural Relevance, Red Level Entertainment, Tip Photography, CMII Photo, and rollingout.com.

For tickets and more information, please visit: www.sheownsitshebiz.com

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COVER STORY

TREACH IS

STILL naughty

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LAURA MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR

man who was once a kid from East Orange, New Jersey, would later become part of Naughty by Nature, a group that amassed more than four million records sold, multiple platinum albums, Grammy recognition, and a career that would stretch far beyond music. But numbers do not quite capture what it means to stay present in a genre that has already lived several lives in just over 50 years. I realized that almost immediately when I sat down with him. I will explain.

As a young girl during the peak “O.P.P.” and “Hip Hop Hooray” era, Treach was a gritty kind of sex symbol. For many Black girls in the ’90s, he represented that moment where the “bad boy” stopped feeling like a warning and started looking like something else entirely. Neck strong, heavy chain, wielding a machete in music videos, it all felt real. And now, at 55, he is still the heartthrob all the young girls dreamed about, without the big chains and the machete.

But if you move past the bravado and the image, what you find is something more layered. More disciplined. And more intentional than most people expect.

Timing matters, too! By the time Naughty by Nature emerged, hip hop was already finding its footing commercially. There were artists and groups breaking through, shaping what success could look like. The Beastie Boys had already proven crossover potential.

Run-D.M.C. helped push the genre into mainstream visibility. N.W.A shifted the tone and urgency of what the music could say.

But for groups, especially, success often built over time.

Influence did not always translate into immediate, platinum-level visibility. Acts like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul were shaping the culture in real time, but their growth was steady, not instant.

Naughty by Nature felt different. “O.P.P.” did not ease its way in. It landed. Quickly crossing over, quickly becoming recognizable beyond core hip hop audiences, and setting the tone for what would follow.

As he heads to Chicago, that legacy is not being revisited, it is being performed. On April 18, Treach will take the stage at the Auditorium Theatre as part of Masters of the Mic, a one-night celebration of hip hop’s 50-year evolution alongside Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and Black Sheep. For a genre still defining how it honors its own, the night reads less like nostalgia and more like a reminder. These are the architects. The ones who did not just participate in hip hop’s rise but helped design the construct of the foundation in real time.

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COVER STORY “Everybody always say ‘hey, ho’… I was like, let me put it together…” he says.

So, he tried something different. “And they did it.”

Not halfway. Not casually. The entire crowd locked in.

And that is when it became clear. We were like, this is a hit record right here.” That moment did not come from a studio. It came from people.

Finding His Lane Not breakdancing, not graffiti, but the pen.

“I tried to break dance once, I almost broke something… that ain’t me,” he says.

Even early on, there was clarity. But that clarity came with pressure. East Orange, New Jersey, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was navigating many of the same realities seen across urban communities at the time: economic decline, the crack era, and limited access to opportunity shaping everyday decisions.

The streets were close. Present. And for many, they felt like the most immediate option. That reality made the stakes clear.

“Jail and death,” he says. “Hip hop saved my life, definitely.”

He does not rush past it. That is not metaphor. That is outcome. He traces it back to hearing “Rapper’s Delight” and understanding that something about this culture belonged to him.

“Once I heard that, it was like I gotta be in here,” he says.

From there, it became writing. Constantly. Not stopping.

Not waiting. Just working until it became second nature.

That decision sharpened when the group aligned with Flavor Unit, the management company led by Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere.

“It’s either the streets or the business… we all chose to leave the streets behind and jump into this legal business,” he says, referring to himself and his group members, Vin Rock and DJ Kay Gee. “Running dope is a business… it’s just not legal.”

There was not space for both. And he understood that early.

The Only Dark-Skinned One in the Puerto Rican Gang From Talent Shows to Anthems Before the tours, the awards and the records that would define an era, there was a stage in East Orange. When I asked him about the first time he performed, he did not reach for some oversized headline moment. He went back to something smaller, more local and just as important. “Yeah… it was a talent show… in East Orange,” he says.

“Amazing… a learning experience… how to get on the mic, get the crowd included,” he continues. That idea of inclusion stayed with him. Not just performing at people, but with them. Learning how to read a room, how to feel energy, and how to respond to it in real time.

Years later, that same instinct would show up on a much bigger stage, in front of tens of thousands of people, long before a record was finalized.

“We was at a concert… like 50,000, 60,000 people,” he says.

By that point, they already had records They already had momentum. But there is a difference between having a song and the understanding of what it does to people.

What stood out to him was not only the size of the crowd, but rather the response. The rhythm of it. The way people responded without being instructed.

By the early 1990s, as Naughty by Nature was gaining momentum, Treach was also stepping into acting. Not as some carefully planned pivot, but as something rooted in proximity, timing, relationships and being present where opportunity was moving. I wanted to talk to him about acting because at the time he was coming up, that kind of crossover was not nearly as common as it is now. Rappers were not moving in and out of film and television the way they do today.

“I had no acting skills,” he says.

Before Juice, both Treach and Tupac Shakur auditioned for Bishop. “Pac actually came in and read for that role, and he knocked it out the park,” he says. But what stayed with Treach was not the audition itself.

“He had a gang of his friends… all of us used to stay with him while he was filming,” Treach says. “He was like, ‘I’m gonna get you a role in this movie.’” Then he tells the story the way only he can.

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“So, if you look at Juice, I’m like the only dark-skinned one in the Puerto Rican gang with Rodames in there. I had no lines, but I was in that movie.”

That line is funny, but it also tells the truth about access. Sometimes the entry point is not glamorous. Sometimes it is just being close enough to the work to see how it happens.

And that turned into something lasting.

From there, his acting career expanded into projects like Jason’s Lyric, along with appearances on The Sopranos and Law & Order. The Auditorium’s artist materials also note his work in “The Meteor Man,” “Who’s the Man,” “Equal Standards,” and Carl Weber’s “The Family Business,” where he plays Brother X. It was not a one-off. It became a lane.

And any story about Treach that skips Tupac misses something essential. Not because Pac needs the spotlight, but because that era of hip hop was built on circles of artists, friends and collaborators who moved together, opened doors for each other, and left fingerprints across music and film at the same time. Treach does not overstate it in the interview. He does not have to. The story does the work on its own.

“I’m Lit Like That” “Do something that you love to do… when you’re working, it’s really not like you’re working,” he espouses .

In a genre just over 50 years old, hip hop continues to evolve. Sounds shift. Artists come and go. Entire eras reset themselves. What stands out is not just who started it, but who is still shaping it. Treach has not stepped away from his muse.

“I never stopped writing ever… I know I’m lit like that,” he says.

That is not bravado; that is confidence.

And when the conversation turned to the state of the culture, the more revealing question was not what is different. Everybody asks that. We know what is different. The better question is what has remained true as the genre keeps changing. “That the culture is blowing up… and doing phenomenal things that it’s never done before,” he says.

He is just as clear about the pace of those changes.

“The game of hip hop… it changes like every 10, 15 years… the sound, the players, the artists,” he explains..

That includes new work, including Lyrical Miracle Mixtape, available on SoundCloud and Bandcamp.

“This is my gift… you ain’t gotta go in your pockets for this,” he says.

“For as long as I’ve been out… this is for the fans.”

And the work has not slowed. That continued output raises a larger question about where artists like him exist inside the current structure of the industry. In other genres, there are lanes for artists who have matured. Hip hop is still figuring that out. When I asked whether there should be more room for seasoned rappers, whether some version of an adult contemporary rap lane belongs in the conversation, his answer reached beyond trophies.

“It should be more outlets… radio stations, video shows that show seasoned artists with new music,” he says. That point lands because it is bigger than one artist. Hip hop has done an exceptional job of celebrating youth, disruption and the next thing. It is still learning how to celebrate endurance while the artists are alive enough to enjoy it.

Right now, that work also includes a collaboration with Ice-T, another artist who has balanced longevity across music and television, including a decades-long run on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

That kind of staying power should not feel unusual by now. But in hip hop, it still does. And longevity, as much as it is celebrated, comes with its own weight. “Sometimes you be like, why am I still here?” he exclaims. “There’s a big level of PTSD… it’s just how you deal with it.”

“With maturity… that’s one of the biggest survival keys out there.”

Not just the records. Not just the recognition. The ability to still be here. Still working. Still creating. Treach is still as hot as a pager. If you know, you know.

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COVER STORY

NATIONAL NEWS

From Gas to Groceries: How War Abroad Is Quietly Raising Costs at Home As global conflict and oil production cuts reshape supply chains, Americans are seeing the impact in rising gas prices, higher goods costs, and a slower path to financial relief. CNW STAFF REPORT Before most Americans fully registered the headlines, the cost of gas had already begun to climb. It’s a pattern that feels familiar but rarely gets explained in real time. Prices rise quickly, often in anticipation of conflict, and fall far more slowly once tensions begin to ease. Now, as the Israel-Hamas War continues to shift, with intermittent ceasefire discussions and ongoing regional instability, many drivers are asking a simple question at the pump: if things are stabilizing, why doesn’t it feel like i?

When the war escalated, prices reacted not just to what was happening, but to what could happen next. While Israel is not a major oil producer, the broader Middle East plays a critical role in global energy distribution. The possibility of a wider regional conflict, or disruption to key shipping routes, introduced uncertainty into the market. And in oil markets, uncertainty alone is enough to move prices. That same uncertainty continues to shape what consumers are experiencing now.

The answer starts well before the war itself. In the months leading up to the conflict, global oil supply was already tightening, driven in part by production cuts from OPEC+, the expanded alliance that includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which coordinates how much oil is produced globally. Those cuts reduced supply at a time when demand remained steady, pushing prices upward.

Even as ceasefire efforts emerge and headlines suggest moments of de-escalation, the systems behind pricing do not adjust overnight. Oil is traded globally, contracts are set in advance, and companies move cautiously when it comes to lowering prices.

Prices rise quickly on uncertainty, but fall slowly on stability. But the impact doesn’t stop at the gas pump.

Then the market moved fast. In just one month, the national average price of gas jumped roughly $1 per gallon, rising from about $2.98 in late February to nearly $4 by late March. According to AAA, that kind of spike is not driven by day-to-day consumption, but by tightening supply and rising geopolitical pressure.

By early April, prices had crossed a threshold many consumers recognize immediately. The national average for a gallon of regular gas climbed above $4 for the first time since 2022, reaching about $4.15 as of April 10.

One of the most immediate ripple effects has been on global shipping routes, particularly around the Suez Canal, a critical passage for international trade.

Heightened security risks in the region have forced some cargo ships to reroute, adding both time and fuel costs to deliveries. For consumers, that shows up less dramatically, but just as consistently, in the form of higher prices and longer wait times for everyday goods.

Even grocery bills, already under pressure, are not immune. Higher fuel costs increase the price of transporting food and raw materials across long distances.

Over time, those increases work their way into store shelves, contributing to a reality many consumers already feel: prices are not dropping, they are simply rising more slowly.

And that distinction matters because while economic indicators may point toward stabilization, everyday experience tells a more complicated story. A slower increase in cost does not erase what has already gone up. It simply changes the pace at which pressure builds.

Gas prices may be the most visible reminder of global conflict, but they are far from the only one.

Even when the war feels distant, its impact is immediate. It shows up in what it costs to move, to eat, and to live. And until global uncertainty fully settles, relief won’t arrive at the pace people are hoping for.

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SPECIAL FEATURE Chicago Mourns its Loss of Warren Cooper Pioneer Air Traffic Controller and Forensic Drug Testing Industry Leader CNW STAFF REPORT

With great sadness, Chicago said goodbye to its native son Warren Cooper at his Memorial services held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at New Life Covenant Church, The Tabernacle, in Chicago.

In 1973, Cooper was a proud graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Cooper attended the University of St. Louis Law School from 1976 to 1978 before launching his second groundbreaking career.

Cooper broke barriers early in his career when he joined the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic control specialist at O'Hare International Airport in 1980. At the time, O'Hare was the world's busiest airport. During that moment in history Cooper became the first African American controller certified for O’Hare.

He served as an air traffic control specialist from 1980 to 1983, then as an air traffic control supervisor from 1983 to 1992, earning the FAA's Exceptional Employee Award. Most people are unaware of the importance and demand of detail and focus that the job requires carrying a huge responsibility.

In 1993, he founded ACCU-Lab Medical Testing, Inc., establishing the nation's first and only Black-owned forensic drug testing laboratory. He first made national headlines in 1993 when he warned consumers that a popular herbal arthritis remedy was causing false positive drug test results that were costing people their jobs.

That same year, Cooper testified before Congress about federal guidelines that effectively barred minority-owned laboratories from obtaining SAMHSA certification required by DOTMayorindustries.

Brandon Johnson regulated Though the racism continued to prevent certain groups from advancing in particular fields, and despite being shut out of that lucrative market, Cooper built ACCU-Lab Medical Testing into a nationally respected provider of forensic drug testing services.

Cooper’s company’s results stood up in court and went on to serve many years. ACCU-Lab was respected throughout the medical testing community and was the preferred provider of forensic drug testing for the Cook County Adult Probation program.

A vocal crusader for educating individuals subject to drug testing, Cooper became a nationally sought-after consultant on drug testing issues. He co-authored a chapter on measuring Impairment that has been included in the Colorado, Michigan and Wisconsin editions of Medicolegal Aspects of Marijuana. As instant drug test cups gained widespread use, Cooper soundedthe alarm again in the interest of the public, warning consumers that instant tests often failed to meet forensic standards while returning a higher percentage of false positives. Cooper operated ACCU-Lab until 2019 as a fierce leader.

After closing the laboratory, he joined the board of the 1700 E. 56th Street Condominium Association, serving first as a director and later as vice president. No matter where Cooper landed, he took his integrity with him. His sharp business and financial acumen earned him the nickname “Mr. 1700” because his oversight saved owners hundreds of thousands of dollars by carefully reviewing proposed purchases.

Throughout his career, Cooper’s public service earned recognition including selection to Who's Who in Executives and Professionals, the Ground Breaker Award from the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce, a Minority Business Opportunity Council Appreciation Award, and the Minority New Innovative Business Award from Minority Enterprise Development. His advocacy on behalf of consumers won him an Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Effort from the Midwest Community

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NEW EPISODES NEW EPISODES THIS THIS WEEK WEEK

HOT TOPICS

Do DUI checkpoints reduce impaired driving? What local data shows CNW STAFF REPORT It’s true that DUI checkpoints can reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road if they’re used in a consistent manner that supports larger enforcement efforts, such as public education campaigns. Local data shows that DUI checkpoints have resulted in a decline in alcohol-related crashes in areas where such checkpoints occur on a regular basis.

Communities often favor and appreciate checkpoints as part of effective traffic safety strategies that discourage behavior that puts people at risk of harm or even death.

Statistics are the most reliable way to see whether such measures are actually helpful or a waste of resources.

Checkpoints like these are sometimes called sobriety checkpoints, where law enforcement officers randomly stop vehicles to check whether or not drivers are impaired. Some of the signs they look for include the following: Impaired speech Dilated eyes The smell of alcohol Open bottles in the vehicle In order to avoid bias, officers usually follow a neutral pattern in which they stop every third car or so. Doing this is one way to ensure both fairness and consistency.

Aside from actually stopping vehicles, local DUI enforcement agencies can rely on these checkpoints to act as a visible deterrent.

Any drivers who know about them will be more likely to rethink their decision to drive while under the influence. They may instead call a friend or family member, or call a taxi.

The following can all contribute to this deterrent effect: Public announcements Signage Marked patrol vehicles Still, checkpoints aren’t a be-all-end-all solution. They should work as part of broader traffic safety measures, and are best coordinated with thorough public awareness campaigns. Holiday enforcement is also a good way to cut down on the surge of drunk driving during these periods.

Do DUI Checkpoints Truly Reduce Impaired Driving?

According to the CDC, local data in the city of Los Angeles showed that alcohol-involved crashes were reduced for a whole week anytime law enforcement used DUI checkpoints. It shows that these checkpoints work but need to be maintained at a certain frequency; otherwise, people tend to return to their risky behavior.

Visibility is also a major factor that can contribute to better results.

Each checkpoint should be clearly marked and publicized to deter even more potential drunk drivers.

Sobriety checkpoints are far better at preventing issues than roving patrols that are more focused on detection. While it may be true that patrols can garner more arrests in one night, their influence isn’t as widespread as checkpoints. One reason for this is that intoxicated drivers believe they can evade patrol cars more easily than checkpoints, where they must stop.

Of course, not every single dip in the number of alcohol-related car accidents is solely owed to DUI checkpoints. Other factors work in sync with this measure to create better results overall, such as: Education campaigns Stricter drunk driving laws Heftier fines and other legal consequences Either way, there’s no denying that checkpoints have a real impact on whether or not someone decides to drive while under the influence.

Are DUI Checkpoints Legal Everywhere?

The legality of DUI checkpoints varies based on the jurisdiction because drunk driving laws aren’t the same in every state. Some states, like California, allow sobriety checkpoints if they follow specific guidelines, while others, such as Michigan and Texas, restrict or prohibit them altogether.

It’s worth noting that if checkpoints are conducted in accordance with jurisdictional regulations, they’re a constitutional act. Some of the legal procedures that law enforcement must follow to a T include the following: Advance notice Neutral stopping patterns Safety measures for drivers Regardless of checkpoints’ effectiveness and the laws in place, there’s still a public debate regarding these practices’ safety and whether they violate individual rights.

Those who support sobriety checkpoints often cite how they save lives, while detractors are concerned about personal privacy and the inconvenience involved.

Fortunately, the overarching legal framework attempts to address both perspectives when regulating the ways in which checkpoints operate.

What Other Traffic Safety Strategies Work Best With DUI Checkpoints?

As mentioned, checkpoints are even more effective when used in sync with other traffic safety strategies. Aside from public education campaigns that raise awareness, the following can also lead to safer roads for all: Ignition interlock devices More serious penalties Expanded enforcement efforts Yet another way to spread a consistent message is by working closely with local community organizations and organization groups, such as MADD. Ride-sharing apps, designated driver programs, and mobile tools are dependable ways for impaired people to return home without having to get behind the wheel themselves.

Comprehending the difference between charges can also affect behavior. For example, discussions around Wet Reckless Vs First-Time DUI In California highlight how reduced charges may still carry serious consequences, even if they seem less severe than a standard DUI. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Avoid a DUI Checkpoint?

Yes, drivers may legally avoid a checkpoint by turning onto another road. Still, they need to follow all traffic laws and avoid engaging in suspicious behavior. If they go over the speed limit or make an illegal turn, then this can get them into trouble.

Am I Allowed to Refuse a Breathalyzer at a Checkpoint?

A breathalyzer is a common tool used at checkpoints. Not allowing a breathalyzer test can lead to penalties dictated by implied consent laws.

Potential consequences include license suspension and fines. This is possible even if you don’t get a DUI conviction.

The Effectiveness of DUI Checkpoints Is Undeniable The local data proves that DUI checkpoints contribute to reducing impaired driving statistics, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. This safety measure should be part of a greater initiative that involves public education and other helpful measures.

Our publication is passionate about providing you with the latest developments and strategies as soon as they become available. From transportation to lifestyle topics, we cover everything that matters. Don’t forget to bookmark our site and follow us on social media so that you can always stay in the loop.

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ARTS & CULTURE

GLOW WILD CNW STAFF REPORT

It kicked off March 19, and the invitation is still open to you to experience Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope — a breathtaking journey of light, art, and conservation. Every New Year you promise yourself your ‘re going to do new and different things, that you are going to be more adventuresome and up your entertainment game. It’s April and what have you done, where have you been? And most importantly, what’s new or different on your list? So, listen check –out Glow Wild and wander paths under the moonlight, illuminated by handcrafted lanterns representing wildlife and mythology from around the world.

Launched on the cusp of the spring equinox, each evening will shine with culture and community. Enjoy live performances, global music and dance, storytelling, and unique food experiences. Your ticket also includes rides on the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel, plus event parking.

It doesn’t get any better than this. The night out is for all ages. Seriously, you can go as a family, as a couple, as a group etc, because the evening appeals to all people, all ages and genders. It’san absolutely fun time for all.

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This event will run on Thursdays-Sundays from now through May 10, and tickets range from $9.95 to $24.95. Select nights — March 26, April 16, and May 7 — feature sensory-friendly programming, allowing guests of all ages and abilities to share in the magic. Get ready to Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo / Get lit and light up the night!

PRESENTED BY Brookfield Zoo Chicago LOCATION Brookfield Zoo Chicago 3300 Golf Rd Brookfield, IL,60513+ Google Map COST $19.95

ARTS & CULTURE ALVIN AILEY DANCE THEATER IN CHICAGO

BY KAI EL’ ZABAR

Like the fiery creative storm that she is, the new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater embarks on its next era, guided under her direction with the same commitment and burning passion as exhibited by Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy. Alicia Graf Mack was a star performer on the Ailey stage during a spectacular career between 2005 and 2014, when she was brought into the company and mentored by the incomparable Judith Jamison. In 2025, she returned to serve as AILEY’s fourth Artistic Director after distinguishing herself as the Dean and Director of the Dance Division of The Juilliard School from 2018-2025 So, get off your hesitation if there is any and be assured that you will be delighted. Having met Ms. Graf Mack and experienced her contribution to dance live, I promise you that the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater company will deliver their best.

The theater company offers audiences the opportunity to experience classic works from the Ailey repertory that have inspired and uplifted fans for decades—including the touchstone of inspiration, Revelations, a classic and the ultimate anthem to resilience and joy.

Her directorship promises Ailey will continue to break ground with new works by contemporary choreographers that commit to propel dance in exhilarating new directions—pushing the bounds of what the human body can do; what the human spirit can achieve and what vision can create. You have a choice of two programs A or B which will feature different pieces however both will present Revelations!

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Solomon Dumas and Caroline T. Dartey in Fredrick Earl Mosley's Embrace

PROGRAM A Friday, April 24 | 7:30PM Saturday, April 25 | 7:30PM Embrace (2025) Choreographed by Fredrick Earl Mosley Music by Stevie Wonder, Kate Bush, Ed Sheeran, Des'ree, and P!nk This piece examines the ups and downs of human connections and dives into what it takes to love deeply, heal fully, and embrace the journey with open arms Blink of an Eye (2025) Choreographed by Medhi Walerski Music by J.S. Bach Probing the relationship between dance and music, Medhi Walerski uses the timeless beauty of J.S. Bach's violin sonatas and partita to explore the fragile boundary between presence and absence, change and stillness.

A Case of You (2004) Choreographed by Judith Jamison Music by Diana Krall and Joni Mitchell A sensual duet, this stirring work is an excerpt from Jamison's 2005 Reminiscin'.

Revelations (1960) Choreographed by Alvin Ailey Performed to American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs, and holy blues, Ailey's Revelations is a cultural treasure. Beloved by generations, this piece explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

PROGRAM B SATURDAY, APRIL 25 | 1PM SUNDAY, APRIL 26 | 3PM Jazz Island (2025) Choreographed by Maija García Music by Etienne Charles Inspired by Geoffrey Holder’s “Black Gods, Green Islands,” Maija García brings a Caribbean folktale to life through ancestral rhythms and divine intervention in her first work for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Difference Between (2025) Choreographed by Matthew Neenan Music by Heather Christian Making his choreographic debut with AILEY, this piece features Matthew Neenan's signature wild abandon and gestural playfulness.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Xavier Mack and Ashley Kaylynn Green in Fredrick Earl Mosley's Embrace. Photo by Paul Kolnik

Song of the Anchorite (2024) Choreographed by Jamar Roberts Music by Maurice Ravel Experience a fresh take on Alvin Ailey's 1961 solo Hermit Songs by renowned AILEY choreographer Jamar Roberts. The result is powerful meditation on passion and devotion, set to jazz trumpeter Avishai Cohen's interpretation of Ravel Adagio.

Revelations (1960) Choreographed by Alvin Ailey Performed to American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs, and holy blues, Ailey's Revelations is a cultural treasure. Beloved by generations, this piece explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

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LIVING CHICAGO Trump administration wants to cut Illinois out of Great Lakes carp plan The $1.15 billion project is designed to keep invasive carp species out of the Great Lakes. Federal officials want to move management of the project to Michigan.

JUANPABLO RAMIREZ-FRANCO, WBEZ This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WBEZ and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

The Trump administration announced plans to put Michigan officials in charge of a $1.15 billion Chicago-area river barrier designed to keep invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes.

In a statement posted Thursday on X, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Adam Telle said the agency was “aggressively moving” on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project near Joliet. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers added in a news release that management would move from its Rock Island District to its Detroit district.

“President Trump has always been a champion of keeping invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes,” wrote Telle. “Our partners in the Great Lake states can’t allow one state to have undue influence and use it to play more games.”

Telle also accused Illinois of being an “unreliable partner, delinquent on its payments and real estate commitments.”

Silver carp jump out of the waters of the Illinois River.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Governor JB Pritzker responded to the social media post, saying that “Illinois has upheld our commitments. Trump must stop this political stunt and start releasing the funds, get the project moving again, and protect the Great Lakes.” He warned that Illinois was prepared to take the issue to the court, adding that “Illinois owns the land the Brandon Road Project will be built on — Trump cannot just decide to give it away.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has worked with Illinois and the federal government to get the Brandon Road project “moving forward with urgency,” according to a statement from her press secretary Stacey LaRouche.

“Governor Whitmer will continue to work to get the job done so we can protect our lakes and power economic growth for generations to come,” LaRouche added.

The long-delayed barricade project would lodge a series of deterrent technologies — including an electric barrier, acoustic blasts, a bubble curtain, and a special lock capable of flushing out the carp — into a crucial choke point in the Des Plaines River.

The invasive carp, particularly the silver carp and bighead carp, can out-eat and out-compete native fish and have already transformed the Illinois River and parts of the Mississippi River.

Experts, industry leaders and local officials worry that if carp make it past Chicago’s shipping channel, the fish could massively disrupt the region’s mutlibillion dollar fishing and recreational industries.

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Joe Greendyk, a seasonal fisheries technician with the Illinois Natural History Survey, attempts to catch a silver carp as he and other researchers use electric currents to stun fish to study invasive carp abundance in the Illinois River.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Illinois, Michigan and the Army Corps signed a deal to execute the project on July 1, 2024. As part of the agreement, Illinois committed approximately $50 million which has been used for design and early construction work. The state also acquired land for the project at the request of the Army Corps. Some of that real estate may be impacted by legacy coal ash pollution, which the state will also have to pay to remediate, according to the deal.

The big ticket project has had a bumpy road. Last February, Pritzker put the project on hold citing concerns the Trump administration could not deliver on its financial commitments after it withheld funds promised to Illinois under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Later that spring, President Trump signed a memo announcing his support to keep the carp out of Lake Michigan. Shortly afterward, the Army Corps confirmed that it had secured approximately $100 million for the first phase of construction which wrapped up last July.

Last December, the Trump administration issued a review of the project, effectively putting it on pause. Then last month, Trump posted on social media that he was working with Whitmer to “save the Great Lakes,” concluding that “only Trump can do it.”

WBEZ reached out to the Army Corps of Engineers, asking if the move from Illinois to Michigan means that funds for the project have been unfrozen and if construction is scheduled to begin again. They did not respond before publication.

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS The Love You Don't See

A simple question about love, asked in the middle of a scroll, reveals that what endures has little to do with what is shown and everything to do with what is sustained.

LAURA MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR

It started the way a lot of things do now, casually, almost unintentionally, in the middle of a scroll. Between pristine couples in coordinated outfits and perfectly curated photos that feel more like campaigns than connections, I landed on a post that asked a simple question about love. Not the kind built for display, but the kind you recognize when it’s real.

The responses were not polished. They were not trying to impress. They were honest, sometimes rough around the edges, but unmistakably clear.

What stood out was not romance in the way we have come to package it, but romance in the way it has always existed.

People spoke about being held down during financial hardship, about someone staying when their mental health was fragile, about being pushed to grow up, to be better, to think beyond themselves. There were reflections on patience, loyalty, and consistency, on being cared for in ways that did not need to be announced. On love that showed up quietly and did the work.

And it made something plain. While today’s version of love is often presented as something to be seen, documented, and admired, the foundation of it has not changed. Research continues to echo what those unfiltered responses made clear in real time. The American Psychological Association has long identified emotionally supportive partnerships as a key factor in resilience and mental well-being, while the Harvard Study of Adult Development has found that strong, consistent relationships are one of the clearest predictors of long-term health and life satisfaction.

At the same time, the way people approach commitment is shifting. Marriage rates in the United States have declined over the past several decades, and more adults are delaying or forgoing marriage altogether. Yet those who do maintain long-term relationships, married or not, consistently point to the same sustaining forces: trust, communication, shared responsibility, and the ability to navigate hardship together.

In other words, the success of a relationship has far less to do with the ceremony and far more to do with the substance.

It sounded like safety. Like being chosen in difficult seasons.

Like someone staying when life became inconvenient. Like growth that was uncomfortable but necessary. Like care that did not need to be performed to be real.

And maybe that is the disconnect.

Because what we are often shown, and in many ways what we have been taught to aspire to, is a version of love that looks good but has very little to do with what sustains it. The aesthetics are polished. The moments are captured. The presentation is intentional. But the substance, the part that requires patience, accountability, and endurance, is rarely centered in the same way.

What people described, without trying to dress it up, was work. Not in a burdensome sense, but in a way that acknowledges love as something that must be maintained.

Something that asks for presence, for self-awareness, for the ability to stay engaged even when things are not easy. That kind of love does not always photograph well. It does not always fit neatly into a caption. But it lasts.

What people described, without trying to dress it up, was work. Not in a burdensome sense, but in a way that acknowledges love as something that must be maintained.

Something that asks for presence, for self-awareness, for the ability to stay engaged even when things are not easy. That kind of love does not always photograph well. It does not always fit neatly into a caption. But it lasts.

The truth is, the things that tie us to one another have very little to do with what we see.

They are found in the quiet exchanges no one documents. In the steady support that does not need recognition. In the unseen glances, the hard conversations, the willingness to stay and work through the parts that are not easy or attractive. In having someone who will hold your hand and walk with you when the storms come, not just stand beside you when the skies are clear.

That kind of love will never be easy to package.

But it has always been easy to recognize.

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EMPOWERMENT

CIRCLE Foundation Continues Its Mission to Empower Chicago Youth Through Service and Global Learning CNW STAFF REPORT For nearly two decades, the CIRCLE Foundation has been committed to creating life-changing opportunities for young people across Chicago.

have already helped improve learning environments and provide essential resources.

Through mentorship, scholarship support, leadership development, and cultural experiences, the organization has continued to open doors for youth while helping them see what is possible for their futures.

That mission will be on full display during the 17th Annual Gala & Scholarship Fundraiser on April 18 at the Alhambra Palace Restaurant, where community leaders, advocates, supporters, and changemakers will come together for an evening centered on empowerment, service, and global connection.

While the gala serves as an important fundraiser, it also reflects the heart of CIRCLE Foundation’s work — preparing the next generation of leaders through education, exposure, and meaningful experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. What began as a single service opportunity has grown into a meaningful international relationship A major focus of this year’s effort is supporting rooted in education, service, and community students from Innovations High School, who will impact. travel to Ghana this summer for a powerful cultural immersion For CIRCLE Foundation, this work is about much During the trip, students will participate in handson service projects such as helping restore classrooms and supporting local schools, while also gaining a deeper understanding of history, culture, identity, and global citizenship.

The Foundation’s work in Ghana continues to grow through its partnership with the Church of Christ Basic School in Cape Coast, where volunteers -

more than travel — it is about helping young people expand their vision for themselves and their role in the world.

The Foundation’s work in Ghana continues to grow through its partnership with the Church of Christ Basic School in Cape Coast, where volunteers have already helped improve learning environments and provide essential resources.

“This is about exposure, opportunity, and purpose,” said LaShaun Jackson, Founder of CIRCLE Foundation. “We are creating experiences that allow young people to see beyond their circumstances and recognize their power to make change — both locally and globally.” This year’s gala will also feature a silent auction showcasing artwork from African artists, with proceeds helping to support student travel and youth programming.

In addition, the Foundation is organizing a community donation drive to collect clothing, shoes, and school supplies for communities in Ghana, giving Chicago residents another way to make a direct and meaningful impact.

The evening will also recognize several outstanding changemakers whose leadership and service continue to uplift Chicago communities, including Corey Brooks, Nakisha Hobbs, and Afrika Porter.

As the CIRCLE Foundation continues to grow its impact, its mission remains clear: to invest in young people, expand opportunity, and create experiences that empower the next generation to lead with confidence, compassion, and vision.

To learn more, purchase tickets, or support the mission, visit circlefound.org.

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FOOD & WINE

Lamb Lollipops MARE EVANS - STAFF WRITER

Easter Sunday in Chicago was bright and comfortable. We arose in the A.M., got all dressed up, and made ourselves presentable for the celebration of the Lord. Fed by the word of God, we were made ready to feed our bodies. Our family wanted to keep it light but filling.

The idea of finger foods came to mind, generating images of small food items wrapped in bacon or speared by a toothpick. That just didn’t seem fitting for Easter.

Let me tell you about the more elegant approach we chose. My fabulous brother chose the roasted meat route.

Roasting a whole rack of lamb makes it easier to cook to your liking. As I observed, preparation suggests using a meat thermometer as essential.

Once cooked, slice into individual chops for an appetizer for up to 8 people (or cut into double chops to serve 4 as a main). If you can get small lamb chops (teeny-tiny but not fussy), cover the bones in scallion ''sleeves” for a whimsical like a lamb lollipop.

This dish consists of grilled lamb chops, often frenched, which are seasoned with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic.

Preparation: The chops are typically marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before being grilled to achieve a charred exterior and tender interior.

Serving: They are commonly served atop fresh greens, such as pea shoots or watercress, accompanied by a side of herb sauce.

Ingredients Yield: 8 appetizer servings, 4 dinner servings 1 rack (8 ribs) New Zealand baby lamb, trimmed of excess fat and Frenched by your butcher Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, chopped Leaves from 2 sprigs rosemary, chopped

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Preparation Preheat a grill or grill pan until very hot.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the lamb with the salt and pepper.

Mix the oil, garlic and rosemary. Spoon half onto the lamb and grill 1 minute per side. Place on a sheet pan and cover with the rest of the marinade. Roast in the oven until an instant-read thermometer reaches 125 degrees for rare, 130 degrees for medium rare.

Cool for 5 minutes, then slice off individual chops and serve with sea salt for dipping.

(S.R.O. uses tiny lamb chops, which fit into scallion "sleeves." The racks generally sold by your butcher will be too big for this touch.)

This dish serves well with steam-fried kale and garlic, seasoned with salt, lemon, and chili; and olive oil.

My Suggested Wine are Classic Choices: Cabernet Sauvignon: Its bold tannins and black fruit flavors cut through the fat and stand up to the strong flavor of lamb.

Bordeaux Blend: Left bank Bordeaux (Merlot/Cabernet Franc) or classic Bordeaux pairs wonderfully due to its structure and earthy notes.

Syrah/Shiraz: Ideal for roasted or smoked leg of lamb, with its peppery and dark fruit flavors.

BLACK FASHION DESIGNERS ON THE MOVE 4TH INSTALLMENT

FASHION

C.L. BLACKBURN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amongst the Black designers on the rise is the House of Aama, the label designed by mother-and-daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka. It is a red, white, and blue American story. For spring 2026, the models strutted on the runway crafted from Folk Grounds, a gorgeous, lyrical, floral-sprigged, block-striped, and lacy ode to Gilbert Henry and his wife, Faye (Henry’s parents and Shabaka’s grandparents), and their homestead in South Carolina. Mr. Henry had lived there since childhood, growing up in a family that had sharecropped cotton and tobacco.

House of Aama, designers Rebecca and Akua mother daughter respectfully, were reminded of John Henry, a folk hero who in the mid-19th century, so lore has it, challenged himself to work faster than the new steam-powered rock drills. He wanted to show that he could do the job as well as—in fact better than— these new drills that threatened the livelihoods of those who’d previously done the work by hand. In the end John Henry won the contest, but of course the story is really about how no human can NYC weather, fortune shone—literally—on them, given they’d opted to show in natural light.) “My grandmother was an archivist, and she left so many scrapbooks of our family’s lives, hundreds of them,” Shabaka went on to say. “As we looked through them while we were working on the collection, it became about design as memory.”

History and narrative, emotion and connection—they’re the stock-in-trade for the House of Aama duo. It’s why their storytelling is worth repeating. Their clothes are grounded in something tangible, even if it’s a personal remembrance. This brand is not a sneak-in-behind the Chanel collection to garner attention on the catwalk but rather the clothes have a from the past to the now feel and House of Aama collection begins telling its own story. From North Carolina to Jamacia, Cuba and Ghana emerges the deep roots of the Ashanti tribe and there is a sense of connection the way the America diaspora captures all peoples.

Henry and Shabaka worked within the early-to-mid-late 20thcentury silhouettes expression: the tailored and style span of a life, in shades of candy pink, lime green, celadon, and yellow.

Dresses featured statements from the past: neat waisted frocks for home or work; ruffled, romantic styles; not seen were ribbons and bows because those designed as part of the craftsman hip they existed invisibly. They were the frills tracing across them in step with their delicate flowers, for going out; and the sweet seen through fabrics that expose the hidden, yet seen kind of 1970s-diva numbers for big nights.

There were lingerie-inspired petticoat dresses, delicate blouses, and lingerie shorts, too, all worn with frilly, bejeweled shoes in sherbert colors, the kind of footwear that might be kept in shoe bags in the closet worn only for special occasions.

The menswear was fresh, manly and appealing. It drew on a utilitarian theme, establishing the male as significant and valuable sporting engineer-striped overalls, camp shirts, and workwear pants, all of it enlivened by a charming combination of quick, clever intelligence and playful, fanciful, or quaint behavior. The collection represents a lighthearted approach to life, embracing creativity, quirkiness, and the unexpected over strict seriousness. The uniforms influenced designs map prints of old sea journeys, an imaginary logo for Camp Aama, and a knit vest with an intarsia of a male figure from the back, perhaps Gilbert or John Henry, walking along a rail line across a picturesque landscapes such as pastures, meadows, and quiet fields.

Henry and Shabaka’s create designs that their designs are meant to outlive a season and instead to be embraced as part of your life, to be worn, loved and treasured.

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