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VolumeNo 33 March26-April1,2026
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E-NOTES
From Historic Inspiration toNeighborhoodAction MaketheDifference
Kai EL’Zabar-Editor-In-Chief
Growingupinthe1960sfeltlikehavingafrontrowseattothetransformationoftheAmerican spirit AsIreflectuponmylife,Ifeelfortunateto havegrownupduringthetimethatIdid Iam grateful to have had the experiences to which I’ve been privy. It’s crystal clearthat myyouth tookplaceduringsomeofthemostexcitingand significantmomentsinthehistoryofAmerica
Ifyou’relookingforawaytofulfillyourmoral dutytoyourneighbors,considerthesepractical startingpoints:
FromtheyouthfulenergyofJohnF.Kennedy’s electiontotheshatteringmomentateacher’s tearsannouncedhisassassination,my generationreceivedits"marchingorders"early
Kennedy’s famous challenge “Ask not what yourcountrycandoforyou,butwhatyoucan do foryourcountry” Immediatelyfollowing that line, he addressed the international community:"Myfellowcitizensoftheworld:ask not what America will do for you, but what togetherwecandoforthefreedomofman"--wasn'tjustaquote;itwasacatalystforthePeace Corps and a precursor to the Civil Rights milestonesledbyDr.MartinLutherKingJr.and Lyndon B Johnson We saw that same spark again in 2008with BarackObama Bothwere thefirstoftheirtime.JFKwastheyoungestman electedandfirstCatholicpresidenttobeelected. Obama was the first Black man elected U.S. president These leaders reminded us that progressisdrivenbythosewhochooseservice overself-interest.
TheFoundationofService
Soherewearein2026wheretherubbermeets the road,where it is easyto 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;ithappenedinanursinghome.At twelve, my mother assigned me to read and writelettersforseniorsthreedaysaweek.Ialso learnedto"meetpeoplewheretheyare"through our neighbor, Nina Despite being a specialneeds adolescent, Nina was a brilliant concert pianist Herlifetaughtmethateveryindividual, regardlessoftheirchallenges,hasauniquegiftto contributetothecollective.
SmallActs,LargeImpact
Communitythriveswhenwestopwaitingfor "someoneelse"tofixthings.Mostmonumental shiftsbeginwithasingle,small-scaleactionthat createsarippleeffect.
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 smallopenhouseora"hallwaygathering"(a habit many of us picked up during COVID) to break the ice between neighbors.
Skill Sharing: Ifyou have a green thumb, helpothersplanorganicgardens.Ifyou’rea natural connector, organize an annual neighborhood potluck or an outdoor movienight
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 playgroundsorcommunitygardensoran outdoormovietheater
TheEssenceofCommunity
Whether your contribution is a visionary projectorapracticalfavor,itisthelifebloodof 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,youaren'tjusthelpinganeighbor; you are upholding a legacy of service that definestheverybestofwhowecanbe.
Proposeyouridea,startanewtradition,and remember community is not something youjoin itissomethingyoucreate.
CenterAimedatAddressingMaternalHealthGaps
Brandon Johnson joined city officials and communityleadersTuesdaytobreakgroundon a long-anticipated birth center on the South Side, a project aimed at expanding access to maternal health care and addressing longstandingracialdisparitiesinbirthoutcomes.
TheChicagoSouthSideBirthCenterwillbethe 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 birthingsuitesandon-sitemidwiferycare.
“Today,we come togetherto laythe 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 lackingon the South Side, this centeris amajor step forward in our work to address health inequitieswhilereaffirmingourcommitmentto investing in the success and well-being of Chicagofamilies.”
The center is designed to provide awide range of services, including prenatal care, childbirth services, postpartum support, lactation assistance, holistic reproductive health care, and wellnessprogramming
The centeris designed to provide awide 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
JeanineValrie Logan, founderand lead steward oftheChicagoSouthSideBirthCenter,saidthe project reflects years of community advocacy andplanning.
“This birth center represents what becomes possible when community vision and public partnership come together,” Logan said. “FamiliesontheSouthSidehavelongdeserved access to midwife-led care in our own neighborhoods,andtodaymarksthebeginning ofaspacebuiltwithandforthiscommunity”
The$7.4millionprojectincludes$3.3millionin city funding through a Community Development Grant awarded by the Department of Planning and Development in May2025.
City officials framed the project as part of a broader effort to invest in neighborhood infrastructure while addressing social and economicdisparities
“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 DevelopmentCommissionerCiereBoatright
Advocates say the need for expanded maternalcareontheSouthSideisurgent 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 pregnancyandchildbirth
The birth center aims to address those inequitiesbyprovidingculturallycentered, midwifery-ledcareinacommunity-based setting Organizerssaythismodelcanhelp build trust, improve outcomes and remove barriers such as transportation andaccess.
“This birth centerreflectswhat it means to respond to longstanding inequities in maternal and infant health with intention and care, ” said Carla Kupe, the city’s chief equityofficer “Fortoolong,Blackmothers 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 steptowardclosinggapsthathavepersisted forgenerations”
Johnson also highlighted the personal connectionheandhiswife,StacieJohnson, havetomaternalhealthadvocacy Thefirst 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 mywife and First Lady, Stacie,” Johnson said. “As a former doula, Stacie’s careandadvocacyformothersextendspast our own family, but to women across our city who need support throughout every stepofthebirthingprocess Iamblessedto experience her transcendent love for peopleeverysingleday”
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.
Constructionisexpectedtomoveforwardinphases,withthe birth center ultimately serving as a model for communitybasedmaternalcareinunderservedareas.
More than 315,000 students in Chicago Public Schools will now have automatic access to digital library resources through a new partnership with Chicago PublicLibrary,cityofficialsannounced
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 applicationoradditionalpaperwork
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 leadingout-of-schoollearningnetwork
“This partnership demonstrates my administration’s commitment to build a more equitable and thriving citybybringingallofgovernmenttogethertoinvestin our young people,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By removing barriers and connecting young people to learning opportunities in every neighborhood, we are helping to ensure that students have access to the resourcestheyneedinschoolandbeyond”
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 instructionoutsideschoolhours
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 audiobooksalignedwithclassroomlearning
“Thispartnershipreflectswhatispossiblewhenwealignour resources around students,” said Interim CPS SuperintendentandCEODr.MacqulineKing.“The81Club connects our classrooms to Chicago Public Library’s resources, giving students more opportunities to read, exploreandgrow”
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 CommissionerChrisBrown.“The81Clubmovesusbeyond access. It ensures every CPS student can step into opportunity,withthefreedomtoexploretheirinterestsand thejoyofchoosingtheirownpath”
The initiative also extends benefits to educators CPS teacherswillreceive“eTeach”accounts,allowingthemtotap into research databases, instructional tools and the Sora platform, which offers access to eBooks and audiobooks alignedwithclassroomlearning
“Thispartnershipreflectswhatispossiblewhenwealignour resources around students,” said Interim CPS SuperintendentandCEODr MacqulineKing “The81Club connects our classrooms to Chicago Public Library’s resources, giving students more opportunities to read, exploreandgrow”
Officialssaidtheprogramwasdesignedwithequityinmind, ensuring participation for students who often face the greatest barriers, including foster youth, unhoused youth and students from undocumented families, without requiringadditionaldocumentation
Earlyresultssuggestthemodelisalreadyhavingan impact.A2022 pilot found libraryaccess increased by 63% among economically disadvantaged students and 81% amongEnglish language learners, accordingtoChapinHall Inseveralneighborhoods, including Englewood and Rogers Park, participationinThe81Clubnowexceedstraditional 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 proficiencysince2022.
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 librarycardsdesignedbylocalartists
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-termacademicsuccessacrossChicago
"She Owns It She Biz" Conference Presents Year 5: A Two-Day Celebration of Empowerment, Creativity,andCommunity
CNW STAFF REPORT
Chicagoofficiallywelcomesthe5thAnnualSheOwnsIt She Biz Conference (SOISB) on Friday April 10–11, 2026 This landmarkanniversaryevent 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 rolewomen playin driving business, shaping culture, and leading communities withpurpose.Foundedbyculturecuratorandpublicist Christi Love, the event has evolved from an intimate gatheringintoapremierdestinationforthoselookingto collaborateandbeinspired “Fiveyearsago,wecreatedaspacerootedinconnection andthebeliefthatwomenarepowerfulwhenwecome together,” said Christi Love, creator of SOISB and founderofWithanEyePR “Astheconversationaround DEIshifts,wearen’tdiscouraged;we’reenergized Thisis our opportunityto come together and find resolutions forourselves”
HonoringHistoryandArtistry
Thisyear’s conference features aspecial “She’s History” highlight honoring the legendaryjournalist and activist Ida B Wells In a powerful bridge between past and present, the tributewill 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 collection of original portraits by women artists celebratingthestoriesofsuccessfulChicagowomen
FosteringtheNextGeneration
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 changemakersoftomorrow
TwoDaysofImpactfulProgramming
The conference is structured to provide both tactical professional development and deep communitybuilding:
Friday, April 10 She Moves: Focused on career advancement and leadership, featuring panels,workshops,andakeynoteaddress The day concludes with the She’s Honored Reception, recognizing individuals making significantimpactsintheirfields.
Saturday, April 11 She’s Community: A day dedicatedtocollectiveimpact,networking,and thepowerofsupportiveecosystems
StrategicAllyshipandSupport
The 5th anniversary celebration is supported by returningsponsorMoorsBrewingCompany “When you intentionally invest in women, especially Black women, you ’ re investing in stronger communities and a better future for everyone, ”saidJamhalJohnson,
CFOandco-founderofMoorsBrewingCompany “We’re proudtocontinuebuildingalongsidethismovementfora thirdyear”
OtherkeysponsorsandpartnersincludeNBCand Telemundo,BlackGirlVitamins,CulturalRelevance,Red LevelEntertainment,TipPhotography,CMIIPhoto,and rollingoutcom
Forticketsandmoreinformation,pleasevisit: www.sheownsitshebiz.com
TREACH IS
STILLnaughty
AmanwhowasonceakidfromEastOrange, 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 farbeyondmusic Butnumbersdonotquite 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 willexplain.
IAsayounggirlduringthepeak“OPP”and “Hip Hop Hooray” era, Treach was a gritty kindofsexsymbol.FormanyBlackgirlsin the’90s,herepresentedthatmomentwhere the“badboy”stoppedfeelinglikeawarning and started looking like something else entirely Neck strong, heavychain,wielding amacheteinmusicvideos,itallfeltreal.And now, at 55, he is still the heartthrob all the younggirlsdreamedabout,withoutthebig chainsandthemachete.
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.
Timingmatters,too! BythetimeNaughtybyNature emerged, hip hop was already finding its footing commercially.Therewereartistsandgroupsbreaking 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 NWAshifted the tone and urgencyofwhat themusiccouldsay.
But for groups, especially, success often built over time. Influence did not always translate into immediate, platinum-levelvisibility.ActslikeATribeCalledQuestand DeLaSoulwereshapingthecultureinrealtime,buttheir growthwassteady,notinstant
NaughtybyNaturefeltdifferent. “O.P.P.”didnoteaseitsway in It landed Quickly crossing over, quickly becoming recognizablebeyondcorehiphopaudiences,andsettingthe toneforwhatwouldfollow.
AsheheadstoChicago,thatlegacyisnotbeingrevisited,itis beingperformed.OnApril18,Treachwilltakethestageatthe AuditoriumTheatreaspartofMastersoftheMic,aone-night celebrationofhiphop’s50-yearevolutionalongsideDougE. Fresh, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and Black Sheep. For a genrestilldefininghowithonorsitsown,thenightreadsless like nostalgia and more like a reminder. These are the architects.The oneswho did not just participate in hip hop’s risebuthelpeddesigntheconstructofthefoundationinreal time.
LAURA MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR
COVERSTORY
FromTalentShowstoAnthems
Beforethetours,theawardsandtherecords thatwoulddefineanera,therewasastagein East Orange When I asked him about the firsttimeheperformed,hedidnotreachfor someoversizedheadlinemoment Hewent back to something smaller, more local and just as important. “Yeah… it was a talent show inEastOrange,”hesays
“Amazing… a learning experience… how to get on the mic, get the crowd included,” he continues Thatideaofinclusionstayedwith him.Notjustperformingatpeople,butwith them.Learninghowtoreadaroom,howto feelenergy,andhowtorespondtoitinreal time.
“Everybodyalwayssay‘hey,ho’ Iwaslike,letmeputit together…”hesays.
So,hetriedsomethingdifferent “Andtheydidit” Not halfway. Not casually. The entire crowd locked in. And that iswhen it became clear.Wewere like, this is a hitrecordrighthere” Thatmomentdidnotcomefrom astudio.Itcamefrompeople.
FindingHisLane
Notbreakdancing,notgraffiti,butthepen “Itriedtobreakdanceonce,Ialmostbrokesomething… thatain’tme,”hesays.
Even early on, there was clarity. But that clarity came withpressure EastOrange,NewJersey,inthelate1980s 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 opportunityshapingeverydaydecisions
The streetswere close Present And formany, theyfelt like the most immediate option.That reality made the stakesclear.
“Jail and death,” he says. “Hip hop saved my life, definitely.”
He does not rush past it. That is not metaphor.That is outcome. Hetracesitbacktohearing“Rapper’sDelight” and understanding that something about this culture belongedtohim.
“OnceIheardthat,itwaslikeIgottabeinhere,”hesays Fromthere,itbecamewriting.Constantly.Notstopping. Notwaiting Justworkinguntilitbecamesecondnature That decision sharpened when the group aligned with Flavor Unit, the management company led by Queen LatifahandShakimCompere
“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,VinRockandDJKayGee.
“Runningdopeisabusiness it’sjustnotlegal”
There was not space for both.And he understood that early.
TheOnlyDark-SkinnedOneinthePuertoRican Gang
Yearslater,thatsameinstinctwould showuponamuchbiggerstage,in frontoftensofthousandsofpeople, longbeforearecordwasfinalized. “Wewasataconcert like50,000, 60,000people,”hesays.
Bythatpoint,theyalreadyhad records Theyalreadyhad momentum Butthereisa differencebetweenhavingasong andtheunderstandingofwhatit doestopeople
Whatstoodouttohimwasnotonly thesizeofthecrowd,butratherthe response.Therhythmofit.Theway peoplerespondedwithoutbeing 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 presentwhereopportunitywasmoving Iwantedtotalk tohimaboutactingbecauseatthetimehewascoming up,thatkindofcrossoverwasnotnearlyascommonas it is now Rappers were not moving in and out of film andtelevisionthewaytheydotoday.
“Ihadnoactingskills,”hesays.
BeforeJuice,bothTreachandTupacShakurauditioned forBishop.“Pacactuallycameinandreadforthatrole, andheknockeditoutthepark,”hesays Butwhatstayed withTreachwasnot theauditionitself.
“Hehadagangofhisfriends allofususedtostaywith himwhilehewasfilming,”Treachsays.“Hewaslike,‘I’m gonna get you a role in this movie’” Then he tells the storythewayonlyhecan
“So, if you look at Juice, I’m like the only dark-skinned one in the PuertoRicangangwithRodamesinthere.I hadnolines,butIwasin thatmovie”
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 enoughtotheworktoseehowithappens Andthatturnedintosomethinglasting.
Fromthere,hisactingcareerexpandedintoprojectslikeJason’sLyric, along with appearances on The Sopranos and Law & Order. The Auditorium’sartistmaterialsalsonotehisworkin“TheMeteorMan,” “Who’s the Man,” “Equal Standards,” and Carl Weber’s “The Family Business,”whereheplaysBrotherX.Itwasnotaone-off.Itbecamea lane
And any story about Treach that skips Tupac misses something essential NotbecausePacneedsthespotlight,butbecausethateraof hip hop was built on circles of artists, friends and collaborators who moved together, opened doors for each other, and left fingerprints acrossmusicandfilmatthesametime Treachdoesnotoverstateitin theinterview.Hedoesnothaveto.Thestorydoestheworkonitsown.
“I’mLitLikeThat”
“Do something that you love to do when you ’ re working, it’s really notlikeyou’reworking,”heespouses
. Inagenrejustover50yearsold,hiphopcontinuestoevolve Sounds shift. Artists come and go. Entire eras reset themselves. What stands outisnotjustwhostartedit,butwhoisstillshapingit. Treachhasnot steppedawayfromhismuse “Ineverstoppedwritingever…IknowI’mlitlikethat,”hesays. Thatisnotbravado;thatisconfidence.
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,”hesays
Heisjustasclearaboutthepaceofthosechanges.
“Thegameofhiphop itchangeslikeevery10,15years thesound, theplayers,theartists,”heexplains..
Thatincludesnewwork,includingLyricalMiracleMixtape,available onSoundCloudandBandcamp.
“This is my gift you ain’t gotta go in your pockets for this,” he says “ForaslongasI’vebeenout…thisisforthefans.”
And the work has not slowed That continued output raises a larger questionaboutwhereartistslikehimexistinsidethecurrentstructure 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,hisanswerreachedbeyondtrophies
“It should be more outlets radio stations, video shows that show seasonedartistswithnewmusic,”hesays Thatpointlandsbecauseitis bigger than one artist. Hip hop has done an exceptional job of celebratingyouth,disruptionandthenextthing Itisstilllearninghow to celebrate endurance while the artists are alive enough to enjoy it Rightnow,thatworkalsoincludesacollaborationwithIce-T,another artist who has balanced longevity across music and television, including a decades-long run on Law& Order: SpecialVictims Unit. Thatkindofstayingpowershouldnotfeelunusualbynow.Butinhip hop,itstilldoes Andlongevity,asmuchasitiscelebrated,comeswith its own weight. “Sometimes you be like, why am I still here?” he exclaims.“There’sabiglevelofPTSD…it’sjusthowyoudealwithit.” “Withmaturity that’soneofthebiggestsurvivalkeysoutthere” Not just the records. Not just the recognition. The ability to still be here.Stillworking.Stillcreating. Treachisstillashotasapager.Ifyou know,youknow
NATIONALNEWS
FromGastoGroceries:HowWarAbroadIsQuietlyRaisingCostsatHome
Asglobalconflictandoilproductioncutsreshapesupplychains,Americansareseeingtheimpactinrisinggasprices,highergoodscosts,anda slowerpathtofinancialrelief.
CNW STAFF REPORT
Before most Americans fully registered the headlines, the cost of gas had already begun to climb It’sapatternthatfeelsfamiliarbutrarelygets explained in real time Prices rise quickly, often in anticipationofconflict,andfallfarmoreslowlyonce tensions begin to ease. Now, as the Israel-Hamas War continues to shift, with intermittent ceasefire discussions and ongoing regional instability, many driversareaskingasimplequestionatthepump:if thingsarestabilizing,whydoesn’titfeellikei?
The answer starts well before the war itself. In the months leading up to the conflict, global oil supply wasalreadytightening,driveninpartbyproduction cuts from OPEC+, the expanded alliance that includes the Organization of the Petroleum ExportingCountries,whichcoordinateshowmuch oil is produced globally Those cuts reduced supply at a time when demand remained steady, pushing pricesupward
Thenthemarketmovedfast.Injustonemonth,the nationalaveragepriceofgasjumpedroughly$1per gallon, rising from about $2.98 in late February to nearly$4bylateMarch AccordingtoAAA,thatkind of spike is not driven by day-to-day consumption, but by tightening supply and rising geopolitical pressure
ByearlyApril,priceshadcrossedathresholdmany consumers recognize immediately. The national averageforagallonofregulargasclimbedabove$4 forthefirsttimesince2022,reachingabout$415as ofApril10.
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,introduceduncertaintyintothemarket And inoilmarkets,uncertaintyaloneisenoughtomove prices That same uncertainty continues to shape whatconsumersareexperiencingnow
Even as ceasefire efforts emerge and headlines suggest moments of de-escalation, the systems behindpricingdonotadjustovernight Oilistraded globally,contractsaresetinadvance,andcompanies move cautiouslywhen it comes to lowering prices Prices rise quicklyon uncertainty, but fall slowlyon stability But the impact doesn’t stop at the gas pump
Oneofthemostimmediaterippleeffectshasbeen on global shipping routes, particularly around the SuezCanal,acriticalpassageforinternationaltrade Heightened securityrisks in the region have forced some cargo ships to reroute, adding both time and fuelcoststodeliveries Forconsumers,thatshowsup lessdramatically,butjustasconsistently,intheform of higherprices and longerwait times foreveryday 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
Overtime,thoseincreasesworktheirwayintostore shelves, contributing to a reality many consumers alreadyfeel:pricesarenotdropping,theyaresimply risingmoreslowly
And that distinction matters becausewhile economic indicators may point toward stabilization, everyday experience tells a more complicated story A slower increase in cost does not erasewhat has alreadygone up. It simply changes the pace at which pressure builds
Gaspricesmaybethemostvisiblereminderofglobal conflict,buttheyarefarfromtheonlyone
Even when the war feels distant, its impact is immediate Itshowsupinwhatitcoststomove,toeat, and to live. And until global uncertainty fully settles, reliefwon’tarriveatthepacepeoplearehopingfor
ChicagoMournsitsLossofWarrenCooper
PioneerAirTrafficControllerandForensicDrugTestingIndustryLeader
Withgreatsadness,ChicagosaidgoodbyetoitsnativesonWarren CooperathisMemorialservicesheldSaturday,March28,2026,at NewLifeCovenantChurch,TheTabernacle,inChicago
In1973,CooperwasaproudgraduateofArizonaStateUniversity with a bachelor's degree in business administration Cooper attendedtheUniversityofSt.LouisLawSchoolfrom1976to1978 beforelaunchinghissecondgroundbreakingcareer
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 theworld'sbusiestairport DuringthatmomentinhistoryCooper becamethefirstAfricanAmericancontrollercertifiedforO’Hare. He served as an air traffic control specialist from 1980 to 1983, thenasanairtrafficcontrolsupervisorfrom1983to1992,earning the FAA's Exceptional Employee Award Most people are unaware of the importance and demand of detail and focus that thejobrequirescarryingahugeresponsibility.
In1993,hefoundedACCU-LabMedicalTesting,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 theirjobs.
That same year, Cooper testified before Congress about federal guidelines that effectively barred minority-owned laboratories from obtaining SAMHSA certification required by DOTregulatedindustries.
MayorBrandonJohnson
Though the racism continued to prevent certain groups from advancing in particular fields, and despite being shut out of that lucrativemarket,CooperbuiltACCU-LabMedicalTestingintoa 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
Avocal crusaderforeducating 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 instantdrugtestcupsgainedwidespreaduse,Coopersoundedthe alarm again in the interest of the public,warningconsumers that instanttestsoftenfailedtomeetforensicstandardswhilereturning ahigherpercentageoffalsepositives CooperoperatedACCU-Lab until2019asafierceleader.
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 carefullyreviewingproposedpurchases
Throughouthiscareer,Cooper’spublicserviceearnedrecognition includingselectiontoWho'sWhoinExecutivesandProfessionals, the Ground BreakerAward from the Cosmopolitan Chamberof Commerce, a Minority Business Opportunity Council Appreciation Award, and the Minority New Innovative Business Award from MinorityEnterprise Development His advocacyon behalf of consumers won him an Award for Distinguished HumanitarianEffortfromtheMidwestCommunity
DoDUIcheckpointsreduceimpaireddriving?Whatlocaldatashows
It’struethatDUIcheckpointscanreducethenumberofimpaired drivers on the road if they’re used in a consistent manner that supports larger enforcement efforts, such as public education campaigns LocaldatashowsthatDUIcheckpointshaveresultedin a decline in alcohol-related crashes in areas where such checkpointsoccuronaregularbasis
Communities often favor and appreciate checkpoints as part of effective traffic safetystrategies that discourage behaviorthat puts peopleatriskofharmorevendeath.
Statistics are the most reliable way to see whether such measures areactuallyhelpfulorawasteofresources.
Checkpointslikethesearesometimescalledsobrietycheckpoints, where law enforcement officers randomly stop vehicles to check whetherornot drivers are impaired Some of the signs theylook forincludethefollowing:
Impairedspeech
Dilatedeyes
Thesmellofalcohol
Openbottlesinthevehicle
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 ensurebothfairnessandconsistency
Aside from actually stopping vehicles, local DUI enforcement agenciescanrelyonthesecheckpointstoactasavisibledeterrent
Any drivers who know about them will be more likely to rethink theirdecisiontodrivewhileundertheinfluence Theymayinstead callafriendorfamilymember,orcallataxi.
Thefollowingcanallcontributetothisdeterrenteffect: Publicannouncements
Signage
Markedpatrolvehicles
Still,checkpointsaren’tabe-all-end-allsolution Theyshouldwork aspartofbroadertrafficsafetymeasures,andarebestcoordinated withthoroughpublicawarenesscampaigns Holidayenforcement is also a good way to cut down on the surge of drunk driving duringtheseperiods
DoDUICheckpointsTrulyReduceImpairedDriving?
AccordingtotheCDC,localdatainthecityofLosAngelesshowed 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,peopletendtoreturntotheirriskybehavior
Visibilityisalsoamajorfactorthatcancontributetobetterresults Eachcheckpointshouldbeclearlymarkedandpublicizedtodeter evenmorepotentialdrunkdrivers
Sobrietycheckpointsarefarbetteratpreventingissuesthanroving 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 thancheckpoints,wheretheymuststop.
Of course, not every single dip in the number of alcohol-related caraccidentsissolelyowedtoDUIcheckpoints Otherfactorswork insyncwiththismeasuretocreatebetterresultsoverall,suchas:
Educationcampaigns
Stricterdrunkdrivinglaws
Heftierfinesandotherlegalconsequences
Eitherway,there’snodenyingthatcheckpointshavearealimpact on whether or not someone decides to drive while under the influence.
AreDUICheckpointsLegalEverywhere?
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, restrictorprohibitthemaltogether
It’s worth noting that if checkpoints are conducted in accordance with jurisdictionalregulations,they’reaconstitutionalact Someofthelegalprocedures thatlawenforcementmustfollowtoaTincludethefollowing:
Advancenotice
Neutralstoppingpatterns
Safetymeasuresfordrivers
Regardless of checkpoints’effectiveness and the laws in place, there’s still apublic debateregardingthesepractices’safetyandwhethertheyviolateindividualrights. Those who support sobriety checkpoints often cite how they save lives, while detractorsareconcernedaboutpersonalprivacyandtheinconvenienceinvolved Fortunately, the overarching legal framework attempts to address both perspectiveswhenregulatingthewaysinwhichcheckpointsoperate
WhatOtherTrafficSafetyStrategiesWorkBestWithDUICheckpoints?
Asmentioned,checkpointsareevenmoreeffectivewhenusedinsyncwithother traffic safety strategies Aside from public education campaigns that raise awareness,thefollowingcanalsoleadtosaferroadsforall:
Ignitioninterlockdevices
Moreseriouspenalties
Expandedenforcementefforts
Yet another way to spread a consistent message is by working closely with local communityorganizationsandorganizationgroups,suchasMADD.
Ride-sharingapps,designateddriverprograms,andmobiletoolsaredependable waysforimpairedpeopletoreturnhomewithouthavingtogetbehindthewheel themselves
Comprehending the difference between charges can also affect behavior For example, discussions around Wet Reckless Vs First-Time DUI In California highlight howreduced charges maystill carryserious consequences, even if they seemlessseverethanastandardDUI
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
CanYouAvoidaDUICheckpoint?
Yes,driversmaylegallyavoidacheckpointbyturningontoanotherroad.Still,they needtofollowalltrafficlawsandavoidengaginginsuspiciousbehavior Iftheygo overthespeedlimitormakeanillegalturn,thenthiscangetthemintotrouble
AmIAllowedtoRefuseaBreathalyzerataCheckpoint?
Abreathalyzerisacommontoolusedatcheckpoints.Notallowingabreathalyzer testcanleadtopenaltiesdictatedbyimpliedconsentlaws
Potentialconsequencesincludelicensesuspensionandfines Thisispossibleeven ifyoudon’tgetaDUIconviction
TheEffectivenessofDUICheckpointsIsUndeniable
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 helpfulmeasures
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 followusonsocialmediasothatyoucanalwaysstayintheloop
ARTS&CULTURE
GLOWWILD
ItkickedoffMarch19,andtheinvitationisstillopento 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 ‘regoingtodonewanddifferentthings,thatyou are going to be more adventuresome and up your entertainmentgame.It’sAprilandwhathaveyoudone, 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 wildlifeandmythologyfromaroundtheworld.
Launched on the cusp of the spring equinox, each eveningwillshinewithcultureandcommunity.Enjoy live performances, global music and dance, storytelling, and unique food experiences Your ticket also includes rides on the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel,pluseventparking
Itdoesn’tgetanybetterthanthis.Thenightoutisforall ages Seriously,youcangoasafamily,asacouple,asa groupetc,becausetheeveningappealstoallpeople,all agesandgenders.It’sanabsolutelyfuntimeforall.
This eventwill run onThursdays-Sundays from nowthrough May10,andticketsrangefrom$995to$2495 Selectnights March 26, April 16, and May 7 feature sensory-friendly programming, allowing guests of all ages and abilities to share inthemagic GetreadytoGlowWildatBrookfieldZoo/Getlit andlightupthenight!
PRESENTEDBY BrookfieldZooChicago LOCATION BrookfieldZooChicago 3300GolfRd Brookfield,IL,60513+GoogleMap COST$1995
CNW STAFF REPORT
ARTS&CULTURE
ALVIN AILEY DANCE THEATER IN CHICAGO
BYKAIEL’ZABAR
Likethefierycreativestormthatsheis,thenewArtisticDirectorAlicia GrafMack,oftheAlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheaterembarksonits nextera,guidedunderherdirectionwiththesamecommitmentand burningpassionasexhibitedbyAlvinAiley’spioneeringlegacy Alicia GrafMackwasastarperformerontheAileystageduringaspectacular 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 distinguishingherselfastheDeanandDirectoroftheDanceDivision ofTheJuilliardSchoolfrom2018-2025
So, get offyourhesitation if there is anyand be assured thatyouwill be delighted. Having met Ms. Graf Mack and experienced her contribution to dance live, I promise you that the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatercompanywilldelivertheirbest
Thetheatercompanyoffersaudiencestheopportunitytoexperience classicworksfromtheAileyrepertorythathaveinspiredanduplifted 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 newworks by contemporary choreographers that commit to propel danceinexhilaratingnewdirections pushingtheboundsofwhatthe human body can do; what the human spirit can achieve and what visioncancreate YouhaveachoiceoftwoprogramsAorBwhichwill featuredifferentpieceshoweverbothwillpresentRevelations!
PROGRAMA
Friday,April24|7:30PM Saturday,April25|7:30PM
Embrace(2025)
ChoreographedbyFredrickEarlMosley
MusicbyStevieWonder,KateBush,EdSheeran,Des'ree,andP!nk
This piece examines the ups and downs of human connections and dives into whatittakestolovedeeply,healfully,andembracethejourneywithopenarms
BlinkofanEye(2025)
ChoreographedbyMedhiWalerski
MusicbyJS 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 boundarybetweenpresenceandabsence,changeandstillness.
ACaseofYou(2004)
ChoreographedbyJudithJamison
MusicbyDianaKrallandJoniMitchell
A sensual duet, this stirring work is an excerpt from Jamison's 2005 Reminiscin'.
Revelations(1960)
ChoreographedbyAlvinAiley
Performed to American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs, and holy blues, Ailey's Revelations is a cultural treasure. Beloved by generations,thispieceexplorestheplacesofdeepestgriefandholiest joyinthesoul
PROGRAMB
SATURDAY,APRIL25|1PM SUNDAY,APRIL26|3PM
JazzIsland(2025)
ChoreographedbyMaijaGarcía
MusicbyEtienneCharles
InspiredbyGeoffreyHolder’s“BlackGods,GreenIslands,”MaijaGarcíabrings
aCaribbeanfolktale to life throughancestralrhythms anddivine intervention inherfirstworkforAlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater
DifferenceBetween(2025)
ChoreographedbyMatthewNeenan
MusicbyHeatherChristian
Making his choreographic debut with AILEY, this piece features Matthew Neenan'ssignaturewildabandonandgesturalplayfulness
SongoftheAnchorite(2024)
ChoreographedbyJamarRoberts
MusicbyMauriceRavel
ExperienceafreshtakeonAlvinAiley's1961soloHermitSongsbyrenownedAILEY choreographerJamarRoberts.Theresultispowerfulmeditationonpassionanddevotion,setto jazztrumpeterAvishaiCohen'sinterpretationofRavelAdagio.
Revelations(1960)
ChoreographedbyAlvinAiley
PerformedtoAmericanspirituals,song-sermons,gospelsongs,andholyblues,Ailey'sRevelationsis aculturaltreasure.Belovedbygenerations,thispieceexplorestheplacesofdeepestgriefandholiest joyinthesoul.
AlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater'sSolomonDumasandCarolineT DarteyinFredrickEarl Mosley'sEmbrace
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Xavier Mack and Ashley Kaylynn Green in Fredrick Earl Mosley'sEmbrace PhotobyPaulKolnik
The $1.15 billion project is designed to keep invasive carp species out of the Great Lakes. Federal officialswanttomovemanagementoftheprojecttoMichigan.
JUANPABLO RAMIREZ-FRANCO, WBEZ
Thiscoverageismadepossiblethroughapartnership betweenWBEZandGrist,anonprofitenvironmental mediaorganization
The Trump administration announced plans to put Michigan officials in charge of a $1.15 billion Chicago-area river barrier designed to keep invasivecarpfromreachingtheGreatLakes.
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 fromitsRockIslandDistricttoitsDetroitdistrict “PresidentTrumphasalwaysbeenachampionof 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 influenceanduseittoplaymoregames”
Telle also accused Illinois of being an “unreliable partner, delinquent on its payments and real estatecommitments.”
Governor JB Pritzker responded to the social media post, saying that “Illinois has upheld our commitments Trump must stop this political stunt and start releasingthe funds, get the project moving again, and protect the Great Lakes” He warnedthatIllinoiswaspreparedtotaketheissue to the court, adding that “Illinois owns the land the Brandon Road Project will be built on Trumpcannotjustdecidetogiveitaway”
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 fromherpresssecretaryStaceyLaRouche.
“GovernorWhitmerwill continue to work to get the job done so we can protect our lakes and power economic growth for generations to come,”LaRoucheadded
The long-delayed barricade project would lodge a series of deterrent technologies including an electric barrier, acoustic blasts, a bubble curtain, andaspeciallockcapableofflushingoutthecarp into a crucial choke point in the Des Plaines River
The invasive carp, particularlythe silvercarp 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, industryleaders and local officialsworry that if carp make it past Chicago’s shipping channel, the fish could massively disrupt the region’s mutlibillion dollar fishing and recreationalindustries.
JoeGreendyk aseasonalfisheriestechnicianwiththeIllinoisNatural HistorySurvey attemptstocatchasilvercarpasheandotherresearchers useelectriccurrentstostunfishtostudyinvasivecarpabundanceinthe IllinoisRiverAshleeRezin/Sun-Times
Illinois, Michigan and the Army Corps signed a dealtoexecutetheprojectonJuly1,2024 Aspart of the agreement, Illinois committed approximately $50 million which has been used fordesign and earlyconstructionwork The state alsoacquiredlandfortheprojectattherequestof theArmyCorps Some of that real estate maybe impacted by legacy coal ash pollution, which the statewillalsohavetopaytoremediate,according tothedeal
Thebigticketprojecthashadabumpyroad.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 BipartisanInfrastructureLaw.
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 forthe first phase of constructionwhichwrappeduplastJuly.
LastDecember,theTrumpadministrationissued a review of the project, effectively putting it on pause Then last month,Trump posted on social mediathathewasworkingwithWhitmerto“save the Great Lakes,” concluding that “only Trump candoit”
WBEZ reached out to the Army Corps of Engineers, asking if the move from Illinois to Michigan means that funds for the project have beenunfrozenandifconstructionisscheduledto begin again They did not respond before publication.
SilvercarpjumpoutofthewatersoftheIllinoisRiverAshleeRezin/Sun-Times
The LoveYou Don't See
Asimplequestionaboutlove,askedinthemiddleofascroll,revealsthatwhatendureshaslittletodowithwhatisshown andeverythingtodowithwhatissustained.
LAURAMILLER - 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 thatfeelmorelikecampaignsthanconnections,Ilandedona 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,butunmistakablyclear.
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,andconsistency,onbeingcaredforinways thatdidnotneedtobeannounced Onlovethatshowedup quietlyanddidthework
Anditmadesomethingplain Whiletoday’sversionofloveis often presented as something to be seen, documented, and admired, the foundation of it has not changed. Research continuestoechowhatthoseunfilteredresponsesmadeclear in real time. The American Psychological Association has long identified emotionally supportive partnerships as a key factorinresilienceandmentalwell-being,whiletheHarvard Study of Adult Development has found that strong, consistent relationships are one of the clearest predictors of long-termhealthandlifesatisfaction.
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-termrelationships,marriedornot,consistentlypointto the same sustaining forces: trust, communication, shared responsibility, and the ability to navigate hardship together Inotherwords,thesuccessofarelationshiphasfarlesstodo withtheceremonyandfarmoretodowiththesubstance
It sounded like safety Like being chosen in difficult seasons Like someone staying when life became inconvenient. Like growththatwasuncomfortablebutnecessary Likecarethat didnotneedtobeperformedtobereal Andmaybethatisthedisconnect
Because what we are often shown, and in many ways what wehavebeentaughttoaspireto,isaversionoflovethatlooks 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 centeredinthesameway.
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 alwaysfitneatlyintoacaption.Butitlasts.
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 alwaysfitneatlyintoacaption Butitlasts
The truth is, the things that tie us to one another have very littletodowithwhatwesee
Theyarefoundinthequietexchangesnoonedocuments In the steady support that does not need recognition In the unseenglances,thehardconversations,thewillingnesstostay andworkthroughthepartsthatarenoteasyorattractive In havingsomeonewhowillholdyourhandandwalkwithyou when the storms come, not just stand beside you when the skiesareclear
Thatkindoflovewillneverbeeasytopackage. Butithasalwaysbeeneasytorecognize
EMPOWERMENT
CNW STAFF REPORT
For nearly two decades, the CIRCLE Foundation has been committed to creating life-changing opportunitiesforyoungpeopleacrossChicago
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 theirfutures
Thatmissionwillbeonfulldisplayduringthe17th Annual Gala& Scholarship FundraiseronApril 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.
Whilethegalaservesasanimportantfundraiser,it also reflects the heart of CIRCLE Foundation’s work preparing the next generation of leaders through education, exposure, and meaningful experiencesthatextendfarbeyondtheclassroom.
A major focus of this year ’ s effort is supporting students from Innovations High School, who will travel to Ghana this summer for a powerful culturalimmersion
During the trip, studentswill participate in handson service projects such as helping restore classroomsandsupportinglocalschools,whilealso gainingadeeperunderstandingofhistory,culture, identity,andglobalcitizenship.
TheFoundation’sworkinGhanacontinuestogrow through its partnership with the Church of Christ BasicSchoolinCapeCoast,wherevolunteers -
have already helped improve learning environments and provide essential resources
What began as a single service opportunity has grownintoameaningfulinternationalrelationship rooted in education, service, and community impact
ForCIRCLE Foundation, thisworkis about much more than travel it is about helping young people expand their vision for themselves and theirroleintheworld
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 environmentsandprovideessentialresources.
“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”Thisyear’sgalawillalso feature a silent auction showcasing artwork from African artists, with proceeds helping to support student travelandyouthprogramming
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, NakishaHobbs,andAfrikaPorter
AstheCIRCLEFoundationcontinuestogrowitsimpact,its mission remains clear: to invest in young people, expand opportunity,andcreateexperiencesthatempowerthenext generation to lead with confidence, compassion, and vision.
To learn more, purchase tickets, or support the mission, visitcirclefound.org.
FOOD&WINE
LambLollipops
MARE EVANS - STAFF WRITER
Easter Sunday in Chicago was bright andcomfortable WearoseintheAM, got all dressed up, and made ourselves presentable for the celebration of the Lord FedbythewordofGod,wewere made ready to feed our bodies. Our familywantedtokeepitlightbutfilling Theideaoffingerfoodscametomind, generating images of small food items wrapped in bacon or speared by a toothpick That just didn’t seem fitting forEaster.
Letmetellyouaboutthemoreelegant approach we chose My fabulous brother chose the roasted meat route. Roastingawholerackoflambmakesit easier to cook to your liking As I observed, preparation suggests using a meatthermometerasessential
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) Ifyou can get small lamb chops (teeny-tiny but not fussy), coverthe bones in scallion ''sleeves”for awhimsicallikealamblollipop
Thisdishconsistsofgrilledlambchops, often frenched, which are seasoned with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic
Preparation:Thechopsare typicallymarinatedinamixtureof oliveoil,lemonjuice,andherbs beforebeinggrilledtoachievea charredexteriorandtender interior.
Serving:Theyarecommonly servedatopfreshgreens,suchas peashootsorwatercress, accompaniedbyasideofherb sauce.
Ingredients
Yield:8appetizerservings,4dinner servings
1rack(8ribs)NewZealandbabylamb, trimmedofexcessfatandFrenchedby yourbutcher
Coarseseasaltandfreshlygroundblack pepper
1cupextra-virginoliveoil
3clovesgarlic,chopped
Leavesfrom2sprigsrosemary,chopped
Preparation
Preheat a grill or grill pan until very hot Preheattheovento350degrees.Seasonthe lambwiththesaltandpepper
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 therestofthemarinade.Roastintheoven untilaninstant-readthermometerreaches 125 degrees for rare, 130 degrees for mediumrare
Coolfor5minutes,thensliceoffindividual chops and serve with sea salt for dipping (S.R.O. uses tinylamb chops, which fit into scallion"sleeves"Theracksgenerallysoldby yourbutcherwill be too big forthis touch) This dish serves well with steam-fried kale and garlic, seasoned with salt, lemon, and chili;andoliveoil
MySuggestedWine areClassicChoices:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Its bold tannins and black fruitflavorscutthroughthefatandstanduptothe strongflavoroflamb
Bordeaux Blend: Left bank Bordeaux (Merlot/Cabernet Franc) orclassic Bordeaux pairs wonderfullyduetoitsstructureandearthynotes Syrah/Shiraz: Ideal for roasted or smoked leg of lamb,withitspepperyanddarkfruitflavors.
FASHION BLACKFASHIONDESIGNERSONTHEMOVE
4THINSTALLMENT
C L BLACKBURN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
AmongsttheBlackdesignersontheriseistheHouseofAama, the label designed by mother-and-daughter duo Rebecca HenryandAkuaShabaka Itisared,white,andblueAmerican story For spring 2026, the models strutted on the runway crafted from FolkGrounds, a gorgeous, lyrical, floral-sprigged, block-striped,andlacyodetoGilbertHenryandhiswife,Faye (Henry’s parents and Shabaka’s grandparents), and their homesteadinSouthCarolina.Mr.Henryhadlivedtheresince childhood, growing up in a family that had sharecropped cottonandtobacco
HouseofAama,designersRebeccaandAkuamotherdaughter respectfully,wereremindedofJohnHenry,afolkherowhoin themid-19thcentury,solorehasit,challengedhimselftowork faster than the new steam-powered rock drills He wanted to showthat he could do the job aswell as in fact betterthan these new drills that threatened the livelihoods of those who’d previouslydonetheworkbyhand IntheendJohnHenrywon 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 showin natural light) “Mygrandmother 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,itbecameaboutdesignasmemory”
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 brandisnotasneak-in-behindtheChanelcollectiontogarner attentiononthecatwalkbutrathertheclotheshaveafromthe past to the now feel and House of Aama collection begins tellingitsownstory.FromNorthCarolinatoJamacia,Cubaand GhanaemergesthedeeprootsoftheAshantitribeandthereis asenseofconnectionthewaytheAmericadiasporacapturesall peoples.
HenryandShabakaworkedwithintheearly-to-mid-late20thcentury silhouettes expression: the tailored and style span of a life,inshadesofcandypink,limegreen,celadon,andyellow
Dressesfeaturedstatementsfromthepast: neatwaistedfrocksforhomeorwork; ruffled,romanticstyles;notseenwere ribbonsandbowsbecausethosedesigned aspartofthecraftsmanhiptheyexisted invisibly Theywerethefrillstracingacross theminstepwiththeirdelicateflowers,for goingout;andthesweetseenthrough fabricsthatexposethehidden,yetseen kindof1970s-divanumbersforbignights. Therewerelingerie-inspiredpetticoat dresses,delicateblouses,andlingerie shorts,too,allwornwithfrilly,bejeweled shoesinsherbertcolors,thekindof footwearthatmightbekeptinshoebagsin theclosetwornonlyforspecialoccasions.
The menswear was fresh, manly and appealing It drew on a utilitarian theme, establishing the male as significant and valuablesportingengineer-stripedoveralls, camp shirts, and workwear pants, all of it enlivened by a charming combination of quick, clever intelligence and playful, fanciful,orquaintbehavior Thecollection represents a lighthearted approach to life, embracing creativity, quirkiness, and the unexpected over strict seriousness The uniformsinfluenceddesignsmapprintsof 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 landscapessuchaspastures,meadows,and quietfields
Henry and Shabaka’s create designs that theirdesignsaremeanttooutliveaseason andinsteadtobeembracedaspartofyour life,tobeworn,lovedandtreasured.
