True peace begins within. The constant barrage of information exclaiming the horrific lack of balance in the world is traumatizing in and of itself, and yet here we are. Most people agree that a more peaceful world would be an ideal situation for all living creatures. And I ask myself, how did we get here? We must begin right here, now, exactly where we are. Yet we often seem petrified, lost without a clue as to how to bring this ideal situation into being. I have asked so many times, “Why, why, why can’t people just get along?” Seriously? It’s exhausting to spend time observing others and asking the question: why does he, or why does she or they have what they have, and I have nothing or less than they have? STOP!
What have you done to achieve what you want to achieve? Do you know what you want? You must begin there. If we are to have peace in this world, each one of us must find it within ourselves first. You must establish goals, a vision of what you want in life. Then you create a plan, next you execute or as my people would say—work it! It should be something that will bring you inner joy, peace, and happiness. This is fundamental and a basic plan for inner peace and eventual success.
Note: Your Success May Not Look Like Everyone Else’s Success
Before you start this journey, make self-corrections. Ask yourself, “Do I like me?” If we don’t like ourselves, we probably won’t like those around us. If we are in a constant battle with our inner selves, then we are in conflict with ourselves and most likely will manifest conflict in the world. I mean, if you can’t get along with your family, how can there be peace in the world, which is the extended world family of man and mankind? Going within, seeking our core being, asking for guidance from our Creator is a start. We must shine the light of inquiry on our internal battles, because this is the only place we can really create change.
As we initiate the process of seeking peace inside ourselves, we will begin to un-
derstand that peace is difficult to accept. We cannot have inner peace until we accept
up in conflicts both personal and universal. We are all people experiencing this journey,
that we are but a part of the master’s plan. It is difficult in an ego-driven society to admit that we did not create ourselves. And the Big Bang theory? Please! Believing such is a choice, so you choose. Ask how chaos creates constants, systems, sophisticated systems. Accepting that there is an entity greater than ourselves that has given us life is a step. This will help enable us to be compassionate toward the many people in the world who find themselves caught
each in different ways, and yet our life lessons bring us to the same destination—the fork in the road. You know the deal—up or down, where will you go?
We may have an experience of peace that we can call up in ourselves because it exists to remind us of what we want to create, but if we are human, we will also feel the pull in the opposite direction—the desire to defend ourselves, to keep what we feel belongs to us, to protect our loved ones
and our cherished ideals, and the anger we feel when threatened. None of which is wrong, but rather human experiences.
This awareness is key to grasping peace, and until we understand the many tendencies and passions that threaten our ability to find it. It is key to know that peace includes, even as it transcends, all our primal energy, much of which has been expressed in ways that contradict peace. Being at peace with ourselves does not mean that everything is always smooth and easy, but rather accepting peace is not about denying or rejecting any part of ourselves. Instead, to be at peace we must be willing and able to hold ourselves fully accountable for our actions in all our complexity and fully embrace all that excludes nothing. This is a difficult challenge for most of us, because we want so much to disown the negative aspects of our humanity, even in the process of elimination. How crazy is that? Ironically, accepting that all aspects work in tandem with one another is a first step. Accepting the “Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” is real. And yet, like the bowels of our release, true peace begins with a willingness to take responsibility for our human selves so that we might ultimately transform it in the light of our love of the Most High and self in its likeness.
Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief
photo credit: Dot Ward
Activating Your Inner Teenager
Sometimes, we’re just TOO grown
One of the most overused terms as we get older is to say things like “youth is wasted on the young.” If I knew then what I know now—yes, all those things are true in a sense, but not completely. I realized that as my life grew and I began to take chances, I was operating from my inner risk taker. Should I change careers at 28? My adult self would have talked me out of it. But here I am in my 40s, pleased that I had an inner teenager to say, “Who said we had to stay in HR? Who says you can’t have it all?”
The teenage version of me was always a bit delusional, but I believe—down to the soles of my feet—that she’s the creative risk taker I needed to be here, writing this piece to you today. She’s the person who had me interviewing celebrities with confidence because I was too excited to be scared. She’s the person who had me starting my business because I refused to be stuck—again—in HR. And she’s the one who didn’t allow
me to question what was cool and what wasn’t. She just wanted me to be me.
So my advice is simple: find your teenage self.
Not because you need to understand youth more, but because you need to understand yourself more.
Regardless of how chaotic or awkward your teen years were, there was still something magical happening during that time. You were trying. Exploring. Risking. Feeling. Failing. Rising. You were becoming.
And here’s where science catches up to the story.
Adolescents are wired for innovation.
In fact, research in developmental neuroscience shows that the teenage brain is particularly attuned to novelty, creativity, and social reward (Casey, Jones, & Somerville, 2011). This doesn’t make teens reckless—it makes them wired for
growth. Their prefrontal cortex, the part that weighs consequences and manages fear, isn’t fully formed, so they naturally lean toward passion and possibility. You might call it naivety. I call it bravery. And it’s something we shouldn’t outgrow—we should revisit. Writer and activist Audre Lorde once said, “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” My teenage self didn’t question that. She expressed. She dared. She believed the impossible was inevitable. She was my original creative director. And she deserves a seat at the grown-up table.
That bold part.
That loud part.
That quirky, passionate, slightly rebellious, heart-on-fire version of you. She (or he, or they) still exists. And you don’t need to shrink that part to fit into adulthood. In fact, adulthood
needs that part.
Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer, a pioneer in the field of mindfulness, has shown that people who feel younger— who stay curious, playful, and engaged— actually live longer and stay healthier. In her “Counterclockwise Study,” men in their 70s who were immersed in a setting designed to reflect their youth actually experienced measurable improvements in strength, vision, and memory. It wasn’t magic. It was mindset.
So what does that tell us?
That your inner teenager isn’t just nostalgia.
She’s a mental reset. A biological gift. A spark you can still light.
So let her back in.
When you’re scared to start the thing— call on her.
When you’re tired of fitting into box-
EMPOWERMENT, Continued on page 8 u
A disturbing trend is gaining traction across the United States: legal, taxpaying Americans are being expected to not only fund the livelihoods of undocumented migrants but also to tolerate open hostility and blatant disrespect in return.
One recent incident at a laundromat in suburban Chicago highlights this growing divide. While filming a short video to promote his small business— something that costs nothing and helps keep his store relevant in the digital age—the owner was aggressively confronted by an older Latina woman.
“Don’t record me!” she barked, despite not being the subject
David Seaton CNW Columnist
Enough Is Enough Americans Tired of Entitlement and Disrespect from Migrants
of the video. The owner calmly explained twice that no customers were being filmed. Still, the woman persisted, accusing him of disrespecting her—loudly, in front of other patrons. Her tone escalated, and her words became sharper. She demanded respect while showing none. “At that point, I had enough,” the owner said. “I asked her to leave my store. I wasn’t going to let one entitled person ruin the atmosphere for everyone else.”
She refused to leave and began yelling. Police were called. This is just one of countless examples happening across the country where immigrants—
many here illegally—demand rights, services, and respect they have neither earned nor reciprocated. The irony is lost on no one: an immigrant with limited English skills, likely a first-generation arrival, disrespecting an American citizen in his own store.
Across the U.S., ordinary Americans are watching their tax dollars fund housing, food, healthcare, and transportation for migrants who broke the law to enter the country. In return, they’re met with accusations of racism, cultural insensitivity, or, in this case, disrespect for simply operating their own businesses and expecting basic courtesy. The situation has become in-
tolerable.
“People say this country was built by immigrants,” one Chicago resident remarked. “Yes, but not like this. Those immigrants worked, assimilated, and showed gratitude. Today, many migrants come with their hands out and their backs turned to our values.”
The entitlement is astounding. Rather than express appreciation for the opportunity to live in the most prosperous country on earth, too many migrants now lash out at Americans— often in the name of imagined offenses.
Why is the burden always on the American citizen to be understanding, patient, and silent?
Why are illegal immigrants not held to any standard of behavior, language, or respect? Americans are generous, but generosity should not mean surrender. As frustration boils over in working-class communities and small businesses, the question becomes impossible to ignore: How much longer are Americans expected to accept disrespect from people they feed, house, and support?
It’s time for a national reset. Entry into this country is a privilege, not a right. And if someone cannot show even basic civility or gratitude, the message should be clear: You don’t belong here.
Black Church and Black Press Unite to Empower Black America
“This is more than a symbolic gesture, it is a strategic and spiritual alignment.” When the Black Church and Black Media speak as one, we can ignite a movement. When we organize as one, we can shift the narrative. When we act as one, we cannot be ignored or denied,” the coalition stated.
Black Press USA - NNPA Newswire -Nashville, TN — July 25, 2025: In a historic announcement, a coalition of leading Black faith organizations and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) unveiled a strategic partnership and plan to confront systemic disparities impacting African American communities nationwide.
Dr. Boise Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Pre- siding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC); Dr. Samuel Tolbert, President of the National Baptist Convention of America; and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., veteran civil rights leader and President of the NNPA, are leading this collaboration between the Black church and Black Media.
“There is strength in unity. There is power in our collective voice. There is hope in our actions,” said Dr. Boise Kimber.
For generations, African American communities have endured deep-rooted inequities in healthcare, education, criminal justice, economic opportunity, and access to capital. These challenges are not new. The coalition intends to put an end to fragmented responses and speak with one clear, concise and consolidated voice.
The Black Church and Black Media, two institutions that have long anchored and uplifted Black America, are now coming together with renewed focus and purpose.
This partnership is grounded in shared values, spiritual conviction, cultural empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and progress.
The coalition will focus on five core initiatives:
Shaping a unified national narrative that challenges harmful stereotypes and amplifies stories of Black resilience, excellence, and innovation
Mobilizing faith-based and media networks to address community disparities through solutions-focused advocacy and outreach
Holding corporate America accountable by demanding responsible reinvestment in Black communities through sustainable partnerships, economic equity, and community-led development
Empowering the next generation by reclaiming our narratives and creating new pathways for education, leadership, and entrepreneurship holding elected officials accountable by spotlighting those whose policies do not align with the interests of the Black community. To earn our votes, they must heed our voices.
“This is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic and spiritual alignment.” When the Black Church and Black Media speak as one, we can ignite a movement. When we organize as one, we can shift the narrative. When we act as one, we cannot be ignored or denied,” the coalition stated.
The coalition invites all stakeholders, faith leaders, media professionals, community organizers, educators, business leaders, and concerned citizens to join this movement for unity, justice, and progress.
Coalition Leaders, Coalition Leaders, Dr. Boise Kimber, President National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop Church of God in Christ
Dr. Samuel C. Tolbert, President National Baptist Convention of America
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. President and CEO
National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)
Civil Rights Leader and Publisher
Syphilis Is Quietly on the Rise in Chicago — Among the Young and the Elderly
CNW Staff Report --
It may sound like a disease from a dusty medical textbook, but syphilis is making a quiet comeback — and it’s happening in Chicago right now. The City of Chicago reports recent upticks in syphilis cases, with young adults and older adults both seeing increases in 2025. While the total numbers aren’t large by citywide standards, the trend has public health officials paying close attention — and urging residents to get tested and stay informed. “Syphilis is completely preventable and treatable,” the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) emphasized in its July 2025 campaign. “But only if people know about it and take action.”Chicago.gov
A Surge at Both Ends of the Age Spectrum
The CDC notes that syphilis cases have reached levels not seen since the mid-20th centu -
ry. Chicago reflects that trend. Young adults—particularly in LGBTQ+ circles—continue to be affected. But according to CDPH, infections are notably rising in adults over 60, too. Nationally, syphilis rates among older adults have nearly doubled or tripled in recent years; locally, cases have emerged in individuals aged into their 80s, underscoring that age offers no immunity.**Chicago.govEpocrates
Experts point to a mix of cause: older adults are staying sexually active longer, there’s minimal condom use, and routine STI testing isn’t common in this age group. “If you’re past childbearing age, you may still face risk,” CDPH says. “That’s simply not true.”
Not Just a Men’s Issue Anymore
Historically, syphilis has disproportionately affected men
who have sex with men. While that remains the largest group, infections among women are on the rise — especially in 2023. The City of Chicago reports that while nearly 80% of early-stage syphilis cases in 2023 were among men, cases in women climbed from 146 to 164—a 12% increase year over yearChicago.gov. This shift is especially troubling because it correlates with a rise in congenital syphilis—when a pregnant person passes the infection to their baby. City data show congenital cases inched up from 13 in 2018 to 46 in 2022 — a 254% jump. CDPH stresses that each of those numbers represents a child at risk of serious outcomes.**Chicago. gov
A Focus on Disparities
Beyond age and gender, race and ethnicity play a central role. CDPH reports that about half of early syphilis cases in 2023
were among Black residents, and combined with Latinx individuals made up 60% of cases. Among congenital infections from 2020–2022, 86% occurred in Black infants. CDPH notes these disparities reflect deeper issues in healthcare access and social equity.
“The data shows where we need to invest,” says CDPH. “That means targeted outreach, education, and more prenatal testing in the hardest-hit communities.”
2025 Updates and Prevention Efforts
In its July 17, 2025, weekly media brief, CDPH highlighted the rise of syphilis as part of a city-wide awareness campaign, with messaging across digital billboards, transit ads, and social platforms. The focus is on heterosexual women and same-gender-loving men—a term CDPH uses for gay and bisexual men. Free testing and treatment are available at three Sexual Health Clinics (Roseland, Lakeview, and Austin) for anyone unable to pay. Chicago.gov
Earlier, in April 2025, CDPH noted that syphilis cases had surged 61% and congenital syphilis had more than doubled citywide during “STI Awareness Week.” That brief stressed the importance of testing— even before symptoms appear. Chicago.gov
CDPH also promoted tools like PrEP, PEP, and the newer doxy-PEP, an antibiotic taken after exposure to prevent bacterial STIs like syphilis. Eligible adults can access doxy-PEP through CDPH clinics, offering an additional line of defense.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Syphilis may not grab headlines like other outbreaks, but it can quietly cause serious health problems if not treated. Untreated syphilis can enter latent stages and affect vital organs.
“It’s often called the ‘great im-
itator’ because symptoms can easily be missed,” says the CDC. That’s why regular testing—especially after a new partner or unprotected sex—is so crucial. The good news is that syphilis is curable. Early-stage infections typically require just a single penicillin shot. Treatment halts its progression and stops it from spreading to others. Pregnant people are urged to get tested early and again later in pregnancy, as recommended by CDPH, to prevent passing the infection to their babies.
Taking Action: Where to Go, What to Know
Chicago offers various ways to get screened or treated, no matter your age or income:
CDPH Sexual Health Clinics in Roseland, Lakeview, and Austin provide confidential testing and treatment for syphilis and other STIs—free of charge for those unable to pay. Call 312 - 742 - 2883 or visit Chicago.gov/SexualHealth to schedule.
Community clinics, including Howard Brown Health and Planned Parenthood, offer low-cost or free STI services, with many hosting walk-in testing events.
Primary care physicians and urgent care centers can also order syphilis tests—especially as part of a routine health check-up.
In 2025, Chicago’s health message is clear: Know your status, protect your health, and support your community by sharing credible info. Syphilis may be on the rise, but with testing, treatment, and open conversation, it’s far from unmanageable.
Bottom line: Syphilis is back in the spotlight in 2025, affecting young adults and older adults alike. It’s preventable, curable, and Chicago has resources to help. Whether you’re 25 or 75, if you’re sexually active, it’s worth getting tested—and telling your friends to do the same.
Chicago Public Schools Face Crisis Amid $734 Million Deficit
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is grappling with an alarming $734 million deficit, raising serious concerns about the future of education in the district. In a controversial move, Mayor Brandon Johnson is attempting to compel CPS to cover a $175 million pension payment—an obligation that, under state law, belongs to the city. This dispute is further complicated by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and allies on the CPS board, who are advocating for the district to take on additional debt to absorb the financial burden.
The Pension Payment Dilemma
The $175 million in question is tied to the Municipal Employees’ Annuity & Benefit Fund (MEABF), which provides pensions for city workers and certain CPS non-teaching staff. Historically, the City of Chicago
has funded this pension system. CPS only began contributing temporarily during the pandemic using federal COVID-19 relief funds—resources that are now exhausted.
Johnson’s push for CPS to shoulder this expense could prove disastrous. The pension payment alone accounts for nearly a quarter of the district’s current deficit. Last year, Johnson criticized then-CPS CEO Pedro Martinez for failing to secure adequate school funding. Now, he is pressuring CPS to absorb a pension burden it is not legally required to cover— without offering a viable funding solution. The consequences could include larger class sizes, reduced staffing, and fewer student support services, deepening existing inequities.
Shifts in Leadership and Policy
The issue intensified following Martinez’s departure in June. CPS’s preliminary bud -
get omitted the MEABF payment, consistent with past practice. However, interim CEO Macquline King—formerly Johnson’s senior education policy director—quietly reinstated the payment without public discussion or board debate.
The Chicago Teachers Union has also reversed its stance. Under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the CTU strongly opposed transferring MEABF costs to CPS, calling it “robbing students.” Today, the union supports taking on new debt while remaining silent on the city’s legal obligation to cover the pension payment. This dramatic shift raises questions about whether political loyalty is taking precedence over protecting students.
The Risks of Borrowing
Borrowing to close the deficit carries significant risks. CPS
already pays more than $800 million annually—approximately $2,200 per student— on existing debt. Additional borrowing would bring millions more in interest, potentially leading to deeper cuts in future budgets.
While borrowing is sometimes necessary in true emergencies, using it to cover City Hall’s pension obligations is fiscally irresponsible. Unlike the city, CPS lacks flexible revenue streams. Forcing the school district to go deeper into debt to solve a city budget issue is both reckless and inequitable.
A Call for Long-Term Solutions
What CPS truly needs is a sustainable, long-term financial strategy. Viable options include: Tightening internal financial controls
Granting CPS greater taxing authority
Increasing the state’s invest-
ment in K–12 education
Gradually shifting Chicago teacher pension obligations to the state, as is the case for other Illinois school districts
Securing regular revenue through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) surplus declarations
Reevaluating and closing unnecessary TIF districts
These solutions will take time to implement. But immediate action is needed to prevent CPS from being forced to assume a pension burden that rightly belongs to the city.
Earlier this year, concerned families, educators, and community leaders successfully pushed back against similar proposals. They must do so again.
A Clear Choice
The CPS board faces a critical decision: support students and classrooms or bail out the city. The choice should be clear. Is Chicago prepared to let its students subsidize City Hall?
Northwestern University to Cut Over 400 Staff Positions Amid Financial Strain
Northwestern University announced on July 29, 2025, that it will eliminate 425 staff positions—approximately 5% of its workforce budget—as part of a strategic effort to stabilize its finances. This decision comes in response to a significant budget gap, with personnel costs accounting for 56% of the university’s annual expenditures. Notably, nearly half of the affected positions are currently vacant.
President Michael Schill commented, “This is one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make, and it’s essential for the long-term financial health of the university. While these cuts are necessary, they will have a profound impact on the people we care deeply about.” The staff reductions are seen as essential for ensuring long-term financial sustainability amid mounting pressures.
The financial pressures that led to these cuts stem from multiple sources:
Budget Deficit: Personnel costs represent a large portion of the university’s annual expenses, and with a growing budget gap, the university had no choice but to reduce these costs.
Federal Funding Freeze: Northwestern’s finances were further strained by a $790 million federal funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration. The freeze has limited critical funding, particularly for research, that many universities, in-
cluding Northwestern, rely on.
Rising Operational Costs: Increased healthcare expenses, litigation costs, and other operational expenses have added to the financial strain.
Uncertain Federal Policies: Potential changes in federal policies affecting international student enrollment and research funding have contributed to
the financial uncertainty, further compounding the university’s difficulties. Schill remarked, “The freeze in federal funding and the subsequent budget shortfalls have created a unique set of challenges that we’ve been working tirelessly to address. Along with rising healthcare costs, litigation expenses, and potential shifts in federal policy that af-
fect international students and research funding, we’re facing one of the most difficult periods in the university’s history.”
In an additional statement, Provost Kathleen Hagerty added, “While the financial landscape is complex and constantly evolving, our goal is to maintain Northwestern’s position as a leader in higher education. The painful decision to eliminate jobs reflects the reality of the situation, but we remain committed to providing a world-class academic experience for our students.”
The cuts have sparked concerns regarding the impact on the academic and administrative quality at the university. “It’s heartbreaking to see our colleagues, some of whom have been with us for years, face uncertainty during such turbulent times,” said a staff member, who requested anonymity.
As the university navigates these turbulent times, the elimination of staff positions reflects a broader trend in higher education institutions grappling with political influences and funding instability. The path forward for Northwestern remains uncertain as it seeks to balance financial constraints with its commitment to academic excellence.
For more detailed information, you can read the full article from The Daily Northwestern here: Read More.
u EMPOWERMENT, Continued from page 4
es—unleash her.
When you forget how brave you are— remember her.
Let your teenage self remind you that you’re not too late, you’re not too old, and you’re not too far gone. You’re still becoming. And your best self might just be the version you buried when you “grew up.”
So wear the bold color. Take the leap. Write the book. Start the business. Say no to what drains you. Say yes to what excites you—even if no one else gets it yet. Because the truth is, youth isn’t wasted on the young—it’s just often buried in the grown.
And it’s yours to reclaim. Today.
Hot Topic
Navigating College Costs When
a Diploma Might Not Be Worth the Price Tag
For many families, a college education is seen as a key to future success. Traditionally, a diploma has been a stepping stone to career advancement and higher earning potential. However, the rising cost of higher education means a degree often comes with a hefty price tag, leaving students with debt that may take years—or even decades—to repay.
With tuition, books, and living expenses constantly increasing, it’s more important than ever to consider the return on investment (ROI) of a college education. Simply put: is the financial benefit you gain from your degree going to outweigh the cost of obtaining it?
Each year, organizations like Payscale analyze various factors—tuition costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings—to determine the long-term financial value of different universities.
This information can be a powerful tool for parents and students as they navigate the complex landscape of college admissions and financial aid.
While every student’s path and outcomes will vary, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions and potentially avoid schools where the financial investment might not yield the expected returns. Before you or your child commits to a particular institution, we strongly recommend exploring data-driven insights into a school’s potential ROI.
Understanding Return on Investment (ROI) in Higher Education
When we talk about college ROI, we’re looking beyond the sticker price of tuition. We’re considering:
Initial Investment: This includes tuition, fees, books, and living expenses over the course of a degree.
Long-Term Earnings: What graduates typically earn in their careers after 10 or 20 years.
Net ROI: The difference between the initial investment and the long-term earnings, accounting for the time value of money. A negative ROI means that, on average, graduates from that institution earn less over a 20-year period than the total cost of their education.
It’s crucial to remember that a negative ROI doesn’t necessarily mean a school is “bad” or that its education is without value. Many factors contribute to a student’s success, including their chosen field of study, personal drive, and networking. However, a consistently
low or negative ROI across a broad student body can signal that, for the average graduate, the financial benefit of attending that institution may not justify the cost.
Schools Where the Financial Return May Fall Short
Based on recent analyses of tuition costs and graduate outcomes, some institutions consistently show a negative return on investment for their graduates. While these schools may offer unique programs, smaller class sizes, or a strong sense of community, the financial numbers suggest that, for many, the cost of attendance may not be recouped in future earnings.
Here are examples of schools that, according to data, have shown a significant negative ROI for their graduates:
Rust College: Yearly tuition of around $9,900; 20-year net ROI of -$97,100
The Baptist College of Florida: ROI of -$63,400
Mississippi Valley State University: $75,700 tuition (four years), -$174,800 ROI
Talladega College: $88,200 tuition, -$156,900 ROI
Johnson University: $16,920 annual tuition, -$97,900 ROI
Miles College: $90,200 tuition, 17% graduation rate, -$164,600 ROI
Morris College: $92,200 tuition, -$106,800 ROI
Martin Luther College: $93,300 tuition, -$123,200 ROI
Voorhees College: $97,000 tuition, -$153,400 ROI
Paine College: $97,500 tuition, 20% graduation rate, -$94,700 ROI
Other schools with similarly troubling financial outcomes include:
Stillman College: -$80,400 ROI
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma: -$65,500 ROI
Florida Memorial University: -$64,000 ROI
University of Montana Western: -$71,400 ROI
Emmanuel College: -$70,600 ROI
Brewton-Parker College: -$92,200 ROI
Shaw University: -$93,600 ROI
Benedict College: -$105,600 ROI
University of Maine at Machias: -$70,700 ROI
Claflin University: -$133,900 ROI de-
spite a 56% graduation rate
Saint Augustine’s University: -$77,700 ROI with a 23% four-year graduation rate
University of South Carolina Aiken: -$66,000 ROI
Columbia International University: -$115,700 ROI
University of Montevallo: -$64,100 ROI
Campbellsville University: -$76,800 ROI
Unity College: -$82,000 ROI
Lindsey Wilson College: -$160,800 ROI
Wilson College: -$86,700 ROI
Davis & Elkins College: -$66,000 ROI
St. Andrew’s University: -$98,800 ROI
Montserrat College of Art: -$107,400 ROI
Emory & Henry College: -$91,300 ROI
Cazenovia College: -$98,600 ROI
Maine College of Art: -$163,600 ROI
Wheelock College (pre-merger with Boston University): -$140,700 ROI
What This Means for Your College Search
This information isn’t meant to discourage higher education but to empower families to make financially sound decisions. Here are some key takeaways: Look Beyond the Brochure: A school’s
reputation or picturesque campus shouldn’t overshadow the financial outcomes for its graduates.
Prioritize ROI: Choose a school where your educational investment will likely lead to stable, long-term earning potential.
Explore Different Paths: Consider community colleges, vocational training, or public universities as potentially smarter financial options.
Factor in Financial Aid: A school with high tuition but strong aid packages might cost less than one with lower sticker prices and limited aid.
Consider Your Major: ROI can vary significantly by field. A degree in engineering might yield a higher ROI than one in fine arts, depending on the institution.
Review Graduation Rates: A low graduation rate may suggest academic or financial challenges that can leave students with debt but no degree.
Choosing a college is a significant decision for both students and parents. By factoring in long-term ROI alongside academic and social fit, you can help ensure that a college education is not only enriching but also a smart financial investment for the future.
Linae Donaldson Contributing Writer
Cover
Thirty Years of Power
Merry Green and the Movement that Changed Chicago
Thirty years is a long time to do anything—a long time to live, to learn, and certainly to lead a passion-fueled life. For Merry Green, co-founder of the Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT), those thirty years have been dedicated to building a space where Black women gather to learn, grow, shop, connect, and celebrate each other. From her early dreams of Broadway stardom to her commanding presence as a media executive, Merry Green has become a legend in her own right.
Before the Stage Was a Platform
Before she was the founder of one of the country’s longest-running cultural expos, Merry was a theater kid. She starred as Dorothy in The Wiz at Chicago’s Theater on the Lake after a standout performance in Rochester, New York, her hometown. Her rendition of “Home,” a deeply emotional song, left audiences stunned. But the bright lights of Broad-
way eventually gave way to the bright lights of television production and the demanding world of radio marketing. She carried with her the rhythm of performance and the precision of live production—skills that would eventually shape the Expo’s signature flair. Her background wasn’t just theater; it was the art of engagement, of holding space, and of storytelling. That theater spirit never left her; it simply evolved into something grander.
The Birth of an Expo
In the early 1990s, Merry was working as the promotions and marketing director for Chicago’s V103 radio station. Always pushing boundaries, she wasn’t satisfied with just running the station’s events—she wanted to do something bigger. She had already created the wildly successful World’s Largest Step Competition. But it was an idea to center Black women—the station’s primary demographic—that became the seed for the Black Women’s Expo.
“We needed to talk about issues,” Green said in a recent interview. “Things going on in the community, what was happening to our young people, what was happening to Black women, business ownership, entrepreneurship. But we weren’t doing that kind of public affairs programming in radio anymore. People were crying out for it.”
That disconnect sparked the idea. And like so many of Green’s bold moves, it wasn’t just about filling a programming gap. It was about building a platform for empowerment. “We had the advertiser. We had the music. We had the audience. Why not?” she said. “I called it ‘An Expo for Today’s Black Woman,’ and we went for it.”
She put the idea on paper and pitched it with the full force of her belief in its necessity. “We needed this space. And we didn’t need permission to create it.”
A Core Memory for Many
In 1994, that dream became real. The first expo debuted at McCormick Place
in Chicago. It was originally named “An Expo for Today’s Black Woman,” and for many—including myself—it was more than just an event. I remember going with my mother that year. She was so excited to walk into McCormick Place and be in a room full of Black women—strong, powerful, radiant. It’s a core memory I’ll never forget. That moment—our moment—cemented the Expo as something sacred.
It was the era of freeze curls and pixie cuts, when wrap sets and tailored suits exemplified the style of the professional Black woman. From the moment they cut the ribbon, it was clear something magical had been born. The lobby was packed before the doors opened at 10 a.m., full of women hungry for what this new expo promised: affirmation, information, and inspiration.
Green remembers that first morning clearly. “When I walked into that lobby and saw the number of women who had shown up, waiting, excited—that moment overwhelmed me,” she said. “And
that’s when I knew: this wasn’t just a one-time thing. We had to keep going.”
That first event attracted more than 200 vendors and thousands of attendees over a single weekend. For the women walking those halls, it wasn’t just about buying products—it was about being seen.
Fighting for Her Vision
That first expo was both a culmination and a beginning. Green relied on her background in TV and events, her access to V103’s advertisers and audience, and her own creative instincts to build a weekend that blended community, commerce, and culture. And when the corporate ownership of V103 changed hands repeatedly over the years, she had to fight to maintain ownership of her creation.
That fight is not just a footnote in the Expo’s history; it is part of its DNA. Green faced real opposition. “Several of them tried to take it away from me,” she recalled. “I remember one general manager saying, ‘Take her name off everything.’ And I was like, what? But we fought it out. And by that afternoon, my name was back on everything.”
That she was able to walk away from a massive media conglomerate with full control over the intellectual property and brand of BWe is nothing short of remarkable. In a corporate environment where creative contributions are often absorbed and erased, Green’s ability to retain what she built is a testament to her foresight, her fire, and her unwillingness to be erased.
Eventually, she left V103 to run the Expo full-time. One general manager told her plainly: “This is your show. It’s not ours.”
And it has been her show ever since— every banner, every panel, every program rooted in the original mission of ownership, empowerment, and authenticity.
Chicago, the Heart of BWe
Since then, the Black Women’s Expo has expanded into a national brand, with stops in Atlanta, Detroit, and Dallas. But Chicago remains its heart. As Green puts it, “Chicago is a Black city… perfect to do something that was really focused on that community.” And Chicago is a city that works. That hustles. The kind of city where the ethos of the Expo fits perfectly: unapologetically Black, brilliant, and built on collective effort.
And for generations of Black women in this city, the Expo became an annual ritual. You planned your outfit weeks in advance. You cleared your calendar. It wasn’t just an event—it was a pilgrimage. You didn’t want to miss the panels, or the shopping, or the energy of walking into a space created just for you.
A Who’s-Who of Excellence
Over the years, the Expo has hosted a who’s-who of Black excellence. Green’s top five favorite guests speak for themselves: Tina Marie, whose birthday was celebrated with cake on stage. Winnie Mandela, whose presence felt like a direct link to global liberation movements. Cicely Tyson, who flew in to deliver a speech and, when nearly missed at the airport, refused to move until properly greeted.
“She almost got back on the plane,” Green laughed. “And when she finally got on stage that night, she started her speech with ‘TIME.’ It was dramatic. She let us have it.”
Then there was Maya Angelou. When illness kept her from attending at the last minute, Green scrambled. “They tried
to give me other names,” she said. “And I told them, ‘None of these people are Maya Angelou.’ So they asked, ‘Who could possibly replace her?’ And I said: Oprah.”
And Oprah came. Quietly. Without press. She walked in through the kitchen of the Hyatt Grand Ballroom and delivered Maya’s poetry to a sold-out crowd of 1,500 women who had no idea what was coming. “The whole place went up,” Green said. “They started waving their napkins in the air, crying, singing. Oprah stayed on stage for an hour. It was unforgettable.”
Health, Resilience, and Purpose
The Expo isn’t just a highlight reel of iconic appearances. It’s a living, breathing forum. A place where Black women aren’t just the target audience—they’re the foundation. “Black women drive
spending in the household,” Green said. “We knew that. Companies know that. And the Expo has always been a way to connect them with the community directly.”
That includes hospitals, universities, and health organizations. Since COVID, the Expo has expanded its health offerings dramatically.
“We have screenings, panels, specialists, even pharmaceutical companies talking about genes that specifically affect us,” Green explained. “At first, we thought people would say, ‘This is a health expo now.’ But it’s not. It’s exactly what we need.”
And she’s right. Black women have long been underserved by the healthcare system. BWe is one of the few platforms that consistently invites women to get real-time screenings, access specialists,
Cover Story Laura Miller Managing Editor
and hear health education spoken in language that honors their lived experiences.
DEI in Decline—But BWe Stands Tall
The evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion funding has made things more difficult. After the 2024 and 2025 political shifts, some major sponsors pulled out. One company even told Green the Expo was “not inclusive enough.” Meaning that the celebration of Black women was limiting and boxed out other women in the city. There were even loose suggestions about changing the name. Her response? “We’re not changing our name. We won’t. This is the Black Women’s Expo. This is our 30th year.” Even as doors closed, others opened. Healthcare partners stepped in. Community churches stepped up. Green leaned into the resilience that has always defined her.
“I don’t take no for an answer,” she said. “Or if I do, it doesn’t stop me. My mother used to say, ‘One monkey don’t stop no show.’ That’s the truth. We keep going.”
Bagels, Bosses, and Building Forward
One of the newest additions to the Expo lineup is the Bagels and Bosses brunch, focused on entrepreneurship. It celebrates women turning beauty and culture into business. “We jump into the beauty space fast,” Green noted. “We’ve got the product, we’ve got the story, but sometimes we lack the infrastructure. This brunch is about getting women the tools they need to scale.”
In that room, business cards are exchanged like currency. Ideas are planted. Deals are signed on napkins. It’s all part of the evolution—an Expo that continues to mirror the ambition and complexity of the women it serves.
Eyes on the Future
She stays behind the scenes mostly, but this year, she made it clear: she wants to be out on the floor. “People always stop me,” she said. “But I told my team, I want to see everything. I want to see what we’ve built.”
Her advice to young Black women building something new? “Ask for help,” she said. “I had to learn that. We don’t collaborate enough. We get scared someone will steal our idea. But we need to
let go of that. Collaboration is survival.”
A Movement, Not a Moment
Event Details
The 30th Anniversary Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT) will take place in Chicago at McCormick Place from August 1–3, 2025. Doors open Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m., with programming scheduled throughout the day across multiple stages. This year’s theme is “Empowered to Evolve,” reflecting both the event’s longevity and its continued focus on health, beauty, wealth, and advocacy.
Attendees can expect curated pavilions and experiences, along with headline
appearances from Marvin Sapp, Raheem DeVaughn, and Tamron Hall. The weekend’s programming is designed to uplift, inspire, and energize.
Wellness Way: Free health screenings, panels with physicians, and information on health equity.
Beauty Bazaar: A showcase of indie beauty and skincare brands, live demos, and cultural celebration.
She Matters Stage: Conversations about mental health, motherhood, activism, and entrepreneurship.
Legacy Lounge: Honoring trailblazers in media, education, and public service. Teen Summit: A Friday-only youth empowerment experience focused on the next generation.
Bagels & Bosses Brunch: An exclusive ticketed brunch event for business owners and creatives to network and gain insight on scaling and sustainability.
Tickets are on sale now, including general admission, VIP access, and addons for special events. For details, visit bwenext.com or ticketfalcon.com. Follow @bwenext on Instagram for lineup announcements, giveaways, and real-time updates.
The Black Women’s Expo is a cultural anchor in Chicago. It has grown with the community, shaped generations, and launched dreams. Merry Green didn’t just produce an event. She created a home. A refuge. A runway. A rally. And it’s still here. Still thriving. Still evolving.
“I didn’t choose this,” she said. “It chose me.”
And we are better for it.
The A.I. The answer.is...
a.i. The Answer is
CNW Staff Report
With the question of what is right, what is wrong, moral or immortal on the line these days, we also see the unprecedented actions taken by those in the legal profession defying the laws in ways never so blatantly done in America by those within the legal profession. From lawyers to judges to the U.S. President laws are being tested and those who interpret and rule accordingly are being hunted and punished. It is important to know the meanings of words that show up in such discussions or disputes in the legal context like :transgression , overstep, breach, contravention, encroachment, deviating, and aberrance.
Here’s a breakdown of the terms in a legal context, followed by an explanation of how they interconnect.
DEFINITIONS:
1. TransgressionIn law, a transgression refers to the violation of a law, command, or duty. It’s a broad term that can encompass both civil and crim-
inal violations, from trespassing to fraud.Example: Unauthorized access to restricted government documents is a transgression.
2. OverstepTo overstep means to go beyond the legal limits or authority granted by law. It’s often used in the context of jurisdiction, administrative powers, or constitutional boundaries.Example: A government agency oversteps its authority when it enacts regulations beyond its legislative mandate.
3. BreachA breach is a failure to observe a law, contract, or legal obligation. This term is common in civil law (e.g., breach of contract, breach of duty).Example: Failing to deliver goods under a binding contract constitutes a breach.
4. ContraventionThis term refers to an act of going against or actively violating a law, rule, or regulation. It can be used for minor or regulatory offenses. Example: Driving without a seatbelt is a contravention of traffic laws.
5. Encroachment is the unlawful intrusion into another’s property, rights, or domain. This term is often used
in land use, intellectual property, and privacy law.Example: Building a fence that extends onto a neighbor’s property is encroachment.
6. DeviatingIn a legal context, deviating typically means straying from a required legal standard or procedure. While not always illegal, deviation can expose one to liability.Example: A doctor deviating from accepted medical protocols may be liable for malpractice.
7. Aberrance (or Aberrance / Aberrancy / Aberration)This implies a departure from accepted legal norms or behavior, especially in ways that are unusual or inappropriate. It’s less formal in law but can be used to describe behavior inconsistent with established legal precedent or conduct.Example: A judge issuing wildly inconsistent sentences may be said to show aberrance from legal standards.
INTERCONNECTION:
These terms all describe departures from established legal norms, rules, or boundaries. They range in specificity
and gravity:
• Transgression, contravention, and breach are the most directly legal and formalized. They signal actual violations—whether of laws (transgression), rules (contravention), or contracts/duties (breach).
• Overstep and encroachment deal with exceeding legal limits or boundaries—whether of jurisdiction, authority, or property rights.
• Deviating and aberrance are often less formal or indirect. They suggest straying from a norm rather than outright breaking a rule, though such straying may still lead to legal consequences (e.g., liability or disciplinary action).
Think of them on a spectrum:
• Norm violation (deviating, aberrance) > Boundary violation (overstep, encroachment) > Rule/law violation (contravention, breach, transgression) They all share the theme of improper conduct within a system of legal expectations, but differ in severity, formality, and the type of norm being violated (moral, procedural, legal, or contractual).
ARTS & CULTURE Kai EL’ Zabar
Editor-In-Chief
Sounds of Summer Inside Moves of Double Dutch
Iwas pleasantly surprised by an email from one of my closest friends who shared the announcement of Mary “Dancin’ Mary,” a Double Dutch enthusiast from Castle-Enyard and LA Hollywood, doing what they love and making people smile while strengthening community bonds.
The Logan Center Courtyard at University of Chicago hosted an energetic session of jump rope, movement, and music led by Bernadette Rapier. She commented that it was her favorite sport. I quickly chimed in that it was a close second to roller skating for me. Then I began to reminisce about the childhood games/sports of my Baby Boomer youth and really winced a little when I think of the absence of those wonderful ways we played as children back then.
I haven’t even mentioned Tetherball, which was very popular. We’ll get to that later.
Double Dutch: More Than Just a Game
It is somehow rumored that Double Dutch was born on the streets of New York City and is steeped in rich cultural history. Double Dutch is a dynamic game that has evolved into a competitive sport with a global following. It’s a game of rhythm, skill, and creative expression, all centered around two ropes and the people who turn and jump them.
A Brief History: From Street Corners to Competition
The truth is that while the exact origins of Double Dutch are debatable—it is presumed that the original form of Double Dutch arrived with the Dutch settlers to America, while others claim it emerged independently in the United States in the early 1900s. What we know to be true is that its modern form emerged in the 1950s in predominantly Black urban areas of New York City, particularly Harlem. On street corners, young Black girls would gather to jump Double Dutch, and as is traditional amongst African descendant peoples, the appreciation for self-expression within a construct allows one to showcase new moves that they developed. The sport or art form was one that was inexpensive, demanding only one’s time, commitment, and ability. Often using clotheslines as ropes made it an affordable sport to participate in and master.
The way the African American girls turned the ropes in a rhythm natural to that of their inner spirits complement-
ed the jumping of those inside between two ropes as the turners grooved with the jumper. It was embraced and became a beloved and popular urban outdoor street activity performed on the sidewalks and later in driveways and on school property playgrounds. During its growth and development period, I indulged in Double Dutch in Cincinnati, like so many little girls across the country from Philly to Baltimore, to Chicago, to Detroit, to St. Louis, to Los Angeles. It was very much a part of our African American culture.
I remember looking forward to jumping Double Dutch, especially when we jumped as teams for placement earned by scores. It was all about how long you could keep that rhythm flowing inside the two ropes that you jumped as they turned around you. It was always competitive, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that it began its transformation into a formal sport.
Transitioning into a legitimate sport owes much to NYPD officers Ulysses Williams and David Walker, who were instrumental in this change. They formalized the rules for competition, and the first official Double Dutch contest was held in 1974. From there, it grew from local block parties to a worldwide
phenomenon. In a significant step for the sport, Double Dutch became a varsity sport in New York City public high schools in 2009.
The Art of the Jump
Imagine that... the “art of jump.” Double Dutch involves at least three people: two turn the long ropes in opposite directions, and one or more jumpers perform inside. So, a team would include the turners and the jumper. The jumpers are the performers, showcasing an impressive array of rhythmic moves which include turns, double steps, splits, and half or full turns, and more recently the incorporation of gymnastics, breakdancing, and intricate footwork—all done inside the two ropes that continue to turn until the jumper loses their rhythm and missteps, causing them to collide with the ropes. In competitive play, judges evaluate key elements like footwork, power, and gymnastics, as well as the synchronicity between the jumpers and turners. Be clear that jumping Double Dutch is an art, and if studied and practiced, it is a category of its own, utilizing the agility and strength of a dancer and the control and organized synchronicity of a gymnast.
A Global Community
Today, Double Dutch is played and celebrated around the world, from local events to international championships. Organizations like the National Double Dutch League (NDDL), founded by David A. Walker, hold yearly competitions like the Holiday Classic, drawing teams from all over the globe.
The sport is also a key component of major jump rope tournaments and is featured in the AAU Junior Olympic Games and the World Jump Rope Federation’s annual competitions. These events categorize the sport into different types of play, including compulsory routines, freestyle, and speed rope.
Beyond the competitive scene, Double Dutch, as we know it, emerged from the creativity of young American Black girls and has left its mark on popular culture. It’s been featured in music videos, films, and television shows, and was an integral part of the early French hip-hop scene. Its rhythmic energy and cultural significance have made it a recognizable and celebrated activity far beyond its New York City roots.
TikTok’s Latest Security and Safety Updates
A Look at the 2025
TikTok continues to evolve its safety features to provide users with a safer experience. As of July 2025, the platform has introduced a variety of tools designed to address issues related to misinformation, user privacy, and content moderation.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of Footnotes, a community-based fact-checking feature. This tool allows users to provide context or corrections to videos that may contain misleading information. Submissions are reviewed by other users for accuracy, with valid corrections appearing under the video. TikTok hopes this will help combat the spread of false content on its platform, ensuring that users have access to reliable information.
In addition to Footnotes, TikTok has enhanced its Family Pairing feature. This allows parents to gain more control over their teen’s app experience by restricting certain accounts and monitoring follower activity. These updates are intended to
Changes
support open communication between parents and teens, encouraging healthier screen time habits.
For creators, TikTok has rolled out several tools to help manage content and interactions more effectively. The new Creator Care Mode automatically filters out harmful comments, and the platform now includes a Mute Feature for TikTok LIVE sessions, allowing creators to block specific words or phrases during live broadcasts.
TikTok has also introduced a Security Checkup feature, which provides users with an easy-to-navigate dashboard to review and update their account security settings.
Finally, TikTok has rolled out a Wind Down feature aimed at encouraging healthier screen time. For users under 16, if they remain active past 10 PM, TikTok will prompt
them with a gentle reminder, accompanied by calming music, to promote more responsible app usage at night.
TikTok’s Future in the U.S.
Despite these updates, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain due to ongoing national security concerns. In 2024, the U.S. government passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations by January 2025—or face a potential ban. However, the deadline has been extended multiple times, with the most recent extension pushing it to September 2025.
The proposed sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a consortium of American investors has stalled, mainly due to the Chinese government’s refusal to approve the deal. As a result, TikTok’s availability in the U.S. continues to depend on the outcome of these ongoing international negotiations.
Chicago was supposed to warn residents about toxic lead pipes last year. Most still have no idea.
Eight months past a federal deadline, more than 90 percent of at-risk Chicagoans haven’t been told their drinking water could be unsafe.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco and Keerti Gopal This story is a partnership between Grist, Inside Climate News, and WBEZ. This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Grist and WBEZ, a public radio station serving the Chicago metropolitan region.
Beatriz Salazar was sifting through her usual pile of mail this spring when an envelope from the city of Chicago caught her eye. Inside, she found a letter warning her — in 10 different languages — that her drinking water was delivered to her tap through a toxic lead pipe. With it, the city included tips to reduce exposure, links to city programs to help
replace the pipe, and a full-page diagram showing how the lead can flake or dissolve into tap water from a service line or other plumbing infrastructure and cause serious health harm, including brain and kidney damage.
“Lead?” Salazar remembered thinking. “We’ve been drinking lead for how long?”
Salazar, a housing counselor, lifelong resident of the city’s Southeast Side and mother of two, immediately called
friends and family. Her mother-in-law, who lives around the corner, had received the same letter. So, too, had one of her clients. But others, including her mother, 74-year-old Salome Fabela, fewer than 10 blocks away, hadn’t seen or heard anything about it.
A federal drinking water rule required Chicago officials to warn approximately 900,000 renters, homeowners, and landlords before November 15, 2024, that their drinking water is at risk of lead contamination. Their properties were built before 1986, when the city required the installation of lead service lines. Lead pipes were banned nationwide that year. But as of early July, Chicago had only notified 7 percent of the people on its list that their water may be dangerously
LIVING CHICAGO, Continued on page 16 u
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco and Keerti Gopal Hot Topic
CNW Staff Report Living Chicago
LIVING CHICAGO Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco
u LIVING CHICAGO, Continued from page 15
contaminated.
Fabela’s home, according to city records, is connected to a service line containing lead, so she should have received a letter. But she is among the vast majority of people who — eight months past the deadline — still have not been warned. The federal law requires water systems to warn residents on a yearly basis until all of its lead pipes are replaced.
Megan Vidis, spokesperson for the Department of Water Management, estimated that about 3,000 letters are mailed out every week, adding up to about $8,500 in monthly costs.
Advocates worry that the city’s delayed warnings could keep already vulnerable communities in the dark about the state of their drinking water and what they can do about it. A study published last year found two-thirds of Chicago children under 6 years old live in homes with tap water containing detectable levels of lead.
Vidis said DWM has asked the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for more time to make its notifications, but they haven’t received an extension thus far. She added that the state is aware of Chicago’s delay and estimated that the city would not complete its first round of mailed notifications until 2027, but that it will notify residents electronically by the end of this year.
IEPA said water systems that did not certify completion of the requirement by July 1 will receive a reporting violation that they will have to make public.
Lead pipes are a serious health hazard, and millions are still in use across the country in older homes and buildings. No other city in the nation is so reliant on the dangerous metal as Chicago, where around 412,000 out of about 490,000 service lines are at least partly made of lead, or may be contaminated with it. And the city doesn’t plan to finish replacing them for another five decades — 30 years later than required by the federal government.
Climate change could amplify the health risks of lead pipes because soaring temperatures can increase the amount of lead dissolving into and contaminating drinking water. Service lines, which bring water from the street into homes and buildings, are just one of many plumbing fixtures — along with faucets, valves and internal plumbing — that can add lead to drinking water.
All of that makes timely notifications even more important.
This is the first time water utilities have been required to notify the public they might be getting water through a lead pipe, according to Elin Betanzo, founder
of Safe Water Engineering. Betanzo was instrumental in uncovering the water crisis in Flint, Michigan — which celebrated the replacement of a majority of its lead service lines earlier this month. Chicago has provided other resources to let residents know that houses built before 1986 are likely to have a lead service line, including an online lookup tool that shows the material sourcing water to a specific address. The city also encourages residents to test their water by calling 311 and signing up for a free lead test kit. But the program was unable to complete any tests in May while it was undergoing maintenance, and it’s currently backlogged. Some residents have been waiting months, or even years, to receive results.
Gina Ramirez, director of Midwest environmental health for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said her mother completed a lead test in 2022 and never received results, although her service line was replaced through a city program geared toward lower-income residents in 2023.
Of the 10 cities with the most lead service lines in the country, only Chicago has confirmed that it has not yet finished mailing all its notices. By the end of last November, about 200,000 notices had gone out in Cleveland and Detroit, more than 100,000 in Milwaukee, more than 85,000 in Denver and St. Louis, more than 75,000 in Indianapolis, nearly 70,000 in Buffalo, and more than 55,000 in Minneapolis, according to the cities’ respective water departments and utilities. New York City did not respond to multiple inquiries.
In Chicago, only about 62,000 of the 900,000 notices that were due in November had gone out by early July. In some cases, they pointed residents to broken links.
While Chicago is struggling to mail 3,000 notices a week, Milwaukee sent over 100,000 in a single day. And Detroit has already sent 124,000 this year after its 200,000 last year.
“People are not getting the information they need to protect themselves,” Betanzo said of Chicago’s pace. “It’s information they should have had a long time ago, and we’re continuing to delay that? That’s not OK.”
Chicago has a big job ahead, replacing hundreds of thousands of lines that are partially owned by private citizens, and it has to get permission from homeowners to replace their portion of the line. The city has said in its service line replacement plan that notifying homeowners of the problem and why it should matter to them is an important step in building buy-in for replacement.
Suzanne Novak, a senior attorney working on safe drinking water issues for the
nonprofit Earthjustice, said she thinks Chicago’s delay means city officials aren’t taking their responsibilities to the public seriously.
“They are brazenly violating the law,” Novak said. “We not only need them to step up and catch up really quickly, but we also need the state of Illinois and EPA to use their powers to hold them accountable for this blatant lack of compliance with the law.”
The EPA also requires water systems to send out three types of notifications to residents: one if their service line is confirmed to be made of lead; another if it’s galvanized steel, which contains lead; and a third if the material of their service line is unknown. So far, Chicago has only started sending letters to homes with confirmed lead service lines.
Chicago officials say they are also prioritizing notifications by neighborhood and type of home. So far, the city has notified homes within 15 wards, mostly in lower-income areas on the city’s South, West, and Northwest sides. The city has begun by sending letters to single-family homes, which officials say are more likely to experience higher lead contamination due to less water usage and, subsequently, more water stagnation in the pipes.
But advocates and residents say the notification letters haven’t reached every affected home in these categories. Salazar and her mother both live in the 10th ward, one of the city’s priority areas, and Fabela lives in a single-family home.
Vidis, the spokesperson for the city’s Department of Water Management, said Fabela had not yet received a letter because city records showed she has a galvanized steel pipe. Vidis said Fabela’s notice would go out this year but did not specify when.
“I just think they should have done something to inform us faster,” Salazar said. “I think they’ve known this, and they’re just now informing us.”
Vanessa Bly, co-founder of Southeast Side neighborhood advocacy group Bridges//Puentes: Justice Collective of the Southeast, has been working since 2022 to raise awareness about the dangers of lead in drinking water. Last year, Bly began working with a Northwestern University laboratory that is developing rapid, at-home lead tests.
Bly has been troubleshooting the experimental test kits with homeowners like Salazar and Fabela on the Southeast Side. The predominantly Black and Latino community experiences disproportionate pollution and health harms linked to toxic exposures, including higher rates of chronic disease and lower life expectancy. Decades of disinvestment have also bred distrust with the city.
Over and over, Bly has found that many
of her participants still haven’t received lead notifications from the city. She worries about residents drinking their tap water with no idea it could be unsafe. “Is it so hard to have a commercial campaign to talk about it?” Bly asked. Some residents have long been suspicious about their water quality, even if they didn’t know it might contain lead. Salazar and her kids drink bottled water at home and keep a filter in the refrigerator, she said. Her mother, Fabela, has filtered her water for almost 25 years, first through a filter attached to her tap, and then through a handheld pitcher.
At her mother’s kitchen table, Salazar looked over the city’s options for lead service line replacement. She doesn’t qualify for Chicago’s equity program, which replaces lines for free for homeowners whose household income is below 80 percent of the area median income. The city is raising money to cover costs for more homeowners, but it hasn’t told Salazar when it might get to her line. And she doesn’t have $30,000 to pay for her own immediate replacement. For now, she said, continuing to filter her water is probably the most realistic option. But she thinks the city should have told her and her family about the risk sooner.
“How long have they known?” Salazar asked. “And why did it take them so long to inform us?”
Editor’s note: The Natural Resources Defense Council and Earthjustice are advertisers with Grist. Advertisers have no role in Grist’s editorial decisions.
Optional sidebar:
Chicago residents: Take these steps to find out more about lead in your water To request a free lead testing kit from the city of Chicago, enter your address here.
The city also has an address look-up tool that can help determine whether you have a lead pipe. (Scroll down and check the box agreeing to the site’s terms and conditions in order to go to the tool.)
If you have already tested and lead was found, you may qualify for pipe replacement. Find out more here. In the meantime, use a water filter and flush your water often. See if you qualify for a free water filter here.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco covers climate change and the environment for WBEZ and Grist. Follow him on X at @__juanpab.
Keerti Gopal covers the intersections between climate change, public health and environmental justice at Inside Climate News. Follow her on X at @ keerti_gopal.
Food & Wine
Healthy Chili Bean and Bulgur Burgers
Delectable and HealthConscious
Mare’ Evans Contributing Writer
Don’t hate. These veggie burgers will fool you no matter what they may look like to you, and the spectrum varies from fried-chicken sandwiches to granules. The reality is that they’re packed with plant protein, fiber, and flavor, which is better for you than dead meat. I rec ommend the simple broiler method for cooking the patties. Spread a light coat ing of cooking spray that will make the outside crust come out nice and crunchy.
Healthy Chili Bean and Bulgur Burgers
Preparation
Level: Easy
Total: 50 min
Prep: 10 min
Inactive: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup whole-kernel bulgur
wheat
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Large pinch cayenne pepper
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour
cream
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Kosher salt
One 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed
1/3 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese, plus more for sprinkling (optional)
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
2 scallions, sliced
Cooking spray
1 ripe avocado
4 whole-wheat English muffins, split
1 cup sprouts, such as broccoli or alfalfa
Directions
1. Bring the bulgur and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a
small saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Strain and let cool completely.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne, and whisk until the oil is yellow and the spices are fragrant, about 45 seconds. Let the chili oil cool to room temperature.
3. Whisk together the sour cream, lime zest and juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Position an oven rack at the top of the oven and preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil. Mash the beans, cooked bulgur, cheese, breadcrumbs, scallions, chili oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt with a potato masher in a large bowl until the mixture is well combined and holds together when squeezed. Form into 4 uniform patties about 3/4 inch thick.
5. Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet and generously coat each with cooking spray. Broil until a golden-brown crust forms, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the
broiler, flip each patty with a metal spatula, and coat the tops with cooking spray. Broil until the tops are golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes more.
6. Halve, pit, and slice the avocado. Put each patty on an English muffin bottom and sprinkle with additional cheese if using; top with some sour cream-lime sauce, avocado, and sprouts, and sandwich with the muffin top.
As an alternative, you can serve it independent of the bun.
C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer
Effortless Summer Dressing
Hot as the devil’s lair, Chicago summers can have you panting for cool lake breezes when the sun goes down. However, rarely do the two follow like that, and so the next best thing is to dress for the weather. Searching for a new dress can be fun or difficult if you don’t want to look like you went to the vacation section. You know that one—all those beautiful leaf and floral prints can be a bit overkill when you just want to be chic and charming. Anyway, capture the funin-the-sun moment and be styled in the best city summer looks, capturing the easy, breezy glamour with style. You can always wear white... we’ve talked about that. To capture the allure you seek, I suggest that you choose tailored linen separates, laptop-friendly raffia totes, and minimalist sandals. It’s true that sometimes less is more when the pieces are statements. Layer your clothes so that you can transition with the temperature. Choose long or short dresses and pair them with stylish flip-flop sandals and basket bags.
