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🌱 Patch AM: What CPS’s half-empty high schools mean for Chicago students and neighborhoods

And on the Chicago Patch calendar - Ole! - Concert by Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra

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Friday September 11th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Chicago! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What CPS's half-empty high schools mean for Chicago students and neighborhoods
  • How to enjoy Mexican Independence Day events across Chicago this weekend
  • What Illinois' new medical aid in dying law means for Chicagoans

Also on today's calendar: Ole! - Concert by Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: I'm a rock group with 4 members; one member was assassinated. What am I? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 79 and low of 68 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 84, low: 67.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and not as warm, with a high of 74 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. CPS data shows 13 high schools are 80% empty (wgntv.com) — Chicago Public Schools data show 13 high schools, including Frederick Douglass Academy on the West Side, are at least 80% empty, with Douglass operating at just 2% capacity. Community members want the school preserved, while experts warn shrinking enrollment strains budgets, limits electives, and revives difficult questions about how CPS should manage underused buildings citywide.
   

2. Final preparations underway for Mexican Independence Day festivities in Chicago (cbsnews.com) — Mexican Independence Day celebrations are returning across Chicago this weekend, with El Grito Chicago in Grant Park, a neighborhood celebration at St. Paul's in Pilsen, and a big parade and mural unveiling on 26th Street in Little Village. City officials expect large car caravans, urge public transit, and recommend signing up for NotifyChicago alerts so you can navigate downtown safely.
   

3. Federal judge declines to block Illinois' 'medical aid in dying' law ahead of Sept. 12 start (abc7chicago.com) — A federal judge in Chicago has allowed Illinois' new medical aid in dying law to take effect on Sept. 12, rejecting a bid by a Chicago plaintiff and disability advocates to block it. The ruling means terminally ill adults statewide, including Chicago residents, may soon request life-ending medication under strict safeguards, while separate religious challenges from Chicago-based health systems continue in federal court.
   

4. Want cheap eats in Chicago? These 4 great dishes are $12 and under (nbcchicago.com) — If you're hunting for affordable bites around Chicago, this roundup highlights specific spots in the city and nearby suburbs where you can still eat well for $12 or less. From Chicago-style Wagyu hot dogs on the Far South Side to Indian street food, New York-style slices, and Japanese comfort dishes, it offers concrete ideas you can try right away.
   

5. New transit board approves reduced fare pilots (bigcountrynewsconnection.com) — Chicago transit riders on CTA and Pace could see expanded reduced fares, as the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority board meeting in Chicago backed pilots for students and SNAP recipients. Funded by new state taxes and toll increases, the plan keeps regular fares steady while promising broader discounts and security-focused improvements across the region's bus and train system.
   

📸 Around Chicago

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Evanston Resident Directs "Dial M for Murder" at Oil Lamp Theater —SHOUTChicago.com Read on Patch
  • Ravenswood Residents Featured in "Dial M for Murder" at Oil Lamp Theater —SHOUTChicago.com Read on Patch
  • Albany Park Resident Featured in "Dial M for Murder" at Oil Lamp Theater —SHOUTChicago.com Read on Patch
  • Hyde Park Resident Featured in "Dial M for Murder" at Oil Lamp Theater —SHOUTChicago.com Read on Patch
  • ESC's Robinson & Belrose Share A Labor Day Guitar Practice & Theatre Don Maximiliano Improv Session In LA! —Darryl Maximilian Robinson Read on Patch
  • Before the Tuskegee Airmen made history, Eugene Jacques Bullard was already breaking barriers in the skies.
    During World War I, Bullard became the first Black American combat pilot, flying missions for France in 1917. Despite his courage and experience,… (Nextdoor Grand Crossing)
  • Friends: if you had a son or daughter who was going to be graduating next spring and who is on the fence about going to college, what trade would you recommend he/she check out?
    Any specific resources you would recommend the young person look into? Thanks and peace, Dave (Nextdoor Edgebrook)
  • TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Ramp Agent/Ground Service Agents in Chicago. Apply here.
  • Whole Foods posted a job opening for Store Receiver - Full Time in Chicago. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Chicago here.

Ok Chicago! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Mount Rushmore (Thank you J.J. W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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