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Chicago High School Has 115 Teen Moms
There's a serious teen pregnancy crisis at Robeson High School in Chicago. Out of 800 female students, 115 are either pregnant or already moms. That's about one out of seven girls.
Front Page: Barack and Michelle Go For the Gold in Denmark
- Michelle Obama promises "take no prisoners" when she and Barack go to Denmark Thursday with hopes of nabbing the 2016 Olympics for Chicago. — CNN
- The US plans to economically isolate Iran if the country does not allow international inspectors in to examine its nuclear program. — Washington Post
- At least 240 people have died in the Philippines as a result of severe flooding.
Sorority President Commissions $900K Wax Statue of Herself
It might have been OK to waste funds when former Chicago Housing Authority comptroller Barbara McKinzie worked in government, but her sorority sisters at Alpha Kappa Alpha are not having it! McKinzie, who is the current national president of the oldest predominantly black sorority, is being sued by AKA members for misusing funds. One of the alleged offenses?
The Sears Tower Has a Sky High Identity Crisis
The New York based owner for a Chicago based tower has signed a naming-rights deal with a London based insurance broker. Confused? OK here's all you need to know: the Sears Tower will soon be renamed to the Willis Tower.
Obama's Education Secretary Supports Gay High Schools
Yesterday Obama announced Arne Duncan, head of the Chicago school system, as education secretary. With the reputation of a tough, results-gettin' reformer and an agenda to make schools so competitive you'll think you're in a Korean prep school, his appointment on paper sounds like an A. Minus.
Election Parties: Chicago Obamafest, McCain on Hotel Lawn?
The Mayor of Chicago estimates that the Obama election night party could cost the city as much as $2 million. The free and open-to-the-public lakefront party at Grant Park will require the city to beef up security; but the Obama campaign has agreed to reimburse seriously cash-strapped Chicago.
Down in Arizona, rumor has it that McCain might not even show up to his soiree.
Pencils Down! Third-World Math Scores in Chicago
A new study comparing US urban school districts and foreign countries found that math scores in Chicago are on par with other countries — Third World countries. Only 13 percent of eighth graders in the city's public schools are proficient in math.
One education expert thinks the scores make a persuasive case against creating magnet schools for gifted students, arguing that students need the few top students as role models, and examples of "normal kids who perform well."
School Pride: Chicago Considers Gay High School
Questioning the notion that segregation is bad for students, Chicago's school district is considering opening a high school for gay, lesbian, and transgender students. The school is among a group of recommended specialized schools, another example being a technology-focused campus.
Schools targeting gay students — a group more likely to drop out, abusing drugs, and committing suicide — exist in other cities.
Chicago's Murder Rate Double American Soldiers Killed in Iraq
Chicago residents have faced an exceptionally deadly Summer this year — 123 people were shot and killed, twice the amount of US soldier casualties in Iraq over the same period.
Throughout 2008, murder rates in Chicago have risen. In July Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich said he was prepared to call in the National Guard to help restore order to the "out of control" city.
Pencils Sharpened, but Back to School Boycott on in Chicago
It's back to school day for everyone from Belgian princesses to my mom (Princess Laetitia of Belgium, pictured) but not for hundreds of Chicago public school students expected to skip classes today. They're protesting the financial divide in the Illinois public school system.
Packed classrooms, old textbooks, and a dearth of technology tips the scale between schools who have and schools who ain't got it.
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