Welcome to the Reader‘s morning briefing for Tuesday, June 20, 2017.
- Chicago hit 300 homicides over Father’s Day weekend, keeping pace with 2016
A 33-year-old man was shot to death around 2:30 AM Monday, marking the 300th homicide in Chicago in 2017, according to the Tribune. The 300th homicide of 2016 also took place over Father’s Day weekend. It was a violent holiday weekend, with at least 50 people shot and 11 people killed; 13 were injured and four were killed even over a five-hour period from late Sunday into early Monday. [Tribune]
- Report: Less than a quarter of Chicago teens attend their neighborhood high schools
Less than a quarter of Chicago students attend their neighborhood public high school, according to a report by DNAinfo Chicago. In 2007, almost 45 percent of Chicago teens went to their neighborhood Chicago Public Schools high school. The numbers show a dramatic shift toward selective enrollment Chicago Public Schools and private schools. CPS has also been giving parents and students more choice about their schools. “I don’t think it’s people abandoning neighborhood schools,” the district’s chief education officer, Janice Jackson told DNAinfo Chicago. “I think we know that there’s a degree of competitiveness within schools and we make sure there’s balance there. Parents have choice, and we do want parents to choose based on their values.” [DNAinfo Chicago]
- Chicago-based Byline Bank is planning its IPO
Byline Bank wants to be the first Chicago-based bank to go public in 15 years. The bank and its parent company are planning its initial public offering (IPO) of up to $82 million, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Bank stocks have been on the rise due to optimism about the economy and rising interest rates. “It’s just a very good time to be raising capital,” Stephen Nelson, a managing director with investment banking firm D.A. Davidson, told the magazine. [Crain’s Chicago Business]
- Packers fan sues Bears for not allowing him to wear Packers gear on the field
A Green Bay Packers fan, who is also a Chicago Bears season ticket holder, is suing the Bears for not allowing him to wear his Packers gear during game-day events for season ticket holders on the field. Russell Beckman, who ‘s representing himself, owns both Bears and Packers season tickets. “I enjoy going to Chicago to watch the Bears play the Packers every year in Soldier Field. I love Soldier Field and I love the rivalry,” he told the Sun-Times in a phone interview. “I think I have more respect for Bears fans than they do. . . . I think the Bears are being disrespectful to their fans by not letting them wear what they want.” [Sun-Times]
- Chicago Lighthouse, one of two major clock factories in the world, will start selling its clocks at Target and Amazon
Many Chicagoans don’t realize that one of the two major clock factories in the world and the only one outside of China is located on the west side. About 85 percent of its employees are legally blind, which is what really makes it special. The Chicago Lighthouse has been making clocks for the federal government for 40 years, and now is launching a line for consumers. The clocks are already available on Amazon and will be available at local Target stores this summer. There are even clocks featuring the Chicago flag and a map of the el stops. “I think there is a growing market for clocks that are attractive for your home,” the organization’s president and CEO, Janice Szlyk, said. “People may be using their smartphones to tell the time, but you want something more decorative in your home.” [CBS Chicago]
- International travelers at O’Hare will now be able to transfer terminals without going through security again
International flyers at O’Hare International Airport will be able to transfer terminals without leaving the secured area thanks to a new bus service. Buses will transfer passengers with American Airlines tickets who arriving on domestic flights at Terminal 3 to the international terminal, bypassing security. The new service could reduce security lines in the international terminal by 1,000 passengers a day, according to officials. [DNAinfo Chicago]