Welcome to the Reader‘s morning briefing for Tuesday, September 5, 2017.
- Emanuel is feeling good about Chicago Public Schools
As the 2017-’18 school year begins, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is feeling optimistic about Chicago Public Schools. More than 77 percent of CPS students now graduate from high school within five years, and the district will benefit financially from the state’s new school funding compromise. “We’re going to make sure we’re going to have a full school year and full school day,” the mayor said. “We’re going to make sure it gets done, because the state is now is actually living up to its responsibility.” [Sun-Times] [Tribune]
- Lil Wayne taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after suffering a seizure in River North
Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital Sunday after suffering a seizure at the Dana Hotel and Spa in River North. “He was alert and oriented,” Chicago Fire Department commander Curtis Hudson said. “He has a history of seizures.” The rapper was reportedly forced to cancel a Sunday-night performance in Las Vegas. [Tribune]
- Chance the Rapper, SocialWorks to donate millions to CPS
Chance the Rapper has raised $2.2 million for 20 Chicago Public Schools schools through his nonprofit SocialWorks. “Over the past month, I’ve crisscrossed the city, from Chatham to Chinatown, Humboldt Park to Hyde Park, visiting students and one thing is clear: if we invest in Chicago’s children, we’ll change the world,” he said in a statement. [DNAinfo Chicago]
- The Obama Foundation wants to change the nation’s stereotypes of the south side
The Obama Foundation is using social media to try to challenge “the national and international perception of the South Side at a time when the city is being branded by President Donald Trump as a center of violence, poverty and strife,” according to the Tribune. In one short video produced by the foundation and posted on its Twitter and Instagram accounts, activist Jahmal Cole discusses the positive, often overlooked aspects of his neighborhood, Chatham. “What you always hear about the South Side . . . all you hear about is the violence,” says Cole, founder of the nonprofit My Block, My Hood, My City, which takes teenagers on neighborhood tours throughout the city. “But we have great architecture, great food, great culture. People need to see that. They need to see people on the ground getting it done. A limited mindset is what’s holding our community back.” [Tribune]
- Emanuel urges Trump to let the “Dreamers” stay
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is urging President Donald Trump not to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. “I would say this to President Trump—not that he will listen to me: ‘You need to spend less time tearing down President Obama’s agenda and building your own,’ ” Emanuel said Friday. “Chicago will always be a welcoming city.” Illinois would lose approximately 36,867 “Dreamers” from its workforce if Trump follows through with his promise. [DNAinfo Chicago]
- Shedd Aquarium admission is free from September 6 to September 30
The Shedd Aquarium is offering free admission for Illinois residents from September 6 through September 30. Permanent exhibits, special exhibits, aquatic shows, the “Stingray Touch” experience and the final two Jazzin’ at the Shedd nights are all included. [DNAinfo Chicago]