Our new and improved newsletter, some of our most recent articles and Chartwells workers prep for continued negotiations
and Chicago Parks Superintendent finally resigns
Greetings! Let us formally welcome you to 14 East’s new and improved campus and community newsletter, ‘In the Loop.’ Over the last few months, our team has been working hard at revising this newsletter to improve its format and readability, incorporate more breaking news and original reporting and foster engagement with our readers.
The COVID-19 newsletter started as a way to communicate with our readers and community members during a very uncertain time. We wanted to find a way to fill an information gap on campus and get pressing news out to our audience more regularly. But more than that, this endeavor was undertaken as a way to connect — to feel a little less isolated and a little more united.
As COVID-19 becomes less central to our everyday reporting, we move to a new format covering a wider variety of topics. We’re transferring the skills we learned while running a COVID-19 newsletter to bring you In the Loop. Every Monday night, we’ll deliver a rundown of campus updates, city news and national stories and provide some resources and recommendations for your week — just like we’ve been doing since the start of the pandemic so many months ago.
That said, on behalf of our newsletter team — Claire, Cam, Kate, Eiman, Ally, Emily and Grace — we want to sincerely thank you for sticking with us while we reassessed and worked to develop this new format. We hope you love it as much as we do!
News from our newsroom
Hi everyone! My name is Cam Rodriguez, and I’m 14 East’s Managing Editor. In past weeks I’ve written breakdowns of DePaul’s COVID-19 case tracking policies, the 2021 State of the University address and more — and this week, I’m here to highlight some of the great work our staff and contributors have written outside of the newsletter, in our regular publishing cycle.
Hot off the digital press is a timeline of the labor action at El Milagro, from Pueblo managing editor Richie Requena and news editor Jocelyn Martinez-Rosales. They interviewed the workers currently seeking safer work conditions and more equitable pay, and assembled a timeline to oversee the organizing that has taken place over the course of the pandemic.
For a rundown of DePaul’s updated COVID-19 policies for the year, check out our piece from September on mask-wearing, vaccines, social distancing, residence hall policies and more. (Reported by Grace Del Vecchio, Kate Linderman and Cam Rodriguez)
If you’re interested in DePaul’s on-campus quarantine policies and how the university handles isolation housing, senior associate editor Elly Boes has you covered. They highlighted the experiences of students in DePaul’s quarantine housing, located in an on-campus, but unlisted, residential building, and how things haven’t been quite so rosy.
If a long read is what you’re after, why not jump into coverage of DePaul’s struggle to develop an office of sustainability? Contributor Hannah Boardman walks us through the history of the fight to have a functioning sustainability program at the university, and what the program would do for the larger university community.
That’s only a sampling of the great work our newsroom has done since the quarter started -- and we have a pretty spectacular lineup of stories slated for the rest of the year. Interested in getting involved as a writer, or have a tip you want us to investigate? Reply to this email or send us a note.
DePaul News
Chartwells Update
Last Thursday, DePaul Community Accountability Alliance passed out pamphlets and buttons providing information and showing solidarity for DePaul’s dining hall workers, who are currently negotiating with their employer, Chartwells, for a “$19.88 minimum hourly pay for all workers and consistent insurance coverage,” according to the DePaulia.
Unite Here Local 1, the union representing Chartwells employees, and Chartwells’s parent company, The Compass Group, plan to meet on October 25. Unite Here Local 1 does not plan on accepting Compass Group’s proposal that day according to the DePaulia.
Chartwells employees do still plan to strike if demands are not met.
Additional Portrait Days
The university announced two additional portrait days on October 27 and 28 after this week’s appointments on October 13 and 14 filled up. Unfortunately, as of this morning, all appointment slots are filled. Interested faculty, staff and student employees can use this link to check for available appointments.
Hispanic Heritage Month Events at DePaul
This week closes out Hispanic Heritage Month, but DePaul will be hosting various educational and cultural events through November 1st. See Newsline for the full schedule and more information.
Online Environmental Diplomacy Conference
The Grace School of Applied Diplomacy is hosting an online environmental diplomacy conference from October 13 to 15. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. each day and continue into the afternoon. Registration is free and open to all.
Chicago Headlines
Devastating Weekend Report of Continued Gun Violence in Chicago — Gun violence continues to be a pressing matter in the city, with 46 people shot this past weekend, three fatally. The shooting victims included six children. Five of the victims and one of the deceased were part of a larger Wicker Park drive-by shooting early Sunday. Sylvia Goodman of the Tribune has the details.
Lightfoot and Foxx Feud Over West Side Shooting — As gun violence continues to affect the larger Chicago community, two of Chicago’s top public officials have been in a standoff regarding taking action. Mayor Lightfoot and State Attorney Kim Foxx met to discuss a recent shooting on the West Side in which Lightfoot is adamant on pressing charges, but Foxx and top police officials say there isn’t enough evidence. Kelly Bauer of Block Club Chicago reports.
Chicago Police Reporting Discrepancies — The Chicago Police Department has missed a deadline regarding an update for their foot chase policy, which is deemed problematic. In addition, according to a watchdog, they haven’t answered questions about their chase data, which is known to be faulty. Kelly Bauer of Block Club Chicago has the details.
Cook County Commissioner Steps Down — Deborah Sims, one of the longest-serving commissioners in Cook County, has announced that she will not be running for re-election in 2022. She hopes to be replaced by another Black woman. Alice Yin of the Tribune.
Chicago Marathon Returns — After being cancelled last year due to COVID, the annual Chicago Marathon returned this past weekend. Tom Schuba of the Sun Times has the details.
Albany Park Deals with Garbage Stench — In recent weeks, the neighborhood of Albany Park has seen an increase in bad odor from what city officials have claimed are leaks from the old garbage trucks. Aldermen Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th), who represents part of the area, has taken up the concern with the commissioner of the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation at a hearing, citing a concern of a health risk. Mina Bloom of Block Club Chicago.
Park District Superintendent Resigns Following Sexual Harassment Investigation — Superintendent Michael Kelly of the Chicago Park District resigned this past weekend after being called on by Mayor Lightfoot regarding his handling of sexual harassment and abuse allegations concerning the district lifeguards. Matthew Hendrrickson, Lauren FitzPatrick and Fran Spielman of the Sun Times.
National Headlines
No Rush for Another Shot — Some of those who now qualify for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine don’t need to get in line quite yet. Seniors and certain at-risk adults are now eligible, however, those who have been infected previously (either before or after they got the vaccine) aren’t required to get the booster dose right away. Studies indicate that those who contracted the virus and were vaccinated have adequate immunity including immunity against variants. Felicia Schwartz of the Wall Street Journal has the full story.
Jon Gruden is Gone — Las Vegas Raiders head coach, Jon Gruden, has been forced out after a review of emails where Gruden used homophobic and misogynistic language. The New York Times reported previously on Gruden’s emails throughout a seven-year period. Paul Gutierrez at ESPN reported updates.
Prince Andrew in the Clear — British law enforcement officials have dropped their investigation into Prince Andrew after allegations of sexual assault and abuse emerged back in 2019. This comes after Virginia Giuffre filed a lawsuit in August against the Duke of York, with allegations that she was forced to have sex with the prince at the direction of Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has denied the allegations and the lawsuit remains pending. Jennifer Hassan of the Washington Post has the story.
Boston Marathon Winners — Benson Kipruto and Diana Kipyokei of Kenya were the first man and woman victors of the 2021 Boston Marathon. Kipruto finished the race with a time of 2:09:51. Kipyokeu took first for women with 2:24:45. They are both first-time champions. Victor Mather of the New York Times reports the story.
Hey, Check This Out!
With Featured Columnist Emily Soto
Hi everyone and welcome to your new recommendations column, ‘Hey, Check This Out!’ My name is Emily, I am a senior at DePaul, a contributing writer for 14 East and starting today I will be your weekly recommendations columnist!
As a way to introduce myself, I’m going to share a few of my new and current favorites that I recommend you check out. Let’s jump right in!
Music
If you like The Weeknd, you have to check out Majid Jordan. I discovered his music late this summer, after he released a few new songs. Anyways, his smooth and cool voice mixed with a chill, downtempo beat definitely sets a certain mood. You’ll just want to relax and get away from the crazy commotion of the day. His latest song “Summer Rain” does just that. So if that’s what you’re looking for, I suggest that you check him out.
TV
When it comes to television, one thing I always like is a good mystery. So right now, I am in the middle of a show on Netflix called Imposters. It follows a woman, as she takes part in an elaborate con to lure people into marriage, right before she runs away with their fortunes. What she doesn’t know is that her past victims (and some other interested parties) have begun to tail her. I just finished the first of two seasons and watching each con become more and more elaborate has kept me guessing if the past could ever catch up with her.
Food
You should know I love food, so even if the chicken sandwich craze is over, they have been a favorite of mine for years! If you’re like me, I suggest trying Boxcar Betty’s. Located in Ogilvie Transportation Center downtown, and now a new location in Wicker Park, it’s the place for a classic sandwich with juicy chicken (grilled or fried) that you can top however you like. My go to is just lettuce, tomato and spicy mayo.
Thanks for reading! Check back next week for some October themed recommendations as we start approaching that spooky time of the year!
Resources
Rental Assistance
The Illinois Housing Development Authority periodically offers rental payment programs which send vouchers directly to landlords to subsidize rent costs. The program is currently closed to new applicants. However, housing stability service providers are offered year-round. Check out the resources here.
The city of Chicago’s Rental Assistance Program provides funding for Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless.
The Brave Space Alliance currently offers multiple housing resources. In order to distribute aid accordingly, they have a housing intake and assessment form that you can find here.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Resources
All of these testing sites and vaccination sites can be accessed for free and without insurance.
Howard Brown offers free, walk-in COVID-19 viral and antibody testing at multiple locations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, in addition to mobile testing sites that are updated weekly. The organization also offers the Moderna vaccine for individuals 18 and older. You can check all of their current COVID-19 resources here.
The Illinois Department of Public Health and the city of Chicago offer free COVID-19 testing sites in the city and surrounding counties, which are listed with more information here. IDPH also offers COVID-19 vaccines to all residents 12 years and older. Call 833-621-1284 to schedule an appointment.
The city of Chicago partnered with the Community Organized Relief Effort to set up free drive-thru and walk-in testing sites in the city, primarily on the South and West sides, with appointments available Monday through Friday. Register here.
The city has also updated its COVID-19 testing program with more mobile sites, which change weekly. More info here.
Know someone 12 years of age or older who has yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccine? Check out appointments via Zocdoc, the city of Chicago’s Vaccine Finder or pharmacy websites such as Walgreens and CVS.
Mental Health Resources
At Open Counseling, there’s a list of people and nonprofits with counseling services available for free or low cost.
This website compiles mental health resources, including therapist directories and other online resources.
The Center on Halsted offers behavioral health, anti-violence and educational resources for LGBTQ+ people.
Howard Brown Health offers anti-racism resources and sliding scale counseling specializing in the LGBTQ+ community.
This document is a resource for Black people experiencing racial trauma. The master list includes specific resources as well as protesting tips and donation links.
This link is a directory of Black therapists in Chicago who provide services for under $75.
Here’s 7 virtual mental health resources supporting Black people right now, including Chicago-based community organization Sista Afya’s support groups.
The Trans Lifeline’s peer support hotline is a resource operated by transgender and nonbinary staffers for the trans community: 877-565-8860.
The Center for Religion and Psychotherapy in Chicago is a nonprofit that provides affordable, sliding-scale counseling. Call 312-263-4368, ext. 9081 to schedule an intake appointment (counseling is not religious-centered).
That’s it for this week! Again, we sincerely thank you for trusting 14 East with your news.
If you would like to support our work, you can tell your friends and family to subscribe to this newsletter or donate to our newsroom, @fourteeneastmag on Venmo. If you have any feedback about the redesign, feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts.
We’ll catch you back here next Monday!
The 14 East Newsletter Team