DNC takeaways, the White Sox’s new record and a hotel staff strike
plus, a new imported wine shop in Avondale
Welcome back to ‘In the Loop’! It’s your newsletter team – Lauren, Ellie, Isabella, Gia, Annabelle and Ella – back with the last edition of In the Loop before school starts. We’ve got a good one for you today.
To start, we have five takeaways from the Democratic National Convention. We also have information on the new DePaul film school ranking, a mass shooting at the Forest Park Blue Line station and landslides in California. To wrap up, we have an introduction to a new Mexican-owned wine shop and some new songs to check out.
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With that, let’s get into it!
5 Takeaways from the DNC
By Lauren Sheperd
Vice President Kamala Harris and Minn. Gov. Tim Walz were officially nominated as the Democratic candidates for president and vice president at an electric Democratic National Convention in Chicago two weeks ago. Since then, the two have hit the campaign trail hard holding rallies and events in key swing states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan. I spent some time inside and outside of the convention that week. Here are my takeaways:
Democrats are taking freedom back
From speeches by top Democrats to musical performances throughout the DNC, the word and concept of “freedom” was a common thread. According to The New York Times, the word was used at the convention 227 times, whereas it didn’t even make the list of the most-used words at the Republican National Convention in July. This contrasts what we’ve seen over much of the past decade as freedom has mainly been used by the Republican party as a way to fear monger voters scared of losing their freedom. At the DNC, however, freedom was used by Democrats to describe a more idealistic world. Instead, it was used as a catalyst for hope. In speeches, people talked about the freedom for women to choose, the freedom to feel safe from gun violence and more. Stevie Wonder even performed his hit song “Higher Ground,” which echoes the theme of freedom and progress.
Voters are actually excited
A Harris/Walz ticket has electrified Democratic voters in ways that haven’t been seen since Former President Barack Obama ran for office in 2008. Not only was the inside of the convention a party with performances and a state-by-state roll call that was entertaining to say the least, but people outside of the convention were excited as well. Darryl Lewis – a teacher just outside of Cleveland, Ohio – traveled all the way to Chicago for the convention. “I felt like it was important to be here to represent and encourage this movement that's happening,” Lewis said. The main issues that concern Lewis are housing, inflation and gun control, and he believes Harris is the best person to create liberal policies in this area. “They want to get the joy back instead of endless hate,” Lewis said. The excitement surrounding the Harris campaign is much different than the disappointment and fear Democrats felt just a few weeks ago when President Joe Biden was still the candidate.
Speeches made by Harris and Walz were electrifying
Acceptance speeches by both Harris and Walz were both inspiring and relatable – something that has been missing from politics for a long time. Harris began her speech talking about her very normal American childhood: her mother was an immigrant and her family moved frequently for her parents’ jobs before settling in the Bay Area. Harris then moved into her experience as a prosecutor, saying she believes “everyone has a right to safety, to dignity and to justice.” Walz also began his speech with stories of his typical, American life. Before he got into politics, he was a high school social studies teacher and football coach. His former team joined him on stage following his speech. Walz also established himself as a family man, discussing him and his wife’s struggle and eventually success with infertility treatment. He then shouted out his wife and two children, eliciting a heartwarming reaction from his son, Gus.
People are sick of Trump – actually this time
In her speech on the second day of the DNC, former First Lady Michelle Obama spent much of her 20 minute speech criticizing Former President Donald Trump. She even used his own line against him, calling the presidency “one of those ‘Black jobs.’” While Obama has always disliked Trump and never kept it a secret, the DNC also brought on several high-profile Republicans – including former Trump staffers – to urge other Republican voters not to vote for him, but rather for Harris. Former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham came to the convention with receipts of Trump’s lies and infidelities as president, especially regarding the Jan. 6 insurrection. “He has no empathy, no morals and no fidelity to the truth,” Grisham said in her speech. Other well-known Republicans who spoke against Trump at the convention include Mesa, Ariz. Mayor John Giles and former Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.
A Harris Administration would be the most progressive we’ve ever seen
Policy was another major focus of speeches and content at the DNC – as it should be. Some main issues of focus are the ones facing the most scrutiny right now: abortion, gun control and the economy. “When Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law,” Harris said in her speech. If elected, Trump has threatened to enact a national abortion ban, though he has backed down from that stance as his numbers in the polls drop. Harris also highlighted her plan to create an “opportunity economy,” which entails lowering the cost of everyday expenses – such as healthcare and groceries. Harris said her presidential economy will be one “where everyone has the chance to compete and a chance to succeed.”
DePaul News
By Ellie Shelton
Hollywood Reporter Ranks DePaul Among Best Film Schools in US
DePaul is officially at 11th on Hollywood Reporter’s Best Film Schools in the US list, moving up three spots from last year’s ranking. The school’s Cinespace Studios offers students state-of-the-art facilities and high-end equipment. This space has brought students the opportunity to work on popular Chicago based TV shows and movies such as “The Bear” and “Chicago Fire.” The School of Cinematic Arts has more.
NSF Awards DePaul and Sinai Researchers $1.5 Million
The National Science Foundation has awarded DePaul and Sinai Chicago researchers $1.5 million to expand their SCHOLAR model. The model aims to reduce readmissions to hospital emergency departments through combining AI technology and human insight. The project involves both DePaul faculty as well as undergraduate and graduate students. While the SCHOLAR model is aimed toward helping Chicago communities, there are anticipated long-term effects. DePaul Newsline has more.
Outstanding Faculty to be Recognized at Convocation
Faculty and staff were honored at last Thursday’s convocation ceremony for their extraordinary work. The awards being awarded include The Via Sapientiae, the Spirit of DePaul Award, the Staff Quality Service Award, the Staff Council Diversity Award, the Excellence in Teaching Award, the Provost’s Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Gerald Paetsch Academic Advising Award and the Spirit of Inquiry Award. DePaul Newsline has more.
Chicago Headlines
By Isabella Salinas
NASCAR is returning to Chicago — Company officials announce that NASCAR will be returning to Chicago for their third year in 2025. NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race Weekend will return July 5-6 for the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series along the same previous 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course. The event will be in Grant Park. NASCAR’s Chicago series has taken over Grant Park the past two summers, with both events being shortened due to heavy rainfall. This announcement sparks controversy as neighbors and elected officials have shared their qualms about the race and not wanting it to return. A statement from the Mayor’s Office confirmed the race’s return Thursday saying a 2024 economic impact would be coming soon. Melody Mercardo from Block Club Chicago has more.
White Sox break franchise record — The Chicago White Sox lost their 107th game this season on Sunday against the New York Mets, breaking a team record for defeats in a single season. With only 24 games remaining on their schedule, they could very well set an MLB record for losses in a single season. The current record belongs to the 1962 Mets, who lost 120 games in one season. The NBC Chicago Staff has more.
Four killed in shooting on Forest Park Blue Line train — Four people were killed in a mass shooting on a CTA Blue Line train in Forest Park on Monday morning. Forest Park Police Deputy Chief Christopher Chin said all four victims were passengers on a Blue Line train as it was headed into the Forest Park terminal when they were shot shortly before 5:30 a.m. Three victims were found dead at the scene. A fourth victim was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead, police said. The identities of the victims have yet to be released. Police said this event was isolated and there was no threat to the community. A suspect was taken into custody later Monday morning after being located on a CTA Pink Line caught on surveillance video by CTA security and Forest Park police. Currently Blue Line service has been temporarily suspended between Forest Park and Austin. Shuttle buses will be available and CTA trains will operate between O'Hare and Austin. This is a developing story, Elyssa Kaufman, Todd Feurer, Asal Rezaei at CBS News will have updates.
CPS to offer Chicago teachers raises — Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez announced Thursday that he plans to offer the union a significant proposal for teacher raises. This proposal – which the union has been waiting on – includes annual raises between 4% and 5%. A source from the mayor’s office said the proposal had been greenlighted weeks ago. The Chicago Teachers Union calls the proposal a “better initial financial offer than what we’ve received in previous contract cycles over the last 15 years,” in a letter to members. The CTU also acknowledges that this proposal is just the beginning of the process and says the district has not responded to 75% of the union’s proposals. The CTU also argues this development only happened after it was revealed that the mayor’s office was making moves to push out Martinez. For the past couple of months, union leaders have been criticizing Martinez for asserting that the district has no money to pay for the school investments they want. Sarah Karp at WBEZ Chicago has more.
National Headlines
By Gia Clarke
Hotel staff at popular U.S. hotels go on strike — More than 10,000 hotel workers were on strike this Labor Day weekend demanding higher pay, fairer workloads and the reversal of COVID-era pay cuts. UNITE HERE is the name of the union the hotel workers are represented by. The workers are from prominent U.S. hotel chains Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott. Approximately 5,000 people – nearly half of the workers on strike – are based in Honolulu. The rest of the workers are based in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego and San Jose, Calif. The strike could spread to other cities as 15,000 workers at UNITE HERE have voted to authorize strikes. Dee-Ann Durbin from the Associated Press has more information.
U.S. seizes Venezuelan president’s airplane — The U.S. seizes Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro’s plane after determining that the plane was illegally purchased in the U.S. for $13 million. It was smuggled from the U.S. to Venezuela through the Caribbean, according to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The plane has been used for traveling to and from a Venezuelan military base, as well as Maduro’s international travels. The Venezuelan government will have the chance to pursue forfeiture, or petition for the plane back. Priscilla Alvarez from CNN has more information.
Federal workers around D.C. worry about Trump’s plans to send them away — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump proposes the relocation of up to 100,000 federal jobs from Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia under his Agenda 47 plan, and many federal workers are troubled by the potential move. Due to the anxiety caused by this plan, Trump might lose Virginia in this election as he has done in both 2016 and the 2020 election. Maryland’s Republican candidate for Senate Larry Hogan called this relocation plan “crazy.” Federal workers are also concerned about having their job and/or civil service protections eliminated under Trump’s “Project 2025” proposal. Olivia Diaz and Brian Witte from The Associated Press have more information.
140 homes in California have their power cut due to landslides — In the luxury Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhood, 140 homes had their power cut due to worsening landslides. These landslides triggered evacuation warnings and a gas shutoff. As of now, evacuations are not mandatory, but city officials asked affected residents to limit water and plumbing usage. Geologists say the landslides are moving more than a foot a week in some areas. Increases in heavy rain due to climate change seem to be the main culprit of the worsening coastal conditions. Erik Ortiz from NBC News has more information.
14 East Pueblo: Vinoteca brings exclusive foreign wines to Chicago
By Annabelle Rivera
A new storefront stocking wines from Spain, Portugal and Mexico opened in an Avondale basement this Saturday.
The store — called Vinoteca — carries wines from smaller, independent vineyards from Europe and Latin America. There are plans to start a wine club for those interested in learning more about them, and by the end of the year, the store will be carrying exclusive wines never before sold in the U.S.
Founder Paula Schroeder — who grew up in Mexico City — handpicked the more than 50 wines her business sells. Her mother works with Spanish vineyards, so she was able to connect with people looking to sell their products in the United States.
“I don’t want to be in a wine store where you come in and it’s daunting or intimidating to find wine,” Schroeder said. “I want it to be for the people. I want people that live in the area to come by.”
Vinoteca is located at 3035 N. California Ave. It is open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Hey, Check This Out!
With Featured Columnist Ella McCoy
Dear reader, have you ever been in one of those music ruts? Sometimes, I start to feel like I’m just listening to the same songs, over and over, not branching out or discovering any new beats. Just as I was beginning to despair in the depths of a music rut, lo and behold, some of my favorite artists released fresh music; and as it turns out, they are all absolute bangers. Each of these artists – though differing in their style and delivery – pack a punch both lyrically and sonically in each of these songs. You’ll definitely be adding these into your regular rotation. Let’s get into it!
What’s Fair by Blondshell
“What’s Fair” is Blondshell’s first release since her self-titled debut album came out in April of 2023. Her first album is, “wildly confessional, laced with quick wit and charm,” according to KXSC radio. Blondshell’s vulnerable lyricism contrasts with harsh, punk tinged production. Blondshell often uses this juxtaposition as an opportunity for humor or irony, and this aspect is present in “What’s Fair” as well. She asks the question, “What’s a fair assessment?” of her mother’s job of raising her. This potent message is sung along to the strum of intense electric guitar, swooning the listener into their feels in the best way possible. For those of us that have complicated relationships with our mothers, “What’s Fair” will make you feel seen
Legs by Annie DiRusso
In this anthem of independence, irony and self-awareness, Annie DiRusso declares in the chorus of “Legs,” “I am loosening my grip, I don’t give a s*** if we f*** or we date.” DiRusso is an underground, up and coming artist. She has a few singles and she released one EP in 2023, but “Legs” differs from her EP sonically. “Legs” gives hardcore rock vibes all the way, and on the surface DiRusso is stating that she doesn’t care but ironically slips into the refrain, “I hope you want me,” which is antithetical to the rest of the song. This bit of pining, while obviously wanting to be carefree will hit close to home for any hopeless romantic.
Casual Drug Use by Katie Gavin
“Casual Drug Use” is the second single released from Katie Gavin’s upcoming album set to be released in October. In this song, Gavin reminisces and reflects on how quickly they will fall back into their own patterns of “fixing my issues with casual drug use.” Though the message and delivery is rather blunt, hearty, warm guitar and layered vocals makes what would be a solemn song into an upbeat, clap-a-long tune. My personal favorite lyric, and the one I believe to be the most poignant is, “sometimes it's harder to come back home than to come down.” In a press release, Gavin herself said, “This is a song about being young and on bad behavior, and the comfort of having friends by your side.” The bittersweetness of home for young people is emphasized in that lyric in a beautiful way. If you’re a twenty-something with bad habits who is still figuring it out, you’ll feel seen by this song.
Resources
Need resources regarding cooling centers, rental assistance, abortion access, COVID-19 testing and vaccines or mental health? Check out our complete list here.
That’s it for today! See you next Monday.
The 14 East Newsletter Team