Indigenous Peoples' Day, Chicago Marathon, and Film Festival returns
Plus, a new episode of The B-Side
Welcome back to ‘In the Loop’! We’ve got a good one for you today. It's your newsletter team — Alexandra, Audrey, Eiman, Cary, Jana, Sam, Annabelle, Elizabeth, Hailey and Alex — back with another edition to start off your week!
Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day that honors Native Americans’ resilience and contributions to U.S society in the face of discrimination and genocide.
In tonight’s newsletter, a feature story by 14 East’s Managing Editor, Eiman Navaid, who covered the Chicago Marathon on Sunday where multiple DePaul students participated. Also, Chicago’s International Film Festival is returning and is set to run October 11-22, make sure to keep an eye out for future 14 East coverage over the event. Finally, a new episode of 14 East’s podcast The B-Side comes out tonight!
If you want to show support for 14 East and ‘In the Loop,’ we invite you to donate directly to our newsroom. Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a monthly gift, every cent helps us build a newsroom that serves you, our readers, and we get 100% of your donation.
With that, let’s get into the news!
The B-Side: Can Brandon Johnson’s Green New Deal Save Chicago’s Climate Crisis?
By Ellie Shelton, with Audrey Leib, Morgan Kirsch and Andrew Vucsko-Cameron
Chicagoans felt let down by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s climate change plan. While there was a plan in place, Lightfoot failed to follow through. However, Mayor Brandon Johnson has a new approach to fight climate change. 14 East contributor Ellie Shelton pulls from the DePaul University community and the public in this analysis of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Green New Deal.
Story: Ellie Shelton
Producer: Audrey Leib
Performer: Morgan Kirsch
Music: Andrew Vucsko-Cameron
DePaul Students Volunteer for Chicago Marathon
By Eiman Navaid
The 45th annual Chicago Marathon was held yesterday, October 8. Starting and ending in Grant Park, near DePaul University’s Loop campus, a significant number of DePaul students signed up to volunteer for the day.
Senior Dana Khatib learned about the volunteering opportunity through DePaul UMMA (United Muslims Moving Ahead). She said it seemed like a great opportunity to contribute to the city.
“With DePaul being in Chicago, there are so many unique experiences we are able to take part of,” Khatib said. “Helping people while being around the energy and enthusiasm of the race was very fun.”
Ayah Shaw, a freshman at DePaul, also learned about the opportunity through DePaul UMMA, and has been volunteering for other causes in her hometown of Florida.
“I’m from Florida and I was involved with some of the marathons and walks they do there, such as the walk for autism,” Shaw said. “Now that I’ve moved to Chicago, I was looking for new volunteer opportunities and found this event.”
Aside from DePaul students, other people in the city of Chicago were also able to help out. Volunteer Isaac Greenberg had been missing out on some volunteer experience and decided to take up this opportunity to give back.
“Good cause, good people, and a city-wide event. Just figured, why not help out where I can and be a part of something bigger than me,” Greenberg said.
Loyola University student Kailash Maddula was able to volunteer through an organization at their university that participates in volunteering at this event every year. While he’s volunteered at other events such as the Alzheimer's walk, he’s “never had a role that is as big as it is in this one.”
The Chicago Marathon is hosted by the Bank of America. Ashlei Turner, who works there, was able to learn about the volunteer opportunity through her job.
“I think it’s a great use of my time, and I really enjoy seeing all of the runners,” Turner said. She hopes to run the marathon herself one day, so seeing other runners inspires her.
Marathon volunteers were assigned different shifts and locations, with different responsibilities, some of which included gear check and aid stations. Depending on the station they were assigned, volunteers had different timings for their shifts, some starting as early as 5 a.m.
A new record was broken at the Chicago Marathon, with runner Kelvin Kiptim finishing with an unofficial time of 2 hours and 35 seconds, beating two-time Olympic Champion Eliud Kipchoge by 34 seconds.
Those who want to volunteer next year can sign up for upcoming news and updates using this link.
DePaul News
By Cary Robbins
Graduate students receive funding for research opportunities
Graduate students from the College of Science and Health have received $10,000 in fellowship from the Illinois Space Grant Consortium, according to DePaul Newsline. The graduate students receiving the funding are Kiley Chernicky, Elena Drosos, Andrew Jocham and Raffy Traas. They will be doing research on Earth and space. DePaul has been a member of the consortium since 2004, and this academic year, DePaul is receiving $104,500 from the consortium that will be used for undergraduate and graduate research. To learn more about the graduate students and what they will be researching with the fellowship, read DePaul Newsline here.
New safety protocols
Due to recent events, DePaul implemented safety protocols for students that started last Monday, October 2. Everyone is required to carry their DePaul IDs at all times while in the Lincoln Park or Loop campuses. DePaul’s Public Safety officers could request to see IDs at any time. People must show their DePaul ID or guest registration to access university floors at the DePaul Center in the Loop Campus. Individuals will also have to show their DePaul ID or government-issued ID to enter the Richardson Library in the Lincoln Park campus. Access DePaul Newsline’s list of new protocols here.
DePaul’s Virtual Health & Benefits Fair
On October 16, DePaul’s 2023 Virtual Health & Benefits Fair will open, where students can receive help deciding “which benefits will meet your needs in the upcoming year,” according to DePaul Newsline. Last year, students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from DePaul’s benefits vendors, get biometrics screenings and access to flu shots. This year’s virtual fair will last from October 16 - November 3. To learn more about the fair and how to receive wellness credits, read here.
Lastly, here is your weekend sports update (October 6-8)
DePaul men’s soccer team lost 0-3 against Akron on Saturday.
DePaul’s volleyball team lost 0-3 against Creighton on Saturday.
DePaul women’s soccer team won 2-1 against Butler on Sunday.
DePaul men’s tennis team won two singles victories on Sunday, concluding the tournament.
Read more about DePaul sports updates here.
Chicago Headlines
By Jana Simovic
Numerous records were set at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday – Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya, set a world record in the men’s division, finishing at 2:00:35 at 23 years of age on Sunday, October 8, 2023 during the 45th annual Chicago Marathon. This is the sixth time in the marathon race’s history that a world record has been broken in Chicago, and Kiptum’s third marathon overall. In Sifan Hassan’s second-ever marathon on Sunday, she set a course record time in the women’s division with a time of 2:13:44, while Catherine Debrunner would have set a record in the women's wheelchair division with an unofficial time of 1:38:44. To read more about what happened at this year's marathon, Kyle Williams from the Chicago Sun-Times has the story.
Southside Recycling to remain closed until further notice – Southside Recycling, a controversial metal scrapper that is planned to open on Chicago's Southeast side at 11600 S. Burley Ave. The recycling center is set to remain closed as a city judge’s decision to overturn the company’s permit denial did not mean the company will automatically receive the permit, ruled Cook County Circuit Court Judge Allen Walker on Thursday, October 5. The facility is planned to take over Lincoln Park scrapper General Iron’s assets and employees but due to a years-long Deny the Permit campaign led by Southeast side residents, their operating permit was denied by former public health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady. To read more developments and background on this story, check out Block Club Chicago’s article here.
Bears icon, Dick Butkus, passes away at 80 – Dick Butkus, linebacker known by Bears fans and Chicagoans alike, passed away in his sleep on October 5 in his Malibu home. Born on the South Side of Chicago and Hall of Fame resident, Butkus' name is synonymous with resilience and power that echoes throughout generations of Bears fans, even almost 50 years post-retirement from his last game. Read more about Butkus’ incredible history and influence in Block Club Chicago’s article here.
The annual Chicago International Film Festival returns this week – The Chicago International Film Festival is set to run from October 11-22 for the 59th time, marking it as the longest-running international film festival in North America. Opening night is set to be a Block Party in front of the Music Box Theater on Southport, from 5-10 p.m. Listen to WBEZ’s reset to hear more.
National Headlines
By Sam Freeman
Native Americans celebrate their cultures on Indigenous Peoples Day – Native Americans celebrate their history on Indigenous Peoples Day, two years after President Joe Biden officially declared it to be Indigenous Peoples Day. About 150 people in Minnesota attended a sunrise prayer and ceremony at a lake on the south side of Minneapolis called Bde Maka Ska. In Augusta, Maine, hundreds of people celebrated by rallying outside the Statehouse in support of a statewide vote on an amendment to restore tribal treaties. Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the lives that were changed as a result of colonialism. “Today, we recognize our ancestors and predecessors who really laid the foundation for us to stand,” said Thorne LaPointe, an indigenous organizer and Native American. The Associated Press has the story.
The House of Representatives has no speaker, but there’s lots to do – Last week, a group of far-right Republicans and unified Democrats voted to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, leaving the House unable to conduct legislative business without an elected speaker. The House is not expected to vote on a new speaker until midweek at the earliest. In the meantime, it cannot address various issues, including additional funding to help Israel after an attack from the Hamas. Presently, Congress has 39 days to pass the 12 appropriation bills to prevent a government shutdown. It might also affect funding and aid for Ukraine, annual defense spending, anti-HIV efforts and COVID relief. If Republicans elect a far-right speaker, cooperation with Democrats will likely become increasingly difficult. Rachel Treisman from NPR has more information.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. intends to run for president as an independent – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday that he plans to run for president as an independent candidate, ending his pursuit as a Democratic nominee. Kennedy has been a harsh critic of Democratic leadership, claiming that the party has abandoned its principles. Kennedy has alienated many Democrats in his support of conspiracy theories and rejection of scientific orthodoxies. Kennedy’s opposition to mandatory vaccination of children and government handling of COVID has created a platform attracting Americans weary of the pandemic. “The Democrats are frightened that I’m going to spoil the election for President Biden, and the Republicans are frightened that I’m going to spoil it for Trump,” he said. “The truth is, they’re both right. My intention is to spoil it for both of them.” Rebecca Davis O’Brien from the New York Times has the story.
Schools are unprepared for heat, high water and hurricanes – Climate disasters are becoming more common, and school districts are grappling with the long term effects. In New York, for example, rain flooded the city and soaked more than 300 schools. Cafeterias and kitchens were unusable and commute times skyrocketed. Schools across the country are trying to prepare their facilities for climate change and other issues, including the COVID pandemic. Heat waves, in particular, have caused schools to close early because they’re not equipped to support that level of air conditioning. However, many school districts do not receive enough money to make the necessary adjustments. Colbi Edmonds from the New York Times has more information.
14 East Pueblo: Bad Bunny Announces Fifth Studio Album
By Annabelle Rivera
“The day most anticipated by many has arrived…” wrote Bad Bunny on his Instagram Monday morning, announcing the release of his new album to his 46 million followers.
The album, titled “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana” (Nobody Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow), is set to be released this Friday, October 13. This is the Puerto Rican artist’s fifth solo studio album in as many years.
In the lavish announcement video, Bad Bunny is seen being swarmed by paparazzi and entering an expensive restaurant where patrons stare at him in awe. A worker says to him “Don Benito, so nice to see you” and the camera pans to the artist, showcasing his newly shaved head. The video then cuts to the title and release date of the album.
This announcement comes two weeks after the release of his single “Un Preview,” after which he told fans via WhatsApp that the single would likely be the last song he released this year. He then teased fans on Sunday by posting on X that 22 songs would be on the upcoming album and they would all be “FUEGO” (fire).
Two of the songs on the album are “Un Preview” and “Where She Goes,” which was released in May. No other songs are known at this time. In an interview with Vanity Fair this September, the artist said “I’m being inspired a lot by the music of the ’70s”—across genres, in both Spanish and English—but I’m not sure if this is going to shape my music, generally or just one song.” The debut of his shaved head, reminiscent of his style in his trap days, also led fans on social media to believe that he might be making a comeback to his original sound.
“Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana” is available to pre save here.
Hey, Check This Out!
With Featured Columnist Elizabeth Gregerson
From cookbooks to television shows, this section of the newsletter has been somewhat of a recommendations smorgasbord. Instead of adding to the recommendations menu, today’s column will advise you on how to access the entertainment buffet.
In honor of the Chicago Public Library’s 150th anniversary, this week you’re getting a library card.
Already have a library card, don’t scroll! Did you know libraries offer more than books and microfiche?
Many libraries, including the Chicago Public Library (CPL), have partnered with a streaming service called Hoopla to give their members access to an entire library of movies, television shows, audiobooks and music. Using your library card to log in to Hoopla’s app means your rentals are as easily accessible as Spotify or Netflix. If you prefer not to stream, you can always walk into your library and rent a DVD or CD.
Shopping for books can feel overwhelming as the cost of living seems to rise each day. According to publishers Mill City Press, the average cost of a fictional paperback book can range anywhere from $13.95 to $17.95 before tax. After tax, the cost of one book could be the same as one meal.
The appeal of typing in a book title on Amazon and knowing it will show up on your doorstep in a few days is hard to resist when spending hard earned money. Which makes having a library card even more delectable, because it's free. Most libraries allow card holders to reserve a book (or other materials) for pick up, making instant gratification an attainable goal.
Late fees are a relic of libraries-past with more and more opting to go “fine free.” The CPL only charges overdue fines on interlibrary loan materials, meaning materials the library finds for you from a different library’s collection.
The Chicago Public Library has 81 locations, from West Pullman to Edgewater. This column barely covered everything libraries offer. If you still need more convincing, browse the list of online resources offered by CPL to see all the databases and services card members have access to, and then go get your card!
Resources
Need resources regarding warming 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