Federal disaster declaration, rent’s rising, migrant pop-up barbershop

08/17/23 • 5 min

The Biden administration declared Cook County a disaster area following major flooding before July 4. The cost of rent is becoming a burden for many Illinoians and local organizers say they want to lift the state’s Rent Control Preemption Act. A group of asylum seekers set up a pop-up barbershop near downtown Chicago.

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Meet Major Taylor, then ride the Chicago trail that bears his name

Major Taylor is an American cyclist that once held seven world sprint records. He demanded justice during his competing days around the turn of the 20th century in the face of racist competitors and race organizers. A cycling and walking trail through Chicago’s South Side bears Major Taylor’s name, and a celebration ride in his honor is scheduled for August 26. Two local experts on Major Taylor and the Major Taylor Trail tell us his story and the story of the community through which his trail passes.

Keith Holt is a founding member of the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago and a pivotal part of the establishment of the Major Taylor Trail. Brenda Dixon is the secretary of the Major Taylor Cycling Club, vice president of the Friends of the Major Taylor Trail and president of the board for the Major Taylor Trail Keepers.

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Child social media influencers, GOP prep for 2024, migrant safety

Illinois recently became the first state to ensure legal protections for child social media influencers. Illinois Republicans are embracing voting by mail as they prepare for the 2024 election cycle. Local volunteers aim to protect migrants arriving in Chicago from exploitation.