Chicago

 We recently reported on a Chicago Public Schools privacy policy that blocks students from accessing software programs that their suburban peers use for art, design, computer science, math and engineering classes. 

What they're saying: "I have worked hard to find resources that add educational value to my students and are free! It's sad to not allow the use of these resources that so many have used for so long," Lane Tech teacher Amy Wozniak wrote on a Change.org petition where more than 2,000 people have urged CPS to rethink its policy. 

The other side: CPS officials have no plans to change their stringent interpretation of a state privacy law or join a consortium of other Illinois schools that collaboratively approve software. Instead, they continue to push software vendors to comply.  

"We are currently working with these vendors toward a solution to restore these products and services," CPS spokesperson Sylvia Barragan tells Axios. 

"We're determined to give each vendor agreement a thorough review in an effort to protect student privacy."   

Teachers want CPS to rethink software rules

CPS teachers feel their students are at a disadvantage because of software rules.

A photo of a student looking at a computer. 

  A CPS student works on a computer. Photo: Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images  

We recently reported on a <a class="gtm-content-click" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Public Schools privacy policy " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2021/11/02/cps-policy-blocks-student-access-to-computer-software" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2021/11/02/cps-policy-blocks-student-access-to-computer-software" target="_self">Chicago Public Schools privacy policy </a>that blocks students from accessing <a class="gtm-content-click" data-vars-link-text="software programs" data-vars-click-url="https://cps.app.learnplatform.com/new/public/tools" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cps.app.learnplatform.com/new/public/tools" target="_blank">software programs</a> that their suburban peers use for art, design, computer science, math and engineering classes. What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;I have worked hard to find resources that add educational value to my students and are free! It&#x27;s sad to not allow the use of these resources that so many have used for so long,&quot; Lane Tech teacher Amy Wozniak wrote on a <a class="gtm-content-click" data-vars-link-text="Change.org" data-vars-click-url="https://www.change.org/p/cps-board-of-education-provide-equitable-resources-for-chicago-teachers-and-students" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.change.org/p/cps-board-of-education-provide-equitable-resources-for-chicago-teachers-and-students" target="_blank">Change.org</a> petition where more than 2,000 people have urged CPS to rethink its policy.

News

Welcome to our list of locally sourced, Chicago-themed gifts that will roll out over the next 12 days.  

Today: Minted (Frango-flavored) imperial stout from Hop Butcher For The World brewery in Darien. 

Why: For a lot of Chicagoans, Christmas wouldn't be the same without a box of Marshall Field's Frango Mints (sorry, I will NEVER say Macy's Frango Mints — not even if there's a fire!). This could start a fun new grown-up tradition.

The experience: Tribune beer writer Josh Noel says it better, but I adored the choco-minty nose, the rich mouthfeel and the lingering not-too-sweet Frango finish.

Be careful: This sucker packs 10.5% alcohol, which means I feel quite drunk as I write this. 

Best for: Beer geeks who can appreciate the Frango connection.   

Where to get it: Hop Butcher retail locations, though Minted is expected to sell out in a few days. 

The 12 Days of Chicago Christmas: Frango Beer

Recommending very specific Chicago gift ideas for your holiday enjoyment.

 Frango mint flavored stout hits Chicago shelves this week and is expected to sell out quickly. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios  

Welcome to our list of locally sourced, Chicago-themed gifts that will roll out over the next 12 days. Today: Minted (Frango-flavored) imperial stout from <a class="gtm-content-click" data-vars-link-text="Hop Butcher For The World " data-vars-click-url="http://www.hopbutcher.com/#/minted/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.hopbutcher.com/#/minted/" target="_blank">Hop Butcher For The World </a>brewery in Darien.

Food and Drink

Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs launched "Music Lives Here" this summer, a list and map of 50 historical music sites around town.

Why it matters: Compiled by Aaron Cohen, author of "Move on Up: Chicago's Soul Music and Black Cultural Power," the project organizes Chicago's vast musical history into an easy format for learning and enjoyment. 

The downside: "The list could have easily gone to number 100," he tells Axios. 

Between the lines: We asked Cohen if he could boil it down to a 10-site tour for Axios readers along with songs to go with them:

"Jewish immigrants Leonard and Phil Chess established the premier Chicago record label here, where many of the best blues, soul and jazz artists found a home."

Tracks: Jackie Ross, "Selfish One";Howlin' Wolf, "Spoonful."

🪕 Old Town School of Folk Music: 909 W Armitage Ave.

After leaving a tiny storefront in Old Town, the venerable folk music performance and educational space moved here in 1968 and later expanded to Lincoln Square.

"Students who went on to wide acclaim include John Prine and Steve Goodman."

Tracks: John Prine, "Sam Stone"; Steve Goodman, "City of New Orleans."

🎸 Muddy Waters' House: 4339 S. Lake Park Ave.

When Muddy Waters moved up to Chicago from the Mississippi Delta, he plugged in to become one of the world's most popular and influential blues stars. 

His longtime home is being redeveloped to honor Waters' music and legacy.

Tracks: "Got My Mojo Working" and "Rolling And Tumbling."

🪘 Puerto Rican Congress of Mutual Aid: Division and Mozart St.

Carlos Ruiz established the Congress of Mutual Aid in the 1950s to give Puerto Rican migrants in Chicago a cultural hub. 

Over the next decade, his Ebirac Records would document the city’s burgeoning salsa bands.

Tracks: Justicia, "Stone Flower:"; Ebirac All Stars, "Plena Matrimonial."

🚂 Soul Train Studio: 141 W. Jackson Blvd.

The original home of Don Cornelius' groundbreaking television dance show, "Soul Train," where Chicago music royalty would show up for Cornelius and play their songs. 

Tracks: Curtis Mayfield, "Move On Up"; Chi-Lites, "(For God’s Sake) Give More Power To The People."

☘️ Irish American Heritage Center: 4626 N Knox Ave.

If you want to watch — or learn — traditional Irish music and dancing, this is the place to be. The center also features a few stellar pubs.

Tracks: Frank Quinn, "If You Are Irish (Come Into The Parlor)"; Liz Carroll, "Never Far Away."

🎶 Vee-Jay/Brunswick Records: 1449 S Michigan Ave.

Before Motown, Vee-Jay was America's primary African American-owned record company, distributing John Lee Hooker, The Impressions, The Staple Singers and even, briefly, The Beatles.

After its 1966 demise, Brunswick set up shop here and continued releasing great Chicago soul.

Tracks: Gene Chandler, "Duke Of Earl"; Barbara Acklin, "Love Makes A Woman"

🎹 First Church Of Deliverance: 4315 S Wabash Ave.

This was the first church to feature the Hammond organ with gospel music.  

Rev. Clarence Cobb broadcast his choir and Sunday night services from here, which spread his music and message far and wide.

Tracks: Myrtle Jackson, "He's Sweet I Know"; Irma Gwynn, "I Told Jesus."

🎤 One-Derful Records: 1827 S. Michigan Ave. 

George and Ernie Leaner ran one of Chicago's most successful Black-owned labels during the 1960s. 

Home to great R&B and gospel artists, it also hosted the first known studio recording of the soon-to-become Jackson Five.

Tracks: Five Du-Tones, "Shake A Tail Feather"; McKinley Mitchell, "The Town I Live In."

🇲🇽 La Villita (Little Village) Arch: 3123 W. 26th St. 

Little Village was one of the first areas to showcase upbeat dance music duranguense, created by immigrants from the Mexican state of Durango.

First developed in suburban Aurora, the music and dance (pasito duranguense) took off here then spread through Latin America. 

Tracks: Los Horóscopos de Durango, "Dos Locos"; Grupo Montez de Durango, "Lágrimas de Cristal."

https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaWNsaXZlc2hlcmUuc2l0ZS8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7B0492e84d

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10-stop tour of Chicago musical history

Aaron Cohen curated a mini tour of Chicago musical history with a playlist

The city of Chicago has placed these markers at 50 significant musical sites around town. Courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. 

Music

10 stops on a mini Chicago musical history tour w/ playlist

Chicago&#x27;s Department of Cultural Affairs launched &quot;<a class="gtm-content-click" data-vars-link-text="Music Lives Here" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaWNsaXZlc2hlcmUuc2l0ZS8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7B0492e84d" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaWNsaXZlc2hlcmUuc2l0ZS8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7B0492e84d" target="_blank">Music Lives Here</a>&quot; this summer, a list and map of 50 historical music sites around town.Why it matters: Compiled by Aaron Cohen, author of &quot;<a class="gtm-content-click" data-vars-link-text="Move on Up: Chicago&#x27;s Soul Music and Black Cultural Power" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmVzcy51Y2hpY2Fnby5lZHUvdWNwL2Jvb2tzL2Jvb2svY2hpY2Fnby9NL2JvMTg3MDUyNzkuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7Bab9881f6" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcmVzcy51Y2hpY2Fnby5lZHUvdWNwL2Jvb2tzL2Jvb2svY2hpY2Fnby9NL2JvMTg3MDUyNzkuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7Bab9881f6" target="_blank">Move on Up: Chicago&#x27;s Soul Music and Black Cultural Power</a>,&quot; the project organizes Chicago&#x27;s vast musical history into an easy format for learning and enjoyment.

Things to Do

Gender neutral signage went up in Chicago Public School bathrooms last week to allow students to use facilities that align with "their gender identity and comfort." 

It's part of a policy the district announced last month.

Why it matters: It marks another CPS move to comply with U.S. Department of Education Title IX protections against discrimination. But some have opposed or ridiculed the policy. 

How it works: All bathrooms must now have signage indicating they are "open for use to anyone who feels comfortable in that space," CPS spokesperson Mary Fergus tells Axios in a statement. 

"Single use restrooms are also available for anyone who prefers that level of privacy."

What they're saying: Axios heard a range of opinions from Chicago area students and parents, reactions ranging from happiness and cautious optimism to fear and discomfort. 

"It wasn't a big deal when the signs went up," a freshman at Jones College Prep who wished to remain anonymous tells Axios. "Most people I know don't have any problem with it."

"Our Rainbow Tribe club is actually working on getting these at our school," says Eva E., an 8th grader at Percy Julian Middle School in Oak Park. "So I'm really glad Chicago schools are already doing it. That's great." 

We also talked with a CPS 8th grade girl and high school junior boy who said they felt uncomfortable with the policy in theory, but admittedly hadn't noticed differences in who used the bathrooms yet. 

By the numbers: A 2019 National School Climate Survey reported that among transgender students in schools:

42.5% felt unsafe at school because of their gender expression.

45.2% avoid school bathrooms because they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

What's next: CPS says it's taking feedback on the policy at osp@cps.edu.

https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9DaGlQdWJTY2hvb2xzL3N0YXR1cy8xNDY1NzQyNjY0MTYzMjg3MDUyP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7Bcfa3b917

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mailto:osp@cps.edu

Gender neutral bathrooms arrive at CPS

All CPS schools are required to post gender neutral signage on their bathrooms this month.

All CPS schools are required to post gender neutral signage on their bathrooms this month. Photo courtesy of Chicago Public Schools

Students offer reactions on gender neutral bathrooms at CPS

Gender neutral signage went up in Chicago Public School bathrooms last week to allow students to use facilities that align with &quot;their gender identity and comfort.&quot; <ul><li>It&#x27;s part of a policy the district <a class="gtm-content-click" data-vars-link-text="announced last month" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9DaGlQdWJTY2hvb2xzL3N0YXR1cy8xNDY1NzQyNjY0MTYzMjg3MDUyP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7Bcfa3b917" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9DaGlQdWJTY2hvb2xzL3N0YXR1cy8xNDY1NzQyNjY0MTYzMjg3MDUyP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7Bcfa3b917" target="_blank">announced last month</a>.</li></ul>

Like a lot of Chicagoans we've been discombobulated by our super early sunsets that start at 4:19 p.m. these days. Ugh!

Why it matters: Lack of daylight can throw off your circadian rhythms, not to mention outdoor exercise plans.

But short days are especially hard for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 

The good news: Sunsets start getting later starting tomorrow — even if it's just by a few seconds. 

And by next Tuesday, Chicago's sunset officially moves to 4:20 pm.

Yes, but: For those who wake before the sunrise (like Axios reporters), the days won't actually start feeling longer until sunrise and sunset expand again on Dec. 22.

Tips: Until then, try to sneak some natural daylight into your work day.

And maybe give them light boxes for the holidays.

https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGltZWFuZGRhdGUuY29tL3N1bi91c2EvY2hpY2Fnbz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7Bae3cf0ca

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Darkest days are here ... but not for long

Sun will start setting later beginning tomorrow

The sun sets so early these days but things will start getting better tomorrow. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Dark days are here but sun will start setting later soon. 

Like a lot of Chicagoans we&#x27;ve been discombobulated by our super early sunsets that start at <a class="gtm-content-click" data-vars-link-text="4:19 p.m. these days" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGltZWFuZGRhdGUuY29tL3N1bi91c2EvY2hpY2Fnbz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7Bae3cf0ca" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/25948562.10/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGltZWFuZGRhdGUuY29tL3N1bi91c2EvY2hpY2Fnbz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/612428039e4cf5278e161cc7Bae3cf0ca" target="_blank">4:19 p.m. these days</a>. Ugh!Why it matters: Lack of daylight can throw off your circadian rhythms, not to mention outdoor exercise plans.<ul><li>But short days are especially hard for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). </li></ul>

Monica Eng

Featured stories

Gender neutral bathrooms arrive at CPS

Darkest days are here ... but not for long

10-stop tour of Chicago musical history

Teachers want CPS to rethink software rules

The 12 Days of Chicago Christmas: Frango Beer