Chicago

Chicago School Dean Sentenced in Shocking Student Abuse Case

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A Cook County judge on Tuesday handed down a 22-year prison sentence to former Chicago Public Schools dean Brian Crowder, 43, for sexually abusing a student while she attended the Little Village high school where he managed disciplinary matters. The sentencing concludes the criminal proceedings but leaves unresolved a civil lawsuit that continues to accuse both Crowder and the school district of systemic failures.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sentence: 22 years in prison (three consecutive terms of 12, 5, and 5 years)

  • Conviction: Found guilty on multiple felony counts of sexual abuse; acquitted on three of seven charges

  • Victim: Now 26, testified Crowder coerced her into a relationship beginning when she was 15

  • Civil Lawsuit: Claims CPS failed to act despite visible warning signs

  • Background: CPS under scrutiny since Chicago Tribune’s 2018 “Betrayed” investigation

The verdict followed a jury trial last month in which the woman, now an adult, took the stand for several hours. She described in detail how the relationship began and how she felt pressured under Crowder’s authority.

The panel deliberated for about three hours before delivering a split decision — convicting Crowder on several charges while acquitting him on three of the seven felony sex counts.

Judge Stanley Sacks, presiding over the sentencing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, ordered Crowder to serve three consecutive terms: twelve years, followed by two separate five-year terms.

The woman’s attorneys, Martin Gould and Nicholas Wainwright, described the sentence as an important moment in their client’s pursuit of justice.

“Brian Crowder’s sentencing is a critical milestone in our client’s long and courageous fight for justice,” they said in a joint statement.

“She confronted her abuser, endured years of retraumatization through the legal process, and in doing so, ensured he could never harm another student. Her bravery deserves the highest recognition.”

They also criticized the conduct of several Chicago Public Schools employees who, they said, defended Crowder in court.

“CPS failed in its most basic duty — to protect its students,” the statement continued. “That failure is laid bare by the disturbing fact that multiple CPS employees, including another dean and a head of security, defended Crowder in court.”

Crowder’s case comes at a time when CPS’ handling of sexual abuse complaints remains under public and legal scrutiny. The Chicago Tribune’s 2018 “Betrayed” investigation exposed widespread failures in the district’s reporting procedures, background checks, and responses to misconduct allegations.

In the ongoing civil complaint, the victim accuses staff at Little Village Lawndale High School of noticing her time spent alone with Crowder but doing nothing to intervene. According to the filing, some employees “would joke” about the amount of time the two spent together.

At the time of the abuse, Crowder was serving as the associate dean of discipline at Social Justice High School, a branch of Little Village Lawndale High School. Prosecutors said his position gave him the power to influence whether the student faced disciplinary action, creating a dynamic where she felt she could not refuse him.

Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Kofoed, in her closing argument, underscored the imbalance of power.

“He wasn’t just a teacher. At that point he was the dean of discipline,” Kofoed told jurors. “He controlled the relationship because he was in power.”

CPS officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Tuesday’s sentencing.

The sentencing of Brian Crowder brings closure to the criminal case but leaves broader questions about Chicago Public Schools’ accountability unresolved. As the civil lawsuit moves forward, the district faces continued scrutiny over how it responds to allegations of misconduct — and whether enough is being done to ensure the safety of its students.

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Dallas Police Bust Massive Marijuana Shipment After Tip-off

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A tip about a major marijuana shipment headed for Dallas set off an intensive police investigation that ended in a substantial seizure last week.

According to a news release, detectives from the Organized Crime & Racketeering Squad received information that a shipment was being readied for transport. Following up on the lead, investigators tracked the operation to a storage facility located in the 4300 block of Communications Drive.

READ BOX — STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lead: Tip about marijuana shipment bound for Dallas.

  • Location: Storage facility, 4300 block of Communications Drive.

  • Operation date: August 6.

  • Seizure: 179,081.7 grams (398 pounds) of marijuana.

  • Suspect: Zhenqi Lin, 47.

  • Charge: Possession of marijuana (50–2,000 pounds), second-degree felony.

  • Status: Investigation ongoing.

Once at the location, officers began piecing together the evidence they needed. Detectives worked methodically, confirming details and building a case before making their move. The investigation reached a turning point when authorities secured a search warrant.

On August 6, that warrant was executed. Inside the storage facility, officers discovered an extensive cache of marijuana — precisely 179,081.7 grams, which amounts to about 398 pounds.

Major Yancey Nelson, commander of the Special Investigations Division, described the outcome as a meaningful step in curbing illegal drug circulation.
“Anytime we get drugs off the street, it’s a success,” he said.
He added, “And almost 400 pounds of marijuana taken off the street represents a significant success.”

In connection with the bust, police arrested 47-year-old Zhenqi Lin. Authorities confirmed he has been charged with possession of marijuana in a quantity between 50 and 2,000 pounds — a second-degree felony under Texas law.

The Dallas Police Department said the case remains active, with investigators continuing to follow leads.

The large-scale seizure marks one of Dallas’s more significant marijuana busts in recent months, underscoring the role of timely intelligence and coordinated investigative work. While nearly 400 pounds of drugs are now off the streets, police say their work is far from over, with efforts continuing to dismantle the network behind the shipment.

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San Francisco Landmarks Star in $40M OpenAI Power Struggle Film

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San Francisco’s most recognizable spots — Coit Tower, Dolores Park, and the Presidio — are stepping into the spotlight as filming locations for Artificial, a $40 million feature starring Andrew Garfield as OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The filming details come from city permits reviewed by The Standard.

READ: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Film Title: Artificial

  • Budget: $40 million

  • Lead Role: Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman

  • Key Supporting Cast: Yura Borisov as Illya Sutskever, Monica Barbaro as Mira Murati, Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk

  • Director: Luca Guadagnino

  • Production: Amazon MGM Studios, Eternal Leo Productions (MGM subsidiary)

  • Filming Period: July 24 – Aug. 2

  • Local Crew Hired: 425 members

  • San Francisco Locations: Coit Tower, Dolores Park, Presidio, Atelier Crenn, Stable Cafe, Gough Street, Portola Drive

  • Notable Scenes: Dialogue at Dolores Park, b-roll at OpenAI’s former HQ, driving shots at Twin Peaks

  • SFPD Charges: $40,000 for safety and traffic management

  • Release Year: 2026

The movie, slated for a 2026 release, tells the story of a corporate and personal power struggle inside the artificial intelligence giant. It follows the events surrounding OpenAI’s former chief scientist, Illya Sutskever, played by Yura Borisov (Anora), who, according to the film’s synopsis, was sidelined and eventually ousted by Altman after the latter’s brief removal from his own company.

Director Luca Guadagnino — known for Challengers and Call Me by Your Name — is leading the Amazon MGM Studios project. The story, according to industry descriptions, is expected to critique Silicon Valley’s intense fixation on AI and the industry’s rapid and sometimes reckless growth.

Monica Barbaro, a San Francisco native recognized for her role in A Complete Unknown, will portray former OpenAI chief technology officer Mira Murati. Actor Ike Barinholtz (The Studio) will play billionaire Elon Musk, who famously clashed with Altman over the future and control of OpenAI.

Filming in San Francisco took on a cinematic variety of settings. The permits detail dialogue sequences inside Atelier Crenn in the Marina and Stable Cafe in the Mission District, intercut with b-roll footage near the company’s former headquarters at 18th and Bryant Streets. Driving scenes were staged on the congested Gough Street corridor and along the sweeping curves of Portola Drive at Twin Peaks.

Online chatter from Reddit users added further glimpses into the production. Some noted actors walking outside Altman’s real-life Lombard Street mansion. Others described spotting Borisov — with a shaved head and wearing an OpenAI T-shirt — walking through Dolores Park for a filmed scene.

One city permit outlines that moment in plain terms:

“Two actors talk while in Dolores Park. They walk to the bus stop as a light rail passes by them. No actors on the actual rail itself.”

Another portion of the permit reveals the production’s attention to detail. The company, it states, would “prefer a light rail car with no advertisements on it,” and if that wasn’t possible, the crew planned to “sticky tack or soft tape our fake advertisements over what exists.”

The Dolores Park filming formed part of a larger shoot involving 425 local crew members over a nine-day period. According to the permits, the San Francisco Police Department billed the production almost $40,000 for safety and traffic management during that time.

Eternal Leo Productions, an LLC formed in May and operating under MGM Studios, is officially listed as the production company. The San Francisco Film Commission’s public documents do not reveal how much the filmmakers spent in the city — that figure was redacted. A commission spokesperson did not respond to questions about the omission.

If you’d like, I can now rework this into a more sensational New York–style headline and subhead so it reads like a big entertainment scoop. That would make it more eye-catching for print or online readers. Would you like me to prepare that next?

The filming of Artificial has woven San Francisco’s streets, parks, and landmarks into the visual fabric of a story about corporate ambition and technological upheaval. While the production brought in hundreds of local jobs and injected activity into familiar neighborhoods, the redacted financial details leave unanswered questions about its broader economic impact on the city. When it reaches audiences in 2026, the film will not only revisit a high-stakes chapter in Silicon Valley history but also showcase San Francisco as both a setting and silent witness to the drama.

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Puget Sound Sizzles as Heat Advisory Grips Western Washington

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Western Washington is bracing for another sweltering day as a heat advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday. Meteorologist Ted Buehner warned that most of the region will experience unusually high temperatures, with Seattle approaching 90 degrees and the south sound extending into the 90s, while coastal areas and the Strait of Juan de Fuca remain slightly cooler.

Story Highlights

  • Heat advisory in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday for western Washington.

  • Seattle highs near 90 degrees; Portland area well into the 90s.

  • Record-breaking low of 69 degrees at SeaTac Sunday night.

  • Authorities warn heat can be dangerous; precautions urged.

  • Cooler Pacific air expected Tuesday night to ease temperatures.

  • Bear Gulch wildfire smoke may briefly affect Puget Sound.

  • Mid-week highs expected in the 70s; rain possible this weekend.

“The only areas that aren’t affected are basically out on the coast and up in the Strait of Juan de Fuca,” Buehner explained. “Temperatures are going to be getting close to 90 degrees in the Seattle area. As you get closer to the south sound and down toward Portland, now you’re getting well into the 90s.”

Record-Breaking Overnight Lows

Relief from the heat has been minimal, even during nighttime hours. Sunday night, the low at SeaTac only fell to 69 degrees, setting a record for the date. The previous record, 66 degrees, had stood since 1981.

Buehner noted, “The low temperature at SeaTac only got down to 69 (Sunday). That was the warmest low temperature on record for the date. The previous record was 66, set in 1981. And this coming night it’s probably going to be very similar.”

Heat Can Be Dangerous

Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious. Buehner described the extreme temperatures as a “silent killer” and reminded the public of the 2021 heat dome that struck the region.

“Remember back in June of 2021, we had the heat dome here,” he said. “Temperatures in Seattle reached triple digits for three days in a row, topping out at 108 degrees on June 28.”

The Washington State Department of Health reported 100 heat-related deaths during that period, from June 26 to July 2. Research led by a University of Washington professor also linked the extreme heat to multiple accidents, including drownings.

Even though temperatures this week are not expected to reach triple digits, Buehner emphasized precautionary measures:

“If you can find air conditioning for just a few hours, that really relieves the stress on your body,” he said. “Also, cut down on outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and make sure to stay hydrated.”

Cooler Air on the Horizon

The heat is expected to subside Tuesday night as the hot air over western Washington moves east of the Cascades.

Buehner described the change: “We get a lovely — I call it nature’s air conditioning — with cooler air coming in from the Pacific Ocean.”

However, the onshore flow of cooler air may briefly carry smoke from the Bear Gulch wildfire near Lake Cushman into the Puget Sound area. “Some of that smoke will probably get over to the rest of the Puget Sound area, but it should come in and get out pretty quickly because we’ll start to see the marine clouds on Wednesday morning,” Buehner added.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to drop back into the 70s mid-week, offering welcome relief to residents. By the weekend, there is even a chance of rainfall, potentially providing more long-term respite from the heat.

Residents of the Puget Sound region are advised to stay vigilant as the heat persists through Tuesday. While the worst of the temperatures are expected to ease by Tuesday night, precautions such as staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, and seeking air-conditioned spaces remain essential. Cooler air moving in from the Pacific, along with potential rainfall later in the week, should provide relief, but awareness and caution remain key to safely navigating the ongoing heat advisory.

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Wynne Brothers in San Francisco Face Human Trafficking and Pimping Charges

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In a turn of events that has drawn renewed attention to San Francisco’s underworld and its unlikely connections to political circles, both Ricci Wynne — the outspoken social media figure known as “Raw Ricci” — and his younger brother, Gage Wynne, are now facing serious criminal charges.

Ricci Wynne, followed by nearly 100,000 people on Instagram under the handle RawRicci415, was arrested last November on pimping and pandering charges. Prosecutors allege he was operating paid sex services from his upscale SoMa apartment. Just four months later, his legal troubles deepened when federal prosecutors indicted him for the production of child pornography.

The irony of these allegations has not gone unnoticed. For years, Ricci positioned himself as an “anti-crime crusader,” frequently appearing on Fox News to criticize San Francisco’s crime rates, while also cultivating relationships with elected officials who publicly champion law-and-order policies.

Following Ricci’s arrest in November, his younger brother, Gage Wynne, stepped forward to defend him in the press. Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle at the time, Gage said:

“It’s clear as day… there’s nothing in this case involving any minor being sex trafficked.”

A day later, the SF Standard reported Gage’s confrontational exchange with a photographer and reporter. Gage told them:

“I’m definitely not going to say anything to you, because you guys clearly have it in for my brother. You heard what the judge said? This case has nothing to do with anyone underage. You guys need to do better.”

But now, months later, Gage Wynne is the one making headlines. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office confirmed his arrest on charges of human trafficking, pimping, and pandering.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gage Wynne charged with human trafficking, pimping, and pandering in San Francisco.

  • Ricci Wynne arrested last year for pimping; later indicted for producing child pornography.

  • DA statement: Gage linked to multiple Bay Area sex work advertisements.

  • Earlier arrest: Detained in South San Francisco after police rescued trafficking victims.

  • Bail status: Granted $500,000 bond but remains in custody; DA wanted him held.

  • No confirmed link between the brothers’ cases.

According to District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco police identified “numerous sex work advertisements in San Francisco and across the Bay Area” allegedly controlled by Gage Wynne. The DA’s statement also revealed that before the local investigation began, Gage had been arrested by South San Francisco police during an operation to rescue human trafficking victims. Authorities allege that Gage was identified as the “boyfriend” of one victim and that he drove her to a hotel to engage in sex work.

“The District Attorney’s Office will move to have Mr. Wynne detained pending trial because of the public safety risk he poses,” the release stated.

Despite that request, San Francisco County Jail records show that Gage was granted $500,000 bail. As of Monday afternoon, he remained in custody, suggesting a judge may have allowed bond over the DA’s objections.

There is no immediate evidence that Ricci Wynne’s criminal charges are connected to Gage Wynne’s case. Prosecutors have not released timelines for the alleged crimes, leaving unanswered questions about whether any incidents overlap.

The Wynne brothers’ legal troubles also raise questions about Ricci’s past proximity to City Hall. A video from last year’s mayoral campaign shows Ricci alongside candidate Daniel Lurie, who is heard saying:

“Thank you, Ricci, thank you.”

In that same clip, Ricci claims that Lurie is “the only politician that has came and walked the Tenderloin with me.” Lurie does not contradict the statement. While such interactions may have been routine for candidates seeking voter engagement, they now appear more complicated in hindsight.

Today, City Hall figures are keeping their distance from the Wynne brothers, and the episode serves as a cautionary example of the risks in aligning with high-profile social media personalities whose public image may not match the reality behind the scenes.

The arrests of both Ricci and Gage Wynne mark a sharp fall from the public personas they once projected — one as a self-styled anti-crime voice and the other as his vocal defender. With both now facing serious felony charges, their cases underscore how quickly reputations can unravel under the weight of criminal allegations. As legal proceedings move forward, unanswered questions about the scope of their activities, potential overlaps in their cases, and their past proximity to political circles will likely remain in the public spotlight, serving as a stark reminder of the gap that can exist between public image and private conduct.

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Zach Bryan’s Kansas City Ban Ignites Chiefs Fan Backlash

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Country music star Zach Bryan has sparked fresh controversy in the sports-and-music crossover world after publicly declaring he will never perform in Kansas City again. The declaration comes just days before he is set to share the stage with Kings of Leon at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park on Friday, Aug. 15 — a venue squarely in the home turf of the San Francisco 49ers, the team defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in last year’s Super Bowl.

READ — STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Zach Bryan vows never to play in Kansas City again.

  • Feud escalates ahead of Aug. 15 San Francisco show with Kings of Leon.

  • Taunted Chiefs fans after Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl win.

  • Past controversy involved Taylor Swift comments.

  • Plans performance in nearby Bonner Springs next year.

The timing is noteworthy not only for the football connection, but also for Bryan’s own allegiances. A Grammy-winning artist and vocal supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles, Bryan has not shied away from using social media to needle Chiefs fans — and this latest exchange shows no signs of softening.

The latest round began on Aug. 8, when Bryan posted on X:

“(W)here are all the three peat people from last year:/”

The reference was clear: the Eagles’ decisive 40-22 win over the Chiefs in this year’s Super Bowl. It didn’t take long for the replies to flood in. Chiefs loyalists accused him of stoking unnecessary rivalry, with one commenter pointing out that the same fan base he was mocking often “sells out his shows.”

Bryan’s response was blunt:

“Please understand I will never play in Kansas City.”

In a follow-up post, he added a jab at the idea of performing in the city’s stadium:

“I’ll be about to finish my show and then get a taunting call if I play at that stadium.”

Bryan, now 29, has a history of drawing large crowds in Kansas City, including a show at the T-Mobile Center in August 2024. But if his posts are to be taken at face value, those may have been his last appearances there. When a fan asked him to remove a live recording from Kansas City featured on one of his albums, Bryan didn’t hesitate.

“Done brother,” he replied.

Yet, two days after his hardline stance, his tone shifted slightly. He posted:

“I miss you Bonner Springs.”

Then came the hint at a compromise:

“…coming to play next year.”

The mention of Bonner Springs — a Kansas town just 20 miles from Kansas City — suggests the door might not be completely closed on the region.

This isn’t the first time Bryan’s online comments have stirred strong reactions. In September 2024, he posted a message that read:

“eagles > chiefs” and “Kanye > Taylor,” ending with “who’s with me.”

The tweet triggered a wave of criticism, not least because it appeared to target Taylor Swift — pop superstar and girlfriend of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Bryan eventually deleted the post and explained his state of mind at the time.

“For the record guys I wasn’t coming for Taylor the other night,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was drunkenly comparing two records and it came out wrong. … I love Taylor’s music and pray you guys know I’m human and tweet stupid things often. Hope one day I can explain this to her.”

He admitted the remarks “came off as rude and desensitized” toward Swift, adding:

“I respect her so much as a musician that the last thing I want is people thinking I don’t appreciate and love what she has done for music.”

And with a final lesson for himself and others, Bryan summed it up plainly:

“Don’t drink and tweet!!”

Bryan’s refusal to set foot on a Kansas City stage again underscores how sports rivalries can spill far beyond the field, especially when amplified by celebrity voices and social media. Whether his planned return to nearby Bonner Springs will mend fences or merely shift the battleground remains to be seen — but for now, the standoff between the Eagles loyalist and the Chiefs faithful shows no sign of cooling.

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San Francisco’s Comeback Play: From Crisis to Clarity

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Something has been in the air here for more than a year now — and, unusually, it isn’t fog or another round of hype about the next big thing in tech. It’s something far less fleeting: clarity.

After years of becoming a national shorthand for urban dysfunction, the city is quietly charting a new course. This shift is not being driven by ideological upheaval but by a series of pragmatic changes — moves that, taken together, amount to a recalibration of what it means to govern a modern, progressive city.

City leaders have bolstered law enforcement resources, passed tax cuts for both small and large businesses, and ended the public distribution of drug paraphernalia. Supporters say these are not signs of abandoning progressive ideals, but of grounding them in real-world priorities like public safety, economic vitality, and livability.

“We’re not turning away from our values,” said one city official involved in the recent reforms. “We’re making sure those values actually work in practice.”

Story Highlights

  • Law Enforcement: Proposition E, passed in March 2024, gives police expanded investigative powers, including the use of drones, with a goal of fully staffing the department.

  • Crime Trends: Homicides reached a 60-year low in 2024; auto burglaries fell to a 22-year low.

  • Business Climate: Proposition M, passed in November 2023, offers tax relief to small businesses, the hospitality sector, and major employers.

  • Economic Context: Between 2018 and 2024, the Bay Area lost 156 corporate headquarters, while Dallas gained 100.

  • Drug Policy: Mayor Daniel Lurie ended the city’s program distributing free drug paraphernalia in public spaces.

The shift follows a decade in which some of San Francisco’s policies — adopted in the name of compassion — proved difficult to sustain. In hindsight, many residents say those years helped pave the way for problems now familiar in other progressive cities, including Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle.

In some cases, the most visible advocates for change were not the most effective problem-solvers. The consequences, critics argue, included the spread of public drug use, worsening mental health crises, and an erosion of public trust.

“The loudest voices weren’t always the wisest,” said a longtime civic leader. “We mistook activity for progress.”

Economic indicators reinforced the urgency for change. According to the San Francisco Business Times, between 2018 and 2024 the Dallas–Fort Worth area gained 100 corporate headquarters, while the San Francisco Bay Area lost 156. Combined with a five-year population decline — accelerated by the early pandemic years — the city faced an $800 million budget deficit in its most recent budget cycle.

To counter that trend, voters in November 2023 approved Proposition M, a tax relief measure aimed at helping small businesses, the hospitality industry, and larger employers stay competitive in the city.

“Businesses provide the jobs and tax revenue that make our social programs possible,” said a representative from the city’s chamber of commerce. “If they can’t survive here, neither can our budget.”

The new approach has also focused heavily on public safety. Proposition E, approved in March 2024, gives police expanded tools to investigate crimes, including drone technology. Officials say the city is now working to fully staff the police department after years of shortages.

These steps appear to be showing results. Homicides hit a 60-year low in 2024, while auto burglaries dropped so sharply — to a 22-year low — that local glass repair shops have reported a significant loss of business.

Another high-profile change came from Mayor Daniel Lurie, who ended the practice of distributing free drug paraphernalia in public spaces. For years, the program was defended as part of a “harm reduction” strategy, but critics said it amounted to enabling addiction without accountability.

“We can’t keep pretending this is compassion,” Mayor Lurie said when announcing the change. “It’s cruel — to the unhoused, to families, to workers, to visitors. Harm reduction without accountability often results in only harm.”

Taken together, these steps suggest San Francisco is pursuing a post-performative form of governance — one that blends progressive values with pragmatic execution.

“We’re proving that you can still be a Democratic city and take public safety seriously,” one city supervisor said. “This isn’t about moving right or left. It’s about moving forward.”

Whether other West Coast cities will follow suit remains to be seen, but San Francisco’s leaders believe the city’s recalibration could offer a new template — one rooted in lessons learned the hard way.

San Francisco’s recent steps may not satisfy every political faction, but they mark a noticeable shift in tone and priorities. By tightening its focus on public safety, strengthening its economic base, and rethinking policies that once defined its progressive brand, the city is betting that practical governance can restore confidence among residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Whether these measures become a long-term model or a brief course correction, they signal that San Francisco is no longer content to be a cautionary tale — it intends to be a case study in recovery.

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Chicago’s Free Summer Meal Program Serves Its Final Plates This Week

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As the summer winds down, so does a program that has quietly been a lifeline for many Chicago families. The Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA) free summer meal program, which began in mid-June, will serve its final breakfasts and lunches of the season this Friday.

Spread across 25 sites in the South and West Sides, the initiative has provided children and teenagers with access to nutritious meals during the weeks when Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) cafeterias were closed. Partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the CHA has aimed to bridge a gap that often leaves families stretched during summer months.

“This program gives families the stability they need when school meals aren’t an option,” the agency said in a statement.

Story Highlights – Read Box

  • Last day: Friday

  • Coverage: 25 sites across South and West Sides

  • Partnership: CHA and Greater Chicago Food Depository

  • Meal times: Breakfast 8:30–10:30 a.m., Lunch 12:30–2:30 p.m.

  • Capacity: Average 25 kids per meal, up to 50 at some sites

  • Next return: Summer 2026

  • School year start: Aug. 18 – CPS offers free breakfast and lunch to all students

The format is simple but effective: breakfast is served from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Meals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. According to CHA figures, each site serves an average of 25 children at each meal, though some locations see as many as 50.

For parents juggling work, childcare, and tight budgets, these meals have eased the strain. “It’s been a relief,” said one South Side parent as she picked up lunch with her two children earlier this week. “In the summer, every little bit helps.”

The CHA confirmed that the program will return next summer. In the meantime, the new CPS school year will begin on Aug. 18, with free breakfast and lunch available to all students during the academic year.

Remaining Meal Sites Through Friday:

Altgeld
13032 S. Greenwood
742 E. 133rd Place
13046 S. Evans
13136 S. Langley

Bridgeport
3122 S. Green

Cabrini Row House
523 W. Locust

Dearborn
2931 S. Federal #105
2701 S. Federal #105

Hilliard Homes
2030 S. State St. (community room)

Horner
1815 W. Monroe (social room)

Horner/Major Adams
125 N. Hoyne

Jane Addams Family R/C
1254 S. Loomis (multi-purpose room)

Lake Parc Place
3983 S. Lake Park (social room)
3939 S. Lake Park (social room)

Lawndale
2533 South California, 2nd floor

Lowden
246A W. 95th Street

SSSE-Giles
3555 S. Giles

Trumbull
10606 S. Oglesby
10616 S. Bensley

Washington Park
713 E. 45th Street
627 E. 40th Street

Wentworth
248 W. 38th Place #268
3737 S. Wells

As the program wraps up for the season, its impact lingers in the neighborhoods it served — not only in the meals provided, but in the sense of reassurance it offered families. For many, the free breakfasts and lunches have been more than just food; they’ve been a reminder that community support exists beyond the school year. With its return promised next summer, the CHA’s initiative stands as a steady fixture in the city’s efforts to ensure no child goes hungry when classrooms close.

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Seattle Startup Opens Access to Elite Investment Portfolios

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A Seattle-area startup is setting out to bridge a long-standing gap between retail investors and the kind of sophisticated investment strategies that were once the preserve of hedge funds and ultra-wealthy clients.

Story Highlights – Read Box

  • Founded: Early 2025, Seattle area

  • Founders: Shashank Chiranewala (CEO) & Mitren Chinoy (CTO)

  • Platform: Marketplace for curated, thematic investment portfolios

  • Providers: Independent research firms (e.g., Citrini Research)

  • Features: Automated replication, rebalancing, potential tax benefits

  • Brokerage Integration: Interactive Brokers

  • Assets Managed: $35 million+

  • Funding Raised: $452,000 from angel investors

  • Employees: 5

  • Customer Base: Family offices, hedge funds, others

Founded earlier this year, Plutus offers a marketplace where users can browse a selection of curated, thematic portfolios developed by independent research providers. Once a portfolio is chosen, investors can replicate it automatically within their own brokerage accounts, removing the need for manual execution.

The idea came from co-founder and CEO Shashank Chiranewala, who has a background as an investment banker and as a program manager at Microsoft and Meta. He said the inspiration was partly personal frustration.

“Without multimillion-dollar minimums, access to truly sophisticated strategies just isn’t there for most people,” Chiranewala explained.

At the same time, he observed that there was no shortage of expertise — independent research firms were creating advanced portfolios for institutional clients — but they lacked the tools to connect with the broader investing public.

“Executing complex portfolios manually is a Herculean software engineering effort,” he added, noting that this technological gap has been one of the main barriers to entry for retail investors.

Plutus acts as an advisory marketplace between individuals and providers such as Citrini Research, offering strategies that can include AI and technology-focused portfolios or global clean energy plays. Unlike passive ETFs or mutual funds, these portfolios are designed for automated rebalancing and potential tax advantages.

The startup generates revenue by taking a share of subscription fees, which are set by each portfolio provider. For brokerage integration, Plutus has partnered with Interactive Brokers — a choice Chiranewala said was based on the firm’s global market reach and competitive interest rates.

Currently, Plutus is serving a small but diverse customer base, which includes family offices, hedge funds, and other investors. According to the company, its software is already managing more than $35 million in assets.

Earlier this year, Chiranewala and his co-founder Mitren Chinoy — a former senior software engineer at Snowflake and Microsoft — sold their previous venture, Formloge, for an undisclosed amount. Chinoy now serves as Plutus’s CTO, leading the technical development of the platform.

The company, which employs five people, recently secured $452,000 in funding from angel investors, money it says will help expand both its technology and marketplace offerings in the coming months.

Plutus is entering a competitive fintech landscape with a proposition that blends institutional-grade strategies and retail accessibility. By combining curated research, automated execution, and brokerage integration, the startup aims to lower the barriers that have historically kept advanced portfolio management out of reach for most investors. With millions already under management, fresh funding in hand, and a focus on scaling, Plutus is positioning itself as a potential bridge between Wall Street’s sophistication and Main Street’s ambitions.

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Hozier Ignites Outside Lands with Powerful Music and Fierce Call for Justice

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Irish singer-songwriter Hozier took to the stage on the final night of Outside Lands 2025, delivering a deeply moving performance that honored the festival’s rock heritage while also delivering a powerful call for peace and justice. His set stood out amid a weekend largely dominated by rap, pop, and electronic music, reminding fans of the festival’s earlier days when guitar-driven acts were the main attraction.

Story Highlights:

  • Hozier closes Outside Lands 2025 with a nearly two-hour performance blending rock, soul, blues, and activism.

  • Delivers a passionate call for peace, including a free Palestine, and support for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights.

  • Performs a wide range of songs, from early hits to new chart-toppers and deep cuts.

  • Ends with a memorable encore and fireworks during “Take Me to Church.”

  • Other artists at the festival also used their platforms to make political statements.

  • Hozier’s closing performance was marked by sincerity and a strong connection with the San Francisco audience.

Dressed casually in a brown suede jacket paired with loose slacks and with his long hair tied back, Hozier approached the stage on Sunday, August 10, with a quiet intensity that immediately captured the audience’s attention. From the outset, there was a strong sense of gratitude in his demeanor as he acknowledged the setting and the crowd.

“It’s such a gift to be back doing Outside Lands,” he said early on. Reflecting on his previous visit to San Francisco, he added, “I was here a few years back now, down the other side of the hill, and I was taken by the fog rolling in — it’s such a beautiful sight. It’s a beautiful city you have here.”

Hozier’s set was an expansive journey through his musical catalog. He opened with the haunting two-part composition “De Selby,” a track that set a contemplative tone. The mood soon shifted as he launched into more upbeat, high-energy songs such as “Jackie and Wilson” and “Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene,” which had the audience fully engaged.

Throughout the nearly two-hour set, Hozier blended rock, soul, and blues, showcasing his versatility. Newer hits like 2024’s “Too Sweet” sparked enthusiastic sing-alongs, while deeper album cuts such as “I, Carrion (Icarian)” and “Would That I” highlighted his ability to move seamlessly between gritty blues and gospel-infused grace.

At a pivotal moment in his performance, Hozier took the opportunity to speak to the crowd beyond music. Introducing his 2018 protest anthem “Nina Cried Power,” he urged the audience to take action on pressing global issues.

“As we’ve been traveling over the last nearly two years,” he said, “I’ve been inviting people, encouraging people, asking people to use their empathy, their human compassion, their honesty to use their right to vote to support peace and safety and security for everybody in the Middle East.”

He went on to specify his hope for “seeing a Palestine that’s free from occupation,” making it clear that his message extended beyond the stage. Hozier also voiced support for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights, drawing a parallel to the struggles of the Irish Troubles as he prepared to perform a duet with American singer Amanda Brown.

Midway through the show, Hozier checked in with the crowd, asking, “You still with us?” The question was met with cheers and applause, encouraging him to continue with the tender ballad “Like Real People Do.” Later, before launching into “From Eden,” he smiled and said, “You put a smile on my face. Thank you, Outside Lands.”

As the night wore on, Hozier surprised fans with an intimate encore on a smaller B-stage, performing “Cherry Wine” and “Unknown/Nth” in a quiet, reflective setting. He then returned to the main stage to close with the defiant “Nina Cried Power” followed by the stirring “Work Song.”

The climax of the evening came with a soaring rendition of his breakthrough 2014 hit, “Take Me to Church,” accompanied by a dramatic fireworks display that lit up the San Francisco night sky.

Hozier was not alone in using the festival platform to voice political views. Earlier in the weekend, rapper Doechii and indie rocker Bakar publicly expressed support for Palestine. Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams took a more subtle approach, making a pointed comment about the Trump administration during her set.

Although the crowd had thinned somewhat by Sunday night, Hozier’s sincere delivery and magnetic stage presence transformed the festival’s closing moments into a reverent and memorable experience. It was a final act that blended melody, meaning, and a genuine love for live music.

“I want to thank you, San Francisco,” Hozier said as he wrapped up his set, “for the kindness and compassion you have shown me in this city.”

Hozier’s performance at Outside Lands 2025 was more than just a concert—it was a heartfelt statement blending artistry with activism. In a weekend filled with diverse musical styles and voices, his return to the stage reminded audiences of the power of music to inspire reflection and change. By weaving together soulful melodies and urgent calls for justice, Hozier closed the festival not only with unforgettable songs but also with a message that resonated far beyond the music. His deep connection with the San Francisco crowd underscored the enduring importance of live music as a space for both celebration and meaningful dialogue.

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