🌱 Chicago Students Cannot Read At Grade Level + Weekend Gun Violence

Hello, Chicago! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 43 Low: 29.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education, 22 schools in the Chicago Public Schools system do not have a single student who can read at grade level. The 2022 data showed all 88 students at Spry Community Links High School in Little Village were not up to grade level in either reading or math. A representative from the school district said, "We have reminded our community that these scores are a direct reflection of the pandemic challenges, not a reflection of the extraordinary talent and potential of our students and staff." (Fox News)
2. Chicago experienced another weekend of gun violence after 22 people were shot, four fatally, last weekend. At least seven people were shot and one was killed this weekend in the city. In one incident, a 45-year-old man was found with multiple gunshot wounds on a sidewalk in the South Side and was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Police are investigating the shootings. (ABC 7)
3. Illinois is set to pass paid leave legislation that requires employers to give their workers time off based on hours worked. The leave is to be used for any reason without having to explain the absence, as long as notice is given to their employee prior to and within the company's standards. Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said he would sign the legislation which will make Illinois one of three states in the country to require a paid vacation. (Spectrum News)

Today in Chicago:

• Chicago Auto Show At McCormick Place (10:00 AM)
• Blue Man Group At Briar Street Theater (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Reminder, all Chicago Public Schools and offices are closed today in observance of President's Day. (Chicago Public Schools)
• Do you have a big sweet tooth? Check out these seven iconic Chicago desserts at the link! (2foodtrippers)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Chicago area! Get all the property details at the link. (Chicago Patch)

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That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Kaytlyn Mroz

About me: Kaytlyn Mroz is a copywriter at Lightning Media Partners – a content creation agency. She is a Rowan University graduate where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in writing. Outside of work, Kaytlyn is a dog mom to a boglen terrier named Finn and a golden retriever named Willow.