🌱 CPS Staff Training In Restraint, Timeout + Fatal Fall Investigation

Hi there, Chicago! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 83 Low: 67.

Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. Chicago Public Schools faces a deadline until the start of school on Aug. 21 to train at least two employees at each of its over 600 schools in student restraint and timeout, as required by a 2021 state law. Failure to comply with the law could result in the district being placed on probation, risking the loss of state recognition and funding. Despite previous violations and the banning of seclusion, some schools continue to use restraint, with concerns raised about staff training and its impact on students, particularly those with disabilities. Trained staff, mainly security officers, have completed physical restraint training, but some schools lack adequate training, and the state board has criticized the district's efforts, emphasizing the need for a larger team to handle restraint or timeout situations. (Chalkbeat Chicago)
2. A veteran ice cream truck driver, famous for offering dollar cones to the Northwest Side community for many years, experienced a robbery at gunpoint while working this week. However, the community has shown immense support, encouraging him to return to the road with renewed confidence. In nearby Bucktown, the neighborhood's summer ambiance is incomplete without the familiar sound of "La Cucaracha" resonating from his ice cream truck. (CBS Chicago)
3. Chicago police are currently investigating the tragic death of a toddler down the road in Bronzeville after a fatal fall from a ninth-floor balcony at the Lake Meadows apartment complex. The victim has been identified as three-year-old Rufda Sahle by the medical examiner. The incident occurred late Tuesday morning. (Chicago Patch)

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Today in Chicago:

Saturday, July 22

• Ford Driving Skills For Life At Guaranteed Rate Field (7:30 AM)
• 2023 Art On Clark At 2224 N. Clark Street (10:00 AM)
• Back To School Celebration At Fashion Outlets of Chicago (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The inaugural Franciacorta Restaurant Weeks is taking place in Chicago and nearby areas until Aug. 6, featuring participating restaurants like Acanto, Monteverde, and Coco Pazzo. The event aims to promote and introduce Franciacorta wines to the mid-western market through various promotions, including by-the-glass offerings and food pairings like Franciacorta & caviar. (wineindustryadvisor.com)
• Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events have revealed the music lineups for the Chicago Jazz Festival (Aug. 31 to Sep. 3) and World Music Festival Chicago (Sep. 22 to Oct. 1). These free concerts in Millennium Park and various venues across the city will feature a diverse array of musicians from Chicago and around the world. Visit the link for more details. (chicago.gov)
• The Big Love adoption event is happening this weekend, offering 50 percent off adoption fees for all adult dogs weighing 40 pounds or more. Don't miss the chance to meet adorable dogs like Sydney, Levi, Willan, Tortellini, and many others at the PAWS Chicago Adoption Center during this event. (PAWS Chicago via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Kaytlyn Smith

About me: Kaytlyn Smith is a managing editor 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.