Remembering Cardinal Francis George

Cardinal Francis George, an intellectual and religious leader in Chicago passed today at the age of 78 after battling cancer. State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement to honor his memory and lasting influence within the city:

“Cardinal Francis George was a beacon of hope and peace in Chicago. I am deeply saddened by his loss and my thoughts and prayers rest with his family.”

11-year-old Chicagoan creates tornado relief toy drive

Samuel Love, an 11-year-old Beasley Elementary School student, is launching a tornado relief toy drive for youth in Fairdale, Kirkland, Rochelle and Belvidere. Love will unveil the toy drive April 17 at a press conference on the second floor of city hall.

“This is personal. It’s personal because those tiny towns are our neighbors and when they hurt, we hurt. In previous years, I’ve always given relief packages to people living in different states,” Love said.

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Guardianship measure creates stability for children

Children trapped within guardianship battles may soon remain with a named caretaker versus bouncing from one home to the next, thanks to a new Senate-approved measure.

“Children need stability to thrive.  Adults shouldn’t be able to move kids from state to state without proper notification and due process,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, a career advocate for youth rights.

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Inaugural IIT Community, Inclusion and Diversity Committee Lecture