Rooted in Ezekiel 33:1–9, this gathering is a call to discern the spiritual and social moment we’re living through—the rise of fear, militarization, and polarization—and to seek God’s wisdom for how we, as believers, can respond with clarity, courage, and compassion.

This will be more than a conversation. It’s a space for prayer, reflection, and collective discernment. Light refreshments will be available at 6:30 PM, and all are welcome.

Location: The Vineyard Church – Hyde Park

Address: 5333 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

Come ready to listen, share, and move forward in faith—not fear.

To learn more and register, visit AND’s EventBrite page.

We’re excited to announce that tomorrow, our May 22 session will feature special guest speakers! And Campaign's founder and president Justin Giboney will join Pastor , the former co-host of And Campaign's Church Politics podcast and the director of Christian civic formation for the Center for Christianity & Public Life.

This week’s video features our recording from our second session.

Please RSVP at our EventBrite page. We look forward to seeing you at each session.

Also, stay tuned for details on our final session, an in-person event on June 5 at 7 p.m. Justin Giboney, who will be in Chicago for the Lead the City conference the next day, will join us in person on the evening before Lead the City to help us round out our Civic Disciplines talks with a night you won’t want to miss.

We will also post clips from each night, which you’ll find in our Substack chat. You can join that chat now by downloading the Substack app below.

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Housing

Chicago bucks trend as downtown apartment construction booms

Chicago housing commissioner on green social housing initiative, department spending

Chicago residents: Tell city your thoughts on how to decrease homelessness

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Southwest Side Chicago alderman, state rep said city extended use of migrant shelter without notice

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When fatal shooting victims are Black, Chicago police arrest rates drop

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As Christians engaged in the civic arena, we all desire to bring a faithful witness into public life and to see God’s will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven. But is it truly possible to maintain a faithful Christian walk in the rough and tumble world of politics?

We in the And Campaign say yes, but just like any other facet of Christian life, civic and political engagement requires proper faith formation. To that end, every Thursday night in May, And Campaign Chicago will present talks on the 10 Civic Disciplines, a series of biblically-based practices every Christian should engage in to do politics in a Christ-honoring way.

We’re excited to announce that our May 22 session will feature special guest speakers! And Campaign's founder and president Justin Giboney will join Pastor , the former co-host of And Campaign's Church Politics podcast and the director of Christian civic formation for the Center for Christianity & Public Life.

This week’s video features our recording from our first session. Each night is a self-contained event, so do not feel as if you can’t join us if you miss a talk. That said, we will post each night’s video in our next Civic Update, so you have the opportunity to catch up before you come out for the upcoming sessions.

Please RSVP at our EventBrite page. We look forward to seeing you at each session.

Also, stay tuned for details on our final session, an in-person event on June 5 at 7 p.m. Justin Giboney, who will be in Chicago for the Lead the City conference the next day, will join us in person on the evening before Lead the City to help us round out our Civic Disciplines talks with a night you won’t want to miss.

We will also post clips from each night, which you’ll find in our Substack chat. You can join that chat now by downloading the Substack app below.

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City Council committee OKs removal of college degree requirement for city jobs

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Illinois’ tight fiscal picture

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Chicago is slowly sinking, raising risk of structural damage and flooding

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Undercover investigation reveals Chicago cab drivers overcharging riders

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If you’re reading this, we know two things are likely true about you based on our target audience:

1. You’re probably a Christian.

2. You’re probably interested in politics.

The And Campaign offers a Biblical framework to engage politics with non-partisan, common-sense education, equipping believers to confront tribalism and promote unity.

But what does that mean, and how do we as Christians engage in politics in a more faithful way?

If you’ve ever asked yourself those questions, join us for biblically-grounded answers at our 10 Civic Disciplines discussions every Thursday this month.

Head to our new EventBrite page and RSVP now!

And be sure to download the Substack app by clicking below. In the app, you’ll be able to chat with us directly, watch live videos and stay up to date on all our events.

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Newsclips

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s trip to Springfield

Robin Kelly announces U.S. Senate bid to succeed Dick Durbin

Assessing tariff damage for Chicago companies

Chicago experts outline work cut out for cardinals in papal conclave

Chicago Defender marks 120 years as a voice for Black America

Chase Bank holds Bronzeville seminar to help consumers fight fraud and scams

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How the renewal of ‘One Chicago’ impacts the city’s entertainment industry and economy

Chicago water tech accelerator to launch this fall, backed by mHub and Current

Chicago office market shows signs of recovery despite record-high vacancy rates

Tourism bureau asks visitors to ‘Do West of Chicago’

The REAL ID deadline has arrived. Here’s what to know.

National Endowment for the Arts grant cancellations hit key Chicago cultural events

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Housing

City Council votes 30-18 to greenlight mayor’s new approach to building affordable housing in Chicago

Expanding housing access to recently incarcerated Illinoisans is a worthwhile investment

City Council approves Mayor Johnson's "green social housing" plan to boost affordable housing

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Judge blocks Trump administration’s cuts to COVID education funds after Raoul, states sue

Dive into science at Chicago’s Museum of Innovation

Free after-school program helps Chinese American students to reach potential

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Advocate Health Care opens first of 10 Chicago clinics on South Side

Allergy season in Chicago: what parents need to know about kids and sneezes

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Johnson ‘won’t rush to judgment’ after top cop suspended officers who stopped, shot Dexter Reed for violating rights of two other drivers

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When the heat and storms come, lies will not save us

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Uber refunding riders hit with city congestion fee — but won’t say how much it owes

To save mass transit in the Chicago region, we must think long term

If you’re reading this, I know you want to engage in the civic arena in a better way. You’re almost certainly dismayed by the political polarization in the country and in the church. You want to see the country move in a better direction.

You may be a Republican. You may be a Democrat. You may be an independent. You may be a member of the Solidarity Party, or a member of another independent party.

Whatever your political affiliation, you’ve probably felt politically homeless at some point in your journey. If you’re a Christian, you should lean into that feeling. Speaking of His disciples, Jesus said,

“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.“ (John 17:14)

The And Campaign believes the church can stand as the beacon of balance and clarity in a tribally partisan political landscape.

Yet, we must remember, just as a baseball player doesn't spontaneously hit a home run in a crucial moment without countless hours of preparation, Christians, too, require nurtured discipline to face pivotal political moments with grace and wisdom.

That's why we urge believers to embrace Christian civic disciplines today, preparing our hearts and minds for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Justin Giboney, our own Pastor and the And Campaign team created videos outlining the 10 Civic Disciplines to help the body of Christ navigate civic engagement with faith and grace.

You have an opportunity to dive into these disciplines every Thursday night in May! Join us at 7 p.m. for a lively discussion with special guests as we learn what it means to engage in politics not like a Republican, not like a Democrat, but like a Christian.

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Newsclips

Chicago joins lawsuit to block Trump's dismantling of federal bureaucracy

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KOCO launches ‘Senior Tenants Bill of Rights’ at 60-year anniversary

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This week’s video features an interview with Aziza Butler, wife of our own Pastor and founder of WeSchool Academy, a flexible learning center for homeschool families.

Aziza mentions two groups that support homeschool families, Illinois Christian Home Educators and the Home School Legal Defense Association. We encourage home school families to take advantage of the resources they provide.

Last week, we featured video of Aziza’s appearance at a press conference held in Springfield as she and Pastor Chris lobbied against HB2827, the so-called Homeschool Act, a bill that would target homeschool parents with potential criminal liability. You can watch that video by clicking on the full story link below.

Previously, we featured Aziza’s appearance at a rally against the HB 2827, which you can find below.

We also featured Aziza’s appearance on WVON’s Morning Show with Rufus Williams, as well as a preview of and link to her op-ed in the Chicago Tribune, below.

Are you a homeschool parent or considering becoming a homeschool parent? What do you think about HB 2827? Sound off in the comments below.

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The morning after our last Civic Update hit your inbox, the And Campaign Chicago crew traveled to Springfield again to lobby against the bill that could criminalize homeschool parents.

WeSchool founder Aziza Butler, Pastor , their six children and this reporter made the trek to the state capital for testimony, lobby work and a press conference decrying HB 2827.

Our coverage of this issue has been extensive, and will continue as long as the bill remains a threat to homeschool families.

Below, you’ll find clips from the April 9 press conference, a roundup of the homeschool bill news of the week, as well as our regular news clips and the latest from the And Campaign at the national level.

Homeschool roundup

Homeschool Act stalls in Illinois House

Homeschool Act may return

The future of a homeschooling bill in the Illinois legislature is uncertain

Survey: Homeschooled students face less abuse. So why are Illinois lawmakers targeting families?

Illinois homeschool bill views parents as ‘potentially dangerous, incompetent,’ commentary warns

Homeschool Act stalls in House ahead of deadline

Illinois bill to regulate homeschooling faces strong opposition from families

Costa Howard pauses movement on homeschool regulation plan. Republicans say it was 'doomed from the beginning

Proposed Homeschool Act fails both homeschooling and public education

Homeschool bill stalls in Illinois House, but sponsor says it’s still alive

Illinois bishops drop opposition to controversial homeschool bill

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Newsclips

Chicago small businesses are stocking up and bracing for tariffs’ impact

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Housing

Two developments designed to transform Chicago’s financial district into a residential neighborhood advance

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Since the Civic Update last appeared in your inbox, we attended a huge protest rally against the Homeschool Act in Chicago’s Daley Plaza.

Pastor and his wife Aziza Butler, founder of WeSchool Academy, who both spoke at the Thursday rally, will be heading to Springfield tomorrow for lobby work related to the bill.

Below, you’ll find a video report from Fox 32 Chicago, along with a roundup of homeschool news, as well as photo galleries and videos from the homeschool rally.

We’ve reported on this issue for the last several weeks. We’ll be on hand in Springfield tomorrow to continue to report on this bill. Stay tuned for additional coverage in the coming weeks.

Homeschool roundup

Dem lawmaker calls Illinois homeschooling bill a 'pipeline to the criminal justice system for parents'

Parents rally against bill that would tighten homeschooling oversight in Illinois

WATCH: Illinois Homeschool Act opponents say bill would 'criminalize' parents

A spiteful and baseless crackdown on homeschooling in Illinois

What the Illinois home schooling bill reveals about Democrats

Could strict new regulations be imposed on homeschooling in Illinois?

Children, parents rally against Homeschool Act in Chicago

Survey: Homeschooled students face less abuse. So why are Illinois lawmakers targeting families?

Illinois homeschool bill sparks controversy, parents rally in protest

Former public-school teacher, homeschool mom warns Illinois bill will hurt black families

Illinois parents fight back against proposed homeschool regulations

Illinois homeschoolers brace for assault on parental freedom

‘Land of Lincoln’ looks to bully homeschool families

What the 'Homeschool Act' would mean for Illinois families

Rep. Jed Davis opposes homeschool oversight bill in Illinois

Illinois homeschool bill sparks alarm over parental rights and state overreach

Illinois Democrats bully homeschool families

Illinois bill regulating homeschooling moves to state house

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Registration for Chicago Park District summer camps opens Monday

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Housing

Midsize apartments are winners in Chicago’s hot-and-cold multifamily market

Trinity Flood faces $27M foreclosure on South Shore multifamily

Chicago Housing Authority paid out more than $787,000 over the last five years to 9 exiting senior leaders

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IRS agrees to share migrants’ tax information with ICE

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As alderpeople blast push to allow CPD officers to file felony gun charges, mayor backs the pilot program

Share your stories to shape Chicago police traffic stop policy

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Barking up the right tree to make Illinois a 'no-kill' state for shelter animals

Transit

Seven things holding up transit bill

Milwaukee Avenue on Near West Side closed for about six weeks as improvement project gets under way

Editor’s note: This week’s video comes to us from WVON’s Morning Show with Rufus Williams. Williams interviewed Aziza Butler, wife of our own Pastor , who is a homeschooling mother of six and founder of WeSchool Academy. We covered her testimony against the homeschool bill at the statehouse two weeks ago.

The full show is available on the WVON Morning Show’s Facebook page. Aziza Butler’s interview runs from 1:29:58 to 1:53:15.

Below, you’ll find a portion of an op-ed she wrote regarding homeschooling, printed originally and in full in the Chicago Tribune on March 30.

More Black families are choosing to homeschool. A new bill undermines their choices.

By Aziza Butler

As a former Chicago Public Schools teacher, a homeschooling mother and a community leader who engages daily with families from diverse educational backgrounds, I can confidently say that Illinois House Bill 2827, the Homeschool Act, is harmful — not just for homeschoolers but also for every student in Illinois.

Proponents of the bill argue that additional oversight will protect vulnerable children. But from my firsthand experience as an educator and homeschooler, I know this bill would do the opposite — it would burden an already overwhelmed public system, potentially criminalize parents seeking educational freedom and ultimately make no meaningful impact on child safety.

During my years teaching in CPS, I witnessed the daily struggles of a district stretched beyond its limits. Administrators, teachers and school personnel were consistently overwhelmed by staff shortages, behavioral concerns and funding that never seemed to reach the classroom. This bill would exacerbate these pressures by creating unnecessary paperwork, compliance monitoring and truancy enforcement demands at the local school level — without providing new resources. It diverts precious time, money and energy away from the critical needs of public schools that already fail far too many children.

But perhaps even more troubling is the bill’s potential impact on Black families. Homeschooling has become the fastest-growing educational choice among Black parents nationwide, driven by the courageous desire to give their children a safer, more nurturing and academically enriching environment than what they’ve experienced in traditional schools. Black homeschool students nationally score as much as 42 percentile points higher than their public school counterparts, clearly demonstrating homeschooling’s effectiveness. Yet the bill places these successful families under suspicion, threatening legal action for missing a filing deadline or misunderstanding bureaucratic regulations. In a society already disproportionately surveilling and policing Black lives, this bill introduces another dangerous pathway to criminalize loving Black parents.

To read the rest, head to the Chicago Tribune.

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Justin Giboney and Pastor wrote an op-ed in Christianity Today this week regarding the path of righteous resistance. You can read it by clicking below.

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Newsclips

Mayoral progress reports are in: Brandon Johnson’s base evaluates his campaign promises

Young, Black voters belong in the political process. Chicago organizers are helping them get more involved.

Progressive media star Kat Abughazaleh brings fight to remake Democratic Party to Chicago with congressional bid

The risk of tornado season amid weather service cuts

Key mayoral races in Aurora and Dolton highlight April 1 consolidated election

Chicago Public Media announces leadership changes atop Sun-Times, WBEZ

What Chicago is losing in the Sun-Times buyouts

Hundreds in Chicago area protest at Tesla dealers over Elon Musk's role in federal government cuts

Trump tariffs on steel and aluminum could squeeze Chicago apartment developers, leading to higher rents

From pet sitters to health startups, Chicago area small businesses still face challenges after pandemic

Severe storms produce devastating wind gusts in Chicago area

Several suburbs will be asked to vote on raising their sales tax in April 1 election

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Housing

How Chicago can lower the cost of building affordable housing

Senior living tower listed for rental conversion in hot Lakeview

Immigration

Community seeks release of ICE detainee for brother's life-saving kidney transplant in Chicago

Education

CTU and Chicago Public Schools reach tentative contract deal

Health

Illinois, other states sue HHS, RFK Jr. over public grant cuts

Public safety & criminal justice

Curfew an option for downtown

Transit

With Chicago's mass transit system on the fiscal precipice, what solutions are on the table?

Police district councilors: Enforcement of parking violations shouldn’t fall on CPD

Chicago drivers can pay old tickets without late fees under amnesty plan

Chicago-area contractor accused of bribing Amtrak official with trips, steaks and a puppy in Philadelphia train station project

Hundreds of pro-life activists gathered Tuesday in Springfield to rally, march and lobby for laws that will better protect the most vulnerable among us, pre-born babies and those needing end-of-life care.

After hearing from a variety of speakers, including leaders of Illinois and national pro-life organizations, pro-life doctors and legislators, those gathered marched around the Capitol, then headed inside to lobby their own legislators on life issues.

Below, you’ll find a gallery of images taken from the rally, as well as the most recent media from the And Campaign at the national level.

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Newsclips

How to find out what's on your Illinois election ballot this April

Illinois elections 2025: Key referendums to watch on your ballot

Ethics reformers push Mayor Brandon Johnson to adopt Law Department changes

Johnson warned to seek Council OK before taking action to cover $175M CPS pension payment

New data shows Chicagoans need to make this much for 'American Dream'

Great Migration exhibit in Chicago unpacks the stories and legacies of the historic journey

Federal workers in Chicago on edge amid President Donald Trump plans to shrink government’s real estate footprint

This Chicago suburb was just voted one of the best places to live in America

Trump executive order targets Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block

Andrew Boutros, a former fed and ‘go-getter,’ on cusp of being named interim US attorney in Chicago

Chicago Archdiocese lawsuit alleges group conspired to file false sex abuse claims against defrocked priest

Fight for REAL ID appointments intensifies in IL, 'REAL ID Saturdays' added

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Illinois affordable housing projects on pause as Trump administration evaluates funds

Editorial: Build, baby, build. There’s good news on Chicago’s South and West sides.

Chicago home prices are spiking. Here's how they've changed in 25 years.

Rise in Chicago prices nearly doubles national rate

Chicago home-value growth lags other major metros

Voter turnout for property tax increases

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Sanctuary and restriction: A look at Chicago mayors’ wildly different approaches to immigrants

Chicago immigrant advocates blast leaked draft of Trump travel ban

Education

Trump administration goes after Chicago, Deerfield schools

CPS staff in a political tug-of-war: What to know about Chicago’s $175M pension battle

The radicalization of the Chicago Teachers Union

Julie Woestehoff, Chicago education activist who urged local control of schools, dies

A new children's museum for kids 5 and younger will open on the West Side in 2027

Public safety & criminal justice

‘Get Behind the Vest’ pancake breakfast this Sunday

Transit

The city is waiving sticker penalties for Chicago drivers for all of April

This week’s video features commentary on the proposed Homeschool Act, which we have covered in previous Civic Updates. Below, you’ll find the full committee hearing video, a photo gallery, as well as a roundup of headlines from the hearing and the protest it inspired.

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Homeschool Bill Roundup

Lawmakers advance homeschooling bill as thousands pack Capitol to voice opposition

Illinois House panel advances bill to strengthen homeschooling oversight

WATCH: Illinois Homeschool Act expected in House committee

Home schooling families protest; regulation advances in Illinois House Committee

Illinois families protest new state bill that would restrict homeschooling

School choice activists warn parents about blue state's homeschool bill with jail-time provision

Illinois bill aims to add more oversight of homeschooling, not all want it

Committee OKs ‘Homeschool Act;’ fight moves to Illinois House floor

Illinois ‘Homeschool Act’ has parents, schools concerned

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Newsclips

Chicago to add audible crosswalk signals to aid blind, visually impaired under judge’s order

Johnson likens himself to second coming of Harold Washington

Chicago Public Media’s cost-cutting buyout reduces Sun-Times staff by 20 percent

Conservative groups file complaint against Illinois and Chicago over policies protecting LGBTQ students

Claire Hartfield's Chicago stories: Coretta Scott King Award-winning author talks hometown history at the Reg

The new grave dancers: Why these bargain-hunting buyers are betting on a downtown rebound

Obama center halo attracts South Side hotel proposal

Retail sales in the Chicago area are up

LatinTalks, Telemundo to host inaugural ‘LatinTalks En Español’

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Housing

HUD Midwest director, other longtime Chicago staff retiring early amid Trump administration threats, cuts to agency

Chicago landlords push back on anti-gentrification ordinance

Immigration

Immigration crackdown leads to numerous reports of ICE agents near Chicago Public Schools, emails show

Education

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson tries to broker compromise on teachers union contract

Chicago Board of Education postpones vote on controversial budget amendment

Tough lesson for Chicago employees of US Education Dept.: they're gone

K-12 stem program begins new session

Health

Chicago health department advises residents to check measles vaccination status

Habilitative Systems, Inc., a West Side center for mental and behavioral health, hosts ribbon-cutting for renovated headquarters

Public safety & criminal justice

'Where's my justice?' Only 6 percent of Chicago shootings lead to arrests

What comes next for police reform efforts in Chicago amid COPA leadership changes?

Chicago police detective charged with harassing fellow officer

Creation care

Sewage overflows into the Chicago River are rare, but new warning system will alert paddlers and other users when to steer clear

Cracking down on diesel truck emissions could save 500 lives in Chicago, new study shows

Why a tree-planting nonprofit in Chicago is suing the Trump administration

Transit

Sen. Seth Lewis: Just trust Chicago? Not when it comes to public transit

Chicago airports brace for busy travel season as spring break kicks off

'Expect significant delays' on Kennedy as work resumes: IDOT

Our regular Civic Update newsletter, which normally hits your inbox every Tuesday evening, will go out tomorrow in order to bring you updates from Springfield.

Below, you can watch last week’s story on the protests against the bill and the Chicago Tribune’s scathing editorial urging lawmakers not to pass it.

Homeschool advocates rally at the Illinois Statehouse to oppose legislation that would impose more oversight of parents who school their children at home. (Image credit: Capitol News Illinois/Jade Aubrey)

This week’s video features commentary on the Homeschool Act, a bill that takes aim at homeschool parents in Illinois.

Check out the blistering critique of the bill from the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board, and an article on protests against the bill at Capitol News Illinois.

To read the bill for yourself, head to the Illinois General Assembly’s page.

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Newsclips

Chicago can't afford an economically depressed downtown

Mayor Brandon Johnson opens City Hall gift room to cameras, promises to donate items to charity

Donald Trump isn’t alone in his geopolitical aspirations. Some in Illinois and Oregon also want border changes

What does Trump’s targeting of ‘woke programming’ in the arts mean for Chicago’s artists?

Chicago makes its move to get in on the data center boom

Local entrepreneurs react to Small Business Administration’s plan to move Chicago office out of city

Chicago etiquette luncheon builds confidence while covering bread buttering, fork usage

Starbucks workers, supporters arrested in protest for union contract

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Housing

Rising rents aren't just a problem for those living in poverty

How homeownership is shifting in Chicago

Amid Loop vacancies, Chicago's property tax burden shifts to neighborhoods

Chicago plots next moves against Suzie Wilson, more negligent landowners

Immigration

Chicago Ukrainians fear deportations as Trump considers revoking legal status: 'Everyone's scared to death'

How much sanctuary can Chicago really offer?

Education

Universities quietly adjust DEI policies amid Trump threats

Chicago Way with John Kass: Charles Lipson on the truth about ‘free speech’ on campus

Hackers expose information for 700,000 current and former Chicago students: CPS

Health

Our list of Chicago's largest physician groups has a new No. 1

Public safety & criminal justice

Chicago's ex-police oversight chief slams push to fire her as 'inherently unfair'

Chicago’s storied U.S. attorney’s office at crossroads as indictments dip, search for leader under way

Police oversight board planned no confidence vote before Chicago police misconduct agency chief resigned

This week, our video calls attention to two bills making their way through the Illinois state legislature, one aimed at increasing the regulations on families who homeschool their children, and another that would allow physician-assisted suicide in Illinois.

For more on the homeschooling bill, visit WCIA’s page. You can read the full bill text here. For more on the WeSchool Academy, mentioned in the video above, head to WeSchool’s website.

Meanwhile, MyStateLine.com has an article on the physician-assisted suicide bill. You can read the full bill text here.

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Newsclips

Chicago needs a mayoral recall process

Would you live in 77 Chicago neighborhoods? A local activist is giving it a shot

Rahm Emanuel won’t rule out another run for Chicago mayor, but says city and Democratic Party need work

‘Panafrica Across Chicago’ citywide art project lets Chicagoans explore

Pro-Ukraine rally draws thousands of marchers to Michigan Avenue

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Immigration

Brandon Johnson is testifying in DC on Chicago's sanctuary city status. Here's what to know

ICE says it will reveal who was arrested in Chicago ‘as soon as possible’ — which might be never

Education

Chicago Teachers Union pushes petition drive as strike threat looms

Chicago is kicking off the search for its next schools chief

Health

Chicagoans urged to stay current on measles vaccinations amid national outbreaks

The latest round of hospital layoffs: Crain's Daily Gist podcast

Public safety & criminal justice

250 jobs charged with implementing court-ordered police reforms are empty, Chicago officials say

Man pleads guilty to murder and attempted murder in shooting at suburban Chicago July 4 parade

Creation care

Snow was a no-show in Chicago this winter, close to 20 inches below normal

Transit

Editorial: The 50 new Chicago speed cameras are all about cash — not safety

CTA launching 'Frequent Network' bus service on some routes that will arrive every 10 minutes or sooner

This week’s video features a recap of last night’s in-person interest meeting at Bright Star Church. Thank you to everyone who made it out to the event.

Be on the lookout for future events. If you would like to host and event, reach out to admin@thecivicupdate.org.

If you’d like to be involved in helping to grow the And Campaign’s Chicago chapter, reach out through our chapter interest form.

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Newsclips

State grant program helps 89 Chicago organizations seeking to bridge racial divides

Fired federal workers hunt for new jobs but struggle to replace their old ones

Black Chicagoans describe what reparations look like for them in new study

Illinois lawmakers weigh whether to legalize ‘medical aid in dying’

Commission to explore Illinois-Indiana land exchange one step closer to reality

Trump's cozying up to Russia comes as 'slap in the face' to Ukrainian Americans in Chicago

How to get election results in Chicago-area primaries

Forrest Claypool: Chicago is holding itself back from a bright future

State regulators rein in Peoples Gas pipeline replacement effort after state investigation

Chicago Catholics pray for Pope Francis as he remains in critical condition

Bally's wins site-plan approval for Chicago casino

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Housing

Hundreds of vacant lots in Chicago to be sold after landlords’ bankruptcy, opening up opportunities for redevelopment

Editorial: Frigid temperatures highlight the harshness of Chicago homeless experience — and the need for new ideas

Kenwood shelter to stay open as state plans to transfer operations to city

Immigration

The hidden world of Chicago ICE arrests

Health

To modernize city's health care system, let physician assistants use their skills

Why decentering Long COVID in the 2024 election was a mistake for all Chicagoans

City has $142M left in federal COVID-19 relief funds after $87M cuts to balance 2025 budget

Illinois has erased nearly $350 million in medical debt, Pritzker says

Education

Chicago school district’s Black student success plan faces a legal challenge

Public safety & criminal justice

Anti-violence initiatives scale up to reduce crime and bolster community development

Mayor Johnson’s extremism task force will examine all city agencies, but community wants removal of Chicago cops prioritized

Transit

City of Chicago accepts CTA’s plan for equitable transit-oriented development

Chicago's Metra railway operator paid a law firm over $1.5 million for an internal investigation that it won’t release

Our regular Civic Update newsletter, which normally hits your inbox every Tuesday evening, will go out tomorrow in order to bring you updates from our interest meeting.

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

This week, we’re calling attention to our upcoming in-person chapter interest meeting. You can RSVP to the meeting at our EventBrite link. We ask that you please complete your RSVP by Friday, February 21, which will help us plan the evening appropriately.

We also have a new Instagram page, which you can follow here.

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Newsclips

Anti-Trump protesters gather at Chicago’s Federal Plaza on Presidents Day

City Council, vote no on Mayor Johnson's $830 million bond issue

Families experiencing homelessness can apply for up to $6,500 — with no limit on how it’s spent

Black-owned bookstores in Chicago struggle after 2020 surge 'as if supporting us was a trend'

WTTW documentaries highlight ‘people creating conditions for peace’

Federal plan to reduce government office space could be a blow to Chicago, where selling properties wouldn’t be easy

Illinois legislative, labor leaders speak out against Trump budget cuts

Chicago area federal workers on edge as Trump guts agencies: ‘It’s devastating’

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Housing

Chicago Housing Authority is owed millions in rent and failing to enforce leases, report finds

Health

NIH funding cuts could have 'devastating impact' on medical advancements, Chicago researchers say

Chicago-area doctor returns to native Syria to revive war-torn nation's ailing health system

Education

Stakeholders: The new Chicago Board of Education must take ownership of CPS

After month-long delay, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson names final member of school board

Public safety & criminal justice

Chicago police misconduct agency chief resigns under fire; two other city department heads exit

This week’s video features commentary on Chicago’s efforts to address its food desert crisis.

For more on this story, see WBEZ’s story on Save A Lot and the Chicago Tribune’s story on a city-owned market.

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Newsclips

The plot to assassinate Black America

Ethics board ‘revokes’ informal agreement that allowed mayor to accept pricey gifts

Chicago has not been immune from air traffic controller shortages in recent years

Finance Committee signs off on Johnson's $830 million general obligation bond issue

How Trump’s plan to shrink the federal workforce could impact Illinois

West Side community center sees its economic impact in real time

Cook County assessor: we are improving accuracy and fairness in property assessments

Who will be Chicago’s next mayor?

City's homeless shelters fail on accessibility for people with disabilities

Black excellence in construction celebrated at black tie gala

The Trump administration has been making sweeping changes to staffing across the federal government, including at the EPA

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Immigration

Justice Department sues Chicago over sanctuary city policies

Chicago restaurant workers prepare as ICE arrests cast fear, uncertainty over industry

ICE claims to target those with criminal records, but Chicago area arrests show otherwise

Notes threatening deportation left at front door of Afghan family's Skokie home

Health

'A symptom of a larger sickness': navigating mental health care on Chicago's South and West Sides

Chicago creating monument honoring COVID-19 victims, frontline workers

Chicago flu cases spike, most intense in 15 years. Here's where to get a free vaccine

Public safety & criminal justice

Reform groups say CPD’s new plan to stop and search Chicagoans violates Constitution, consent decree

Creation care

Aspen Institute climate conference moves to Chicago

Pritzker delays start of invasive carp project at Brandon Road in Joliet amid federal funding concerns

This week’s video features commentary on the Trump administration’s plans to slash the Environmental Protection Agency’s workforce, and its impact on the Chicago-based midwest regional office.

For more on this story, visit the Chicago Sun-Times and the New York Times.

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Newsclips

Johnson accepted valuable gifts, blocked access to items, inspector general says

Trump's impending tariffs on Chinese goods create uncertainty, higher costs for Chicago businesses

Chicago globe makers and mapmakers ponder 'Gulf of America'

On the brink of extinction, Chicago's last human-operated elevators get a temporary reprieve

ABC 7 Chicago celebrates Black History Month with special programming

Gen Z is drinking less — and it’s changing Chicago’s social scene

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Housing

Chicago’s mayor promised to ‘cut the red tape’ on affordable housing, so why hasn’t he?

Johnson vows to try again to hike taxes on sales of million-dollar homes to fight homelessness

High-ranking Chicago Housing Authority director fired amid ongoing staff exodus

Immigration

‘Chicago has always been a city of immigrant workers’: Some Chicago businesses close their doors to protest immigration crackdown

Some US businesses close in a ‘day without immigrants.’ But many say they can’t lose income

When Trump’s immigration crackdown came to Chicago

Chicago becomes epicenter of resistance amid Trump’s immigration crackdown

People left to navigate immigration court complexities alone after federally funded aid pulled

Here’s how Chicago schools are responding to increased immigration enforcement

Health

Illinois health insurance marketplace gets record jump in amount of applications

For young black Chicagoans seeking mental health support, access is key

Education

Can trauma-informed care provide the support Chicago teachers need?

Creation care

Trump threatens to fire more than 100 Chicago EPA workers

This week’s video features a reminder about the ten civic disciplines put together by our own Pastor and Justin Giboney last year for the Civic Revival tour.

You can check out the introductory video and the civic disciplines videos below.

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Newsclips

Chicago responds to Trump administration’s dismantling of DEI

How Trump's return-to-office order affects Chicago's federal employees

Disparities remain in access to green spaces between Chicago’s North and South Sides

What’s next for LaSalle Street? Make it more residential friendly, city says

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Housing

Chicago home sales continued decline last year

Immigration

‘We are terrified’: ICE begins long-promised immigration blitz in Chicago

'Ridiculous': Illinois attorney general reacts to Dr. Phil questioning detained migrant

What happened at Hamline Elementary on Friday? Mistaken ICE report in Chicago is still sparking fear.

Public schools try to protect undocumented students from Trump immigration raids

Chicago migrants fearful of Trump plan to deport new arrivals under Biden-era protections

Health

Rep. Krishnamoorthi: Reducing drug prices in the U.S.

Education

Spending during Chicago’s first school board campaign season exceeded $13 million

Public safety & criminal justice

Community meetings to discuss Chicago Police Department reforms

Restorative justice programs in Chicago aim to break cycles of recidivism

Creation care

Chicago kept its New Year’s resolution: All city buildings now use 100 percent clean power

Illinois EPA opposes proposed toxic waste dump expansion on Southeast Side lakefront

Transit

New state transportation boss looking to cure Kennedy construction ‘headache,' focus on speeding up projects