By Tisha Lewis, FOX 32 News reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and his graduate students at the University of Chicago are reaching across the state line to help the battered steel town of Gary, Indiana--one of the most depressed cities in America.
"Gary has wonderful people," Former Mayor Richard Daley said. "In the last 40 or 50 years, Gary has been forgotten -- not only the city, but its people...and America is better than that."
Former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and the University of Chicago are partnering with newly elected Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson to revitalize a city that once boomed with steel industry opportunities. Now, boarded buildings line several streets.
"There is nothing like being involved in a clinic," Freeman-Wilson says. "Whether it is a legal clinic or some other type of opportunity that you have as a student to put the research that you learn about into practice."
The new collaboration will challenge Daley's University of Chicago graduate students, to come up with ideas, to curb the city's obstacles. Mike Reddy is one of those students.
"So one of the ideas we have, for example, is pop-up shops," Reddy explains. "Temporary stores that can open up for a short period of time to see what it's like to do commerce in Gary."
"Sure the intellectuals come in, but it's really left up to the people," says long-time Gary resident Robert Cambell who has a few ideas of his own. "If the people are highly motivated and then also they see some potential. This city here has a great deal of potential, it's very close to the lake, it's in the hub, in the center of America, the transpiration is excellent.
The struggling city is saving at least a hundred thousand dollars in consulting fees by turning to Daley's students for help.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:36:33 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:54 GMT
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:36:02 GMT
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-15 00:46:35 GMT
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
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