Reflecting on historical events in the Chicago area, June 6 has seen significant moments over the decades. 1944: D-Day Mass at Holy Name Cathedral On June 6, 1944, Chicagoans attended services in various houses of worship, including the Holy Name Cathedral, as Allied forces launched the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France. The front page of […]
New exhibitions and reopenings bring a vibrant and patriotic mood to the area surrounding the National Mall. Recent efforts are part of the preparation for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Among the highlights is “American Aspirations,” an exhibit displaying the mahogany desk used by Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration. This […]
Deep Influences from Former President Barack Obama Barack Obama’s presence is evident in the presidential museum on Chicago’s South Side. From its strategic location to the design details like textured stone and striped reading chairs inspired by his home, the museum embodies his legacy. Opens on Juneteenth after a dedication ceremony attended by dignitaries, it […]
Beneath the long line of tourists waiting to ascend Notre Dame Cathedral and encounter its famous gargoyles, a team of archaeologists is excavating the earth to uncover remnants of Roman Paris, dating back 2,000 years. This exploration follows the devastating 2019 fire that brought Notre Dame’s spire down, prompting rebuilding efforts that led to the […]
In 1976, the song ‘Zombie’ by Fela Kuti became an emblem of resistance for Nigerian youths like Yunusa Yau, frustrated by military excesses in schools. Emerging during a decade of military rule following a coup, this song satirized the unthinking obedience of soldiers. High schoolers found in Fela’s lyrics a voice against both the military […]
Edgar Morin, a multifaceted French intellectual, passed away at 104 in Paris. Known for his work in sociology, anthropology, ecology, philosophy, and filmmaking, Morin left a lasting impression on France and beyond. His journey, shaped by experiences during the Nazi occupation of France in World War II, imbued his writings and statements with unique moral […]
In May 2025, France’s then-prime minister, François Bayrou, was asked a surprising question in Parliament. A member wanted to know why France had not officially revoked the Code Noir. This infamous set of laws enforced slavery in French colonies. Many were unaware that these laws still existed. Bayrou, caught off guard, promised to present a […]
Sometimes, pages or information gets lost, but they might lead to intriguing stories. NPR offers narratives about missing individuals, locations, and items that continue to elude discovery. 18 1/2 Minutes of Watergate Tapes One such story involves Rose Mary Woods, a dedicated secretary to President Richard Nixon. She claimed responsibility for erasing significant portions of […]
HBCUs and Rosenwald Schools: Building Educational Equity Two museums in Washington, D.C. have unveiled exhibitions focusing on the significant impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Rosenwald Schools. These institutions played pivotal roles in advancing education for African Americans, fostering both learning and democratic ideals. The Legacy of HBCUs HBCUs have long been […]
Operation Safebet Uncovers Prostitution Ring In 1987, Doris Fischer, alongside her two daughters and son-in-law, admitted to running a prostitution operation from their home in Buffalo Grove. This case was part of an investigation called ‘Operation Safebet,’ which involved both the FBI and the IRS. Weather Extremes in Chicago According to the National Weather Service, […]