The Chicago Transit Authority is expanding an apprenticeship program that will give more people who have committed crimes a second chance and give commuters cleaner buses and trains to ride on.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CTA President Forrest Claypool announced Wednesday the ex-offender apprenticeship program will be quadrupled in size to allow for as many as 265 apprenticeship opportunities on the city's bus and rail systems. The apprenticeship assignments will last nine months to a year, and will include duties such as servicing platforms and cleaning buses and trains.
Emanuel says the program benefits Chicago because it will lower the unemployment rate among hard-to-employ ex-offenders, and reduce recidivism. He and Claypool say as the ex-offenders learn job skills, they are also making buses and trains cleaner for riders.
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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.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:23:45 GMT
Train service on the South Shore Line is suspended after a problem occurred with the equipment that transfers the energy from the overhead line to the trains.
Train service on the South Shore Line is suspended after a problem occurred with the equipment that transfers the energy from the overhead line to the trains.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:28 AM EDT2013-06-17 13:28:37 GMT
A fatal early morning crash involving three vehicles and a motorcycle shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 during the Monday morning rush hour, according to Indiana State Police.
A fatal early morning crash involving three vehicles and a motorcycle shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 during the Monday morning rush hour, according to Indiana State Police.
Saturday, June 15 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-06-16 01:11:05 GMT
By all accounts 21-year-old Carissa Hinz was a young woman full of life. Many friends and co-workers were present when she was struck by a car and the driver kept going.
By all accounts 21-year-old Carissa Hinz was a young woman full of life. Many friends and co-workers were present when she was struck by a car and the driver kept going.
Saturday, June 15 2013 12:30 PM EDT2013-06-15 16:30:36 GMT
Bond has been set at $300,000 for a man charged with striking a 65-year-old woman and her grandson in a hit-and-run accident in the West Englewood neighborhood Monday evening.
Bond has been set at $300,000 for a man charged with striking a 65-year-old woman and her grandson in a hit-and-run accident in the West Englewood neighborhood Monday evening.
Saturday, June 15 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-06-15 14:45:00 GMT
Multiple ambulances were called, in addition to other fire department equipment, to O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning after an incoming plane reported mechanical problems.
Multiple ambulances were called, in addition to other fire department equipment, to O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning after an incoming plane reported mechanical problems.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:47:11 GMT
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:07 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:07:39 GMT
Chicago Bike Week ends with a bang on Friday, with the Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza. New barrier-protected bike lanes also opened along Milwaukee Avenue, the city's most heavily biked corridor.
Chicago Bike Week ends with a bang on Friday, with the Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza. New barrier-protected bike lanes also opened along Milwaukee Avenue, the city's most heavily biked corridor.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:18:11 GMT
Service on Metra's Southwest Service between downtown and southwest suburban Manhattan has been disrupted Thursday afternoon by the derailment of a freight train locomotive on the South Side.
Service on Metra's Southwest Service between downtown and southwest suburban Manhattan has been disrupted Thursday afternoon by the derailment of a freight train locomotive on the South Side.
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