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Chicago Tribune
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Today in Chicago History: Wingfoot Air Express dirigible catches fire and crashes in the Loop, killing 13 people
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 21, according to the Tribune's archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) 1919: For most of the day, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.'s Wingfoot Air Express airship cruised above the city. The powerful hum of its engines and a serene shadow were the only indicators of its passage as it flew from the South Side to Grant Park and as far north as Diversey Parkway. At about 5 p.m., the blimp hurtled through a lobby skylight of the Illinois Trust & Savings Bank at 231 S. LaSalle St., killing 13 people and injuring 27. It was America's first recorded commercial aviation disaster. 1924 Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb's attorney Clarence Darrow entered a plea of guilty on his clients' behalf. By entering guilty pleas, Darrow didn't have to persuade 12 jurors to spare his clients the hangman's noose. In a trial's sentencing phase, the judge has the ultimate say. Vintage Chicago Tribune: Leopold and LoebAfter the evidence had been presented, Darrow addressed the judge, speaking for 12 hours over two days. Darrow's eloquent plea had the desired effect. Leopold and Loeb were sentenced to life in prison. 1952: The Democratic National Convention opened in Chicago at the International Amphitheatre. Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson was chosen as the party's nominee. Stevenson, who did not seek the presidential nomination, was drafted on the third ballot. Although he was a reluctant candidate, he pledged a hard-fighting campaign. Vintage Chicago Tribune: Tradition of acceptance speeches at political conventions began in Chicago'I have no feeling of exultation, nor sense of triumph,' Stevenson said outside the home of William McCormick Blair at 1416 Astor St. 'I shall ask my God to give me courage in this great undertaking.' Eisenhower won the 1952 election on Nov. 4, 1952, bringing the Republican Party its first White House victory in 24 years. Vintage Chicago Tribune: Soldier Field's century of concerts, car races, circuses and contests1956: The Grand National 100-mile race, considered the first NASCAR cup series race held in Chicago, was witnessed by 14,402 fans who saw Fireball Roberts win by a car length over Jim Pascal, who was ahead until Roberts passed him on the 194th of 200 laps. 1980: Twelve-year-old Walter Polovchak, who said he did not want to go back home to Ukraine when his family returned to the then-Soviet Union, was granted political asylum in Chicago. Polovchak was dubbed the 'the littlest defector' by the media during a yearslong court battle between his parents and the U.S. government that raised complex questions about personal freedoms, parental rights and government overreach. 2002: Pyewacket, owned by Walt Disney's grandnephew Roy P. Disney, set a record finish time of 23 hours, 30 minutes, 24 seconds in the Race to Mackinac. It bested the 1987 record of 25:50:44 by Dick Jennings' Santa Cruz 70, Pied Piper. Pyewacket, named after the cat in the film 'Bell, Book and Candle,' retained the record in the race until 2024. Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago's past.
Chicago Tribune
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Returning again to the Scopes ‘monkey trial,' and what I learned
You may have noticed that the 100th anniversary of the so-called 'monkey trial' in Dayton, Tennessee, has rolled around this month, with various offerings, notably my colleague Ron Grossman's excellent recent story, which informed me, among many things, that the town's main street 'took on a carnival atmosphere. Rival trainers brought chimpanzees to town — including a celebrated simian named Joe Mendi, who wore a plaid suit and a fedora hat. Vendors hawked toy monkeys and Bibles. Shop windows had monkey-theme displays.' Read that story and perhaps you too will be compelled to dive deeper into the past. The simplest way is to watch the 128-minute 1960 movie based on the events that took place, mostly in a sweltering courtroom, from July 10-21 in 1925. I did that, and 'Inherit the Wind' is a great movie. Adapted from a successful play written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee and based on real events, it is dominated by those towering actors Spencer Tracy and Fredric March. They portray, respectively, opposing attorneys Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, though they're given the names Henry Drummond and Matthew Harrison Brady. See what I mean by 'based on.' Still, Amazon touts the movie as the 'thrilling recreation of the most titanic courtroom battles of the century,' hyperbolically ignoring a trial the year before, when Darrow took on the defense of killers Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb in Chicago. (There's a pretty good movie of that too, 1959's 'Compulsion'). The trial, more formally called the Scopes trial, or the State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, involved a high school teacher, John Scopes, who was accused of violating the Butler Act, a Tennessee state law banning the teaching of human evolution in public schools. After watching 'Inherit,' I did some further digging and feel fortunate to have learned some encouraging things about Scopes. For instance, 'He did not capitalize at all on his celebrity,' said John Mark Hansen. 'He had offers of tens of thousands of dollars to go on vaudeville stages and talk about the trial. Instead, he came to the University of Chicago to further his education, never seeking attention.' Hansen is a longtime University of Chicago political science professor and Hyde Park resident. He is also a talented writer, and his 'Evolution on Trial' story in the university's magazine makes for enlightening and lively reading. Among the other things I learned: Darrow, the principal defense attorney, knew many University of Chicago scientists and professors, because for years, living in an apartment on 60th Street near Stony Island Avenue, 'he hosted an informal biology club … directing discussions on biology, religion and evolution,' Hansen writes. He recruited some of these folks to testify at the trial, and they stayed in 'a big Victorian house on the edge of Dayton,' which is described as 'ancient and empty … now crudely furnished with iron cots, spittoons, playing cards and the other camp equipment of scientists,' Hansen writes. 'It was called the Mansion, Defense Mansion, and, inevitably, the Monkey House.' Scopes decided to study geology at the University of Chicago. His tuition toward earning a doctorate was paid for by a grant and other donations. But when he applied for a third year to finish his studies, the president of another school that administered the fellowships refused to consider his application, saying, 'As far as I am concerned, you can take your atheistic marbles and play elsewhere.' And so he did, fading away into life as a working geologist, Hansen tells me, living in Texas and Louisiana. He did return to the University of Chicago campus for a conference in 1960. When asked about the 1925 trial, Hansen writes, 'Scopes had little to add. 'I hope that I don't ever have to go through something like that again.'' 'Some of the issues of the trial still echo,' says Hansen. 'Ever debated is the role of religion in public school classrooms, as is the question 'Who controls what gets taught in school?'' Bryan died only days after the Scopes trial and Darrow lived until 1938, the most famous lawyer in the world then, and arguably still. Reading Hansen's fine story and watching 'Inherit the Wind' put Darrow solidly in my mind and compelled me to go to see a small and pretty bridge in Jackson Park. It sits behind the Museum of Science and Industry, named in Darrow's honor and dedicated in 1957 by relatively new mayor Richard J. Daley. Closed to pedestrians since 2013, it's sadly in bad shape, recently having been listed as one of Preservation Chicago's 7 Most Endangered Buildings for 2025, noting, 'As necessary maintenance continues to be deferred, the bridge is increasingly vulnerable to further disrepair. If conditions worsen, demolition and removal are possible outcomes.' I also found the time to read Darrow's 20,000 some-word closing argument in the Leopold and Loeb sentencing, the words that saved those two men from execution. Here are some of them: 'You may hang these boys; you may hang them, by the neck until they are dead. But in doing it you will turn your face toward the past. … I am pleading for the future; I am pleading for a time when hatred and cruelty will not control the hearts of men. When we can learn by reason and judgment and understanding and faith that all life is worth saving, and that mercy is the highest attribute of man.'
Los Angeles Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
When Darrow took on Bryan 100 years ago today, science got the win. Or did it?
Before O.J. Simpson's 'trial of the century,' another courtroom clash riveted America and merited that title. In the sleepy town of Dayton, Tenn., on July 10, 1925, the Scopes 'Monkey Trial' was gaveled to order. The issues contested in the second-story courtroom of the Rhea County courthouse may seem long settled, but they still divide Americans 100 years later. At the behest of the American Civil Liberties Union, a young science teacher, John T. Scopes, agreed to stand trial for violating Tennessee's Butler Act, which forbade educators 'to teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals.' Local boosters in Dayton calculated that a trial pitting science against religion would provide a jolt to the town's economy. William Jennings Bryan, fundamentalist Christian and three-time Democratic nominee for president, agreed to assist the prosecution, and Clarence Darrow, agnostic and arguably the nation's most famous defense attorney, signed onto the Scopes team. WGN, the clear-channel radio station in Chicago, carried the proceedings live, and the irascible H.L. Mencken of the Baltimore Sun led the phalanx of journalists who descended on Dayton. For eight days, Dayton was awash in visitors, including journalists, partisans on one side or the other and chimpanzees. Banners advocated Bible reading. Lemonade stands popped up. Nearly a thousand people crowded into the courtroom, and even more witnessed the proceedings when they were moved outside because of the summer heat. Over Darrow's objections, the Scopes trial opened each day with prayer. The trial was supposed to decide a narrow question: Had Dayton's high schoolers been taught evolution; was the Butler Act violated? The judge quashed various defense attempts to contest the merits of the act, but that didn't stop the trial from unfolding as a a proxy for larger issues. Bryan posited that 'if evolution wins, Christianity goes,' and Darrow countered with 'Scopes isn't on trial; civilization is on trial.' He added that the prosecution was 'opening the doors for a reign of bigotry equal to anything in the Middle Ages.' Once the judge refused to hear testimony from most of the defense's Bible and science experts, Darrow called Bryan to testify as an expert on the Bible. The New York Times described what ensued as 'the most amazing court scene in Anglo-Saxon history.' 'You have given considerable study to the Bible, haven't you, Mr. Bryan?' Darrow began. Bryan replied that he had studied the Bible for about 50 years. Darrow proceeded with a fusillade of 'village atheist' challenges to famous Bible stories: Jonah and the whale, Noah and the great flood, Joshua making the sun stand still. Bryan, who had initially insisted that 'everything in the Bible should be accepted as it is given there,' had to say time and again that he'd never questioned the biblical accounts. He eventually conceded that the Genesis account of creation might refer to six 'periods' rather than six 24-hour-days. The exchange grew testy. Bryan complained that Darrow was trying to 'slur at the Bible' and declared that he would continue to answer Darrow's questions because 'I want the world to know that this man, who does not believe in God, is trying to use a court in Tennessee ...' but Darrow interrupted. 'I object to your statement,' he thundered, and to 'your fool ideas that no intelligent Christian on Earth believes.' The outcome of the Scopes trial was never in doubt. The jury of 11 white men, all but one of whom attended church regularly, returned a guilty verdict after nine minutes of deliberation. Scopes was fined $100 (a verdict later overturned on a technicality). Bryan, a broken man, died in Dayton five days later. Most liberals, theological and political, believed that science and common sense had prevailed once and for all in that steamy Tennessee courtroom, that Darrow had banished the retrograde 'fool ideas' of Christian literalists to the margins. But is that true? Although it was never enforced again, the Butler Act remained on the books in Tennessee until 1967. Some publishers, afraid of a backlash from churchgoers, quietly expunged or watered down evolution in their textbooks, and many states continued to prohibit the teaching of evolution in public schools. That added to an alarming decline in science education in the United States, a deficit that came finally to public notice when the Soviets launched their Sputnik satellite in 1957. President Kennedy's aspirations to land a man on the moon jump-started American science dominance education in the 1960s, which necessarily rested, in part, on the fundamentals of Darwin's evolutionary theory. But many of the faithful remained wary. Several organizations emerged in the 1960s and 1970s — the Creation Research Society, Bible Science Assn., the Institute for Creation Research, among others — that advocated 'creationism' and later, 'scientific creationism,' a sometimes comic attempt to clothe biblical literalism with scientific legitimacy. Most scientists scoffed, dismissing as preposterous claims that the Grand Canyon, for example, was formed in a matter of weeks. Courts repeatedly refused to countenance creationism as anything but religious teaching and therefore impermissible in public schools because of the establishment clause of the 1st Amendment ('Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion …' ). Undeterred, 'Bible-believing' Christians set about inventing new guises for creationism, which led to something called 'intelligent design,' the notion that creation is so ordered and complex that some Designer must perforce have initiated and superintended the process. The legal showdown over intelligent design took place in Dover, Pa., where the school board had required biology teachers to read a statement asserting that evolution 'is not a fact' and urging students 'to keep an open mind.' John E. Jones, U.S. district judge appointed to the bench by President George W. Bush, ruled in December 2005 that intelligent design was 'a mere re-labeling of creationism and not a scientific theory,' and that requiring it in public schools represented a violation of the establishment clause. Even now those who can't abide Darwinism are very likely working on the next evolution of creationism. In the meantime, the broader religious right mounts attacks on science and public education that echo those that animated the Scopes trial. Public education, one of the cornerstones of democracy, is itself on the line, as religious nationalists support the diversion of taxpayer funds to provide vouchers for religious schools. Sadly, the current Supreme Court, with scant regard for the establishment clause, is abetting those efforts. The Bible vs. Darwin showdown in Tennessee cast a long shadow over American life. The jury may have taken only nine minutes to determine the fate of Scopes, but 100 years later science and religion, and modernism and fundamentalism are still fighting it out. Randall Balmer, a professor of religion at Dartmouth College, wrote and hosted three PBS documentaries, including 'In the Beginning: The Creationist Controversy.' His latest book is 'America's Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State.'
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
TSB Lifts Profit And Builds Momentum For Digital Investment
TSB Bank has reported another year of strong financial performance and strategic progress. The Bank delivered a net profit before tax of $57.6 million for the year ending 31 March 2025, up $6.7 million on the previous year. In the 2025 financial year $15m in dividends have been declared to shareholder Toi Foundation Holdings Limited (the investment management entity of philanthropic organisation Toi Foundation), an increase on the $10m declared in the prior financial year. Performance was underpinned by a $7.8 million increase in net operating income and a 1.7% reduction in operating costs. Lending and deposit growth remained strong, with commercial lending up 29% and deposits increasing by 2%. TSB also maintained strong asset quality, with non-performing loans at just 0.5%, below the industry average of 0.7%. Chair Mark Darrow says the results reflect the Bank's focus on simplifying operations to pave the way for accelerated investment in digital capability. 'TSB is now in a strong position to evolve into a digital-first bank that delivers on the expectations of modern consumers and businesses, while staying true to our customer-first values and high-quality service,' Darrow says. 'We're laying the foundations for long-term growth by investing in the right technologies, talent and tools. Our goal is to build a bank that earns trust through great service today and innovation for tomorrow - and to do so in a way that reflects our deep community roots.' Chief Executive Officer Kerry Boielle says TSB's progress is a testament to the hard mahi of our people and our ongoing commitment to delivering more for our customers and communities. 'We've made great progress this year in strengthening our systems and products, so in the year ahead, people can expect TSB to step up and offer more for everyday New Zealanders and small to medium sized businesses. 'With our community background we know we can provide a fantastic level of care in this space, so that's where we're focused on improving our offering.' TSB was named Canstar's Bank of the Year for Credit Cards for the third consecutive year in 2025 - recognition of its focus on delivering customer value. The Bank also continued to invest in customer protection, enhancing fraud prevention systems including rolling out Confirmation of Payee. Looking ahead, Boielle says regulatory reform is needed to support improved competition and innovation across the sector. 'While regulation is essential to a safe banking system, some requirements are disproportionate and hinder innovation. 'We're calling on policymakers to introduce true proportionality in banking legislation so that New Zealand-owned banks like TSB can invest more rapidly in the products and services our customers need.' With TSB celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2025, Darrow says the Bank is focused on future growth. 'We're incredibly proud of our legacy and excited about what lies ahead. Our ambition is to become New Zealand's digital bank of choice – one that continues to put people first for generations to come.'
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inc. Honors Darrow as a 2025 Best Workplace for Building a Culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Impact
Legal Intelligence and AI Tech Leader Recognized for Exceptional Culture and Employee Engagement NEW YORK, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Darrow™, the legal intelligence company built to surface hidden legal risks and turn them into action, today announced that it has been named to Inc.'s 2025 Best Workplaces list. This honor recognizes U.S. companies that have built exceptional workplaces and vibrant cultures that support their teams and clients. Inc.'s 2025 Best Workplaces list represents the culmination of a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Quantum Workplace. Nominees are evaluated on criteria including: 1) Management Effectiveness; 2) Professional Development Opportunities; 3) Comprehensive Benefits Packages, and 4) Overall Company Culture. The assessment evaluates both remote and in-person work spaces along with detailed employee surveys covering every aspect of the workplace experience, and supported by thorough audits of company benefits and policies. This intensive approach ensures that recognized companies demonstrate genuine commitment to employee welfare rather than surface-level perks. Darrow achieved 100% participation in Inc.'s survey — exemplifying an internal culture that is highly engaged and collaborative. 'For Darrow, this is recognition of our commitment and focus on cultivating our core values, and allows us to attract and retain the very best talent,' said Mathew Keshav Lewis, Chief Revenue Officer and GM of Darrow's US office. He added, 'Our employees share a common mission to build intelligence to discover, assess and address every legal violation, and ultimately bring justice to more people.' Darrow defines its culture by five core values — #1 People FirstWe own our culture and put human well-being at the center, treating every person as a world unto themselves. We act with humility, care and respect. #2 Intentional CommunicationWe communicate with honesty and clarity, listen deeply, embrace feedback, and prioritize solutions to serve our greater shared mission. #3 Partner CentricityWe pursue justice collaboratively, prioritizing partners, delivering beyond expectations and safeguarding trust through honesty and data. #4 IntegrityOur actions align with our values. We support our words with truth and data, honor commitments, and embrace diverse perspectives bravely. #5 Radical ForesightWe are pioneers. We use scarcity to spark creativity, uncover hidden value, and learn from every person and experience. 'Inc.'s Best Workplaces program celebrates the exceptional organizations whose workplace cultures address their employees' welfare and needs in meaningful ways,' says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. 'As companies expand and adapt to changing economic forces, maintaining such a culture is no small feat. Yet these honorees have not only achieved it—they continue to elevate the employee experience through thoughtful benefits, engagement, and a deep commitment to their teams.' To view the full list of winners, visit About Darrow™Darrow™ is the legal intelligence company that detects emerging legal risk and transforms public data into actionable opportunities. Using AI to surface hidden violations in areas like consumer protection, environmental law, and data privacy, Darrow equips legal teams to identify and act on high-value litigation faster and with greater precision. Learn more at Media Contact: Linda Rigano-Steinberglinda@ | 914.815.0396Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
