William G. Simpson, a successful businessman and philanthropist, passed away at 92 due to congestive heart failure. He held presidential appointments under John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan and was involved with various institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and Loyola University of Chicago. Simpson's career included a stint in the Army, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and roles at Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Combined Insurance Co. of America, and his own firm, W.G. Simpson & Co. He was also a board member of several hospitals and charitable organizations. Simpson was remembered for his analytical skills and the impact of his wife and father on his life. A commissioned musical piece by Augusta Read Thomas honored his late wife, Marilyn. Services are scheduled at Donnellan Family Funeral Home and Saint Andrew Church in Chicago.

Debra Thomas, a special education teacher at Rich East High School, was awarded the 2016 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. She was surprised with the award in her classroom by a group including the school principal and the Golden Apple Foundation's operations manager. Thomas was nominated by the school's social worker, Derrek Reese, and was chosen from among 400 nominations. She is known for her dedication to her students, including organizing clubs and the 'Best Buddies' group. Thomas, who became a teacher after earning a master's degree and being inspired by her autistic son, will receive a sabbatical to study at Northwestern University and a $5,000 cash award. The formal award ceremony will take place on May 20 at WTTW-TV studios.

The article discusses the efforts of Palos Heights city officials to revitalize the Harlem Avenue business district. The city has hired Houseal Lavigne Associates to create a mixed-use zoning plan, aiming to attract service businesses and modernize building designs. Frank Diliberto of Diliberto Real Estate has been appointed in a pro-bono capacity to market the district and act as an economic development adviser. Mayor Robert Straz envisions developments that combine commercial and residential spaces with a pedestrian-friendly environment. Michael Coogan of Brigid Capital is a developer who has already invested in the area and sees potential for growth due to the community's amenities. Local business owners like Jeff Sankey and Tim Jackson express support for the initiative, anticipating that it will bring more businesses and foot traffic, benefiting the entire community.

Edward 'Ned' Hughes has been appointed as the new president of Mount Carmel High School, marking the first time a non-Carmelite has held the position since the school's founding in 1924. Hughes, an alumnus of the school, previously served as the chairman of the school's finance committee and is a former corporate vice president of finance at Motorola. The search for a new president began locally before expanding nationally. Hughes, who will start on July 1, aims to enhance the school's academic reputation to match its athletic achievements. He plans to continue a $15 million campaign to renovate classrooms and increase technology capabilities. The outgoing president, Rev. Tony Mazurkiewicz, will take on a new role within the Carmelite community. The article is reported by Patricia Trebe, a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

Chris Pazan, a former University of Illinois quarterback and now a rookie Chicago police officer, has joined the Chicago Enforcers, a football team made up of police officers that competes in the National Public Safety Football League. The league consists of 21 teams nationwide and plays by NCAA rules. The Enforcers, entering their 11th season, include officers from various law enforcement agencies and focus on raising money for charities such as the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and others. The team, which has a history of giving back to the community, is preparing for its upcoming season with games against rivals like the Cleveland Warriors and the Chicago Blaze, a team of firefighters.

The article discusses the Powerball lottery, which has reached a historic $1.5 billion jackpot after rolling over 19 times since the November 7 drawing. It highlights the excitement and dreams that come with such a large jackpot, while also addressing the extremely low odds of winning. Experts like Thomas Brignall, a sociology professor, and Allen Sanderson, an economist, comment on the societal impact and the reasons behind the hype. Stephen Rossi from the Illinois Lottery assures that winners from Illinois will receive their payments despite the state's budget issues. The article also touches on the potential negative effects of lottery fever, as explained by Peter R. Finn, a psychology professor, who warns against the misconception that spending more increases the chances of winning. Patricia Trebe, a freelance reporter, wrote the article for the Daily Southtown.

Lucille Msall, a dedicated advocate for children with Down syndrome, passed away at 87 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was a founder of Beacon Therapeutic School, past president of the National Association for Down Syndrome, and a founding member and past president of the National Down Syndrome Congress. Msall's work focused on ensuring that children with Down syndrome received education and opportunities for a normal life. She was also involved in social justice issues and worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services. Msall is survived by her children, grandchildren, and a sister.

Herbert Kenney, the founder of 'Nuts on Clark', passed away at the age of 90 due to heart failure. Starting with a small nut shop 35 years ago, Kenney expanded his business to include a variety of items such as chocolates and a popular popcorn recipe from his wife's mother. The company now supplies popcorn to major sports venues in Chicago and has multiple locations, including airports and Union Station. Kenney was remembered as a visionary entrepreneur with a strong work ethic and a compassionate nature. He was involved in various ventures throughout his life, including a real estate management firm and a hot dog stand near Southern Illinois University. Services for Kenney are scheduled at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home.

The Chicago Agricultural High School hosted a screening of 'The Hunting Ground,' a documentary about sexual assaults on college campuses, for its female senior students. The event, presented by Ald. Matthew O'Shea and in collaboration with Chicago Says No More, aimed to raise awareness among students about the prevalence of sexual assault in higher education institutions. The University of Michigan, a top choice for one of the students, was mentioned as being under investigation for Title IX violations. The screening was followed by a discussion with experts from the Cook County State's Attorney's office and Rape Victim Advocates. Students expressed shock at the statistics and the lack of action from colleges. Plans to show the film to male students were also discussed, emphasizing the importance of including young men in the conversation about sexual assault prevention.