Obama expected in Chicago later this week

CHICAGO (AP) - President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit his hometown this week to discuss the designation of Chicago's Pullman Historic District as a national monument.

The White House says Obama will be in Chicago on Thursday. He's s expected to deliver remarks at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy.

Obama's visit comes days before Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel faces re-election. Emanuel is a former White House chief of staff. Obama has recorded a radio ad for Emanuel's bid.

The Pullman neighborhood on Chicago's South Side was built by industrialist George Pullman in the 19th century for people working at factory to build luxurious railroad sleeping cars. The neighborhood was critical in the African-American labor movement.

Designating part of the neighborhood a national moment will make it part of the National Park System.