Friday, August 29
Obama sets no timeline for action on immigration
WASHINGTON (AP) — With a self-imposed deadline looming, President Barack Obama said Thursday he still intends to act on his own to change immigration policies but stopped short of reiterating his past vows to act by end of summer.
Wednesday, August 27
Chicago State University Welcomes New Athletic Director
Officials at Chicago State University (CSU), 9501 S. King Dr., announced during a press conference last week, the hiring of the school's new athletic director, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks, formerly of Kentucky State University, where she served in the same capacity.
SOURCE: BET SUSPENDS PRODUCER AFTER BLUE IVY JOKE
NEW YORK (AP) — BET has suspended a producer after a joke about Beyonce and Jay Z's daughter that aired Monday on the network's music video countdown show, "106 & Park."
The Black Harvest Film Festival
Entering its 20th year anniversary
“I gathered together a group of people from the community and invited them to join me in discussions about what kind of festival that showcased films that deal with issues and the life of the black diaspora and of African Americans and what a festival like that would be like,” said Barbara Scharres, Director of Programming and founder of The Black Harvest Film Festival. “Each year it’s grown and we feel like we’re always learning something and doing new things to develop it further and develop an audience because the whole point is to bring the audience and the films together.”
Singer Ray J Denies Crimes at Beverly Hills Hotel
Singer Ray J has pleaded not guilty to groping a woman at a Beverly Hills hotel bar and resisting arrest afterward.
Congresswoman Kelly Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer
In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-2nd) recently organized a bus tour for youth that made stops at several historical African American sites across the Chicagoland area.
Seaway Bank and Trust Co. Welcomes New President and CEO
Seaway Bank and Trust Company, Chicago’s largest black-owned bank, welcomed its new president and CEO last Friday at a meet and greet reception held in his honor. Darrell B. Jackson (right), 56, former president of Northern Trust’s wealth management department in suburban Illinois, started in his new position this month replacing Walter Grady who led Seaway for more than 30 years before retiring July 31.
Jackie Robinson West All Stars Returns Home U.S. Little League World Series Champions
Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West (JRW) All Stars, returned home as heroes on Monday after winning the U.S. title in the Little League 2014 World Series game on Saturday against the Mountain Ridge Little League team from Las Vegas, Nevada, who defeated JRW early on in the series, but this time, was no match for the Chicago team who played with finesse, skill and sheer sportsmanship for a 7-5 victory to claim the title.
Thursday, August 21
US Court: Virginia marriage is for all lovers
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia's same-sex marriage ban was ruled unconstitutional on Monday in the first such decision by a federal appellate court in the South.
Former Oak Park Mother Murdered on Vacation, Daughter and Boyfriend Charged
Indonesian police last Wednesday charged a, teenager and her boyfriend from Oak Park, Ill., with the premeditated murder in the death of the girl’s mother.
New Law Allows Drivers to Retain Driver’s License Following Traffic Offense
The Illinois Association of County Officials (IACO) reportedly is happy with recent action taken by Illinois legislators for changing the law that once required drivers to give up their licenses following a traffic offense.
South Holland’s Annual Art Gallery Unites Community
The Village of South Holland is presenting its 2014 Artists’ Gallery at the South Holland Community Center, 501 E. 170th St., South Holland, Ill., from Wednesday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 30 as part of its Heritage Fest. Heritage Fest, a staple community engagement event that has been a South Holland tradition for over 60 years, pays homage to South Holland’s past while, celebrating the diversity and future of the village, and usually is held on Labor Day weekend.
Holder says he understands mistrust of police
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Attorney General Eric Holder sought Wednesday to reassure the people of Ferguson about the investigation into Michael Brown's death and said he understands why many black Americans do not trust police, recalling how he was repeatedly stopped by officers who seemed to target him because of his race.
Wednesday, August 20
Hostages Freed Unharmed in Harvey Police Standoff
As of Wednesday morning, all eight people held hostage following a home invasion on the 147th block of Seeley Boulevard in Harvey, Ill., were released unharmed after an estimated two dozen SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics, a group of highly trained police officers who deal with very dangerous criminals) and Harvey police stormed the home to free four remaining hostages and captured two suspects, ending a 20-hour standoff.
Bronzeville Nights Brings Culture and Commerce to Community
The second annual Bronzeville Nights, a series of events designed to support local businesses in Chicago's Bronzeville community, kicked-off last week on the corner of 47th St. & King Dr. Presented by the Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC), Bronzeville Nights are scheduled to place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of August and September in Bronzeville and will promote arts and culture in the community.
Jones College Prep H.S. School Unveils Renovations to Old Building
Jones College Prep High School (Jones H.S.) is now a two-building campus, thanks to the renovation of the school's old building at 606 S. State Street, which occurred after the school's officials decided not to tear it down. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Public Schools officials, students and staff along with members of the Chicago Public Building Commission were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the upgrades.
5 Ways Avoid Going Broke this Back-to-School Season
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, Back-to-School season strikes fear in the hearts of America. If you’re a parent, you may be afraid you can’t keep up with the latest styles and gadgets. If you are a teacher, you’re scurrying around trying to find the best deals possible in order to supply your classroom. It’s easy to put yourself in financial peril doing these things. Well no more!
Suit Filed Against Lil Wayne for Not Paying Private Jet Service
Signature Group LLC of Miami, Florida has filed a lawsuit for more than a million dollars against popular rapper, entrepreneur and budding sports management agent, Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., better known as Lil Wayne. The complaint states that Young Money Entertainment, LLC and Dwayne Carter, president of Young Money Entertainment, owe more than $1 million in missed payments, fees and charges for leasing a Gulfstream private jet operated by Signature Group.
Comcast Offers Up to Six Months of Complimentary Internet Service for Low-Income Families
Comcast recently announced that it will include up to six months of complimentary service for any new family that has not yet applied for Internet Essentials. Families who are approved for Internet Essentials between August 4th and September 20th, 2014 will receive up to six months of Internet service. Since 2011, Comcast’s innovative broadband adoption program has connected more than 350,000 families, or about 1.4 million low-income Americans, to the power of the Internet. The program is available in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
Millions of Underserved Women in U.S. Benefit from CDC’s Breast and Cervical Screening Program
More than 4.3 million women with limited access to health care received breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services in the first 20 years of the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).
2014 Chicago Football Classic Remains Rooted In Education
The game will be played between Central State University, hailing from in Wilberforce, Ohio and Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga.
Founders, stakeholders, co-sponsors, and well-wishers gathered in front of Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr., on Monday to reaffirm the values and generate excitement about the upcoming Chicago Football Classic (CFC). The game will be played between Central State University, hailing from in Wilberforce, Ohio and Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday, September 20 at Soldier Field football stadium. Kick-off time is 3:00 pm.
Jackie Robinson West All Stars Victorious Over Rhode Island
It was another big game win for the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars a south side Chicago baseball team representing the Great Lakes region in the Little League World Series 2014 games, beating the Rhode Island Little League team 8-7 on Monday.
Tuesday, August 19
NY police chokehold death to go to grand jury
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York prosecutor said Tuesday he would ask a grand jury to consider charges in the death of a black man placed in an apparent chokehold by a white police officer.
Friday, August 15
Attorney: Dorian Johnson confirms he, Brown robbed store
FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) - The friend who was with Michael Brown when he was shot and killed by a police officer near St. Louis over the weekend is reportedly confirming that he and Brown had taken part in the theft of cigars from a convenience store that day. That word comes from the attorney for Dorian Johnson, speaking to MSNBC. Police in Ferguson had earlier announced that Brown was suspected of taking cigars from the convenience store in what was described as a "strong-arm robbery." Brown's family is accusing police of trying to draw attention away from the shooting.
President Obama Appeals For Peace in Ferguson
EDGARTOWN, Mass. — President Barack Obama on Thursday appealed for “peace and calm” on the streets of a St. Louis suburb besieged by violent clashes between police and crowds protesting the shooting death of an unarmed teenager.
Cook County Department of Veteran Affairs Hosts Workshop for Entrepreneurship
The Cook County Department of Veteran Affairs (CCDVA) in collaboration with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) held a small business workshop at the County Building, 118 N. Clark St., on Monday for military veterans. The workshop entitled, Veterans 2 Business (V 2 B), and was open to all veterans who work for Cook County and for those who do not, and for their dependents.
Mariano’s Meet the Buyer Expo for Minority and Women-Owned Business Owners
Seventy diverse business owners and entrepreneurs converged on Rush University Medical Center’s, Searle Conference Center on Harrison Street last Friday to participate in Midwest grocer, Roundy’s, Inc., 2nd annual Meet the Buyer Expo which provides local minority- and women-owned, operated and distributed businesses in food-related industries, an opportunity to place their products on Mariano’s store shelves. The expo also showcases minority vendors who already have products in the store.
Iraq: Al-Maliki steps down, gives up post to rival
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's embattled Nouri al-Maliki has stepped down as prime minister, caving in to international and domestic pressure to give up his post to a rival politician.
Thursday, August 14
Mo. State Highway Patrol to supervise security in Ferguson
FLORISSANT, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol will take over supervising security in the St. Louis suburb that’s been the scene of violent protests since a police officer fatally shot an unarmed black teenager, the governor announced Thursday.
Wednesday, August 13
Cork Surges in Fashion Industry as it Pops Up in Accessories
Cork. It’s not just for wine stoppers and bulletin boards anymore.
Thunder's Russell Westbrook Partnering with Barneys
Go shopping with powerhouse basketball player Russell Westbrook — whose colorful style has made headlines outside of sports — and you’ll probably be surprised by his favorite section: the sale rack.
Governors State University Becomes a Four Year Institution
This fall, Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL, will become a four year college institution.
Town Hall Meeting to Address Hepatitis C
According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC), Hepatitis C is more prevalent among African Americans, who are twice as likely as Caucasians to be infected with the disease and unless this trend s reverses, the CDC predicts that deaths due to Hepatitis C will double or even triple in the next 20 years.
Chicago Votes Registers Young Adult Voters
Chicago Votes works with several organizations on voter registration.
Chicago Votes, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that encourages young adults to get involved in the electoral process, has set a goal of registering 25,000 individuals ages 18-35 – particularly people of color- to vote in the Chicagoland area.
State Police to Help Chicago Police in the Hunt for Fugitives
The partnership with the State Police came about at Mayor Emanuel's request.
As gun violence continues to the plague the city, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced an expanded partnership between the Chicago Police Department and the Illinois State Police last week during a reconvened July 21, private meeting between local government, faith groups and community organizations held at Police Headquarters, 35th and Michigan, to address the ongoing violence.
U. S. Sen. Dick Durbin Guest Speaker at CBA's Monthly Meeting
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (IL-D) was the guest speaker at the Chatham Business Association’s (CBA) Monthly membership meeting on Tuesday where he spoke on various current issues including legislation and policy matters that impact small businesses.
Tuesday, August 12
Official: Robin Williams hanged himself with belt
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) - Authorities on Tuesday detailed how Robin Williams' took his life, saying the actor and comedian hanged himself with a belt in a bedroom of his San Francisco Bay Area home.
All-Black Chicago team in Little League World Series Thursday
CHICAGO (AP) — An all-Black team from Chicago is headed to the Little League World Series for the first time in three decades.
Friday, August 8
2 Killed When Struck by Metra Commuter Train
Metra commuter rail says service is being restored on its western line after two people were killed by a train headed for Chicago's Union Station.
Hawaii hit with 4.3 earthquake as hurricanes approach
HONOLULU (AP) - The U.S. Geological Survey reports a magnitude-4.5 earthquake has rattled Hawaii's Big Island, as two hurricanes rumbled toward the islands.
2 killed when struck by Metra commuter train
CHICAGO (AP) — Metra commuter rail says service is being restored on its western line after two people were killed by a train headed for Chicago's Union Station.
Thursday, August 7
Bank of America nears $16B-$17B settlement with US over sale of securities
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bank of America is nearing a $16 billion to $17 billion settlement to resolve an investigation into its role in the sale of mortgage-backed securities before the 2008 financial crisis, a person directly familiar with the matter said Wednesday.
Survey: U.S. Companies Add 218,000 Jobs in July
A private survey shows that businesses hired at a healthy pace in July, though the job gains slowed from the previous month.
Herb Kent the "Cool Gent" Honored by the Next Step College Readiness Program
The Next Step College Readiness Program held its first annual “Stepping for the Children” benefit at the Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel, 9333 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, ll., last month. The fundraiser honored Chicago radio icon and living legend, Herb Kent, “The Cool Gent,” by establishing an Educational Achievement Award in his name. The event also raised funds for the Next Step program, an initiative of the Chicago Child Care Society (CCCS), which works to break the cycle of generational teen pregnancy.
Washington Heights Playground Unveiled
For a child, the allure of a brightly colored playground touting with swings and sliding boards, is pretty much irresistible. Just ask the children who live in the Washington Heights community. They now are enjoying the newly renovated Jackie Robinson Park, which was unveiled last week during a recent ribbon cutting ceremony that included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Chief Administrative Officer Tanya Anthony, Ald. Carrie Austin and members of the Washington Heights community.
L.U.P.U.S. Holds Disease Awareness Event
Loving U Pass Ur Sickness (L.U.P.U.S.), a non-profit designed to assist individuals suffering from lupus, live full, productive and healthy lives, held its first fundraising/awareness event at the Hubbard Street Loft, 1821 W. Hubbard St., this past weekend. The event provided a platform for testimonials, networking and shopping.
U of I suspends Sierra Leone programs over Ebola
URBANA, Ill. (AP) — The University of Illinois announced it has suspended study-abroad programs in Sierra Leone and plans extra screening for students arriving from West Africa in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
STEM, Girl Power, Sustainability, Focus of ComEd’s Icebox Derby Challenge
Girls from various parts of Illinois, including Chicago’s south and far south side, this summer are participating in a collaborative initiative between ComEd, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Girls4Science and the Chicago Urban League, called The Icebox Derby, an educational competition where girls team up to build electric car using a recycled refrigerators and freezers. The six week project is uniquely designed to empower young women to engage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
I-PASS Roadshow Event for New ALL-Electronic Tri-State Tollway (I-294)/I-57 Interchange
As promised the Illinois Tollway educational events kicked off Tuesday with three I-PASS roadshow events this month giving residents, business owners and others, opportunities to learn about and provide feedback on the agency’s plans to open a new, all-electronic Tri-State Tollway (I-294)/I-57 Interchange this fall.
Wednesday, August 6
Ill. Attorney Gen. Madigan Announces $1.5 Million towards Pullman’s Historic Homes Revitalization
Residents who live at or near 10729 S. Champlain in Chicago were surprised yesterday morning as several local elected officials gathered on the block to announce $1.5 million in funding from a 2012 national foreclosure settlement to support an affordable historic home revitalization initiative in the Pullman community.
Young Women's Leadership Charter School Recognized by City Hall
Chicago’s only all-girls public school, Young Women's Leadership Charter School (YWLCS), 2641 S. Calumet Ave., was recognized by the Chicago City Council last week, via a resolution for its academic excellence – most notably for producing a Gates Millennium Scholar for the second consecutive year .
Bike Park Planned for Calumet’s Big Marsh
Cyclists and nature lovers in Chicago will soon have more space to enjoy their hobbies
Cyclists and nature lovers in Chicago will soon have more space to enjoy their hobbies thanks to the city's plans to transform 278 acres of old industrial property at Big Marsh, 11400 S. Stony Island Ave., the largest individual wetland in the Calumet Open Space, into an eco-friendly recreational area that includes a new bike park.
State Rep. to Call for Emergency Executive Order Regarding Curfew Violations at Youth Service Center
Located at 5001 S. Michigan Ave., Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center, a state-funded, short-term, facility that is supposed to keep troubled youth safe, has been in the news in recent weeks after it was revealed that kids who were removed from their homes for various reasons and placed in the Center’s care, were leaving the facility past curfew hours, including an 11, 15 and a 19 year-old who all suffered a gunshot wounds last month as they stood outside the facility.
Tuesday, August 5
Israel-Hamas truce sets stage for talks on Gaza
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel and Hamas began observing a temporary cease-fire on Tuesday that sets the stage for talks in Egypt on a broader deal on the Gaza Strip, including a sustainable truce and the rebuilding of the battered, blockaded coastal territory.
Monday, August 4
What can President Barack Obama actually do without Congress to change U.S. immigration policies? A lot, it turns out.
WASHINGTON (AP) — What can President Barack Obama actually do without Congress to change U.S. immigration policies? A lot, it turns out.
Feds: Violence pervasive in NYC youth jails
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City's juvenile jails are extremely violent and unsafe, the result of a deeply ingrained culture of violence in which guards routinely violate constitutional rights of teenage inmates and subject them to "rampant use of unnecessary and excessive force," the federal government said in a scathing report released Monday.