Thursday, November 20
Journal indicates FSU shooter suspected government
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida State University alumnus and attorney who shot three people at the school's library early Thursday believed the government was targeting him for persecution, detailing his thoughts in a journal and in videos detectives obtained, authorities said.
Harold Washington Library Receives Commemorative Plaque
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Harold Washington Legacy Committee, elected officials and dignitaries celebrated the legacy of the first African American mayor of Chicago, the late Harold Washington, at a private ceremony at the Harold Washington Library Center (HWLC), 400 S. State St., in Chicago by unveiling a ceremonial plaque in his honor last week. The jovial ceremony highlighted Washington by recognizing his progressive vision for Chicago, larger than life personality, and acknowledged his lasting legacy.
From the White House: Women and Girls of Color...
Addressing Challenges and Expanding Opportunity
Last week, the White House Council on Women and Girls released a report entitled “Women and Girls of Color: Addressing Challenges and Expanding Opportunity”. This report highlights work the Administration has done over the last six years to reduce barriers to success for everyone including women and girls of color. From continuing to fight to increase the minimum wage, encouraging women to enter STEM-related fields, providing increased access to health screenings and much more, this report re-emphasizes the Administration’s commitment to helping all women succeed in every area of their lives.
Gov. Quinn and Cook Co. Board President Preckwinkle Announce Second Year of Affordable Care Act Enrollment
Last week, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that the second year of open healthcare enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would begin on Nov. 15 and last for a three-month time period running through Feb. 15. The announcement comes on the heels of Illinois’ successful first year of Affordable Care Act enrollment where more than 700,000 people across the state gained access to health insurance coverage.
Experimental Station’s Bike Shop Reaches Youth on Multiple Levels
Housed at the Experimental Station’s bike shop at 6100 S. Blackstone Ave. in Chicago, Blackstone Bicycle Works Program (BBWP) is a youth education program of the Experimental Station. It's a bike shop dedicated to promoting ecological practices and empowering youth, teaching mechanical skills, job skills, and business literacy to boys and girls from the underserved Woodlawn neighborhood and Chicago's broader south side.
Businesses Cash in as Women Chase Bigger Derrieres
Gym classes that promise a plump posterior are in high demand. A surgery that pumps fat into the buttocks is gaining popularity. And padded panties that give the appearance of a rounder rump are selling out.
Whitney Houston Hologram? You'll Have to Wait
Hoping for a Whitney Houston hologram? You'll have to wait. Pat Houston, the late singer's sister-in-law and head of her estate, says she's had offers to debut a Houston hologram, but she won't sign on just yet.
Chatham Business Association and South Shore Chamber Collaborate to Certify Minority Businesses
In an effort to assist businesses owned and operated by minorities business enterprises (MBE), women business enterprises (WBE), and disabled individual business enterprises (DBE), the Chatham Business Association (CBA) and the South Shore Chamber, Inc. (SSCI) joined forces hosting a free MBE,WBE and DBE certification workshop on Nov. 5, at the SSCI’s office, 1750 E. 71st.
City Council Approves Ordinance to Assist Homeless Chicagoans
City of Chicago’s City Council recently passed a Single-Room Occupancy and Residential Hotel Preservation Ordinance, that preserves affordable-single room occupancy (SRO) buildings and establishes the legal framework to generate revenue to support building owners. The SRO ordinance was sponsored by Alderman Walter Burnett (27th Ward) and Alderman Ameya Pawar (47th Ward) with the support of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and in partnership with grassroots organization, Chicago for All Coalition.
Wednesday, November 19
NBC scraps Cosby television project
NEW YORK (AP) — NBC has scrapped a Bill Cosby comedy that was under development, the second outlet within a day to put off or abandon a project involving the long-beloved comic as a sexual assault scandal continues to spiral around him.
Remembering Jane Byrne Chicago's 1st Female Mayor
Jane Byrne became part of Chicago history when she was elected its first female mayor. She became part of city lore because of how she won: beating an incumbent who voters thought had bungled the reaction to a blizzard that paralyzed the streets.
Thursday, November 13
Triton College Community Orchestra to Hold High School Concerto Competition
High school students looking to show off their musical skills will be happy to learn that Triton College, next month, will hold auditions to participate in the first-ever, Triton College Community Orchestra Concerto Competition (TCCO).
Village of Hazel Crest Honors Veterans with Ceremony
The Village of Hazel Crest’s Veteran Commission continued its long standing tradition of supporting local United States military veterans and service-
Old Property Equals New Revenue for Cook County
As you do your Christmas shopping this holiday season, you might want to consider online purchases from the Cook County auction site. Approximately two years ago, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s administration considered selling surplus equipment and other valuables through auction, as a creative way to generate revenue.
Wednesday, November 12
New Alternative Fuel Station to Open at Chicago O'Hare Airport
On Nov. 3, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced it has contracted with a private company to develop a 4,000-square-foot fueling station and travel center that will offer alternative fuels and a variety of food options to travelers. The new station will be built on City-owned vacant land near O’Hare International Airport. The announcement was made at the Airports Going Green Conference, the airport industry's leading sustainability forum hosted annually by the CDA and the American Association of Airport Executives.
Suge Knight Hospitalized after Fall in Vegas Jail
Rap music figure Marion “Suge” Knight will post bail and return to California to face a robbery charge following treatment at a Las Vegas hospital for a blood clot in his chest discovered after he fell in jail, his attorneys said last Monday.
Success Project to Benefit Chicago Middle School Students
The Success Project, an initiative that provides academic preparation, social support and college counseling for Chicago Public School (CPS) middle school students, was announced on Nov. 6 during a press conference at Claremont Academy Elementary School, 2300 W. 64th St. in Chicago.
CSU Lands $1.9 Million Grant for Cybersecurity Education
An Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (IC-CAE) will soon become part of the Chicago State University (CSU) campus thanks to a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency ( DIA,) which plans, manage, and execute intelligence operations during peacetime, crisis, and war.
Young Fathers Parenting Organization to Receive U of C Program Support
The Dovetail Project, a Southside non-profit agency that provides parenting and life skills to “high risk,” young African American fathers, is among the first round of agencies selected to receive up to $50,000 in funding and other support from the University of Chicago’s (U of C) Community Programs Accelerator initiative aimed at strengthening organizations near the U of C campus.
3rd Annual Diabetes Cook Off Educates Community
In recognition of American Diabetes Month, Improving Diabetes Care and Outcomes on the South Side of Chicago (IDCOSSC) is holding its 3rd Annual Diabetes Cook-Off where classic home recipes transform into high quality diabetes friendly meals. This year, the Cook Off, a free event, will be held at Washburne Culinary Institute, 740 W. 63rd St., Building U on Nov. 15, a day after World Diabetes Day.
Brown Sugar Bakery Owner Competes in Food Network Holiday Competition
A South Side bakery owner who was eliminated during the Sunday night premiere of the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Competition, was a winner at shining a positive spotlight on the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood where she operates her business.
African American Clergymen Among Governor-Elect Rauner's Transition Team
On Nov. 6, as one of his first public acts as governor-elect of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, announced campaign supporters, Pastor Corey Brooks, New Beginnings Church of Chicago, 6620 S. King Dr. and Rev. James Meeks, Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St. as members of his transition team. The clergymen are slated to assist him as he prepares to be sworn in and take office on Jan. 12, 2015.
Friday, November 7
City of Chicago Partners With CIM Group to Build Residential Housing at Block 37
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined CIM Group officials last week, at Block 37, 108 N. State St., to announce the construction project of 690 new residential units that soon will be built there.
Westside Domestic Violence Program to Expand to South Side
A pilot domestic violence program launched by the 14th Chicago Police District earlier this year as a collaboration between Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office and State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and social service providers, has shown promising results, according to information from the Mayor’s office.
South Suburban College Offering Free Business Workshops
One never knows if a new business or product will be successful. Some take off, while others fail.
Chrysler Recalls Over 566,000 Trucks, Suvs
Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 566,000 trucks and SUVs in two recalls for malfunctioning fuel heaters that can cause fires and a software glitch can disable the electronic stability control.
Sprite Celebrates LeBron James’ Homecoming with New Video Showcasing His “First Home Game”
Sprite launched a new inspirational video that captures LeBron’s return to his hometown of Akron from a whole new perspective. Directed by Jacob Rosenberg of the Bandito Brothers, the video “The First Home Game,” features James' on-the-court highlight footage as local fans share their anticipation for his first home court appearance of the season. "I Bet My Life," the new single from Grammy Award-winning rock band Imagine Dragons, serves as the background track.
Steven R. Agee II Foundation Partners with Dolton Park District for Fundraiser
In honor of Steve R. Agee II, a Northern Illinois University (NIU) senior student who was killed by gun violence in Nov. 2011, the Dolton Park District (DPD) is hosting a Greek Step-Off Tribute to benefit, the Steven R. Agee II Foundation at the Dorchester Banquet Hall, 1515 E. 154th St., Dolton, IL, on Nov.7.
St. Bernard Hospital Breaks Ground on New Ambulatory Care Center
Having exhausted the capacity to expand in their current buildings, St. Bernard Hospital broke ground on its new 70,000-square-foot, Englewood, Ambulatory Care Center Center last Wednesday at the corner of 63rd St. and Stewart Ave.
Alderman Beale Calls for Divvy Bikes on the South Side
Last week, Ninth Ward Ald., Anthony Beale (9th Ward), asked the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to be more “aggressive” in extending Divvy, the City’s bike sharing program, to the Chicago's far south side, during the Committee on Budget and Government Operations meeting at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.
EBOLA UPDATE:
CDC Issues Revised Interim U.S. Guidance for Monitoring and Movement of Persons with Potential Ebola Virus Exposure
On Monday, Oct. 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a revised Interim U.S. Guidance for Monitoring and Movement of Persons with Ebola Virus Exposure. This guidance provides new information public health authorities and other partners can use to determine appropriate public health actions based on Ebola exposure risk factors and clinical presentation. It also includes criteria for monitoring exposed people and for when movement restrictions may be needed.
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Investigates Ald. Hairston on Gifts for Vote Offer
Steve Campbell, spokesperson with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, confirmed for the Chicago Citizen Newspaper, that prosecutors are investigating Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th Ward), for allegedly offering raffle tickets to anyone who brought a voting receipt to her office, which would have allowed them to enter a drawing for a chance to win prizes from local retailers.
Thursday, November 6
Used-car GPS helps police find abducted woman
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A woman snatched off the streets of Philadelphia was rescued with the help of a GPS device that had been installed on the suspect's car by the dealer in case the vehicle needed to be repossessed, authorities said Thursday.
Community Calls Meeting to Address University of Chicago Police Department Conduct
The Campaign for Equitable Policing (CFEP), a movement comprised of University of Chicago (UC) students and residents who live near the UC , whose aim is to end racial profiling by the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD), held a meeting where its members, and other community stakeholders shared experiences, grievances, and concerns based on their encounters with UCPD officers. at
'Queen Latifah' Promises a 'Juicy' Second Season
Queen Latifah is making changes in her daytime talk show for its second season. The biggest, she said, involves her.
Carla Hall Hits Kickstarter Goal to Open Eatery
Carla Hall had two conditions for opening her first restaurant: The menu had to be Nashville hot chicken and the money had to be crowdsourced.
Muslim Hijabi Hipsters Fusing Fashion with Faith
Fashion-conscious Muslim women from Kuala Lampur to Los Angeles who wear the Islamic headscarf, known as the hijab, have had to get creative.
Quinn, Durbin Announce Google Plan to Create More Than 1,000 Illinois Jobs
On Oct. 28, Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.-D) joined Amazon.com Inc. to announce the creation of more than 1,000 full-time jobs and $75 million in investment in Illinois by 2017. Amazon is scouting sites and plans to open its first facility in Illinois next year.
Institute of Positive Education Receives Honorary Street Sign
In recognition of nearly a half of a century of service in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood, the Institute of Positive Education (IPE), a community based non-profit organization that strives to provide quality education to community youth, was bestowed an honorary street sign on the corner of 78th St. and Ellis Ave. last month.
Voters Turnout for South Side Mayoral Candidates Forum
Chicago Mayoral candidates Dr. Amara Enyia; Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward); former Cook County Commissioner, Robert Shaw; Chicago police officer, Frederick Collins; community and political activist, Bill “Doc” Walls, put their best foot forward on Saturday, during a mayoral candidates forum put on by Probation Challenge, a youth advocacy organization and the South Shore Gardens Betterment Association, a community advocacy group, at the St. Paul Community Development Ministry, 4550 S. Wabash Ave.
Midterm Election Results 2014
In one of the state’s most closely watched races, incumbent U.S. Senator Dick Durbin emerged victorious in Tuesday’s midterm election defeating Republican candidate, James “Jim” D. Oberweis. Durbin, who serves as the Assistant Majority Leader, the second highest ranking position in the U.S. Senate, was first elected to the Senate in November 5, 1996 and has since been re-elected for four consecutive terms. Durbin is the 47th U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois and is the senior senator from Illinois.