Friday, October 31
Senate Democrats borrow $10M as races tighten
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats' campaign operation on Friday said it borrowed $10 million for a last-minute boost to their fundraising, as officials see their majority increasingly in peril and Republicans gaining momentum.
Thursday, October 30
GOP senators urge Obama to hold off on immigration
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The three Republican senators responsible for comprehensive immigration legislation, which remains stalled in Congress, on Thursday urged President Barack Obama to hold off on any steps to shield millions of people from deportation.
Mayor Emanuel, Cabinet Members, Public Health Officials, Discuss City’s Preparedness for Ebola
Mayor Rahm Emanuel this month convened cabinet members, public health officials and hospital leaders to discuss the city’s preparedness for the Ebola virus. Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair conducted a precautionary briefing at the Mayor’s request to discuss the public and private sector coordination strategies and existing preparedness efforts.
State and Local Officials Opens New Interchange Connecting I-57 and Tri-State Tollway
Ill. State Rep. Bob Rita (Dist.-28th) joined Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and other state and local officials on Saturday for the official opening of the new, first-ever, interchange connecting I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
Prairie State College Names New Dean of Student Development and Campus Life
Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, IL, recently promoted Felix Simpkins, a police officer in the school's Police and Campus Safety Department as well as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at PSC, to Dean of Student Development and Campus Life.
Ombudsman Opens South Side Chicago Location
Recently, Ombudsman Chicago, an alternative school for young adults that provides them with the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma, opened a new location on Chicago's south side at 6057 S. Western Ave. Ombudsman Chicago opened its first Chicago location almost a year ago within the city’s East Garfield Park community, 2401 W. Congress Pkwy, which was then followed a Park Ridge, IL campus, 7500 N. Harlem Ave.
Nov. 1st Mayoral Candidates Forum at St. Paul Community Development Ministries
Probation Challenge, a youth advocacy and educational program and the South Shore Garden Betterment Association (SSGBA), recently partnered to hold a Mayoral Candidates Debate/Forum centered on issues pertaining Chicago’s youth and senior citizens.
City of Chicago Celebrates First Year Anniversary of Recycling Program
This week marks the one year anniversary of Chicago's citywide rollout of the Blue Cart Recycling Program, which provides bi-weekly recycling services to single family homes and multi-unit buildings with four or fewer units according to the Department of Streets & Sanitation (DSS). Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, expanded the program to over 360,000 Chicago households over an eight month span in 2013.
CPS Accepting Proposals for the Dyett School Site
Following protest by parents and community groups over the slated closure of Dyett High School on Chicago’s South side, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced on Friday, it will issue a request for proposal (RFP) in Dec., seeking plans for a new open enrollment neighborhood high school at the Dyett school site, 555 E. 51st St.
City of Chicago Establishes Network of Hospitals to Prepare For Possible Ebola Outbreak
On Oct. 20, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that Rush University Medical Center, 1653 W. Congress Parkway; the University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Ave.; Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron St.; and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., have agreed to form a network care centers in preparation for an Ebola outbreak in Chicago.
Wednesday, October 29
Chicago Citizen Newspaper Endorsements
Mid-Term Election Endorsements
Tuesday, October 28
FTC says AT&T misled customers over unlimited data
WASHINGTON (AP) — AT&T is being sued by the government over allegations it misled millions of smartphone customers who were promised unlimited data plans but instead experienced slow speeds while browsing the Internet or watching streaming video.
Friday, October 24
Police: Student gunman died of self-inflicted shot
MARYSVILLE, Wash. (AP) -- A student opened fire Friday in a high school cafeteria north of Seattle, killing at least one person and shooting several others in the head before killing himself, officials said.
Thursday, October 23
New survey details vast scope of teen dating abuse
NEW YORK (AP) -- From violence to verbal taunts, abusive dating behavior is pervasive among America's adolescents, according to a new, federally funded survey. It says a majority of boys and girls who date describe themselves as both victims and perpetrators.
Kurt Summers Chosen City Treasurer Neely’s Replacement
Pending City Council approval, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced, Kurt Summers Jr., former chief of staff for Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, as the City of Chicago’s interim Treasurer to replace current City Treasurer, Stephanie Neely who will leave Mayor Emanuel’s administration Nov. 30 to start a new private sector job on Dec. 1.
Early Voting Gets Underway
While President Barack Obama was in town to support Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn’s quest for re-election, he urged voters on Sunday during an Early Vote Rally, put on by Quinn’s campaign team, to take advantage of Early Voting which opened on Monday. The President joined almost 2 million voters as he cast his ballot early Monday morning at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center at 47th St. and Cottage Grove Ave. in Chicago.
1st Annual Purple Hose & Heels 5K Walk Brings Awareness to Domestic Violence
A little bad weather was not enough to stem the tide of optimism at the 1st Annual Purple Hose & Heels 5K walk held on the walking trail adjacent to the Target, 4647 Promenade Way, in Matteson, Ill. on Oct. 18. The event served the dual purpose of raising awareness about domestic violence and as a fundraiser for the South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS), 18137 Harwood Ave., Homewood, Ill.
New Mariano’s Store Under Consideration for Current Sears Site
Word around town is that Mariano’s Fresh Market is considering opening a site at Harlem and North Ave. in Chicago.
Mobile Ventra App Announced at CTA Meeting
A new Ventra mobile app for smart phones, developed to enhance the experience of CTA, Metra, RTA and Pace transit riders, was announced at the Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) monthly board meeting at CTA’s main offices in downtown Chicago, 567 W. Lake St., on Oct. 15. (Ventra is the name of the new, joint fare system for CTA and Pace which launched system-wide July 1, 2014. Ventra replaces all of CTA & Pace’s old fare media with one card and system that does everything.)
Off The Street Club’s Third Thursdays Chicago's West Side Youth
For the first time this school year, on Oct. 16, Off The Street Club (OTSC), a non-profit foundation that provides a safe haven for youth to, opened its doors to approximately 300 club members, mentors and volunteers during its monthly, 3rd Thursday mentoring program, at its west Garfield headquarters, 25 N. Karlov Ave.
Dear White People’ conveys complexity of contemporary race relations
“Dear White People, the minimum requirement of black friends to not seem racist has just been raised to two.
Wednesday, October 22
Senator Collins’ $21.5 million METRA Project to serve Auburn Gresham
State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago 16th) stood with Governor Pat Quinn and other high-ranking officials on Saturday to announce the building of a new South Side Metra stop on the Rock Island Line. This project is the culmination of a 5-year effort in which Senator Collins lobbied, fought and advocated for the $21.5 million in state capital funds. “The people of Auburn Gresham and adjoining communities deserve this opportunity; the opportunity for job creation, community engagement and economic development,“ said Collins.
Chicago Park District Receives 2014 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation
Earlier this month, the Chicago Park District (CPD) was awarded the 2014 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This year's program was sponsored by Musco Lighting LLC.
Man suspected of killing 7 refuses to answer judge
CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) — A man who allegedly confessed to killing seven women in Indiana refused to even acknowledge his name to a judge Wednesday, and a sheriff explained later that the suspect was upset his hearing was in open court before dozens of journalists.
Statement from the Chicago Ebola Resource Network
Below is a joint statement from the following members of the Chicago Ebola Resource Network: the Chicago Department of Public Health, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and the University of Chicago Medical Center.
The City of Chicago Partners With Numerous Agencies to End Veteran Homelessness
Recently, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced that the City will be partnering with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA); All Chicago; and the Corporation for Supportive Housing to end homelessness among veterans in Chicago by the end of 2015.
BISHOP LARRY D. TROTTER GOSPELS COMEBACK KID CELEBRATES MULTIPLE ANNIVERSARIES!
The month of October is a busy month for Bishop Larry D. Trotter, Senior Pastor of Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago, and Presiding Prelate of New Century Fellowship Churches, Inc. Trotter is celebrating 40 years of preaching the gospel, 33 years as senior pastor of Sweet Holy Spirit Church, and 21 years as a Consecrated Bishop. There has been a month long celebration going on at Sweet Holy Spirit Church located at 8621 S. South Chicago Avenue.
Walmart Celebrates Grand Opening in Bronzeville
For weeks now, residents of the newly constructed, mixed-use, mixed-income complex at 47th St. and Cottage Grove Ave. in Chicago, have been moving into their new residence, a combination of condos, apartments and businesses, including a new Walmart Store.
A Talk with Social Activist, Dr. Conrad Worrill
Activist and scholar, Dr. Conrad Worrill, 73, director and professor at the Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, began teaching at Northeastern in 1976, where he is the coordinator and professor of inner-city studies education.
Deadline Approaching for After School Matters Proposals
On Oct. 8, After School Matters (ASM) released its annual Request for Proposals (RFP) which provides the guidelines and pertinent information to independent contractors and community organizations who are interesting in to conducting after-school and summer programs for Chicago’s youth, through the ASM network. The deadline to respond is submit Nov. 7, 2015.
The Man Behind The Jheri Curl
Entrepreneur Who Made Michael Jackson's Glossy Hairstyle Accessible to the Masses Dies Age 82
Comer Cottrell, a black-hair-care entrepreneur who brought Jheri curl to the masses, has died.
Indoor Track Facility Slated for Chicago’s South Side
The cold and rain on Saturday did not deter the many who turned out to hear Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announce a $20 million investment for a new state-of-the art, indoor, track and field facility slated for construction on Chicago Park District land next to Gately Stadium on Chicago’s south side.
Sisters Network, Inc. Provides Vital Resource to African American Women
Sisters Network, Inc. (SNI) is a national non-profit organization and sisterhood of members that supports African American breast cancer survivors. With over 40 nationally recognized chapters, SNI’s Chicago chapter serves both the south side and south suburban Chicago municipalities.
President Obama Supports Quinn at South Side Early Vote Rally
Throngs of media from as far away as France, and spectators turned out on Sunday for the Early Vote Rally with President Barack Obama and Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn at Chicago State University’s (CSU) Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center, named for named for former Ill. Senate president, Emil Jones, Jr. and his late wife.
Tuesday, October 21
Homeland Security orders new screening for Ebola
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Everyone coming to the United States from the three West African countries at the center of the Ebola outbreak will now be screened for the deadly disease at one of five airports, the Homeland Security Department said Tuesday.
Friday, October 17
Obama names Ebola 'czar' as precautions expand
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama turned to a trusted adviser to lead the nation's Ebola response on Friday as efforts to clamp down on any possible route of infection from three Texas cases expanded, reaching a cruise ship at sea and multiple airline flights.
HHS Advances Development of Third Ebola Vaccine
The development of a vaccine to prevent Ebola virus disease will be accelerated with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
Indoor Track Facility Slated for Chicago’s Far South Side
Slated for construction on Chicago Park District property near Gately Stadium
Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are expected to announce a $20 million investment for a new state-of-the art, indoor, track and field facility for Chicago’s south side, according to Dr. Conrad Worrill, director and professor of the Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd.
Thursday, October 16
Chicago Legend Oscar Brown, Jr. Receives Tribute
A historical tribute ceremony was held Oct. 10, at the Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave., to pay homage to the legacy of one Chicago’s most influential and multi-faceted native sons, the late Oscar Brown, Jr.
Wednesday, October 15
Metra Announces New Investments in Modernization
On Oct.9, Metra announced at its monthly board meeting at its downtown Chicago office, 547 W. Jackson Blvd., details about a $2.4 billion dollar plan to replace and modernize its fleet of rail cars and locomotives and to address key safety measures. Additionally, the plan includes funding for the installation of the Positive Train Control (PTC) system, a federal mandated program that according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR) is advanced technology designed to automatically stop or slow trains before potential accidents.
CBA Meeting Focuses on Health Care Insurance for Small Businesses
The Chatham Business Association’s (CBA) monthly membership meeting at the QBG Foundation Building, 806 E. 78th St., on Oct. 14, highlighted health benefits and services available to small businesses under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
UPS Hiring Events Scheduled this Month
A series of hiring events are scheduled this month, courtesy of the City of Chicago and Chicago City Colleges, in an effort to fill positions at 11 Chicagoland United Parcel Service (UPS) operating centers including both facilites at the O’Hare International Airport, 616 South Access Rd., the facility at 1400 South Jefferson Street, and the Chicago Area Consolidation Hub at 1 UPS Way in Hodgkins, IL.
Urban Partnership Bank Achieves Lending Milestone, Receives Award
Following the announcement this year that Urban Partnership Bank (UPB) sold its South Shore banking center at 7054 S. Jeffrey in Chicago, to make way for retail development in the area and to shift from a bricks and mortar to an online and mobile application strategy, UPB officials announced last week, the bank exceeded $200 million in total loans since the bank began lending in 2012.
Monday, October 13
JC Penney names Ellison as its next CEO
NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney's newly tapped CEO has a big challenge ahead of him: The troubled chain is showing signs of improvement after racking up billions in losses, but still hasn't figured out how to get shoppers back into its department stores.
Friday, October 10
Louis Vuitton Attracts Celebs But the $100 Million Venue Is the Real Star
Louis Vuitton's show caused traffic chaos early last Wednesday with a sea of photographers clamoring to get the must-have shot of attendees Jennifer Connelly, Selena Gomez, Sofia Coppola and Michelle Williams.
Thursday, October 9
Police: Assault rifle used fired at Chicago train
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Police Superintendent Gerry McCarthy says the man who fired on a subway train as it pulled into a business district station used an assault rifle and had at least 50 bullets with him.
Wednesday, October 8
Metropolitan Family Services Address Domestic Violence via Town Hall Meeting
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS), a community outreach agency servicing families in the Chicagoland area, will host a Call to Action Town Hall event that will include domestic violence education, a panel discussion and a teen breakout session, on Oct. 16 at its Calumet center facility at 235 E. 103rd St.
Antonio Riley Elected Chair of Chicago Federal Executive Board
A U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator appointed by President Barack Obama as HUD’s Midwest Regional Administrator in 2010, will now serve as the Chicago Federal Executive Board (FEB) chairman.
Low Turnout for Harold Washington Legacy Committee Voter Registration Drive
The cold, rainy morning may have accounted in part for the low turnout for The Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee’s (MHWLC) voter registration walk and rally this past Saturday; voter apathy may also have played a role.
Karen Lewis Visits with Chatham Residents
As part of her “Conversations with Karen” public speaking series, Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) president, Karen Lewis, visited Crerar Presbyterian Memorial Church, 8100 S. Calumet Ave., on Sept. 24 where she addressed some of Chicago’s "hot topics" and rumors about whether or not she would run for mayor of Chicago.
Southeast Side Metcoke/Petcoke Facility Ceases Operation
Some Southeast side residents may breathe a sigh of relief after news that the Calumet Transload Facility that caused community outrage and protests over petroleum coke (petcoke) and metallurgical coke (metcoke) storage at its property located at 2900 E. 106th has ceased operation.
The U.S. Responds to Ebola Epidemic in West Africa
Since the first cases of Ebola were reported in West Africa in March 2014, the United States has mounted a whole-of-government response to contain and eliminate the epidemic at its source, while also taking prudent measures at home. The President yesterday outlined a stepped-up U.S. response, leveraging more thoroughly the unique capabilities of the U.S. military to support the civilian-led response in West Africa. Domestically, the U.S. has prepared for the diagnosis of an Ebola case on U.S. soil and have measures in place to stop this and any potential future cases in their tracks.
Denzel Washington plays ‘Equalizer’ with signature quiet intensity
Denzel Washington reteams with his Training Day director Antoine Fuqua in the action thriller, The Equalizer.
Tuesday, October 7
US health providers expand their Ebola precautions
NEW YORK (AP) — Public hospitals in New York City are so concerned about Ebola, they've secretly been sending actors with mock symptoms into emergency rooms to test how well the triage staffs identify and isolate possible cases.
Monday, October 6
Court clears the way for gay marriage expansion
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court unexpectedly cleared the way Monday for a dramatic expansion of gay marriage in the United States and may have signaled that it's only a matter of time before same-sex couples can marry in all 50 states.
Friday, October 3
US employers likely stepped up hiring in September
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers may have produced 200,000-plus job growth in September, a potentially reassuring sign after a hiring slowdown in August.
Thursday, October 2
Obama touts economic gains under his watch
EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — President Barack Obama acknowledged his pivotal role in the midterm political campaign Thursday, arguing that the November congressional elections are a referendum on his economic policies and blaming Republicans for blocking his efforts to boost wages and create more jobs.
Advocate Trinity Hospital’s Gala Raises Funds to Benefit Breast Cancer Research Initiatives
Advocate Trinity Hospital, 2320 E. 93rd St., hosted its 2014 gala, Shades of Pink: The Tapestry of Trinity at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., on Sept. 20 in order to raise funds to benefit Breast Health Initiatives at the facility.
Toyota Delivers Hybrid Vehicles to Twenty-Two HBCU's
Toyota will deliver brand new hybrid vehicles to select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to kick-off the fifth-year of the Toyota Green Initiative—an environmental stewardship platform designed to educate HBCU students and alumni on the benefits of adopting a sustainable lifestyle. The donation is in conjunction with Toyota's continued support of HBCU athletic programs in both the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Twenty-two HBCUs will receive a Toyota Prius this fall.
FHA to Eliminate “Post Payment” Interest Charges
In addition, FHA announced a new rule to ensure borrowers have early access to information when making decisions about their FHA mortgages.
Agency will also ensure borrowers of adjustable-rate mortgages receive earlier notice of rate changes
Gov. Quinn Invests $3 Million in Divvy Program Expansion into Chicago and Suburbs
Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn recently announced a $3 million state investment in the Divvy bicycle-sharing program that will install 700 new bikes and 70 docking stations in Chicago, Evanston, and Oak Park neighborhoods.
Conyers to Receive First Jazz Advocate Award at CBC Conference
Longtime Michigan Congressman John Conyers is being honored for his advocacy of jazz.
Wednesday, October 1
Ill. Rep. Rita Awarded Agriculture Award
Ill. State Rep. Bob Rita (Dist. -28th), was recently presented the 2014 Friend of Agriculture award from the Farm Bureau, an honor bestowed upon him in recognition of his steadfast support of agricultural and economic legislation.
Maya Angelou Elementary School Rededication Ceremony
On Sept. 22, Harvey School Dist. 152 held a rededication ceremony to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the renaming of Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School as Maya Angelou Elementary School (15748 Page St., Harvey, Ill). The commemorative ceremony was as a celebration of the life of Dr. Maya Angelou, who was present at the school's initial renaming ceremony on Sept. 22, 1995.
Multigovernment Export Program Launched
Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin and the Chief Executives of Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties, JPMorgan Chase, the Brookings Institution, founders of the Global Cities Initiative, and World Business Chicago at The Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago, 320 N. Damen Ave. on Monday to launch “Metro Chicago Exports,” an unprecedented regional collaboration designed to help small and medium enterprises throughout the region capture export opportunities.
The Grant at Woodlawn Park to Replace Grove Parc Plaza Apartments
Only four years ago, the aging 500 plus-unit Grove Parc Plaza Apartments stood as an eyesore on Cottage Grove Avenue. In a dramatic turnaround, The Grant at Woodlawn Park, the second phase of new-construction, mixed-income housing that is replacing the formerly blighted buildings, was chosen as the overall winner and master planned winner in Affordable Housing Finance Magazine’s 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Hopeful Candidates Announce Bids to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor
Political veteran, Robert Shaw, a former Ald. (9th Ward) and former Cook County Commissioner, announced in March that he is in the race to become Chicago’s next mayor, the first individual to publicly do so via a press conference in March of this year.