Wednesday, April 29
Chicagoans Urged to Apply for Gas Payment Assistance Funding
Chicagoans who are struggling to pay off heating bills from last winter are urged to apply for financial assistance through the City of Chicago's and People's Gas Share the Warmth program, where $495,000 is set aside to help residents pay their gas invoices, as State and federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds have run out.
De La Renta Unveils First Bridal Line Since Designer's Death
Peter Copping had hoped to work alongside Oscar de la Renta, but it was not to be: Just days after Copping was hired last October as artistic director of the luxury label, the legendary de la Renta passed away from cancer.
2015 NFL Draft marks greatest former player participation in draft history
As fans nationwide gear up to celebrate future football stars at the 2015 NFL Draft, which will take place from April 30-May 2, the NFL will recognize former Legends throughout the week-long Draft celebration in Chicago. From welcoming prospects to the Draft at The Intro event in Pioneer Court, to announcing Round 2 selections, former players will be celebrated at a variety of Draft festivities.
Exelon/ComEd Employees Lend a Hand to Help Build New West Pullman Homes
Crysteal Marshbanks, 41, donned army fatigues and a rain parker on Saturday as she joined about 20 Exelon and ComEd employee volunteers along with volunteers from Windy City Habitat for Humanity who came out to lend a hand in building her new single-family, one-story, four-bedroom home in West Pullman.
Ill. Legislators Sponsor Bill to Address School Suspension Disparity
Though school suspensions and expulsions are a problem nationwide, a 2012 study found that Illinois suspends more African-American students than any other state in the U.S., with a Black-White suspension disparity that is the highest in the country.
ComEd Training Facility Construction Underway
ComEd has begun construction on a new smart meter/grid training facility that will allow invaluable hands-on training opportunities for its employees. The new $25 million structure is located at 3536 S. Iron St. in Chicago and will cover nearly 190,000 sq. ft. once completed in 2016.
Bobby Brown’s Lawyer: Bobbi Kristina Brown Opened Her Eyes
Bobby Brown’s lawyer issued a statement Monday saying the singer’s daughter has “opened her eyes” nearly three months after being found unresponsive in a bathtub in her Georgia home.
Baltimore Smolders After Riot Over Freddie Gray's Death
Firefighters on Tuesday battled building fires in Baltimore sparked by rioting that erupted after the funeral Monday of a 25-year-old black man who died after suffering a spinal injury in police custody.
Redevelopment of the Historic Rosenwald Building, Includes Relocation of Small Newspaper Vendor, 36% African American Workforce
As redevelopment of the historic Rosenwald Building located at 47th and Michigan Avenue, in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood gets underway, the small newspaper stand right next to it is being relocated to a yet unknown, nearby location. That may not be earth shattering news for some, given the grand scope of the Rosenwald project, but to those who buy their morning newspaper from the stand as part of their daily commute to work, it's kind of a big deal.
MetroSquash Officially Opens $7 Million Academic & Squash Center in Woodlawn
MetroSquash opened its first free-standing 21,000 sq. ft. academic and squash center in Chicago's Woodlawn community at 6100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Nation of Islam Hosts First Annual Save Our Boys Conference
The Nation of Islam (NOI) will host its first “Boys to Men: Save Our Boys Conference” for African American and Hispanic youth at Mosque Maryam, 7351 S. Stony Island Ave., on May 9. The day-long conference is from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. and is free admission for boys ages 8 through 17.
Wednesday, April 22
Health law brings growth in food stamps in some states
CHICAGO (AP) -- President Barack Obama's health care law has had a surprising side effect: In some states, it appears to be enticing more Americans to apply for food stamps, even as the economy improves.
Tuesday, April 21
Obama attorney general nominee heads for vote after 5 months
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's long-stalled nominee for attorney general, federal prosecutor Loretta Lynch, is on her way to a confirmation vote after senators extricated themselves Tuesday from a partisan dispute over abortion that had stood in her way.
Monday, April 20
Chicago Public Schools Chief on Leave in Midst of Federal Probe
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Chief, Barbara Byrd-Bennett is now on leave pending the outcome of a federal probe into a controversial, $20.5 million no-bid contract the school district awarded her former employer.
Thursday, April 16
Chicago Public Schools Chief Reportedly Under Federal Probe
Chicago residents are reeling after news broke regarding a federal probe that reportedly involves Chicago Public School’s (CPS) Chief Operating Officer, Barbara Byrd-Bennett and a controversial, $20.5 million no-bid contract the school district awarded to her former employer.
Wednesday, April 15
Frequency and Severity of Ear Infections in Babies Can Lead to Speech Delay
Though ear aches are common in babies, it is important to note that they can lead to other serious problems. In fact, doctors at Loyola University Health Systems want parents to know that frequent and severe ear infections can lead to delayed speech in infants.
The 48th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair Reaches for Higher Heights
On April 23 through 24, the 48th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair (CBOF) hosted by the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (Chicago MSDC) will once again commence in Chicago.
Dick Gregory Booked for Two Shows at The Promontory Point
Easily described as a walking encyclopedia, author and former comedian, Richard Claxton, “Dick” Gregory, is known for his no-holds-barred discussions on politics, race relations, religion, conspiracy theories and other relevant topics. Now Gregory fans in Chicago will get a rare chance to hear the outspoken orator, this month during two shows at The Promontory, a new, dinner and music venue in Hyde Park, where he'll be discussing the recent Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations and the recent police shooting in Ferguson, Mo.
Eddie Murphy to Get Top Honor
Eddie Murphy will be awarded the nation's top prize for humor this year by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
'Empire' star Taraji P. Henson working on memoir
Taraji P. Henson has a memoir in her future. The Oscar-nominated actress, who stars as Cookie Lyon in the Fox series "Empire," has a deal with the Simon & Schuster imprint 37 Ink. The publisher told The Associated Press that the book is currently untitled with a planned mid-2016 release.
Sec. of State Jesse White Joined Suburban Mayors and Pastors for Donor Outreach Event
Ill. Sec. of State, Jesse White, on Sunday, joined south suburban Illinois pastors and Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network representatives in recognition that April is National Donate Life Month and to further tout the organization's recently launched “Mayors of Hope” and “Churches of Hope” donor education and awareness campaign event held at St. Mark Baptist Church Cathedral in Harvey.
BMOA’s 1st Annual My City’s Fly T-Shirt Competition Strives for Non-Violence in Chicagoland
Using fashion as a vehicle to promote non-violence, the Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana recently launched the 1st annual My City’s Fly t-shirt competition.
Union Station to Receive $7 Million in Funding to Develop Infrastructure and Operating Strategies
Chicago's Union Station, 500 E. Jackson Blvd., is getting a $7 million facelift. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, Congressman Mike Quigley (Dist.- 5), Congressman Dan Lipinski (Dist. – 3), Amtrak and Metra announced the funding initiative which will help develop infrastructure improvements, train operating strategies and will enhance passenger rail service.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel: “…Best Job I’ve Ever, Had.”
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, now serving his second term following his April 7, re-election, over Cook County Commissioner, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, held a post-election press conference last Wednesday morning at the Carole Robertson Learning Center on Chicago’s west side.
CBA Addresses Fraud and Consumer Protection at Monthly Membership Meeting
It was all about fraud and consumer protection at the Chatham Business Association (CBA) monthly membership meeting held at the QGB Building, 806. E. 78th St, where Atty. Joshua Karsh, and Gloria Gayle, Vice President, Small Business Services, U.S. Bank, were invited to spell it all out.
Rauner Grants 2 Pardons, Rejects 57 Other Clemency Requests
Gov. Bruce Rauner has issued his first two pardons since becoming governor nearly three months ago.
The PrivateBank and the Chicago Urban League to Host an Evening for Financial Empowerment
The PrivateBank and the Chicago Urban League are teaming up again for a second Evening for Financial Empowerment on Thursday, April 23, 2015 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The event will be held at the Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL 60653.
ComEd Partners with Chatham Business Association on Smart Meter Outreach Program
Federal and locally elected officials and area business owners, gathered Monday at the QBG Foundation/Chicago Citizen Newspaper headquarters, 806 E. 78th St. in Chicago, to discuss a recently launched, pilot, training and employment partnership between ComEd and the Chatham Business Association (CBA) at the behest of Cong. Bobby Rush (Dist.-1), as a way to bring jobs and economic development to the greater Chatham area.
Wednesday, April 8
Online Registration Opens April 13 for Park District Summer Programs
With summer nearing, now’s the time for parents to start thinking about warm weather activities for their children. So here's a reminder.... Chicago Park District’s summer programs opens April 13.
'Moesha' star Brandy to Play Roxie in 'Chicago' on Broadway starting in April
Grammy Award winner-Brandy, is debuting on Broadway this month as a woman behind bars in "Chicago."
Greater Englewood CDC and Blue 1647 Partner to Create Business Accelerator
The Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation (Englewood CDC) and Blue 1647 have partnered to provide a technology based business development accelerator on the fourth floor of the US Bank building, 815 W. 63rd St. that will provide educational training, one-on-one consultation, and operational space to business owners.
Academy Award-Winning Artist Common Scheduled to Give 2015 Commencement Speech for City Colleges of Chicago
Multiple award wining artist, Common, has agreed to deliver the commencement address at the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) graduation ceremony at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave., on May 2.
Illinois State basketball assistant among 7 dead in plane crash
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) — A private plane returning from the NCAA basketball tournament in Indianapolis crashed in a central Illinois field on Tuesday, killing all seven people on board, including Illinois State University’s associate head basketball coach and a deputy athletics director.
The 2015 NFL Draft Brings New Elements to Chicago
The City of Chicago and National Football League (NFL) officials are rolling out the red carpet for the first NFL Draft to commence in the city in 51 years. The 2015 NFL Draft will be held at Roosevelt University’s Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., from April 30 through May 2.
New Regal Theater Renovation Project Nears Completion, Kickstarter Campaign Underway
The New Regal Theater, an historic south side structure purchased for $100,000 in 2014 by then 29-year-old real estate investor, Jerald Gary, is now entering its final renovation phases, bringing the famed venue close to a grand re-opening.
Rahm Wins Runoff Election
The 2015 Chicago mayoral runoff election ended with voters choosing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel over challenger, Cook County Commissioner, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, to run the city and fix its financial, school and crime problems.
Monday, April 6
Kenyan airstrikes hit suspected militant camps in Somalia
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- Kenyan warplanes bombed militant camps in Somalia, officials said Monday, following a vow by President Uhuru Kenyatta to respond "in the fiercest way possible" to a massacre of college students by al-Shabab extremists.
Friday, April 3
Three New Gallery Exhibitions on Display at South Suburban College
Warming temperatures is the perfect inspiration for art lovers who want to venture out to view gallery exhibits of their favorite artists.
Members of the Ill. Legislative Black Caucus/Labor Union Endorse Chicago Mayor for Re-Election
Rev. James Moody, Senior Pastor of Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Chicago, welcomed Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and the Laborers' International Union of North America-Local 1001 to the historic church, 2401 S. Wabash, on Wednesday for the announcement of the groups’ endorsement of the mayor in the April 7 runoff election against Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
Pair Arrested in Connection to Northwest Side Convenience Store Robbery
A man and a woman were arrested Friday after crashing their vehicle at a intersection on Chicago's northwest side, in an attempt to flee Chicago Police, reportedly after participating in a convenience store robbery on the 500 block of North Halsted Street.
Black Women’s Expo Thrills and Inspires Visitors
The 21st Annual Black Women’s Expo (BWE) convened this past weekend and was a vast celebration of the African American woman. The event boasted educational seminars, a small business marketplace, and an array of inspirational speakers from March 27-29 and was held once again at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr. in Chicago.
Wrigley Rooftop Owner Charged with Trying to Defraud Cubs
A 46-year-old owner of one of the rooftop clubs locked in dispute with the Chicago Cubs over Wrigley Field views is accused of defrauding the baseball team and tax authorities out of $600,000.
Chicago Expands Small Business Financing Program
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expanding the city's Small Business Opportunity Center Program (SBOCP), a comprehensive financial service initiative for small businesses, via new centers that will be located throughout the city. The centers will maintain a $5 million budgets designated for small business loans, with authorization to loan out up to $250,000 each.
Chicago Fire Television Series Shoots Bronzeville Episode
If you were near the 3800 block of south King Drive in Chicago at some point last Friday, you may have noticed the 30 to 40-person film crew walking about and pushing big carts filled with lighting trees, cameras, small tents and other film equipment. What you saw happening there was the Chicago Fire television film crew setting up to film new episodes.
Obama's quest for Iran deal set to collide with Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON (AP) — After securing a surprisingly broad and detailed framework for a nuclear agreement with Iran, President Barack Obama must now subject his signature foreign policy pursuit to the gauntlet of partisan American politics.
Thursday, April 2
Indiana, Arkansas pass revised religious objection proposals
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Lawmakers in Arkansas and Indiana passed legislation Thursday that they hoped would quiet the national uproar over new religious objections laws that opponents say are designed to offer a legal defense for anti-gay discrimination.
Wednesday, April 1
Playtime Pointers for Feline Fun
How to Make Playtime More Irresistible for Cats
Playtime between cats and their owners provides the opportunity to bond in a fun and engaging way. Whether your cat is captivated by fun new toys or climbing and exploring the heights and corners of your home, spending quality time with your pet allows for the making of new memories. Encouraging active playtime will keep your cat healthy and fit, all in the name of a good time!
NAACP Sues the Radiance Foundation to Censor Black Citizen Journalist's Free Speech
The NAACP is using trademark law to censor free speech in a bizarre court case that was heard March 24th-26th in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia. The Radiance Foundation and its co-founder, Ryan Bomberger, are being sued for "trademark infringement, dilution and confusion" for parodying the organization's name in a news article detailing the NAACP's documented pro-abortion position and actions. (Learn more at www.theradiancefoundation.org/naacp.)
Former Employee Charged with Embezzling over $2.5 Million from African American Hair Care Company
Veria Fields, a former employee of Bronner Bros., Inc., has been arraigned on nine counts of mail fraud relating to theft from her former employer. Fields was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 4, 2015.
Kennedy King College Receives National Recognition
Kennedy-King-College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, is in the spotlight after receiving national recognition from the first-ever Aspen Institute “Rising Star” award for rapid improvement in degree program completion rates and will receive $100,000 in prize money.
Justices Struggle with Free Speech Case Over License Plates
In a dispute over a proposed Confederate battle flag license plate, the Supreme Court struggled last week to balance worries about government censorship and concerns that offensive messages could, at worst, incite violence.
Chicago Transit Authority Expands Second Chance Program
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush (Dist.-1st) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Forrest Claypool announced the expansion of CTA’s Second Chance program, which provides career opportunities and job training for non-violent ex-offenders, victims of abuse, and others who need assistance while re-entering the workforce.
CSU Holds Mayoral Forum to Address African American Issues
Area residents came out to hear how Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and mayoral challenger Cook County Commissioner, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia’s, plan to address some of the critical issues impacting African Americans as they each took the stage separately at Chicago State University (CSU) last Wednesday for hour-long discussions during a Mayoral Forum hosted by CSU’s Department of African American Studies and The Young and Powerful community organization.
Simeon’s Boys Basketball Coaching Staff are McDonald’s All Americans
Chicago’s own Simeon Career Academy’s, 8147 S. Vincennes Ave., boys varsity basketball team’s coaching staff will coach the 2015 McDonald's All American® Basketball Games (McDAAG) Boys’ West Team. The 38th Annual McDonald’s All American Games will be held on April 1 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
Mayor Emanuel Doubles Lead, Opponent, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia Lagging Behind
CHICAGO — Mayor Rahm Emanuel has doubled his lead over challenger Jesus "Chuy" Garcia in the past three weeks, showing strong momentum a week before the city's first-ever mayoral runoff election, according to a Chicago Tribune poll published Tuesday.
Jesse Jackson, Jr.: Released from Prison, Enters Halfway House
Chicago State University Prof. Jonathan Jackson, told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper that he and his family are elated that his older brother, former U.S. Congressman, Jesse Jackson, Jr. was released from a federal prison to a Washington, D.C. area halfway house.
City to Start Much Needed Viaduct Upgrades
Driving or walking underneath viaducts in Chicago can be a scary experience taking into consideration the existence of potholes, crumbling sidewalks, poor lighting and trash. Additionally, many of them appear dilapidated and are in need of a good coat of paint.
Chicago Expands Small Business Financing Program
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expanding the city's Small Business Opportunity Center Program (SBOCP), a comprehensive financial service initiative for small businesses, via new centers that will be located throughout the city. The centers will maintain a $5 million budget designated for small business loans, with authorization to loan out up to $250,000 each.