Thursday, December 31
Mayor says Chicago police changes will focus on use of force
CHICAGO (AP) — Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Wednesday that Chicago police must be better trained to distinguish between when they can use a gun and when they should use a gun, after a series of shootings by officers sparked protests and complaints that police are too quick to fire their weapons.
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan Criticizes Gun Violence, Police Misconduct
Frustrated with child murders and concerned about police misconduct, Arne Duncan used his last speech as U.S. education secretary to address gun violence in America.
Southside Homeless Shelter Raising Funds for Beds
As winter kicks into full swing, A Little Bit of Heaven Homeless Shelter is trying to raise $2,900 to cover the purchase of 55 bedframes.
Student-Teacher Background Checks go into effect January 1
On Jan. 1, prospective student-teachers in Illinois will be required to go through the same background check process as a regular teacher. Senate Bill 706, passed during the last session of the 99th General Assembly, improved the process of how to properly screen student-teacher candidates.
Formal is Normal for New Year’s Eve
No matter where you go on New Year’s Eve this year, formal attire is just right for the night. That means whether you are going to a fabulous party at a swanky hotel, a restaurant for casual dining or simply a friend’s house for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, it is totally okay to arrive wearing a beautiful sparkly gown…and for the men… a sleek tuxedo works out well. After all, you’re ringing in the New Year!
Steve Harvey Sued by Jet Company
A Nashville company is suing comedian Steve Harvey over a private jet. According to The Tennessean, the company said the comedian and TV host failed to pay about $200,000 owed for custom alterations to the aircraft.
Wednesday, December 30
State Residents Will Need Extra ID to Enter Federal Facilities
Illinois residents will no longer be able to simply use their driver’s license or state I.D. to enter most federal buildings. That is because sooner than later, a passport will also be required, a regulation that could disproportionately impact blacks and Hispanics.
Salvation Army’s ‘Red Kettle’ Campaign falls Short but Services Are in High Demand
The red metal kettle was overflowing with money as Salvation Army bell ringer Darrell Watson greeted customers flocking into a crowded Kmart just outside of Chicago.
Governors State Univ., UIC Cancer Center Partner to Examine Cancer Disparities
The mortality rate for breast and colon cancer in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood is nearly twice as high as that of the national average, according to a study by the Cancer Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). A similar problem exists in south suburban Ill. communities with large black populations, said Karriem Watson, senior research specialist at the Cancer Center.
Timely Disposal of Christmas Trees and Safe Removal of Lights May Save Lives
With the holiday now behind us, gifts have been removed from under the pine, the tree is swiftly losing its coat of green, and the needles are piling up on the floor, which means it’s time to remove the tree from your home. “Christmas trees are very flammable,” said Lorraine Carli, the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Trees dry out the longer they remain in the home, and can be consumed by fire in a matter of seconds.” All trees can burn, though dry ones can be engulfed by flames significantly more quickly.
Power into a New Year with Protein
If the idea of diving into a new year has you feeling more exhausted than invigorated, it may be time to introduce some new strategies to help keep busy days from feeling overwhelming. Proper exercise, balanced nutrition and quality rest can make it easier to adapt when life demands you give a little bit more.
Kwanzaa Celebrations Remain Popular in Chicago Area
Ashley Frazier is a junior high school student and wanted to learn more about her African heritage. So, the 13-year-old joined about 125 others Saturday at a long-time annual African-American event on Chicago’s South Side: The Kwanzaa celebration at the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, 9301 S. Stony Island Ave. “Black culture is not something that is talked about enough in our schools,” said Frazier, who attends a school in Flossmoor, Ill. “I want to learn as much as I can about our heritage.”
Mayor Wants Changes after Police Fatally Shoot Woman, Teen
Mayor Rahm Emanuel called for changes on how officers handle calls that involve “mental health crises” after Chicago Police fatally shot a mother and college student. The student’s father said his son Quintonio LeGrier, 19, suffered from emotional problems and he called police Saturday morning when his son became disruptive. He then called his downstairs neighbor, Bettie R. Jones, asking her to look out for the arrival of the police according to news reports. After police arrived, tragedy struck.
Wednesday, December 23
South Suburban Democratic Group Backs Kim Foxx for State’s Attorney
The controversial police shooting of Laquan McDonald in Chicago in part last week prompted a group of officials in south suburban Illinois to back former prosecutor Kim Foxx instead of incumbent Anita Alvarez in the Cook County state’s attorney race.
The University of Chicago Plans Level 1 Adult Trauma Center on its Campus
On December 17, 2015, UChicago Medicine issued the following statement in response to Chicago’s South Side community’s outcry for a Level 1 Adult Trauma center:
Make the Season Brighter for Families in Need in Your Community
For many of us, a cozy winter’s night isn’t complete without milk and cookies or a warm cup of hot cocoa. But families in need in your community may be missing out on milk and its nine essential nutrients.
Seven Potential Architects Identified for Future Obama Presidential Center
On Monday, The Barack Obama Foundation issued a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) to seven architectural firms, one of which will ultimately be selected to design the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) on the South Side of Chicago.
South Side Mother, Daughter Graduate from Chicago State University
Forty-one years ago, Gilda Patterson attempted to be the first one in her family to seek higher education by attending a Chicago community college.
South Side Art Center Celebrates 75th Birthday
Masequa Myers loved singing and dancing as a teen – she even briefly sang in a group with superstar Chaka Khan. So, in the 1960s, Myers decided to learn more about the arts by taking classes at the South Side Community Art Center in Chicago.
Mayor Emanuel Plans 2.5 Billion in Improvements to Local Universities; 10,000 Jobs Created
If you live in Chicago, and are looking for construction work, your luck may be about to change. Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently announced that over 10,000 construction jobs will become available in the city over the next three years.
Santa’s Helpers Visit Hundreds of Youngsters at Olive-Harvey College
It was a hard year for Michelle Daniels. The 35-year-old woman was unable to work for four months because she suffered liver problems. As a result, Daniels told her four children that Santa might not show up this year.
Thursday, December 17
Calumet City Cops Provide Gifts and Food to Area Families at Annual Santa Run
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is the world's largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 325,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. And one of those lodges is bringing Santa Clause to southtown!
Supreme Court torn Over Texas Affirmative Action Program
Torn as ever over race, the Supreme Court on last Wednesday weighed whether it's time to end the use of race in college admissions nationwide or at least at the University of Texas.
Fox Suspends 2 Analysts for Language Against Obama
Two Fox News contributors were suspended Monday for using inappropriate language about President Barack Obama while discussing his speech on terrorism the night before in two separate episodes.
Obama Names Favorite Song, Book and Movie of 2015
Kendrick Lamar’s “How Much a Dollar Cost” is tops in the White House. President Barack Obama says the song by the Grammy-nominated rapper from Compton, California, is his favorite song of 2015.
Coca-Cola Workers Strike at South Suburban Alsip Plant
For the last six years, Larry Spencer knew where he would spend his days: inside the Coca-Cola plant in Alsip, Ill. Last Friday, Spencer wasn’t so sure of his future. He stood outside the plant for several hours with dozens of colleagues.
Small Businesses in Limbo as Congress Debates Tax Break
Small business owners are on edge as they wait to see if Congress will approve a big increase in the tax break they get to buy new equipment.
Chicago to Launch CTA Bus Service on the Loop Link
Do you know what the Loop Link is? According to the City of Chicago, it a fast, easy and reliable option for getting around Chicago’s congested downtown. It reportedly will more efficiently connect people to jobs, businesses and attractions. Similar to “L” trains, the Loop Link will move people quickly using dedicated bus lanes while making limited stops at train-like stations along the way. On Monday, the city announced that the new service will be available to citizens on Dec. 20.
Ex-State Rep. Connie Howard Gets 3 Month Prison Sentence
Former Ill. State Rep. Connie Howard was sentenced last week to three months of prison on charges of stealing money from a charity, officials said.
Teens Aspiring to Music Careers Receive Real World Experience, Advice from Pros
Now that Chicago native and rapper, “Chance the Rapper” made his debut on Saturday Night Live this past weekend and made history as the first independent artist ever to appear on the show, you’d better believe that hundreds, perhaps thousands of young artists from Chicago are hoping to follow in his footsteps. But they will need more than just high hopes to get that far.
Wednesday, December 16
Chicago Teachers Back Strike if Needed
In what could be another major crisis for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) last week overwhelmingly gave its leaders power to call a strike; the development coming right as community leaders and residents call for Emanuel’s resignation. The union voted over a three-day period last week. The teachers union released the results Monday.
Tuesday, December 15
Emanuel Apologizes for Controversial Cop Shooting, Protests Continue
Blamed by activists for Chicago’s troubled police department, Mayor Rahm Emanuel apologized last week for the “totally avoidable” fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald by a police officer.
Thursday, December 10
Four Medical Marijuana Dispensaries to Open in South Suburbs
Medical marijuana dispensaries are coming to four Chicago area south suburbs in the next month. The dispensaries are scheduled to open by January at 1137 W. 175th St. in Homewood; 2535 Veterans Dr. in Posen; 11425 S. Harlem St. in Worth; and 8340 S. Roberts Rd. in Justice, said Steven Weisman, CEO and president of the Windy City Cannabis Club.
Yahoo Up on Report of Possible Sale of Internet Business
Shares of Yahoo are up sharply on a report that the company will discuss the sale of its Internet business. The Wall Street Journal reported late earlier this month that the board of Yahoo Inc. is meeting to talk about what shape the company will take going forward. The article, citing anonymous sources, says private equity firms are among those looking at Yahoo's websites.
Toyota Harbors Big Ambitions for "Partner Robot" Business
TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. is harboring big ambitions to become a significant player in the growing market for robots that help the elderly and other people get around in everyday life.
Wednesday, December 9
Malia Obama Navigating College Decision-Making Process
Michelle Obama's message for high school seniors fretting about their college prospects is simple. Do your research. Visit college campuses. Sit in on classes. Talk to professors, graduates and students. In the end, picking a college "is a very individual decision."
Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates Flexes Its Muscle in Contract Fight
The Chicago Teachers Union’s governing body said it would encourage all 27,000 active members to vote “yes” for strike authorization when the organization conducts a three-day vote in all Chicago Public Schools (CPS) where members work, according to the House of Delegates (HOD). State law requires a 75 percent of the entire CTU membership to approve strike authorization; and, voting will be conducted December 9 – 11 at the start and end of the school day in most buildings.
HUD Awards $2.6 Million to Help Low-Income Residents in Illinois Find Employment and Job Training
Unfortunately, there sometimes is a stigma attached to those who live in public housing. The perception is that they are either unemployed, uneducated or both. That is why the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded $2.6 million to housing agencies across the state through the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The funds will be used to help public housing residents in Illinois help find jobs and improve their education.
Secretary of State Jesse White Awarded ‘2015 Legislative Champion’ by MADD
Pay very close attention to the following statistics: According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before their first arrest. Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash. Drunk driving costs the United States $199 billion a year. In 2013, a total of 1,149 children 14 and younger were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Of those 1,149 fatalities, 200 (17%) occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
Ald. Brookins Challenges Rush for Congressional Seat
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush is being challenged for his Illinois first district seat by veteran Chicago Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. Last week, Brookins officially filed as a congressional candidate in the Democratic primary. Activist Tio Hardiman recently pulled out of the race to challenge Cook County Circuit Clerk Dorothy Brown for her seat. “I’m running for Congress because our community needs a fighter in Washington to represent our needs and find solutions to our problems,” said Brookins, who has represented the city’s 21st Ward since 2003.
Union Threatens Boycott of Food Products to Keep Jobs at South Side Plant
A bakery union is threatening to boycott Nabisco products in an effort to keep jobs from leaving a plant on the South Side of Chicago.
Mayor, Community Celebrate Phillips High School's Football Title
Call Tanisha Minnis a super fan of Wendell Phillips High School football team. The 16-year-old honor roll junior missed just one game during the three years she has attended the Bronzeville neighborhood school in Chicago. So, Minnis made sure she didn’t miss school last Wednesday. That’s because it was the day Minnis and the school’s entire student body celebrated Phillips becoming the first Chicago public high school to win an Illinois championship in football. The rally attracted top city officials, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Ill. State Sen. Mattie Hunter (3rd Dist.), Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) and alumni.
Dorothy Brown has Major Gripe with Rivals in County Clerk Race
Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown has a bone to pick with a few Democrats she claims she has supported for years.
Update: Justice Dept. Probes Chicago Police Amid Protests
After requests from angry activists and several local officials, the U.S. Justice Department is launching an investigation into the practices of the beleaguered Chicago Police Department. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said Monday the probe of the police department will focus on police use of force, racial bias and how allegations of misconduct are investigated.
Sunday, December 6
Justice Dept. to Probe Chicago Police
After requests from activists and several officials, the U.S. Justice Department plans to launch an investigation into the practices of the Chicago Police Department, officials said.U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is expected to make an official announcement about the investigation later this week, according to news reports.
Friday, December 4
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. and dozens of others marched 16 times around Chicago's city hall.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. and dozens of others marched 16 times around Chicago's city hall on Dec. 4 to protest the death of Laquan McDonald. A Chicago police officer has been charged with McDonald's death.
The African designer who doesn't want to use Africa as a 'gimmick'
Fashion designer Chi Atanga is comfortable with an identity as a global African. Based in Portugal and Cameroonian-British by background, he is currently in the U.S. looking for investment and sounding out potential markets. African-American communities are emerging consumers of music, movies and fashion from the continent, he says, and he hopes to ride the wave with a clothing brand that reflects his heritage.
Wednesday, December 2
Genetically Modified Salmon OK'd for Human Consumption in U.S.
WASHINGTON— The Food and Drug Administration this month approved genetically modified salmon, the first such altered animal allowed for human consumption in the United States.
Oil prices end November on a high note
NEW YORK, (UPI) -- A market return by U.S. holiday-goers and anticipation over OPEC's meeting at the end of the week pushed crude oil prices higher on the last day of November.
Sony's Playstation 4 passes 30 million units sold worldwide
TOKYO, (UPI) -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. announced that their Playstation 4 gaming console has surpassed 30 million units sold worldwide.
Husband and Wife Team Sentenced in Fraud Scheme
Perhaps it’s the tough economy, perhaps it’s simply greed, but people are going to extremes measures to make ends meet these days, even involving some “creative” criminal activity. For example, a husband and wife team recently faked the deaths of their living children to scam their employer out of money. And it didn’t stop there. They also stole their coworkers’ identities.
Robbins Street Named for Deceased Prep Football Player
Annette Clark misses her son, Rasul “Rocky” Clark, who died just three years ago. So, she keeps many of his sports awards in a room in her south suburban home in Robbins, Ill. In November, Clark received another visible reminder of her son – a nearby street bearing his name.
Chicago Will Expand Cop Body Camera Program
In the mist of protests over an officer’s shooting of an African American teen, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on Sunday that the city will expand its cop body camera program to six additional police districts by mid-2016.
Chicago Teens Promote Safe Sex
It’s very inspiring when inner-city Chicago teens, who are currently living in a very challenging environment, get involved in something constructive and positive. It’s even more uplifting when their involvement is motivated by healthy living habits.
Suburban Man Charged in Killing of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee
In one of Chicago’s most high profile killings, a 27-year-old Lansing, Ill. man was charged with murdering 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee. Corey Morgan was accused last week of being involved in a shooting that killed Lee on Nov. 2 in an alley near 80th and Damien streets.
Emanuel Dismisses Police Supt. McCarthy
Citing public trust, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday dismissed embattled Police Supt. Garry McCarthy after recent protests over a police officer fatally shooting an African American teen.