Friday, January 30
Madigan Announces $90 Million T-Mobile Settlement Over Cell Phone Bill Cramming
Ill. Attorney General Lisa Madigan last month joined with her counterparts around the country, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission to announce a $90 million settlement with T-Mobile USA over allegations the company placed unauthorized charges on customers’ accounts, a practice known as “cramming.”
City of Chicago and City of Harvey Work Out Deal Concerning Late Water Payments
Last week, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the City of Harvey, Ill. has entered into a settlement agreement with the City of Chicago, to pay $20 million in unpaid water charges. With this action, the City has will be receiving payment from all four outstanding suburban water scofflaws for Chicago taxpayers.
UIC Offers Course on Beyoncé and Media Representation of African American Women
Given her level of fame and fan adoration, it’s no wonder mega entertainer, Beyoncé, is a case study at some universities, including, the University of Illinois at Chicago where the Gender and Women’s Studies department is offering a new spring semester course titled, “Beyoncé: Critical Feminist Perspectives and U.S. Black Womanhood.”
Wednesday, January 28
Attorney General nominee defends Obama immigration changes
WASHINGTON (AP) — Confronting skeptical Republicans, attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch pledged a new start with Congress and independence from President Barack Obama Wednesday, even as she defended the president's unilateral protections for millions of immigrants in the country illegally.
Ombudsman Chicago Honors Supportive Community with Breakfast
As a thank you to supportive community stakeholders, Ombudsman Chicago South, 6057 S. Western Ave., held a celebratory breakfast last week where Ombudsman Chicago South and Ombudsman Educational Services personnel joined Chicago Public Schools (CPS) representatives, Ombudsman Chicago South students, and community members to acknowledge the progress the school has made thus far.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Local Ald. Break Ground for New Bronzeville Mariano
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was in the Bronzeville neighborhood recently to break ground on the new Mariano’s grocery store that’s scheduled to open at the corner of 39th Street and King Dr. in 2016 with hundreds of jobs and new food opportunities for the area.
UNCF Chicago Hosts Inaugural Mayor’s Luncheon to Raise Funds, Awareness
The Chicago Office of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) hosted its inaugural Mayor’s Luncheon last week at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Upper Wacker Dr. This year’s theme “From Cradle to Career”, recognized that early childhood education is every bit as important as secondary and post-secondary education.
Dat Donuts Recipient of $150,000 Business Grant
Dat Donuts is basking in the glow of receiving a $150,000 grant from Chase Bank, thanks to public support that helped garner the funding through the bank's Mission Main Street Grants program.
Ald. Sawyer Holds Hearing to Address Community Concerns about Nuway Methadone Clinic Concerns
Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th Ward) held a special community meeting last week, to address community concerns about the Nuway Community Services Methadone Clinic, 110 E. 79th St., in particularly, its clientele. The clinic offers methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).
Mayoral Candidates Address Women Voters at Saturday Forum
Sex trafficking, crime, neighborhood gentrification, local school boards and school closures, women’s reproductive rights, domestic violence and wage in-equality were among the “hot topics” Chicago Mayoral candidates’ tackled during a forum hosted Saturday by Chicago Women Take Action Alliance.
Tuesday, January 27
Michelle Obama navigates limits on women in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — For first lady Michelle Obama, just a few hours in Saudi Arabia were enough to illustrate the stark limitations under which Saudi women live.
Monday, January 26
Dwindling group of survivors to mark Auschwitz 70 years on
OSWIECIM, Poland (AP) — A decade ago, 1,500 Holocaust survivors traveled to Auschwitz to mark the 60th anniversary of the death camp's liberation. On Tuesday, for the 70th anniversary, organizers are expecting 300, the youngest in their 70s.
Friday, January 23
Destination: Chicago Invites Youth to Discover New Interests, Skills & Careers at Free Festival
Chicago youth 4 to 24 - their families and their teachers as well - will be treated to a full day of playful learning opportunities on Saturday, January 24, at the 2nd Annual Destination: Chicago – Winter Break. Sponsored by Chicago City of Learning in cooperation with Hive Chicago Learning Network, the event will be held at Jones College Prep, 700 S. State St., between 11am and 4pm. More than 20 organizations will be on hand to introduce young people to the plethora of citywide and online programs in arts, technology, science and more that can open new pathways for their time and minds.
Young Woman and Boyfriend on Trial in Connection with Her Mother’s Death
Oak Park, Ill. is once again the focus of media attention as news that a young woman formerly of Oak Park and her boyfriend went on trial in Bali, Indonesia last Wednesday, in connection with the murder of the women's mother last year.
After School Matters Provides 10,000 Chicago Teens Free Admission to See “Selma” over Dr. MLK Weekend
After School Matters (ASM), a nonprofit organization that provides out-of-school programming opportunities for Chicago’s youth, in partnership with a coalition of Chicago business and civic leaders, provided 10,000 teens with free admission to see the major motion picture “Selma”, on Jan .19, in honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Selma” depicts Dr. King’s organized voting rights movement in Selma, Al. which led to the legislative drafting of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
South Suburban College Partners with SCORE on Small Business Workshops
Once a small business is up and running, developing a "branding" campaign is key, however, that is sometimes easier said than done. That is why South Suburban College’s Business & Career Institute and SCORE are offering free business workshops geared for entrepreneurs and owners.
Gov. Rauner Rescinds Final Executive Orders by Quinn
Last week, Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed Executive Order 15-11 (EO 15-11) which revoked and rescinded the final seven Executive Orders issued by outgoing governor, Pat Quinn, effective immediately. EO 15-11 is the fourth Executive Order signed by Rauner since he took office on Jan. 12, 2015.
LL Kool J Contributes Annual Scholarship Funding to Chicago State University
Who knew Chicago State University was keeping time with Holywood celebrities. A surprise announcement by rapper/actor, LL Cool J, on a recent Ellen De’Generes show, revealed his philanthropic connection with the south side University.
City of Chicago Announces Free Text Messaging Service for Parents
Parents in the City of Chicago can now enjoy free text messaging service called Connect4Tots, which provides them with information on caring for children over the age of one.
Marsala, a Wine-Red Hue, is 2015’s Color of The Year
This year’s hot hue, a wine red called Marsala, soon will be showing up in everything from dresses to coffeemakers. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, this year’s selection “enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability.”
Willie Nelson, Usher, Chris Martin to Pay Tribute to Stevie Wonder
Willie Nelson, Usher and Coldplay’s Chris Martin will pay tribute to Stevie Wonder at a concert next month.
Wednesday, January 21
Chicago Mayoral Candidates will Take Part in Chicago Women’s Mayoral Forum
The five candidates vying to become Chicago’s next mayor, will assemble to answer questions on Saturday at the first-ever Chicago Women’s Mayoral Forum.
Chicago Launches Campaign to Assist Business Owners Defend against Predatory Lenders
A new campaign has been launched by the City of Chicago to help educate small business owners on how to identify and avoid predatory lenders. In recent months, Business-to-Business (B2B) lending institutions including Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) have accelerated their marketing efforts, resulting in several local small businesses signing on to loans that they cannot afford.
Mayor Emanuel Guest of Honor at South Side Business Community Luncheon
As temperatures rose to balmy temps on Saturday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was among those who moved about without a jacket during a planned stop on East 75th Street as the guest of honor for a luncheon hosted by the Chatham Business Association's Executive Director, Melinda Kelly, Stephanie Hickman, a Chatham resident and business owner and Mae Whiteside, who planned the event as way for local business owners and area residents to express concerns and ask questions of the mayor.
Prospective Medical Marijuana Licensee Hopes for Equality
Prospective Illinois medical marijuana licensee, Dr. Jerry L. Weems, is hoping for equality and transparency, in the issuance of licenses for state operated medicinal marijuana dispensaries and cultivation centers.
29th Annual Interfaith Breakfast Pays Tribute to Dr. King, Honors Rev. Clay Evans
Members of the faith community gathered with elected officials and civil rights leaders for the 29th Annual Interfaith Breakfast honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., held at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave., last Friday, with dual highlights that included Rev. Dr. Clay Evans as the honoree and recipient of the City of Chicago’s 2015 Champion of Freedom Award and 13-year-old, Mae Ya Carter Ryan who stole the show with her resounding performance of “Everything Must Change."
Tuesday, January 20
In State of the Union, Obama aims to influence 2016 debate
WASHINGTON (AP) — Key elements of the economic proposals President Barack Obama will outline in his State of the Union address Tuesday appear to be aimed at driving the debate in the 2016 election on income inequality and middle-class economic issues, rather than setting a realistic agenda for Congress.
Thursday, January 15
Poll: New Yorkers don't approve of police rebuffing mayor
NEW YORK (AP) — Most New Yorkers didn't approve of police officers turning their backs on Mayor Bill de Blasio at the funerals of two officers shot to death in their patrol car, or of the comment by a union leader that the mayor had "blood on his hands," according to a poll released Thursday.
Wednesday, January 14
Jackson Action Coalition Screens Dr. King Film “Selma”
The Jackson Action Coalition (JAC) in collaboration with other community organizations recently held a private screening of the major motion picture “Selma”, at the ShowPlace ICON movie theater, 1011 South Delano Ct., in Chicago.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - MLK Day
January 19, 2015 will mark the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community. Explore this site to learn more about MLK Day and how you can participate. Below are a few links to get you started.
City of Chicago Receives $600 Million in Early Childhood Education
On Jan. 6, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the City of Chicago was awarded $600 million for early childhood education programming by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funds will be allotted to the city over the next year five years and were awarded because of the strength of Chicago's Head Start programs.
Tuesday, January 13
Survivors of Nigeria attack describe killings
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Survivors of an assault by Islamic militants that killed a large number of civilians in Nigeria have described days of relentless violence in which, one witness said, some people were slaughtered "like insects."
Friday, January 9
House overwhelmingly approves Keystone XL pipeline
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House overwhelmingly passed a bill on Friday authorizing the Keystone XL oil pipeline, despite a renewed pledge by the White House to veto the legislation after a Nebraska court removed a major obstacle.
Alicia Keys Welcomes Second Child
Alicia Keys gave birth to son Genesis Ali Dean early on Saturday morning. It’s baby number two for the Grammy-winner and her husband, producer-rapper, Swizz Beatz, who are also parents to 4-year-old Egypt Daoud.
Chris Rock and Wife Malaak Compton-Rock Headed for Divorce
Chris Rock filed for divorce from his wife Malaak Compton-Rock, a statement from his representative confirmed last Sunday.
January Money Smart Programs and “Affordable Care Act-Get Covered Illinois” Workshop Featured at Chicago Public Library
Chicago Public Library continues its free series of financial literacy programs designed to help people become more “money smart.” Presented in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and its partners, Money Smart programs help participants understand the business of money, gain control of their finances and learn practical money skills for life.
Thursday, January 8
FBI Searching for Suspect in Terrorist Bombing Outside NAACP Office
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Authorities are looking for a man who may have information about a homemade explosive that someone set off near the Colorado Springs chapter of the NAACP.
Wednesday, January 7
UIC Study Show Stark Changes in Chicago Neighborhood, Calls for Solutions
With just one quick look around Chicago neighborhoods, one will immediately realize the stark differences in neighborhoods, where some are blighted, as others are changing its racial makeup, while others are prospering and growing. A recent University of Chicago study has highlighted these issues.
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Sponsored New Laws that Take Effect in New Year
The 98th Illinois General Assembly has passed dozens of bills into law that took effect on Jan. 1. Listed below are intriguing new laws that may significantly impact the African American community and that were sponsored by members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC).
Brother of Rekia Boyd Graduates College with Public Health Degree
Martinez Sutton, 32, brother of Rekia Boyd, the 22-year-old Black woman who was fatally shot March 2012 by an off-duty Chicago police detective, graduated from Chicago State University last month with a Public Health degree and aims to deal with Chicago’s gun violence as a public health matter.
Ford Heights Man Charged with Illegal Gun Possession after Facebook Threats
A south suburban man is the latest news headline grabber relating to tensions between police and civilians nationwide after allegedly posting threats on his Facebook page to kill police officers and children.
Overview of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Releases First Annual Report
Last month, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) released its first ever annual report in particularly providing an overview of its service and its impact on Illinois’ youth.
City of Chicago Prepares for Winter Snowfall
In light of the first significant snowfall of the season and frigid temperatures, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was recently briefed by Department of Streets and Sanitation Commissioner, Charles Williams, on how things were going.
Law Signed Securing Retirement Option for Workers Across Illinois
On Jan. 4, Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 2758 (SB 2758) to create the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program. The program establishes the option of an individual retirement plan for more than two million Illinois private sector employees who currently do not have access to any retirement plan at work.
Seaway Bank Marks 50th Anniversary
Seaway Bank and Trust Company, Chicago’s largest African-American owned bank, marked the New Year with its 50th anniversary celebration that included customers, city officials and other supporters who gathered at the bank’s 645 E. 87th Street location on Friday.
New Law Aims to Help Common Interest Home Owners
Purchasing property in a “common interest” development, defined as condominiums, cooperatives, townhouses--developments governed by a Home Owner’s Association (HOA)--can be stressful due to the horror stories sometimes associated with dealing with HOA's which can be daunting enough to discourage some buyers from going the condominium route altogether.
New Law Stops Tax Payer Dollars from Funding the Pensions of Felons
On Dec. 29, as one of his final legislative acts as the governor of Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 2809 (SB2809) into law which provides the Ill. Attorney General’s office with the authority to file a civil action in order to stop the pension benefits of public employees who have been convicted of a felony related to their employment. Spearheaded by Ill. State Sen. Kwame Raoul (Dist. – 13) and Assistant Majority Leader, Rep. Elaine Nekritz (Dist. - 57), with the support of Ill. Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, SB2809 will go into effect on June 1, 2015.
Chicago Park District Offers Free Fitness Week to Begin 2015
Beginning on Jan. 2, 2015 through Jan. 11, the Chicago Park District (CPD) will be offering a “Free Fitness Week” for visitors at all 72 of its fitness centers in the Chicagoland area that will include free admission to fitness centers, free fitness classes and lap swim lessons.
Urban Partnership Bank Offers New Services
With approximately 25% under-served banking households, or households without a traditional banking relationship or access to a credit or checking account in Urban Partnership Bank’s (UPB) service areas of Chicago and Detroit, the launch of UPB's new Check Cashing services and first-ever, prepaid Mastercard®, will offer a lower priced alternative to currency exchanges and a variety of banking services to customers.
Monday, January 5
Chill, snow and rain bring taste of winter to much of US
CHICAGO (AP) — A year after a brutal cold spell was blamed on something called the polar vortex — which was treated like a northern invasion by the media and as a conquering hero by children impressed by its power to close schools — this week's chill is little more than what meteorologists like to call winter.