Thursday, May 28
When tennis and fashion collide in Paris
Well before Andre Agassi caused a stir with his stone-washed denim shorts at the French Open, the clay courts at Roland Garros were a sporting catwalk for fashion experimentation.
McDonald's Challenge: Make It Simpler, but Add Choices
McDonald's wants to simplify, simplify, simplify — but also add a bunch of choices for customers to avoid growing stale.
NASA Invests in Hundreds of U.S. Small Businesses to Enable Future Missions
NASA has selected research and technology proposals from 254 small businesses and 39 research institutions in the United States for grants to develop new technologies that will further NASA's journey to Mars.
Wednesday, May 27
Riot Fest Moves from Humboldt to Douglas Park
Riot Fest, the annual summer punk rock, music festival held in Chicago, is moving from its traditional Humboldt Park neighborhood site to Douglas Park, in the North Lawndale area.
Viola Davis to Star as Harriet Tubman in HBO Movie
“How to Get Away with Murder” star Viola Davis will play Harriet Tubman in a HBO movie about the abolitionist hero.
Queen Latifah inhabits a Blues Legend in HBO Biopic 'Bessie'
Many viewers will come to the HBO biopic "Bessie" with scant knowledge of its subject, blues legend Bessie Smith.
Kanye West Gives Donda’s House Largest Donation Ever
Grammy award winning rapper, Kanye West, recently flexed his philanthropic muscle, donating a record breaking $133,000 to his music and art based community organization, Donda’s House, Inc. (DH), the largest amount ever donated to the non-profit.
Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Conditions Comply with Federal Lawsuit
U.S. District Judge John Holderman recently ruled that the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), 1100 S. Hamilton Ave., has compiled with the rulings of a federal lawsuit filed against it by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois (ACLU) to improve its operations and conditions there. The ACLU first filed the lawsuit in the case of Jimmy Doe v. Cook County in 1999.
IDOT Lays out Six-Year Spending Plan, Announce Road Closures
Curious about the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) six-year, $8.4 billion highway construction plan? If you frequently drive on Illinois’ roadway, you should be.
Ill. State Democrats Release New Budget Proposition
Ill. House of Representatives Democrats proposed a $36 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 (FY2016) on Monday. The budget would avoid nearly $5 billion in spending cuts present in Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner’s $32 billion “Illinois Turnaround” budget released in February. According to Article VIII - Section II of the Illinois Constitution, the governor is required to prepare and submit a state budget to the Ill. General Assembly (IGA) for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget sets forth the estimated balance of funds available for appropriation at the beginning of the fiscal year, the estimated receipts, and a plan for expenditures during the fiscal year. The new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Rashaun Hill: Remember his Name, Admire his Family
Keep your ears and eyes open for Rashaun Hill, 14, a freshman and basketball player at Carver Military Academy (Carver), 13100 S. Doty Ave., Chicago. Chances are, you’ll be hearing a lot about him real soon. Hill stands 5’7” and was the star player at Alice L. Barnard Elementary School, 10354 S. Charles St., Chicago, and averaged roughly 30 points per game by the end of last season. He also played in the American Athletic Union (AAU) competitive basketball league for the Mac Irvin Fire.
Mayor Emanuel Joins Bronzeville's Night of Faith and Action
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined community groups and residents who packed Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church at 4100 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive., on Friday to take part in the second annual Night of Faith in Action march and rally and Bronzeville. A citywide initiative, the event helps empower concerned residents in creating safe and welcoming neighborhoods.
NAACP Chicago South Side Discusses Report to Prevent Police Brutality
Racial profiling. It’s a hot topic and a problem that is constantly debated locally, nationally, perhaps even internationally, yet there never seems to be a rock solid solution or answer to the issue.
12 People Killed by Gunfire in Chicago Over Memorial Day Weekend
As Memorial Day commenced, a day where Americans pause to remember those who died in active military service, Chicago was plagued with shooting, once again, making national headlines as the gun violence capitol of the world.
Ill. State Sen. Hunter Sponsors Legislation Aimed at Youth Aging Out of Foster Care System
More than 3,000 young people will age out of Illinois’ foster care system this year, where they will face the world hopefully, as self-sustaining adults. To help make their transition as seamless as possible, Ill. State Sen. Mattie Hunter, (Dist.-3rd), sponsored legislation—Senate Bill 1255—which creates a Foster Youth Summer Internship Program that provides professional training and experience for youth as a way to prevent the pitfalls of homelessness and incarceration among youth who age out of foster care.
Wilson to Announce Presidential Bid
With some national name recognition already garnered following his recent, unsuccessful run for mayor of Chicago, millionaire businessman, Willie Wilson, is expected to announce June 1 that he is indeed a 2016 presidential candidate, according to Denise Spencer who worked on Wilson’s communications team during his run for mayor and is now part of his presidential candidacy team.
Tuesday, May 26
Cleveland, US Justice Department announce police settlement
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Cleveland agreed to sweeping changes in how its police officers use force, treat the community and deal with the mentally ill, under a settlement announced Tuesday with the federal government that will put the 1,500-member department under an independent monitor.
Thursday, May 21
Whitney Young H.S. Ranked Fourth in U.S. News & World Report Illinois High School Ranking
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, 211 S. Laflin St. in Chicago, is the fourth best high school in the state according to the 2015 U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of Illinois best high schools. Ten other Chicago Public Schools (CPS) appeared on the list where six of them were ranked in the top 10.
Harriet Tubman Wins Poll to Replace Andrew Jackson on $20 Bill
Twenty-dollar bills could soon be known as "Tubmans" if a grassroots campaign succeeds in persuading President Barack Obama to remove Andrew Jackson's portrait from circulation on U.S. paper currency in favor of a famous woman in U.S. history.
Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks Launch Summer Fun
Chicago area park goers can get ready for another summer of movies and concerts in the park as Night Out in the Parks gets underway.
Bill to Allow Bobcat Hunting Advances to Illinois Senate
A second attempt to establish a bobcat-hunting season in Illinois is headed to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Ill. Bill Aimed at Slowing the Spread of HIV/AIDs Advances to Gov. Rauner’s Desk
In an effort to fight the spread of HIV/AIDs, Ill. State Senator Emil Jones, III (Dist-14th) is supporting Ill. Legislation, House Bill 1004 , a measure to extend a program that allows health care professionals to notify a spouse or civil union partner when HIV test results are positive.
Cook County’s Juvenile Detention Center Improves Following ACLU Lawsuit Demands
Cook County government finally met the demands of a 1999, class action lawsuit, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois filed on behalf of children being detained at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), demanding safer living conditions. The lawsuit also called for a remedy to the systematic mistreatment of young people--some as young as 13-- who were charged with delinquency or facing criminal counts in adult court.
Wednesday, May 20
Spike Lee, Pfleger Defend “Chiraq” Film and Call for Peace
Academy Award nominated filmmaker, Spike Lee and Faith Community of St. Sabina Pastor, Father Michael Pfleger, were joined last week by community stakeholders in the courtyard of St. Sabina, 1210 W. 78th Pl in Chicago, for a press conference in support of the major motion picture, “Chiraq.” The film underscores the gun violence plaguing Chicago and is under fire from elected officials and local residents because of its title which likens several of Chicago’s neighborhoods to war zones in Iraq.
Summer of Faith and Action Gets Underway in Chicago
During the summer months, when violence usually soars in Chicago neighborhoods, community leaders desperately seek out violence prevention initiatives.
The Boys & Girls Club of America Induct its Newest Hall of Fame Members
There are now nine new Hall of Fame members of the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA). The inductees were honored during BGCA's 25th Annual Alumni Hall of Fame ceremony held at the Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan Ave.
John Legend Launches Campaign to End Mass Incarceration
John Legend has launched a campaign to end mass incarceration.
'King Of The Blues' B.B. King Dies at 89 in Vegas Home
B.B. King, whose scorching guitar licks and heartfelt vocals made him the idol of generations of musicians and fans while earning him the nickname King of the Blues, died late Thursday at home in Las Vegas. He was 89.
Mirror, Mirror on The Wall: Smart Mirrors Boost Sales
Imagine a fitting room with a "smart" mirror that suggests jeans to go with the red shirt you brought in. It snaps a video so you can compare the image side-by-side with other colorful shirts you try on. It might even show you how the shirt will fit without you having to undress.
Local Program Developers Launch Mobile Game Brand
Get excited mobile game enthusiasts! James “Quake” Cottrell, founder of Quake Studios, a production company that creates independently financed films, special effects, and video games, has just created a mobile platform video game called “Project Fly”, as the first featured release of his Project Fly brand.
South Shore Drill Team Celebrates 35th Year
Captivating audiences with synchronized marching, baton and flag twirling and riveting dance routines, the South Shore Drill Team, featuring youth from Chicago’s Southside, is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year with a high-energy, celebratory performance planned for 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at the Harris Theater.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Sworn in for Second Term, Delivers Powerful Speech
With his wife and children by his side, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was sworn into his second term in office Monday at the Chicago Theatre. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Senator Dick Durbin also attended the ceremony where several other elected officials including City Treasurer, Kurt Summers, City Clerk Susana A. Mendoza, and 50 Aldermen.
Thursday, May 14
Chicago Bears Star Kyle Long and UnitedHealthCare Partner to Aid St. Malachy Students
UnitedHealthcare (UH) donated a $22,000 grant to the Dreambuilders Foundation (DF) to fund a summer renovation project of Ellen Gates Starr Park, 2306 W. Maypole Ave. in Chicago. St. Malachy School’s, 2252 W. Washington Blvd., uses Starr Park as its primary playground.
$20 Million in Funding from U.S. Justice Department to Support Body-Worn Camera Pilot Program
The U.S. Department of Justice last week announced a $20 million Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Pilot Partnership Program to respond to the immediate needs of local and tribal law enforcement organizations.
Illinois Utility Companies Unite to Warn Customers about Scam Artists
Three of Illinois’ largest utility providers recently united to warn their customers about an influx of scam artists posing as utility workers. ComEd, Nicor Gas and Peoples Gas held a press conference at the Austin Senior Satellite Center, 5071 W. Congress Pkwy., in Chicago to discuss the crisis and solutions.
Cook County Sheriff Supports Bill to Remove Low Level Offenders from Judicial System
Low-level offenders may soon be spending less time incarcerated thanks to Ill. Senate Bill 202 (SB 202), a piece of legislation that Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart is sponsoring. The bill, otherwise known as the Accelerated Resolution Court Act, shortens the length of time low-level offenders spend in the Cook County judicial system.
Chicago Chosen as Home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library, Location Site Still Undetermined
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel gathered Tuesday morning with local dignitaries at the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside for the official announcement that Chicago was chosen as the home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Museum—an announcement somewhat eclipsed by President Obama’s video announcement earlier this morning.
Judge Tosses Family Feud Over Blues Legend B.B. King's Health, Wealth Out of Court in Vegas
A dispute over B.B. King's health and wealth was tossed out of court last Thursday by a judge in Las Vegas who said two investigations found no evidence the blues legend is being abused.
Legislation to Protect Runaway Wards of the State Passes Senate, Moves to House
The Ill. Senate recently passed Important legislation that seeks to protect wards of the state, who run away from privately run facilities.
Stars Strut their Stuff at the Met Gala in NYC
Rihanna shut down the Met Gala’s red carpet in a regal yellow coat. And then came Bey.
Chicago Urban League Prepares to Send High School Students to China
The Chicago Urban League (CUL), in collaboration with American Airlines (AA) and the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), is coordinating its third annual Student Mission to China for Chicagoland high school students. CUL launched an online crowd funding campaign to sponsor 20 prospective students’ expenses for the two week voyage.
Wednesday, May 13
Chicago Department of Public Health’s FoodBorne Chicago Program Recognized
The Chicago Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) FoodBorne Chicago program is a winner. The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation recognized the initiative as one of the Top 25 programs during this year’s Innovations in American Government Awards competition held at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
City Council Passes $5.5 Million Burge Torture Reparations
L. C. Riley, 59, is one of the 118 documented black men who was tortured by former Chicago Police Commander, Jon Burge and the Chicago Police Department's (CPD) Area 2 and Area 3 law enforcement officers who assisted in the torture of several other black men reportedly from 1972 to 1991.
Gov. Rauner Restores $26 Million to Social Service Programs in FY2015 Budget as FY2016 Budget Threatens Others
Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner this month announced that $26 million in social service grants previously cut from the state’s fiscal year 2015 budget to plug a $1.6 billion hole, will be restored with unexpected revenue from income tax that allows for restoration of grants for programs , cut earlier this month, including autism treatment, indigent burials and immigrant and refugee aid.
Advocate Trinity Hospital Partners with American Stroke Association to Fight Strokes
May is American Stroke Month (ASM). That is why Advocate Trinity Hospital (ATH), 2320 E. 93rd St., a primary stroke care facility, and the American Stroke Association (ASA) have teamed up to raise awareness about the of warning signs of a stroke through a series of initiatives and programs.
Chatham Business Owner, SBA’s Small Business Person of the Year
Surrounded by family, friends and fellow Chatham Business Association (CBA) members, John Griffin, Jr., 46, president/CEO of AGB Investigative Services, Inc. (AGB) was all smiles last Thursday morning as Illinois District Small Business Administration (SBA) Director, Robert Steiner, presented him with the 2015 Illinois Small Business Person of the Year Award.
Thursday, May 7
AT&T President at Center of $100M Racism Lawsuit Fired
AT&T Inc. on Tuesday confirmed that it has fired Aaron Slator, a president who became the subject of a $100 million discrimination lawsuit for using his work phone to send racially offensive images.
Here Are The Six Officers Charged in Freddie Gray’s Death
Six officers are charged in Freddie Gray’s death from injuries he suffered while in police custody. State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby says the officers repeatedly failed to get Gray medical treatment after his arrest. The police officers’ union has said they are not responsible for Gray’s death.
Swan Lake at Kennedy Center Features African-American Leads
Something rare is happening in the world of ballet: At the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., two African-American dancers will be the leads
State Rep. Bob Rita to Hold Public Hearings on Gaming Expansion in Illinois
Ill. State Rep. Bob Rita (Dist.-28) is holding the second of two public hearings on gaming expansion in Illinois on May 11 at 10 a.m. in the conference room on the 6th floor of the Michael A. Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle St.
Wednesday, May 6
Mother’s Day Events Around Town
The Annual Mother’s Day Gospel Bowl, one of the largest gospel music concerts held in the Chicagoland area every Mother's Day, embarks on its 28th year and this year will features national gospel artists from all over the world.
Former NFL Player Marques Sullivan Shares his Thoughts on the NFL Draft
As the excitement of the National Football League (NFL) 2015 Draft reached a “fever pitch” in Chicago last Thursday--the first time in 51 years since the draft was held in the windy city, the Chicago Citizen Newspaper spoke with former NFL offensive lineman, Marques Sullivan about his thoughts and advice for young players starting new NFL careers.
Protestors Hold Peaceful Demonstration Regarding Police-Involved Killings of Unarmed African Americans across the Nation
Chanting, “No justice, no peace…no racist, police!” and other protest slogans, Chicago, based organizations took to the streets last Tuesday night in a show of solidarity with demonstrators from the city of Baltimore and others denouncing occurrences of police officers killing unarmed Black men and women in Chicago and across the nation.
Young Women’s Leadership Charter High School Celebrates 15 Years of Success
The Young Women’s Leadership Charter High School (YWLC), 2641 S. Calumet Ave., the only all-girls public school in Chicago recently celebrated its 15th year anniversary during the school's annual fundraising luncheon at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 S. Michigan Ave.
Original Soul Vegetarian Offers Health Conscious Mother Day Brunch Alternative
If you are looking for somewhere untraditional to enjoy a Mother’s Day meal, then read on! Original Soul Vegetarian (OSV), 203 E. 75th St., will open its doors for its annual Mother’s Day vegan brunch buffet beginning at 10 a.m. starting at $25 per person on May 10.
Chicago to Get Barack Obama Presidential Library/Museum
Rumor has it that Chicago will be home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Museum thanks to the University of Chicago’s (U of C) winning proposal.
Chicago Bears First Round Picks Plans to Produce on the Field and in the Community
At the 2015 National Football League (NFL) Draft, the Chicago Bears chose West Virginia University (WVU) wide receiver, Kevin White, as their first pick. The Bears were seventh in line in terms of the 32 NFL teaming choosing new players during the draft.
Monday, May 4
Baltimore police: Man arrested near scene of recent riots
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Days after riots crippled Baltimore, tensions again escalated after police said they arrested a man who appeared to be armed in a scuffle that drew a crowd of protesters who chanted "black community control the police!"