Wednesday, January 27
Gas prices volatile, but remain low
Regional markets may be impacted by swing in crude oil prices and the weekend snow storm
Though the average U.S. price for a gallon of gasoline went up by a fraction of a cent, retail prices remain at their lowest in six years, market reports show.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But over the last 30 years, the cervical cancer death rate has gone down by more than 50%. The main reason for this change was the increased use of screening tests. Screening can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find cervical cancer early − in its most curable stage.
Mayor Emanuel Launches Initiative to Support Home Buyers and Strengthen Neighborhoods Across Chicago
Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday announced a city initiative to support home buyers in neighborhoods across Chicago. The Home Buyer Assistance Program will help make homeownership possible for working families and individuals by providing support for down payment and closing costs.
Victim of Fatal Police Shooting Call 911 Before His Death
Chicago's Independent Police Review Authority says a 19-year-old college student called 911 three times asking them to send police before he was fatally shot by an officer.
Reverend Jesse Jackson Endorses Andrea Zopp for U.S. Senate
Calls for More Than One Public Debate
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., one of the foremost civil rights, religious and political figures, endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Andrea Zopp Sunday at a press conference at Andrea Zopp for Senate campaign headquarters. Jackson believes Zopp, a candidate with over 30 years experience as a public servant, is the best candidate to build a multicultural coalition that will advocate for the rights of all people of Illinois in the U.S. Senate.
Chicago Firefighter Launches Water Drive for the Residents of Flint, Michigan
Eric Washington, a Chicago firefighter and member of the African American Firefighters and Paramedics League of Chicago (AAFFPL), is collecting water for the residents of Flint, Mich. in the wake of the city’s current water crisis. Washington, who began a GoFundMe account aiming to raise $15,000 worth of bottled water for Flint by Friday, January 29, said today he has exceed that goal and will now try to raised $20,000.
Jones Legislation Aims to Keep the Doors at Chicago State University Open
Chicago State University recently announced that it will be unable to pay for operational costs after March 1 due to the unprecedented seven month-long budget impasse. Without a budget, university students across the state who are recipients of MAP grants and tuition assistance are increasingly concerned about the prospect of not graduating.
Gov. Rauner’s Proposal to Take Over CPS Not Received well by Some Leaders
According to Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is afraid of the Chicago Teacher’s Union (CTU).
Emanuel Appoints Charles Ramsey as Senior Advisor to Chicago Police Department
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel might be on the right track in terms of improving relationships between the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the community.
Wednesday, January 20
Black Americans made big strides in the Job market in 2015
WASHINGTON - Black Americans made big strides in the job market in 2015, achieving their lowest unemployment rate since before the recession.
New CBS Entertainment Chief Vows More Prime-Time Diversity
PASADENA, Calif. — CBS is committed to increasing the diversity of its prime-time series, the network’s new programming chief said, offering himself as evidence.
To All Candidates for Judge of Cook County, IL:
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper is hosting a “Town Hall Meeting” for candidates running for judge in Cook County, IL. The forum will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the QBG Foundation building (806 E. 78th St., Chicago IL 60619). This event will be open to the public and will be moderated by Judge LaGuina Clay-Herron and Judge Lewis Nixon.
Kerry Washington says she was 'terrified' at responsibility of playing Anita Hill in HBO's miniseries dramatizing Clarence Thomas' Supreme Court confirmation hearings
PASADENA, Calif. — Kerry Washington says she was acutely aware of the challenge of playing Anita Hill in a miniseries dramatizing Clarence Thomas' Supreme Court confirmation hearings.
Michael Jackson’s ‘Off the Wall’ to be Re-released with Spike Lee Documentary
Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” is being reissued with a new Spike Lee documentary about the hallmark 1979 album.
Treasurer Summers Honors Dr. King by Launching “77 Proud” Initiative
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., City Treasurer Kurt Summers on Monday brought together faith and community leaders to address disinvestment in Chicago’s communities and announce a new initiative that promotes non-violence by providing access to economic resources. “77 Proud” consists of 11 financial education resource fairs that will take place across the City from January to March. The announcement took place at Stone Temple Church on Chicago’s West Side where Dr. King spoke at a rally 50 years ago.
Public Speaking Symposium at South Suburban College Oak Forest Campus
How well one speaks matters. Individuals looking to sharpen their public speaking skills are encouraged to take part in an upcoming half-day workshop. The Chicagoland Speakers Network has announced plans for the 3rd Annual Public Speaking Symposium, to be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The event is sponsored in part by South Suburban College’s Business & Career Institute, which will also serve as the host location, at 16333 S. Kilbourn Avenue in Oak Forest, Illinois.
Budget Battle to Leave Chicago State University Broke by March
Like all of Illinois’ nine public universities, Chicago State University is waiting for long-overdue state funding. Come March, however, the predominantly black school on Chicago’s South Side said it won’t have the money to pay its employees.
Free Museum Day
Hosted by Sesame Street & HBO
Join Elmo and friends at a free museum day to promote new episodes of Sesame Street on HBO Jan. 24, 2016. Kids will participate in activities, enjoy a performance by the Sesame Street Muppets and get to join the Everyday Heroes Club.
Governor Creates Program for Advancement of Minority Entrepreneurship
Governor Bruce Rauner announced this week the creation of the Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (A.D.M.E) programs to improve the economic climate for minority and women-owned businesses in Illinois.
City of Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summers Endorses Andrea Zopp for U.S. Senate
City of Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summers formally endorsed Andrea Zopp for U.S. Senate Sunday at Ujamaa Construction Inc. on Chicago’s South Side on Sunday. Summers believes Zopp has the greatest potential to increase job growth and economic opportunities, especially for underserved communities.
United Nations to Conduct Race Relations Study in Chicago
In light of recent public protests against alleged police brutality involving minorities in Chicago and the steady flow of calls from African American leaders for Mayor Rahm Emanuel to resign, it doesn’t come as a huge surprise that the United Nations (UN) has chosen the “Windy City” to conduct a study on race relations.
Wednesday, January 13
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to 129 Nobel Laureates since 1901. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was perhaps the most famous recipient of this prestigious honor. Below we have provided for our readers, an excerpt of King’s acceptance speech delivered in Oslo, Norway on December 10, 1964:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - MLK Day
January 18, 2016 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.
The King Unwinds
Even the most influential civil rights activists, namely, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., took time out to unwind sometimes. In this photo, King takes a behind-the-back shot during a game with civil rights leader, Al Raby. The two were inside a pool hall in Chicago.
Almost 300,000 New Jobs in December
American employers added a robust 292,000 jobs in December, suggesting the U.S. economy is so far defying global weakness and growing solidly.
Copper clothing maker to pay $1.35 million for bogus health claims
A company that makes copper-infused clothing agreed to pay $1.35 million to settle government charges that it falsely claimed that its garments could relieve pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other diseases.
Taliah Waajid's Purest and Most Natural Hair Care Line to Date
Taliah Waajid, one of the leading innovators and manufacturers of natural hair care products, has developed a new natural, luxurious collection. Pure & Natural Shea-Coco, a line designed to nourish and define textured hair with the most natural of ingredients, launched online at www.NaturalHair.org on December 9, 2015 and will be available at Target, Walmart, Sally Beauty Supply, and local beauty supply stores beginning February 2016.
Kendrick the King: Rapper Leads Grammys with 11 Nominations
Kendrick Lamar is the king of the Grammys: The rapper is the leading nominee for the 2016 awards with 11, including album of the year for "To Pimp a Butterfly" and song of the year for "Alright."
Monday, January 11
Job & Resource Fair
Building on the successful elements of the national 100K Initiative, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, in conjunction with the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement, will host the Washington Park Job and Resource Fair on Friday, January 15th from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Washington Park Field House, 5531 S. King Drive. The event, designed for 18 to 24 year olds not in school or in school part-time, will consist of job readiness workshops, on-site pre-screening, employer interviews, job applications/assistance and support job resources.
Thursday, January 7
Kraft-Heinz Deal Part of Record Year for Mergers
Companies around the world spent a record $5.04 trillion on acquisitions in 2015, according to Dealogic, as slow worldwide economic growth and low interest rates pushed companies to combine forces.
Why You Should Consider Freezing Your Credit Reports
Freeze your credit reports before you get burned. That's the message from security experts, consumer advocates and some state Attorneys General. They say more people should consider a credit freeze as a way to block identity thieves from opening new credit cards and other accounts in your name. They recommend a freeze even if your identity hasn't been stolen.
Wednesday, January 6
Obama Takes Aim at the Gun Lobby
Tears streaking his cheeks, President Barack Obama launched a final-year push Tuesday to tighten sales of firearms in the U.S., using his presidential powers in the absence of tougher gun restrictions that Congress has refused to pass.
Rauner: I Would Sign Chicago Mayor Recall Bill
Perhaps to the chagrin of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner said at a press conference on Monday, that he would sign legislation that would allow a recall election to remove the mayor.
MSI's Annual 2016 Black Creativity Programming Kicks Off with MLK Day
If you’re looking for something educational and thought provoking to do with your children in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, consider visiting the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI).
Remembering Natalie Cole
Beloved recording artist Natalie Cole has died from congestive heart failure in a Los Angeles hospital. She was 65.
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
Make a Resolution for Healthy Vision
Don’t miss out on seeing life’s precious moments. You know that every family wedding includes your Uncle Louis teaching the latest line dance. And every spring, Aunt Shirley pulls you into the kitchen to help bake a few cherry pies. Make sure you can stay in the mix by protecting your vision.
The Cook County Clerk’s Race is Heating Up
The Cook County Circuit Court Clerk race is getting hotter by the day. It all started when the Cook County Democratic Party yanked its support away from incumbent, Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown, after news reports surfaced last fall that FBI agents visited Brown’s home and seized her government-issued cell phone; and after a subpoena served on Brown and her husband Benton Cook III earlier this year asked for documents tied to one of his businesses. Shortly afterwards, the Cook County Democratic Party endorsed Chicago Ald. Michele Harris (8th Ward) who announced in November that she would be running against Brown.
IPRA Chief Plans Reforms in Chicago Police Shooting Investigations
As the Chicago Police Department (CPD) sorts through its trough of troubles including being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and dealing with public scrutiny over the shooting deaths of citizens by the hands of CPD officers, with the most recent killings involving 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier, and 55-year-old Bettie Jones, the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) announced on Monday that it plans to bring in new leadership, fortify its legal team and hire a community outreach manager.