The Citizen Newspaper Group

Thursday, June 30

Tech Help Wanted

Getting the help you need at home

(Family Features) Smartphones, laptops, tablets, wireless, broadband or satellite connections — the amount of technology available to people today is astonishing.

RiRi Introduces Crush by Rihanna

Rihanna announces the debut of Crush by Rihanna, the second fragrance in her namesake RiRi collection.

Wednesday, June 29

My brother’s keepers

Data shows that boys and young men of color, regardless of socio-economic background, are disproportionately at risk throughout the journey from their youngest years to college and career.

Veteran political strategist Donna Brazile to give Keynote at 10th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference

The MGM Resorts Foundation is pleased to announce Donna Brazile as a keynote speaker at the 10th annual Women’s Leadership Conference.

Senior ComEd Executive Elected as First Vice Chairman of the American Association of Blacks in Energy

ComEd’s senior vice president of Strategy and Administration, Kevin Brookins was recently elected to serve as first vice chairman of the board of directors of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE).

LG Protects Unsuspecting Shoppers From Counterfeit TONE Bluetooth Stereo Headsets

A federal court granted a restraining order against 22 defendants, barring them from manufacturing, distributing and selling knock-offs of LG Electronics’ popular LG TONE Bluetooth headsets.

Big Changes for Billionaire Apps Mogul and Animation Legend Talking Tom

What Makes a Legend? According to Merriam-Webster’s definition, a legend is “a famous or important person who is known for doing something extremely well.”

Chicago student says Glenwood Academy saved his life

A student from Robbins, Illinois had little hope for his future before moving to the campus of an innovative, Sunday-Friday residential school called Glenwood Academy in the 3rd grade.

Steve Harvey Mentoring Program Reaches Out to Fatherless Young Men

Three-time Daytime Emmy Award winner and television host, two-time best-selling author and celebrated radio host Steve Harvey kicked off his 8th annual Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men National Camp recently.

Twitter, Inc. Appoints Debra L. Lee to the Board of Directors

BET Chief Executive Offer Appointed Twitter Board of Directors

Tuesday, June 28

UNITED FIDELITY BANK TO REOPEN LOBBY OF HALSTED BRANCH

United Fidelity Bank Plans Reopening Celebration For Friday, July 1, 2016

Thursday, June 23

‘Triple Play’ Platform Keeps Kids in Shape

According to the Healthy Chicago report produced by the City of Chicago in 2011, childhood obesity has more than tripled over the past three decades in the United States.

Wednesday, June 22

Robin Robinson Sit Down With The Citizen To Discuss Her New Appointment With CPD

Since the release of the LaQuan McDonald video and others like it revealing egregious acts of police misconduct, the Chicago Police Department has been fighting an uphill battle to restore not only the trust of the citizens they are sworn to protect, but to erase a long standing public image of racism and abuse of power exhibited by officers.

Academy at Walt Disney World Resort with Steve Harvey and Essence

Applications Now Open for the Tenth Annual Disney Dreamers

Go Launches World’s First App That Allows You To Shop & Pay For Car Insurance With Apple Pay

Interactive One Taps Former Ebony Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Kierna Mayo, as New Senior Vice President of Content and Brands

Interactive One, the definitive digital destination for African American and Millennial audiences, recently announced the hiring of Kierna Mayo as the new Senior Vice President of Content and Brands, effective June 27.

TD Economics: American economy to grow by 1.9 percent in 2016 and 2.1 percent in 2017

The American economy is showing its resilience, bouncing back with gusto after a slow start to the year, according to a new report by TD Economics (www.td.com/economics), an affiliate of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®.

Robin Robinson Discusses New Appointment with CPD

Robin Robinson Set Down With The Citizen To Discuss Her New Appointment With CPD

The Africa Channel Recognizes Acts of Human Kindness

The Africa Channel (TAC) announced recently the launch of the Ubuntu Awards.

Bloom Students Recognized for Work on Sticker Design

The City of Chicago Heights Clerk’s Office partnered with Bloom High School’s Art Department for the design of the annual vehicle sticker.

Hospice Care Company Captures the History of Veterans

If you have ever had the unfortunate experience of having to place a loved one in hospice care or just the thought of what hospice represents or its meaning, you think end of life, end of story.

HCCTP Provides Graduates With a Short-Term Option At South Suburban College

This spring South Suburban College (SSC) graduated its eighth class of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP).

‘Triple Play’ Platform Keeps Kids in Shape

According to the Healthy Chicago report produced by the City of Chicago in 2011, childhood obesity has more than tripled over the past three decades in the United States

V5000 product allows consumers to cut off unwanted calls

Almost nine out of ten Americans (89%) receive unwanted calls each month according to a recent survey which has also revealed the top 5 types of scams people have fallen victim to.

Youth Program Helps Turn Boys Into Men

The Youth Guidance Organization offers programs that serve more than 8,000 students in Chicago schools.

President Obama calls for common-sense steps that could reduce gun violence after deadly attack in Orlando

In a speech delivered last week following the deadly attack in Orlando, President Barack Obama called for common-sense steps that could reduce gun violence

$45,000 in Unclaimed Property Up For Auction Online

Collectible coins, gold jewelry and sterling dinnerware are some of the 11,600 unclaimed property items worth $45,000 to be auctioned online June 20-24.

We Are Charleston, A Comprehensive Account Of Last Summer’s Tragic Events At South Carolina’s Mother Emanuel Church, Now Available

We Are Charleston – a multilayered exploration of the tragic events experienced by South Carolina’s famed Mother Emanuel Church last summer – has been released through the W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson.

American Designer Don Morphy Uses Crowdfunding to Bring His Italian-made Luxury Footwear to the High Street

Don Morphy of Dallas Texas just launched a crowdfunding Kickstarter campaign aimed at making their luxury, Italian-manufactured range of shoes and boots accessible to fashion conscious trendsetters around the world

Thursday, June 16

“Gone But Not Forgotten: A Tribute to Jazz Greats”

Jazzy Night of Music at the DuSable Museum Featuring Local Vocalists and Musicians

In Honor of Father's Day and Black Music Month, SSJC and DuSable Museum has joined forces to bring you a evening you don't want to miss!!

Wednesday, June 15

Film tells story of Jewish Partnership with African American Communities

The Anti-Defamation League and the Chicago Urban League joined together recently and hosted a special community fundraiser screening of the 2015 documentary film entitled, “Rosenwald: The Remarkable Story of a Jewish Partnership with the African American Communities.”

Deneen Elementary teacher raises funds to get help with school supplies

All in the name of science! Rachael Copelin, a science teacher at Deneen School of Excellence is trying to raise funds for her students to enhance their learning experience. It’s no secret that many Chicago Public Schools are low on resources especially those in low-income communities. The number of low income students that attend Deneen Elementary is 97.3%.

Walmart Foundation grants $500,000 to UNCF

UNCF announced recently a $500,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation, which will provide mini grants and technical assistance to selected UNCF member institutions to assist with accreditation efforts and also support a summer professional development conference geared toward enrollment management.

Secretary Hillary Clinton Keynotes “Lifting As We Climb”

Secretary Clinton to Keynote Rainbow PUSH Annual Convention

School Offers Unique Opportunity to Second Chance Students in North Lawndale

While many students are considering their options for getting a high school education, Community Christian Alternative (CCA) Academy located on 1231 S. Pulaski is a unique option for those who wish to enroll in a small school with a family-like environment for the coming academic year beginning September 2016.

RTA Encourages Residents to “Dump the Pump” on June 16

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace bus are reminding residents to ‘Dump the Pump’ and take public transportation on Thursday, June 16.

Program offers grant money for neighborhood enhancement projects

In neighborhoods around the world, not just in Chicago, but in places where property values are the highest and have the greatest sense of community, all have one thing in common; tree lined streets. Studies show a difference in behaviors and attitudes among people who live in areas with green grass and trees and those who live without them.

Health Care Workforce Initiative Offers Hope to the Unemployed

Unemployment rates in Chicago are staggering and in some communities, the rates of unemployment are as high as 31% according to the 2010 US Census report which is done every 10 years.

Fristers Celebrates the Graduation of Twelve Young Mothers Prepared to Take on Their Futures

Fristers (fristers.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting teenage mothers and their children, is excited to announce that twelve more of its mothers graduated from the Fristers teen mom curriculum and support program on May 18th at Mariners Church in Irvine, CA.

Twenty Three 9 Launches the Muhammad Ali Collection of Jewelry

Twenty Three 9 Design recently announced the debut of a Muhammad Ali inspired jewelry collection.

Howard Alumni Club to Host Annual ‘Reconnection of HBCUs’ Softball Tournament

The Howard University Club of Chicago (HUACC) will host its 5th Annual Reconnection of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Softball Tournament on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Washington Park: 5331 S. Martin Luther King Drive.

Noted CPA Shaun Davis Appointed as Trustee for FAU

(Black PR Wire) Putting accounting into practice is the shining forte of noted CPA, Shaun M. Davis. As the Founder and Managing Partner at S. Davis and Associates, P.A., Davis specializes in this everyday.

Here's How Much Rent Money You'll Need to Afford an Apartment in 50 U.S. Cities

When you're looking for an apartment, there are many factors to consider. To help people understand apartment costs across the U.S. as well as what they'll get for their money, GOBankingRates conducted a study of one-bedroom apartments, comparing everything from median rent prices to the availability of key amenities like parking and washer-dryer access.

Study reveals how much money needed to afford an apartment

Smokey Robinson and Skinphonic LLC Launch Two Skincare Brands

(BPRW)- Smokey Robinson together with Skinphonic LLC announced recently the launch of two skincare brands. A men’s line called Get Ready Cause Here I Come® and a women’s line called My Girl®. Smokey Robinson will be representing the men’s line and his wife, Frances Robinson, will be representing My Girl®, the women’s line.

Tuesday, June 7

In Women’s Shoes, Pain Does Not Equal Gain

High-heeled shoes can make a woman feel beautiful, confident, sexy and powerful. They can also cause pain, deformities and a lifetime of damage to the feet.

Fashionable lockers at home keep kids organized

Remember the days when you were in school and you had a locker to store your books, boots, lunch, jacket and anything else you could make fit?

Affordable Housing Out of Reach for Many in Illinois

States across the country have seen a rise in rental rates due the number foreclosures and homeowners who have now become renters.

Melba Moore hosts Youth Monologue Workshop at the Kroc Center

With a career that spans more than four decades, Tony-Award winning actress and singer Melba Moore has done it all. From Broadway to the silver screen and even the classroom, she continues to share her artistic gifts with the world.

Job Fair Offers Opportunities In Thornton Township

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2016 report, the national unemployment rate hovered at around 5%, yet that same report showed the unemployment rate for Thornton Township is 7.70%.

Sinai Health System Expanding Behavioral Health Services

At a time when the results of unmet behavioral healthcare and crisis intervention needs are making headlines, Sinai Health System is expanding its decades-long commitment to community by making a multi million investment in mental health services for the west and southwest sides of Chicago.

Summer Brain Games help keep kids engaged and learning this summer

Take off on a voyage of exploration this summer with hands-on science activities related to the theme of travel through the Summer Brain Games program from the Museum of Science and Industry. Summer Brain Games offers eight weeks of free and fun at-home science experiments designed to combat the “summer brain drain.”

Op/Ed Muhammad Ali: A Profile in Moral Courage

“I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong -- no Viet Cong ever called me nigger.” With those pointed words, Muhammad Ali explained his opposition to the US war in Vietnam and justified his refusal to submit himself to the draft. He declared himself a conscientious objector.

Initiative Gets Teens Off The Block

When Jahmal Cole graduated from college, he began to volunteer with the Cook County Juvenile Correction Offices to work with teens and young adults who were behind bars.

Illinois Treasurer Fights Insurance Companies that Do Not Pay Death Benefits

SPRINGFIELD - Families will no longer be victimized by life insurance companies that refuse to pay death benefits, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said recently.

Chicago’s Largest Community Faith-Based Breakfast Held

Former Chicago Commissioner Dr. Mildred Harris and God First Church and Ministries led a prayer over the City of Chicago

$36 million in job training grants will help more than 17,000 veterans

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez announced the award of $36 million in Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program grants today to help an estimated 17,000 veterans successfully transition to sustainable housing and good civilian jobs.

NNPA Drives with Chevrolet to Launch Historic Journalism Fellowship at Howard University

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a news conference on Wednesday, March 23 at Howard University, the NNPA partnered with Chevrolet and Howard University’s School of Communications to announce the “Discover the Unexpected” (DTU) Fellowship Program.

La Jolla Physician Shares Strategies for Boosting 2 Powerful Longevity Factors

When Valerie L. Youngblood was a young doctor she noticed that some of her 70-year-old patients looked like they were 50.

Wednesday, June 1

Navy Pier Receives New Attraction

James McHugh Construction Co. has been quietly building the Chicago skyline for more than 100 years.

Types Of Wedding Rings

Wedding Bands to Fit Every Personality It’s one of the toughest decisions for any bride and groom -- and, no, we don’t mean where to seat feuding relatives at the wedding reception.

SBA Disaster Loan Deadline in Illinois for Severe Storms and Flooding is June 13

The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters in Illinois of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for damages caused by severe storms and flooding between Dec. 23, 2015 and Jan. 13, 2016. The deadline to submit applications for physical damage is June 13, 2016.

FreshBooks Releases Credit Card Reader for Small Business Android Users

FreshBooks, the #1 cloud accounting software designed exclusively for service-based small business owners, recently announced the release of the FreshBooks Card Reader for Android.

ACCOLADES

“We are proud of Andrea for achieving the highest standard in personal financial planning,” said Corey McQuade, Managing Partner.

Hot Mix 5 Celebrates 35th Anniversary

On Saturday, June 11 at the McCormick Convention Center located on 2301 S. King Drive in Chicago, the original members of the Hot Mix 5 are reuniting for a 35th anniversary celebration. The event will be held from 12 noon - 12 midnight.

6 Tips For Planning Your Wedding Photos Like A Pro

With everything that goes into your wedding day, those once-in-a-lifetime moments will go by in a blur, which is why hiring a professional wedding photographer is a must.

Bishop Derrick M. Fitzpatrick

Bishop Derrick M. Fitzpatrick, pastor of Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church is what you would call a bivocational pastor.

College for kids and Day Camp programs at South Suburban College this summer

South Suburban College’s Continuing Education Department is offering courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will entertain and challenge children and young adults.

ComEd: 52,000 Customer Interruptions Caused by Foil Balloons

Warm weather brings outdoor parties for graduations, birthdays and weddings. However, ComEd is warning that events like these can lead to power outages when foil balloons, also known as Mylar balloons, from those festivities come into contact with power lines.

Construction completed for Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier

James McHugh Construction Co. has been quietly building the Chicago skyline for more than 100 years. Naturally, then, when Navy Pier began searching for a general contractor to oversee its centennial reimagination and redevelopment, it chose McHugh, whose resume includes Chicago icons such as Marina City, the Blackstone Hotel and Aqua Tower.

DuSable Museum Hosts Free Evening Events

The DuSable Museum of African American History is being highlighted as one of five South Side cultural institutions that are opening its doors after regular hours during this summer for a series of free events.

Gifted Boy Helps Boost Accessibility of African-American Children’s Literature

Most African-American parents understand how challenging it can be to find books for black children and statistics from Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) attests to this.

Healthy Chicago 2.0 Comes to Hamilton Park In Englewood

Over the course of the last few months, a new initiative was launched by the City’s Department of Public Health called Healthy Chicago 2.0.

ICC Approves $18.5 million in Settlements with Peoples Gas

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved two landmark settlements under which $18.5 million will be paid to customers of Peoples Gas (Peoples) and the State of Illinois by Peoples and its parent company, Integrys Energy Group (Integrys), which is owned by WEC Energy Group Inc. (WEC).