Chicago Expands Small Business Financing Program

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expanding the city's Small Business Opportunity Center Program (SBOCP), a comprehensive financial service initiative for small businesses, via new centers that will be located throughout the city. The centers will maintain a $5 million budgets designated for small business loans, with authorization to loan out up to $250,000 each.

Chicago Fire Television Series Shoots Bronzeville Episode

If you were near the 3800 block of south King Drive in Chicago at some point last Friday, you may have noticed the 30 to 40-person film crew walking about and pushing big carts filled with lighting trees, cameras, small tents and other film equipment. What you saw happening there was the Chicago Fire television film crew setting up to film new episodes.

Obama's quest for Iran deal set to collide with Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON (AP) — After securing a surprisingly broad and detailed framework for a nuclear agreement with Iran, President Barack Obama must now subject his signature foreign policy pursuit to the gauntlet of partisan American politics.

Indiana, Arkansas pass revised religious objection proposals

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Lawmakers in Arkansas and Indiana passed legislation Thursday that they hoped would quiet the national uproar over new religious objections laws that opponents say are designed to offer a legal defense for anti-gay discrimination.

Playtime Pointers for Feline Fun

Playtime between cats and their owners provides the opportunity to bond in a fun and engaging way. Whether your cat is captivated by fun new toys or climbing and exploring the heights and corners of your home, spending quality time with your pet allows for the making of new memories. Encouraging active playtime will keep your cat healthy and fit, all in the name of a good time!

NAACP Sues the Radiance Foundation to Censor Black Citizen Journalist's Free Speech

The NAACP is using trademark law to censor free speech in a bizarre court case that was heard March 24th-26th in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia. The Radiance Foundation and its co-founder, Ryan Bomberger, are being sued for "trademark infringement, dilution and confusion" for parodying the organization's name in a news article detailing the NAACP's documented pro-abortion position and actions. (Learn more at www.theradiancefoundation.org/naacp.)

Former Employee Charged with Embezzling over $2.5 Million from  African American Hair Care  Company 

Veria Fields, a former employee of Bronner Bros., Inc., has been arraigned on nine counts of mail fraud relating to theft from her former employer. Fields was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 4, 2015.

Kennedy King College Receives National Recognition

Kennedy-King-College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, is in the spotlight after receiving national recognition from the first-ever Aspen Institute “Rising Star” award for rapid improvement in degree program completion rates and will receive $100,000 in prize money.

Justices Struggle with Free Speech Case Over License Plates

In a dispute over a proposed Confederate battle flag license plate, the Supreme Court struggled last week to balance worries about government censorship and concerns that offensive messages could, at worst, incite violence.

Chicago Transit Authority Expands Second Chance Program

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush (Dist.-1st) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Forrest Claypool announced the expansion of CTA’s Second Chance program, which provides career opportunities and job training for non-violent ex-offenders, victims of abuse, and others who need assistance while re-entering the workforce.

CSU Holds Mayoral Forum to Address African American Issues

Area residents came out to hear how Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and mayoral challenger Cook County Commissioner, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia’s, plan to address some of the critical issues impacting African Americans as they each took the stage separately at Chicago State University (CSU) last Wednesday for hour-long discussions during a Mayoral Forum hosted by CSU’s Department of African American Studies and The Young and Powerful community organization.

Simeon’s Boys Basketball Coaching Staff are McDonald’s All Americans

Chicago’s own Simeon Career Academy’s, 8147 S. Vincennes Ave., boys varsity basketball team’s coaching staff will coach the 2015 McDonald's All American® Basketball Games (McDAAG) Boys’ West Team. The 38th Annual McDonald’s All American Games will be held on April 1 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.

Mayor Emanuel Doubles Lead, Opponent, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia Lagging Behind

CHICAGO — Mayor Rahm Emanuel has doubled his lead over challenger Jesus "Chuy" Garcia in the past three weeks, showing strong momentum a week before the city's first-ever mayoral runoff election, according to a Chicago Tribune poll published Tuesday.

Jesse Jackson, Jr.: Released from Prison, Enters Halfway House

Chicago State University Prof. Jonathan Jackson, told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper that he and his family are elated that his older brother, former U.S. Congressman, Jesse Jackson, Jr. was released from a federal prison to a Washington, D.C. area halfway house.

City to Start Much Needed Viaduct Upgrades

Driving or walking underneath viaducts in Chicago can be a scary experience taking into consideration the existence of potholes, crumbling sidewalks, poor lighting and trash. Additionally, many of them appear dilapidated and are in need of a good coat of paint.

Chicago Expands Small Business Financing Program

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expanding the city's Small Business Opportunity Center Program (SBOCP), a comprehensive financial service initiative for small businesses, via new centers that will be located throughout the city. The centers will maintain a $5 million budget designated for small business loans, with authorization to loan out up to $250,000 each.

University of Oklahoma unveils racist chant probe findings

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Members of a University of Oklahoma fraternity apparently learned a racist chant that recently got their chapter disbanded during a national leadership cruise four years ago that was sponsored by the fraternity's national administration, the university's president said Friday.

Raising Minimum Age for Legal Purchase of Tobacco Products will Significantly Reduce Smoking Rates

Statement from National President and CEO of the American Lung Association Harold P. Wimmer, in response to the IOM Report “Public Health Implications of Raising the Minimum Age of Legal Access to Tobacco Products”

Mo’ne Davis Starts Shoe Line for Underprivileged Girls

Remember superstar phenom Mone’ Davis who was striking out player after player in the 2014 Little League World Series?

Endorsements

The Chicago Citizen Newspaper proudly endorses the following candidates who appear on the April 7, 2015, Chicago Runoff Election Ballot. Please join us in our support of them.