Urban Partnership Bank Achieves Lending Milestone, Receives Award

Following the announcement this year that Urban Partnership Bank (UPB) sold its South Shore banking center at 7054 S. Jeffrey in Chicago, to make way for retail development in the area and to shift from a bricks and mortar to an online and mobile application strategy, UPB officials announced last week, the bank exceeded $200 million in total loans since the bank began lending in 2012.

JC Penney names Ellison as its next CEO

NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney's newly tapped CEO has a big challenge ahead of him: The troubled chain is showing signs of improvement after racking up billions in losses, but still hasn't figured out how to get shoppers back into its department stores.

Louis Vuitton Attracts Celebs But the $100 Million Venue Is the Real Star

Louis Vuitton's show caused traffic chaos early last Wednesday with a sea of photographers clamoring to get the must-have shot of attendees Jennifer Connelly, Selena Gomez, Sofia Coppola and Michelle Williams.

Police: Assault rifle used fired at Chicago train

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Police Superintendent Gerry McCarthy says the man who fired on a subway train as it pulled into a business district station used an assault rifle and had at least 50 bullets with him.

Metropolitan Family Services Address Domestic Violence via Town Hall Meeting

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS), a community outreach agency servicing families in the Chicagoland area, will host a Call to Action Town Hall event that will include domestic violence education, a panel discussion and a teen breakout session, on Oct. 16 at its Calumet center facility at 235 E. 103rd St.

Antonio Riley Elected Chair of Chicago Federal Executive Board

A U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator appointed by President Barack Obama as HUD’s Midwest Regional Administrator in 2010, will now serve as the Chicago Federal Executive Board (FEB) chairman.

Low Turnout for Harold Washington Legacy Committee Voter Registration Drive

The cold, rainy morning may have accounted in part for the low turnout for The Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee’s (MHWLC) voter registration walk and rally this past Saturday; voter apathy may also have played a role.

Karen Lewis Visits with Chatham Residents

As part of her “Conversations with Karen” public speaking series, Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) president, Karen Lewis, visited Crerar Presbyterian Memorial Church, 8100 S. Calumet Ave., on Sept. 24 where she addressed some of Chicago’s "hot topics" and rumors about whether or not she would run for mayor of Chicago.

Southeast Side Metcoke/Petcoke Facility Ceases Operation

Some Southeast side residents may breathe a sigh of relief after news that the Calumet Transload Facility that caused community outrage and protests over petroleum coke (petcoke) and metallurgical coke (metcoke) storage at its property located at 2900 E. 106th has ceased operation.

The U.S. Responds to Ebola Epidemic in West Africa

Since the first cases of Ebola were reported in West Africa in March 2014, the United States has mounted a whole-of-government response to contain and eliminate the epidemic at its source, while also taking prudent measures at home. The President yesterday outlined a stepped-up U.S. response, leveraging more thoroughly the unique capabilities of the U.S. military to support the civilian-led response in West Africa. Domestically, the U.S. has prepared for the diagnosis of an Ebola case on U.S. soil and have measures in place to stop this and any potential future cases in their tracks.

Denzel Washington plays ‘Equalizer’ with signature quiet intensity

Denzel Washington reteams with his Training Day director Antoine Fuqua in the action thriller, The Equalizer.

US health providers expand their Ebola precautions

NEW YORK (AP) — Public hospitals in New York City are so concerned about Ebola, they've secretly been sending actors with mock symptoms into emergency rooms to test how well the triage staffs identify and isolate possible cases.

Court clears the way for gay marriage expansion

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court unexpectedly cleared the way Monday for a dramatic expansion of gay marriage in the United States and may have signaled that it's only a matter of time before same-sex couples can marry in all 50 states.

US employers likely stepped up hiring in September

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers may have produced 200,000-plus job growth in September, a potentially reassuring sign after a hiring slowdown in August.

Obama touts economic gains under his watch

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — President Barack Obama acknowledged his pivotal role in the midterm political campaign Thursday, arguing that the November congressional elections are a referendum on his economic policies and blaming Republicans for blocking his efforts to boost wages and create more jobs.

Advocate Trinity Hospital’s Gala Raises Funds to Benefit Breast Cancer Research Initiatives

Advocate Trinity Hospital, 2320 E. 93rd St., hosted its 2014 gala, Shades of Pink: The Tapestry of Trinity at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., on Sept. 20 in order to raise funds to benefit Breast Health Initiatives at the facility.

Toyota Delivers Hybrid Vehicles to Twenty-Two HBCU's

Toyota will deliver brand new hybrid vehicles to select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to kick-off the fifth-year of the Toyota Green Initiative—an environmental stewardship platform designed to educate HBCU students and alumni on the benefits of adopting a sustainable lifestyle. The donation is in conjunction with Toyota's continued support of HBCU athletic programs in both the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Twenty-two HBCUs will receive a Toyota Prius this fall.

FHA to Eliminate “Post Payment” Interest Charges

Agency will also ensure borrowers of adjustable-rate mortgages receive earlier notice of rate changes

Gov. Quinn Invests $3 Million in Divvy Program Expansion into Chicago and Suburbs

Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn recently announced a $3 million state investment in the Divvy bicycle-sharing program that will install 700 new bikes and 70 docking stations in Chicago, Evanston, and Oak Park neighborhoods.

Conyers to Receive First Jazz Advocate Award at CBC Conference

Longtime Michigan Congressman John Conyers is being honored for his advocacy of jazz.