Community Focus
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.
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.
$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.
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.
Baltimore Smolders After Riot Over Freddie Gray's Death
Firefighters on Tuesday battled building fires in Baltimore sparked by rioting that erupted after the funeral Monday of a 25-year-old black man who died after suffering a spinal injury in police custody.
The PrivateBank and the Chicago Urban League to Host an Evening for Financial Empowerment
The PrivateBank and the Chicago Urban League are teaming up again for a second Evening for Financial Empowerment on Thursday, April 23, 2015 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The event will be held at the Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL 60653.
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.
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”
Cook County Jail Considers the Implementation of Home-Based Video Visitation Solution
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Cook County Office of the President, is exploring the implementation of an advanced visitation technology which would provide friends and family members of Cook County Jail inmates with another option for communicating with their loved ones.
Black History in the Making:
Challenged by Republicans, Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch on Wednesday defended President Barack Obama's decision to shelter millions of immigrants from deportation though they live in the country illegally. But she said they have no right to citizenship under the law.
Madigan Announces $90 Million T-Mobile Settlement Over Cell Phone Bill Cramming
Ill. Attorney General Lisa Madigan last month joined with her counterparts around the country, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission to announce a $90 million settlement with T-Mobile USA over allegations the company placed unauthorized charges on customers’ accounts, a practice known as “cramming.”
Destination: Chicago Invites Youth to Discover New Interests, Skills & Careers at Free Festival
Chicago youth 4 to 24 - their families and their teachers as well - will be treated to a full day of playful learning opportunities on Saturday, January 24, at the 2nd Annual Destination: Chicago – Winter Break. Sponsored by Chicago City of Learning in cooperation with Hive Chicago Learning Network, the event will be held at Jones College Prep, 700 S. State St., between 11am and 4pm. More than 20 organizations will be on hand to introduce young people to the plethora of citywide and online programs in arts, technology, science and more that can open new pathways for their time and minds.
’85 Chicago Bears Help ComEd Tackle Refrigerator Recycling
One lucky ComEd customer received a gift fit for a champion this holiday season. ComEd teamed up with WBBM radio to host the “Retire Your Old Fridge” contest, which awarded a ComEd customer for participating in its Smart Ideas® Fridge and Freezer Recycling program. Winner Katie Straka of Palatine received a personal visit from former Bears champions Otis Wilson and Richard Dent, who presented her with tickets to a Bears game.
Education Department Clarifies Requirements for Offering Single-Sex Classes
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released guidance today for K-12 schools that offer or want to offer single-sex classes. In response to numerous inquiries about the legality of single-sex classes, OCR issued guidance that charts a path for schools on how they can provide boys-only or girls-only instruction while remaining in compliance with civil rights laws.
