Community Focus

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.

Supreme Court Considers Facebook Threats Case

From the violent lyrics of rap music to the crude comments of teenagers in video-game chat rooms, the Supreme Court struggled Monday over where to draw the line between free speech and illegal threats in the digital age.

From the White House: Women and Girls of Color...

Last week, the White House Council on Women and Girls released a report entitled “Women and Girls of Color: Addressing Challenges and Expanding Opportunity”. This report highlights work the Administration has done over the last six years to reduce barriers to success for everyone including women and girls of color. From continuing to fight to increase the minimum wage, encouraging women to enter STEM-related fields, providing increased access to health screenings and much more, this report re-emphasizes the Administration’s commitment to helping all women succeed in every area of their lives.

EBOLA UPDATE:

On Monday, Oct. 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a revised Interim U.S. Guidance for Monitoring and Movement of Persons with Ebola Virus Exposure. This guidance provides new information public health authorities and other partners can use to determine appropriate public health actions based on Ebola exposure risk factors and clinical presentation. It also includes criteria for monitoring exposed people and for when movement restrictions may be needed.

A Talk with Social Activist, Dr. Conrad Worrill

Activist and scholar, Dr. Conrad Worrill, 73, director and professor at the Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, began teaching at Northeastern in 1976, where he is the coordinator and professor of inner-city studies education.

Justice Department Plans National Effort to Build Trust Between Law Enforcement and Communities

Attorney General, Eric Holder announced last week the launch of the Justice Department’s National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. Funded through a $4.75 million grant, the initiative will create a substantial investment in training, evidence-based strategies, policy development and research to combat distrust and hostility between law enforcement and the communities they serve.