Community Focus

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.

Millions of Underserved Women in U.S. Benefit from CDC’s Breast and Cervical Screening Program

More than 4.3 million women with limited access to health care received breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services in the first 20 years of the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).

Herb Kent the "Cool Gent" Honored by the Next Step College Readiness Program

The Next Step College Readiness Program held its first annual “Stepping for the Children” benefit at the Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel, 9333 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, ll., last month. The fundraiser honored Chicago radio icon and living legend, Herb Kent, “The Cool Gent,” by establishing an Educational Achievement Award in his name. The event also raised funds for the Next Step program, an initiative of the Chicago Child Care Society (CCCS), which works to break the cycle of generational teen pregnancy.

Chicago Bulls Star Joakim Noah Stands Against Chicago's Gun Violence via PSA

As an initiative of his non-profit organization, the Noah’s Arc Foundation (NAF), Chicago Bulls all-star Joakim Noah debuted a public service announcement (PSA) video urging all Chicagoans to stand up against gun violence at a press conference at Major Adams Community Center (MACC), 125 N. Hoyne Ave., last week.

$75 Million International African American Museum to be Built

A $75 million International African American Museum will be built in South Carolina on Charleston Harbor where tens of thousands of slaves first set foot in the United States.

Juveniles Recovered in FBI Operation Targeting Commercial Child Sex Trafficking

During the past week, the FBI, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, conducted Operation Cross Country VIII to address commercial child sex trafficking throughout the United States. The operation included enforcement actions in the New York City area and led to the recovery of three children who were being victimized through prostitution. Additionally, three pimps were arrested on state and federal charges.