Seven-Year-Old, Victim of Holiday Weekend Gun Violence
Seven-year old Amari Brown, who resided on the 500 block of North Drake, was among those who were shot and killed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Community Study Shows Access to Health Care and Rising Obesity Rates as Top Concerns
A six-week study, titled, Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), coordinated by Loyola University Health Systems (LUHS) revealed access to health care services and the increasing rate of obesity among top health care issues.
Illinois Begins Fiscal Year 2016 without a Budget
With the rejection last week of the $2.3 billion temporary budget proposed by Democrats in the Illinois Legislature as a way to avoid a government shutdown, lawmakers left Springfield for the Fourth of July weekend without an approved budget in place, resulting in what’s being referred to as a “partial” government shutdown. The State is now operating without a 2016 budget, leaving critical social and other services at risk of being unfunded and state workers wondering about their pay checks.
Bronzeville Summer Nights and Art District Tours
Get out and enjoy Bronzeville’s rich arts scene by taking part in the new Bronzeville Art District-Bronzeville Summer Nights collaboration, a cultural event that launched earlier this month.
Flossmoor Metra Station Renovations Completed
Renovation of the Flossmoor Metra Station on Metra’s Electric District Line is complete. Metra and Flossmoor officials held a completion ceremony for the newly reconstructed, $4 million platform and related facilities on June 26.
Carver Teen Center Opens in Altgeld
A facility aimed at providing programming for teens and their families, opened in Chicago’s Altgeld community this past weekend.
Ill. Legislative Black Caucus Urges Constituents to Fight Rauner’s Proposed Cuts
Members of the Ill. Legislative Black Caucus fanned out across Chicago and the suburbs last week for “Stop the Cuts” rallies, urging constituents to fight against Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner’s FY2016 proposed budget cuts to social service and other programs.
AACM to Hold Interactive Healing Concerts in Bronzville
In an effort to help restore peace throughout Chicago’s violence-ridden neighborhoods, members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) will present interactive, after-school concerts to begin in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood next month.
Preckwinkle Proposes 1 Percent Sales Tax as County Pension Crisis Looms
Cook County, Ill., like the state of Illinois, is facing serious financial challenges. Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, on Tuesday released the preliminary forecast for the County's Fiscal 2016 budget, announcing a projected operating shortfall of $198.75 million, driven by increasing labor costs, rising legacy debt service, increased costs of the Presidential election cycle, and reductions in court filing revenues.
SSC Pac Rat Theatre Company Holding Open Auditions for Rick Abbot Comedy
Local thespians who’d like to try their hand at comedy are urged to audition for a local production.
Tanya Anthony, New Cook County Budget Director
Chicago Park District’s Chief Administrative Officer, Tanya Anthony is Cook County’s new budget director. Cook Board Toni Preckwinkle made the announcement last week.
Ill. Black Caucus to Hold “Stop the Cuts Rally”
Ill. State Sen. Donne Trotter (Dist.-17) is urging community residents to join the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus “Stop the Cuts” rally scheduled for Thursday, June 25 at Chicago State University’s Douglas Hall-Breakey Theater, 9501 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago.
Largest Minority-Owned Tennis Organization Breaks Ground on New State-of-Art-Facility in Washington Park
The largest minority-owned tennis organization in the nation, serving more than 2,000 Chicago Public School (CPS) students through its free in-school Tennis XSpress program and more than 2,300 Chicago youth and residents annually, broke ground Monday on a new state-of-the-art, $9.8 million, 112,000-square-foot, tennis facility in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood.
Street Naming in Honor of the Late, Jacoby Dickens of Seaway Bank
Business owners, local politicians and celebrities joined Seaway Bank and Trust Company Chairman, Veranda Dickens, for the bank’s 50th anniversary celebration and street naming event, held June 19, in honor of her late husband, Seaway Bank chairman, Jacoby Dickens.
First Lady Michelle Obama to King High School Class of 2015: “You are the Ones Who Can Change the Narrative about Your Community”
First Lady Michelle Obama’s commencement address June 9, at Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High School’s Class of 2015 graduation ceremony was inspiring, complimentary and honored Hadiya Pendleton, the 15-year-old who was fatally shot Jan. 2013 while spending time with her school mates in a Bronzeville Park near her home.
New Urban Communications Data Center Opens in Oak Forest
Nearly 90 supporters attended The Chicago Southland Fiber Network (CSFN) June 4th grand opening reception and tour of the new $3 million Urban Communications Data Center, at 5320 W. 159th St. in Oak Forest, Ill.
City of Chicago PlayStreet Events Gets Underway
It’s time to hit the streets…and play! The City of Chicago PlayStreets 2015 got underway last week with 150 special events scheduled throughout the summer as a way for children and families to engage in outdoor activities.
Yoko Ono’s SKY LANDING Art Installation in Jackson Park
Celebrity artist Yoko Ono, 82, was in Chicago on Friday to announce the installation of a permanent piece of her art work titled SKY LANDING, in Jackson Park’s Garden of the Phoenix, the first of her artwork installed in the U.S.
Bloomingdale Trail Opens to the Public
The long-awaited, much anticipated, Bloomingdale Trail—also known as the “606”-- opened to the public over the weekend with a ribbon cutting that included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Sen. Richard (Dick) Durban (D-IL).
Cal-Sag Trail Opens in Chicago South Suburbs
Here is a bit of good news for hikers and cyclists. The western half of the Calumet-Sag Trail (dubbed the Cal-Sag Trail) in Chicago’s south suburbs is open for business.
New Leader Takes Helm at Chicago Housing Authority
Eugene Jones takes the helm at the Chicago Housing Authority as the Acting CEO, replacing Michael Merchant who is leaving the post for other professional opportunities.
New City Colleges of Chicago Board Members Announced
Current president and co-founder of PFG, LLC, a private Chicago-based equity firm, Gary Gardner, son of Soft Sheen founders Ed and Bettiann Gardner, is amongst four new members appointed to the City Colleges of Chicago Board of Trustees (CCC).
Q & A with Star Jones
Star Jones, television personality, attorney, best-selling author and commentator, navigates the world rooted in her southern upbringing. And now, after a successful 25-year television run, Jones says she’s found another “calling” in an unexpected industry. The former star of “The View” television talk show is currently a women’s and diversity advocate.
Two South Suburban Fire Depts. Received Federal Grant Money to Purchase Firefighter Equipment
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (Dist.-2nd) announced Monday morning that the Richton Park and Riverdale fire departments were each awarded federal grants from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program.
Women of the AACM, A Musical Experience to Behold
Celebrating their 50th year anniversary, Women of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) wowed the audience who gathered for a “spirit-filled” concert celebrating the milestone occasion.
Willie Wilson Running for President
“I’m Living Proof of the American Dream”
It’s official. Millionaire businessman, Willie Wilson, announced with his wife by his side, during a Monday morning news conference held at Chicago Baptist Institute, 5120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, in Chicago, that he is a 2016 presidential candidate.
Barbara Byrd Bennett Resigns as Chicago Public Schools CEO as Federal Probe Continues
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement on Monday morning, announcing Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO, Barbara Byrd Bennett’s resignation as the federal probe continues into a $20.5 million no-bid contract awarded to the leadership development academy for whom, she once worked.
Riot Fest Moves from Humboldt to Douglas Park
Riot Fest, the annual summer punk rock, music festival held in Chicago, is moving from its traditional Humboldt Park neighborhood site to Douglas Park, in the North Lawndale area.
Mayor Emanuel Joins Bronzeville's Night of Faith and Action
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined community groups and residents who packed Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church at 4100 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive., on Friday to take part in the second annual Night of Faith in Action march and rally and Bronzeville. A citywide initiative, the event helps empower concerned residents in creating safe and welcoming neighborhoods.
Wilson to Announce Presidential Bid
With some national name recognition already garnered following his recent, unsuccessful run for mayor of Chicago, millionaire businessman, Willie Wilson, is expected to announce June 1 that he is indeed a 2016 presidential candidate, according to Denise Spencer who worked on Wilson’s communications team during his run for mayor and is now part of his presidential candidacy team.
Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks Launch Summer Fun
Chicago area park goers can get ready for another summer of movies and concerts in the park as Night Out in the Parks gets underway.
Cook County’s Juvenile Detention Center Improves Following ACLU Lawsuit Demands
Cook County government finally met the demands of a 1999, class action lawsuit, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois filed on behalf of children being detained at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), demanding safer living conditions. The lawsuit also called for a remedy to the systematic mistreatment of young people--some as young as 13-- who were charged with delinquency or facing criminal counts in adult court.
Summer of Faith and Action Gets Underway in Chicago
During the summer months, when violence usually soars in Chicago neighborhoods, community leaders desperately seek out violence prevention initiatives.
South Shore Drill Team Celebrates 35th Year
Captivating audiences with synchronized marching, baton and flag twirling and riveting dance routines, the South Shore Drill Team, featuring youth from Chicago’s Southside, is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year with a high-energy, celebratory performance planned for 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at the Harris Theater.
Chicago Chosen as Home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library, Location Site Still Undetermined
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel gathered Tuesday morning with local dignitaries at the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside for the official announcement that Chicago was chosen as the home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Museum—an announcement somewhat eclipsed by President Obama’s video announcement earlier this morning.
Legislation to Protect Runaway Wards of the State Passes Senate, Moves to House
The Ill. Senate recently passed Important legislation that seeks to protect wards of the state, who run away from privately run facilities.
City Council Passes $5.5 Million Burge Torture Reparations
L. C. Riley, 59, is one of the 118 documented black men who was tortured by former Chicago Police Commander, Jon Burge and the Chicago Police Department's (CPD) Area 2 and Area 3 law enforcement officers who assisted in the torture of several other black men reportedly from 1972 to 1991.
Gov. Rauner Restores $26 Million to Social Service Programs in FY2015 Budget as FY2016 Budget Threatens Others
Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner this month announced that $26 million in social service grants previously cut from the state’s fiscal year 2015 budget to plug a $1.6 billion hole, will be restored with unexpected revenue from income tax that allows for restoration of grants for programs , cut earlier this month, including autism treatment, indigent burials and immigrant and refugee aid.
Chatham Business Owner, SBA’s Small Business Person of the Year
Surrounded by family, friends and fellow Chatham Business Association (CBA) members, John Griffin, Jr., 46, president/CEO of AGB Investigative Services, Inc. (AGB) was all smiles last Thursday morning as Illinois District Small Business Administration (SBA) Director, Robert Steiner, presented him with the 2015 Illinois Small Business Person of the Year Award.
Mother’s Day Events Around Town
The Annual Mother’s Day Gospel Bowl, one of the largest gospel music concerts held in the Chicagoland area every Mother's Day, embarks on its 28th year and this year will features national gospel artists from all over the world.
Former NFL Player Marques Sullivan Shares his Thoughts on the NFL Draft
As the excitement of the National Football League (NFL) 2015 Draft reached a “fever pitch” in Chicago last Thursday--the first time in 51 years since the draft was held in the windy city, the Chicago Citizen Newspaper spoke with former NFL offensive lineman, Marques Sullivan about his thoughts and advice for young players starting new NFL careers.
Protestors Hold Peaceful Demonstration Regarding Police-Involved Killings of Unarmed African Americans across the Nation
Chanting, “No justice, no peace…no racist, police!” and other protest slogans, Chicago, based organizations took to the streets last Tuesday night in a show of solidarity with demonstrators from the city of Baltimore and others denouncing occurrences of police officers killing unarmed Black men and women in Chicago and across the nation.
Chicago to Get Barack Obama Presidential Library/Museum
Rumor has it that Chicago will be home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Museum thanks to the University of Chicago’s (U of C) winning proposal.
Chicagoans Urged to Apply for Gas Payment Assistance Funding
Chicagoans who are struggling to pay off heating bills from last winter are urged to apply for financial assistance through the City of Chicago's and People's Gas Share the Warmth program, where $495,000 is set aside to help residents pay their gas invoices, as State and federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds have run out.
Ill. Legislators Sponsor Bill to Address School Suspension Disparity
Though school suspensions and expulsions are a problem nationwide, a 2012 study found that Illinois suspends more African-American students than any other state in the U.S., with a Black-White suspension disparity that is the highest in the country.
Redevelopment of the Historic Rosenwald Building, Includes Relocation of Small Newspaper Vendor, 36% African American Workforce
As redevelopment of the historic Rosenwald Building located at 47th and Michigan Avenue, in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood gets underway, the small newspaper stand right next to it is being relocated to a yet unknown, nearby location. That may not be earth shattering news for some, given the grand scope of the Rosenwald project, but to those who buy their morning newspaper from the stand as part of their daily commute to work, it's kind of a big deal.
Chicago Public Schools Chief on Leave in Midst of Federal Probe
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Chief, Barbara Byrd-Bennett is now on leave pending the outcome of a federal probe into a controversial, $20.5 million no-bid contract the school district awarded her former employer.
Chicago Public Schools Chief Reportedly Under Federal Probe
Chicago residents are reeling after news broke regarding a federal probe that reportedly involves Chicago Public School’s (CPS) Chief Operating Officer, Barbara Byrd-Bennett and a controversial, $20.5 million no-bid contract the school district awarded to her former employer.
Frequency and Severity of Ear Infections in Babies Can Lead to Speech Delay
Though ear aches are common in babies, it is important to note that they can lead to other serious problems. In fact, doctors at Loyola University Health Systems want parents to know that frequent and severe ear infections can lead to delayed speech in infants.
Dick Gregory Booked for Two Shows at The Promontory Point
Easily described as a walking encyclopedia, author and former comedian, Richard Claxton, “Dick” Gregory, is known for his no-holds-barred discussions on politics, race relations, religion, conspiracy theories and other relevant topics. Now Gregory fans in Chicago will get a rare chance to hear the outspoken orator, this month during two shows at The Promontory, a new, dinner and music venue in Hyde Park, where he'll be discussing the recent Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations and the recent police shooting in Ferguson, Mo.
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