Teamwork Englewood and the Chicago Police Department Partner for Youth Baseball League
Play ball! In partnership with the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) 7th District Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program at Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St., Teamwork Englewood and Get In Chicago present the inaugural season of the Englewood Police & Youth Baseball League.
Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez Increases Efforts against Hate Crimes
Recently, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez announced the formation of a new Hate Crimes Advisory and Prosecutions Council, in an effort to raise awareness about Hate Crimes in communities throughout Cook County.
Ill. Dept. of Corrections Graduates First Class of Cadets in 2015
The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) graduated more than 130 new recruits for its first cadet class of 2015. The new correctional officers finished a six-week, 240-hour Security Training Program on February 13th. During training, the cadets participated in intensive instruction courses that include search procedures, control tactics, fire emergency, discipline, drug awareness, employee ethics, professionalism, report writing, radio communication, and how to use a firearm.
6th Annual Circle Foundation Benefit Gala to Support At-Risk Chicago Students
The CIRCLE Foundation is having its 6th annual CIRCLE Foundation Benefit Gala at Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph St., on March 22, 2015, as celebration of student success at Innovations High School (IHS).
South Side Help Center Partners with AIDS Healthcare Foundation to Provide Services for HIV/AIDS Patients
Recently, the South Side Help Center (SSHC), 1525 E. 55th St., announced plans to expand its critical health services for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS by teaming up with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper has a One-on-One with Mayor Rahm Emanuel
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper spoke one-on-one with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday for a discussion on the $300 million funding hole in the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program , why Chicago has an appointed school board, his thoughts on term limits for elected office, his economic development plans for blighted areas like North Lawndale and Austin, his relationship with the African American community, a lack of trauma centers in African American neighborhoods, technology and much more. An abbreviated transcript of the discussion follows:
Miss Illinois United States and Ms. Indiana United States Use Their Reigns to Inspire Young Girls
Brittany Middlebrooks, reigning Miss Illinois United States 2014 and Jade Newton, the reigning Ms. Indiana United States 2014, fully understand their community roles as positive role models.
CSU Students Recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Members of the Chicago State University (CSU) student government association (SGA) recognized National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) last week on Feb. 6. The group, who assembled at the Cordell Reed Student Union building on CSU's campus provided free condoms and literature about HIV/AIDS to students, faculty and other passersby.
New Green Line Train Station Opens in South Loop
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was joined by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), President Forrest Claypool, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner, Rebekah Scheinfeld, Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) and several community stakeholders at a ceremonial opening of the newly constructed Cermak-McCormick Place CTA Green Line station at 16 E. Cermak.
Alderman Sawyer and Harris Discuss Economic Impact Initiatives with CBA
Chatham Business Association (CBA) welcomed Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th Ward) and Ald. Michelle Harris (8th Ward) to its monthly membership meeting at the QGB Foundation Building, 806 E. 78th St. on Tuesday. The aldermen shared their ward economic development plans.
Northeast Illinois Counties Fight Off Blizzard with State and Local Services
On the morning of Feb. 1, as many in the Chicagoland area were preparing for Super Bowl Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) released an urgent blizzard warning for the northeastern counties of Illinois. The announcement warned of snow accumulation ranging from 12 to 16 inches and as much as 18 to the wind gusts ranging from 20 – 40 miles per hour (MPH). Counties that were slated to be affected were: Cook, Will, Kane, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kendall, and DeKalb. To combat Mother Nature’s icy wrath, several state and local agencies sprang into action.
Chicago Public Libraries Strive to Close Technology Divide
Last week, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and City of Chicago Public Library (CPL) Commissioner Brian Bannon announced at the City Club luncheon at Maggiano's Banquets, 111 W. Grand Ave., that the city plans to expand its digital footprint by initiating the “Internet to Go” (ITG) hotspot lending pilot program.
Chicago State University Hosts Mayoral Candidate Forum With Students at the Lead
Chicago State University (CSU), 9501 S. King Dr., last week, hosted a mayoral candidates forum at New Academic Library’s, CSU’s on-campus library, auditorium featuring two panelists who are current CSU students.
Greater Chatham Alliance Hosts 6th Ward Aldermanic Forum
The Greater Chatham Alliance (GCA) recently held its 6th Ward aldermanic forum at Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church, 8100 S. Calumet Ave. The forum included incumbent 6th Ward Alderman, Roderick Sawyer, candidate Brian Garner and candidate Richard Wooten where they fielded questions from community organization leaders and audience members. WVON radio talk show host, Cliff Kelley, moderated the event.
City of Chicago and City of Harvey Work Out Deal Concerning Late Water Payments
Last week, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the City of Harvey, Ill. has entered into a settlement agreement with the City of Chicago, to pay $20 million in unpaid water charges. With this action, the City has will be receiving payment from all four outstanding suburban water scofflaws for Chicago taxpayers.
Ombudsman Chicago Honors Supportive Community with Breakfast
As a thank you to supportive community stakeholders, Ombudsman Chicago South, 6057 S. Western Ave., held a celebratory breakfast last week where Ombudsman Chicago South and Ombudsman Educational Services personnel joined Chicago Public Schools (CPS) representatives, Ombudsman Chicago South students, and community members to acknowledge the progress the school has made thus far.
UNCF Chicago Hosts Inaugural Mayor’s Luncheon to Raise Funds, Awareness
The Chicago Office of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) hosted its inaugural Mayor’s Luncheon last week at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Upper Wacker Dr. This year’s theme “From Cradle to Career”, recognized that early childhood education is every bit as important as secondary and post-secondary education.
Ald. Sawyer Holds Hearing to Address Community Concerns about Nuway Methadone Clinic Concerns
Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th Ward) held a special community meeting last week, to address community concerns about the Nuway Community Services Methadone Clinic, 110 E. 79th St., in particularly, its clientele. The clinic offers methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).
After School Matters Provides 10,000 Chicago Teens Free Admission to See “Selma” over Dr. MLK Weekend
After School Matters (ASM), a nonprofit organization that provides out-of-school programming opportunities for Chicago’s youth, in partnership with a coalition of Chicago business and civic leaders, provided 10,000 teens with free admission to see the major motion picture “Selma”, on Jan .19, in honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Selma” depicts Dr. King’s organized voting rights movement in Selma, Al. which led to the legislative drafting of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Gov. Rauner Rescinds Final Executive Orders by Quinn
Last week, Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed Executive Order 15-11 (EO 15-11) which revoked and rescinded the final seven Executive Orders issued by outgoing governor, Pat Quinn, effective immediately. EO 15-11 is the fourth Executive Order signed by Rauner since he took office on Jan. 12, 2015.
City of Chicago Announces Free Text Messaging Service for Parents
Parents in the City of Chicago can now enjoy free text messaging service called Connect4Tots, which provides them with information on caring for children over the age of one.
Chicago Launches Campaign to Assist Business Owners Defend against Predatory Lenders
A new campaign has been launched by the City of Chicago to help educate small business owners on how to identify and avoid predatory lenders. In recent months, Business-to-Business (B2B) lending institutions including Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) have accelerated their marketing efforts, resulting in several local small businesses signing on to loans that they cannot afford.
Prospective Medical Marijuana Licensee Hopes for Equality
Prospective Illinois medical marijuana licensee, Dr. Jerry L. Weems, is hoping for equality and transparency, in the issuance of licenses for state operated medicinal marijuana dispensaries and cultivation centers.
Jackson Action Coalition Screens Dr. King Film “Selma”
The Jackson Action Coalition (JAC) in collaboration with other community organizations recently held a private screening of the major motion picture “Selma”, at the ShowPlace ICON movie theater, 1011 South Delano Ct., in Chicago.
City of Chicago Receives $600 Million in Early Childhood Education
On Jan. 6, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that the City of Chicago was awarded $600 million for early childhood education programming by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funds will be allotted to the city over the next year five years and were awarded because of the strength of Chicago's Head Start programs.
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Sponsored New Laws that Take Effect in New Year
The 98th Illinois General Assembly has passed dozens of bills into law that took effect on Jan. 1. Listed below are intriguing new laws that may significantly impact the African American community and that were sponsored by members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC).
Overview of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Releases First Annual Report
Last month, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) released its first ever annual report in particularly providing an overview of its service and its impact on Illinois’ youth.
City of Chicago Prepares for Winter Snowfall
In light of the first significant snowfall of the season and frigid temperatures, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was recently briefed by Department of Streets and Sanitation Commissioner, Charles Williams, on how things were going.
Law Signed Securing Retirement Option for Workers Across Illinois
On Jan. 4, Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 2758 (SB 2758) to create the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program. The program establishes the option of an individual retirement plan for more than two million Illinois private sector employees who currently do not have access to any retirement plan at work.
New Law Stops Tax Payer Dollars from Funding the Pensions of Felons
On Dec. 29, as one of his final legislative acts as the governor of Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 2809 (SB2809) into law which provides the Ill. Attorney General’s office with the authority to file a civil action in order to stop the pension benefits of public employees who have been convicted of a felony related to their employment. Spearheaded by Ill. State Sen. Kwame Raoul (Dist. – 13) and Assistant Majority Leader, Rep. Elaine Nekritz (Dist. - 57), with the support of Ill. Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, SB2809 will go into effect on June 1, 2015.
IDOT and Law Enforcement Official Work Together to Ensure A Safe End to 2014
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and more than 230 law enforcement agencies from across the state are working in concert to decrease vehicle related fatalities as year 2014 ends.
Open Enrollment for Obamacare Still Available for the Uninsured
As 2014 comes to a close, it’s still time to purchase a health care plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or change your current health care plan during this year’s Open Enrollment process before the final deadline on Feb. 15, 2015. The Open Enrollment period for 2015 began on Nov. 15, 2014.
Harriet Rees Mansion Relocation Opens Door to McCormick Place Additions
The historic Harriet Rees Mansion, 2110 S. Prairie Ave. in Chicago, a three-story, 762-ton, brick and limestone structure, was recently relocated one block north to 2017 S. Prairie Ave. in order to make way for the construction of the McCormick Place Event Center, a 10,000-seat event center, and a 1,200-room Marriot Marquis Headquarters hotel, both slated for completion by late 2016.
Chatham Business Association Throws "Winterfest" for Small Business Supporters
Last week, the Chatham Business Association (CBA) in partnership with Special Service Area (SSA) #51 held a customer appreciation Winterfest event, at the CBA office, 800 E. 78th St., to thank customers who supported local businesses in the Chatham community during CBA's Black Friday Plus initiative which ran from Nov. 28 to Dec. 18.
Veterans Affairs Psychologist Discuss Services
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper recently spoke with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Richard Doss, about the service he provides U.S. military veterans facing post-traumatic stress and sexual assault issues, at the Chicago Heights Veteran Center (CHVC), 1010 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, Ill.
Mobile Grocer Partners with American Heart Association to Battle Food Deserts on West Side
The American Heart Association (AHA) and Crisp! Mobile Grocery (CMG), an affordable mobile grocer initiative sponsored by Catholic Charities partnered on an effort to tackle the food desert crisis on Chicago’s west side with a kick-off event at Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central Ave., on Nov. 21 where community members received an informative presentation about the impact of unhealthy eating habits and how to utilize Crisp! Event goers were also treated with a free nutrition and food demonstration by Chef Judson Todd Allen, personal chef to Steve Harvey.
Community Members Vying for 17th Aldermanic Ward Vacancy
Community activist, Glenda Franklin, and David Moore, assistant to Cook County Board of Review, Commissioner, Larry Rogers Jr., announced their candidacy to fill the vacancy left by Ald. Latasha Thomas (17th Ward) who will not seek re-election after serving four terms and nearly 15 years following her July 2000 appointment by former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Harold Washington Library Receives Commemorative Plaque
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Harold Washington Legacy Committee, elected officials and dignitaries celebrated the legacy of the first African American mayor of Chicago, the late Harold Washington, at a private ceremony at the Harold Washington Library Center (HWLC), 400 S. State St., in Chicago by unveiling a ceremonial plaque in his honor last week. The jovial ceremony highlighted Washington by recognizing his progressive vision for Chicago, larger than life personality, and acknowledged his lasting legacy.
Gov. Quinn and Cook Co. Board President Preckwinkle Announce Second Year of Affordable Care Act Enrollment
Last week, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that the second year of open healthcare enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would begin on Nov. 15 and last for a three-month time period running through Feb. 15. The announcement comes on the heels of Illinois’ successful first year of Affordable Care Act enrollment where more than 700,000 people across the state gained access to health insurance coverage.
Experimental Station’s Bike Shop Reaches Youth on Multiple Levels
Housed at the Experimental Station’s bike shop at 6100 S. Blackstone Ave. in Chicago, Blackstone Bicycle Works Program (BBWP) is a youth education program of the Experimental Station. It's a bike shop dedicated to promoting ecological practices and empowering youth, teaching mechanical skills, job skills, and business literacy to boys and girls from the underserved Woodlawn neighborhood and Chicago's broader south side.
Chatham Business Association and South Shore Chamber Collaborate to Certify Minority Businesses
In an effort to assist businesses owned and operated by minorities business enterprises (MBE), women business enterprises (WBE), and disabled individual business enterprises (DBE), the Chatham Business Association (CBA) and the South Shore Chamber, Inc. (SSCI) joined forces hosting a free MBE,WBE and DBE certification workshop on Nov. 5, at the SSCI’s office, 1750 E. 71st.
City Council Approves Ordinance to Assist Homeless Chicagoans
City of Chicago’s City Council recently passed a Single-Room Occupancy and Residential Hotel Preservation Ordinance, that preserves affordable-single room occupancy (SRO) buildings and establishes the legal framework to generate revenue to support building owners. The SRO ordinance was sponsored by Alderman Walter Burnett (27th Ward) and Alderman Ameya Pawar (47th Ward) with the support of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and in partnership with grassroots organization, Chicago for All Coalition.
Village of Hazel Crest Honors Veterans with Ceremony
The Village of Hazel Crest’s Veteran Commission continued its long standing tradition of supporting local United States military veterans and service-
New Alternative Fuel Station to Open at Chicago O'Hare Airport
On Nov. 3, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced it has contracted with a private company to develop a 4,000-square-foot fueling station and travel center that will offer alternative fuels and a variety of food options to travelers. The new station will be built on City-owned vacant land near O’Hare International Airport. The announcement was made at the Airports Going Green Conference, the airport industry's leading sustainability forum hosted annually by the CDA and the American Association of Airport Executives.
Success Project to Benefit Chicago Middle School Students
The Success Project, an initiative that provides academic preparation, social support and college counseling for Chicago Public School (CPS) middle school students, was announced on Nov. 6 during a press conference at Claremont Academy Elementary School, 2300 W. 64th St. in Chicago.
3rd Annual Diabetes Cook Off Educates Community
In recognition of American Diabetes Month, Improving Diabetes Care and Outcomes on the South Side of Chicago (IDCOSSC) is holding its 3rd Annual Diabetes Cook-Off where classic home recipes transform into high quality diabetes friendly meals. This year, the Cook Off, a free event, will be held at Washburne Culinary Institute, 740 W. 63rd St., Building U on Nov. 15, a day after World Diabetes Day.
African American Clergymen Among Governor-Elect Rauner's Transition Team
On Nov. 6, as one of his first public acts as governor-elect of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, announced campaign supporters, Pastor Corey Brooks, New Beginnings Church of Chicago, 6620 S. King Dr. and Rev. James Meeks, Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St. as members of his transition team. The clergymen are slated to assist him as he prepares to be sworn in and take office on Jan. 12, 2015.
City of Chicago Partners With CIM Group to Build Residential Housing at Block 37
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined CIM Group officials last week, at Block 37, 108 N. State St., to announce the construction project of 690 new residential units that soon will be built there.
Steven R. Agee II Foundation Partners with Dolton Park District for Fundraiser
In honor of Steve R. Agee II, a Northern Illinois University (NIU) senior student who was killed by gun violence in Nov. 2011, the Dolton Park District (DPD) is hosting a Greek Step-Off Tribute to benefit, the Steven R. Agee II Foundation at the Dorchester Banquet Hall, 1515 E. 154th St., Dolton, IL, on Nov.7.
Alderman Beale Calls for Divvy Bikes on the South Side
Last week, Ninth Ward Ald., Anthony Beale (9th Ward), asked the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to be more “aggressive” in extending Divvy, the City’s bike sharing program, to the Chicago's far south side, during the Committee on Budget and Government Operations meeting at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St.