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OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

7-year-old shot on Southeast Side

A 7-year-old girl who was shot in the head on the Southeast Side during an apparent gang-related shooting has been upgraded from critical to guarded condition as Chicago Police continue its search for the gunman.

 
 
OUR CITY by Mike Robinson

Ill. high court: Hospital shouldn't be tax exempt

The state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that an Urbana hospital doesn't provide enough charitable services to qualify for exemption from a county property tax, in a decision being closely watched by hospital administrators across the state.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Report: NIU gunman may have been angry at school

DEKALB, Ill. — A major report on Northern Illinois University's deadly 2008 campus shooting suggests the gunman may have been motivated in part by anger at the school for academic changes.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Grants available for children's medical expenses

The nonprofit UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is seeking grant applications from Illinois families in need of financial assistance for their children's health needs.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Feds to buy Illinois prison even without detainees

A federal official says the Obama administration wants to buy a nearly vacant prison in northwestern Illinois even if Guantanamo Bay detainees aren't transferred there.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Jackson leaves Urban League, takes ‘gigantic step’ to aerospace corp.

A search has begun for the next president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Urban League. Cheryle Jackson is returning to corporate America.

 
 
OUR CITY by Deanna Bellandi

Quinn won’t talk about alternative to tax increase

Gov. Pat Quinn refused to say Monday whether he has a plan to avoid deep cuts in education if lawmakers resist his call to raise the state income tax.

 
 
OUR CITY

State Rep. Graham picked for 29th Ward alderman

State Rep. Deborah Graham, D-78th Dist., has been tapped by Mayor Richard Daley to replace disgraced Ald. Isaac Carothers in the city’s 29th Ward.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Hunter wants ban on E Cigarettes

Cigarettes containing no tobacco, but create a vapor similar to smoke, are on a state Sen. Mattie Hunter’s, D-3rd Dist., ban list.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Skeptical lawmakers hear vows to fix Chicago State

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Chicago State University’s president says the school is running out of chances to fix its problems, and some state lawmakers agree.

 
 
OUR CITY

Manley students awarded $5K college scholarships

Larry Washington and Ashley Williams, seniors at Manley Career Academy High School, were each recently awarded renewable $5,000 college scholarships from the Protiviti firm through its CommUnity Scholarship Program. Photo/Courtesy of Cushman/Amberg Communications

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Teens face tough employment decline

Jimmy Lawson said he tries to maintain an after-school job and during the summer break, a full-time job, but he hasn't been having much.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Foundation funds day-camp scholarships

A grant of more than $200,000 will enable more families in Chicago to send their kids to day camps this summer.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Push for outlaw of blunt wraps

A South Side pastor is on a vigorous campaign to support the proposed ban of blunt wraps in the state.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Push for outlaw of blunt wraps

A South Side pastor is on a vigorous campaign to support the proposed ban of blunt wraps in the state.

 
 
OUR CITY by Deanna Bellandi

Quinn won't talk about alternative to tax increase

Gov. Pat Quinn refused to say Monday whether he has a plan to avoid deep cuts in education if lawmakers resist his call to raise the state income tax.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn refuses to name Lt. Gov. pick

Gov. Pat Quinn isn't saying who he wants to be his running mate as the state Democratic Party gets ready to pick a lieutenant governor nominee.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Body scanner debuts at O'Hare

The first and only full body scanner at the nation's second largest airport is now open for business.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

No injuries in suburban Chicago auto shop fire

MAYWOOD, Ill. — Fire officials estimate a morning fire at a suburban Chicago auto shop may have caused $1 million in damage.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ruling expected in Ill. abortion notification case

A judge in Chicago expects to rule March 29 on whether to lift a temporary restraining order on a long-debated Illinois law that requires a teenage girl's parents to be told before she has an abortion.

 
 
OUR CITY by Hope Yen

U.S. census forms arrive in the mail: What to expect

WASHINGTON — Let the count begin. More than 120 million U.S. census forms begin arriving Monday in mailboxes around the country, in the government's once-a-decade population count that will be used to divvy up congressional seats and more than $400 billion in federal aid. Fast-growing states in the South and the West could stand to lose the most because of lower-than-average mail participation rates in 2000 and higher shares of Hispanics and young adults, who are among the least likely to mail in their forms.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Hunter wants ban on E Cigarettes

Cigarettes containing no tobacco, but create a vapor similar to smoke, are on a state Sen. Mattie Hunter’s, D-3rd Dist., ban list.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Feds want no delay in Blagojevich trial

Federal prosecutors say ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich's request for a five-month delay in the start of his corruption trial should be turned down.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Jones sponsors early childhood education bill

To ensure that early childhood learning receives equal treatment as that of kindergarten through 12th grade education, state Sen. Emil Jones III recently passed legislation to get the ball rolling.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

WIU president tells campus to make cuts

MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb is telling university administrators to cut spending next year by 3.5 percent to prepare for upcoming cuts in state funding.

 
 
OUR CITY by Mike Robinson

Witness: millionaire developer angered by call

A former Chicago planning official testified Thursday that a millionaire developer charged with bribery angrily told her they did not need to discuss a city plan affecting his property because he had "a deal with the alderman."

 
 
OUR CITY by Deanna Bellandi

In Ill., choice is higher taxes or education cuts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — With Gov. Pat Quinn telling lawmakers to choose between higher income taxes or deep education cuts, either choice could have dire consequences for schools, businesses and taxpayers.

 
 
OUR CITY Special to Defender

First graduating class

From left, Ald. Willie Cochran (20th), Ald. Latasha Thomas (17th), Mayor Richard M. Daley, Ron Huberman, chief executive officer for the Chicago Public Schools and Tim King, founder and chief executive officer of the Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men join the school’s first graduating class (107 students), who were all accepted to a four-year college or university.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Former CPS president picked for City Colleges board

The former president of the Chicago Board of Education has been tapped to chair the City Colleges of Chicago Board of Trustees, Mayor Richard M. Daley recently announced.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Bloody Sunday: 45th anniversary

Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, leads a group of marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., Sunday. AP Photo/Dave Martin

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Ill. congressmen say ‘no’ to tax breaks for new hires

U.S. Reps. Bobby Rush, D-1st, and Jesse Jackson Jr., D-2nd, broke ranks with President Barak Obama and Congressional leadership Thursday on legislation giving companies that hire the jobless a temporary payroll tax break, complaining that the bill doesn’t do enough to produce much-needed jobs.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Art Turner applies to be lt. governor nominee

Another former candidate for Illinois lieutenant governor has submitted an application to be the new Democratic nominee for the post.

 
 
OUR CITY by Hope Yen

Minority births on track to outnumber white births

WASHINGTON – Minorities make up nearly half the children born in the U.S., part of a historic trend in which minorities are expected to become the U.S. majority over the next 40 years.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Former death row inmate represents himself in $360M suit against city

Nathson Fields, who was on Death Row for 11 1/2 years of the 17 years and 11 months he was behind bars, filed a $360 million federal lawsuit against the city for the conviction of a double murder he was acquitted of during a retrial nearly seven years ago.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Community org is a brotherhood project just for men

One South Side organization said it hopes to use free haircuts to attract more Black men to its weekly men's gathering where health and other social issues are discussed.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Application period open for youth summer jobs

The City of Chicago’s summer job program for youths, Youth Ready Chicago, is now taking applications online until June 4.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

For sale, lease sign may be on suburban village hall door

Hard, economic times have pushed suburban Riverdale to consider a sale or lease of its village hall to help reduce debt.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Sheriff closes 2 buildings at Cook County Jail

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is closing two buildings at the once-overcrowded Cook County Jail because of a decrease in the inmate population.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Bond denied for 2 charged in fatal Cicero fire

Bond has been denied for two people who face murder and arson charges in a suburban Cicero apartment house blaze that left seven people dead on Valentine's Day.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Man wanted in 2006 slaying of Jesse White tumbler

Nearly four years after Willie Williams III was gunned down outside the Ford City Shopping Mall, Chicago Police issued a warrant for the arrest of Eddie B. Fenton.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

New policy makes room for more students at selective enrollment high schools

Students at under performing public elementary schools will have an opportunity this fall to attend several selective enrollment schools, under a new policy.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

No arrests in teen’s murder

Chicago Police look to the community about solving the February 25 murder of 15-year-old Nathaniel Maxon on the West Side.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Community colleges see increase in spring enrollment

Headcount and full-time enrollment at Illinois community colleges increased for Spring 2010 versus Spring 2009, according to the Illinois Community College Board.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

President nominates Coleman for Dist. Court Bench

President Obama nominated Justice Sharon Johnson Coleman to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Chicago men accused of shooting woman holding baby

Two Chicago men have been charged with shooting and wounding a woman as she held a baby in her arms.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

More minorities perish in fires

Blacks more likely to die in home fires

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Board of Ed. approves proposed school changes

Chicago Board of Education gives green light to turnarounds, consolidations, closures proposed by school district.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

More minorities perish in fires

Blacks more likely to die in home fires

 
 
OUR CITY by Sophia Tareen

Farrakhan speaks to Obama at Saviors’s Day event

Farrakhan offers salient advice for nation's first Black president, attacks 'white right' who push for one-term Obama

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Gospel museum to open in Bronzeville this year

After years of planning, gospel museum may have a home on the South Side.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Board of Ed. approves proposed school changes

Chicago Board of Education gives green light to turnarounds, consolidations, closures proposed by school district.

 
 
OUR CITY by Lindsey Tanner

Striking number of obesity risks hit minority kids

The odds of obesity appear stacked against black and Hispanic children starting even before birth, provocative new research suggests.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Awards to honor Illinoisans for community service

Gov. Pat Quinn is looking for volunteers who have made a difference in Illinois to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ill. agency launches affordable housing program

The Illinois Housing Development Authority has launched a program aimed at preserving affordable rental housing.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Chicago students to make lunch on Capitol Hill

Five high school students from Chicago will bring a healthy school lunch they created to Congress.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Daley: Optimistic city will prevail in gun case

Mayor Richard Daley says he's optimistic Chicago will prevail against what he calls the gun industry's challenge to the city's handgun laws.

 
 
OUR CITY by Mark Sherman

Supreme Court scrutinizes state, local gun control

WASHINGTON — Gun control advocates think, if not pray, they can win by losing when the Supreme Court decides whether the constitutional right to possess guns serves as a check on state and local regulation of firearms.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Free rides for all seniors could be curbed IL

The days of free bus and train rides for all seniors in Illinois could be numbered.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

AMA chief: Health care stalemate is not acceptable

The American Medical Association has a message for President Barack Obama as he convenes a last-ditch health care summit.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

CTA union says no plans to strike

A Chicago Transit Authority bus union says it has no plans to strike over job cuts.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Daley announces education program in 13 hospitals

Mayor Richard Daley has announced a program to provide current health care workers with the education they need to move up in their organizations, creating job opportunities for new workers.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Illinois celebrates Black History Month

Illinois is celebrating Black History Month by honoring sports starts, coaches and a writer.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

HUD seeks help with anti-gay discrimination study

Federal officials are asking Chicagoans for help in designing a first-ever national survey of housing discrimination against the gay community.

 
 
OUR CITY by Rhonda Gillespie

Good kid turns dreamer at Disney academy

LaSean Lyles Jr. and his mom, Andrea Smith, pose with Mickey Mouse during the Dreamers Academy program Feb. 11-14 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. Defender/Rhonda Gillespie

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

U. of Ill. drawing down reserves to pay bills

URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois is spending a pool of easily accessible cash to pay its overdue bills while it waits for the state to come through with $475 million in overdue appropriations.

 
 
OUR CITY by Carla K. Johnson

Doctors cut work hours as primary care shortage looms

Doctors have steadily cut their work hours over the past decade, a new study finds, something that experts say may only worsen the health care situation.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Jackson talks with CTA officials, union leaders

After a first meeting proved fruitful, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is scheduled to meet again Wednesday with Chicago Transit Authority officials and union representatives in an effort resolve the stalemate that exists between them, in the wake of the massive CTA layoff earlier this month.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn stands behind tax increase

Gov. Pat Quinn says he thinks it's "necessary" the Illinois House consider a plan to raise the state income tax that passed the Illinois Senate last year.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Col. Eugene Scott gets distinguished veteran honor

The Chicago Defender Charities President Col. Eugene Scott recently received the “Veteran of the Month” award for February from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Scott, a retired U.S. Army veteran and former publisher of the Chicago Defender, is also chairman of the National African-American Military Museum and works with numerous military organizations in Chicago.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

U.S. Supreme Court hears suit by Black Chicago firefighter applicants

A lawsuit representing 6,000 Black plaintiffs who once sought to be Chicago firefighters seems poised to move forward after arguments made Monday before the U.S. Supreme Court.

 
 
OUR CITY by Jesse J. Holland

Court to decide if firefighter suit moves forward

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday seemed willing to let a group of African Americans sue Chicago for discrimination over a hiring test that weeded out black applicants to become firefighters.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

U. of Ill. drawing down reserves to pay bills

URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois is spending a pool of easily accessible cash to pay its overdue bills while it waits for the state to come through with $475 million in overdue appropriations.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Ford bill would change how prisoners are counted in census

Historically, prisoners have been included in the census population count according to the municipality where the prison they’re housed in is located.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Three shot, one fatally, over weekend

On Saturday afternoon Christopher Young, 32, was shot in the parking lot of a store in the 300 block of West 75th Street, police said.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

CPS seeks help with its Safe Passage initiative

For the second time this month Chicago Public Schools issued a $2 million Request for Proposal as it seeks assistance to implement its Safe Passage program.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Pilot gets suspended sentence for drinking on job

United Airlines pilot Erwin Washington arrives at Isleworth Crown Court in west London, Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 . The United Airlines pilot who was pulled from his trans-Atlantic flight to Chicago shortly before takeoff has admitted being above the alcohol limit for flying a plane. Erwin Vermont Washington of Lakewood, Colorado was pulled from United Airlines Flight 949, due to fly from London's Heathrow Airport to Chicago in November after a co-worker suspected him of being drunk. The 51-year-old pilot pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court near London and was released on unconditional bail. AP Photo/Akira Suemori

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Debt problems top list of complaints

A nationwide recession helped make debt problems the No. 1 consumer complaint in a list compiled by the Illinois attorney general's office.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Court: Ryan must forfeit all of state pension

The Illinois Supreme Court says former Gov. George Ryan must forfeit all of his state pension for crimes he committed as secretary of state and governor.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ill. EPA releases landfill capacity report

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Solid waste landfill space in Illinois increased by 10 percent in 2008 over the previous year.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

1 person hurt in shooting at NIU

DEKALB, Ill. — The early morning shooting on the campus of Northern Illinois University started as a dispute between two students and is an isolated incident.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Reduction in Medicare payments to save Ill. $199M

WASHINGTON — A reduction in what Illinois will have to pay the federal government for Medicare prescription drug coverage is expected to save the state more than $199 million.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Study: Corruption thrives in Illinois' Cook County

A study by the University of Illinois at Chicago says the nation's second largest county has been a "dark pool of political corruption" for more than a century.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Coalition: Keep city’s mental health clinics off chopping block

A coalition of community groups spearheaded by Southside Together Organizing for Power fear the city will renew efforts to close or privatize its mental health clinics as the state prepares to announce mid-year adjustments to the human services budget.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

UIC gets govt. grant for foster kids mental health

Mental health services for foster kids could get a boost thanks to research at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Public hearings reap big changes for some schools

Chicago Public Schools officials announced Wednesday that the school district has altered plans to close, consolidate and turnaround several South Side schools, in part, because of feedback it received at public hearings.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Universities push for action on state budget

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — State universities are pushing Gov. Pat Quinn and the General Assembly to start working on Illinois' budget crisis before it does them permanent damage.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Jobs bill to extend unemployment benefits again

Those collecting unemployment benefits could soon see their biweekly checks extended by new federal legislation making its way through the U.S. Senate.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

CSU resource center reaches out to males

Abeyomi Adekahunsi said he wouldn’t be able to get any work done for his classes if books weren’t available for free at the African American Male Resource Center at Chicago State University. The freshman received a book voucher for the fall term, but was unable to secure one for the spring. In a large room inside Chicago State University’s student union, the walls of the center are lined with images of powerful African American men such the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., activist Malcolm X and comedian-activist Dick Gregory.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Meeks’ bill looks to abolish LSCs, expand vouchers

Fed up with city officials passing the buck as to why so many public schools are under performing, state Sen. James Meeks, D-15th Dist., has proposed legislation that would make Chicago Public Schools more accountable when it comes to school leadership.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Cicero blaze claims seven

The cause of a blaze that claimed the lives of seven people on Sunday – including four children – and displaced 23, remains unknown, said Cicero fire officials.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Black Democrats challenge Madigan on Lt. governor post

Next month, the 38-member Illinois Democratic State Central Committee is expected to select a lieutenant governor candidate and the committee's seven Black members have expressed concerns about House Speaker Michael Madigan's interest in abolishing the office.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Teachers union speaks out against school changes

The Chicago Teachers Union is urging the school board to postpone its scheduled vote next week on a proposal to close and consolidate several under performing schools.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Chatham welcomes green office building

As you ride along 79th Street between King Drive and Cottage Grove Avenue you'll notice a few new fast food joints, several hair and nail salons and two dollar stores. You may also a notice a new “green” retail and office building on the northeast corner of Champlain Avenue, aiming to spur a re-birth of “value added” businesses to the community once completed, said the building's owners.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

City gets federal money for homelessness

In the wake of several Chicago shelters closing and others on the brink of closure Mayor Richard M. Daley recently announced plans to distribute a federal grant earmarked for the homeless.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

West Side drug bust nets eight

Eight men with alleged ties to the Four Corner Hustlers street gang on the West Side were charged earlier this week with participating in a drug ring that’s been in existence on the West Side for the last two years, local and federal authorities said.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

State expands housing for seniors

In the wake of a federal report that identified several Illinois nursing homes as being among the most unsafe in the country, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced Wednesday it plans to add 18 new supportive living facilities for seniors and people with physical disabilities.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Downtown ice cream shop a cool success

Each year the downtown commercial district grows with new businesses and two years ago it welcomed a new ice cream store to the area.

 
 
OUR CITY by Rhonda Gillespie

Artists in Chicago to help bring ‘Hope for Haiti’

In under three weeks, local faith leaders assembled entertainers from several genres and from all over the country, bringing them to Chicago for a benefit concert for relief in Haiti.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Richardson-Lowry ‘uniquely appropriate’ to head school board

Richardson-Lowry, a partner at the law firm of Mayer Brown LLP, was recently tapped by Mayor Richard M. Daley to serve out the remainder of the late Michael Scott's term as president of the school board.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Study: More Blacks receiving food assistance

According to a recent study by Feeding America, 37 million Americans receive emergency food assistance each year and African Americans make up 34 percent of the total.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Robin Kelly looking to make historic move to state treasurer

Kelly could become the state's first Black, female treasurer

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Preckwinkle lays out plans for role as county board president

Preckwinkle looking forward to win in November general election

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Turner interested in Lt. Gov. spot

Now that Scott Lee Cohen, the Democratic nominee for the state's second highest executive office, has dropped out of the race, voters may get a second chance to elect its first Black lieutenant governor. Last week's primary election included two Black candidates who both said they are still interested in the nomination.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Chicago man arrested in 1984 murder

Chicago Police say they've used DNA to tie a 44-year-old man to a 1984 unsolved murder.

 
 
OUR CITY by Deanna Bellandi

Quinn: Ill. lt. governor hopefuls should speak up

Democrats in Illinois are getting a political do-over: the chance to pick a new lieutenant governor nominee themselves now that the primary winner dropped out of the race because of revelations about his checkered past.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Northern Illinois braces for snow storm

A winter storm warning is looming for northern Illinois, and the forecast calls for accumulations of up to 12 inches of snow.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Illinois announces Medicaid managed care pilot

The state of Illinois is planning a pilot project to enroll Medicaid recipients in six counties in managed care, an effort being criticized by advocates for the developmentally disabled.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

CPS seeks community input to calm schools down

Thanks to $30 million in federal stimulus money the Chicago Public Schools began accepting bids Thursday for a $5 million contract earmarked for a community organization.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

State parole officer charged with sexual assault

A former U.S. Army veteran posted bond Wednesday and is free after being charged with official misconduct, criminal sexual assault and custodial sexual assault for allegedly forcing a 27-year-old female to perform oral sex on him.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

House of Hope concert to benefit relief in Haiti

Chicagoland’s faith community and others continue their outpouring of relief support for the victims of the destructive Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti’s capital city of Port-Au-Prince.

 
 
OUR CITY by Deanna Bellandi

Ill. governor's race roiled by abuse charges

Gov. Pat Quinn saw one problem vanish Thursday when his opponent in the Democratic primary formally conceded but faced a new predicament with the revelation that his voter-selected running mate was once arrested for domestic battery.

 
 
OUR CITY by Karen Hawkins

Dem. nominee for lt. gov. says he won't step down

A political newcomer who won the Democratic nomination for Illinois lieutenant governor said Thursday he has no intention of leaving the race after details emerged about his arrest for allegedly holding a knife to his former girlfriend's throat.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Group offers tips on finding tax preparation help

The Better Business Bureau is encouraging taxpayers to use caution when selecting tax preparation help.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Walgreen's offers free diabetes testing

Walgreen's is joining efforts to stem the nation's diabetes epidemic by offering free blood sugar testing.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

West Side leadership shaken with guilty plea

One West Side ward has a leadership void to fill following Monday’s guilty plea by Isaac Carothers on federal bribery and fraud charges.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Chicago State Univ. sees enrollment uptick

Change in registration process spurs increase

Chicago State University’s elimination of its building-hopping enrollment process has significantly contributed to a gain in enrollment – the highest among the state’s 12 public universities, school officials said.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

CTA service cut

Chicago Transit Authority officials admit that pending service cuts set to take effect Sunday will have a devastating affect on many riders, especially the working poor.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Seven South Side nursing homes deemed unsafe

Among the 580 nursing homes cited as unsafe by the federal government, seven – whose residents are predominately Black – are on Chicago's South Side.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Jackson loses bid for U.S. Senate seat

U.S. Senate candidate Cheryle Jackson finished third Tuesday in the race to secure the Democratic nomination to fill the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama, who was elected president in 2008.

 
 
OUR CITY by Christopher Wills

Quinn declares victory, Hynes vows to fight

Flanked by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, left, and U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., right, Gov. Pat Quinn acknowledges supporters on election night. Quinn is leading Comptroller Dan Hynes in a very close race in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. At Defender press time, no winner had been declared. AP/Charles Rex Arbogast

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Election ends Stroger era for Cook County Board

Incumbent Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is surrounded by his family Tuesday at the W Hotel, as he gives his concession speech. Beset by political turmoil, Stroger failed to win re-election Tuesday, bringing an end to the Stroger family run at the helm of the board. Ald. Toni Preckwinkle emerged the winner. (Defender/Worsom Robinson)

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Kelly wins key Dem nomination, Miller waits

State Rep. David E. Miller is in a dead heat with Raja Krishnamoorthi and Clinton Krislov to win the Democratic nomination for state comptroller in the November General Election.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Teen shot in arm on way to school

An 8th grade boy suffered a gunshot wound to the arm Monday morning near his North Side school.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Fire destroys building, Blu 47 restaurant

Several Black-owned businesses found themselves homeless Thursday after an early morning fire destroyed the commercial building where they were headquartered.

 
 
OUR CITY Special to Defender

CBA gives judicial reviews

The Chicago Bar Association released the findings of its Judicial Evaluation Committee for candidates running in the February 2 primary election for vacancies on the Illinois Appellate Court and the Circuit Court of Cook County.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

CHA resident honored for academic achievement

Credit: Photo courtesy of the Chicago Housing Authority Caption: Donald Banks, a recent graduate from the University of Illinois, poses with his family after receiving an Academic Achievement Award from the Board of Commissioners for the Chicago Housing Authority.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Local, state officials back Quinn

About two-dozen elected officials –– local and state –– put their muscle Monday behind Gov. Pat Quinn’s quest for election to a full term as governor.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

CPS creates ‘calm’ environment for students

A new program launched by Chicago Public Schools is aimed at students most at-risk of becoming either a victim of violence or a violent offender.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Want ad: Census is looking for a few good men, women to work

Anyone who meets the requirements can apply for the thousands of jobs now available with the U.S. Census Bureau, except persons who have been convicted of a felony.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Elected officials listen to West Side constituents

Several elected officials, whose districts are on the West Side, collectively said limited employment opportunities, youth violence and dismal high schools are issues greatly affecting their constituents.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ill. cheers high-speed rail money

It's a good day for Illinois' advocates of high-speed rail. They say they're thrilled with word from the White House on Thursday that a Chicago-St. Louis route will get $1.1 billion in stimulus money to upgrade tracks so trains can reach 110 mph.

 
 
OUR CITY by Joan Lowy

White House doles out $8 billion for fast trains

WASHINGTON — The White House is doling out $8 billion in grants for high-speed rail projects, an initiative touted as a jobs creator.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

If Quinn loses, lame duck emerges

If Gov. Pat Quinn winds up losing the Democratic primary on Tuesday, it will be more than just a stinging political defeat for him. It means Illinois would be stuck with a lame duck governor for the next year.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Axelrod on Bernanke job, Emanuel mayor rumors

A top adviser to President Barack Obama says Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has the votes to keep his job.

 
 
OUR CITY by Sophia Tareen

Behind the battle for Cook County Board president

THE RACE   Four Democrats and two Republicans candidates are seeking their party's nomination for Cook County Board president, a post in charge of some 25,000 jobs and a $3 billion budget in one of the nation's largest counties.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn makes appoinments to juvenile justice panel

Gov. Pat Quinn has announced appointments to the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission, including a pastor and a former judge.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Source: Obama to skip jury duty in Chicago suburbs

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — A White House official says President Barack Obama will be skipping jury duty after being summoned in Illinois.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Feds monitoring elections in Chicago

The old joke is that in Chicago people stay politically active long after they've passed away — or at least they keep voting.

 
 
OUR CITY by Deanna Bellandi

Budget, not Blagojevich, dominates governor's race

When the former governor is ousted from office after being arrested on federal corruption charges, voters might expect the next election to be all about ethics reform.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Local, national, international aid to Haiti

Last week's devastating earthquake in Haiti is drawing help from around the world especially from local leaders and Chicago's Haitian- American community.

 
 
OUR CITY by Rhonda Gillespie

Local Black media gets behind Cheryle Jackson for U.S. Senate

After being warmly received Monday by hundreds of people attending the Rainbow/PUSH 20th Annual Scholarship Breakfast held as a youth scholarship fundraiser and in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., U.S. Senate candidate Cheryle Jackson picked up a key endorsement from the Chicagoland Black Press.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

CPS proposes changes at 14 schools

As it continues to search for ways to improve public education the Chicago Public Schools on Tuesday unveiled propsed changes to 14 schools that include closures, consolidation, turnaround, and phase out.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

SIU med school receives grant to study digestion

A researcher at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield has been awarded a five-year federal grant to study digestion.

 
 
OUR CITY by John O'Connor

Corrections: Wrong early release prisoners listed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Nearly six weeks after Gov. Pat Quinn halted an early prisoner release program that set free hundreds of potentially violent inmates, his administration is still struggling to identify which criminals — or even how many — got out.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

New charges delay sheriff's federal drug trial

BENTON, Ill. — A southern Illinois sheriff's federal trial on charges that he trafficked marijuana while on duty now won't be until at least this spring because he now faces state murder-for-hire charges.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

New charges delay sheriff's federal drug trial

BENTON, Ill. — A southern Illinois sheriff's federal trial on charges that he trafficked marijuana while on duty now won't be until at least this spring because he now faces state murder-for-hire charges.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

E. Illinois announces housing cost increases

CHARLESTON, Ill. — Eastern Illinois University students who live on campus will pay up to 6.25 percent more next fall than they now pay.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Boy who impersonated a cop arrested again

.A teenager who admitted to impersonating a Chicago police officer has been arrested again, this time for shoving his mother during an argument.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

U. of Ill. raises housing costs, fees

The University of Illinois has raised the cost of student housing on its three campuses by up to 6 percent and increased fees paid by students.

 
 
OUR CITY by Deanna Bellandi

Democrats jockey for Obama's old Senate seat

THE RACE Five Democrats are running for a shot at one of the best-known Senate seats in America. It's the one President Barack Obama gave up when he was elected, but also the one federal prosecutors say former Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to sell before appointing Roland Burris. Republicans are giddy about their chance to win a seat burdened with all that political baggage.

 
 
OUR CITY by Carla K. Johnson

Task force hears comments on Ill. nursing homes

The stark financial differences between urban and suburban nursing homes in Illinois played into comments heard Thursday by a task force appointed by Gov. Pat Quinn.

 
 
OUR CITY by Karen Hawkins

A look at the Ill. lieutenant governor's race

THE RACE Gov. Pat Quinn's nearly unprecedented ascendancy from the lieutenant governor's office to the state's top spot has renewed interest in what's long been seen as a do-nothing job. Thirteen candidates — six Democrats, six Republicans and one Green Party candidate — are vying for a chance to be one heartbeat away from the governorship. Most say the job is what you make of it, and they plan to use the office to advocate for everything from youth to veterans.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn, Hynes unveil new ads aimed at Black voters

The two Democratic candidates for governor have stepped up their attacks on each other yet again with competing television ads clearly aimed at African American voters.

 
 
OUR CITY by Sophia Tareen

Behind the battle for Cook County Board president

THE RACE Four Democrats and two Republicans candidates are seeking their party's nomination for Cook County Board president, a post in charge of some 25,000 jobs and a $3 billion budget in one of the nation's largest counties. It has also been dogged by ongoing corruption, bloated spending and patronage hiring. One of the first things on the next president's agenda will be deciding what do with a scheduled tax increase when Chicago already has the highest sales tax in the nation.

 
 
OUR CITY by Karen Hawkins

Behind the Democratic battle for Ill. treasurer

THE RACE Two Democrats are battling for their party's nomination in the race to be Illinois treasurer, a job Alexi Giannoulias is giving up to run for Senate. The treasurer is the state's chief banker, whose responsibilities include investing the state's money and coming up with programs to help consumers do the same with their own cash. Losses of $150 million by the office's Bright Start college savings program highlight what's at stake.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Illinois behind on paying education institutions

The state is $5 billion behind in paying its bills and nearly $1 billion is owed to school districts.

 
 
OUR CITY by John O'Connor

Early release inmate returned for attempted murder

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Associated Press has learned that at least 17 Illinois criminals who were part of an early prison release program are back in lockup after arrests for new violent crimes — including attempted murder.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Early voting starts in Feb. 2 primary

You can cast your ballot soon for the Feb. 2 primary.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Daley replaces aide tied to parking meter lease

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, while claiming to have continued confidence in the man, has replaced the aide who engineered the city's controversial parking meter lease deal.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Rep. Jackson to endorse Quinn as Ill. governor

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is expected to endorse Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn for the Feb. 2 primary election.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

AFSCME wants probe of Ill. secret prison releases

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The union that represents Illinois prison guards and parole officers is asking lawmakers to investigate the Quinn administration's early release of inmates.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ill. heath officials say swine flu still a threat

WAUKEGAN, Ill. — Health officials in northeastern Illinois say they'll extend the time period that swine flu vaccinations are available.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

UPS cutting 1,800 jobs in U.S., raising outlook

ATLANTA — UPS said Friday it will cut 1,800 management and administrative positions to streamline its U.S. small package segment.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Suit alleges transit funding favors whites

Two riders of the Chicago Transit Authority recently filed a class-action civil rights suit in federal court against the State of Illinois, the Ill. Dept. of Transportation, the Regional Transportation Authority and Metra alleging racism in public transit funding.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Fenger students converge on City Hall

Several high school students and parents from the Altgeld Gardens public housing complex on the Far South Side showed up to City Hall unannounced Wednesday to meet with the mayor.

 
 
OUR CITY by Carla K. Johnson

Evidence lacking for special diets in autism

An expert panel says there's no rigorous evidence that digestive problems are more common in children with autism compared to other children, or that special diets work, contrary to claims by celebrities and vaccine naysayers.

 
 
OUR CITY by Christopher Wills

POLITICAL ASYLUM: Releases and resolutions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. Pat Quinn pointed the finger elsewhere on an early prisoner release controversy, while his opponents pointed it right back at him. Meanwhile, politicians offered their resolutions for 2010 — sometimes with a grin and sometimes with a scowl.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Cities, counties take back corporate tax breaks

Cash-strapped communities have a message for corporations that promised jobs in return for tax breaks: A deal's a deal.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ryan would consider selling, leasing state tollway

ELMHURST, Ill. — Republican candidate for governor Jim Ryan says he'd consider selling or leasing the Illinois tollway to fix the state's budget mess.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ill. has fewer than 1,000 traffic deaths in 2009

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois authorities say 2009 was the safest year for state roads since the 1920s.

 
 
OUR CITY by Michael House, Defender President

Thank you for a great 2009, looking forward to 2010!

We have plans for a busy and successful 2010. Still, we thank each and every one of our loyal readers, advertisers and sponsors for their support in 2009 and we anticipate continued support as we move into the new year.

 
 
OUR CULTURE by Theresa Fambro Hooks

Teesee's Town

Astronaut Dr. Robert E. Satcher Jr. at St. Edmund’s Church

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

State restores funding for college grant

More than 138,000 college students will benefit from state grants next month now that the governor agreed to restore funding to the Monetary Assistance Program.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Elliott widow: Everyone has lost in this tragedy

Widow of slain elderly Hyde Park man speaks out.

 
 
OUR VIEWS by Lou Ransom

Have a happy 2010!

This year was chock full of news, from the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama, to the deaths of two Michaels, to continued carnage involving our young people.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Holiday brought heartache for some

As many celebrated the Christmas holiday weekend, some families had heavy hearts as their loved ones were met with violence.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

6,100 drivers get Breathalyzers in law's 1st year

Advocates say a year-old Illinois DUI law is saving countless lives statewide.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ill. dept. on aging issues winter tips for seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department on Aging is reminding residents that winter's harsh weather poses a special threat to seniors.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Recycling events offer Christmas trees new life

Illinois municipalities and organizations are offering the chance to turn real Christmas trees into gifts that keep on giving.

 
 
OUR CITY by Christopher Wills

Political asylum: Prisons, health, Senate poetry

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A prison plan under fire. A senator denies flip-flopping and produces poetry. A college-savings program doesn't add up. Here's the week in Illinois politics:

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Violent week in Bronzeville leaves two dead

Christmas week turned out to be a deadly one in the Bronzeville community as two women were killed in separate incidents.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Extension of COBRA subsidy to help Ill. jobless

The Illinois Department of Insurance is reminding insurance companies and employers they must comply with a new law extending the federal subsidy on COBRA benefits.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Ice knocks out power in Ill.

Icy conditions are knocking out power in parts of northern Illinois.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Illinois receives $1.8 million Internet grant

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois is to receive about $1.8 million in federal money to increase Internet access.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Illinois offers scholarships to nursing student

An Illinois scholarship program is providing 140 nursing students with money for tuition and expenses in programs throughout the state.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Cook County sheriff to hire more officers

The Cook County Sheriff's Department says it is set to make hundreds of hires in coming months.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Swine flu update: 1 new death in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Swine flu is continuing to relent in Illinois where officials are reporting one new death from the virus.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Dorothy Brown picks up key endorsement

Caption: On Thursday U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-7th, announced he is endorsing Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court Dorothy Brown for Cook County Board president at his West Side congressional office. Credit: Photo courtesy of Toure Muhammed

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

New Metra station slated for Auburn-Gresham community

To help her constituents with access to public transportation state Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-16th Dist., has secured funding to begin the process of building a new Metra station in the Auburn-Gresham area.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Court won't revive gun lawsuit

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has turned away a new challenge to a 2005 law that gives gun manufacturers immunity from lawsuits by shooting victims.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Man fatally shot and stabbed near Chicago home

Chicago police are investigating the death of a 24-year-old who was stabbed and shot down the street from his home.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Gov. orders 'top-to-bottom' exam of prison release

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is reviewing his prison system's early release program after The Associated Press reported some inmates are serving less than three weeks of yearlong sentences.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Chicago man faces murder in weekend crime spree

A Chicago man faces murder and robbery charges after a weekend crime spree around the metro area that investigators are still piecing together.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Man with knife threatens alderman

A man who lives a few blocks away from his Far South Side alderman was charged Thursday with threatening a public official –– a felony –– and misdemeanor aggravated assault.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Officials warn of cold-weather health risks

Authorities are telling people in Illinois what they've learned for themselves all too well this week: That it's getting cold outside and you should take precautions to stay warm.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

State campaign to get older adults involved

Some older adults might have already retired from their jobs, but the state of Illinois wants them to stay active in their communities.

 
 
OUR CITY by Deanna Bellandi

Ill. governor hopefuls weigh in on crime, punishment

When it comes to punishing people for their crimes, there's little agreement among the candidates for Illinois governor.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

State disciplines few nursing home administrators

In five years, an Illinois agency that disciplines nursing home administrators has received more than 400 complaints from the state agency that investigates nursing home care. Only three led to discipline.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Swine flu vaccine available to all in Will County

JOLIET, Ill. — Will County health officials say all will be welcome at walk-in clinics for swine flu vaccine.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Swine flu update: 9 new deaths in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois health officials are reporting nine new deaths and 216 new hospitalizations from swine flu.

 
 
OUR CITY Special to Defender

Black Wall Street District gets nod from state Senate

An area on the South Side known as the Black Wall Street District was recognized by the Illinois State Senate earlier this month.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Census kicks off national schools campaign

The U.S. Census Bureau kicked off a national schools campaign Thursday at King College Preparatory High School on the South Side to get more students involved in the upcoming census.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Approaching winter storm to send city services north

While city officials said no one area is favored when snow removal is needed, this week’s expected snow storm will send snow trucks to the North Side first.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Feds: Supreme Court fight won't delay Blago trial

Prosecutors say an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court battle over the type of charges used in the indictment against former Gov. Rod Blagojevich shouldn't delay his trial's scheduled June 3 start date.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Chicago police say nothing found in Blago burglary

Police say a search of a Chicago home didn't turn up any of the items stolen from former Illinois Gov. Rod attorneys.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Pitt bull attacks 5 in Chicago

Chicago police say an officer shot and killed a pitt bull dog after it attacked five people on the city's South Side.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn: Action on Thomson prison to come this month

Gov. Pat Quinn says news is expected this month on a proposal to house Guantanamo Bay detainees at a northwestern Illinois prison.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Speed limit increasing for truckers in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation says it will remove 55 mph speed-limit signs aimed at truckers along rural interstates early next year as the speed limit for trucks that weigh more than 4 tons increases to 65 mph.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Homeless shelter for veterans to open in Chicago

Gov. Pat Quinn says he regrets missing a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a new 32-bed homeless shelter that will serve veterans in Chicago.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Family prepares to bury 12-year-old found in alley, $10K reward offered in her death

Services set for slain 12-year-old Englewood girl

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Hynes says no to state borrowing

OUR CITY Associated Press

Changes to state's flu hotline

OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn: May consider school punishment commission

Gov. Pat Quinn says he may consider a special commission to look at the racial disparity in how Illinois schoolchildren are disciplined.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

City’s winter parking ban goes into effect

The city’s winter parking ban goes into effect Dec. 1 and already motorists are preparing for the worst.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Black clergy endorse Jackson for Senate

Representing more than 100,000 parishoners throughout the Chicagoland area, nearly two dozen pastors announced Monday they’ve endorsed Cheryle Jackson for U.S. Senate.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Parker House Sausage Co. to continue on, CEO laid to rest

On Monday, the Parker House Sausage Co. said final goodbyes to its CEO Maurice McFolling at a funeral service held at Apostolic Church of God. McFolling, who headed the South Side business since 2005, was 81.

 
 
OUR CITY

E2 owners get prison in 2003 stampede

A judge says two owners of a Chicago nightclub where 21 people were killed in a stampede down a stairwell six years ago must go to prison.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

School board chief laid to rest

Hundreds of mourners filled the Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road, Saturday afternoon for the private funeral services for the late Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott.

 
 
OUR CITY by Jocelyn Noveck

To millions, Oprah’s not a megastar, just a BFF

NEW YORK – Like any wife who knows her husband well, Nancy Martus knows what will annoy her man. Like when she utters the phrase, “Oprah says...” “He doesn’t like it when I start my sentences that way,” laughs Martus, a 36-year-old mother of three in Plymouth, Mass. “He says he doesn’t care what Oprah says.”

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Public schools look to change admissions policy

Chicago Public Schools officials said by instituting changes to its current admissions policy at its top elementary and high schools, it will further diversify those schools.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Homeless to receive free breakfast

In the spirit of giving to those less fortunate, the African-American owner-operators of McDonald’s along with the community will serve hot breakfast Tuesday, Nov. 24, to more than 1,000 homeless people from shelters throughout Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Health department encourages caution for spreading flu during holidays

The upcoming holiday season puts people in proximity to family at the Thanksgiving table, and to shoppers in the malls and other retail outlets.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Showdown vote set for Cook County sales tax

Now that Cook County Board President Todd Stroger has vetoed a measure by Cook County Commissioners to rollback the sales tax, a showdown vote is set for next month.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Circuit Breaker benefits expanded

Medication costs and property tax relief benefits are expanded under Circuit Breaker program for seniors.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Alzheimer's research in Blacks gets federal boost

Alzheimer's research in Chicago is getting a big boost from the federal government.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Report: Ill. prison deal could create 3,000 jobs

WASHINGTON — A deal to house Guantanamo Bay detainees at a northwestern Illinois prison could bring nearly 3,000 jobs to the area, a White House analysis says.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn establishes state public health advocate

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed an order establishing a state public health advocate.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn creates Human Services Commission

Gov. Pat Quinn has created a commission tasked with making recommendations about human services in Illinois.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Injured Ill. servicemembers can apply for grants

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation that allows Illinois servicemembers who have been injured abroad to apply for $5,000 grants.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Cook County workers charged in sham marriage case

Ten people, including at least five current or former Cook County traffic court employees, have been charged with taking part in a sham marriage scheme.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Quinn defends new appointments

Gov. Pat Quinn is defending the creation of new taxpayer-funded jobs amid the state's growing budget problems.

 
 
OUR CULTURE by Theresa Fambro Hooks

Teesee's Town

Weekly jazz-dinner series kicks-off at KKC’s Sikia restaur

Christine Houston, award-winning creator and writer of TV’s long-running hit series, 227, hooked up with some of her former Kennedy-King College classmates Friday for an evening of dinner and live jazz at Sikia, our premiere South Side fine dining restaurant, 740 W. 63rd St. (at Halsted). Sounds of Sikia, a weekly music series running through Dec. 18, spotlights the KKC Faculty Trio, Dr. Curtis Pierce (drums), Pete Carney (sax) and Brian Felix (piano and organ).

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Illinois Swine Flu Update

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois is reporting nine new deaths and 241 new hospitalizations from swine flu.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Illinois launches online hospital report cards

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois has launched an online tool consumers can use to find an unprecedented amount of information on hospitals and surgical centers.

 
 
OUR CITY by Larry Margasak

Ethics committee: No punishment for Burris

WASHINGTON — The Senate ethics committee on Friday admonished Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., for making "inconsistent, misleading or incomplete" statements about the circumstances surrounding his appointment to the seat once held by Barack Obama. The committee recommended no action beyond the letter.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Illinois motorists told to prepare as winter nears

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois motorists have been urged to start getting ready for winter driving.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Public memorial set for Michael Scott

A public celebration of life for Michael Scott will be Sunday, Nov. 22 at 4:30 p.m. at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Burr Oak Cemetery reopens

The historic Burr Oak Cemetery reopened Thursday to families wanting to visit gravesites of loved ones and is not open to the general public.

 
 
OUR CITY by Wendell Hutson

Parker House Sausage CEO dies

One of Chicago’s last Black icons Maurice McFolling, 81, chief executive officer of Parker House Sausage Company Inc., died Tuesday.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Police: Foul play not ruled out in Scott’s death

Although the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office ruled Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott’s death a suicide, the Chicago Police Department said too many loose ends need to be shored up before it reaches a conclusion.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

Money still available for Illinois college students

Illinois students still in need of money for the 2009-2010 school year can fret no more.

 
 
OUR CITY Defender Staff Report

H1N1 outbreak spurs new visitor policy change

As local free vaccinations for the H1N1 virus rises, Cook County health officials said so does the need to take preventive measures against the virus.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Metra rail approves fare increases

Members of the Metra board of directors have approved the commuter rail line's budget, along with fare increases for some train trips.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

New Ill. law aims to spur construction projects

PEORIA, Ill. — A new Illinois law is meant to lead to more construction of energy-efficiency projects in Illinois.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Illinois begins new road safety program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The state of Illinois has launched a new campaign aimed at reducing the number of fatalities on Illinois roadways this year by at least 100.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Swine flu update: Illinois reports 12 new deaths

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois is reporting 12 new deaths and 368 new hospitalizations from swine flu.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Driver wounded by broken glass when bus fired on

Authorities say a Chicago Transit Authority bus driver suffered serious injuries from broken glass when someone fired shots at his bus on the city's South Side.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

Burials resume at Ill. cemetery after plot scandal

Burials have quietly resumed at a historic black cemetery in suburban Chicago where former workers were accused of digging up hundreds of graves in a scheme to resell plots for money.

 
 
OUR CITY Associated Press

State's budget crunch squeezing Ill. universities

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — The state's budget crisis is putting the squeeze on Southern Illinois University.

 
 
OUR CITY by Christopher S. Rugaber

Fed: banks need customer consent on overdraft fees

WASHINGTON — Banks will have to secure their customers' consent before charging large overdraft fees on ATM and debit card transactions, according to a new rule announced Thursday by the Federal Reserve.

 
 
OUR CITY by Christopher Wills

Ill. politicians file petitions for Feb. primary

Candidates for statewide office have to gather 5,000 signatures on the nominating petition. Most collect 10,000 to demonstrate their support and to provide a cushion in case some signatures are disqualified for technical reasons.

 
 
OUR CITY by Kathy Chaney

Police department admits wrongdoing in Yasmin Acree missing persons’ case

The Chicago Police Department agreed with the family of Yasmin Acree that CPD fumbled during the investigation of Acree’s disappearance by leaving pertinent evidence behind and not dusting for fingerprints when the teen was reported missing in January 2008, according to a recent letter addressed to the girl’s mother.

 
 
 
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