Tuesday October 8, 2024

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U.S. Vice President and Democratic Party Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris shares her plans to address America's challenges with journalists from  the National Association of Black Journalists( NABJ.)

By Naimah Latif

ON AIR Daily News

PHILADELPHIA - The National Association of Black Jouralists (NABJ) in conjunction with station WHYY presented "A Conversation With Vice President Kamala Harris" Tuesday September 17, 2024. Every four years  NABJ invites the nomineess from the Republican and Democraric Parties to meet with the organization and answer questions. For the first time in 24 years, both the Republican nominee and the Democratic nominee for President of the United States has met with NABJ.

A panel of three journalists  questioned the Vice President on key issues.

When asked about the state of the economy  and if she believed voters are better off today than they were four years ago under Donald Trump, Vice President Harris stated, "Four years ago when we came in, we came in during the worse unemployment since the Great Depression." 

She said despite the challenges created by the Trump administration, the economic crisis and health care crises during COVID, the Biden- Harris administration managed to make progress, succeeding in capping the cost of prescription drugs, an issue critical for seniors on a fixed income.

Vice President Harris described what she called an "Opportunity Economy," explaining that she would expand the Child Tax Credit to $6,000. She also stated she would increase tax deductions for small start up businesses to $50,000.  She said she intends to encourage entrepreneurship by giving aspiring business owners more access to capital. To help families qualify for housing loans she said she would have medical debt taken off of one's credit report, since medical debt was often a common factor in low credit scores that impacted one's ability to buy a home, a car or even get a lease on an apartment.

Regarding gun control, she advocates universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons. On the abortion issue, she said she would gladly sign legislation that provided the protections of women's rights under Roe v. Wade.

NABJ Members interviewing Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday evening September 17th included Gerren Keith Gaynor, White House Correspondent and Managing Editor of Politics for The Grio; Eugene Daniels ,Co-Author of The Politico Playbook and White House Correspondent for POLITICO; and Tonya Mosley, Co-Host, NPR and WHYY Fresh Air. 

The war in Gaza is something that must end as soon as possible, Vice President Harris said. She said that the current administration has been "working around the clock" to find a solution.She said she supports a two State solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.   When asked to explain the difference between defense and aggression, she acknowledged that "too may innocent Palestinians have been killed". 

"I support Israel's right to defend itself," she reiterated. She said she also believes Palestinians have a right to saftety and securituy.  She said she plans to push for a deal for an immediate cease fire and a release of the hostages.

"We need to get that deal done." she said. 

By Naimah Latif

ON AIR Daily News

The first live televised debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump Tuesday Sept. 10, 2024 presented  90 minutes of accusations and insults, as each took jabs at the other during questions about the economy, immigration, abortion, and war.

According to ABC moderators, David Mui and Linsey Davis, the pollls show both candidates tied in terms of voter support. The small margin of undecided voters could make a big difference in the seven swing states of  Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

The candidates were given two minutes to answer questions and one minute for rebuttals, and a visible clock was displayed prominently on the wall to keep them on track. Kicking off with the issue of the state of the  U.S. economy and the cost of living, here is what the candidates said:

VP Harris: "I am actually the only person on this stage with a plan to lift up the American people. I imagine and I have actually a plan to build what I call an 'opportunity economy.'  We know that we have a shortage of housing, and the cost of housing is too expensive for far too many people.  We know that young families need suppor to raise their children . I intend to extend a tax cut to those families of $6,000, which is the largest child tax credit we've given in a long time." She said  her plan would stimulate the economy and would enable families to get groceries and other everyday items they need, and would help young families be able to afford to buy homes. She said also plans to give a 50,000 tax deduction to start up small businesses.

Former President Donald Trump accuses Vice President Harris of creating the immigrant crises.

Former President Trump: "We're doing tariffs on other countries, so that other countries after 75 years can pay us back for all we've done for the world, and the tariff will be substantial in some places. I took in billions and billions of dollars from China. In fact they never took the tariff off because they can't, it's too much money...When I had tariffs, we had no inflation." He said America had the greatest economy during his Presidency.

Both candidates accused the other of having no viable plan and of telling lies.  The immigration issue was a hotly debated topic, with former President Trump saying that Vice President Harris is responsible for the immigration crisis. "We have millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails and insane asylums and they're coming in and taking jobs that are occupied right now by African Americans and Hispanics and also Unions, unions are going to be affected." He said immigrants were bringing violent crime and when elected he would institute immediate deportation of illegal immigrants.

Vice President Kamala Harris accuses Former President Trump of sowing seeds of racial hatred. 

Vice President Harris said "Donald Trump left us the worst the worst public health crisis in history." She said he "incited a violent mob" on January 6, and taunted him about his indictments and impeachment. She said Republicans endorsed her because they said he has "no respect for the Constitution of the United States."

The two also clashed on the abortion issue, with former President Trump saying abortions were being performed in the ninth month, which after fact checking, was proved false.  Vice President Harris said that under Trump's policies, survivors of incest would be forced to carry a pregnancy to term and women suffering  miscarriages would be denied life saving health care services.

On the issue of war, Trump claimed he would be able to end all wars immediately while Harris said she would "work around the clock" toward a cease fire in Gaza and would strive to negotiate a two- state solution between Israel and Palestine.

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The legendary performing artists of Earth Wind and Fire along with with timeless band Chicago performed at the Allstate Arena as part of their  30-city Heart & Soul tour. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

The 31st Annual Festival of Life, a five day family festival held in Washington Paerk from Wednesday July 4th to Sunday July 7, 2024, brought people of different cultures together to enjoy food, fasihon, art and music from Africa and the Caribbean. By Naimah Latif

 See ARTS ENTERTAINMENT 

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Former President and Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump addressed the National Association of Black Journalists during its 2024 National Convention and Career Fair in Chicago to be held Wednesday July 31 through SundayAugust 4, 2024. This  conference attracted industry leaders and featured journalism education, career development, networking and innovation. Former President Trump spoke at noon on Wednesday, July 31st, the first day of the convention and just a few weeks before the  DNC kicks off in Chicago.  By Naimah Latif

See BUSINESS

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Alderman David Moore of the Mighty 17 ward camps out in the 1200 block of west 73rd place in west Englewood. The reason for this is to bring attention to the super drug highway that residents of this block says have held them  hostage in their own homes. Photo by Marcus Robinson/ON AIR Daily New s

Alderman David Moore challenges the Police Department, the Mayor's Office, and the Cook County Board to come up with a solution to the drug trafficking crisis. By Naimah Latif

See COMMUNITY/.CIVIC

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Independent candidate for President Robert Kennedy, Jr. announced that he is “suspending” his campaign in states where he would merely be a “spoiler” and is throwing his support behind Republican candidate Donald J. Trump. 

Here is yet another unexpected twist in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: controversial independent candidate Robert Kennedy, Jr. announced Friday August 23rd that he is “suspending“ his campaign and throwing his support behind Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. This  announcement, coming on the heels of an electrifying Democratic National Convention, presupposes that Robert Kennedy Jr’s followers will agree with his choice and follow his lead. But what if they don’t? And what is the real story behind this announcement?

 By Naimah Latif

See EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY

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A fearless group of educators explain how T.R.U.S.T. can turn our classrooms into enjoyable places of learning where students excel.

Is it time for a change in our system of education?  A determined group of Urban EDU Coach Innovators have created a solution to the problems in public education and are inviting, parents, teachers and  youth advocates to attend a special training session Sunday July21 at Earl's Garden Mae's Kitchen Community Garden in Chicago designed to empower those who empower youth in program called T.R.U.S.T: Time to Rebuild Understanding between Students and Teachers. As  educators and. Students prepare for the upcoming school year, many are ready to try a different approach to teaching and learning, in order to  make the educational experience better.

 By Naimah Latif

See EDUCATION 

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U.S. Secret Service Democratic National Convention Coordinator Jeff Burnside speaks to reporters at a news conference Thursday July 25, 2024, Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

U.S. Secret Service officials were joined by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, FBI Chicago Acting Special Agent in Charge Lucas Rothaar, and other officials at a news conference held Thursday July 25th at US Secret Service Chicago Field Office in Chicago during which the U.S. Secret Service and its public safety partners released the comprehensive public safety map and other security measures for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. .

By Naimah Latif

See ELECTION

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President Joe Biden descends the steps of AIR Force One, on his way to meet Democratic Party supporters in this file photo from earlier this summer. Photo by John L. Alexander   

President Joe Biden  address a group of about 100 digital creators in the  Indian Treaty room in the White House Complex  on August 14, 2024, to reflect on how the. Communications industry has opened up new possibilities. He said that digital content creators, whose postings are the main source of news for the younger generation, should only share information they belief to be true.   

By Naimah Latif

See GOVERNMENT

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Linda Stevens,Founder of the Path to Wellness Center at 22000 Pepper Road in Barrington, IL , explains how healing the body through cell regeneration can be initiated using modern technology.  Photo by Naimah Latif

Can computer technology be used to heal the body of diseases? At the Path to Wellness Center, raising the body's frequency using Scalar Wave Energy is a technique used to aid cell regeneration which triggers the body's natural healing systems. How can this groundbreaking healing technique transform the health care industry?

By Naimah Latif

See HEALTH/WELLNESS

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The Selina Chicago at 100 E. Chestnut, right off the Magnificent Mile onMichigan Avenue will soon be a temporary shelter for the unhoused. Photo By Naimah Latif

A boutique hotel in Streeterville will soon be used to house the homeless, a decision some say came as a result of outrage expressed by many citizens when immigrant "asylum seekers" were provided housing while hundreds of Chicago's homeless remained sleeping on city streets in the cold.   The city remains in an uproar over which of the unhoused populations will be given shelter.

By Naimah Latif

See HOUSING

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A special screening of the film "Vigilantes, Inc. America's New Vote Suppression Hitmen" was held Saturday September 7, 10:00am at the Rainbow PUSH Headquarters, 930 E. 50th Street in Chicago. This documentary explores the tactics used to suppress the vote and the efforts being made to combat these injustices.

This film, directed by Greg Palast and David Ambrose and narrated by Rosario Dawson, shines a light on the critical issue of voter suppression in America. 

Voting laws have changed dramatically since 2020. States have made the rules that govern the elecrtions either tighter or looser, dependng on what party has been in charge. This could effect the outcome in the swing states.

By Naimah Latif

See COMMUNITY/CIVIC

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ON AIR Daily News Managing Editor Naimah Latif accepts her Award at the 15th Annual UYoraba Cultural Exchange Festival . Photo by Lloyd DeJohnette/ON AIR Daily News.

Naimah Latif has been named one of the Global Women of Substance, an award   presented by First Eye Concept at the 2024 Yoruba Cultural Exchange Festival Gala and Awards, Saturday September 7, 2024, at Malcolm X College in Chicago. See INTERNATIONAL

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His Royal Highness Togbi  NyahoTamakloe VI of the Anlo Kongdom Volta Region, Ghana sits on a throne during the ceremonial crowning of African Diaspora Kings and Queenst at the 4th Annual Exchange Ceremony held Saturday June 22, 2024.  Photo by Naimah Latif

Music , dance, fashion, and cultural cuisine marked the celebration of outstanding men and women being crowned as African Kings and Queens  at the 4th Annual Exchange Ceremony in which Ghanaian royalty traveled to Chicago to participate in the ceremonial presentation.

 By Naimah Latif

See INTERNATIONAL

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The Fourth of July began in Chicago with a mass shooting. Two adults, both females, were shot dead on the scene at 71st and Woodlawn, an 8-yea- old child was rushed to the hospital and later died.

Photo by Marcus Robinson

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling and other members of his team held a press conference at the CPD Headquarters to address the violence and resulting community  trauma after a a deadly 4th of July weekend that claimed 19 lives and 107 suffered gunshot wounds.   

By Mamadee EvAngel YHWHnewBN

See JUSTICE / LAW

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Pastor Corey Brooks and project H.O.O.D. sprang into action in response to the devastating poverty that leads to urban crime and violence by calling a meeting of 500 men to create a safe environment in the streets of Chicago. Can church leaders inspire young men to engage in more behaviors that are more supportive of their families and communities?  Can a coalition spiritually based men create an environment the inspires the destructively behaving men to live by a higher code of ethics? Can independent businessmen rebuild a viable economy in drug infested neighborhoods? Pastor Brooks says he has a plan.

By Naimah Latif

See RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY

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Morehouse alumni Alderman Ronnie Mosley (21), Alderwoman Michelle Harris (8) and Alderman David Moore (17) along with Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., support the annual Chicago Football Classic. Photo by Marcus Robinson

The Chicago Football Classic Scholarship Fund, Inc., returned to Soldier Field Saturday September 21, 2024, with an exciting matchup between Morehouse College and Kentucky State, two outstanding institutions of higher education. The Football Classic raises funds for scholarships for students attending an HBCU, any of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

 By Naimah Latif.  See SPORTS

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Seen sitting among the basketball fans  at the Wintrust Arena August 330 for the highly publicized match up was Shaquille O'Neal, conspicuous in his colored shirt and gold chain.  Photo by John L. Alexander

Basketball legend and now sports commentator Shaquille O'Neal was one of the many stars who mingled with fans at Wintrust Arena Friday August 30, 2024, anxious to see the great matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, specifically to witness two great rookies, Chicago Sky's Angel Reese and Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark go head to head.  The Indiana Fever beat the Chicago Sky 100 to 81.

By Joshua Hicks

 See SPORTS

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Queen Mother Rev. Helen Sinclair celebrates a birthday at the Rainbow PUSH National Headquarters in Chicago, the organization she served faithfully for more than six decades. Photo by John L. Alexander

Given the title Queen Mother during one of her many trips to Africa, Queen Mother Rev. Helen Sinclair made her transition just one month short of her 104th birtday, leaving a lifetime legacy of service to those who suffered incarceration. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, Jesse Ma Houston, in fighting for the rights of prisoners while spiritually uplifting those serving time behind bars. Her impact on society was profound.

By Naimah Latif

See TRANSITIONS

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Political Consultant and television talk show host Wallace Gator Bradley speaks to a gathering of youth, appealing for peace in the streets  after deadly shootings wreaked havoc in Chicago in July. Photo by Naimah Latif

The youth who are at war with each other need to see unity between the elders stated Political Consultant, and Talk Show Host Wallace Gator Bradley. He joined with  peace advocates to demonstrate a united front between men in the community and men on the police force, all of who are committed to standing up and stopping the violence between youth, sending a message that violent behavior will. have consequences.

By Naimah Latif

See YOUTH

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