Friday September 6, 2024

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Former high school teacher and football coach Governor Tim Walz stole America’s heart Wednesday night when he described his experiences as a father, a teacher, a coach and a good neighbor, painting a warm and fuzzy picture , in stark contrast to Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance, who many have described as rude and insensitive.

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“I grew up in Butte, Nebraska, a town of 400 people. I had 24 kids in my high school class. And none of them went to Yale,” he quipped, a subtle dig at his opponent, Yale graduate JDVance. ”Growing up in a small town like that you learn how to take care of each other.  That family down the road, they may not think like you do, they may not pray like you do, they may not love like you do, but they’re your neighbors and you look out for them and they look out for you. Everybody  belongs and everybody has a responsibility to contribute.” 

He described his decision to sign up for the National Guard at 17 and proudly serve his country, and how his father, a Korean War Veteran, suffered with lung cancer, resulting in huge hospital bills left behind after his death

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“Thank God for Social Security Survivor Benefits and thank God for the GI Bill that allowed me and my Dad to go to college.” Gov. waltz declared.

 After serving in the military, he said he fell in love with teaching, and became a football Coach, leading his team to win a State Championship.  He was widely recognized as a community leader, one who instilled high values and principles in his students and team members. He  recalled how his students and neighbors encouraged him to run for public office. He ran and won a seat in Congress. After serving in Congress for 12 years, he ran for Governor of the State of Minnesota and won a decisive victory. See ELECTION

The Queen of Talk Shows, and owner of the OWN TV Network, Oprah Winfrey fired up the crowd Wednesday night August 21, 2024.

“I am so honored to have been asked to speak on tonight’s theme about what matters most to me, to you and all of us Americans:  Freedom,“ she said. “There are people who want you to see our country as a nation of ‘us‘ against ‘them,’ people who wanna scare you, who want to rule you, people who’d have you believe that books are dangerous and assault rifles are safe, that there’s a right way to worship and a wrong way to love, people who seek first to divide and then to conquer. But here’s the thing: when we stand together it is impossible to conquer us!”

Quoting  the late Congressman John Lewis, who said, “Freedom is not free,“ she said “America is an ongoing project, it requires commitment,  it requires being open to the hard work  and the ‘heart‘  work, of Democracy. And every now and then it requires standing up to life’s bullies.” 

Recalling that she has both seen and been the recipient of racism and sexism, she said she has also seen people, both conservatives and liberals, who wouldn’t hesitate to help a neighbor in need.  She also reminded the crowd of the little black girls who were first to integrate public schools in the South.

”They paved the way for another little girl who nine years later became part of the second class to integrate the public schools in Berkeley, California.“ she said of Kamala Harris.  “And soon, and very soon, we’re going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an  Indian mother and a Jamaican father, two idealistic, energetic immigrants, how this child grew up to become the 47th President of the United States!” See ELECTION

He joked that he hadn't aged a bit, but the grey hairs on his once full head of black hair reminded the audience that he served 8 years in perhaps the world's most stressful, highly pressurized job - President of the United States.  As the crowd waved signs and chanted his signature phrase "Yes We Can!" America's 44th President Barack Obama declared"I am feeling fired up. I am'm feeling ready to go!"  He joked that he was the only person stupid enough to speak after Michelle Obama, acknowledging the brilliance of his wife's address that brought the audience to its feet with thunderous applause over and over again.

Speaking Tuesday August 20, 2024, the former President said,, "I am feeling hopeful, because this convention has always been good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible, because we have a chance to elect someone who has spent her entire life trying to give people the same chances America gave her. Someone who sees you, and hears you and will get up every single day and fight for you, the next President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris."

He spelled out the benefits of a Kamala Harris Presidency. "Kamala knows if we want to help people get ahead, we need to put a college degree within reach of more Americans. But she also knows  college shouldn't be the only ticket to the middle class. We need to follow the lead of Governors like Tim Walz who said, 'If you've got the skills and the drive you shouldn't need a degree to work for state government.' And in this new economy, e need a President who actually cares about the millions of people all across this country, who wake up every single day to do the essential often thankless work, to care for our sick, to clean our streets, to deliver our packages. We need a President to stand up for their right to bargan for better wages and working conditions, and Kamala will be that President.   Yes, She Can. Yes, She  Can." See ELECTION.

Though still grieving the passing of her mother, former First Lady Michelle Obama said she felt compelled to speak, in honor of her mother , "the woman who showed me the meaning of hard work and humility and decency. The woman who set my moral compass high and showed me the power of my own voice."  Speaking Tuesday, August 20, 2024, she  reminded the crowd, "not to squander the sacrifices of our elders to give us a better future."  She said said her mother's example of volunteering in the schools, looking out for other children, and being willing to do the thankless, unglamorous  jobs that strengthened this nation, the beliefs that all people can succeed if given the opportunity 

"Kamala Harris and I built our lives on those same foundational values. Even though our mothers grew up an ocean apart, they shared the same belief in the promise of this country." Kamala's mother moved to U.S. at age 19, and taught Kamala about justice and the obligation to lift others up.

"She'd often tell her daughter, 'Don't sit around and complain about  things. DO something!" So Kamala went on to graduate from an HBCU, earned her law degree, and went on to work for the people, fighting to hold lawbreakers accountable, fighting for better wages, decent health care and child care.

"From a middle class household, Kamala worked her way up to become Vice President of the United States of America!"  

Saying Kamala Harris is one of the most qualified to ever seek the office of the Presidency, the former First Lady challenged voters not to get discouraged by fears of whether America is ready to elect a woman President, or get discouraged if the opposition puts out lies or bad poll numbers, but remember the words of Kamala Harris' mother to "DO something!" See ELECTION

CHICAGO - The National Association of Black Journalists continued its tradition of meeting with Presidents and Presidential hopefuls during election years, hosting "A Conversation With Donald Trump" on the first day of the NABJ National Convention Wednesday July 31, 2024.

Former President Donald Trump was drilled by a panel of journalists,  ABC Senior Congressional Correspondent for ABC News  Rachel Scott, Semafor Political Reporter Kadia Goba, and anchor of the Faulkner Focus and co-host of Outnumbered on Fox News, Harris Faulkner, who asked questions about his policies during his Presidency and the public statements he has made that many found offensive.

"A lot of people did not think it was appropriate for you to be here today," Rachel Scott began. "You have pushed false claims about some of your rivals from Nicki Haley to former President Barack Obama, saying that they were not born in the United States (which is not true), you have told four Congresswomen of color who were American citizens to "go back to where they came from,"  you have used words like "animal" and "rabid" to describe Black District Attorneys, you attacked Black journalists, calling them "losers" saying the questions that they asked were "stupid and racist", you had dinner with a White Supremacist at your Mar-A-Lago Resort. So my question, Sir, now that you are asking Black supporters to vote for you, why should Black voters trust you, after you have used language like that?" 

Donald Trump responded, "Well, first of all, I don't think I've ever been asked a question so, in such a horrible manner, firstly."  The audience laughed as he continued, " You didn't even say, 'Hello, how are you?' Are you with ABC? Because I think they're a fake news network. And I think it's disgraceful that I came here in good spirit, I love the Black population of this country, I've done so much for the Black population of this country, including employment, including opportunity zones with Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, which is one of the greatest programs ever for Black workers and Black entrepreneurs. I've done so much and, you know, and I say this, that Historically Black Colleges and Universities were out of money, they were stone cold broke, and I saved them and I gave them long term financing and nobody else was doing it. 

Former President Donald Trump faced tough questions from journalists  that some say he never really answered at the National Association of Black Journalists convention that kicked off Wednesday July 31, 2024 at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago. Photo by Marcus Robinson/ON AIR Daily News

"I think it's a very rude introduction, I don't know exactly why you would do something like that, and let me go a step further, I was invited here, and I was told my opponent, whether it was Biden or Kamala,  I was told my opponent was going to be here. It turned out my opponent isn't here.  You invited me under false pretenses. And then you said, "You can't do it with Zoom."  Well, you know, where's Zoom? She's going to do it with Zoom, and she's not coming. And then you were a half an hour late, just so we understand, I have too much respect for you to be late, they could n't get their equipment working or something, I think it was a very nasty question, I have answered the question, I have been the best President for the Black people since Abraham Lincoln."

And so the tone was set for this interview with former President Donald Trump, scheduled to last one hour but abruptly cut short after 35 minutes.  NABJ members reacted to what they heard. See ELECTION

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 NaimahLatif

See HOUSING

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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 upcoming Chicago Football Classic. Photo by Marcus Robinson

The Chicago Football Classic Scholarship Fund, Inc., will be returning 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, now in its 27th year, raises funds for scholarships for students attending any of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities  also known as HBCUs.  

 By Naimah Latif

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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