MONDAY JANUARY 13, 2025

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Chicago resident and frequent E2 patron Karl Clemont fondly recalls good times at the club and the night he met his wife, a moment that changed his life. In the 1990s and early 2000s, many of Chicago's youg urban professionals were moving to apartments just south of the downtown area, living closer to their jobs in the "loop", as it is known.

Downtown Chicago is called the "loop" because almost all of the CTA Trains converge there and "loop" around the downtown area.  Chicago's South Loop, beginining at 12th street (Roosevelt Road) is one of the city's first residential districts.  Working class immigrants, mostly Irish, settled on Chicago's  south side while the wealthier families built houses along Michigan and Wabash.  

John L. Alexander, reporting live from 23rd and Michigan Avenue, observes the demolition of the popular South Loop night club, taking with it a piece of the city's history.

Chicago's Black Belt started further south, stretching from 24thStreet to 35th Street, between State and Federal Streets in the area known as the Douglas Community.

Recent redevelopment of the South Loop has transformed it once again into a residential neighborhood. Clubs like E2 rose in popularity as the era of the Internet was launched at the rise of a new century, the year 2000.  By 2003, the young urban professional community was increasing its presence in the South Loop, and welcomed the presence of the E2 nightclub.

The E2 nightclub was a regular evening hang out for many who worked in and around the downtown area, offering a classy social spot for the young urban professional crowd. However, fighting in the club was slowly becoming  a common occurrence, despite the generally upscale patrons. When a fight between patrons triggered a security guard to start spraying pepper spray, the spray's noxious fumes prompted many to head for the exit down a steep stairwell, where they tripped over each other and fell and were trapped at the narrow doors which opened inward - a fire code violation. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

According to a report posted by ABC7 Chicago, on November 8, 2024, the Landmarks Commission voted to preserve the 2347 South Michigan  Avenue building because of its connection to the city's historic Motor Row District. However, inspections found the building unsafe and an emergency order was later issued for immediate demolition. By the end of December, 2024, demolition crews removed all traces of the  building that once housed the E2 nightclub, leaving an open space on the northeast corner of 24th and Michigan Avenue. Some speculate that a residential building may replace it. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

After fencing off the street to protect pedestrians, demolition crews began on the side of the building facing 23rd street. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

The highrise structures that flanked the Epitome Restaurant building remained untouched through out the demolition process. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

The last to fall to the wrecking ball were the tall beams holding up the restaurant's high ceilings. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News

After months of name calling and accusations, the fight for the White House is finally over - or is it?  Some are devastated over the loss of Vice President Harris, others are rejoicing over the victory of former President Donald Trump. Still others are saying that the nation needed a better choice, because neither candidate was adequate. What happened Election Day and where do we go from here? Sharing their views on The Female Solution Global Radio TV Show are political activists Amina Barhumi, Muslim Civic Coalition, Dr. Wallace Gator Bradley, United In Peace, Inc., and Tyrone Muhammad, Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, along with Host Naimah Latif, co-Host Kareem Hameed and joining us live from London, UK is author and radio commentator Zhana Books. For more on election results see Election 1

Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of the Council on American Islamic Relations - Chicago (CAIR - Chicago) stated that the statements by Illinois Senator Sara Feigenholtz were some of the most extreme he had ever heard from a public official and could incite hate crimes against Muslim such as .the recent murder of a 6 -year old Palestinian American in Illinois.

"We call on her to apologize and resign from office," he said. CAIR is also calling on Illinois Senate President Don Harmon to remove her from committee leadership positions.

Dilara Sayeed, President of the Muslim Civic Coalition said, "We have lost complete trust and faith" in the leadership of  Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, adding that her remarks could put her Muslim constituents "in harms way" of hate crimes.

 "Her actions may be putting our city's residents in danger," she said. 

Marty Levin, of Jewish Voices For Peace-Chicago quoted,"What is hateful to you do not do unto others,"  which he said comes from the Jewish tradition. He noted that his mother fled Russia to escape genocide.

"Words do matter. This is a time when we must hold all of us accountable and  hold our elected officials  to a higher standard."

"Sen.Sara Feigenholtz words and actions were not words of political disagreement. They were words that are hateful." 

U.S. Navy aircraft perform aerial feats at the the Chicago Air and Water Show pAugust 10 and 11, 2024. Photo credit- John L Alexander via/ON AIR Daily News

CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) proudly present the 2024 Chicago Air & Water Show, August 10 and 11 along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center from 10:30am to 3pm daily. Established in 1959, the Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free admission event of its kind. Headliners of the 2024 show include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.

See ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

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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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DIXMOOR, IL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 - The Village of Dixmoor held a press conference to speak about the Emergency Water Main Replacement. The event speakers (President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County), (1st District of IL Rep.Jonathan L Jackson), (2nd District IL, Rep. Robin Kelly) Fitzgerald Roberts (Mayor of Dixmoor, IL), (Commissioner Monica Gordan 5th District Cook County), Othel Owen (Director of Constituent Services 1st District of IL), 

(Lt. Colonel Joseph M. Bauman, USACE),

(Director Drew Williams-Clark, Build Up Cook), Bureau of Asset Management, US Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District, US Army, Grimmer Construction, Inc, Robinson Engineering. Photo Credit - John L Alexander via 1st District of Illinois Congressman Jonathan L Jackson

See GOVERNMENT

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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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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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Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams, and Zach Lavine pose alongside new player Josh Giddey during Chicago Bulls Media Day. (Andy Diederich / ON AIR Daily News)

“Our emphasis is on playing a fast-paced, tough, and energetic style that will showcase the talent we’ve invested in, particularly our youth, while still retaining key veteran leadership to guide them.” - Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas

At Chicago Bulls Media Day Monday afternoon, October 28, 2024  faces, new and old, donned the classic red and white threads inside the practice facility at the Advocate Center. 

Most notable amongst those new faces is former Thunder guard Josh Giddey, who was traded for Alex Caruso this offseason. Have the Bulls found the glue for their future backcourt? 

By Andy Diederich

  See SPORTS

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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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DePaul's NJ Benson throws the hammer down on Marel Bryant of Prairie View A&M Thursday Nov. 7, continuing their winning streak. Photo by Andy Diederich/ON AIR Daily News.J

The DePaul Blue Demon's men's basketball team claimed a blowout victory over the Prairie View A& M Panthers, winning 92-59 Thursday November 7, 2024 at the Wintrust Arena, in a game they dominated from beginning to end. 

By Andrew Diederich .  See SPORTS 1

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Ray Richardson of NABJ Sports Task Force presents Kenny McReynolds with the 2024 Sam Lacey Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2024 NABJ National Convention.  (Photo Courtesy of Kenny McReynolds)

Award winning sports journalist Kenny McReynolds recalls his 30 year career in broadcasting and how he shares his experience with student athletes to prepare them to handle press interviews in a professional manner. His success in mentoring youth over the years as they seek to enter the arena of professional sports has been recognized by a many prominent individuals and organizations.  

By Joshua Hicks.  See SPORTS 1

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The NOW Arena is a multi-purpose arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a northwest suburb 25 miles from Chicago. It is an 11,800 seat venue for sports, live music and competitions and is the home court of the Windy City Bulls, Chicago's NBA G League Affiliate. File Photo

Hoffman Estates, IL - The Windy City Bulls, presented by BMO, the NBA G League Affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, announced on November 7  the organizations 2024-25 opening night roster of 13 players.Windy City, led by Head Coach Billy Donovan III, tips off its 50-game slate on Friday November 8, 2024 at the Grand Rapids Gold. The Bulls have three games to start their new schedule. 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 2

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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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