Cheryl Corley

Losers In Chicago School Closings Target Elected Officials

Cheryl Corley — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:12:00 +0000

A day after school officials approved shutting down 50 schools, the Chicago Teachers Union and community activists say they'll hold a voter registration and education campaign. The union is agitated that Mayor Rahm Emanuel, school board members and some lawmakers failed to listen to parents, teachers and others who called for the schools to remain open.

Before they voted yes on the sweeping school closure plan, school board members faced a torrent of criticism Wednesday.

Cash Crunch Prompts Controversial Sales At Chicago's Field Museum

Cheryl Corley — Mon, 06 May 2013 07:45:00 +0000

The economy may be on the rebound, but many cultural institutions are still struggling to regain their financial footing. That's especially true for one of the country's most recognized museums — the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Known internationally for its research as well as its exhibits, the Field Museum must pay off millions in bond debt — and toe an ethical line as it does.

The first thing you see when you enter the main hall of the Field Museum is Sue, the largest specimen of Tyrannosaurus rex around.

Michelle Obama Steps Into Gun Control Debate

Cheryl Corley — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:06:00 +0000

First lady Michelle Obama gave a personal and emotional speech Wednesday in Chicago as she stepped into the debate over gun control.

"Right now, my husband is fighting as hard as he can and engaging as many people as he can to pass common-sense reforms to protect our children from gun violence," she said.

The first lady was in her hometown to encourage business leaders to donate millions of dollars to programs for at-risk youth.

It was just two months ago that Obama returned home to attend the funeral of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago teenager who performed with her band members

For Pulitzer-Winning Critic Roger Ebert, Films Were A Journey

Cheryl Corley — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:47:00 +0000

He won a Pulitzer Prize for his writing, but just as influential as his print essays were his "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" movie reviews. Film critic Roger Ebert died Thursday after struggling for years with cancer. He was 70 years old.

His thumb may have made him famous on TV, but Ebert was first and foremost a print journalist. He worked on newspapers in grade school, high school and college.

Chicago Teachers, Parents Riled By Plan To Close 54 Public Schools

Cheryl Corley — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:52:00 +0000

In Chicago, officials have released a long-feared list that places more than 50 schools on the chopping block. The public school district faces a $1 billion shortfall, and the mayor says many of the city's school buildings are half empty. Some angry parents and teachers say the plan will harm children and they'll fight to keep the schools open.

There were protests all day Thursday against the proposed school closings, including one outside the home of the Chicago school board president.

Game Of Change: Pivotal Matchup Helped End Segregated Hoops

Cheryl Corley — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:12:00 +0000

During the March Madness of 1963, playing was infused with politics. The NCAA matchup between Loyola University of Chicago and Mississippi State helped put an end to segregated basketball. Loyola's win 50 years ago became known as the "game of change."

At the time, college basketball was still predominantly white, with usually no more than two or three black players appearing on the floor at any one time. But in '63, the Loyola Ramblers' starting lineup featured four black players.

During the opening round of the NCAA tournament, the Ramblers blew past their opponent.

August Wilson's Words Get New Life In Monologue Contest

Cheryl Corley — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:13:00 +0000

When the stage lights go up at Chicago's Goodman Theatre on Monday evening, more than 20 high school students will each have a moment to step into the spotlight and perform a monologue from one of the plays written by the late August Wilson. Chicago's contest is one of several regional finals that strives to introduce students to the Pulitzer Prize winner's work.

An Oprah-less Chicago Tries To Keep Talk Show Spirit Alive

Cheryl Corley — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:01:00 +0000

It's been nearly two years since Oprah ended her daily show, and Chicago's been adjusting to the loss of the daytime talk queen. Although she left a huge void, there's no need to write an obituary for the TV talk genre in Chicago.

In the lobby of Chicago's NBC Towers, the crowd of excited fans gathered for a TV taping is reminiscent of the Oprah days of old. But instead of Oprah, they're lined up to see veteran comedian Steve Harvey's show.

"I like Steve's energy. I like his shows. He's funny. He covers all topics," says fan Deloris Neal.

And its Harvey's style that Tom Eugling likes.

Airport Suites Offer Travelers A Place To Nap On The Fly

Cheryl Corley — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:34:00 +0000

When there's a big snowstorm or a plane has mechanical problems, airports often turn into uncomfortable holding pens, with people scrunched in chairs, lying on floors, filling up restaurants and otherwise trying to find something to do.

That's actually good news for one company. Minute Suites is building tiny airport retreats across the country. The suites are already operating in Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Gun Violence Robs Chicago Mother Of Remaining Child

Cheryl Corley — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:07:00 +0000

The gun violence that scars some Chicago neighborhoods has been a plague for one woman. Shirley Chambers first lost a child to gunfire in the mid 1990s. In 2000, a daughter and a son were shot to death just months apart. On Monday, Chambers buried her last child.

Nearly 500 people filled the pews, the choir lofts and hallways of St. Luke Church of God in Christ for the funeral of 33-year-old Ronnie Chambers, an aspiring music producer who died Jan. 26.

When his mother walked up to the casket, she collapsed.

Violence-Riddled Chicago Hopes Gun Proposals Will Help Shield It

Cheryl Corley — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:40:00 +0000

As President Obama unveiled his gun control proposals Wednesday, he highlighted mass shootings at schools in Colorado, Virginia and Connecticut. He also mentioned another group of children, not in school — the ones on the street corners of Chicago.

Chicagoan Annette Holt was at the White House during Obama's address.

A Vision For Chicago Public Housing, Stymied And Contested

Cheryl Corley — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:20:00 +0000

Chicago's $1.6 billion "Plan for Transformation" envisioned public housing in a way that would deconstruct an image of the city's poor all concentrated in huge housing silos.

The idea was to mix public-housing residents with market-rate condos and subsidized rentals or homes, with one-third of each in these new communities.

But after more than a decade in the works, one of the country's most closely watched public housing experiments has been hampered by the flailing economy.

GOP Looks To Amp African-American Support

Cheryl Corley — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 22:37:00 +0000

Barack Obama won more than 95 percent of the black vote in the last presidential election, and Democrats are expected to have a huge advantage this November.

RNC's Program Aimed At Luring More Latino Voters

Cheryl Corley — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:23:00 +0000

Transcript

MELISSA BLOCK, HOST:

From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Melissa Block.

As they leave the convention in Tampa, Republican Party leaders are hoping their efforts in Florida will win over more Latino voters. Hispanic lawmakers were given high-profile speaking roles, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced Mitt Romney last night.

As Convention Day Winds Down, Tampa Hosts Republican (And Other) Parties

Cheryl Corley — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:39:00 +0000

In Tampa, "Republican Party" can take on a whole new meaning as it gets later in the convention day. That's when delegates, lobbyists, business executives and others begin to mingle, filling up the city's nightspots.

NPR producer Brakkton Booker and I began Tuesday night with a trip to 7th Street in Ybor City, the Tampa neighborhood made famous for its cigar factories of the past. Now it's a mix of restaurants, bars and trendy shops similar to New Orleans' Bourbon Street.

There was a mostly young crowd lined up in front of the Amphitheater nightclub.

GOP Convention Ready To Roll In Tampa

Cheryl Corley — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:53:00 +0000

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

It's MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep.

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

And I'm David Greene. Good morning.

For a while now, we've been calling Mitt Romney the presumptive nominee. Today it is official. Republicans meeting in Tampa will nominate the former Massachusetts governor. This as their convention finally gets underway after a weather delay. Republicans remain concerned about Isaac and the storm's possible impact on the Gulf Coast, seven years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Michelle Obama Focuses On Work Still To Be Done

Cheryl Corley — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 21:43:00 +0000

This week, first lady Michelle Obama was doing something she loves to do, talking about nutrition with kids. She hosted the first state dinner for children, welcoming 54 of them and their parents to the White House.

"This is the hottest ticket at the White House, right here, because of all of you," Obama said to the children, who ranged in age from 8 to 12.

The first lady stood before a colorful backdrop set up for the event in the East Room of the White House, with portraits of George and Martha Washington on either side.

Hot, Dry, Tapped Out: Drought Drains Wallets, Too

Cheryl Corley — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 10:20:00 +0000

The drought that's hit huge swathes of the country is also draining the audiences for outdoor activities.

Just look at the Fox River, about 50 miles southwest of Chicago. Water swirls and plunges over a dam in Yorkville, Ill. Normally there'd be lots of folks canoeing or kayaking here, but not today.

"As you can see most of my canoes are just sitting," says Greg Freeman, the owner of Freeman Sports Shop.

He's lined up a colorful array of canoes and kayaks on the grassy riverbank behind his store.

Urgency Reigns At Vote-Focused NAACP Convention

Cheryl Corley — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 10:07:00 +0000

The NAACP, the nation's oldest civil rights organization, holds its annual convention in Houston this week. As in any election season, the group is focused on voting rights and voter turnout. But this year, there's another issue that's front of mind: the dramatically high rate of unemployment rate among African-Americans.

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney will address the NAACP convention on Wednesday, and Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak the following day.

Exhale, Chicago, A Little Pot May Be Fine(d)

Cheryl Corley — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:01:00 +0000

In Chicago, a new policy on marijuana possession would mean adults who are caught with a small amount of the illegal drug would receive a fine instead of being arrested.

It's mostly about money and how best to use police resources.

Under current Illinois law, anyone found with less than about 1 ounce of marijuana can be charged with a misdemeanor.

A New Union Battle As Chicago Teachers, Mayor Clash

Cheryl Corley — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 07:15:00 +0000

There hasn't been a school strike in Chicago for 25 years.

After NAACP Marriage Stance, Discord And Discussion

Cheryl Corley — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 07:03:00 +0000

The NAACP recently took what was for some in the organization a controversial step, when it endorsed same-sex marriage. That move has now led some local officers around the country to resign — including the group's most outspoken critic of gay marriage.

The NAACP board says it stands by its resolution calling for marriage equality.

Discovery Sparks Interest In Forgotten Black Scholar

Cheryl Corley — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:20:00 +0000

Three years ago, just moments before sledgehammers ripped through an abandoned home in Chicago, the head of a demolition crew decided to save the contents of an old steamer trunk stored in the attic.

"They were about to demolish it because they couldn't get it down the stairs," says Rufus McDonald, who gathered what was inside the steamer trunk — documents and old books — and took them to a rare-book dealer in Chicago.

"He said, 'Do you know who this is?' I said, 'Nah, who is it?' He said, 'It's Richard Theodore Greener," McDonald recalls.

Tulsa Shooting Victim Had Turned Her Life Around

Cheryl Corley — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:27:00 +0000

In Tulsa, Okla., the families of the three victims killed during a shooting rampage Friday are planning funerals. Police say William Allen, 31, Bobby Clark, 54, and Donna Fields, 49, were shot in a predominantly black neighborhood on the north side of Tulsa by two white men.

Fields was walking home after playing a game of dominoes with friends. She was called Donna, but her given name was Dannaer.

Police: Suspects Confess To Tulsa Shooting Spree

Cheryl Corley — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Transcript

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

It's MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep.

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

And I'm Renee Montagne.

We're going to spend this part of the program in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a deadly shooting spree in a black neighborhood has revived memories of a long ago race riot.

INSKEEP: First, we have an update on the news here.

'Premature' To Call Tulsa Shootings Hate Crimes

Cheryl Corley — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:35:00 +0000

Police in Tulsa, Okla., say it is much too early in their investigation to describe the murder of three black residents and the wounding of two others as a hate crime. Two men were arrested early Sunday morning and are expected to face charges of first-degree murder and shooting with intent to kill.

Soon after Friday's shooting, authorities reached out to the public for help. Police Maj. Walter Evans, the head of a task force looking into the murders, says information started pouring in shortly after that.

"The Crime Stopper tips were the biggest help to us," Evans says.

Jesse Jackson Jr. Makes Final Push To Win Primary

Cheryl Corley — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:57:00 +0000

The next primary election takes place in President Obama's home state of Illinois on Tuesday. While Republicans are looking to capture delegates in the presidential race, there are several House races on the ballot — mostly due to redistricting.

In one of the most closely watched of those races, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is facing a challenge from fellow Democrat and former Rep.

Voters May Break Up Fight Over 'Fighting Sioux'

Cheryl Corley — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:01:00 +0000

The state Supreme Court in North Dakota is about to consider this question: Can lawmakers require a college to name its sports teams after a Native American tribe?

For decades, University of North Dakota teams have been known as the "Fighting Sioux." It's a name some see as an honor and others find demeaning. Now, the long fight over the Fighting Sioux may be settled in a courtroom.

2,400 Logos And A 'Vexing' Dispute

If there is any place to see the Fighting Sioux logo, it's at the university's hockey arena.

Online Lottery Could Be Coming To A State Near You

Cheryl Corley — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Several states — including Illinois and New York — are now pushing forward with plans to offer lotteries on the Internet. That's in the aftermath of an opinion from the Justice Department, which reverses a long-standing policy and says states are free to conduct online gambling within their borders.

The lottery issue came to the forefront when the two states, which were both moving forward with Internet lottery plans, asked the Justice Department for clarification.

For Black Americans, A Longer Time Without Work

Cheryl Corley — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Although the U.S. gained more than 120,000 jobs last month, the numbers of long-term unemployed barely shifted, and unemployment rates for African-Americans continued to go through the roof.

A recent NPR and Kaiser Family Foundation poll shows that although the long-term unemployed face many of the same difficulties regardless of race, there are distinct differences between blacks and whites struggling to find work.

Out-of-work blacks, whites, Latinos and Asians all took part in the NPR-Kaiser survey.