Friday, January 31
EEOC Report Examines Obstacles Facing Women in Federal Workplace
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today issued a comprehensive report addressing major obstacles hindering equal opportunities for women in the federal workforce, in addition to highlighting stakeholder recommendations. The report is available on EEOC's website at http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/reports/women_workgroup_report.cfm.
Report Says 5.6 Million U.S. Children Will Die Prematurely Unless Current Smoking Rates Drop
Approximately 5.6 million American children alive today – or one out of every 13 children under age 18 – will die prematurely from smoking-related diseases unless current smoking rates drop, according to a new Surgeon General’s report.
Dress for Success!
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” When it comes to interviewing and advancing in your career path, it’s not just a cliché; it’s the truth. While having the right credentials, education and experience are important to employers, their first impression when meeting a candidate face-to-face is literally what they see in your demeanor and physical appearance.
Cook County Shared Fleet Program Saves Taxpayers $250,000
Cook County's Shared Car program, which has been in progress for one year, has already saved taxpayers approximately $250,000 according to county officials. The Shared Car program is the latest of several government transportation programs supported by Zipcar throughout Illinois, including programs at the state, city and county levels. The program, which decreases employee vehicle costs and travel reimbursements, complemented Cook County's existing fleets by providing access to car sharing for employees, and optimized their existing fleet with Zipcar's FastFleet technology.
Legislation for Year-Round School Announced
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk announced new legislation at a press conference last week held at Alain Locke Charter School, on Chicago’s West Side, pushing for year-round schools throughout the nation as a way to close the achievement gap.
Wednesday, January 29
The Village of Hazel Crest Discusses Lifting Pawn Shop Moratorium
Village of Hazel Crest officials talked with local residents and business owners last Thursday during a public meeting to discuss lifting the current moratorium on issuing business permits/licenses to pawn shops and cash-for-gold enterprises. The village’s moratorium or, temporary prohibition of issuing licenses to pawn shops and cash-for-gold ventures, has been in effect for a year. It now must be reviewed by the Village of Hazel Crest’s President and Board of Trustees but the fate of the moratorium, according to village officials, will be decided mostly by concerned citizens.
South Side Youth's Path to Innovation and Entrepreneurship
There’s no shortage of news about African American youth who take the wrong path in life. Here’s a story however, that highlights an African American youth who started down the wrong path but changed his course and is now an entrepreneur with a device that soon will be on store shelves as a product that benefits children and their families. It's called the Thermofier.
U.S. Legislators Introduce Bill Designating National Park Status for Historic Pullman Area
A legislative measure originally introduced by former U. S. Cong. Jesse Jackson, Jr., is once again being presented by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), during the first session of the 113th Congress this week to establish a national park in Chicago’s Historic Pullman neighborhood.
Chicago Public Schools Approve Seven Charter Schools amidst Protests
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced last Wednesday that seven proposals for charter operating schools have been approved for the 2014-2015 School Year (SY14-15) and the 2015-2016 School Year (SY15-16). However, some community members are strongly opposed to the new schools opening in their neighborhoods.
Match Program Expands to Include 1000 CPS Students Next Year
Following a study that shows CPS (Chicago Public Schools) high students who were at risk of dropping out but improved their math scores with the help of an intensive tutoring and mentoring program, the City of Chicago and the University of Chicago will expand the program to include 1000 students next year.
Chicago Maintains Status as Place to Film Movies and Television Shows
Chicago is maintaining its status as the place for major film and television productions, with an overall increase in filming activity, according to information released from the Chicago Film Office at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). “This past year has been an outstanding year for film in Chicago with major films and six full-time TV shows in production,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Arthur Bishop Appointed as Department of Children and Family Services Chief
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn appointed Arthur Bishop as Director of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on Friday. “Arthur Bishop is a long-standing public servant who has dedicated his professional career to helping Illinois families,” Governor Quinn said. “I am confident that he will carry out the mission of the department by making the safety and well-being of children across the state priority number one. I thank acting Director Denise Gonzales for her commitment to protecting children and stepping up to ensure a smooth transition.”
Wednesday, January 22
IRS Offers Videos to Help Taxpayers Preparing to File in 2014
The Internal Revenue Service is offering taxpayers a number of instructional YouTube videos to help prepare their taxes for the upcoming filing season, which begins on Jan. 31.
Nutrition Labels Decoded
Tips for Interpreting Nutrition Facts Labels
Take a trip to the grocery store and you’ll encounter miles of aisles stocked with thousands of food products. Every product has a story to tell or better yet, sell. Information printed on packages is helpful but it’s often confusing and even a bit misleading.
Is Your New Year Happy Yet?
The dreary weather may have you down, but it doesn’t have to A few weeks after the holiday season, everything seems to just stop. All the eating, shopping, celebrating and spending time with family seems to come to an abrupt end. All of a sudden we’re back to our daily routines.
28th Annual Interfaith Celebration, Honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago's local church community and various elected officials paid homage to Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the City of Chicago’s 28th Annual Interfaith Breakfast where women of the Civil Rights movement were also recognized.
Aja Evans Details Her Journey to the 2014 Winter Olympics
Chicago native and Olympic hopeful Aja Evans’ journey to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia is a testament to her resolve, competitive spirit and longing for meaningful fulfillment.
New Online Tools for Chicago Small Business Startups and Entrepreneurs
Chicago Small Business owners and entrepreneurs now have two new online tools designed to help launch and grow business and both are available in English and Spanish. A Small Business Center (SBC) website will serve as a one stop shop for entrepreneurs and a new and improved Site Selector tool will help small businesses search for commercial sites available for lease or sale.
24th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast Celebrates Academic Youth Excellence
On Monday, PUSH for Excellence, Inc. (PUSH Excel), hosted its 24th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr. The ceremony recognized the academic achievements of African American youth from across the nation, awarded scholarships, was a call to action to end poverty and recognized recipients of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson Dream-Makers Award including:
Governor Quinn, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Announce 200 New Jobs for Illinois
Governor Pat Quinn joined EquiTrust Life Insurance Company to announce that the company is opening new offices in Illinois that will create 200 jobs in the coming year and could employ hundreds more in years to come. According to company officials, EquiTrust will open their first Illinois office in Chicago, where they expect to add approximately 200 employees over the coming year. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.
Wednesday, January 15
Emergency Rules Implemented to Protect Illinoisans from Petcoke
On Tuesday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced emergency administrative rules designed to protect Illinois residents from petroleum coke (petcoke). Under the Governor’s order, the rules will be filed later this week as part of his agenda to protect Illinois’ natural resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
Village of Matteson Celebrates Dr. King & Honors Others
The Village of Matteson is presenting its’ 33rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon on Saturday, January 18 at the Holiday Inn Matteson, 500 Holiday Plaza Dr., from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
U of I Approves $5 Million Matching Grant for New Illinois Manufacturing Lab
Trustees at the University of Illinois recently approved a $5 million grant to support a new manufacturing initiative that hopefully will advance economic development throughout Illinois.
Triton College Offers Firearms Training Course for General Public
In response to a federal court striking down Illinois’ ban on public possession of concealed guns last year—Triton College’s School of Continuing Education will offer a new course that will provide individuals with the education and training needed to apply for the Concealed Carry License in Illinois.
MLK Memorial Exhibit Center Scheduled to Open
A West Side organization will unveil a new exhibit that honors the legacy and also marks the now historic site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s., home during his stay here in Chicago back in 1966--part of the first phase of a multi-phased project included in the MLK Memorial District located in Chicago’s North Lawndale Neighborhood.
Surgeon Who Once Saved MLK’s Life, Dies in NY at 95
Dr. John W.V. Cordice, a surgeon who was part of the medical team that saved Martin Luther King Jr. from a nearly fatal stab wound in 1958, has died at age 95.
Healthy Lifestyles Encouraged at the Gary Comer Youth Center
On Friday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s Council on Health and Physical Fitness hosted an event to encourage Illinois citizens to participate in health and fitness activities that will help them live a healthier, happier and more productive life, at the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S Ingleside Ave., in Chicago.
6th Ward Alderman Calls for Better Snow Removal by the City of Chicago
Sixth Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer publicly voiced his concern about the lack of snow removal on the side streets within his ward in a recent press release.
Gary Comer Youth Center Hosts Events in Honor of Dr. King
The Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC), 7200 S. Ingleside Ave., will host two events in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 20, including the 5th annual Breakfast of Champions, which honors exemplary members of the local neighborhood as “Community Champions,” and the commemorative “King Today, King Beyond” event which is a tapestry of artistic performances.
Wednesday, January 8
AT&T Offers T-Mobile Customers up to $450 Per Line to Switch
AT&T is offering T-Mobile customers the opportunity to upgrade their mobile lifestyle with value of up to $450 per line when they switch to AT&T and trade in an eligible smartphone.
Mayor Emanuel Appoints former Obama Staffer as Deputy Chief of Staff
Mayor Rahm Emanuel started his new year off by appointing Ken Bennett, a long-time Chatham resident, and now former staff member of President Barack Obama's, as his new Deputy Chief of Staff and the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement.
After Cancer Diagnosis, Broadway Star Fights Back
Valisia LeKae has a New Year's resolution that has nothing to do with weight loss, money or watching less TV. "I will be cancer-free in 2014," she's vowed.
Chicago State Receives Grant for Substance Abuse Recovery Research
Chicago State University (CSU) is embarking upon cutting edge research as it looks into the benefits of meditation as a therapeutic tool for recovering substance abuse addicts and substance abuse case managers in urban areas.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to Serve as Keynote Speaker at Dr. King Celebration
A former Chicago South Side resident, who is now governor of another state, will come back to Chicago this month to help celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Black Star Project's Holiday Saturday University Makes Impact
The Black Star Project (BSP), a non-for-profit organization based in Chicago whose mission is to provide educational services that help pre-school through college students succeed academically, conducted Saturday University classes over the holiday break (Dec. 30, 2013 - Jan. 3, 2013). The sessions, which are held at BSP's headquarters at 3509 S. Martin Luther King Dr., included computer coding, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, African-American history, nutrition and college exposure.
CBA's Get Connected IT Ambassadors Give Local Small Businesses a Boost
Chatham Business Association’s (CBA) new Get Connected IT Ambassadors program develops young adults' computer literacy skills so that they can in turn, assist small local businesses with their computer based needs.
Newly Enacted Illinois Laws for 2014
Last year, Illinois' 97th General Assembly, passed over 200 new laws that went into effect Jan 1, 2014. Below, the Chicago Citizen Newspaper has highlighted new laws we feel are particularly noteworthy (To download a full list of all new Illinois laws, go to http://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/images/PDFS/2013/BillseffectiveJan1-2014.pdf.):
Thursday, January 2
Target: Customers' Encrypted PINs Were Obtained
Target says customers' encrypted PIN data was removed during the massive data breach that occurred earlier this month.
Inspiration for a Healthy New Year
Make being healthy your resolution and find ways to get and stay healthy this year. Many popular New Year's resolutions focus on how to improve your health. That is good news, considering that being healthy provides us protection against disease and injury, as well as strength and energy to help us have a good quality of life.
Gabrielle Union, D-Wade Engaged, Post Christmas Photo Shoot
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union are engaged. The Miami Heat star proposed to his longtime girlfriend Saturday and the actress accepted. They announced the news through social media, around the same time as the two-time defending NBA champions were gathering for a team Christmas party.