Wednesday, March 30
Get Smart About Smart Meters
Attorney General Urges Consumers to Understand Smart Meter Data, its Benefits and Potential Pitfalls
Attorney General Lisa Madigan today issued a consumer alert urging Illinois residents to do their homework on smart meters – how they work, what type of data they collect, how the data can be used and if you authorize it, who can access it. Smart meters may help households lower electricity bills if the data is monitored and used properly, but Madigan warned that special packages that utility companies market don’t always result in savings.
American Heart Association and Macy’s Launch National Fitness Challenge to Inspire and Help Women Get Fit for Life, Reduce Heart Disease
The American Heart Association and Macy’s are proud to announceGo Red Get Fit- a free online fitness challenge to help women to get fit for life and reduce their risk of heart disease -- the No. 1 killer of women.
Reps. Kelly, Watson Coleman, Clarke Announce Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls
Congresswomen Robin Kelly (IL-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) recently announced the creation of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, the first caucus devoted to public policy that eliminates the significant barriers and disparities experienced by Black women.
Chicago Teachers Union Plans1-day Strike on April 1, Potential Scabs Warned
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has scheduled a one-day strike on Fri., April 1 and CTU members have been warned that if they cross picket lines, they could be booted from the organization. Many including CTU members are asking why a one-day strike billed “A Day of Action” has been planned in the first place.
Eddie Johnson Named New Interim Police Chief; Citizens Protest
In what will more than likely become the final decision in identifying a chief officer for the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Mayor Rahm Emanuel named Eddie Johnson as interim superintendent for the embattled city unit.
Wednesday, March 23
Madigan Issues 2015 Public Access Report
Attorney General Lisa Madigan this month (during Sunshine Week) released the Public Access Bureau’s annual report detailing more than 4,700 new matters received in 2015. The Bureau works to foster transparency and openness in Illinois government by resolving disputes regarding compliance with the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA).
A Better Approach to Selling Your Business
According to the National Association of Realtors, the median selling price for U.S. homes as of November 2015 was $220,300. If you think about it, it becomes apparent that the family home is most likely a family's greatest asset. There are exceptions, of course, but this holds true for most American families. The process for selling the average home is well understood and usually straightforward: A realtor evaluates the property, suggests a fair selling price based on recent comparable sales in the neighborhood and lists the property for sale. An interested buyer makes an offer and, following some negotiations, an agreement is reached and the sale is completed.
What if You Haven’t Filed Taxes in Years?
Most people that have IRS problems haven’t filed in a few years. It’s a common problem. You are not alone. Don’t be embarrassed. Nearly 10 million people have delinquent tax returns. In all my years of practicing before the IRS I’ve seen people that had a rough patch in their life that kept them from filing and paying their taxes. IRS Problems happen to good people. Someone gets sick and they can’t work, someone loses their job. It’s terrible. There’s no money to pay the taxes one year so they don’t file, and the person is afraid to file after that.
‘Economic Despair’ May Lead Boys to Drop Out of High School
The question of why income inequality continues across generations is difficult to answer. But two economists may have found a link that could provide some information, writes Josh Zumbrun for The Wall Street Journal.
Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Beale and Community Residents Announce Whole Food Distribution Center Coming to Pullman
Continuing its resurgence and becoming one of the Chicago’s largest industrial employment centers, the historic Pullman community will be the new home to the Midwest Region Distribution Center for Whole Foods.
Calumet City, Ill. Native Serves with Naval Beach Group TWO
A 2009 Thornton Fractional North High School High School graduate and Calumet City, Illinois native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG 2).
Cook County Sheriff’s Office Announces Hiring, Participation in Upcoming Job Fairs
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced a round of hiring for correctional deputies as well as the Sheriff’s Office’s participation in no less than 17 job fairs through the end of the summer.
Wednesday, March 16
Sen. Raoul Reflects on Five Years Since Abolition of Death Penalty
“The struggle against the discriminatory, unreasonable or ineffectual application of our laws did not end with the abolition of capital punishment… The case for reform is clear.”
Department of Insurance Helps Consumers Navigate Mental Health Insurance Plans
In an effort to help Illinois residents better understand mental health and substance use disorder insurance coverage, the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) is offering assistance through its Office of Consumer Health Insurance (OCHI). The OCHI helps consumers navigate health insurance plans to ensure the plan meets their needs.
Chicago Named Nation’s “Top Metro” for New and Expanding Companies for Third Year Straight
Chicago ranked “Top Metro” in the United States in 2015 for corporate investment in the March issue of Site Selection magazine. For the third consecutive year, the Chicago metro area saw more new and expanding corporate facilities than any other area. Today’s news comes on the heels of Allstate and Beam Suntory announcing they are moving 850 jobs to Chicago just this week. Both join of a steady stream of companies that have recently decided to locate in the city, including ConAgra Foods, Oscar Mayer and Kraft Heinz Company. To date in 2016, Chicago has added nearly 2,000 jobs.
Improving Vision at the Workplace
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, a reminder for employers and employees that good eye health is linked to good overall health.
Creative Ways to Add Order to Your Home
Although there are hundreds of options for organizing your home, the pieces you make yourself are the ones that truly reflect your personality. Adding your own flair to standard organizing materials adds instant character and functionality to any room.
Thursday, March 10
Different Paths Could Lead to Autonomous Cars
Cars that drive themselves would mean a revolution in how people get around.
National Black Farmers Association Opens 2016 Scholarship Application Period
The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) Scholarship Program this month opened the application period for 2016 scholarships.
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a time each year when organizations and communities across the country come together to help women and girls take action to protect themselves and their partners from HIV – through prevention, testing, and treatment. The observance is sponsored by the Office on Women’s Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Wednesday, March 9
Chicago Citizen Newspaper 2016 Primary Election Endorsements
Chicago Citizen Newspaper 2016 Primary Election Endorsements
It’s Time for Hillary Clinton!
Hillary Clinton has served as U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Senator from New York, First Lady of the United States, First Lady of Arkansas, a practicing lawyer and law professor, activist, and volunteer. Her experience as a public servant is rich and robust. More importantly,
Wednesday, March 2
Study: Americans lie about credit card debt because of social stigma
One-third of Americans see credit card debt as more embarrassing than other types of debt, with students and younger people the most embarrassed by credit card debt.
Americans under-report their credit card debt by more than $400 million, generally because of the social stigma associated with it, according to a recent study.
Justice For Flint
Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay organize fundraiser on Oscar night
Directors Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay organized a fundraiser Oscar Sunday, to help raise money for those affected by the devastating water contamination crisis in Flint, Mich.
Keeping Your Cool
How Sportswear is Innovating Underwear, Socks and T’s
Athletic styling continues to increase its influence on casual clothing – often referred to as “athleisure” apparel – with innovative fabric treatments associated with high-performance activewear making their way into basic apparel; even underwear.
Chicago Public School Lay Off 63 Employees; Chicago State University will Possibly Lay Off 900
Chicago Public Schools handed out pink slips to 62 employees on Monday, 17 of them teachers. The school district said that it is in the midst of trying to balance a budget that includes eliminating $85 million from school budgets and said that the laid off include 43 full-time and 19 part-time employees. Officials at CPS are also saying that the cuts are absolutely necessary, yet unfortunate for students, teachers and principals.
Chicago Police Department’s Recruitment Campaign Results in 71% in Minority Applicants
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Interim Superintendent John Escalante announced this week that more than 14,200 individuals recently applied to join the Chicago Police Department, and 71 percent of those who applied are minority applicants. The share of minority applicants is up 13 percent since the previous CPD recruiting campaign in 2013.
Candidates for Judge Engage the Community
It was standing room only on Saturday during the Chicago Citizen Newspaper’s Candidates for Judge - Town Hall Meeting, an open discussion with candidates for judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Ill. and the Illinois Appellate Court.