Wednesday, August 28
Chicago Urban League Names New President and CEO
A little over a year ago, the Chicago Urban League announced that their president and CEO at the time, Shari Runner, would be stepping down. Since that time, Barbra Lumpkin has been serving as the interim CEO. Recently, the Chicago Urban League announced that Karen Freeman-Wilson will be joining the team early next year to serve as the organization’s next president and CEO.
South Suburban Communities Receive Public Safety Grants From Local Entry Supplier
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus recently partnered with ComEd to award public safety grants to 25 communities in Northern Illinois including the Villages of Dolton, Hazel Crest, Lansing, and University Park and the City of Calumet City. The grants are meant to help enhance public safety through various projects and improve the quality of life for residents.
Illinois Court Appointed Special Advocates (Illinois CASA) receives State Funding for the First Time
Illinois CASA has been awarded a $2,885,000.00 in State funding. This is the first time in Illinois CASA’s 26 years of operation that they have received any state funding.
SOUTH SIDE COWORKING SPACE PROVIDES MENTORS AND WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is home to Polsky Exchange, a co-working space on Chicago’s south side. As a Polsky Exchange member, small business owners and entrepreneurs gain access to new resources, mentors, workshops, and events to help them succeed
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATES CONCLUSION OF INAUGURAL SUMMER FOR CHANGE PROGRAM
Over the last six weeks, 400 young people participated in Chicago Public School’s first Summer for Change program which provided at-risk youth with individualized mentoring, group-based therapy, educational opportunities, enrichment opportunities, and a small stipend. The Summer for Change program recently concluded with a culminating celebration for the students at Chicago State University.
Tools Of The Trade Prepares Local High Schoolers For Skilled Trade Careers
A graduation ceremony was recently held for 11 students who successfully completed a seven-week paid apprenticeship known as the Tools of the Trade program. Tools of the Trade is collaboratively hosted by After School Matters and ComEd to prepare young people, ages 16 to 18, for trade careers.
Survey: 96% Of Managers Say Their Staff Are Experiencing Some Degree Of Burnout
The country is nearly at full employment, but U.S. workers may also be approaching full burnout. On the heels of the World Health Organization defining it as a syndrome resulting from workplace stress, a recent survey from staffing firm Accountemps found that nearly all senior managers (96%) believe their team members are experiencing some degree of burnout. In a separate survey, 91% of workers said they are at least somewhat burned out.
COMCAST ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF INTERNET ESSENTIALS PROGRAM AND PUBLIC LIBRARY INVESTMENT
An American telecommunications conglomerate, ComCast, recently announced that it would be expanding eligibility for its Internet Essentials program which offers discounted internet-access to qualifying low-income households across the nation and specifically in Chicago.
New Strategic Partnership Increases Arts Opportunities For South Loop Community
The Old Town School of Folk Music and Columbia College Chicago recently announced a strategic long-term partnership that will increase arts programming for all ages in the growing South Loop community.
New From KISS: The Rouge Cordless Flat Iron
KISS has introduced its newest, travel-friendly, on-the-go hair styling tool. The beauty giant has expanded their line with the new Rouge Cordless Flat Iron. Now women can have great looking hair anywhere, anytime. The launch of the new product is another step in KISS’ mission to offer best in class, but also affordable hair styling tools. The Rouge Cordless Flat Iron is just as functional as it is stylish and fits perfectly inside almost any bag, from clutch to carry-on.
Multi-Grammy® Nominated R&B Crooner Johnny Gill To Release Highly-Anticipated Game Changer II Album Set For September 6
J Skillz Records/Kalvary recording artist, multi-GRAMMY ® nominated and Multi-Platinum R&B producer, writer and singer Johnny Gill, has unveiled details of his highly-anticipated eighth studio album, GAME CHANGER II.
South Suburban Village Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary
The Mayor of the Village of Lynwood, Eugene Williams, was joined by community members, elected officials, community stakeholders holders, and local first responders who all came together to celebrate the village’s milestone.
Cook County Health Files State Application to Construct New Inpatient and Outpatient Facility on the Provident Hospital Campus
Cook County Health (CCH) has filed a Certificate of Need (CON) application with the Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board (IHFSRB), and, if approved, plans to build a modern and efficient inpatient and outpatient facility on a vacant parcel immediately west of and adjacent to the current Provident Hospital located at 500 E. 51st Street, Chicago. The new facility will include expanded outpatient services and downsized inpatient facilities.
Grassroots Organization Uses Street Outreach To Reduce Violence And Recidivism
Target Area Development Corporation (Target Area) is a grassroots social justice organization working in Chicago to assist south side communities to build the strength and capacity they need to solve their greatest problems. The organization uses street outreach to address criminal justice reform, prevent violence, and supporting residents as they return from incarceration.
Committee Chairs Request Information from Consumer Bureau on Efforts to Protect Student Loan Borrowers
Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA), and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), sent a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Kathleen Kraninger requesting information and records concerning the CFPB’s efforts to protect consumers from unlawful student loan servicing practices.
Social Security Accelerates Decisions for People with Serious Disabilities
Andrew Saul, commissioner of Social Security, recently announced four new Compassionate Allowances conditions: CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, Primary Peritoneal Cancer, and Richter Syndrome.
Dolton 149 Back-to-School Carnival Draws Hundreds of Students, Parents
Dolton School District 149 held its annual back-to-school outdoor carnival on Saturday, August 25, drawing hundreds of the district’s students and families for rides, activities, food, music, and more at the event.
FORD CALLS FOR EQUALITY IN TEACHER PAY
State Representative La Shawn K. Ford (D-CH), applauds Governor Pritzker for signing HB2078 into law. HB2078 will increase the minimum salary for teachers over the next four years, reaching $40,000 by the 2023-2024 school year. Ford, who showed heavy support for the new law in the beginning, was also a sponsor who voted for HB2078. Ford believes the passage of this bill into law sends a message that Illinois demands better for educators in Illinois.
Friday, August 23
Reports, released and not released, put Capitol workplace culture in spotlight
Transparency urged; calls made for inspector general reports to be made public
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan believes the three other legislative groups should conduct independent reviews of their workplaces, his chief of staff said in an email Thursday. A report released by his office Tuesday concluded a culture of bullying and intimidation existed in the speaker’s office and throughout the Capitol system. The results of the investigation, called for by Madigan and a group of female lawmakers in June 2018, were made public because the speaker values transparency, Jessica Basham, his chief of staff, said.
Congresswoman Kelly Conducts First Non-Partisan Congressional Maternal Health Field Inquiry in Chicago
This week, Congresswoman Robin Kelly convened a non-partisan Congressional Maternal Health Field Inquiry, in collaboration with Advocate Children’s Hospital, to shine an urgent light on the rising rate of American mothers dying from pregnancy and childbirth. The inquiry’s findings will contribute to larger federal reporting and fact-finding efforts to craft a national response to America’s shocking and growing maternal morality rate. “This inquiry – the first in a national series – will take us a little further down the road to advancing legislation that will save mothers’ lives,” Congresswoman Kelly said. “Last year, I introduced the MOMMAs Act to protect mothers by establishing policies and practices to prevent maternal deaths.
Wednesday, August 21
Fathers back on the road thanks to new state law
For six years, Carlos Spencer said he went without a driver’s license because he fell behind on his child support payments, and that limited his ability to work.
Personalized Learning Room Unveiled At South Side Charter School
Perspectives/IIT Math and Science Academy (MSA) in Bronzeville recently celebrated the unveiling of its new Personalized Learning Room which is a new place inside the school for students, teachers, administrators, and mentors to engage with each other and build relationships
ANNUAL CROSS-CITY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT BRINGS TOGETHER OVER 400 YOUNG PEOPLE
Kids from 22 neighborhoods across Chicago recently came together for a basketball tournament on Columbus Drive in downtown Chicago. The day-long event is the culmination of the city-wide Hoops in the Hood program that is supported by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago and executed by nonprofit organizations throughout the city.
AFTER LEADING NEIGHBORHOOD RUNS ALL SUMMER, NONPROFIT FOUNDER HOSTS INAUGURAL 5K RUN
For months, the founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, Jahmal Cole, has been leading small groups of runners through various neighborhoods across Chicago and encouraging them to meet new people and explore new places.
Auburn Gresham boosted by annual festival
The Auburn Gresham neighborhood on the South Side is known for a lot of things and one of them is the annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival.
Former Chicago Ald. Joe Moore Joins Chicago-based Diliberto Real Estate Services, LLC
Diliberto Real Estate Services, a global real estate advisory, property management and auction firm recently announced that former Chicago Alderman Joe Moore, a long-time member of the Chicago City Council is joining the firm’s Municipal Economic Services Group as its National Director.
The Rise of Technology & Innovation Symposium (Tech Symposium)
TBT News is glad to bring The Rise of Technology & Innovation Symposium to The University of Chicago Logan Center at 900 East 60th on Friday, August 23rd from 1 pm until 7 pm.
Serena Williams Featured On The Cover of ESSENCE’s September Issue
Williams is resplendent from beginning to end in the story, The Future of Serena Williams—from rocking face paint by artist Laolu on the cover, to dazzling fans in designers such as Carolina Herrera, Giuseppe Zanotti, Talbot Runhof, Issey Miyake and more in a gorgeous photo spread shot by photographer Kwaku Alston and styled by ESSENCE Fashion Director Marielle Bobo.
NBA Experience Grand Opening Is A Slam Dunk At Walt Disney World Resort
It was a championship-worthy celebration recently at Disney Springs for the grand opening of NBA Experience. Amid cheering fans and celebrity guests, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger unveiled the first-of-its-kind destination, joined onstage by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and several current and former NBA and WNBA players.
PARADE WILL KICK OFF BACK TO SCHOOL FOR CHICAGO STATE
For the second consecutive year, Chicago State University will sponsor a back-to-school parade to kick off fall classes at Chicago’s only four-year, public university on the South Side.
ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE DEBBIE MEYERS-MARTIN’S ” ILLINOIS BANK ON INITIATIVE” SIGNED INTO LAW BY ILLINOIS GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER
“THIS BILL WILL REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS WHO DON’T UTILIZE BANKS, CREDIT UNIONS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT COULD OTHERWISE HELP THEM”
“This bill will help residents make better financial decisions,” Meyers-Martin said. “Now that this bill has been signed by the Governor, we can now start putting countless Illinoisans on a path to fiscal stability.”
SOUTH SUBURBAN MAYORS WANT TO SLOW DOWN GAMBLING EXPANSION IN THE REGION
The State of Illinois recently passed a new law that allows for a major gambling expansion across the state including a new casino in Chicago, a casino in the South Suburbs, and the addition of racinos, a combined race track and casino, across the state.
South Suburban Native Uses Creativity And Music to Overcome Obstacles In Higher Education
Growing up between the south side of Chicago and the south suburbs, Arthur Riley graduated from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights and went on to attend Southern Illinois University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and hoped to go on to become an occupational therapist.
Parents Encouraged to Include Emergency Preparedness in Back-to-School Plans
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies are encouraging parents to include emergency preparedness in their back-to-school plans.
PROPOSED CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUDGET FUNDS NURSE, SOCIAL WORKER, AND CASE MANAGER HIRING
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools CEO, Dr. Janice Jackson, recently hosted a press conference to announce the release of the proposed Chicago Public Schools budget for the upcoming year
Health effects of eating marijuana is subject of a new study
Researchers have conducted a study in which mice voluntarily ate a dough containing THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana. That opens the door to additional studies that will help shed light on behavioral and physiological effects that occur in people when they eat food infused with marijuana.
Illinois Launches $20 Million Funding Opportunity for 2020 Census
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced that it has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to maximize Illinois’ success in the 2020 Census.
Tens of Thousands Of Backpacks Filled With School Supplies For Chicago Kids
The fourth Annual Ready for School Backpack-A-Thon recently took place downtown and more than 800 volunteers packed 50,000 backpacks full of school supplies for students in Chicago. The event was hosted by Cradles to Crayons, a national nonprofit working with homeless and low-income youth, and was sponsored by Bank of America.
Local Collaborative Aims to Address Violence In Nine Neighborhoods Across Chicago
Communities Partnering For Peace, a collaborative organization convened by Metropolitan Family Services, was created to provide the framework for a long-term approach to reducing violence in Chicago. Nine established anti-violence organizations were selected to make up the collaborative where they work together to share resources and create violence reduction strategies which are then implemented in the communities they serve.
Culture remains at the epicenter of the African Festival of the Arts
The AFA legacy is one of connecting cultures and celebrating heritage
If you were to look for the exact heart and soul of the African Festival of the Arts on the grounds of Washington Park it would likely be the Ancestral Grove. There, for 30 years, the day before the start of the Festival, members of Africa International House, the staff, volunteers and the community gather to pay homage to the ancestors prior to the opening of the Festival.
Thursday, August 15
Family and Friends Celebrate the Life of Dr. Anderson Thompson
A memorial service for renowned educator, social activist and international scholar, Dr. Anderson Thompson, will take place Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, at the DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago, Illinois. The Celebration of Life for Dr. Thompson will begin at noon.
ILLINOIS LOTTERY LAUNCHES ONLINE FEATURES TO MAKE PLAYING MORE CONVENIENT
Pick 3, Pick 4 and Lucky Day Lotto Single-Draw Tickets Now for Sale Online; New Instant Ticket Scanning Feature Now Available on Mobile App
The Illinois Lottery today announced two new features that make digital and mobile play more convenient for players.
Wednesday, August 14
Fossil Group launches nextgen smartwatches
Fossil Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FOSL) recently announced proprietary nextgen touchscreen smartwatch technology and the latest evolution in hybrid smartwatches.
Color Him Father Book Tour Stops On South Side To Host Conversation For Black Fathers
After the death of his 41-year-old daughter, Dr. Lawrence Drake II turned to literature to help him cope with his loss. Eventually, he realized that what he was going through was something that many fathers struggled with and made the decision to publish his book, Color Him Father, where he explores the trauma, grief, and healing process that fathers go through after losing a child.
First-of-its-kind Report examines Lyft and Uber ride data
Respected transportation consultancy Fehr & Peers recently released a study analyzing Lyft and Uber ride data to determine the companies’ combined contribution to vehicle miles traveled (VMT), a standard metric for overall vehicle activity in a region. This is the first report to use the companies’ own trip data as well as information from the Federal Highway Administration, state Departments of Transportation, and regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Fehr & Peers found that over 97% of total VMT comes from personal and commercial vehicles for the six metropolitan regions studied: Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC.
KUFI CLUB OF CHICAGO OFFERS AFRICAN-CENTERED EDUCATION FOR SOUTH SIDE YOUTH
The Kufi Club of Chicago is a non-profit organization that addresses the cultural, career, academic, and social needs of at-risk African American youth who live in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood. Throughout the summer, the organization has been providing a safe space for young people to learn about their African heritage while also empowering them to become change-makers in their community.
Former Johnson Publishing Headquarters Transformed Into Residential Building
For decades, Johnson Publishing Company was iconically headquartered in an 11-story building on South Michigan Avenue. The building, located on 820 S. Michigan Ave., was designed by John Warren Moutoussamy and is the first and only downtown Chicago high-rise to be designed by an African American.
BLACKS ARE AMONG HARDEST GROUP TO CONTACT FOR U.S. CENSUS
The upcoming census in 2020 could result in Illinois losing one congressional seat due to all residents, such as blacks, not being counted. That is what U.S. Census Bureau officials said at an August 5 community meeting in Country Club Hills, which was hosted by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-2nd, whose district includes many south suburbs. A census office for the south suburbs will open next year in Matteson, according to Kelly.
AFTER DEDICATING HIS LIFE’S WORK TO CHICAGO’S BLACK COMMUNITY, PSYCHIATRIST DR. CARL BELL DIES
Dr. Carl Bell, a respected Chicago psychiatrist and leader in the black community, recently died at his home in Hyde Park at the age of 71.
Gov. Pritzker Signs New Law Protecting Survivors of Domestic Violence
Governor JB Pritzker recently signed a new law to help ensure the safety of survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Don’t Let Mass Shooters and the New York Times Destroy Freedom of Speech
“Online communities like 4chan and 8chan have become hotbeds of white nationalist activity,” wrote the editors of the New York Times on August 4 in the wake of a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas. Then: “Law enforcement currently offers few answers as to how to contain these communities.”
Savoy Honors Katten’s Chief Diversity Partner on List of “Most Influential Women in Corporate America”
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP recently announced that Corporate Partner and Chief Diversity Partner Leslie D. Minier was recognized among the “Most Influential Women in Corporate America” by Savoy magazine.
DOZENS OF CHICAGO TEENS ATTEND STEM ACADEMY AT ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
During one of their final weeks of summer vacation, about 60 young girls from across the Greater Chicagoland Area stayed on campus at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Bronzeville for the Exelon Foundation’s second annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Innovation Leadership Academy. Throughout the week, the girls were exposed to STEM careers and concepts through field trips, panel discussions, mentorship, and hands-on activities.
“I Believe Tour” Comes To Chicago
Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean, will headline an evening of inspiration, entertainment and live music when she brings her “I Believe Tour” to Chicago on Saturday, August 17.
African Festival of the Arts (AFA) hosts Annual Gala at Logan Center featuring 30 years of art and culture
AFA presents this year’s Grand Baba and Yeye under the theme “Spirit of Africa”
Africa International House USA, Inc. (AIH) presents “The Spirit of Africa,” the 30th Annual African Festival of the Arts Gala and Art Exhibition on Friday, August 16th at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Chicago.
South Suburban Township Prepares To Host Annual Basketball Tournament
On Aug. 23rd and 24ht, Thornton Township will once again host their 18th annual Taste of Thornton Township Basketball Tournament. The event brings together teenagers, government employees, and local first responders to form basketball teams and represent their town or village in the tournament. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at South Suburban College in South Holland.
Newspaper owner, community leader named Illinois state chair for State Funeral for WWII Veterans
- Bi-partisan initiative to request the President of the United States designate final salute to greatest generation of service members -
Well-known newspaper owner, journalist, and community leader John Galer is the new Illinois state chair for the State Funeral for World War II Veterans, the nonprofit announced today. He leads the Prairie States’ bi-partisan efforts to request the President of the United States to designate this final salute to greatest generation of service members.
Wednesday, August 7
Community Organization Reintroduces City Ordinance To Increase Police Accountability
The Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability (GAPA) recently resubmitted its Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Ordinance to Chicago’s city council with Alderman Roderick Sawyer as a sponsor. The ordinance aims to create an elected community commission to hold the Chicago Police Department accountable for implementing policies that will rebuild trust between the community and the police.
BLACK-OWNED CYBER SECURITY FIRM OPENS CHICAGO HEADQUARTERS ON SOUTH SIDE
Evanston Technology Partners recently celebrated the grand opening of their Chicago headquarters at 56 E. 47th St. in Bronzeville’s historic Rosenwald Court. The 5,000 square foot facility houses office space for the company which is Chicago’s first black-owned cybersecurity firm.
Study shows many schools lack policies on how to deal with teen dating violence
A study by Ball State has found that 76 percent of the school principals reported that they did not have a protocol in their schools to respond to an incident of teen dating violence. About 57 percent of school principals said they have assisted a survivor of teen dating vio- lence in the past two years. Disciplinary action against perpetrators of teen dating violence was sanctioned by 27 percent principals only.
City Council Approves Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance Guaranteeing Schedule Stability
Chicago’s City Council and Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently approved the Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance which ensures that hourly workers in Chicago are guaranteed fair working conditions and requires employers to release work schedules at least 10 days in advance. The goal of this ordinance is to create greater financial stability for working families in the city.
Pending Home Sales Climb 2.8% in June
Pending home sales continued to ascend in June, marking two consecutive months of growth, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Each of the four major regions recorded a rise in contract activity, with the West experiencing the highest surge.
GSU Holds Second Annual Film Festival As Submissions Grow In Popularity
Tickets are now on sale for the Second Annual Chicago Southland International Film Festival (CSIFF) at Governors State University September 6 through 8, 2019
Living Organ Donors Are Protected from Workplace, Insurance Retaliation Under New Law
Governor JB Pritzker signed a new recently that protects living organ donors from various types of retaliation based on their donor status.
Behavioral Health Center For Youth Proposed For South Suburbs
During a recent press conference, State Senator Michael Hastings joined Palos Behavioral Health Professionals, a south suburban behavioral health care practice, in announcing plans to create the MIRA Neuro-Behavioral Health Center for Children and Adolescents which, if approved, will be a 30-bed acute care psychiatric hospital for children and teens in Tinley Park.
LUV Fest Brings Together South Side Neighbors In Mandrake Park
The Love, Unity, and Value Institute (LUV Institute) recently hosted LUV Fest in Mandrake Park, 3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave., to allow community residents to get to know their neighbors. The afternoon event was free and offered food, entertainment, live art-making, and activities for kids.
Black Women Taking on the Fight Against Diabetes
The cost of insulin is skyrocketing and people—especially Black women—are dying because they cannot afford or don’t have access to vital medication.
Hanesbrands Partners With Free The Girls to Support Women Rescued From Human Trafficking
HanesBrands, a socially responsible global marketer of everyday basic apparel, has joined forces with the nonprofit group Free The Girls to help women rescued from human trafficking re-establish their lives.
Documentary Series Drives Change for Global Issues Impacting Humanity
National Geographic has announced that ACTIVATE: THE GLOBAL CITIZEN MOVEMENT, the six-part documentary series from National Geographic and Procter & Gamble, co-produced by Global Citizen and RadicalMedia, will premiere Sept. 5 at 9/8c in the U.S. and will air globally on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages.
SOUTH SIDE PHOTOGRAPHER RECEIVES LEADER FOR A NEW CHICAGO AWARD FROM THE FIELD FOUNDATION
The Field Foundation recently announced 14 winners of the inaugural Leaders for New Chicago Awards. Amongst the winners was Englewood resident, Tonika Johnson. Johnson was born and raised in Englewood, works as the programs coordinator for the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE), and is the creator of the groundbreaking Folded Map photography project.
Elected Officials Reintroduce Bill to Take on Firearm Violence Epidemic
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act recently to help reduce firearm violence in Illinois and across the country. This legislation would prohibit unlicensed firearm ownership and the transfer of firearms without a valid firearms license, as well as direct the U.S. Attorney General to establish and maintain a federal record of sale system and conduct fingerprint-based nationwide criminal background checks — which could have prevented the gunman who killed five people in Aurora, Illinois, in February from acquiring the firearm he used that tragic day.
SEVERAL SOUTH SUBURBAN GIRLS PARTICIPATE IN SIXTH ANNUAL ICE BOX DERBY
For the sixth year in a row, ComEd hosted its Icebox Derby which allows 30 young women, ages 13 to 18, to learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills by working collaboratively to transform recycled refrigerators into electric and solar-powered derby cars.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXPANDS OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS PROGRAM INTO 10 MORE SCHOOLS
Chicago Public Schools CEO, Janice Jackson, was joined by the Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, at a recent press conference to announce the expansion of the Opportunity Schools program into 10 additional schools for the upcoming school year. The press conference was held at Michelle Clark Magnet High School, 5101 W Harrison St., which is one of the schools that has just been added to the program.