The Citizen Newspaper Group

Thursday, July 30

Camelot Illinois Announces Second Year of Grant Funding

Organizations received more than $240,000 in past year

Camelot Illinois is pleased to announce a second year of funding for non-profit organizations through the Camelot Illinois Grant Program. Over the past year, Camelot Illinois has supported the community with grants and donations totalling $241,800.

Wednesday, July 29

Doggone it! Vote for the new Peoples Gas Ambassadog for Safe Digging

Dogs love to dig, but people need to be reminded to call 811 to make sure that digging is safe for them, their pets, and the natural gas and other lines near their home. Peoples Gas needs your help selecting a safe digging Ambassadog in its annual Doggone it! photo contest.

Ava DuVernay builds her first primetime unscripted series for NBC

Ava DuVernay has built her first primetime unscripted series – a ten-part social experiment for NBC. The When They See Us filmmaker created Home Sweet Home and she will produce it via her production company Array Filmworks with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television.

RETAILERS PARTNER WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA TO HELP PREPARE KIDS AND TEENS FOR BACK2SCHOOL

Boys & Girls Clubs of America recently launched its 2020 Back2School cause campaign in partnership with more than a dozen retailers around the country. As millions of kids and teens are gearing up to return to school, whether virtually or in-person, the youth advocacy organization is working to ensure that all kids, especially those who are in the most need, have the same opportunities to succeed in life.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Announces Launch of New E-filing and Case Management System

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) is rolling out a new, cloud-based electronic filing and case management system. The system, called CompFile, will allow for paperless filing and processing of court documents for workers’ compensation cases in Illinois.

Pritzker Administration Announces Over $2 million in Fines for Major Health Insurance Companies Violating Illinois Mental Health Parity Laws

The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) recently announced fines totaling over $2 million for five major health insurance companies found to be in violation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CONTINUES LEGACY

State Representative Marcus Evans, Jr. of the 33rd District has been in office since 2012. Evans has been working diligently for his constituents for the last eight years. His District extends from South Shore to Sauk Village

Small Business Program helps contractors involved in CTA Project

CTA has partnered with Walsh-Fluor and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago to create a Building Small Business Program that helps contractors interested in working on the Red and Purple Modernization Phase (RPM) One Project.

Clerk Dorothy Brown Adds Texting Service for Getting Next Court Dates

Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, IL, recently announced that due to the many changes in court dates, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recognizing that some people may not have access to a computer, the public may now obtain up-to-date court hearing dates by text.

The African American Wellness Project Announces ‘Black Doctors Speak’

The African American Wellness Project (AAWP) recently announced a new initiative called Black Doctors Speak which will give Black Doctors a voice in the conversation on issues affecting the African American Community.

Wells Fargo Names Kristy Fercho to Lead Home Lending

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) recently announced that Kristy Fercho will join the company at the beginning of August as the new head of Wells Fargo Home Lending. Fercho has 18 years of leadership experience in the mortgage industry and will replace Michael DeVito, who has announced plans to retire after more than 23 years with Wells Fargo.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU FAST FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

Two daily fasting diets, also known as time-restricted feeding diets, are effective for weight loss, according to a new study published by researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

AYO Foods brings West African flavor

Fred and Perteet Spencer wanted to share the flavors of West Africa, so they created AYO Foods. Th e brand features West African dishes in single serve form that are available in the frozen foods section of the grocery store. Perteet’s father is Liberian and she has spent years in the consumer package space.

PARK FOREST-CHICAGO HEIGHTS SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES GRANT TO EXPAND BROADBAND

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 received a $300,000 grant to help the school district expand its high-speed internet.

Justice Department Files Civil Action to Shut Down Chicago Area Tax Return Preparer

The United States has filed a complaint seeking to bar a Chicago area tax return preparer from preparing federal income tax returns for others, the Justice Department recently announced.

ABC 7 CHICAGO PRESENTS BUD BILLIKEN

Hour-Long Special Features Memorable Highlights, New Performances and Celebrity Shout-Outs from Common, Chance and Mayor Lori Lightfoot

ABC 7 CHICAGO PRESENTS BUD BILLIKEN: CELEBRATING 91 YEARS, HOSTED BY CHERYL BURTON, JIM ROSE AND HOSEA SANDERS, SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 AT 1 PM AND SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 AT 4 PM

IGrow Chicago hosts in-person camp

While summer usually means children attend camp or some outdoor activity, COVID-19 has either forced organizations to cancel summer activities or host virtual camps. But IGrow Chicago decided to host its Summer of Hope Program in-person, with safety protocols in place.

Thursday, July 23

“Stop Con Artists Preying on the Fears of Older Americans,” Says Congresswoman Robin Kelly upon Introducing the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has introduced the bipartisan Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act (H.R. 7699), legislation that directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress the number and types of scams targeting seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation also requires the FTC to make recommendations on how to prevent scams targeting seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies.

Wednesday, July 22

The Impact of COVID-19 in Our Community: Let’s Not Put Our Health at Risk

Washington, D.C., city attorney George Valentine was Black, brilliant, and fit. But after contracting COVID-19, he became so weak, he had trouble moving and even speaking. When it got to the point where he could barely breathe, George called an ambulance and waited on the steps of his house for it to arrive. Every second he waited must have seemed like an eternity. Two days later, George died. He was 66 and had suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure before getting sick with the coronavirus.

Comcast NBCUniversal Awards $175,000 in Scholarships to High School Seniors in Region

– Comcast NBCUniversal today announced it has awarded $175,000 in scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year as part of its annual Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program to 70 students in its Greater Chicago Region, which includes Central and Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Students are selected for their outstanding community service, academic performance and leadership skills. The award, funded by the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, is a one-time, $2,500 scholarship to be used toward undergraduate education-related expenses. Since 2001, about $33 million has been awarded to about 30,000 high school seniors across the country as part of the Leaders and Achievers program.

FAMILY SERVICE ORGANIZATION REOPENS WITH SAFETY IN MIND

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services reopened its daycare, summer camp and youth programs on Monday, June 29, after being closed due to COVID-19. Marillac St. Vincent Family Services was founded almost 100 years ago with the aim to end the cycle of poverty.

SocialWorks hosts virtual summer camp

Social Works’ Kids of the Kingdom Camp began a couple of weeks ago with students ready for a summer of learning about God. This year, with COVID-19, Kids of the Kingdom (KOK) has a bit of a twist, the camp has gone virtual.

Wells Fargo Launches $400 Million Small Business Recovery Effort

Following an April 2020 industry-leading commitment to donate all gross processing fees from the Paycheck Protection Program, Wells Fargo recently unveiled the details of an approximately $400 million effort to help small businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic keep their doors open, retain employees, and rebuild.

MasterClass Follows the Beat with Legendary Drummer Sheila E.

MasterClass, the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to learn from the best, recently announced that Emmy and Grammy nominated Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. will teach its first class on drumming and percussion.

South Suburban College Announces Virtual Classroom And Blended Courses For The Fall Semester

South Suburban College (SSC) has announced the extension of its Virtual Classroom Model for the 2020 Fall Semester, including a blending of classroom instruction methods, limited on-campus activities and athletic programs training.

CVS Health Commits Nearly $600 Million to Address Racial Inequality

CVS Health recently announced it will invest nearly $600 million over five years to advance employee, community and public policy initiatives that address inequality faced by Black people and other disenfranchised communities. The investment follows a commitment from President and CEO Larry Merlo to evaluate how the company operates and how it can use its influence to be a force for good in communities across the country.

COFFEE, HIP HOP & MENTAL HEALTH CELEBRATES MILESTONE

When Christopher LeMark founded Coffee, Hip Hop & Mental Health, his aim was to normalize therapy and mental health and wellness in the Black community. Now, with a global pandemic, racial inequality and civil unrest, the need for mental health resources is more important than ever before.

60% Are Willing to Risk Their Health To Vote In Person In November

Sacrificing one’s health to vote in the November election: 60% are willing to risk their health to vote in person, according to the latest healthinsurance.com consumer pulse survey. 63% of Americans don’t think healthcare should be a political issue. Yet when asked what the most important issue is to them in the 2020 election, 50% said the economy and 50% said healthcare.

CULVER’S PLANNED FOR PULLMAN COMMUNITY

Residents on the South Side will be able to get their butterburger, cheese curd and concrete mixer fix next year as it was announced that a Culver’s will open in Pullman next Spring.

How to Help Friends Vote Absentee From Anywhere in the World

Springfield – The Illinois economy shrank at an annual rate of 5.4 percent during the first quarter of 2020 compared to the previous quarter, according to federal data released recently, an indicator of just how severely the COVID-19 pandemic affected commercial activity.

LUNCHEON PROGRAM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE FOR SENIORS

The Thornton Township Senior Luncheon program continues to serve seniors in the Township, but it has moved its popular program from dine-in and carry out to drive-thru to accommodate the orders due to COVID-19.

Prom Designer Finalists Face off for $20,000 in Scholarships

There are several unique scholarships out there, but one sticks out year after year for giving creative teens an outlet to showcase their design talents for a shot at big scholarship dollars. While many teens missed out on the opportunity to attend prom in person this year, that didn’t stop them from crafting one-of-a-kind prom-wear masterpieces to enter the annual Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest.

Friday, July 17

Pappas: Stay home! Everything you can do at my office you can do at cookcountytreasurer.com

Homeowners and business people can avoid a trip downtown by taking care of their property taxes at cookcountytreasurer.com, including making payments, searching for refunds and verifying tax exemptions, Treasurer Maria Pappas said today.

Wednesday, July 15

CTA Sending Minority Students to College with STEM Scholarships

A high school senior poised to be the first college graduate in her family is headed to a historically black university this fall to study engineering thanks to a scholarship she received by the Chicago Transit Authority.

Tineco Launches Into Beauty With Smart Hair Dryer Innovation

Tineco has launched its next generation smart hairdryer, the MODA ONE™. Over two years in the making, the MODA ONE is designed with advanced iLoop™ Smart Sensor Technology that measures hair moisture levels over 20 times per second and automatically adjusts heat and airflow in real-time to prevent damage to hair.

IF MONEY IS TIGHT, FRESHMEN CAN ATTEND CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY FOR FREE

The only four-year, public university on the South Side will offer free tuition, books and fees starting this fall as part of a new initiative for students needing financial and academic assistance.

Annual Architecture + Design Summer Camp For Girls Taught By Pascale Sablan

Alex Foundation is hosting its annual architecture + design summer camp for girls, going on now through July 17.

Local small business owners look to digital resource

ChiBizHub, a digital portal that provides resources for small businesses, had to pivot in the midst of COVID-19. The portal launched a year ago and has connected 900 entrepreneurs to resources necessary for them to build their businesses.

Communities create quality of life plans to bring change

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago has chosen to partner with neighborhoods on the South and Far South Sides of Chicago to create comprehensive quality-of-life plans.

GROUP SEEKS TO GAIN INFORMATION IN SHOOTINGS

Elected officials, clergy, business owners and community leaders have created a group to seek information on shootings and killings due to gun violence. The group, I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot, aims to provide a cash reward as an incentive to get information that will lead to arrests.

Thornton Township PROGRAM HELPS SENIORS WITH SERVICES

A longstanding program from Thornton Township continues to help seniors, while also offering employment for teens. The Zuccarelli Assistance Program or ZAP, started by Thornton Township Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli, allows teens, ages 16 and older, the opportunity to get paid for mowing lawns of seniors, age 60 and older, who live in one of the 17 municipalities included in the township.

IRS provides tax relief for the low-income housing credit and bonds for qualified residential rental projects

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service recently issued Notice 2020-53 (PDF) to provide tax relief to issuers, operators, owners, and tenants of qualified low-income housing projects or qualified residential rental projects financed with exempt facility bonds, and state agencies that have jurisdiction over these projects.

Rush Introduces Legislation to Protect Nation’s Transportation Workers, Travelers from Further Spread of COVID-19

U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) recently introduced legislation requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide all frontline workers with necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to better protect them from coronavirus infection. The Securing All Fundamental Equipment (SAFE) While Traveling Act would also require that all passengers at national airports and train stations wear PPE as well.

50% of Employees Won’t Return to Workplace Offices After Covid, TRANSEARCH Survey Finds

A new survey of American executives indicates 50% of employees will continue to work from home after the lockdown and businesses will shift their priorities to focus on being more agile and prepared for change.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. Welcomes Public Affairs Strategist and Marketing Leader as New President and CEO

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) announced recently that Tonya Veasey, communications and marketing agency founder and CEO will lead the organization as its new president and chief executive officer.

IDOT awards $38 million for local planning grants

The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced the award of 52 grants totaling more than $38 million to support the planning efforts of long-range transportation projects across the state. New criteria this year provides funding to create economic opportunity and enhance quality of life in disadvantaged communities.

Number of Juvenile Offenders In Residential Placement Drops

A biennial survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census on behalf of the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention revealed that the number of juvenile offenders in residential placement facilities declined 59 percent between 1997 and 2017 from 105,055 to 43,580 according to a joint OJJDP and National Institute of Justice bulletin published recently.

Nearly 500 Small Businesses File Bankruptcy Using Increased Eligibility Limit Since February

New statistical table and analysis available on the American Banking Institute’s (ABI) SBRA Resources website show that 471 small businesses have elected to file for bankruptcy relief under new subchapter V to chapter 11 of the Code since it was enacted.

New program seeks to increase public art

A new program is aimed at increasing public art in neighborhoods on the South and West sides that also are part of Invest South/West.

Partnership provides a guaranteed pathway for nursing students

The University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Illinois Springfield are announcing the creation of a joint undergraduate nursing curriculum that, for the first time, will guarantee a spot for incoming freshmen in UIC’s highly ranked nursing program.

PNC Commits More Than $1 Billion To Help End Systemic Racism

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) recently announced a commitment of more than $1 billion to help end systemic racism and support economic empowerment of African Americans and low- and moderate-income communities.

ABC 7 CHICAGO TO HOST SEVENTH IN SERIES OF VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS, DO YOU HEAR ME? A DISCUSSION ABOUT RACE, MODERATED BY ABC 7 EYEWITNESS NEWS ANCHOR/REPORTER CHERYL BURTON

Virtual Town Hall Available Thursday, July 16 at 2 PM On ABC 7Chicago.com Will also exclusively stream live at ABC7’s Facebook Live and YouTube ABC 7’s connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku

Scam Warning: BBB investigates company failing to deliver products purchased online

PD Store/Parkson Dragon has false address, phone numbers listed on website

The Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Indiana is warning consumers against doing business with PD Store/Parkson Dragon. BBB recently opened an investigation into the F-rated company based on multiple ScamTracker reports that orders were not being delivered, despite being paid for.

Monday, July 13

Congresswoman Kelly Introduced Expanding SNAP Options Act

Recently, Congresswoman Robin Kelly introduced the Expanding SNAP Options Act (H.R. 7535), companion legislation to S. 4202, introduced by Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth on July 2nd. The legislation would establish a digital portal to assist farmers and small, local grocers to accept SNAP benefits. It would also create Technical Assistance Centers to accelerate adoption of online purchasing and use of the portal for smaller retailers, direct-to-consumer farmers, and farmers’ markets, and provide public information about which local vendors participate in SNAP online purchasing.

Friday, July 10

ABC 7 EYEWITNESS NEWS SPOTLIGHTS BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES WITH LIVE, WEEK-LONG SERIES BEGINNING MONDAY, JULY 13 ON 11 AM NEWSCAST

Anchor Terrell Brown will Lead Discussion with Black Business Owners From Across Chicago Area

ABC 7, Chicago’s Number One station for news, will present BLACK OWNED, a series of LIVE interviews spotlighting Chicagoland’s diverse Black-owned business community the week of July13-17 on the station’s 11 AM newscast. Anchor Terrell Brown will lead daily discussions with Black business owners representing businesses that include a theater group in Uptown, dentist in Woodlawn, syrup maker in South Holland, clothing designer in Merrillville, Indiana, and wine maker in South Shore. Terrell Brown and Tanja Babich anchor ABC 7 Eyewitness News in the Morning and at 11 AM. BLACK OWNED will be exclusively streamed live on abc7chicago.com and ABC 7’s connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Black Women's Expo Partners with Illinois Census 2020 and Counting on Chicago Coalition to present #WEMATTER Virtual Webinar

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to discuss importance of 2020 Census

– Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will headline a panel discussion entitled #WeMatter! The Importance of the 2020 Census as part of the Black Women's Expo (BWe) partnership with Illinois Census 2020 and Counting on Chicago Coalition. The session, presented by Habilitative Systems Inc., takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2020, from 3:00 pm CT – 4:00 pm CT. This session will last for 45-minutes with a 15-minute Q&A.

IT’S GOING TO BE A WINNING SUMMER WITH THE ILLINOIS LOTTERY

Explore opportunities to enjoy the summer on WinningSummer.com

The Illinois Lottery is bringing FUN to Illinoisans across the state with WinningSummer.com- its website is designed to provide prizes, inspiration, and ideas to help make the upcoming summer months memorable.

Wednesday, July 8

Walmart Shoppers Happy Chatham Store Will Reopen Following Looting Devastation

Many Walmart shoppers said they are happy that the big box retailer has decided to reopen all Chicago stores including one in Chatham despite it being damaged during a week of looting and vandalism last month.

Diaper Need: A Growing Problem During a Global Pandemic

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, people have been loading their pantries with household staples like toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, diapers and hand sanitizer. This panic buying — sometimes even hoarding — has depleted store shelves and disrupted supply chains. It’s also exacerbated a growing problem in the United States: diaper need.

BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIOS WANT CAPACITY EXPANSION

Gyms and fitness centers opened on Friday, June 27, as part of Illinois’ Reopening Phase 4. A collective of boutique fitness studio owners is asking Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to expand the current capacity percentage from 25 to 75.

FDA Warns 9 Hand Sanitizers May Contain Fatal Ingredient

Hand sanitizers have become essential and a “go-to” tool to fighting off infection and disease, especially now with the coronavirus COVID-19.

New guidelines released for return to in-person education

Springfield — Illinois released new guidelines for schools, colleges and universities to return to in-person learning in the fall, but leaders warned those plans could change if health metrics related to the COVID-19 pandemic stop improving.

United Airlines Strengthens Onboard Mask Policy to Further Protect Passengers and Employees Against COVID-19 Spread

United Airlines has announced that, along with other Airlines for America (A4A) members, it will strengthen mandatory mask policies to further mitigate against the spread of COVID-19.

Lowe’s opens applications for the first wave of its $25 million in minority small business grants

As thousands of small businesses struggle to keep their doors open and their employees paid amid economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) recently opened its first round of grant applications in its previously announced $25 million commitment to provide much-needed relief to minority-owned businesses.

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Illinois Affected by Civil Unrest

Illinois businesses and residents affected by civil unrest on May 26 through June 8, 2020 can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today.

Federal Agency Introduces New Way of Illustrating Discrimination Statistics

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has created new data visualizations to illustrate existing online employment discrimination data the federal agency recently announced.

CHICAGO GEN Z TECH ACTIVIST LAUNCHES DOLLAR CAMPAIGN TO FUND VIRTUAL CS SUMMER CAMP FOR 1,000 BLACK YOUTH

“I want to convince 375,000 people that for less than the cost of a cup of coffee, they can help transform 1,000 young Black lives this summer by donating $1,” says Ian Michael Brock, 15-year-old Computer Science Activist and self-proclaimed “New Nerd.”

Drive-in movie offers moviegoers safe alternative

While COVID-19 caused indoor movie theaters to close their doors, people have rediscovered drive-in movie theaters. Percy Scott, of 360 Global Marketing, has created PR Pop-Ups, a mobile drive-in theater experience to fill the void felt by moviegoers who love film, but still want to practice social distancing.

As temperatures heat up, Conservation Police Offi cers are reminding boat operators to Keep Drinks Dry on the Water

Th e Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police Officers are reminding boat operators to always drive sober while on the water.

Teaching Children The Power Of Their Thoughts And Emotions

Children as young as three years old are constructing essential thoughts and feelings about their parents, friends, and life, and acting based on their moods. By learning how to use their thoughts and feelings productively, children can gain control over their emotions—like anger or sadness—and turn them around so they have more positive, peaceful days.

Gallery Guichard goes virtual

Gallery Guichard has been known for its innovation and collaboration throughout its 15-year existence. Continuing with that, the gallery made its art available virtually in the midst of COVID-19.

FRONTLINE WORKERS WHO RECOVERED FROM COVID-19, DONATE BLOOD PLASMA

Hospital frontline workers who survived COVID-19 donated their blood plasma during a recent COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Collection at Advocate Trinity Hospital, located at 2320 E. 95th St. Their blood plasma, which has coronavirus antibodies, will be used to help critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Unladylike2020: The Changemakers Highlights Women in the U. S. Who Fought for Civil Rights and Women’s Suffrage, and Premieres Nationwide July 10, 2020 on PBS

American Masters – Unladylike2020: The Changemakers Highlights Women in the U. S. Who Fought for Civil Rights and Women’s Suffrage, and Premieres Nationwide July 10, 2020 on PBS The program spotlights women who pioneered social change and equal rights 100 years ago – including the first women in the U.S. Congress and State Senate, and a co-founder of the NAACP – as part of PBS’ summer celebration of women trailblazers.

Top Ranked High School Baseball Player Does More Than Swing A Bat

Brother Rice High School baseball star Zion Rose is one of the top ranked players in the country as a 15-year-old sophomore, but Rose said he can do more than swing a bat and catch a ball. When the Beverly resident is not playing recreational sports, he is at home making a few dollars here and there dabbling in online trading.

Charles Wallert - Love Songs & More

The “Singer’s Producer” Charles Wallert has put together a compilation of his compositions/productions on multi-Grammy, Platinum recording artists George Benson, Dionne Warwick, O.C. Smith, Cuba Gooding (Main Ingredient) & more.

Commission seeks to address inequities in banking

On Juneteenth, Melissa Conyears-Ervin, treasurer of the City of Chicago, and Michael Frerichs, treasurer of the State of Illinois led a virtual roundtable that focused on systemic racism in the banking industry.

CHANGE TO LOTTO JACKPOT INCREMENTS

The Illinois Lottery today announced that it was making a change to the jackpot increments for its Lotto game.

Wednesday, July 1

Black Women Bonding Together to Provide Breast Cancer Support

While Black and white women may get breast cancer at the same rate, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate, and Beulah Brent said she wants to change that statistic.

Small Businesses Getting A Boost From South Side Travel Agency

A travel agency in Auburn Gresham is expanding its services this year, while also aiding black businesses, by sponsoring an upcoming business expo in Evergreen Park.

Jurors respond negatively to police overreactions to Black Americans

As law enforcement’s use of body-worn cameras and dash cams has increased in the U.S., the growth of attorneys’ introduction of video evidence in court, including jury trials, has followed

MORE JOBS COMING TO THE SOUTHLAND

More than 1,000 jobs are set to come to the Southland with the announcement of Amazon constructing three new fulfillment centers in University Park, Matteson and Markham. The newest fulfillment centers will open in Matteson and Markham.

MARCH CALLS FOR EQUITY AND MOVES FOR COLLABORATIVE BLACK CHICAGO

On Friday, June 19, marchers took to the streets of downtown Chicago, holding Black Lives Matter signs while a brass band played “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Once they arrived in Daley Plaza, people started to do the electric slide as Beyonce’s “Before I Let Go” played.

Pritzker signs vote-by-mail expansion

Recent voters, those who changed addresses will receive mail-in application

Springfield – Anyone who cast a ballot in the last three years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail after Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed a bill expanding the program.

GRANTS DISPENSED TO SMALL BUSINESSES HURT BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) recently announced that it has been selected along with 100 Black Men and Hispanic Federation as partners by Hennessy in Unfinished Business, a new initiative that will dispense grants to Asian Americans, African Americans and Hispanic small businesses that apply for, and qualify, for funding.

CTA HOSTS WEBINARS TO INCREASE WORKFORCE

Amid COVID-19, those interested in training and workforce resources with the Chicago Transit Authority have the opportunity to participate in webinars called, Construction Talks. The hope is that people will take advantage of available opportunities and CTA will increase the workforce for its Red and Purple Modernization Program, while practicing social distancing.

SCHOOLS ON SOUTH SIDE RECEIVE NEW DESIGNATION PROGRAMS

Chicago Public Schools recently announced that Parkside Elementary School and Percy L. Julian High School are among the 22 elementary and high schools who have received new designation programs.

Sesame Workshop Names Kay Wilson Stallings Executive Vice President Of Creative And Production

CEO Jeffrey D. Dunn recently announced that Kay Wilson Stallings has been named the new creative leader for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit media and education organization behind Sesame Street and other critically acclaimed children’s programs, including Esme & Roy, Ghostwriter, Helpsters, and The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo.

Chicago State University and City Colleges of Chicago Partner to Put Students on the Path to In-Demand Careers in Supply Chain Management

Chicago State University (CSU) and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) announce a partnership to offer guaranteed admission to eligible transfer students from Olive-Harvey College (OHC), creating a clear path to a CSU bachelor’s degree and eventually a career in supply chain management.

Lana Bramlette, Columbia Alum, Shapes What’s Next

Lana Bramlette, ’97, founder of Lana Jewelry, turned her Columbia education and passion for fine jewelry into a powerhouse brand. Eighteen years ago, she brought gold back into the spotlight by creating her signature gold hoops worn by A-listers including Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Rihanna.

Entrepreneur Empowering Millennials Through Real Estate and Financial Literacy

Pongee Barnes, born and raised on the south-side of Chicago, is a political-science graduate of Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. Barnes embarked on her real estate career as a college student in 2005 at the age of 20, buying her first condo in Chicago. After buying 2 condominiums during the most recent tumultuous real estate market collapse, she was able to endure and purchase flips and rentals.

Chicago Launches Initiative to Bridge Digital Divide, Provides Free High-Speed Internet Access to Over 100,000 CPS Students

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently announced the launch of ‘Chicago Connected,’ which will provide free high-speed internet service to approximately 100,000 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students in their households.