9th Annual IES Abroad Study Abroad Film Festival Announces Student Winner & Generous $600k Donation From Chicagoland Educator

IES Abroad is excited to announce the winner of this year's 9th Annual IES Abroad Study Abroad Film Festival. Sami Stidham from the University of Wisconsin-Madison accepted the Grand Prize for her film "Take the Goggles Off," inspired by her IES Abroad experience in Barcelona (Spring 2023). "Take the Goggles Off" is a thought-provoking and visually captivating film that encourages viewers to embrace the profound beauty hidden within the everyday moments of life. Sami was one of 13 semifinalists and made it to the top 3. She received the $1,500 Grand Prize and secured the newly created $5,000 IES Abroad Barbara Bobrich Annual scholarship for a future University of Wisconsin-Madison study abroad student in financial need, made possible by a newly announced $600,000 donation.

5 Gum® Teams Up With J.I.D to Release Exclusive Track Available on Only 5 Boomboxes in the World

Mars' 5® gum announced its "5 in a Lifetime" campaign, in partnership with critically acclaimed lyricist and performer J.I.D to honor one of the most monumental moments in music history – the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. Connecting Hip Hop fans with their favorite genre in a way never done before, 5 gum teamed up with J.I.D to release a special new track inspired by and packed full of audio references from 5 of Hip Hop's most influential albums, such full "Word of Mouf" from Ludacris, "What's the 411?" from Mary J. Blige, "Resurrection" from Common, "Phrenology" from The Roots, and "Shock Value" from Timbaland. But there's a catch: only 5 lucky fans will get the opportunity to listen. One song. 5 listens in a lifetime.

Black Future Co-op Fund invests $2M in 20 Black-led arts and education organizations nurturing Black well-being

The Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington state’s first Black-led philanthropy, today announced $2 million in grants to 20 Black-led organizations, focusing on arts and education, in its third round of statewide funding. These “We See You” grants represent the commitment the Black Future Co-op Fund has to investing in Black-led nonprofits that play an essential role in advancing self-determination, connecting communities, and promoting civic discourse.

Community Trust: THE FOUNDATION FOR FOSTERING DIVERSITY IN CLINICAL TRIALS

As an industry, we must recognize and address a complex problem: racial and ethnic minority populations have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials. Over time, it has become widely recognized that this issue is a systemic problem, not a participant one.

CHRISTOPHER "DRUMMA BOY" GHOLSON DIVULGES THE DETAILS OF HIS CAREER IN "BEHIND THE HITS"

Multi-award-winning music producer Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson, whose name is synonymous with mega chart-topping hits such as Waka Flocka Flame's diamond-certified single "No Hands," Jeezy's "Put On," August Alsina's "No Love," Rick Ross's "Here I Am" and Birdman's "Money to Blow," is releasing his debut book "Behind The Hits," under the Wahida Clark's Innovative Publishing imprint (WCP), everywhere books are sold.

From SoHo to Soho, Luxury Streetwear Brand Avirex Expands in the US and UK

Avirex, an iconic American streetwear brand, opened the doors to a new retail experience at 21 Mercer Street in New York City's SoHo neighborhood on September 15. Over the past few years, the brand has turned up on the backs of music, sport and entertainment VIPs around the world and is currently carried by luxury department stores, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as 40+ high-end specialty shops nationwide, and its own digital flagship, avirex.com.

T.D. Jakes Foundation receives $250,000 grant from Truist to support the PATHWAY Program for Economic Mobility

T.D. Jakes Foundation today announced it received a $250,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation through its Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund at The Winston-Salem Foundation. The grant will support T.D. Jakes Foundation's PATHWAY program, which seeks to support individuals in their journey toward family-sustaining careers, and further support the program's economic mobility and empowering of diverse job seekers.

“Davis, Clarke, Jackson, Kelly Establish Congressional Caucus to Support Predominantly Black Institutions”

Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Representative Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), and Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL) announced the establishment of a new Congressional Caucus focused on educating policymakers and uplifting the needs of Predominantly Black Institutions. The Congressional Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Caucus will unite policymakers who share the goal of understanding and advancing policies to support PBIs.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES 2023-2024 WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE ATTICA LOCKE

Prairie View A&M University proudly announces the appointment of Attica Locke as its 2023-2024 Writer-in-Residence for the Toni Morrison Writing Program. Locke, a distinguished American fiction author and acclaimed writer-producer for television and film, was formally introduced on Thursday, Sept. 28, at PVAMU's Don K. Clark Building Auditorium.

Entrepreneurship powers women’s wealth equity, job creation in Illinois

Women make an average of 84 cents an hour for every dollar paid to men, and women accumulate 32% of the wealth men generate. Pay disparities are pronounced for women who are Black, Native American, Latina and Hispanic, Asian American, as well as women with child and elder care responsibilities.

AMA Urges Vaccination to Protect Public During Respiratory Virus Season

As respiratory virus season begins, the American Medical Association (AMA) is urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against the three main respiratory viruses expected to again circulate this year—influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Specifically, the AMA encourages everyone six months and older, including pregnant people, to receive the annual flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines, ideally by the end of October. The AMA also urges older adults to get vaccinated against RSV to prevent severe illness, and encourages families to be aware of the new options available to protect infants during RSV season, including maternal vaccination as well as long-acting monoclonal antibody immunization for infants that reduces the risk of both hospitalizations and health care visits for RSV.

Harper Joins the Celebration of the 2nd Annual Montclare

Representative Sonya Harper (Chicago-D), known for her tireless advocacy for the Englewood community, is delighted to announce her enthusiastic support for the 2nd Annual Montclare Senior Residences of Englewood Walk for Breast Cancer. This remarkable event, initiated by two exceptional residents, Jackie Middlebrook and Betsie Collin, promises to inspire and unite our community for a crucial cause. The 2nd annual walk will take place on October 21st at 11:00 AM, commencing at 6332 S. Green St. This event is a celebration of unity, courage, and hope, and it holds special significance in our community.

RECORD LOTTERY RESULTS BOLSTER MORE EDUCATION FUNDING

As it gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, the Illinois Lottery is celebrating the highest net income generated in its history, fueled by a historic number of jackpots surpassing $1 billion in Mega Millions and Powerball.

Head Omar Bailey launches FCTRY LAb's second shoe the 'FCTRY MOCC'

FCTRY LAb, the venture capital backed footwear innovation lab launches the FCTRY MOCC, a combination of modern design and ancient inspiration.

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ESTABLISHING CITY OF CHICAGO’S FIRST CHIEF HOMELESSNESS OFFICER

Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order to establish a Chief Homelessness Officer for the City of Chicago to address the current homelessness crisis in Chicago. The position will be the first of its kind for the City.

Giannoulias Announces $420,000 in Grants to Support 28 Prison Libraries

Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias is awarding more than $400,000 to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to support 28 prison libraries throughout the state, in a first-of-its-kind partnership.

Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Opening of Eli’s Cheesecake’s Expanded Facility

Governor JB Pritzker joined local and state leaders to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eli’s Cheesecake expanded facility. The $10 million investment and 42,000 square-foot expanded facility will increase space for packaging lines and bakery operations for the famous Chicago cheesecake company while creating 50 new jobs for the area.

FALL BENEATH THE WAVES: SHEDD AQUARIUM SHARES SCHEDULE OF AUTUMN EVENTS

As the weather starts to become colder, Shedd Aquarium is offering several ways that guests can spark their curiosity for the aquatic animal world. Guests can participate in local conservation efforts by meeting a rescued sea lion in a new animal encounter, exploring the newest exhibit, Plankton Revealed, visiting the new bowmouth guitarfish in Wild Reef and more.

ComEd and Aclima Launch Hyperlocal Air-Quality Portal

To help communities identify areas with high concentrations of air pollutants, and develop programs to mitigate their negative effects, ComEd recently launched the first phase of an online, air-quality portal with Aclima, a climate technology leader specializing in block-level, hyperlocal air quality and greenhouse gas mapping and analysis.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Elected as Next President of National Association of State Treasurers

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has been chosen as the next president of the National Association of State Treasurers, the nation's foremost authority for responsible state treasury programs and related financial practices, policies and education. Frerichs, who has been serving as NAST senior vice president, was elected president at the organization’s annual business meeting in October.