Biden-Harris Administration Selects 24 Recipients to Receive Nearly $16 Million in Pollution Prevention Grants to Advance Environmental Justice

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of 24 recipients across the country that will collectively receive nearly $16 million in pollution prevention grants through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics. The funding, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support two grant programs for states and state-sponsored colleges to provide businesses with technical assistance to develop and adopt practices that prevent pollution at the source in local communities.

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.

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON RELEASES ‘THE PEOPLE’S BUDGET,’ A BOLD, BALANCED PLAN FOR FY2024

On Wednesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson released the first budget of his administration for FY2024 in a speech before City staff, departments, community partners, labor and business leaders, and members of the Chicago City Council. The mayor’s budget – and the people’s budget – is a significant step forward towards a future that lifts up disinvested communities, fosters economic vitality, and provides a sense of safety and belonging for all Chicagoans.

TELEVISION ACADEMY FOUNDATION’S 43RD COLLEGE TELEVISION AWARDS COMPETITION NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS THROUGH OCT. 19

The Television Academy Foundation today announced it is now accepting submissions for the 43rd College Television Awards, a ceremony that recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges and universities nationwide, to be held in spring 2024.

Alderman William Hall talks about his first 100 days

The Reverend William E. Hall, Lead Pastor of St. James Community Church, has been the Alderman representing the 6th Ward since May 15th. It has been a humbling experience for him, filled with many long days. He is grateful for the opportunity to help his constituents.

Adrienne Bankert talks about her career and her book

Adrienne Bankert has been a journalist her entire working career. The Emmy Award-winning journalist is the co-host of NewsNation’s Morning in America.

OWN’S PREMIERES SIX-PART DOCUSERIES, “REBUILDING BLACK WALL STREET”

Morris Chestnut Set to Host Series Spotlighting a Resilient Tulsa Community Rebuilding Stronger a Century After the 1921 Tulsa Massacre

RAIN-E MAKES HER GRAND DEBUT TO MUSIC WITH ‘BIG SPENDA’

The city of Chicago, and indeed the entire Midwest region of the U.S., have always enjoyed a rich and diverse heritage when it comes to its hard-earned identity as the “mid coast”—the center of the art and culture of Hip-Hop. Ranging from inspired, impactful musical expressions incorporating lyricism, rhyming, deejaying and stage presence, the “second city” is truly second to none as among those who know, as great female rap artists continue to be consistently bred and launched to success from here.

Hyde Park Art Center hosts the 84th Annual Gala

Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, hosts its annual Gala that activates its entire building from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, with an afterparty that goes till midnight. Co-chaired by Kimberly and James Elbaor, Wendy and John Minor, and Angelique Power, the lively event is packed with hands-on art activities, performances, open studios, art auctions, and DJs from Lumpen Radio, offering a unique and interactive experience while benefiting the art center’s various programs supporting Chicago art and artists. The Gala afterparty is hosted in partnership with Lumpen Radio.

Chicago Philharmonic Executive Director is making his mark

Chicago Philharmonic has been presenting more diverse programming, from Grammy-nominated group Tank and the Bangas to the music of “Black Panther” in concert. Bringing this music and these artists to an orchestral setting has been the brainchild of Terell Johnson.

H&M STUDIO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF DESIGN FEATURING SCULPTURAL SILHOUETTES AND RICH HUES WITH H&M STUDIO'S A/W23 COLLECTION

A new mood of dark glamour takes hold with H&M Studio's A/W23 collection. Inspired by the thrilling simplicity of classic black, silhouettes channel the stark sophistication of film noir heroines. This collection marks the 10th year of H&M Studio with daring designs that are tailored to perfection. The H&M Studio A/W23 will be available today in select stores in the U.S. and www.hm.com

CHICAGO’S RENOWNED ARTS IN THE DARK PARADE CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN AS THE “ARTISTS’ HOLIDAY”

LUMA8 proudly announces the 9th Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly happening featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets and all forms of creative performance taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Attendees are urged to arrive early to find a good spectating spot and attend a pre-Parade candy giveaway starting at 5pm featuring HARIBO’s Goldenbear and more. Spectators are also encouraged to come dressed in their own colorful and creative costumes to join in the festive fun. This magical evening procession celebrates Halloween as the “artists’ holiday” and draws together participants from major cultural organizations, inspiring youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field. Named ‘One of the best Halloween celebrations in the world’ by UK-based Wanderlust magazine – this dazzling production annually delights an audience of 50,000+ gathered along historic State Street, from Lake to Van Buren Streets.

Application open for High Road Kitchens

As the fight for a Fair Wage continues, One Fair Wage has opened applications for its High Road Kitchen program.

Karina Brez Launches the Cowgirl LUV Collection, a Tribute to America's Majestic Mountains

A tribute to the untamed spirit of the American West, renowned equestrian jewelry designer Karina Brez unveils her latest signature collection, Cowgirl LUV, an ode to the inspiring mountains and cities that grace the landscape of the USA. The collection pays homage to the rugged beauty of the American West, featuring stackable rings that artfully symbolize various mountain ranges, and a thoughtful double entendre, with each mountain range doubling as a cowgirl name, embodying the spirit of adventure and independence.

Chicago Public Schools Celebrates National Principals Month

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is celebrating the start of National Principals Month by highlighting the critical efforts made by principals across the District. Every October, the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) come together to recognize principals and their contributions to public education. This year, the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will celebrate Principal Appreciation Week from Oct. 15-21, with official Principal Appreciation Day celebrations taking place on October 20. CPS joins schools across the country in recognizing the comprehensive role that principals play in supporting students, families, and educators.

New Leaf Illinois continues to assist with cannabis record expungements

New Leaf Illinois has been helping people get assistance in expunging their past cannabis records. The statewide initiative includes 20 nonprofit organizations that provide free legal representation, as well as legal information for people who want to get their cannabis record expunged.

New Coalition Addresses Health Equity Challenges through Inclusive Data Collection

The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), and 17 partner organizations announced the formation of the Data Equity Coalition, a new partnership to improve health outcomes through better, more accurate and more representative data on race, ethnicity and language (REL) and sexual orientation and gender identification (SOGI). Developing a standardized approach to this important data can be critical to ensuring everyone in America has an equal opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Global Strategists Association (GSA) Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Global Strategists Association will host its 10th anniversary celebration honoring Chicagoans whose global engagements contribute to Chicago being a global city. The event will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Chicago Public Schools Enrollment Shows Increase for First time in More than a Decade

During a Chicago Board of Education meeting at Austin College & Career Academy High School, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) shared 20th day enrollment and attendance data, showing a slight (0.4 percent) increase in the student population to 323,291 students, as well as a steady attendance rate of 92 percent during the first four weeks of school. The enrollment figure reflects student growth in the District’s expanded preschool programming, growth at the elementary school level, as well as steady high school enrollment. This represents the first increase in the District’s enrollment in 12 years.

PEPSI® Dig In Culinary Residency Program Returns

PEPSI® Dig In, the brand's platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants, returns with its Restaurant Royalty Residency program in Las Vegas, giving restaurant goers a chance to discover every bite is Better With Pepsi and experience a new selection of exclusive dishes from Black-owned restaurants across the country. Following last year's successful partnership with MGM Resorts International, Pepsi Dig In is bringing six new restaurants and their concepts to the company's Fan Districts - popular go-to destinations for fans to rally before and after Allegiant Stadium events - at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Luxor Hotel and Casino. For the first time, Esco Restaurant & Tapas from the multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning MC 2 Chainz will be featured alongside other renowned concepts.