“The Next ‘50s & ‘60s Pop, Soul And Doo-Wop Star” Seeks Talent
Starting today, aspiring Acapella and vocal group harmony singers are invited to audition for The Next ‘50s & ‘60s Pop, Soul and Doo-Wop Star worldwide talent search. The effort will culminate with a national PBS special in 2022 commemorating the classic 1950s and 1960s pop, soul and doo-wop eras in American musical history.
Comcast Increases Xfinity Internet Speeds in the Chicago Region
Comcast announced today that it has increased the speeds of its most popular Xfinity Internet tiers, providing an extra boost for several million customers across its Greater Chicago Region, which spans Central and Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
Resources Exist For Tenants Facing Eviction
The Illinois eviction moratorium ended on Oct. 4, which means renters are at risk of losing their housing if they do not pay rent. The moratorium was placed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people that were not able to pay rent due to job loss because of shutdowns and quarantines.
City Of Chicago Receives Five Development Proposals For City’s First Integrated Casino-Resort
Bids were due on the City of Chicago’s request for proposal (RFP) for its first integrated casino-resort on Friday, Oct. 29. Five proposals were submitted for consideration in developing a world-class casino-resort and entertainment experience in Chicago with the goal of being awarded the city’s sole casino owner’s license.
Commissioner Sims backs Gordon for her soon to be vacated Cook County Board Seat
The Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims has represented the 5th District for 27 years. She announced that she would not seek re-election when her current term is up in 2022. Sims has made it clear that she wants her seat to be filled by a Black woman. She has chosen Monica Gordon.
The MATCCH Foundation a Creates Community-Based Healthcare Model
Last year after attending a George Floyd protest, Isaac Palmer, Jr., along with a friend, were inspired to make change in the Black community. They knew they couldn’t change the actions of police, they couldn’t reach the mayor, but they did know healthcare.
CHICAGO ROADMAP COLLABORATION MAKES PROGRESS
Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago collaborated in 2020 to create the Chicago Roadmap to support students on their path to and through college as they make their way to their careers. Now, a year later, a progress report is out that highlights best practices and implementation of programs.
ComEd Launches New Job Training Program
ComEd has announced the CONSTRUCT Business Operations Academy, a new pilot program to increase the pool of qualified minority candidates for entry-level administrative and project coordinator roles in the utility, construction and related industries. The program is administered by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and is funded by ComEd and INTREN.
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING PLAN CLEARS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Illinois lawmakers gave final approval in the early hours of Friday morning to a new congressional redistricting plan that divides the state into 17 districts, one fewer than it currently has due to its loss of population since the 2010 U.S. Census.
The Village Of Matteson Is One Of The Finalist For The Southland Casino
The Village of Matteson has been named a one of two finalists for the Southland Casino. The Village of Matteson made a presentation to the Illinois Gaming Board on October 13th. The Village Homewood is the other finalists. There were four applicants for the South Suburban Owner’s License. Charles Schmadeke, chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board said it was not an easy task and each applicant had positive attributes. He added, the decision was based upon the Illinois Gaming Board’s statutory duties and standards that have been set.
Military veterans, here’s information that may be helpful to know about your health benefits
Individuals eligible for Medicare, including veterans, have an important decision to make before Tuesday, December 7, the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period (AEP) deadline. Selecting the plan best suited for your individual health needs is a critical decision, as the plan you select is the coverage you’ll have for all of 2022, with few exceptions. For Medicare beneficiaries who also receive health care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there’s even more to consider.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to share government transparency and social equity initiatives at real estate and tax conference in the Dominican Republic
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will discuss how advancements in the Treasurer’s Office have increased transparency and efficiency while promoting social equity during a conference next week in the Dominican Republic.
Reflecting on the impact of our commitment in Chicago
Last October, I was honored to share the stage with Mayor Lightfoot and We Rise Together, representing JPMorgan Chase as the bank announced a $600 million commitment to increase homeownership for 3,000 Black, Latino and Hispanic families in Chicago. This announcement was part of a larger, five-year $30 billion national commitment the company made to advance racial equity. To be a part of such important work was a professional and personal highlight for me, having grown up in the Chicagoland area and witnessing first-hand the inequities for people of color in the community.
Nielsen’s 2021 African American Consumer Report Explores Black Culture
Nielsen continues to dedicate itself to telling the story of the power of Black audiences, their diversity, and the representation of the collective Black community. According to “Seeing and Believing: Meeting Black audience demand for representation that matters,” the newest report in Nielsen’s Diverse Intelligence Series, the U.S. Black population has a complex and powerful legacy that continues to shape countries and cultures around the world. Yet, when it comes to representation in media, the complexity that creates the richness of their experience is often lost, and when present, undervalued.
Alicia Keys To Perform Special for SiriusXM and Pandora
SiriusXM announced today that 15-time GRAMMY ® Award winning artist Alicia Keys will return to her hometown, New York City, to perform at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem for a special, intimate, and exclusive invitation-only concert for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners on Thursday, Nov. 11. The special performance in Keys’ hometown is a part of SiriusXM and Pandora’s Small Stage Series.
Sweaty Betty and Halle Berry’s Collaboration is Back
Sweaty Betty, global activewear and lifestyle brand, is thrilled to announce its second collaboration with Hollywood icon Halle Berry and her wellness brand, rē•spin. The fall drop of The rē•spin Edit focuses on effortless layers in time for the cozy season, with an understated color palette of soft greens, warm creams and deep, earthy blacks inspired by Halle’s love of nature. The limited-edition, 24-piece collection closely reflects Halle’s personal style, with the flattering fits and innovative details with which Sweaty Betty is synonymous.
Retreat continues To Give Representation To Purveyors Of Color
For so long, there was a lack of representation across the culinary industry. With Theaster Gates’ commitment to uplifting Black and Brown entrepreneurs in the arts across the board, it has been very important for him to create, make and activate space, especially at the Retreat Currency Café.
Initial Allocation of 2021 Emergency Rental Assistance is 100 Percent Disbursed
Governor JB Pritzker today announced that $505 million of the initial tranche of Illinois’ 2021 emergency rental assistance from the federal government has been distributed, as Illinois leads the nation in getting this funding out the door faster than any other state. More than 57,000 households have now received assistance through the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP). With Illinois’ initial 2021 allocation of rental relief funds fully paid out, IHDA will open a new round of assistance funded by a separate federal bill on Monday, Nov. 8.
Girls Like Me Founder Wants To Instill Pride in Black Girls
LaKeisha Gray Sewell began the Girls Like Me Project after volunteering in her son’s classroom in 2008. She observed the young girls in the class were exhibiting negative behavior. She decided to host a ladies’ lunch for the girls, who were in fourth grade, as a way to break up the mean girl behavior and develop a sense of responsibility and love for each other.
