ComEd Goats Take Break from Managing Vegetation to Cruise on the Chicago River

ComEd’s four-legged employees took a break from eating vegetation under power lines in Pekin, Ill., for a boat cruise on the Chicago River.

Checking in with Mayor Curry on Day 71

In April, Jada Curry made history as the first African American woman to serve as President of the Village of Lynwood. Curry’s place in history was not lost on her when she was sworn-in on May 11. Two months later Curry is learning what it will take to make Lynwood self-sustaining and creating a welcoming environment for the Village’s residents.

Leo Burnett Pilots Creative Boot Camp at Chicago State University

Five students from Chicago State University, Illinois’ sole four-year Predominantly Black Institution for higher education, began summer internships this week across Publicis Groupe, including at Leo Burnett Chicago, Arc Worldwide, and ThePub; and one of their classmates has accepted a full-time position at Publicis Health Media. The connection is the culmination of a decades-long partnership, and pro bono work through the Pencil Project, most recently with a boot camp creative curriculum during the Spring semester, with support from Marcus Graham Project.

Thousands Of Dollars Awarded To Black Males For Achieving Academic Excellence

The Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation (ETSF) is awarding scholarships to 22 African-American young men, Sunday, July 25, 2021. The ‘Yet, Still We Rise’ Scholarship Fundraiser, Gala and Silent Auction will highlight the academic achievements and success of young black males in the Chicago area.

Fisher to retire; Craven to be next leader of Illinois Press Association

One familiar face at the Illinois Press Association is retiring and another will succeed him. IPA Board of Directors Chairman Don Bricker today announced that Sam Fisher is retiring as the organization’s president and CEO, effective Sept. 1. Fisher has been the IPA’s leader since 2017.

Police Commander Watson talks about handling crime in the 3rd District

Roderick Watson has been Commander of the 3rd District since December 2020. In that time, he has developed a strategy, Together We Can, a holistic approach to handling crime in the District, which encompasses Woodlawn, South Shore and Greater Grand Crossing.

AWARE for All- Midwest is a program that aims to educate communities about clinical trials and how to participate.

The AWARE for All - Midwest event is being held on Thursday, July 22nd from 4:30-6:00 PM CDT. This free 90-minute webinar offers attendees the chance to hear personal stories from clinical trial participants and healthcare professionals.

Rep. Kelly Advances $20 Million in Infrastructure Projects for Illinois Communities

Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) announced $20 million in funding to support transportation and infrastructure projects in Chicago, Cook County, The Village of Matteson, Will County, and Kankakee County.

City Hall Open To The General Public

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced recently, that after 16 months, City Hall has reopened to the public. This announcement marks another milestone as the City of Chicago recovers from the impact of the pandemic. All visitors will still be required to wear masks and social distance appropriately while they are in the building.

Filmmaker’s sitcom available on Amazon Prime Video

Calvin “Caliko” Coleman used to share his experiences as a family man on social media. People told him those stories should be a sitcom. Coleman decided to develop a sitcom, “The Coleman Show,” and now it is available on Amazon Prime.

ComEd Reports Continued Growth in Clean Energy Job Training and Placements

Training focused on increasing representation of people of color, women and other groups in Illinois’ clean energy workforce produced in 2020 the highest number of graduates and job placements since the programs began in 2017. The annual report on training programs funded by the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) was submitted by ComEd today to the Illinois Commerce Commission and showed 94 percent of trainees, or 684, graduated and secured employment, up from 72 percent, or 433, in 2019.

SONG EMPOWERS GIRLS AND WOMEN TO HAVE A QUEEN MENTALITY

Joryin Pender is a singer, songwriter and plays the guitar. She wanted to write a song to empower dark skin Black girls with her song, “Queen Tone.”

AUSTIN EATS STRIVES TO PROVIDE FOOD AND EDUCATION

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic Austin Coming Together wanted to provide food and other resources to community residents who were hit hard and needed assistance. Austin Eats was born out of that and a year later, it has expanded to include a film screenings.

“Sundress and Sandals” Concert Coming to Cross Pointe Park July 23

On Friday, July 23, multiple Grammy Award-winning and World Renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Isley Brothers will be live in concert at Cross Pointe Park, 2801 W. 167th Street, in Hazel Crest.

Wells Fargo Announces Artist-in-Residence to Join Efforts to Support Diverse- and Women-Owned Small Businesses

Business Wire - Wells Fargo is expanding its existing efforts to support diverse- and women-owned small businesses by welcoming graphic designer and illustrator Sophia Yeshi as the bank’s first-ever artist-in-residence. For her first project as the Wells Fargo Artist in Residence, Yeshi reimagined the “Open” sign as a bold statement to symbolize the perseverance of millions of small business owners through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic – as well as the long road ahead to full recovery. The new “Open” sign is available for download at wellsfargo.com/ together and later this summer, small business owners can pick up a sign at any Wells Fargo branch while supplies last.

Responsibly sourced diamonds get a closeup at the Sustainable Style Awards

De Beers Jewellers & De Beers Forevermark responsibly sourced diamonds shined at the fourth annual Sustainable Style Awards. Actor Tati Gabrielle, wearing diamond jewelry by De Beers Jewellers, and actor Jaime King, adorned in diamonds by De Beers Forevermark, were among the Hollywood stars and fashion elite who gathered to celebrate the best and brightest in sustainable style.

PULLMAN WALMART REOPENS

Walmart, located at 10900 Doty Avenue, host a grand reopening showcasing its new look on Friday, July 9. Walmart staff were joined by elected officials, higher education administrators, clergy and other community stakeholders.

LAW ALLOWS MAYOR TO ALSO SERVE AS STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Legislation in the Illinois General Assembly has made it legal for sitting lawmakers to run for local elected office. Illinois Senate Bill 825 allows Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones, who also is an Illinois State Representative for the 29th District, to serve in both roles.

Metra to offer weekend express service on Electric Line for Auto Show

Metra will again offer weekend express service on the Metra Electric Line from Blue Island to the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place to give south suburban residents a fast and easy way to get to the annual car extravaganza. The show runs from Thursday, July 15 to Monday, July 19.

LANE CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR DEERPATH ROAD BRIDGE BEAM PLACEMENT ON THE REAGAN MEMORIAL TOLLWAY (I-88) IN AURORA

Temporary, overnight lane closures will be scheduled this week on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I‐88) in Aurora for bridge beam placement as part of the Deerpath Road Bridge Reconstruction Project. The temporary closures on I-88 are necessary to safely accommodate the placement of bridge beams over the Tollway. Bridge beam placement will be scheduled during overnight hours to minimize the impact on Tollway customers.