MORE THAN 700 ATTEND BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Calvin Jordan- Rich Township Supervisor and Democratic Committeeman was joined by the Rich Township Board of Trustees, and more than 700 of business leaders, elected officials, civic and clergy leaders in honoring ten African American giants as part of the 6TH Annual Rich Township Black History Month Gala and Awards Celebration.

Giannoulias Announces Launch of Electronic Lien and Titling

For the first time in Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office is making Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) available when purchasing a vehicle from a participating dealer, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced.

North Park Hires Advisor to Support and Retain First-Year STEM Students

North Park University has received a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a new advisor position dedicated to supporting first-year students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Magnet Chicago Public Schools Earn National Recognition for Excellence and Distinction

Nine Chicago Public Schools (CPS) across the District have been named as either a 2025 School of Excellence or School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America (MSA). More CPS magnet schools than ever have snagged this prestigious national merit award this year, with one school also becoming the first to be recognized two years in a row.

The Impact of Daylight Saving Time on Sleep Patterns and Dementia: What You Need to Know

Most of the country will lose an hour of sleep this weekend with Daylight Saving Time. Sleep pattern changes - like those we experience during Daylight Saving Time - have been shown to affect different aspects of our physical and psychological health, including our brain health. In fact, research is published regularly that suggests poor sleep -- like sleep apnea and insomnia -- may increase our risk for dementia, while getting regular healthy sleep may reduce our risk of dementia.

Pay Yourself First

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) recently released its 2024 State of Housing in Black America Report, shedding light on a troubling yet unsurprising reality: the gap between Black and White homeownership has widened since 1970. This disparity is not just a statistic—it represents a significant loss of wealth within Black communities, including here in the Greater Chicagoland area.

Free Test Prep Program Available To Public University Students

College students who attend public universities can take advantage of a new free test prep program. The Prepare for Illinois’ Future Program provides free test prep to college students in more than 40 courses, including licensing exams – real estate and insurance – and graduate level programs – GRE, LSAT, MCAT and GMAT. The program is available through a partnership with the State of Illinois, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and Kaplan.

Music Box Foundation Makes the Arts Accessible to Young People

Music Box Foundation offers music education, mentoring and workforce development programs to youth, young adults and students with disabilities. The family organization was founded by Vernon Lloyd, Vernon Lloyd, Jr., Omero Siller, Deon Houston and Kijuana Carter in 2008 as a mobile service that offered music programs in the Park District. Now, the program partners with the Chicago Public Schools, for afterschool programs, the Chicago Park District and the Alternative Schools Network.

SAIC at Homan Square Exposes Community To The Arts

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has had a presence in North Lawndale with its Homan Square Program for more than 10 years. Located at 906 S. Homan, SAIC at Homan Square offers free art classes to high school students, engages the community through art projects and spotlights local artists through its artist-in-residence programs.

Start Early Is Advocating For Increase In Wages For Early Childhood Services

Nonprofit organization Start Early has been working to promote early childhood education in underresourced communities since it began more than 40 years ago in Chicago as The Ounce of Prevention Fund. The goal of the organization is to give children the best start in life by providing resources and support to families.

Giannoulias Honors Student Organ Donors on ‘Sweetness Day’ Walter Payton Prep Sophomores Register Fellow CPS Teens as Organ Donors Under Secretary of State’s LEAD Program

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias celebrated the sophomore class of Walter Payton College Preparatory High School today after their day of service in honor of Walter “Sweetness” Payton, the school’s namesake.

Olive-Harvey College, Launched Criminal and Social Justice Center with legal resources available to the community

Olive-Harvey College (OHC), launched its Criminal and Social Justice Center to support communities across the city and beyond. City Colleges of Chicago officials, community partners, faculty, staff and students joined together for a ribbon cutting, signifying the launch of the new Criminal and Social Justice Center located at the college, 10001 S. Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago.

Applications for Property Tax Savings Now Available

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced at a press conference today that property tax–saving exemptions applications for the 2024 tax year are now available online. Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a property owner an average of $950 dollars each year.

Carol's Daughter Is Helping Black Women Reclaim Our Crowns

For many Black women, hair is more than just style; it's a symbol of identity, strength, and cultural pride. However, for 71% of Black women who experience hair loss, it can also be a source of insecurity and lowered self-confidence. Today, Carol's Daughter, a pioneer in natural hair care, announces a powerful new solution: the Goddess Strength Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment, a vital addition to the beloved and award-winning Goddess Strength collection.

Coalition Of Human Services Organizations Call For A Living Wage For Human Service Workers

More than 100 people gathered in Springfield on Wednesday, Feb. 26th, to call for legislators to support resolutions and legislation that would provide a livable wage for those who provide human services to people in communities throughout Illinois.

Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Tuesday, March 4 due date

First Installment Tax Year 2024 property taxes are due Tuesday, March 4, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reminded taxpayers today.

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Announces CEO Transition

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago today announced that Dorri McWhorter has decided to step down as president and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 28, 2025.

Do You Need a REAL ID? Maybe…Maybe Not

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to make sure they know if they need a REAL ID ahead of the federal deadline, now less than three months away.

Advocate Encourages People To Get Screened For HCM

February is American Heart Month and February 26th is recognized as National Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Day.

Fintech Acquisition To Help Spur Entrepreneurship

Walter Mendenhall, Founder of Male Mogul Initiative, along with WNBA player Jewell Loyd and her brother, Jarryd Loyd, have acquired the financial technology company Helpwithmyloan.