MGM+ SERIES EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK REVEALS TRAILER & PREMIERE DATE
Premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ revealed a first-look trailer at the highly anticipated series Emperor of Ocean Park from John Wells and Sherman Payne. Executive produced by Sherman Payne, the series is set to premiere with its first episode on July 14 on MGM+, with new episodes airing on Sundays until September 15. In addition to previously announced stars (Forest Whitaker, Grantham Coleman, Tiffany Mack, Paulina Lule, and more), the first season has also added NAACP Image Award Winner Keith Powers (The Perfect Find, The Tomorrow War, The Uglies), Kelli Simpkins (American Rust, Work in Progress, 61st Street), Keith Kupferer (Ghostlight, Windows, The Dark Knight), and Deanna Reed-Foster (The Shining Girls, Vince Staples Show, Chicago Fire).
Ukrainian heritage and jewellery took centre stage at the “Beyond Time” exhibition by the Strong & Precious Art Foundation
The heritage of Trypillia was reinterpreted at GemGenève, marking the fifth time the Strong and Precious Art Foundation participated in the prestigious international show. Dedicated to highlighting Ukrainian artisans, Strong & Precious embarked on a journey to present “Beyond Time,” its new exhibition in the Designer Village section of the fair. The showcase gathered remarks for its outstanding craftsmanship and thoughtful intertwining of Trypillian culture, contextualized in each piece. The displays attracted attention, artfully juxtaposing ceramics with jewels.
Center for Journalism & Democracy Awards Nearly $200,000 to 10 HBCU Student Newsrooms
The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University will award nearly $200,000 to 10 student newsrooms at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its inaugural Newsroom Innovation Challenge. The awards are designed to improve newsroom technology, business operations, audience engagement and reporting at campus newsrooms. The unique program advances the Center’s mission to help prepare HBCU students to become investigative journalists who will hold power accountable and strengthen U.S. democracy.
Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young Announces Free Workshops and Creative Opportunities for Chicagoans
Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library (CPL), Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Poetry Foundation invite Chicagoans to celebrate poetry year-round by participating in upcoming free programming. Central to avery r. young’s multidisciplinary practice as a poet, composer, and educator is a connection to place. To that end, the Chicago Poet Laureate has developed two original programs for Chicagoans to celebrate the ‘Soul of Chicago.’
Chicago Public Schools Celebrates the Start of Summer with Programming
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students, staff, and parents conclude another record-breaking school year on June 6. This year, CPS elementary students received national recognition for posting academic growth in reading and math and the Class of 2024 earned more than 55,000 hours of college credit and more than a billion dollars in scholarships to date. The District is now opening registration for a robust array of summer enrichment, transition, and partner programming opportunities that will help students continue learning, exploring their interests, and enjoying time with each other until school resumes on August 26.
MAYOR JOHNSON UNVEILS NEXT PHASE OF O’HARE EXPANSION PROJECT
Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled the design of Satellite Concourse 1, the first major component of the once-in-a-generation expansion and modernization project known as the O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan.
AIRE ANCIENT BATHS LAUNCHES NEW ORANGE GARDEN EXPERIENCE
AIRE Ancient Baths is pleased to introduce a new holistic beauty ritual: Orange Garden Experience. A transformative full-body and facial massage treatment that’s available at all locations, the Orange Garden experience transports guests to the patios of Seville, where the AIRE brand first started in 1994.
Juneteenth Festival in Morgan Park set for June 15
The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation (Far South CDC) — an organization that provides strategic community-building services to residents and businesses across Chicago’s Far South Side neighborhoods and south suburban Cook County — is excited to announce its 2024 Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 15 from 12-4 p.m. on the northwest corner of Halsted Street and 115th Street in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood.
Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Class of 2024 Historic Savings of More Than $8 Million in College Tuition
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Chancellor Juan Salgado, DeVry University President and CEO Elise Awwad, school administrators and families came together to recognize more than 800 Class of 2024 scholars from 79 CPS high schools who are graduating with a high school diploma, plus 15 or more transferable college credits. Among the Class of 2024 seniors are 144 graduates who earned their associate degree, more than any previous class in CPS history.
South Suburban Custodian Wins National Award
Sergio Nuno, a custodian for Matteson School District 162, has been named a winner of a national award recognizing his impact on students and his community.
Biden-Harris Administration Allows Borrowers More Time to Consolidate Loans to Get Credit for Progress Toward Loan Forgiveness Programs
The Biden-Harris Administration today announced an update on the timing of the payment count adjustment. This administrative fix ensures borrowers get proper credit for progress borrowers made toward income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). The payment count adjustment is now anticipated to be fully implemented in September 2024. At that time, borrowers with Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans held by the U.S. Department of Education (Department) will see a full and accurate count of their progress toward loan forgiveness. Because of this updated timeline, borrowers with non-federally held FFEL loans who apply to consolidate by June 30 can still benefit from the payment count adjustment. The prior consolidation deadline was April 30.
CITY CRUISES CHICAGO ANNOUNCES SERIES OF SUMMERTIME CRUISES
Time to set sail this Summer! City Cruises Chicago, the operator of Chicago’s largest and leading water-based experiences -- with a fleet that includes Chicago’s most iconic names including Odyssey Lake Michigan, Odyssey Chicago River, Spirit of Chicago, Spirit of Navy Pier, Chicago Elite, and the Seadog -- announced its exciting lineup of summer offerings. From the ever popular Brunch Cruises and Fireworks Dinner Cruises, to the exciting After Dark Dance Cruises, Holiday Cruises, and Sunset Cocktail Cruises, City Cruises Chicago presents some of the most unique and memorable ways to enjoy summer in the Chi. Friends, families and couples alike will enjoy Chicago’s spectacular panoramic views as they are treated to lavish and delectable chef-prepared menus complemented with Chicago-inspired libations and mocktails. Cruises take place on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, allowing guests to enjoy the city from entirely different vantage points.
Salaam Community Wellness Center to Kick Off Monthly “Peace of Mind” Health and Wellness Pop Up Events
After four years, most of us have tried our best to get back to normal because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, its residue continues to linger for millions of Americans. According to a Household Pulse Survey posted by the Centers for Disease Control, more than 40% of adults in the United States reported having COVID-19 in the past, and nearly one in five of those (19%) currently are still having symptoms of “long COVID.”
Alzheimer’s Association Encourages Americans to Take Charge of Their Brain Health
This June during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging all Americans to take charge of their brain health.
Actress In “Six” Loves Show’s Pop Vibe
Kelly Denice Taylor got into theater by performing in a marching band and color guard at a young age, then going on to performing in musicals in middle school and high school. Taylor is portraying Jane Seymour in the musical “Six,” at James M. Nederlander Theatre through July 14th.
Aetna Better Health Of Illinois Wants To Engage And Educate The Community About Health Issues
When it comes to preventing disease, promoting health, and delivering healthcare to racial and ethnic minorities, Shaan Trotter believes race has no metabolism and there is nothing about a person’s race that makes them automatically susceptible to diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
United States Master Chess League Celebrates African American Chess Players
Inez Kelley founded the United States Master Chess League (USMCL) in honor of her brother, who passed away in 2019, he was a chess advocate. This is the first year USMCL has been a full-fledge league. It evolved from the Battle of the Masters, a competition between the top master level chess players in New York City in 2023.
Local College Student Throws Out First Pitch At White Sox Game
Simeon High School graduate Malik Elzy threw out a ceremonial first pitch at the Chicago White Sox Wednesday, May 22nd, game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Soprano Karen Slack Named Lyric Opera Artist-In-Residence
Karen Slack discovered Opera while attending the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Her high school choir teacher played opera every morning and she fell in love with it. She heard singers like Jessye Norman and Maria Callas and recognized a similarity with her sound.
