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Event-Record 160,000 People Apply for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon notified runners of their selection status for the 2025 event. The race, which is the final event in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, continues to see unprecedented interest with more than 160,000 individuals applying for a chance to participate. Those who secure an entry into the race will join another record-breaking field with more than 53,000 participants expected to cross the finish line in Grant Park on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Department of Education Announces Borrowers Can Now Apply for Additional Income-Driven Repayment Plans
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today announced the reopening of two student loan repayment plans to give borrowers more options to keep their payments low. The Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Repayment and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plans offer credit for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and income-driven repayment (IDR) to eligible borrowers enrolled in the currently enjoined Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, as well as additional terms that borrowers may wish to consider.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES ILLINOIS RESIDENTS TO BE VIGILANT WHEN SEEKING GLP-1 DRUGS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning Illinois residents seeking to purchase GLP-1 medications – including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound – to be aware that many sellers advertising these name brand medications are instead offering unapproved versions of these products that may put people’s health at risk. Raoul is strongly urging people to obtain prescriptions for GLP-1 medications from a trusted health care provider and to fill those prescriptions at an appropriately-licensed pharmacy.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO PRESENT YOUTH-FOCUSED COMMUNITY PLANS AT MY CHI. MY FUTURE. CITYWIDE PARTNER MEETING
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) invited Chicago leaders, youth-serving stakeholders and young people to the Harold Washington Library Center Winter Garden for the December My CHI. My Future. (MCMF) citywide partners meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity to hear from the MCMF Community Anchor Organizations about their efforts to convene stakeholder networks and develop community plans focused on meeting the needs of youth in their communities. Organizations representing 15 regions across the city are presenting data identified through a community needs assessment and outline strategies to address opportunity gaps for young people.
IBM to Build New National Quantum Algorithm Center
IBM’s Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna joined University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos, Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) CEO Harley Johnson, and industry stakeholders to announce the new National Quantum Algorithm Center. This groundbreaking Center will be fueled by IBM’s next-generation, modular quantum computer (“IBM Quantum System Two”), and will aim to advance the exploration of quantum-centric supercomputing across industries, furthering Illinois’ status as a leader in emerging technology and a global quantum computing capital.
POAH Completes Renovations at Jesse Jackson Jr. Apartments for Seniors in Harvey
More than 100 seniors in Harvey had a little extra to celebrate this holiday season, with the completion of renovations on the 120-unit Jesse Jackson Jr. Apartments in Harvey. Mayor Christopher Clark joined the residents earlier this month at a holiday lunch and tour of the buildings’ new amenities.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE EXPANDS MOVE OVER ALERTS TO PROTECT DRIVERS AND TROOPERS
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is expanding the number of ways drivers receive alerts when ISP activity is up ahead and they need to slow down and move over. ISP and the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, (DoIT) are partnering with HAAS Alert to expand notifications to select Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, RAM, and Volkswagen vehicles. These safety alerts to drivers will be powered by Safety Cloud, HAAS Alert’s solution for delivering digital alerts through leading navigation apps and compatible vehicle infotainment systems.
2025 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW DATES AND EVENT HIGHLIGHTS ANNOUNCED
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, released the dates and plans for the 2025 event, held Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. Showgoers can once again expect an engaging show with the latest new vehicles, outdoor ride-and-drives and indoor test tracks, including the return of Chicago Drives Electric, a one-stop-shop for electric vehicle ride-alongs and education.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION SUPPORTING FAIR WAGES FOR FEDERAL CONTRACT WORKERS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the federal government’s actions to increase the minimum wage for employees of certain federal contractors. In April 2021, President Biden issued an executive order increasing the minimum wage for these workers to $15 and directing the U.S. Department of Labor to implement subsequent annual raises to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Black Girl Vitamins Provides Much Needed Vitamins And Supplements For Black Women
Black Girl Vitamins was founded three years ago in 2021 when the co- founder Maxine Manager found out she was Vitamin D deficient. It inspired her to do something about it since Vitamin D deficiency affects Black women at higher rates.
Documentary Shows Impact Of School Closures
In 2013, fifty schools were closed by the Board of Education, including Overton, Woods and Emett. More than 10 years later, a documentary looks at the impact of the closures on the communities they served, as well as efforts to redevelop the shuttered school buildings.
Acclivus Continues To Focus On Violence Prevention Strategies
Acclivus has been providing violence prevention strategies, with the goal of stopping the cycle of violence for six years, after a five-year hiatus. Representatives from Acclivus talked to the Citizen Newspaper about the organization, its mission and programs.
HBCU Honors Celebrates Black Excellence
Michelle M. Bailey founded HBCU Honors, with the goal of recognizing the achievements of people who are connected to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Book Details Journey of the First Black Disneyland VIP Tour Guide
Martha Blanding grew up in South Central Los Angeles and became the first Black Disneyland VIP tour guide. She details her time as a VIP tour guide and working in various capacities with the Walt Disney Company for 50 years in her book, Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’. She talked to the Citizen Newspaper about her experience and about the book.
