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250 Forward Launches at National Honors Conference to Celebrate the Legacy of the Higher Education Act and Empower the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The 250 Forward Project is being launched this week to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This landmark law expanded access to higher education for millions of Americans.

National HBCU Orator Competition Open to Current HBCU Students

The HBCU Oratorical Challenge, a national competition that showcases the voices of students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), is open for submissions. The deadline to register is Dec. 15, 2025.

Organization Provides Training To Young People

Darnell Buckner and his mother established the John W. Buckner Youth Initiative in 2019, as a way to honor his father who was shot in the front yard of his home while unloading groceries. Also known as Our Hands Our Worth, the John W. Buckner Youth Initiative serves young people in communities from Altgeld Gardens, West Pullman, Roseland and Washington Heights between the ages of 8-years old to 24-years old.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias Wants Fairness And Affordability For Auto Insurance

The Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias loves what he does as a public servant. He got into government because he wanted to serve others. Giannoulias said that he was taught by his parents to always give back and to be a part of the larger community. He said that President Barack Obama inspired him to believe that government is a great avenue for public service and that if there were more competent, caring, passionate, intelligent people in government, the world would be a better place.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly Answers Questions

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has represented the 2nd Congressional District since 2013. She took time to answer questions the Citizen Newspaper sent to her just as the longest government shutdown in American history was ending after 35 days.

‘A Beautiful Noise’ Performer Has All The Right Moves

Dance has always been a part of J’Kobe Wallace’s life. He remembers dancing with his mom and brother on Sundays, playing music and dancing around the house while they cleaned. Dance is something that he always had in his body and he is glad that it transfers into the career that he chose: theatre.

Black Fathers Lead By Example

On a Saturday morning, Black fathers with their children, some in strollers, some attached to them, some walking on their own; they walked down the street across from the Obama Presidential Center.

Riders Unite at 17th Annual Toys In the Hood Chicago Motorcycle Parade This Holiday Season to Collect and Distribute Toys to Children in Underserved Communities

Calling all bikers! The 17th Annual Toys in the Hood Motorcycle Parade is set for Saturday, November 29. Bikers from across the Chicagoland area and beyond are invited to join the ride and bring a new, unwrapped toy that will be given to children in need this holiday season.

Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos Hosts “Navigating the Cook County Justice System” with Cook County Commissioners

Today, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Mariyana Spyropoulos hosted “Navigating the Cook County Justice System” with Cook County Commissioners Scott Britton, Kevin Morrison and Maggie Trevor at Harper College in Palatine.

RICH TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR CALVIN JORDAN RECEIVES THE TOWNSHIPS OF ILLINOIS COVETED “2025 PRESIDENT'S AWARD”

Calvin Jordan- Rich Township Supervisor- has been bestowed the coveted “2025 President’s Award” by the popular Townships of Illinois organization (TOI). The award was presented to Jordan on November 14th, in Springfield, Illinois witnessed by a capacity crowd of his fellow colleagues, elected officials, business leaders, and civic leaders from throughout the State of Illinois.

Culver’s Launches “Delicious Rewards” Loyalty Program Nationwide on Nov. 17

With loyalty programs in the quick-service restaurant industry reaching new levels of popularity with diners, Culver’s is giving guests even more reasons to enjoy their favorite menu items with the launch of Delicious Rewards nationwide on Nov. 17. The new loyalty program is a way for the brand to digitally extend the hospitality Culver's restaurants are known for and was built specifically with guests in mind. Now, in addition to rewarding guests with points for every dollar they spend and sharing unique offers inspired by their past purchases, restaurant teams can use data about members’ preferences to serve them better when they visit. The launch comes at a time when consumer interest in loyalty programs is at an all-time high, with 78% of U.S. consumers saying they’re more likely to visit a restaurant where they can earn rewards.

Loop’s declining value fuels record 16.7% jump in median property tax bill for Chicago homeowners

A dramatic decline in the value of commercial property in Chicago’s Loop, the city’s longtime economic engine, fueled a record property tax increase on homes across the city, according to an analysis released today by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

Scammers don’t take holidays: How to help protect your money this season

There always seems to be a never-ending list of tasks during the holiday season, from booking flights to purchasing gifts for loved ones. As you prepare for the holidays, it’s also critical to keep an eye out for online scams that aim to steal your money and your joy.

HIP HOP LEGENDS METHOD MAN AND REDMAN COMING TO HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA FEB 27

Hip Hop legends Method Man and Redman are coming to Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s Hard Rock Live venue on Friday, February 27. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 14 at 10 a.m. Central Time.

Review Now or Regret Later

Previously, I’ve shared with you the importance of the Annual Open Enrollment for Medicare, October 7th through December 15th each fall. Well, we are now into Open Enrollment with just over a month remaining. If you have not made a review of your coverage, I would strongly suggest that you do so now. I know that it can be very confusing, but hopefully the information which I share with you this week will serve as a guide for you to review your coverage or the coverage of a loved one. Please do not skip reviewing your Medicare coverage during Open Enrollment, assuming that “no change” means “no problem.” Unfortunately, that assumption can be costly.