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MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC ANNOUNCES NEW MERIT NEAR NORTH BRANCH IN OLD TOWN NEIGHBORHOOD
Merit School of Music, a nationally accredited music school headquartered in the West Loop, proudly announces the opening of Merit Near North branch in the Old Town neighborhood at 458 W Eugenie St. Merit will begin offering private music lessons, group classes, and early childhood music classes at Merit Near North this Fall. Part of Merit’s multi-year growth-focused strategic plan, the expansion is grounded in Merit’s mission to transform the lives of Chicago-area young people by removing barriers to a high-quality music education. The bold strategic plan also encompasses a new Merit South Shore branch which launched this past summer through a partnership with Bryn Mawr Community Church.
Legislation Eliminating Barriers for Returning Residents Signed into Law
The new law simplifies and speeds up the process to obtain a free state ID for incarcerated people, eliminating barriers and equipping them with a critical component for successful re-entry following their release from jail or prison.
Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Health Department Reminds Families to Update Vaccinations and Schedule Physicals Ahead of the 2024-25 School Year
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is reminding families to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date and compliant with federally-required vaccines and annual physical exams for school attendance before the Aug. 26th first day of the 2024-25 school year. Updated vaccinations are crucial in helping the District maintain a healthy school environment.
Secretary of State’s Teen Summer DMV Program Ending August 24
Teen drivers have just four more Saturdays to take advantage of the Secretary of State’s Teen Summer DMV program, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today.
Chicago Football Classic Highlights Academic Achievement With Scholarships
The Chicago Football Classic partnered with several sponsors to award $200,000 in scholarships.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE CONTINUES EFFORTS TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE THROUGH FOCUSED FIREARM ENFORCEMENT DETAILS
To help ensure those who are prohibited by law from having a firearm, and who pose a threat, do not have guns in their possession, the Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted numerous firearm enforcement details in counties across the state from June 24 through July 19, 2024. The enforcement details focused on individuals who have become the subject of a Firearms Restraining Order or Clear and Present Danger, or received a criminal conviction, among other reasons.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Veteran's Consumer Fraud Bill
Governor JB Pritzker signed SB3479 into law, also known as the Veteran’s Consumer Fraud Bill. The legislation broadens the definition of “veteran or military benefits services” to include any consultation services that would assist in obtaining, changing, or appealing benefits decisions. The bill also targets predatory “claim sharks,” or non-VA accredited individuals or companies that charge for consultation and filing services. These services are offered for free through government and non-profits across Illinois.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON JOINS CITY LEADERS, PARTNERS FOR GRAND RE-OPENING OF CTA GREEN LINE STATION AT DAMEN AND LAKE
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Dorval R. Carter, Jr., Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Tom Carney and Near West Side stakeholders to announce the re-opening of the new CTA Damen Green Line station at Lake Street and Damen Avenue. The state-of-the-art station addresses a longstanding need for improved transit options on the Near West Side that benefits residents, supports local growth and job creation in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor, and accommodates large crowds attending events at the nearby United Center.
DCEO Celebrates National Black Business Month
This month, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Black Business Month. Through the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), DCEO will host a series of virtual and in-person events highlighting Black businesses, organizations, and community leaders while also providing resources to Black businesses and entrepreneurs. This monthlong celebration will also include a social media campaign inviting and encouraging Illinoisans to shop Black-owned businesses through the “Shop Black Saturdays” social media campaign. Information about resources and events can be found on the DCEO website.
Local Students Honored at Cub Scholars Event
Ellis Alexander is a senior at Jones College Preparatory High School. He heard about the Cubs Scholars program through his participation in the Cubs Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) and Career As Sports Executives (CASE) programs.
Local Students Receive Job Training Skills
A partnership between Urban Alliance and Bank of America is providing local young people with job skills training through paid internships, as well as post-high school planning, with the goal of helping on their journey to fulfilling careers.
‘The Forge’ Shows The Power Of Mentorship, Forgiveness And Discipleship
“The Forge” tells the story of Isaiah Wright and his mother Cynthia and how the power of mentorship can help a person find their purpose. The movie is opening exclusively in theaters on Friday, Aug. 23rd.
Burst Into Books Encourages Children To Read And Engage With Books
Jurema Gorham was motivated to launch Burst Into Books because of her career in education and her journey into motherhood. Gorham, who has been in education for more than 15 years, started Burst Into Books in 2018.
Mobile Makers’ Impact Recognized by LISC Chicago
Designer and Educator Maya Bird-Murphy founded Mobile Makers to address the lack of diversity in architecture and provide access to design for young people.
