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Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Opens 2024 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2024 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which provides students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students ages 8 to 18 may submit contest entries until the deadline of June 14.

Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health Launch DeMar DeRozan Inspired Coffee and Hoodie

Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health (CHHAMH), a Chicago non-profit that provides free therapy to those facing financial barriers, launched a DeMar DeRozan-inspired coffee drink and hoodie in partnership with the Chicago Bulls. The proceeds of these products will benefit CHHAMH and their weekly men’s group therapy for a year.

OBAMA FOUNDATION RELEASES NEW DETAILS ON THE HOME COURT, AN ATHLETIC AND PROGRAMS CENTER AT THE OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

The Obama Foundation is releasing new details, including new renderings and a 'fly through’ video, of the Home Court, an athletic, programs and event facility at the Obama Presidential Center. Nestled at the southwest corner of the 19.3-acre Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, the Home Court – the largest gathering space on the campus – will serve as a place for health and wellness activities, events, and a wide range of opportunities for community engagement.

CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION TO DEVELOP AGREEMENT WITH NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY TO EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE AND EFFICIENT ENERGY OPTIONS AT O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

An ordinance approved by City Council will allow the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to advise the CDA on environmentally sustainable initiatives as the airport authority continues to embark on its O’Hare 21 capital improvement project, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced.

Delight in a Spring Break Staycation at Shedd Aquarium

Few spring break destinations allow families to explore both tropical coral reefs and arctic waters in the same day. At Shedd Aquarium, guests come face-to-face with aquatic life from across the globe to tap into their curiosity and compassion, all from the comforts of Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools Announces New Chief of Schools for Network 6

The Chicago Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Ethan Netterstrom to serve as Chief of Network 6 schools. Network 6 is an elementary school network on the city’s Southwest side that manages 23 schools, serving about 11,500 students.

Jamira Hunter, a Talented Young Black Woman, Finds a Path in Nursing with the Help of a Comprehensive and Unique STEM Education Program

(For 10 years, STEM NOLA has led K-12 students in hands-on activities in STEM fields, inspiring children to learn about STEM jobs, careers, and how they apply to our world today. We have developed and implemented a strategy that brings STEM learning directly into underresourced communities and ensures that low-income and children of color are part of the growing STEM ecosystem that will dominate the future economy. Periodically, during our 10th anniversary year, we will present profiles of our students, children, and young adults flourishing in STEM. Please post, publish, and display these stories so they can inspire more students to learn and experience STEM.)

Former Head of Election Integrity and Product Strategy at Meta To Discuss Protecting Democracy in an Age of Social Media and AI

Diane Chang, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Brown Institute for Media Innovation at Columbia Journalism School and the former head of Election Integrity and Product Strategy at Meta, will speak about how to protect and secure democracy in an age of threats from social media and AI at a virtual meeting of the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) on Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. CT, via Zoom.

MULTIPLE GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST AND RENOWNED PASTOR HEZEKIAH WALKER SET TO BREAK GROUND ON EAST BROOKLYN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Hezekiah Walker has long been a beacon of light and hope in the bustling streets of East New York, Brooklyn. Born and raised in Fort Greene Housing Projects, Brooklyn is where Hezekiah Walker developed a love for Gospel music and a heart for people. The renowned Gospel artist, multi-Grammy award winner, and Pastor of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle (LFT) has always believed in the transformative power of music and faith, and he has always had a desire to make a difference in his community – a difference that extended beyond the four walls of the church.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO VACATE RULE ALLOWING HEALTH CARE DISCRIMINATION

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of today a coalition of 19 attorneys general, today filed an amicus brief with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts supporting a motion to vacate a 2020 federal rule that strips nondiscrimination protections from the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

April is Donate Life Month: New Heart Means New Life for an Indiana Teen

April is celebrated nationwide as Donate Life Month, which was instituted by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003. It features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ and tissue donors … and to celebrate those who have saved lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation. In addition, the third Sunday each April launches National Volunteer Week (April 21-27, 2024) across the country.

Local Skater Performs On National Stage With Usher

Sydney Blaylock has been roller skating her whole life. Her mother and her friend’s roller skated at The Loop. On Wednesdays and Fridays, Blaylock’s mother would take her to skate at The Rink.

Ticker Tracks Spending To Black And Ally Businesses

Dr. Charles Walker has created a way to track the spending of people, companies and organizations that want to align themselves with the interests of Black people. The Black Wall Street Ticker is part of Our Money United, a campaign with partners that include the city of Atlanta and civil rights organizations throughout the country.

Advocate Trinity Wants Community Input

Advocate Trinity Hospital has been hosting community conversations to get feedback from the community on improving health and wellness. The input the hospital receives during these free conversations will help with future investments in the community.

Woman Provides ‘The Answer’ For Parents Of Children With Autism And Developmental Differences

Debra Vines founded The Answer in 2007 after seeing a need for help with people that had Autism and Developmental Differences.