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Success in Action: Speaker Welch Tours the Black Fire Brigade to See Firsthand Impact on Workforce Development
The Black Fire Brigade was honored to welcome Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, the first African American Speaker in state history, for a tour of its training center on Chicago’s South Side on Friday, September 5, 2025. Speaker Welch was joined by several of his colleagues, including State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford, State Rep. Kimberly du Buclet, State Rep. Justin Slaughter, State Rep. Michael Crawford, State Rep. Lisa J. Davis, and Ald. Derrick G. Curtis.
COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY AND URBAN MALE NETWORK CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF EMPOWERMENT CENTER IN ENGLEWOOD
The Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) and Urban Male Network celebrated the grand opening of the Urban Male Network’s Empowerment Center in Englewood, a rehabbed property purchased from the CCLBA and dedicated to empowering men of color within the Englewood neighborhood. The Empowerment Center will offer workforce development and enrichment programming, alongside podcast production and conference rooms designed to facilitate mentorship, education and collaboration.
Accounting Talent Readiness Report Released
In response to rising concerns about skills gaps, particularly among new hires, the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) — one of the largest state associations serving the certified public accountant (CPA) community — has gathered new survey data assessing the readiness of today’s early-career accounting and finance professionals. ICPAS’ findings are revealed in the 2025 Insight Special Feature, “The Readiness Divide: How Next-Gen Accounting Talent Measures Up.”
ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS OF SCAMMERS TARGETING SENIORS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul urges consumers to be aware of scams targeting older adults. Raoul is encouraging people to avoid responding to unsolicited phone calls, emails or text messages, and to hang up immediately if they are suspicious about a call.
Chicago Fire FC Defeats New England Revolution 3-2 at SeatGeek Stadium
Chicago Fire (12-10-6, 42 points) earned a 3-2 victory over the New England Revolution (8-14-7, 31 points) Saturday, Sept. 6, at SeatGeek Stadium. The victory moves the Fire into ninth place in the Eastern Conference Standings.
EXP OPENS SEPTEMBER 26 IN ROSEMONT
PHI Studio, the internationally acclaimed Montréal-based innovator in immersive arts, will launch EXP Rosemont with two celebrated large-scale immersive expeditions—Horizon of Khufu and Life Chronicles—produced by Excurio and distributed by PHI Studio. These debut experiences will anchor EXP, a groundbreaking 26,000-square-foot venue set to open on Friday, September 26 in Rosemont’s Pearl District at 9900 Berwyn Avenue.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE REMINDS DRIVERS AND FARMERS ABOUT SAFELY SHARING THE ROADS THIS HARVEST SEASON
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding motorists and farmers about traffic safety on Illinois roadways this fall. Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Illinois and farmers across the state will be moving equipment along roadways throughout the upcoming months. As farmers travel between fields, ISP reminds motorists and farmers alike to share the road to help reduce crashes involving tractors and other farm equipment.
Need affordable phone or broadband? The ICC is urging Illinoisans to get connected with FCC’s Lifeline program
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is partnering with Governor JB Pritzker, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) to promote Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week. The FCC’s Lifeline program offers monthly discounts to help eligible residents access voice or broadband services.
Getting What You Are Paying For
Homeowners insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s financial armor. But too often, homeowners don’t fully grasp the difference between the two types of coverage for homeowner policies: replacement cost and market value policies. I hope my article today helps you to understand if you are getting what you are paying for.
Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos Hosts Second Chance Summit to Make Justice Accessible
Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos announced the upcoming Second Chance Summit, a countywide initiative to ensure that the legal right to expungement and record sealing is not just written in law, but accessible in practice to every resident who qualifies.
Alzheimer’s Association Advances Dementia Care Navigation to Improve Patient Support
In an effort to enhance patient care and coordination for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the Alzheimer’s Association has established a standardized framework for dementia care navigation. Dementia care navigators play a crucial role in guiding patients and their families through the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring they receive appropriate treatment and support.
Black-Owned Bookstore In Hyde Park Creates Third Place For Community
Courtney Blesdoe opened Call & Response Books, located at 1390 E. Hyde Park Blvd. in May of 2024. Bledsoe, a lawyer turned bookseller, wanted to open Call & Response Books because she is an avid reader who loves amplifying, celebrating and reading books by and about Black people and other people of color. She said books written by and about Black people and other people of color reflects her own lived experience as a Black woman in this country. She said having a space that enables people to connect with each other, foster community, friendships and relationships is important to her.
First Ladies Health Initiative Hosts Event Focused On Maternal Health
The First Ladies Health Initiative will host its Maternal Health Panel and Resource Fair on Saturday, Sept. 20th, at Imani Village, located at 901 E. 95th St.
Organization Provides Resources For Those Experiencing Homelessness
The North Side Housing and Supportive Services (NSHSS) was founded in 1983 by residents and churches in the Lakeview neighborhood to address the rising number of people experiencing homelessness. It began in a church basement and more than 40 years later, the North Side Housing and Supportive Services has served hundreds of the Chicago population by providing emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, health care and other wraparound services. Peter Marchese, Board President of North Side Housing and Supportive Services, took time to answer questions about NSHSS, which has grown into a $3 million organization.
