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JOHNSON ADMINISTRATION REACHES $18 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH DOORDASH OVER DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES
The City of Chicago announced on Friday, Nov. 14, an $18 million settlement with DoorDash, resolving the City’s lawsuit asserting claims that the company engaged in deceptive and unfair business practices at the expense of restaurants, consumers, and delivery drivers.
The Waffle Lounge Opens in Chatham
The Waffle Lounge, a Black-female owned, family-friendly, community-rooted brunch restaurant, located at 7433 S. State Street, recently hosted its official grand opening.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON CUTS RIBBON AT XCHANGE TECH WORKFORCE AND INNOVATION HUB IN GRAND CROSSING
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Ald. Desmond Yancy (5th), Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright, leaders from P33, Xchange, SDI Presence, the Comer Science and Education Foundation, as well as Xchange apprentices and local residents for a ceremonial ribbon cutting at Xchange Chicago, a new state-of-the-art IT services and innovation center which is bringing new jobs and workforce training opportunities to Grand Crossing and the surrounding communities. The project, which received developmental support from DPD, is projected to create up to 8,000 new jobs while generating $160 million in City-wide annual economic impact.
Catalytic Far South Side development Morgan Park Commons approved by Chicago Plan Commission
The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation (Far South CDC) — an organization that provides strategic community-building services to residents and businesses across the Chicago region and statewide — is proud to announce its Morgan Park Commons mixed-use development project has been approved by the Chicago Plan Commission. A construction groundbreaking is planned for Spring 2026.
Chicago Board of Education Launches Black Student Achievement Committee Application
The Board of Education for the City of Chicago (Board) Black Student Achievement Committee (BSAC) is currently accepting membership applications. The BSAC will appoint 14 members to each serve a 1-year term. Applicants must reside within the city of Chicago and, if selected, complete the CPS New Volunteer Application.
Village of Dolton Officially Designates the Childhood Home of Pope Leo XIV as a Historical Landmark
On Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, in a historic and unprecedented action, the Village of Dolton has formally designated the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost) as an official Historical Landmark and Site of Special Historical Significance. The decision, enacted through ordinance by Mayor Jason House and the Board of Trustees, recognizes the property at 212 East 141st Place as one of the most culturally and spiritually significant locations in the United States.
Cook County Becomes First Government Body in Nation to Make Guaranteed Income Permanent
With the passage of its 2026 budget, Cook County will become the first government body in the nation with a permanent guaranteed income program. This $7.5 million investment will make the Cook County program the largest permanent program in the country at a time when families are facing an affordability crisis and devastating cuts from the federal government. ESIL is a proud partner with Cook County on this program and ESIL Director Sarah Saheb is a leader on the program’s advisory committee.
Cunningham backs plan to deliver property tax relief for seniors
State Senator Bill Cunningham backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.
FIRE COMMISSIONER NANCE-HOLT GRADUATES 70 NEW FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRE PARAMEDICS
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt celebrated the graduation of 55 Firefighter EMTs and 15 Fire Paramedics from the Fire Academy in a ceremony held at Navy Pier.
HIRE360, CONSTELLATION, AND VEHICLES FOR CHANGE AWARD THREE VEHICLES TO LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRADUATES
Three aspiring trades professionals received life-changing support today as Vehicles for Change, with support from Constellation, awarded vehicles to candidates identified through HIRE360, Chicago Women in Trades, and Richland Community College's, pre-apprenticeship and workforce development programs across Illinois. The event, held at Liberty Auto in Libertyville, marked the first time Vehicles for Change—a Maryland-based organization renowned for empowering economically challenged families through car ownership and technical training—expanded its work into Illinois.
Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology & Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security Highlight Ways Residents Can Stay Cyber Safe This Holiday Season
As Illinois residents gear up for holiday shopping, travel, and online celebrations, the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) are reminding everyone to stay alert to cyber scams that often lurk at the end of the year. With more purchases, donations, and digital communication taking place online, cyber criminals take advantage of the season’s increased activity and distractions.
Be the Best That We Can Be
As we move toward the celebration of Christmas and prepare to close the book on 2025 to welcome the new year of 2026, many of us naturally grow more reflective. These two seasons carry lessons that meet us right where we are: Christmas calls us to honor God’s gift of life, and the New Year urges us to care for that gift with greater intention. It is the perfect moment to pause and consider how well we are tending to our physical bodies—because although we are living longer, too many of us in the Black community are still not living healthier.
Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter and Illinois Department of Public Health Launch New Initiative to Promote Brain Health and Reduce Cognitive Decline
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, launched the Illinois Brain Health Project, a groundbreaking public health initiative designed to educate Illinoisans about the importance of brain health. This comprehensive campaign focuses on reducing cognitive decline by addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle practices, with a particular emphasis on reaching diverse, underserved, and higher-risk communities.
Actress With Local Ties Perform in Drama Series For Second Season
NBC’s Brilliant Minds is well into its second season. The drama about Dr. Oliver Wolf and his unconventional methods of treating his patients first premiered on the network in September of 2024. Tamberla Perry portrays Dr. Carol Pierce, which is loosely based by Dr. Carol E. Burnett. In real life, Burnett was a colleague of Dr. Oliver Sacks, who Zachary Quinto’s character Dr. Wolf is inspired by.
