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Assessor’s Office Encourages Veterans to Apply for Property Tax Savings
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi urges veterans in Cook County to apply for property tax–saving exemptions this spring
“Abysmal” Minority Participation Numbers Despite 30% Goals, says Black Business Organizations
The Chicago Southland Black Chamber of Commerce, together with other Black business and contracting organizations, has called for a Subject Matter Hearing with the Illinois House of Representatives Appropriations - Higher Education Committee, chaired by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, to bring to attention the abysmal minority participation numbers reported by state-funded colleges and universities. The press conference, scheduled for 9:15 am on Thursday, March 28, is being held before the 10 am hearing at the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago.
New Poll from Higher Heights: Top Issues for Black Women Voters in 2024 are Inflation, Cost of Living and Affordable Housing
Higher Heights, the leading national organization exclusively dedicated to advancing Black women's political power, released new polling data on the top issues of concern to Black women voters in 2024.
Operation HOPE Ventures Invests $25,000 in The Black Coffee Company
Operation HOPE Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Operation HOPE, is proud to announce its recent investment of $25,000 in The Black Coffee Company (TBCC). The first-of-its-kind donation comes as a culmination of TBCC's participation in the One Million Black Businesses (1MBB) initiative, aimed at fostering the growth and scalability of Black-owned ventures nationwide. The move signifies confidence in TBCC's leadership and mission to drive sustainable growth.
Mielle and The Lip Bar Join Forces To Create Limited-Edition Lipstick, Celebrating Women's History Month And Sisterhood
In celebration of Women's History Month, Mielle, the number one haircare brand, and The Lip Bar (TLB), the award-winning inclusive beauty brand, have united to launch a limited-edition lipstick. The collaboration between these two influential Black women-founded and led brands emphasizes their commitment to uplifting all women and recognizing the power of sisterhood.
Afro Unicorn® Launches Magical Tresses Haircare Collection in Target Nationwide, Transforming the Beauty Landscape for Black and Brown Girls
Afro Unicorn, the rapidly growing Black-owned lifestyle brand celebrating the uniqueness of women and children of color, is excited to announce the expansion of its Magical Tresses haircare collection in Target stores nationwide, solidifying its position as a leading, inclusive beauty brand. This retail expansion represents a major milestone for the brand. Afro Unicorn initially debuted its haircare collection on Walmart's website in August 2023 before reaching its stores the following month and CVS locations in January 2024.
Nyesha Arrington, Rodney Scott and Mashama Bailey Among Top Returning Talent at 2024 Family Reunion
The Family Reunion, the epicurean experience celebrating diversity within the hospitality community, is returning for a fourth year from August 15-18 at Salamander Middleburg in the heart of Virginia's wine country. Overnight packages and multi-event passes are now available at www.salamanderhotels.com/familyreunion or by calling 844-505-9235. The event is expected to quickly sell out.
City Colleges of Chicago Exceeds the State Community College Average for Spring 2024 Enrollment Growth for Second Year in a Row
City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Spring 2024 enrollment is up 9.2 percent from spring 2023 to spring 2024, exceeding the Illinois community college average of +5.1% according to a report released by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
Health Care Licenses/Insurance Committees Hold Joint Subject Matter Hearing On AI
The Illinois House Health Licenses and Insurance Committees held a joint subject matter hearing on Wednesday, March 13, delving into the complex landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare insurance. Legislators, industry advisors, and academics convened to discuss the implications of AI on patient care, regulatory challenges, and the future of healthcare.
City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Announces $318.7 Million in Earnings for Chicago Taxpayers in Fiscal 2023
Chicago City Treasurer Melisssa Conyears-Ervin announced that the Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) generated $318.7 million in investment earnings for the City over the course of fiscal year 2023. The returns come from the CTO’s management of the City’s $11.1 billion portfolio of cash, grants, and other assets – a portfolio that has grown by nearly $2 billion since Conyears-Ervin took office. Earnings for 2023 were up 82% year-over-year from 2022 and are nearly triple the earnings of $116.3 million recorded in 2021.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO EXPAND WORKER PROTECTIONS AGAINST RETALIATION
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced legislation that would protect workers from retaliatory conduct by employers, strengthen current protections under state law and codify the authority of Raoul’s Workplace Rights Bureau to investigate and hold employers who retaliate or threaten to retaliate accountable.
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Champions Plan to Create Investment Pool for Nonprofit Organizations Nonprofits would have greater opportunity to make safe, liquid, competitive investments
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is calling on lawmakers to support his initiative to create a new investment pool enabling nonprofit organizations to invest together in higher-interest portfolios and generate additional funds for their good works.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND MAYOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SAFETY ANNOUNCE PRIORITY BLOCK GROUPS A new phase of The People’s Plan for Community Safety
Mayor Brandon Johnson alongside Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood and the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, announced the next major phase of The People’s Plan for Community Safety. This community-led initiative – The People’s Plan for Community Safety – brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including government, community organizations, philanthropy, youth leaders, faith organizations, researchers, and businesses to address historic disinvestment as co-creators of safety.
A Full Court Press to Get the Lead Out
There’s nothing quite like seeing a kid who was born healthy but now suffers cognitive impairment and is prone to outbursts of anger. As a volunteer restoring six-story walk-ups in Harlem in the early 90s, I saw how lead paint chips and dust were wreaking havoc on the kids in those low-income buildings.
