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PRITZKER SIGNS PENSION CONSOLIDATION BILL INTO LAW
Springfield — A new law recently signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker will consolidate 649 downstate and suburban police and firefighter pension funds into just two. Pritzker signed the measure, passed in the recent fall veto session, in Chicago and hailed it as an initiative 70 years in the making.
CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE ENDS 2019 WITH A BANG OF SURPRISES
The South Side of Chicago, whose population is predominately black, according to census data, had a surprising yet interesting year in 2019 with construction underway on historic buildings to an unexpected guilty plea by a popular alderman and a new, state-of-the art public high school built in one of the most violent neighborhoods in the city.
South Suburban Life Was Good in 2019
A vibrant and strong economy could be why many south suburban villages made strides this past year with retail, commercial and residential housing developments as well as improving its economic and educational stances in the southlands.
A LOOK BACK AT CHICAGO AND THE ROLLERCOASTER YEAR OF 2019
As a new year begins this week, Chicago’s past was forever changed in 2019 by its politics, entertainment, education, and hometown businesses.
CRIME APP DEVELOPED TO PROTECT AND SERVE CHATHAM COMMUNITY
A South Side pastor and retired Chicago police officer has developed a free crime app to protect and serve his fellow Chatham residents.
Mayor Helps Make Christmas Easier for South Side Children
The 23rd Annual Christmas in the Wards event got a boost this year from Mayor Lori Lightfoot who took one first grader Christmas shopping at Walmart in Pullman.
The Illinois Tax Man cometh; how should we greet him?
A number of readers (actually two) have requested a column about Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s tax initiatives. I have rattled on about this in the past, yet the topic is important to the future of Illinois, so here goes again, at least for the benefit of the two readers with interest.
Stedman Graham to Receive 2020 Horatio Alger Award
Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofi t educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, recently announced that, Stedman Graham, Chairman and CEO, S. Graham & Associates (SGA), has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization.
IN MEMORIAM: Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch: Remembering Carroll Spinney
Growing up, Sesame Street was a way of life. Modeled after a brownstone neighborhood in Harlem, it was familiar yet far with a cast of characters who looked and sounded like the melting pot of people growing up in America’s cities at that time. There was an effortless blend of humans and puppets, some of whom walked and talked and moved about the street where the air is sweet.
The National Museum of African American Music Seeks Submissions of Creative Artwork from Visual Artists
When the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opens its doors to the public in the summer of 2020, the first-of-its-kind institution located in the heart of downtown Nashville will be home to more than 1,500 historical artifacts that reflects the development, influence, and impact of African Americans on more than 50 genres and sub-genres including country, jazz, blues, gospel, R&B and hip hop.
Fragrance Creators Association Launches Digital Fragrance Resource for the Public
Fragrance Creators Association recently launched FragranceConservatory.com, a digital space designed to help people learn about fragrance and make informed and confident choices about the scented products they use every day.
LOW-INCOME STUDENTS CAN NOW ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO FOR FREE
A relatively new program at the University of Chicago allows low-income students to receive free tuition if their household income is $125,000 per year or less. And more financial assistance is available to students with household incomes $60,000 per year or less. Those students receive free housing and fees plus tuition as part of their financial aid by the school. And for students who are the first in their families to attend college, they receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years and a guaranteed paid internship for their first summer. Free housing is a big deal because the university requires all students to live on campus during their first two years
Thornton Township once again joined forces with the Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County
The Illinois Horse Rescue has worked with the township over the past several years in events such as Days in the Park, the annual Township picnic, the Taste of Thornton Township and other various community outreach initiatives. The organization has 35 stalls for various animals.
Pritzker signs bill promoting diverse workforce on capital projects
Springfield – Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation on Tuesday, Dec. 10, aimed at ensuring minority workers have access to jobs created through the state’s new $45 billion capital improvements plan, as well as access to training for careers in construction and building trades.
