Local News

Clerk Spyropoulos Launches Customer Service Survey

Clerk Spyropoulos launched a new customer service survey today, making it available to anyone online or at the office’s dozen public-facing locations across the county. The move is just one of many steps the new Clerk is taking to make the office more transparent, accountable and accessible since taking the oath of office in December.

Black Box Franchising & Stormi Banks Launch First-Ever Franchisor Grant to Empower Small Businesses

With over 33 million small businesses in the U.S. but fewer than 4,000 franchise brands, Black Box Franchising, the nation’s premier franchise development firm is on a mission to close the gap by making franchise ownership more accessible, and as such, has partnered with renowned entrepreneur and business strategist Stormi Banks to launch the nation’s first-ever Franchisor Grant, an unprecedented initiative designed to help small business owners scale their brands into national franchises. The $5,000 grant is available to small business owners within the United States interested in franchising their businesses and who submit their applications by Friday, Feb. 28. Interested applicants can apply on the Black Box Franchising website: blackboxfranchising.com.

Ballet 5:8 Presents Struggle and Resilience: Amplifying Black and Latina Women in the Arts at the Kehrein Center for the Arts

Ballet 5:8 proudly announces Struggle and Resilience: Celebrating Black and Latina Women in the Arts, a groundbreaking evening of dance, spoken word, and music. Taking the stage at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, this production highlights the artistry, struggles, and triumphs of women who remain underrepresented in the world of classical ballet, particularly in Chicago.

City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Held a Celebration of Black Learner Excellence, Shared Best Practices that Are Increasing Black Student Achievement and Celebrated Three People Who Have Shown Leade

The City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Foundation held a Celebration of Black Learner Excellence at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Street in Chicago)on February 13, 2025 to share how, along with its incredible partners and through its learning agenda, it is successfully supporting students, resulting in improved student outcomes, especially for Black students. In doing this work, City Colleges is putting students on the path to upward mobility and generational wealth.

Local Leader Gives Back To The Community

David Day is the Chairman of the Board of the 100 Black Men of Chicago, he is on the Cook County Economic Advisory Council and a member of Chicago Chapter of the National Black MBA Association.

South Side Healthy Community Organization’s Health Care Model Aims To Improve Access

An organization dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes and access on the South Side of Chicago is continuing the mission it began three years ago.

Matt B Wins Grammy For Best Global Album

Matt Benson, who goes by the stage name Matt B, won the Grammy Award for Best Global Album for his album Alkebulan II.

Illinois State Legislative Session Kicks Off with Focus on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support

As the 2025 Illinois state legislative session gets underway, advocates for individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are rallying support for transformative legislation aimed at supporting families and caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is leading the charge with an exciting statewide campaign to amplify the voices of those who have been affected by the disease.

Now That You Know

I hope that after reading this column you will take action to protect your financial future by establishing a plan for your retirement.

The Path Forwarded Framed by Isaiah 40: 28

These days are turbulent and trying. There is a concerted effort to destabilize and stoke fear with uncertainty and chaos. The very foundation of our society is being inspected for dismantling while those in the position to stop this unraveling do nothing or acquiesce to the orders given. This country’s path towards stability, equity, and sustainability will grow narrower and more obscure from here.

Queen’s Initiative Seeks To Improve The Health of Black Women

Evelyn Green knew as a child that a resident’s zip code could determine whether they had access to health care, the quality of care and life expectancy. Growing up on the South side of Chicago she was aware of comorbidities that were related to access to quality health care. Coupled with her concern for social and economic injustices, she decided she wanted to go into public health, with a goal to eliminate health disparities.

CITY OF HARVEY WEEKLY WRAP-UP: HOMEOWNERS WORKSHOP AND HARVEY LOFTS RIBBON-CUTTING CELEBRATION

his past week, the City of Harvey hosted two pivotal events aimed at revitalizing the community and fostering economic growth. On February 8, the city held a Homeowners Workshop to provide valuable resources to residents, followed by the Harvey Lofts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on February 12, marking a $19 million private investment in housing and urban development.

Equal Hope Holds Successful 3rd Annual “Teal Talk” Health & Resource Fair

Chicagoans attended Equal Hope’s 3rd Annual “Teal Talk” Health & Resource Fair recently at the Humboldt Park Field House, held in honor of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January. Teal is the color representing cervical cancer.

Todd McDonald Named Chairman of the National Bankers Association

Liberty Bank and Trust proudly announces that its President, Todd McDonald, has been sworn in as the new Chairman of the National Bankers Association (NBA), succeeding Robert E. James II, President and CEO of Carver Financial Corporation. This marks another significant leadership transition for the NBA as it continues its mission of protecting and expanding inclusive banking across the nation.

Suburban School Districts Partner with United Negro College Fund to Raise Hundreds of Thousands in Scholarship Dollars for Local Students

For the third year, the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SCSDD) and UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, are joining forces to raise scholarship money for students in the Chicagoland area. The “Investing in Our Future” Scholarship Gala will be held on Friday, February 21, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park. Visit investinginourfuture.myle.com for more information.