Local News

State and County Announce $250 Million Commitment to Help Close Budget Gap in Asylum Seeker Response

Governor JB Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced their commitment to a joint funding plan to ensure shelter, wraparound services and healthcare remain available for asylum seekers sent to Chicago from the Texas border. Following a long-term planning exercise, State, County and City teams concluded that an additional estimated $321 million is needed to maintain shelter and services this calendar year, on top of previously committed funding. The Governor and President are pledging a combined investment of over $250 million to help close this gap.

Building a more inclusive economy: Q&A with JPMorgan Chase’s Thelma Ferguson

All communities should have the resources they need to strengthen their economic futures. This Black History Month, JPMorgan Chase is affirming their commitment to breaking down barriers -- including the racial wealth gap -- and promoting opportunity for all.

ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES RUNS FOR RE-ELECTION

“Upon being elected in 2011, I committed to providing employment opportunities for all Illinoisans, making our streets safer, providing opportunities for our children to receive a world class education and to fight to ensure that underserved communities do not get left behind.

MASS GROUP TO KICK OFF NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH BY ADVOCATING FOR POPULAR GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE WITH ONLY A 5% FUNCTIONING KIDNEY

Government leaders, Medical Professionals, Civic and Community leaders will gather at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Offices as they advocate for a woman of distinction, selflessness, and grace in a kickoff of National Kidney Month. Trinette Britt, considered by many as a pioneer for women in government, is now in the fight of her life as she seeks a kidney that will allow her to continue her remarkable life of service. Her current kidneys are functioning at an alarming 5%.

Pappas urges property owners to pay First Installment tax bills by Friday, March 1 due date

First Installment Tax Year 2023 property taxes are due Friday, March 1, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reminded taxpayers today.

Howard University’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and National Newspaper Publisher Association to Present Black Press Day Celebration, March 14

Howard University’s Black Press Archives Digitization Project at Moorland-Spingarn Research Center receives a major grant from Google to support archival and preservation work.

McDonald's Corporation Makes $1 Million Contribution to Operation HOPE's '1865 Project'

Operation HOPE today announced that McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is deepening its partnership with the Atlanta-based non-profit as a 'Founder's Circle' member of The 1865 Project. McDonald's Corporation's generous contribution of $1 million, reaffirms the company's dedication to supporting national financial literacy initiatives that uplift and empower communities. The substantial donation will bolster Operation HOPE's groundbreaking endeavor, inspired by the historic Freedman's Bureau, which was established to educate newly freed Americans about the principles of free enterprise.

Richard J. Daley College Announces New Hospitality Course for Job Preparation

City Colleges of Chicago, in collaboration with the Illinois Restaurant Association Foundation, will launch a new education program aimed at supporting those who want to work in the hospitality industry.

MAYOR JOHNSON AND DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION LAUNCH THE GOOD FOOD FUND AND THE FOOD BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the awardees of the Good Food Fund and The Food Business Incubator Program.

Illinois Healthcare Leaders Seek Legislative Action to Protect Access to Life Saving Medication for Illinois’ Most Vulnerable Patients

Healthcare leaders from the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) and Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) are asking the Illinois General Assembly to support a measure that would protect the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program (340B), which provides discounted lifesaving medications to eligible patients and allows 340B hospitals and Community Health Centers (CHCs) to expand health services in the communities they serve.

HYDE PARK SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND

HYDE PARK SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND Continuing its celebration of 30 years of training, performance, and community, Hyde Park School of Dance presents Alice in Wonderland. Performances are April 19 and 20 at Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd St.

Gov. Pritzker Highlights Childcare Efforts in Villa Park, Champaign

Governor JB Pritzker joined local leaders and early childhood stakeholders at two daycare facilities to highlight recent efforts and funding for the Smart Start Illinois Plan. In Villa Park, the Governor visited Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley to celebrate the $300K investment in Birth to Five Illinois funding, which will support the consolidation of their local early childhood services. In Champaign, the Governor stopped at First United Methodist Child Care Center, where he highlighted the $3M of Smart Start Childcare funding. Both contributions come from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Treasurer Frerichs Returns $17.2 Million In Missing Money in January Check the I-CASH website to see if there’s money waiting for you

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned nearly $17.2 million in missing money during January, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced.

Get a solid introduction to AI through Continuing Education courses at City Colleges of Chicago

City Colleges of Chicago will offer classes in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) this Spring! The classes titled, Prompt Engineering for Everyone – Non-Coding Accelerated and Machine Learning for Leaders - Generative AI, will be offered the first two Saturdays of each month beginning March 2, through May, 2024. The cost for each is $80.

Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Crossing Guard Appreciation Month Nominate your Favorite Crossing Guard for Annual Award

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will celebrate the more than 700 crossing guards who help CPS students and families safely arrive and depart schools every day during Crossing Guard Appreciation Month which runs from through March 14. CPS Crossing Guards are located at busy intersections across Chicago and help both CPS students and private school students cross streets safely.