Local News
ComEd Encourages Residential Customers to Apply for New EV Charger and Installation Rebate
As part of a larger investment to accelerate an equitable adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in northern Illinois, ComEd today launched a new rebate program to increase access to EV chargers. Through the $5 million EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program, ComEd customers can receive rebates of up to $3,750 to offset the cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charger in their home in 2024. Level 2 chargers can charge an EV battery 6 to 8 times faster than charging from a wall outlet, often referred to as a Level 1 charger.
After School Matters Applications Open for Chicago Teens to Participate in Free Spring Programming
Applications are now open for hundreds of after-school programs offered this spring through After School Matters®. Program opportunities are available for Chicago teens in the arts, communications, and leadership, sports, and STEM. Spring programs will run from February 26 – May 11. Interested teens can apply at afterschoolmatters.org.
Mayor Johnson joins Greater Chicago Food Depository, BJ’s Market to celebrate nearly $18 million invested in Black and Brown businesses to feed new arrivals
In partnership with the City of Chicago, over the past eight months the Greater Chicago Food Depository and State of Illinois invested $17.6 million in small, predominately Black and Latino owned Chicago businesses to feed more than 10,000 asylum-seeking new arrivals. Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Food Depository leadership at BJ’s Market and Bakery, 1737 E. 95th St., to celebrate this impact and a shared commitment to continue investing in local minority-owned businesses.
The Obama Foundation Opens Applications for the 2024-2026 Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service
The Obama Foundation opened applications for the 2024-2026 Voyager Scholarship, The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Airbnb Co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky to the Obama Foundation, the Voyager Scholarship provides college students with last-dollar financial aid to help alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their connections to new communities, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them throughout their careers.
In Honor of Black History Month, Lifestyle Retailer DTLR Celebrates Teacher Creativity & Education
DTLR, one of the country’s most successful lifestyle retailers with more than 250 stores in 21 states, is celebrating Black History Month by recognizing talented Black educators throughout the month of February. As part of its “Mission 1865” campaign, DTLR will be recognizing and rewarding educators around the country for their Black History Month classroom artwork – celebrating Black history and culture throughout February.
SIU researchers work to place Southern Illinois Black heritage sites on National Register
Work by Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers in recognizing significant Black heritage properties in the region could also reveal more information about a Union Army military camp that hosted up to 5,000 freed Blacks in Cairo at one point during the Civil War.
Chicago Commons Celebrates 130 Years
Chicago Commons was founded in 1894 by Graham Taylor, a contemporary of Jane Addams who was inspired by the Settlement House movement. The idea was to help immigrants acclimate to their new homeland by providing English classes, job training and social support. While the interventions have changed, the mission to provide resources to people in the community has stayed the same.
MYETIE HAMILTON, CEO OF LEADERSHIP GREATER CHICAGO
Myetie Hamilton has been doing work in the non-profit sector for 10 years. Prior to that, she was working at Chicago Public Schools. All of it has been focused on public service. Since July 2023, Hamilton has been the CEO of Leadership Greater Chicago. She is the first Black woman to lead the organization.
Black Woman Educates And Expands Palates With Fly Wines
Stephanie Franklin started Fly Wines after sharing a wine tasting kit with a friend. The wine was horrible, but it sparked something inside her.
Small Business Owners Gained Insight At Business Summit
Auriel Banister established Bani’s Beets in 2012. It was birthed out of health concerns. The mission of the health and wellness company is to provide quality juices, smoothies and food as a way to make a positive impact on the community.
Illinois Lottery Makes History: Launches First-Ever Lotto Ticket to Support UNCF, Unveiling during Black History Month
In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at empowering students and advancing educational opportunities, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Illinois Lottery unveil an extraordinary initiative: the "$200,000! Bingo Tripler" Instant Ticket. This event promises to be a vibrant showcase of support for UNCF scholarships, featuring exciting announcements, the engagement of advocates and influencers, a VIP reception with live entertainment, and the grand reveal of a special lottery ticket initiative, all taking place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the illustrious Hyatt Regency, located at 151 E. Wacker Drive.
OVER 100 FAITH LEADERS PUBLICLY ENDORSE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JOY CUNNINGHAM FOR THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT
On Monday, February 12th, over 100 Faith leaders gathered at the oldest and most historic Quinn Chapel Church in Chicago and announced their endorsement of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham to a full 10-year term for the Illinois Supreme Court.
Interest penalties slashed from 18% to 9% for homeowners who are late paying property tax bills
Historic reforms championed by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas are about to take effect as property owners face a March 1 due date for 2023 First Installment tax bills. For those who are late paying their taxes due March 1, the interest rate penalty will drop from 18% a year to 9% a year. The monthly rate of interest charged on late taxes will fall from 1.5% to 0.75.
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to Host Webinar on Crucial Gene
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) wants to educate the public about an important gene. It’s inviting all physicians and African Americans to a webinar during Black History Month called, “How African Ancestry Can Affect your Kidneys: A Discussion on the APOL1 Gene.” The webinar takes place on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. CT.