Local News

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces 10 Illinois Nonprofit Groups Selected for More Than $182,000 in Charitable Trust Grants

Ten small Illinois nonprofits, including organizations in Chicago, central Illinois and northwestern Illinois, are sharing $182,241 in grant funds through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, which is managed by State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office.

OVER 700 TO GATHER FOR COOK COUNTY’S LARGEST DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION LUNCHEON

Pastor Andrew Singleton-Senior Pastor of the Victory Apostolic Church- along with the Victory Community Coalition- will be joined by over 700 elected officials, clergy leaders, business leaders and residents in honoring ten African American giants as part of the 4TH Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Luncheon and Awards Celebration.

HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AWARDED CONTRACT TO PROVIDE CRITICAL CRISIS COUNSELING SERVICES TO VICTIMS OF SUMMER FLOODS

Habilitative Systems Inc. (HSI) has been granted $888,135 by Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Mental Health (DMH) to help vulnerable populations in Berwyn, Cicero, Stickney, and the Austin community recover from the historic floods that devastated communities this past summer.

The Equality of Opportunity vs. Outcomes Argument Doesn’t Add Up

The debate surrounding Equality of Opportunity vs. Equality of Outcomes has intensified, with affirmative action programs often at the center, labeled as "reverse discrimination." The year 2023, of a surety, was a monumental one as the decision on this hotly debated issue made headlines, but what does it look like for 2024, and for the future of our country? It is critically important that we consider what comes next, and act.

McCormick Place Hotels to Serve as Headquarters for Staff and Media at 2024 Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) announced that the Marriott Marquis Chicago and Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place, both connected to McCormick convention center, will serve as the official headquarter hotels for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago held August 19-22. The headquarter hotels are a designated base of operations for staff from the DNCC, Democratic National Committee, and Biden for President campaign, as well as media organizations and key leaders from coalition groups.

Property owners urged to pay late taxes to avoid Annual Tax Sale that begins Tuesday as 20,888 owe less than $1,000

Cook County property owners are running out of time to pay taxes that were due in 2022 and avoid the Annual Tax Sale that begins Tuesday, Jan. 9.

UrbanGeekz Partners with CultureBanx for Editorial Series Showcasing Black Innovation Alliance Members

Digital news brand UrbanGeekz has teamed up with CultureBanx for an exciting media partnership showcasing Black Innovation Alliance member organizations.

National Portrait Gallery Reveals a Newly Commissioned Portrait of Oprah Winfrey by Chicago-Based Artist Shawn Michael Warren

Oprah Winfrey’s portrait is now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren painted Winfrey in a purple taffeta dress amidst a lush garden at her California home. The full-length portrait with the frame, approximately 6 feet 10 inches by 5 feet 8 inches, is commissioned for the museum’s permanent collection. It has been on view on the museum’s first floor beginning Dec. 13.

Hypertension Control Program Aims to Tackle Major Driver of Health Disparities for Black Americans

The Association of Black Cardiologists announced the launch of its Hypertension Control Program. The program will offer 50 member clinicians the opportunity to receive American Hypertension Specialist Certification in clinical hypertension care.

BLACK WOMEN THRIVING EAST OF THE RIVER LAUNCH CELEBRATION CITES ROLE OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

A powerful organization, Black Women Thriving East of the River, celebrated its community launch on December 12. The event emphasized that strategies and interventions to improve cancer survival and opportunities for quality jobs were developed by women with community ties, diverse backgrounds, and lived experiences in healthcare, community service, education, workforce development, and various other specialties.

Chicago Architecture Center to Host Architecture & Design Film Festival for Second Year

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) announced that it will host the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) for the second year in a row. The touring festival—which kicked off in New York—has already had successful runs in Toronto and Vancouver and will present a slate of films curated for the Chicago market in collaboration with CAC.

MCA Chicago announces Chicago Works: Maryam Taghavi مریم تقوی

Now open, the MCA presents Chicago Works: Maryam Taghavi مریم تقوی, the first solo museum exhibition of artist Maryam Taghavi (b. Tehran, Iran; lives in Chicago, Ill.) as part of the museum’s series dedicated to artists who are shaping the contemporary art scene both in Chicago and beyond.

South Suburban Custodian in the Running for National Award

Sergio Nuno, a custodian for Matteson School District 162, has been nominated for the national LifeChanger of the Year award. Nuno, 65, who has worked as a custodian for Matteson School District 162 and Southland College Prep for twelve years, was nominated by Matteson School District superintendent, Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, who described him as the “heart of the district.”

Vote By Mail Applications Now Open for the March 19 Presidential Primary Election

Voters within the City of Chicago may now apply to Vote By Mail for the March 19 Presidential Primary Election. Voters may use this online application to request a ballot for the upcoming election: March 19th -- Primary Election - Vote By Mail | Chicago Board of Elections (chicagoelections.gov)

Secretary of State Giannoulias Reveals 2023 License Plate Naughty List

More than 300 plates rejected for profanity, offensive language or illegibility Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias rejected more than 304 vanity and personalized license plates this year that were deemed too obscene or defamatory.