Local News
CITY OF CHICAGO FILES SUIT AGAINST VISION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FOR PREDATORY HOME SALES TACTICS USED ON LOW-INCOME CONSUMERS
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the City has filed a civil lawsuit against Vision Property Management, LLC, its successor FTE Networks, Inc., and affiliates for committing deceptive and unfair practices in the course of selling and leasing properties to predominantly low-income Chicagoans.
ComEd Launches New Assistance Programs to Continue Help for Working Families
To further help individuals and families in need, ComEd announced two new bill-assistance programs that will help customers with their credit scores, educate them about financial literacy, and assist those with overdue bills.
Join the Chicago Bulls for the Largest Interactive Basketball Experience in Chicago This Summer
Bulls Fest is back! Join the Chicago Bulls for the largest interactive basketball experience in Chicago this summer. The free, second annual, two-day festival, which will take place Aug. 19-20, will celebrate the sport of basketball, its influence on style, art and culture, and all things Chicago Bulls.
Far South CDC Marketplace showcases 5 new Black-owned small businesses from Chicago’s South Side
The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation (Far South CDC)—an organization that provides strategic community-building services to residents and businesses across Chicago’s Far South Side neighborhoods and south suburban Cook County—is proud to announce it has extended its Far South CDC Marketplace program through December 23, 2023. With grant support from The Coleman Foundation, Far South CDC is showcasing five new Black-owned small businesses alongside four returning Marketplace vendors.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Establishing Full Day Kindergarten
Governor JB Pritzker signed HB2396, requiring each school board to establish a kindergarten program with full day attendance, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Under this bill, every district must also establish a half-day program that is developmentally appropriate and provides opportunities for play-based learning.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Establishing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program
Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 0780 to establish and administer a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County beginning January 1, 2024, through January 1, 2027. The Illinois Department on Aging worked in close coordination with Leader Natalie Manley to establish this legislation that amends the Illinois Act on Aging. It will require an intake coordinator for Will County to be responsible for connecting grandparents raising grandchildren to relevant resources and services provided by state agencies.
THE SHAKE SHACK PICKLEBALL CLUB RETURNS TO CHICAGO’S MAGGIE DALEY PARK
Get ready to serve, smash and savor at “Shake Shack’s Pickleball Club Chicago”, an immersive pickleball experience benefiting the Chicago Food Depository on Sunday, Aug. 20, from 9 am - 3 pm at Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.). Shake Shack invites guests of all ages and abilities to join them as they host various pickleball skill clinics throughout the day, complete with a Round Robin tournament. Tickets are on sale now via the Shake Shack website, and 25% of proceeds will go directly to helping the incredible cause of the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
SGA, STEM NOLA PARTNER WITH NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND OCHSNER FOR STEM FEST, ENGAGING OVER 600 PEOPLE
STEM Global Action (SGA) and its leading affiliate, STEM NOLA, hosted a STEM Fest presented by The National Medical Association (NMA) and powered by Ochsner. The free three-hour event engaged over 600 K-12 students and caregivers, college and professional volunteers, and elected officials. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans during the NMA 2023 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly.
Rep. Robin Kelly Highlights Agricultural, Nutrition Assistance Priorities on District Farm Tour
As Members of Congress returned home for the August district work period, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) embarked on a comprehensive tour of farms, businesses, and health care facilities in the rural areas of her district.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Expanding Youth Access to Prosthetics Care
Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 2195, also known as the “So Kids Can Move” initiative, which will allow thousands of children and youth with limb loss or limb difference to afford prosthetic care that enables them to participate in physical activities. This legislation makes Illinois just the fourth state in the nation to pass this act.
BLACK CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLE FOUNDER RECOGNIZED BY THE OBAMA FOUNDATION
Kori Coleman is the founder of D-Composed, a Black Chamber music ensemble. She started it after she attended a Classical music concert that highlighted the music of Black composers in 2017. Throughout her entire music career, she had never been exposed to a Black composer. Throughout her youth, she played oboe and violin.
NEW EV PREAPPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM AIMS TO CREATE DIVERSE PIPELINE TO EV INDUSTRY
HIRE360 and ComEd have partnered to create a pre-apprenticeship program that is meant to be a pipeline to develop diverse talent and grow the Electric Vehicle Industry in Illinois.
DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION THOUGHT LEADER TALKS ABOUT ‘WHAT’S THE DEIL’
Natalie E. Norfus is a thought leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She is the founder and managing owner of The Norfus Firm and co-host of “What’s the DEIL” podcast.
MALIK YUSEF RETURNS TO CHICAGO TO PERFORM AT CITY WINERY
Malik Yusef started doing poetry and it led to him doing other things. He had some breaks and had some things happen because he was doing poetry. He never thought he would get rich off poetry.
