Local News
DONNA MILLER ANNOUNCES 2023 UNSUNG HEROINES AWARD WINNER FOR THE 6TH DISTRICT
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller announced Pastor Brenda K. Mitchell as the recipient of the 2023 Unsung Heroines Award for the 6th District. The Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroines Award is an annual award given out during Women’s History Month to one woman from each of the seventeen County districts and one woman countywide whose contributions are vital to the community, but often overlooked. Individuals across the 6th District recognized numerous qualified individuals in their nominations, and Commissioner Miller selected Brenda for her dedication to and unwavering advocacy for victims of gun violence.
Ladies of Virtue Launches "This Black Girl" Campaign
In celebration of Women's History Month, Ladies of Virtue (LOV) is proud to announce its "This Black Girl" campaign in recognition of the impressive achievements of Black girls nationwide who have triumphed over obstacles to become successful, confident, and purpose-driven leaders. "This Black Girl" will highlight inspiring stories throughout the month of March, focused on high school seniors and alumni who have emerged as community role models and serve as an inspiration for younger generations.
Chicago Public Schools Seeks Honorary Student Board of Education Member for 2023-24 School Year
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is now accepting applications for the next honorary student member of the Board of Education. Each year, an honorary student board member represents the interests and perspectives of all CPS students on a Board that makes decisions and shapes policies for the nation’s fourth largest school district.
CITY OF CHICAGO AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM BREAK GROUND ON INVEST SOUTH/WEST DEVELOPMENT IN BACK OF THE YARDS
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Ald. Jeanette Taylor joined New City stakeholders to start construction on United Yards, a $58M mixed-use project that will revitalize the heart of the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Being developed by Celadon Blackwood Limited Partnership through the Mayor’s INVEST South/West initiative, the project includes multiple new and rehabilitated commercial and residential buildings near the 47th and Ashland intersection.
Education Department Announces Use of Secret Shopping to Protect Students, Crack Down on Institutions that Lure Students with Lies
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced that the Enforcement Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will use secret shoppers as an additional tool to monitor postsecondary institutions’ compliance with the laws and regulations governing their participation in the federal student aid programs. In particular, secret shoppers will evaluate recruitment, enrollment, financial aid, and other practices of postsecondary institutions to help identify potentially deceptive or predatory practices used to recruit and enroll students.
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Opens 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which offers students a creative way to share their vision of agriculture in our state. The treasurer’s office will accept electronic submissions for the contest starting March 22, and the entry deadline is June 12.
Gov. Pritzker Announces New Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center
Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local officials celebrated the launch of a new Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center, which will increase Illinois’ capacity to recruit, educate, and retain behavioral health professionals. The Center builds upon the state’s commitment to behavioral health transformation, strengthening behavioral health care infrastructure and access across the state.
Biden-Harris administration launches initiative to promote equal opportunity for federally funded jobs
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the launch of an initiative to promote equal opportunity by federal contractors in the construction trades on large federally funded projects, helping to bring more underrepresented communities into the workforce as the President’s agenda to Invest in America continues creating millions of good-paying jobs.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, BOTTOM LINE, TAKES FIRST STEPS IN SCALING BY EXPANDING ITS EXECUTIVE TEAM
Bottom Line (BL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educational equity, announced it has expanded its executive team of C-Suite officers--a key first step in its strategic goal to serve more than 20,000 students per year by 2030. Andrea Carter has joined BL as Chief External Affairs Officer and Shannon Donnelly as Chief Operating and Financial Officer. Shauwea Hamilton was promoted to Chief Regional Officer and Sarah Place was promoted to Chief Program Officer. All four officers will serve Bottom Line on the national level. The organization is also pleased to announce Victoria Coker was promoted to Executive Director of Bottom Line New York.
Aldermanic Candidate wants to bring beauty and function to 21st Ward
Cornell Dantzler has been a resident of West Pullman/Morgan Park for more than 55 years. When he was a teenager, a mentor helped him turn his life around. Now, he does the same for young people with his STEPS Mentoring Program.
My Community Plan Foundation hosts Mayoral Forum at DuSable Museum
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center was the site of a forum with Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas on Thursday, March 9th.
City of Harvey receives funds for improvements
Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s Office recently presented two checks to the City of Harvey. The first check was awarded to the City of Harvey Fire Department which it will be used to purchase a new fire engine. The second check will be used to acquire and demolish blighted and vacant buildings, as well as for streetlight improvements.
Chicago Commons receives $2.2 million for workforce development initiative
JPMorgan Chase has awarded Chicago Commons $2.2 million for an initiative to develop workforce strategies for single mothers of color and low-income women, with the goal to enhance wealth building. With the investment from JPMorgan Chase, Chicago Commons will partner with Instituto del Progreso Latino, YWCA and PODER.
CHA Board approves 50 new Project-Based Vouchers in four Chicago community areas
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved 50 new Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units in four Chicago neighborhoods, representing a $37 million commitment over the next 15-30 years.