Local News

Edwardsville chief on Amazon warehouse: ‘It was definitely one of our worst days’

In the wake of Friday night storms that left six dead at an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, a disaster proclamation was issued Monday for 28 counties in southern and central Illinois. The proclamation will bring personnel or equipment from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to assist with storm recovery.

Coarse Culture’s Skincare Line helps with dry skin and hair

VaLanDria Smith-Lash was 14-yers old when she started Coarse Culture, a skincare line of whipped shea butter. She started the company because she wanted to help her mother, who was diagnosed with Lupus, find skincare that would soothe her dry skin and scalp.

Hoops in the Hood promotes peace and provides safe space

A basketball program has been able to bridge the gap between young people from the South, North and West sides of Chicago.

Noire Impact Collective looks to connect people to resources and career opportunities

When Sydney Holman started a position as a staff member of the Illinois Speaker of the House, she noticed there was a lack of representation of people of color and women of color in leadership. She wanted to create an avenue for job opportunities and professional development. She started hosting dinners in Springfield and reached out to her professional network of women of color there.

Ministers Don’t Want the Water Reclamation District to be absent of West Side representation

Current West Side Commissioner Barbara McGowan has been on the water reclamation district since 1998. She announced over the summer that she will not be seeking re-election. Her seat will be available with candidates all over the county vying to fill it. Pastor Ira Acree of Greater St John Bible Church and his supporters feel that he is the most competent and prepared leader from the west side to replace her.

The Always Giving Back Foundation and Walmart To Host 2nd Annual Bike Giveaway This Saturday, December 11, 2021

Christmas will come early for 200 children during The Always Giving Back Foundation’s 2nd Annual Bike Giveaway on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. at 7545 S. Western Avenue in Chicago’s Ashburn community. Residents with children living in the 60620 zip code will receive one free bike ranging from 12-20 inches intended for kids 2-10 years of age, until supplies last.

South Suburban Businesses Rally Around a Greek Organization to Raise Money for Student Scholarships

Richton Park , IL November 9th) -- Richton Park Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi will host the first Kasino and Kicks, a Sneaker Ball and Casino Style fundraiser event for college scholarships and educational programs Saturday December 11th from 7pm until midnight at Holiday Inn Midway, 7353 S. Cicero, Chicago, IL 60629.

Group Black and SHE Media Partner to Launch Group Black Network

Group Black, the home for Black-Owned media properties, and SHE Media, a mission-driven publishing collective with a focus on elevating independent media, announced the joint launch of the Group Black Network. This partnership brings more than 250 premium Black, Women-Owned SHE Media publishers to the Group Black Network, and provides a direct channel to deploy advertising investments to said publishers — increasing visibility and earning opportunities. Group Black can leverage the entire SHE Media Collective to drive higher revenue for multiple publishers within packaged deals.

Scott M. Mills Appointed to Chief Executive Officer of BET

ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC, VIACA) announced that Scott M. Mills has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of BET, the nation’s leading provider of quality content from Black creators. The announcement was made today by President and CEO of ViacomCBS, Bob Bakish, and Chairman and CEO of Showtime Networks, David Nevins.

Habilitative Systems, Inc.’s First “Race and Health Equity Awards” Recognizes Healthcare and Community Leaders’ Contributions

Habilitative Systems, Inc., will recognize outstanding individuals Dec. 9 for their work and contributions in tearing down the barriers to equal access and quality healthcare at the HSI Board of Directors’ inaugural “Race and Health Equity Awards” reception. The event will honor healthcare executives and community leaders who are committed to eliminating inequities within the African-American community.

Cancer Patients Overlooked in COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Almost two-thirds of U.S. states failed to prioritize cancer patients for COVID-19 vaccinations, despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to a study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Congresswoman Robin Kelly outlines the Build Back Better Act

The Build Back Better Act was passed by the House on Friday, Nov. 19. H.R. 5376 extends the Child Tax Credit, expands Affordable Healthcare and invests in gun violence prevention.

U.S. Department of Education Announces $20 Million in American Rescue Plan Grants

Advancing its commitment to equity, meaningful consultation, and relief for Tribal Nations, the U.S. Department of Education announced approximately $20 million in grants to Tribal Educational Agencies (TEAs) to meet the urgent needs of students in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The American Rescue Plan Act’s American Indian Resilience in Education (AIRE) grant program will fund culturally relevant projects—that include at least one of the activities from section 6121(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965—designed to assist and encourage Native American children and youth to enter, remain in, or reenter school at any grade level from Pre-K through grade 12. These activities include a broad range of direct education, health, and workforce preparation services for Native students, their teachers, and their families.

Landmarks Illinois seeks nominations for 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois

Landmarks Illinois, a statewide historic preservation advocacy nonprofit organization, is now accepting nominations for its 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. Nominations are due Monday, Jan. 10.

Civil Rights Leader Dr. Harry Blake’s Legacy Lives on at Shreveport Health Fair to Support COVID-19 Vaccinations

For Lashonda Diouf, a long-time member of Mount Canaan Baptist Church, the recent Stay Well Harry Blake Empowerment Health Fair & Vaccination Event held a special place in her heart.