Local News
Chicago, Illinois – August 15, 2022 - AKArama Foundation awards Scholarships to 18 College-bound CPS Students
The AKArama Foundation, Inc. Research Development and Fundraising Committee is excited to announce the “Wants and Needs” raffle to raise funds for scholarships, education, health, and financial well-being in the local community. The raffle offers a chance for each supporter to win because their donations will help these services. The actual raffle winners will receive a variety of gifts that include designer bags, and gift cards for travel, groceries, and gas. The AKArama Foundation has been the non-profit entity of Theta Omega Chapter since 1981. Use this link to purchase tickets before the deadline on September 5, 2022: https://bit.ly/3AvO02h
FIRST ANNUAL CHICAGO-BASED CLINK WINE & SPIRITS FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO WOMEN & BIPOC ENTREPRENEURS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 18
CLINK Festival founders, Chrishon Lampley, owner of Love Cork Screw wines and Joyce Dawkins, founder of She ROCKS It Magazine are pleased to announce the debut of the inaugural CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival, the first-of-its-kind Chicago-based wine and spirits festival dedicated to highlighting Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the industry. Featuring panel discussions, a walkaround tasting showcasing more than 50 minority-owned wine & spirit brands paired with fare from local Chicago chefs of color, a cigar lounge, a mocktail waterpark and a DJ, the event will take place on September 18 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wilder Mansion located in Elmhurst, IL.
World-Renowned Artist Maya Lin Commissioned to Create “Seeing Through the Universe” Sculpture for the Obama Presidential Center
On his 61st birthday, President Obama announced that the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center will be named in honor of his mother, Ann Dunham. The Water Garden, located near the Center’s north entrance, will serve as a designated place on campus meant for reflection and relaxation. The garden will be anchored by a commissioned art installation from world-renowned artist, Maya Lin. The sculpture, titled “Seeing Through the Universe,” will feature an upright “oculus” piece that mists and a flat “pebble” piece that fills with water and then cascades over.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Medicaid Reimbursement Increases and Expanded Title X Funds for Reproductive Health Care Providers
Governor Pritzker has announced an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for abortion services and a new expansion of Title X funding through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for family planning and reproductive health service providers across the state. The 20% Medicaid reimbursement rate increase will give additional resources to providers facing new burdens in the wake of increased restrictions on reproductive care in surrounding states. The Governor also eliminated a requirement for providers to receive a Medicare denial before requesting Medicaid payment, expanding provider options for patients receiving both Medicare and Medicaid.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS COALITIONS PROTECTING RIGHTS OF LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined two separate coalitions of attorneys general supporting LGBTQ+ students against discrimination in the classroom, filing legal briefs opposing an Indiana school district’s efforts to bar a transgender student from using the restroom consistent with the student’s gender identity and against Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which limits classroom discussions and has serious implications for LGBTQ+ students.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE 100% CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY STARTING IN 2025
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Assets, Information and Services (AIS) visited the Chicago Urban League to announce an agreement with retail electricity supplier Constellation, in collaboration with Swift Current Energy, to help meet the Mayor’s commitment to purchase renewable energy for all City facilities and operations by 2025, making Chicago one of the largest cities in the country to do so. The agreement also includes important workforce development and equity commitments.
Techstars Adds VR Eval to Roster of High Powered Accelerator Program
VR Eval, the company synonymous with advanced patented case management and virtual reality system EVAL designed to help anyone with a mental healthcare challenge as well victims of trauma for example human trafficking victims as well, has been selected to participate in the Techstars Founder Catalyst Program. The $80 million investment powered by J.P. Morgan is intended to provide equitable access to funding and support for entrepreneurs who are Black, Hispanic and Latino, Indigenous American and Pacific Islander. This experienc will provide up to 20 Miami-Dade women entrepreneurs valuable startup education, mentorship, community, and access to the Techstars worldwide network of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and corporate partners.
Electrification Coalition Applauds Illinois for Submitting NEVI Plan
The Electrification Coalition (EC) applauds the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for submitting its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) state plan to the federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICES ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR CHICAGO RESIDENTS
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) Commissioner Brandie Knazze have announced that $230,000 in Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) scholarships are now available for Chicago residents seeking to continue their education. Residents have until midnight Friday, Aug. 26, to apply. The announcement coincides with the launch of a new online application portal. Built to simplify the application process and provide even greater access to students, individuals can now apply online at www.chicago.gov/fss/scholarship.
Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Spike in Thefts of Kia & Hyundai Vehicles
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart is warning the public about a dramatic rise in thefts of certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. He is urging owners to take additional precautions to reduce the risk of theft.
CTA Red Line Extension Project Receives ‘Record of Decision’
The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension (RLE) project, which will be one of the most critical and transformative investments for Chicago’s Far South Side communities and benefitting the entire City of Chicago, is one step closer to becoming reality.
YOUTH ACTIVISTS BRING ‘THE LIGHT’ WITH PERFORMANCES
Collaboraction is known for its work in the social justice space, using theatre and film to bring about positive change through the power of storytelling. In 2021, it founded The Light, a youth education program focused on youth artists with a change making message. These young people have been performing throughout the city to spread their message at festivals which include Kidapalooza and Silver Room Block Party.
THE CHICAGO COOK WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP RECIPIENT OF $18.5 MILLION GOOD JOBS CHALLENGE GRANT FROM U.S. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (the Partnership) and World Business Chicago announced the Partnership is a recipient of the Good Jobs Challenge Grant for their employer led workforce development program and will be awarded $18.5M from the US Economic Development Administration. Chicago’s proposal, submitted with the support and assistance of the City of Chicago, World Business Chicago, and Cook County is one of 32 awardees out of 509 applications from all states and territories.
Another Record Year for Unclaimed Property Program
Illinois’ unclaimed property program again set records for the amount of money returned and the number of claims paid during past year, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said .
