Local News
CancerIQ Raises $14M Series B Funding to Improve Access to Innovations in Cancer Early Detection and Prevention
CancerIQ, the platform powering early cancer detection and prevention across broad patient populations, announced it closed a $14 million Series B financing round co-led by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund (Merck GHI) and Amgen Ventures. McKesson Ventures, OSF Ventures (the investment arm of OSF HealthCare, a current CancerIQ customer), as well as CancerIQ’s Series A lead investor, HealthX Ventures, also participated in the Series B round
Hope Chicago Organization provided free tuition to 4,000 students on South and West sides
Malik Banbridge always wanted to be a funeral home director. He has been talking about going to college for some months. His mother, Sharon Smith, has been out of work for a year, but didn’t want to spoil his dream. She prayed that something would happen. Her prayers were answered when Hope Chicago announced that it would provide free tuition to students at Al Raby High School where Malik is a senior.
Pat Dowell Filed Candidate Petitions for Illinois 1st Congressional District
Pat Dowell filed more than 2,200 signatures on her petitions to run for the Democratic nominee for First Congressional District Representative in Illinois. Since her team was fully prepared and arrived early to get in line, Dowell was first among the other candidates in this race to turn in her petitions at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield on Monday, March 7.
Black owned media procurement bill passes House
An amendment to the Illinois Procurement Code would increase the percentage that Black-owned media receives from state agencies in media purchases. Currently, the Illinois Procurement Code allows for state agencies to set aside 10% of their media purchasing for Black media. The HB0378 would increase that number to 20%.Illinois State Representative Thaddeus Jones, D. Dist. 29, introduced the Illinois House Bill 0378 on Jan. 29, 2021. On March 3, 2022, it was voted on in the Illinois House and passed 72-23. Now the bill is in the Senate awaiting a vote.
Film explores activism, includes healing component
In 15 minutes, Maxwell Emcays was about to produce an activism film with redeeming qualities. His short film, “Jail,” was inspired by the community work he has been doing in the city. Emcays has been doing a lot of community and grassroots organization activism work. He has experienced some of the challenges of working with the established city’s political and business structure. When Kanye West’s “Donda” came out, the song, “Jail,” sparked Emcays to tell a narrative to discuss the challenges he experienced. Emcays wanted some type of healing and holistic message for his film.
Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returns $250,000 to Spelman College
Grace Scipio wanted to give back to her alma mater, Spelman College, when she died. The Chicago Public School teacher was a native of Georgia and attended the University of Chicago for her Master’s Degree. She died in 2019, the $250,000 was in a savings account. With the help of Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs’ office, the money has been returned to Spelman College.
A Career in construction changes woman’s life
Lashundria Dewberry was looking for a career change. She knew she didn’t want to work as a security guard forever. In the back of her mind, she always had a career in construction as an ideal option. In 2015, she decided to pursue a career in construction and go through a four-month training program. Now, she is a journeyman laborer for Union Local 76 Cement.
MAJOR RELIGIOUS LEADER TO MAKE POWERFUL ENDORSEMENT IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RACE TO REPLACE REPRESENTATIVE BOBBY RUSH
Bishop Larry D. Trotter-Senior Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago- will be joined by hundreds of congregant sand fellow ministers as he will make public of his endorsement of 3rd Ward Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell to replace outgoing Congressman Bobby Rush of the 1st Congressional District of Illinois.
Cook County Clerk’s Office to Lead Estate Planning & Property Fraud Prevention Informational Forum March 24
Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough and Commissioner Bridget Degnen will host an educational forum on March 24 to share information that will help residents better understand the Estate Planning process and instruct them how to safely transfer their home, car, or bank accounts without fees or lengthy court delays
STATE REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES SUCCESSFULLY PASSES HB-0378 OUT OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES SUCCESSFULLY PASSES HB-0378 OUT OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THIS BILL REQUIRES A MANDATE FOR BLACK OWN MEDIA NOW THE BILL HEADS TO THE SENATE. REP. JONES SAYS AFTER YEARS OF WITNESSING THE STATE SPEND MILLIONS IN ADVERTISING DOLLLARS THAT BYPASSED BLACK OWNED MEDIA COMPANIES, REP JONES STANDS UP FOR BLACK MEDIA
Applications Open for Chicago Public Schools Seniors to Join Innovative Teaching Prep Program
Applications are open for Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Teach Chicago Tomorrow program, a structured pathway for CPS graduates who want to return to the District as educators. CPS hires approximately 140 CPS graduates as teachers each year, and through Teach Chicago Tomorrow the District has set a long-term goal to triple the number of CPS grads hired annually to more than 500.
New Tool Makes It Easier for ComEd Customers to Take Control of Their Bills and Energy Use
With the launch of its Smart Assistance Manager (SAM), ComEd has made it easier for families and individuals to access customized financial assistance options, as well as programs to help them manage their electric bills.
Black-owned, Black-led Franchisee Group Gets the “Big O” from Ben & Jerry’s
The three Black leaders of Primo Partners want to use their business to dismantle white supremacy.
Rep. Davis, Sen. Durbin, and Rep. Schneider Champion Bill to Help Illinois Recover from the Pandemic by Waiving Interest on Federal Unemployment Loans
Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL) joined with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) to champion the Continued Waiver of Interest on State Unemployment Loans during the Pandemic Act. This legislation would extend the waiver of interest payments on federal unemployment loans during the pandemic to help Illinois and other states financially as they support their constituents and respond to the dual economic and health crises.