Local News
Illinois lawmakers must create legal balance between owners, renters of storage units
During and since my time as an active-duty officer in the Army, I have devoted much time and energy to protecting military service members from financial predators. Last year I focused on the passage of the Predatory Lending Prevention Act (PLPA), and the nationwide repeal of a Comptroller of the Currency rule that protected payday lenders using evasive schemes to get around state-imposed usury rate caps. While those efforts were successful, there is more to do.
Center Seeks Community Partner for Home Visiting Program
To improve Chicago children’s chances for success in life from the very start, the University of Chicago’s Center for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD) seeks to partner with an experienced childhood organization to launch an ambitious home visiting program supporting Chicago’s parents and families.
Organization wants to bolster the community
The Greater Chatham Initiative was founded five and a half years ago to bolster workforce and economic development in the community. The organization was founded to address the number of Black residents from the community who were leaving, because jobs were not available, and it caused destabilization.
Sheriff Dart Testifies Before Senate on Solutions to Carjacking Surge
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart testified today before a U.S. Senate Committee about the Chicago area’s disturbing rise in carjackings and his work with automakers on innovative, comprehensive solutions.
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Celebrates World Kidney Day
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) will celebrate World Kidney Day on March 10, 2022 with a full day of activities and events at the Emil & Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center at Chicago State University, 9501 South M.L. King, Jr. Drive in Chicago from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New, Easier-to-use Applications for Property Tax Savings are Now Available
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announces property-tax-saving exemptions for the 2021 tax year are now available online in a new, streamlined application
IDPH Director Ezike to step down March 14
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike will resign on March 14 after three years leading the agency and two years navigating a deadly pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 32,000 Illinoisans.
BLACK EXPERIENCE ON XFINITY TO OFFER $1 MILLION IN GRANTS TO EMERGING BLACK FILMMAKERS IN CELEBRATION OF ITS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Black Experience on Xfinity offers one-stop access to a collection of content that showcase the breadth of Black culture. Available at home on Xfinity X1 and Flex, and on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream app, the Black Experience on Xfinity will entertain, educate, and uplift, featuring Black actors, writers, producers, and directors. At home, Xfinity subscribers can visit channel 1622 or simply say “Black Experience” into the Voice Remote. And for the first time, consumers nationwide will be able to enjoy the ultimate in Black storytelling with the availability of the Black Experience collection on Comcast’s new XClass TV, easily accessible through the platform’s home screen and voice remote.
EARLY WALKER AND INTERNATIONALLY RENOWN RECORD LABEL CEO WHO DISCOVERED DRAKE AND LIL WAYNE, TO LEAD TOWNHALL DISCUSSION ON CHICAGO VIOLENCE
Early Walker- Founder of “I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot” will be joined by the J Price, President and CEO of the “Rap-a-Lot” Record label, in leading a unique coalition of Civic, Entertainment, law enforcement, government, and youth in a town hall meeting on Chicago violence. Thursday, March 3rd @ 2:00 PM at Fenger High School, 11220 S. Wallace, Chicago, Illinois.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges taxpayers to pay property taxes by tomorrow, March 1
First Installment Tax Year 2020 property taxes are due Tuesday, March 1, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reminded taxpayers today.
Ketanji Brown Jackson Is the Supreme Court Justice We Need Now
It is with profound joy that I write these words today: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been nominated to become our nation’s first Black woman Supreme Court Justice. From a pool of outstanding Black women attorneys, jurists and legal scholars, President Biden has chosen Judge Jackson for her stellar credentials and brilliant legal mind. We are overjoyed by this nomination; now the Senate needs to move quickly to confirm her.
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to Host Virtual Black History Month Celebration as Part of Kidney Health For Life Campaign
HAPPENING TODAY!! The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will host a free virtual Black History Month Celebration on Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to provide another opportunity to help keep Illinoisans healthy. This BHM celebration focuses on empowering those most at risk for chronic kidney disease to take charge of their health by becoming aware of the risks, making simple healthy lifestyle changes, and learning how to advocate for themselves. African Americans are three times more likely to develop kidney disease.
AMAZON MAKES A HUGE ONE MILLION DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION TO MATTESON GRADE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227 and Dr. Mable Alfred, Superintendent of Schools for Elementary School District 159, was joined by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, State Senator Michael Hastings, Amazon Community Engagement Senior Manager Sarah Glavin, and other elected officials, in celebration of a combined one-million-dollar donation from Amazon to focus on growing the STEM programs within the districts.
Katten Welcomed Valerie Jarrett as Guest Speaker for Black History Month Event
Katten announced that Barack Obama Foundation Chief Executive Officer Valerie Jarrett was the keynote speaker during the firm’s Black History Month event that celebrated her remarkable civic contributions and career in public service.