Local News

Unmet Need for Afterschool Programs Skyrockets in the Black Community

Satisfaction with afterschool programs has reached a new high among African American parents, but unmanageable costs and limited access are preventing many Black students from participating. The result is tremendous unmet demand for afterschool in the Black community. In fact, for every Black child in an afterschool program today, three more are waiting to get in.

Faith and Community Leaders Express Thanks to Illinois Legislators for Putting People Before Politics

The healthcare disparities that exist in Black and Brown communities are profound, systemic, and growing. Just look at the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities of color as evidenced daily in the numbers of those who test positive, are hospitalized, and are dying from this insidious virus.

Assessor Kaegi Reminds Property Owners that Many Exemptions will Auto-Renew this Year Due to COVID-19

In the next couple of weeks, hundreds of thousands of households will receive mail from the Assessor that confirms the auto-renewal of the exemptions placed on their homes. All exemptions will be applied to the second installment property tax bills issued in summer of 2021.

Restaurateurs Announce Joint Openings of Black-owned Businesses Red Star Restaurant and Sip & Savor Coffee Shop in Matteson

“It’s extremely important for black businesses to remain visible for our youth, consistent for our customers, and helpful towards the community” said Pugh. “My goal has always been to create jobs and change communities

Pay First Installment Cook County property taxes through May 3 with no late fee

Tax bills should start arriving in the mailboxes of the owners of about 1.8 million homes, businesses and land, Pappas said.

MATTESON MAYOR’S 8 YEAR FIGHT TO LAND MAJOR GROCERY STORE COMES TO A SUCCESSFUL ENDING

The grand opening of the 85,000 square feet fully renovated store represents and puts a successful conclusion to President Chalmers-Currin’s 8-year fight to land a full line grocery store to Matteson.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM LEGISLATION PASSES IN SPRINGFIELD

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus passed legislation meant to eliminate systemic racism. The legislative package included a bill to address disparities in education and workforce development, eliminate healthcare disparities, as well as criminal justice reform, violence reduction and police accountability.

All taxpayers now eligible for Identity Protection PINs

The Internal Revenue Service has expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.

Despite Economic Uncertainty, Businesses Must Increase Salaries to Remain Competitive, New Report Finds

Despite the uncertain economic outlook for the first quarter of 2021, businesses will need to increase salaries by up to 3.5 percent for high-demand roles in order to remain competitive in the race for top talent, according to a new report by Randstad US.

Veteran Investor Damien Dwin Launches Lafayette Square with $100 Million Financing from Morgan Stanley

Damien Dwin, a Black American businessman, philanthropist and veteran investor, recently announced the official launch of Lafayette Square Holding Company (“Lafayette Square”), an impact-driven, minority owned investment platform.

RAINBOW PUSH TALKS ABOUT EQUITY IN EDUCATION

Rainbow Push Coalition and PUSH Excel hosted a virtual town hall to celebrate the birthday of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., titled, “Shaping America’s Education Agenda: Seeing Dr. King’s Dream Through.”

Happiness Expert Tells How to Achieve Exceptional Joy, Purpose, and Fulfillment after a Disastrous 2020

What happened to Trish Ahjel Roberts two years ago may very well help people who are coping with the lingering effects of 2020.

Study Shows Identifying Empathy Is Key to Increasing Diversity in Medicine, Improved Patient Care

Long before COVID-19, decades of societal, systemic inequalities have contributed to health disparities and educational inequities for ethnic minorities and communities of color

Andrade Lands Job As Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently announced Nancy C. Andrade as the Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). Andrade, who brings years of experience with the City as a legal advocate, will oversee operations of the Commission, which has been the task for Acting Commissioner Kenneth Gunn.

Bar owners express frustration over liquor license process

Bar owners in Harvey are claiming that there is an inconsistency in policies when it comes to an excise tax for liquor. And, even after some claim to have paid the fees, reportedly, they still have not received their liquor licenses.