Local News
State’s child support division teams with Feeding America® to direct donations to local food banks
In honor of National Child Support Awareness month in August, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has teamed up with Feeding America® to help support local families amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Every year, our team has generously donated school supplies, books, time and money, and this year, the need to help children throughout Illinois is deeper than ever,” said Theresa Eagleson, director of HFS. “I’m sure we will step up to this new challenge. Families are struggling like they never have in our lifetimes, and we are here to offer our support.”
Storm Survivors Put On Alert For Potential for Scams
Disasters like the severe weather that struck several Illinois communities recently often brings out the best in people, but unfortunately, disasters can also bring out the worst in others who use the opportunity to prey on storm survivors.
Contraceptive offers new option for women
A first-of-its-kind contraceptive developed at the University of Illinois Chicago has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The new contraceptive, called Phexxi, is a non-hormonal vaginal gel that can be used on-demand to prevent pregnancy.
DR. ANTHONY FAUCI DISCUSSES THE IMPACT AND SEVERITY OF COVID-19 DISPARITIES IN AFRICAN AMERICANS
During a 30-minute interview with BlackPressUSA that was streamed live over Facebook, YouTube, and www.BlackPressUSA.com, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spoke of the importance of convincing African Americans to participate in clinical trials. He also said that school re-openings should depend mainly upon the location and the infection rate in a given area.
EEOC Resumes Issuance Of Charge Closure Documents
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced that it will begin issuing charge closure documents that were suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 21, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EEOC temporarily suspended the issuance of charge closure documents unless a charging party requested them.
United States Postal Service files notice of a temporary price change
The United States Postal Service has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of a temporary price change to take effect on Oct. 18, 2020.
Three New Mental Health Programs Launched In Illinois
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced three new mental health programs designed to provide additional support for Illinois residents.
Walsh Construction completes historic transformation of Chicago’s old Cook County Hospital into dual branded Hyatt hotel
Walsh Construction, one of the largest contractors in the City of Chicago and across the United States, has completed the historic rehabilitation of the 104-year-old Cook County Hospital building, converting the building into a dual branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel, accompanied by the new Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall.
LEGISLATION SEEKS TO EXPAND POWER OF STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL
Congresswoman Robin Kelly has introduced the State Attorneys General Empowerment Act (H.R. 7536) to expand the power of state Attorneys General to investigate and resolve unconstitutional patterns and practices by law enforcement agencies within their states. Congressman Danny Davis is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
Owner of Chicago Tax Preparation Business Charged with Preparing False Returns
A federal grand jury in Chicago, Illinois, has returned a superseding indictment charging the owner of a tax preparation business with filing tax returns for herself and clients, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
PERFORMERS SET OUT TO CREATE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN SKETCH COMEDY AND IMPROV THEATER
Khristian Leslie and Ronnie Ray have been involved in sketch comedy for more than 30 years and now they’ve decided the best way to help the next generation of African American and minority performers is to start a non-profit, community-based theater company that can help give performers a safe space to cultivate their creativity.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION IN BRONZEVILLE TO USE GRANT TO HELP RESTART ECONOMY
Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago partnered with Mars Wrigley Foundation to award community organizations with placemaking grants. Quad Communities Development Corporation in Bronzeville was one of the recipients of the $25,000 grant, which they will use to help restart the neighborhood’s local economy
STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC
Larry Huggins and Everett Rand created the Chicago Football Classic more than 20 years ago with the goal of exposing young people in Chicago to the Black college experience through football games, band battles and college fairs.
FROM THE STREETS TO THE STATEHOUSE: ASHLEY MUNSON ADVOCATES FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
Ashley Munson is the Legislative Affairs Manager for the Illinois Network of Charter Schools. Munson is a community activist and a voice that speaks for the improvement of public education for primarily Black and brown students throughout Illinois. Munson was the lead organizer for the March for Us 2020, Million Man March on Juneteenth.
