Local News

The William Everett Group Selected as 2020 Census Program Administrator

After a robust Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has selected The William Everett Group, a certified African American-owned and woman-owned business enterprise, to provide program administration services for the County’s 2020 Census Complete Count outreach and communications program. Working closely with the Cook County Complete Count Commission and Bureau of Economic Development, the group will increase awareness, promote self-response, and improve the response rate in hard-to-count communities.

Illinois Department of Labor Releases Top 5 Safety Violations for Illinois Fire Departments

Worker safety is the primary mission of the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a division of the Illinois Department of Labor. Documenting dangers is one way to avoid them in the future. With that in mind, Illinois OSHA is releasing the Top 5 safety violations Illinois fire departments received in fiscal year 2019.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOSTS FINANCIAL AID COMPLETION NIGHT AT WEST SIDE HIGH SCHOOL

State Representative LaShawn Ford recently hosted a FAFSA Completion Night at Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School, 5101 W. Harrison St., for students who are preparing to continue their education after graduating from high school and who need help navigating the federal financial aid process.

Organizations Illuminate the Need for Critical Afterschool Learning Opportunities By Lighting Up Billboards Nationwide

The Afterschool Alliance, the National League of Cities and the National Summer Learning Association, a coalition of afterschool supporters, recently joined with Clear Channel Outdoor to launch a campaign across more than 1,000 digital billboards nationwide encouraging city leaders and other stakeholders to turn the Lights On Afterschool.

ComEd Customers Enjoy Record-Setting Reliability this Summer

ComEd has avoided more than 13 million customer interruptions since 2012, due in part to smart grid and system improvements. The avoided outages have resulted in $2.4 billion in estimated savings to society. In addition to keeping energy flowing for residents, strong power reliability continues to help persuade businesses to expand in northern Illinois and Chicago. The GridWise Alliance recently recognized Illinois as the No. 2 state in the nation for its smart grid implementation.

Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Foundation 10th Anniversary Gala Raises Funds for Life-Saving Programs

The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Foundation was founded in 2009 by Earl Dunlap, federal court transitional administrator, and Sharon Grant, executive director, JTDC Foundation. JTDC provides temporary secure housing for youth, from the age of 13 through 20 years, who are awaiting adjudication of their cases by the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County

MATTESON VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVE THE CHOCTAW NATION CASINO PLAN FOR MATTESON

Sheila Chalmers-Currin- Village President of Matteson, IL) along with the Matteson Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Choctaw Nation’s plan to develop a casino in Matteson. The casino plan was approve 6-0 by the Village Board on tonight. “I want to thank the Village Board of Trustees for their full support of this plan. This isn’t just about the Village of Matteson, but its also about our region. We can now seriously discuss the possibilities of taking a portion of our gaming revenues for the opening or reopening of a Trauma Unit in the Southland.” says President Chalmers-Currin.

ILLINOIS LOTTERY LAUNCHES 2019 CAROLYN ADAMS TICKET FOR THE CURE

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Illinois Lottery has launched the newest edition of the Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure instant game, which helps raise funds in support of the fight against breast cancer in Illinois.

G-Squared Events Presents “An Evening of Soul” with Patti LaBelle and Friends- Stephanie Mills, Freddie Jackson, and El DeBarge on October 19, 2019, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL

G-Squared Events is excited to announce their upcoming event entitled “An Evening of Soul” with Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills, Freddie Jackson, and El DeBarge. This night of soulful music will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Doors are scheduled to open at 6:30PM and the event will take place at 7:30PM.

Freddie Jackson Receives the 2019 Black Music Honors Legend Award

the Ledgendary Freddie Jackson is headed to Chicago on Friday October 19th to co-headline “An Evening of Soul,” with Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills, and El DeBarge The concert will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Doors open at 6:30PM and showtime is at 7:30PM. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and at the Wintrust Arena Box Office. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!

Underwood Proposals to Simplify the Student Loan Application Process, Reduce Barriers to Financial Aid, Strengthen TRIO Included in College Affordability Act

Yesterday, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), announced that her proposals to reduce barriers to financial aid, increase transparency in the loan application process, and provide resources for underserved college students were included in the College Affordability Act—a legislative package that would lower the cost of college, increase the quality of higher education, and expand opportunities for a new generation of students.

Medicare to Provide Dental Coverage under New Legislation Offered by Congresswoman Robin Kelly

On Friday, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and member of the Health Subcommittee, introduced the Medicare Dental Act. The legislation would provide coverage for certain dental items and services through Medicare Part B, a position that’s supported by eighty percent of Americans.

Celebrity Basketball Game to Salute First Responders, Teach CPR

“This year’s game promises to be a fun, family event filled with exciting basketball play, free giveaways, meet and greets with elite players, a salute to first Chicago’s responders and most importantly, CPR training for everyone,” says Harris. Confirmed celebrity guest include Arnie Duncan, Rickey Green (Utah Jazz), Jeff Sanders (Chicago Bulls), Bobby Simmons (Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers) and Antoine Walker (Boston Celtics).

Cam Kirk Launches Collective Gallery, A Record Label-Style Company For Photographers

It took Cam Kirk just one semester of biology to realize he didn’t want to become a doctor. Before the Morehouse grad established himself as one of the most sought-after photographers in hip-hop, he filtered through other career paths. Concert promotion seemed like a viable option after he successfully booked Wiz Khalifa for a show in Atlanta. But the decision to purchase a camera so he could better market future concerts and events was the catalyst behind his current role.

WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM TO PLANT FORTY TREES IN SOUTH SIDE NEIGHBORHOODS

Trinity United Church of Christ is currently hosting the second cohort of advocates in its 12-week Imani Green Health Advocate workforce training program as part of the Imani Village project. Throughout October, the trainees are working to plant 40 trees across the south side in Pullman, Roseland, Washington Heights, Chatham, and Cottage Grove Heights.