Local News
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.
Appellate Court Judge Vying to Become First Black Woman Elected To Illinois Supreme Court
With a long list of relevant qualifications, Justice Cynthia Cobbs is one of several candidates currently campaigning for one vacant seat in the Illinois Supreme Court’s 1st District which encompasses all of Cook County. If elected, Cobbs would be the first black woman to hold the position and the second African American ever elected to the state’s high court.
Durbin, Duckworth, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration To Protect Health Coverage For People With Pre-Existing Conditions
U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) recently joined Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and 37 other Senators in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to protect individuals with pre-existing conditions by limiting the proliferation of “junk plans” – short-term insurance plans that can exclude coverage for essential benefits and provide no protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions. In a letter, the Senators wrote: “We have heard from patients, physicians, independent experts, and other health care stakeholders that individuals with preexisting conditions are being negatively impacted by your Administration’s actions. More recently, we have seen the real world negative impact on individuals who have unknowingly enrolled in these deceptively marketed junk plans,” they stated.
The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals Hosts Two Events in Chicago
Registration is open for The Forum and the Introduction to Impact Measurement Summit hosted by The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) in Chicago this fall. The Forum will be held October 29 to November 1 at Conagra Brands.
WEST SIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH COLLABORATIVE OFFERS GRANTS FOR NONPROFITS AND SMALL BUSINESSES
West Side United recently announced that it will distribute $500,000 in grants to eligible for-profit west side businesses and $225,000 in grants to west side nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit organizations have until Oct. 18 to submit their applications and for-profit business can apply until Oct. 31.
Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Celebrates National Energy Awareness Month with Listen, Lead, Share Events
The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) is celebrating National Energy Awareness Month with a Saturday series of Listen, Lead, Share (LLS) events throughout south and west side neighborhoods in Chicago this October.
Study shows reduced Illinois Medicaid spending in pediatric population, limited savings from care coordination
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago are reporting in JAMA Network Open that Medicaid expenditures for children and young adults have decreased in Illinois. However, a care coordination demonstration project did not further reduce the cost of care for kids participating in the program within its first year.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE HELD FOR SOUTH SUBURBAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO HELP KIDS RESTOCK
The Blue Island-Robbins Neighborhood Network recently hosted a school supply drive for the students of Cook County School District 130 and Posen-Robbins School District 143.5. The purpose of the school supply drive was to help students restock their school supplies and make sure they are able to stay focused for the duration of the school year.
Jazz Legend To Receive Inaugural Award At Prairie State Foundation Gala
Prairie State College recently announced that Orbert Davis will receive the inaugural Reach for the Stars Award at the Prairie State College Foundation’s annual gala. The event will be held at the college’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted St., on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. in South Holland.
Legendary Olympic Athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos Earn Induction into U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame
Their raised fists were as legendary as they were controversial. Tommie Smith and John Carlos, known for their Black Power salute during the 1968 Olympics medal ceremonies, have earned induction into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. The induction is scheduled for Nov
