Local News
Elected Officials Reintroduce Bill to Take on Firearm Violence Epidemic
U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act recently to help reduce firearm violence in Illinois and across the country. This legislation would prohibit unlicensed firearm ownership and the transfer of firearms without a valid firearms license, as well as direct the U.S. Attorney General to establish and maintain a federal record of sale system and conduct fingerprint-based nationwide criminal background checks — which could have prevented the gunman who killed five people in Aurora, Illinois, in February from acquiring the firearm he used that tragic day.
SEVERAL SOUTH SUBURBAN GIRLS PARTICIPATE IN SIXTH ANNUAL ICE BOX DERBY
For the sixth year in a row, ComEd hosted its Icebox Derby which allows 30 young women, ages 13 to 18, to learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills by working collaboratively to transform recycled refrigerators into electric and solar-powered derby cars.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXPANDS OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS PROGRAM INTO 10 MORE SCHOOLS
Chicago Public Schools CEO, Janice Jackson, was joined by the Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, at a recent press conference to announce the expansion of the Opportunity Schools program into 10 additional schools for the upcoming school year. The press conference was held at Michelle Clark Magnet High School, 5101 W Harrison St., which is one of the schools that has just been added to the program.
Obama ordinance would protect South Side neighborhoods
Two aldermen have joined forces to create and introduce the “Obama Community Benefits Agreement” ordinance that, if passed by the City Council, would prevent residents from being priced out of their South Side neighborhoods.
TWO LOCAL PRINCIPALS PARTICIPATE IN DISTINGUISHED PRINCIPALS FELLOWSHIP IN NEW YORK CITY
For two weeks, Principal Kelly Thigpen, from Burnside Elementary Scholastic Academy, and Principal Terrycita Perry, from Arthur Dixon Elementary School, were in New York City participating in the Cahn Fellows Program Summer Leadership Institute. During those two weeks, they met with principals from other major cities across the country and developed new leadership skills to bring back to Chicago.
Empire Star Taraji Henson Speaks on Suicide and Mental Health on Capitol Hill
“I am here using my celebrity, using my voice, to put a face to this, because I also suffer from depression and anxiety. If you’re a human living in today’s world, I don’t know how you’re not suffering in any way.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Celebrates Grand Opening Of New South Side Hub
During a recent grand opening ceremony, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago celebrated its new south side homeownership office, 639 E. 87th St., in Chatham. At this new location, Chicagoans will be able to receive assistance with mortgage lending, recommendations for certified contractors and repairpersons in the area, housing counseling services, and resources for successful homeownership.
Hunter’s new law strengthens TANF grant as a lifeline for families
State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) passed a measure into law recently to help families in extreme poverty meet their basic needs.
Bayer Earns Top Marks in 2019 Disability Equality Index
For the first time, Bayer U.S. earned an 80 in the 2019 Disability Equality Index (DEI), and was recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. DEI is the most comprehensive disability inclusion assessment tool designed and embraced by both business leaders and disability advocates across the United States.
SOUTH SUBURBAN VILLAGE VOTES TO FIRE LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL AT RECENT BOARD MEETING
At a recent Regular Board Meeting, Village of Dolton Trustees voted to terminate their legislative counsel for financial reasons. While the termination was approved unanimously, one trustee spoke out at the meeting to say that they believe the legislative counsel is an important resource for the Board of Trustees.
Families want pediatric services at Ingalls maintained
South suburban families are advocating for the University of Chicago Medicine to keep the 17-bed pediatric inpatient center at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey open as a convenience to them.
Breastfeeding Mother’s Experience Leads Illinois Department of Corrections To Change Policies
Inmates and visitors at Logan Correctional Center now will be allowed to breastfeed their infants during family visits, after a recently-released mother raised concerns about a previous ban at the facility.
Gap Celebrates Back To School with the Launch of ‘Forward’ Campaign
Gap, the iconic American clothing brand, recently launched the GapKids ‘Forward’ Back To School campaign. In an effort to propel the next generation in the direction of their strengths, the ‘Forward’ campaign celebrates creative self-expression and kids who are breaking boundaries.
CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF BOARD CHAIRMAN
In 2015, John T. Hooker was appointed by the Mayor at the time to serve as the Board Chairman for the Chicago Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. After serving a four-year term, Hooker announced his resignation which took effect on July 19. Hooker said that he simply felt that it was his time to step down.
