Local News

Ward Meeting Shares Community Updates and Obama Center Construction Opportunities

Fifth Ward Alderman, Leslie Hairston, recently held her monthly Ward Meeting at La Rabida Children’s Hospital. During the meeting, Hairston gave information about what she has been working on along with presentations from the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation, the Chicago Department of Transportation, and Lakeside Alliance regarding the Obama Presidential Center.

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATES CONCLUSION OF INAUGURAL SUMMER FOR CHANGE PROGRAM

Over the last six weeks, 400 young people participated in Chicago Public School’s first Summer for Change program which provided at-risk youth with individualized mentoring, group-based therapy, educational opportunities, enrichment opportunities, and a small stipend. The Summer for Change program recently concluded with a culminating celebration for the students at Chicago State University.

Tools Of The Trade Prepares Local High Schoolers For Skilled Trade Careers

A graduation ceremony was recently held for 11 students who successfully completed a seven-week paid apprenticeship known as the Tools of the Trade program. Tools of the Trade is collaboratively hosted by After School Matters and ComEd to prepare young people, ages 16 to 18, for trade careers.

Survey: 96% Of Managers Say Their Staff Are Experiencing Some Degree Of Burnout

The country is nearly at full employment, but U.S. workers may also be approaching full burnout. On the heels of the World Health Organization defining it as a syndrome resulting from workplace stress, a recent survey from staffing firm Accountemps found that nearly all senior managers (96%) believe their team members are experiencing some degree of burnout. In a separate survey, 91% of workers said they are at least somewhat burned out.

COMCAST ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF INTERNET ESSENTIALS PROGRAM AND PUBLIC LIBRARY INVESTMENT

An American telecommunications conglomerate, ComCast, recently announced that it would be expanding eligibility for its Internet Essentials program which offers discounted internet-access to qualifying low-income households across the nation and specifically in Chicago.

New Strategic Partnership Increases Arts Opportunities For South Loop Community

The Old Town School of Folk Music and Columbia College Chicago recently announced a strategic long-term partnership that will increase arts programming for all ages in the growing South Loop community.

New From KISS: The Rouge Cordless Flat Iron

KISS has introduced its newest, travel-friendly, on-the-go hair styling tool. The beauty giant has expanded their line with the new Rouge Cordless Flat Iron. Now women can have great looking hair anywhere, anytime. The launch of the new product is another step in KISS’ mission to offer best in class, but also affordable hair styling tools. The Rouge Cordless Flat Iron is just as functional as it is stylish and fits perfectly inside almost any bag, from clutch to carry-on.

South Suburban Village Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary

The Mayor of the Village of Lynwood, Eugene Williams, was joined by community members, elected officials, community stakeholders holders, and local first responders who all came together to celebrate the village’s milestone.

South Suburban Communities Receive Public Safety Grants From Local Entry Supplier

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus recently partnered with ComEd to award public safety grants to 25 communities in Northern Illinois including the Villages of Dolton, Hazel Crest, Lansing, and University Park and the City of Calumet City. The grants are meant to help enhance public safety through various projects and improve the quality of life for residents.

Illinois Court Appointed Special Advocates (Illinois CASA) receives State Funding for the First Time

Illinois CASA has been awarded a $2,885,000.00 in State funding. This is the first time in Illinois CASA’s 26 years of operation that they have received any state funding.

SOUTH SIDE COWORKING SPACE PROVIDES MENTORS AND WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is home to Polsky Exchange, a co-working space on Chicago’s south side. As a Polsky Exchange member, small business owners and entrepreneurs gain access to new resources, mentors, workshops, and events to help them succeed

Chicago Urban League Names New President and CEO

A little over a year ago, the Chicago Urban League announced that their president and CEO at the time, Shari Runner, would be stepping down. Since that time, Barbra Lumpkin has been serving as the interim CEO. Recently, the Chicago Urban League announced that Karen Freeman-Wilson will be joining the team early next year to serve as the organization’s next president and CEO.

Cook County Health Files State Application to Construct New Inpatient and Outpatient Facility on the Provident Hospital Campus

Cook County Health (CCH) has filed a Certificate of Need (CON) application with the Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board (IHFSRB), and, if approved, plans to build a modern and efficient inpatient and outpatient facility on a vacant parcel immediately west of and adjacent to the current Provident Hospital located at 500 E. 51st Street, Chicago. The new facility will include expanded outpatient services and downsized inpatient facilities.

Grassroots Organization Uses Street Outreach To Reduce Violence And Recidivism

Target Area Development Corporation (Target Area) is a grassroots social justice organization working in Chicago to assist south side communities to build the strength and capacity they need to solve their greatest problems. The organization uses street outreach to address criminal justice reform, prevent violence, and supporting residents as they return from incarceration.

Committee Chairs Request Information from Consumer Bureau on Efforts to Protect Student Loan Borrowers

Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA), and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), sent a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Kathleen Kraninger requesting information and records concerning the CFPB’s efforts to protect consumers from unlawful student loan servicing practices.