Local News
Heightened Illinois Gas Tax Goes Into Effect, Will Benefit Infrastructure In Chicago
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed into law a new capital investment plan, affectionately named the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, that outlines an investment of $45 billion in state-wide infrastructure over the next six years. Funding for the new capital investment comes in part from an increased tax on gasoline in Illinois.
ISP Reinstitutes “Fast Track” Program to recruit current certified Police Officers
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reinstituting the “Fast Track” Program that provides an opportunity for certified police officers to become Illinois State Troopers through participation in an accelerated training program. The duration of a Fast Track Cadet Class will be slightly less than half of the standard 26-week Cadet Class.
Local Theatre Company Makes A Big Move To The South Side
Collaboraction Theatre Company recently announced that it will hosts several of its 2019-20 season performances in Englewood at Kennedy-King College. The theme of the upcoming performance season is We Are Each Others Business.
Black families have a dime for every dollar held by Whites
If you’re like me, every time you hear a news reporter or anchor talk about how great the nation’s economy is, you wonder what world they are living in. Certainly, these journalists are not referring to the ongoing struggle to make ends meet that so much of Black America faces. For every daily report of Wall Street trading, or rising corporate profits, you’re reminded that somebody else is doing just fine financially.
Small Business Job Growth Slows in June, While Wage Growth Increases
The Paychex | IHS Markit Small Business Employment Watch for June shows slowing small business job growth accompanied by continued steady wage growth, together indications of an increasingly tight labor market.
Average New-Car Prices Up 3% Year-Over-Year for June 2019
The valuation analysts at Kelley Blue Book recently reported the estimated average transaction price for a light vehicle in the United States was $37,285 in June 2019. New-vehicle prices increased $1,131 (up 3.1%) from June 2018, while decreasing $67 (down 0.2%) from last month.
Airline Satisfaction Climbs to Record Highs
“AIRLINES CONTINUE TO DELIVER ON THE OPERATIONAL SIDE OF AIR TRAVEL. NEW TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS HAVE DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED THE RESERVATION AND CHECK-IN PROCESS. FLEETS ARE NEWER AND TRAVELERS GENERALLY FEEL THAT THEY ARE GETTING GREAT VALUE FOR THEIR MONEY.” MICHAEL TAYLOR Travel intelligence lead at J.D. Power.
Governors State Celebrates 50 years with Birthday Bash
Governors State University (GSU) is celebrating 50 years of education and excellence on July 17 with a day of community and family fun on campus, followed by a free concert in Park Forest.
South Suburban Village Under Do-Not-Consume Water Advisory
For close to a month, homes in the Village of University Park have been under a do-not-consume water advisory due to elevated lead levels in their drinking water. Aqua Illinois, a water utility company, is working to resolve the issue but in the meantime, affected residents are being provided with bottled water for drinking and cooking.
Rainbow PUSH Convention Hosts Several Presidential Candidates
Rainbow PUSH Coalition recently hosted its annual International Convention in Chicago. This year’s theme was 400 Years Later: Repairing the Damage Done and honored the 400 year anniversary of the first documented arrival of African slaves in North America in 1619. The convention hosted a multitude of notable figures from across the globe, including several U.S. presidential candidates who were given a chance to speak to attendees.
Newly Opened South Side Boutique Invites Those In Need To Shop For Free
After quietly opening just a few months ago, the Gorgeous Things Giving Store, a boutique that offers all of their items at no cost and with no questions asked, is preparing to host a community-wide grand opening celebration on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the store, 1751 E. 55th St., in Hyde Park.
Millennium Park Theatre Series Includes Nine Local Theatre Companies Performing From July Until October
All the world’s a stage – especially at Millennium Park this summer. Th e Chicago Department of Cultural Aff airs and Special Events (DCASE) has announced nine new Millennium Park Summer Th eatre Residencies as part of the 2019 Year of Chicago h eatre.
CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL PROVIDES TAX INCENTIVE FOR NEW SOUTH SIDE WAREHOUSE
Building on the recent wave of construction in the Pullman Community, Chicago’s City Council recently awarded a Class 6(B) property tax incentive to a local development team to support the construction of a new 400,000 square foot warehouse. The project is being led by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives and Ryan Companies which expect the building to be completed in early 2020.
FREE SUMMER CAMP TEACHES SOUTH SUBURBAN YOUTH AND PARENTS ABOUT HEALTHY EATING
For the first time ever, the Harvey Church of Christ is hosting the free Harvey Summer Camp for local youth thanks to a new grant and a few generous donations. There will be an open house at the church, 15246 S. Marshfield Ave., in Harvey on July 12 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. where community members can familiarize themselves with the camp.
