Local News

Illinois Tollway Launches ConstructionWorks Program

Illinois Tollway Board Chairman, Bob Schillerstrom, along with the Illinois Tollway executive director, Liz Gorman, recently announced that the agency’s new Construction- Works workforce training and careers program is ready to launch and will serve job seekers across Northern Illinois, including in Cook County.

Local Author Weaves Moral Themes and Examples of Diversity Into Children’s Books

Kenyatta Scott is the author of The Violet Series, a children’s book that follows the life of a young girl living in a African-American family. Within each book, Scott has very thoughtfully woven a moral lesson into the everyday happenings of Violet and her family with the intention of showing children that doing the right thing is fun.

Holiday Lights Make an Impact On Chicago’s South Side Communities

Shortly after Thanksgiving, elaborate displays of holiday lights begin to appear across the city, most notably the Christmas tree and holiday window displays downtown. Outside of downtown, many south side communities also create their own displays to prepare for the holidays including The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce who recently held their annual tree lighting ceremony.

Recently Launched Online Database Connects Illinoisans To STEM Opportunities

The Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation (CPASS) recently launched a new online database that gathers all of the available Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education programs, resources, and opportunities in Illinois and makes them easily accessible through one online platform. The intention of the database is to provide statewide access to STEM education opportunities for students from minority and underrepresented backgrounds.

Kidz Korna Prepares For Annual Weekend-Long Toy Giveaway

A local nonprofit organization, Kidz Korna, will host their 13th Annual Toy Giveaway Tour from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23 at four different locations on Chicago’s south and west sides. This year’s project theme is A Christmas Giveaway Weekend to Help Cure Violence.

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays

In this wonderful time of the year when family and friends gather in good cheer to celebrate the holidays, nearly everyone has a number of lists. From greeting cards to shopping for gifts, decorations and more, lists are made and reviewed to keep pace with the barrage of seasonal activities.

IIT PROFESSOR SHARES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Maurice Dawson is the director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensic Education and an assistant professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Dawson recognizes the risks that many shoppers face during the holiday season and has offered a few quick tips on how to protect your financial information.

Traveling Truth Civilization Banner Displayed In Chicago

A long-time Chicago activist known as EvAngel Mamadee Yhwhnewbn (Mama Dee) recently unveiled the Traveling Truth Civilization Banner in front of the DuSable Museum of African American History. The banner depicts centuries of global African history and the unveiling was hosted to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the first group of enslaved Africans arriving in North America in 1619.

Fifth grader aims to donate 1,000 Barbie dolls for Christmas

A fifth grader whose favorite class is science, plans to give away Barbie dolls to girls living in poor neighborhoods as a way to give back to the community during Christmas. The goal is to collect 1,000 Barbie dolls at the 4th Annual Josilyn’s Barbie Brunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Organizers said the last three brunches, which included refreshments, were held at The Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Road, but was moved this year to a bigger venue to accommodate the growing attendees.

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony to Perform Annual Holiday Concert at Mandel Hall

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony will perform in concert at Mandel Hall on the campus of the University of Chicago on Friday, December 21, 2018. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm and last for approximately one and a half hours. Mandel Hall is located on 1131 E 57th Street in Chicago.

District 148 adds high-tech system to enhance existing safeguards

Dolton West School District 148 is adding a new comprehensive, high-tech system to further protect students and staff when emergencies arise.

Cook County Board Honors South Suburban Business Owner For His Philanthropic Work

During a recent Board meeting, the Cook County Board of Commissioners along with the Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, presented a proclamation to Early Walker, a south suburban resident and business owner, that honored the numerous charitable contributions he has made in Cook County.

COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY PREPARES TO GIVE AWAY FULLY REHABBED HOME

The Cook County Land Bank Authority (Land Bank) will soon be announcing the winner of their second annual Home Giveaway Lottery. The winner will receive a fully rehabbed move-in ready home located in the Village of Maywood. The purpose of the giveaway is to draw attention to the Homebuyer Direct program that the Land Bank offers.

Not everyone is sad to see Urban Prep is closing

Students and parents at Urban Prep West Academy High School said they are not surprised that Chicago Public Schools plans to close the charter school next year.

Redeveloped Lincoln Mall WIll Not Include Big Box Stores

If you’re looking to shop at big box stores like Walmart, you won’t find them at the redeveloped Lincoln Mall in south suburban Matteson once it opens in 2019.