Local News
New South Suburban Mayor Shares Plan For First 100 Days
Voters in the City of Harvey recently elected Christopher Clark to be their next mayor. The final election results from the Cook County Clerk’s Office showed Clark receiving 61 percent of the vote while his opponent, Anthony McCaskill, received 39 percent of the vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPER PARTNERS WITH STERLING BAY TO INVEST ON THE SOUTH SIDE
Big name developer, Sterling Bay, recently announced it will collaborate with DL3 Realty on a new project in Englewood at the corner of 67th Street and Wentworth Avenue where Kennedy-King College used to be located. Specific details about the project have yet to be released but both parties are excited to begin working.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization
While Illinois is finally ready to have a serious and overdue conversation about fairer, more reasonable marijuana laws, some special interests are pushing for continued prohibition. In stating they hope to “slow down” the process of legalization, these special interests are perpetuating an unfair, unequal process in which marijuana is effectively legal for recreational use—if you’re white.
ComEd Installs Off-Grid Renewable Lighting at Bronzeville Schools
Powering the lights are 30-foot-tall Remote Power Units (RPUs), miniature power plants that are not connected to the electric grid but draw energy from a wind turbine, solar panels and battery storage. Manufactured by ARIS Renewable Energy, the RPUs were officially activated recently in a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Beethoven Elementary School Principal Mellodie Brown. Speakers included Third Ward Alderman Pat Dowell and Illinois State Sen. Mattie Hunter.
What Does the Lightfoot Election Mean for Chicago’s Black Businesses?
When Lori Lightfoot is sworn in next month as Chicago’s first Black woman and openly gay person mayor, her administration’s first term will commence with the support of at least one national organization while under the watchful eye of another. The nonprofit, “In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda,” said it looks forward to Lightfoot’s leadership after her historic April 2 victory, but publishers from Chicago Area Black-owned newspapers said they’ll keep an open mind and a watchful eye
Restaurant: Impossible Needs VOLUNTEERS!!
Restaurant: Impossible is coming to Chicago, IL on April 23rd and 24th ! We areBseeking enthusiastic individuals that would love to work with Robert Irvine and his talented renovation team as design and construction volunteers on the show!
Active Transportation Alliance and Fifth Third Bank team up for 18th annual ride on Lake Shore Drive
For the 18th consecutive year, the heavily anticipated Fifth Third Bank Bike the Drive event will once again serve as the city’s unofficial kickoff to summer on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Held by the Active Transportation Alliance — a non-profit organization dedicated to improving conditions for bicycling, walking and transit — the event will offer nearly five hours of car-free riding along the city’s crown jewel roadway, Lake Shore Drive. After Fifth Third Bank’s recent merger with MB Financial Bank, Fifth Third took over title sponsorship of the Active Transportation Alliance event
Unemployment rate up in most metros
Unemployment rates increased over-the-year in February in ten of Illinois’s metropolitan areas, decreased in two, and was unchanged in two, according to preliminary data released recently by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also show nonfarm jobs increased in eight of the metropolitan areas.
SECOND ANNUAL FACE SUMMIT FOSTERS ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN SCHOOLS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY
Thornton Township High Schools District 205 recently hosted their Second Annual Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Summit at Thornton Township High School in Harvey. The purpose of this event was to recognize students, parents, stakeholders, and township leaders in the school district for their support, and to empower them to stay involved in the school district.
Organizations around the country, representing thousands of small businesses, send open letter to state officials
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce joined state and regional business organizations across the country recently in sending an open letter to governors and state lawmakers urging them to carefully consider privacy laws that will protect consumer privacy and support businesses. The group specifically asked Illinois state officials to avoid modeling privacy laws after legislation that California passed last year.
CHICAGO FUND FOR SAFE AND PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
For a fourth year, The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for qualified community-based organizations who operate violence-prevention activities and violence intervention programs in 21 specific communities on the south and west sides of Chicago. Applications are being accepted now through April 10 and grants will be awarded on May 22.
Building Bridges Arts Now Offers Creative Workshops At Gary Comer Youth Center
Building Bridges Arts is a non-profit organization based in Chatham that focuses on allowing teenagers to explore their artistic and creative passions. Recently, Building Bridges Arts began hosting workshops at the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave. The workshops allow young people to explore podcast production and clothing design
SOUTH SUBURBAN REPRESENTATIVE SUPPORTS RAISING MINIMUM SALE AGE FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The Illinois House of Representatives recently passed a bill that will raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 in the State of Illinois. Debbie Meyers-Martin represents the 38th District of Illinois and was a chief co-sponsor for this piece of legislation because she believes that this will be beneficial for the health of her constituents and for the entire state.
U.S. Rep. Kelly Announces $14.3 million in Federal Health Funding for the Second District
Congresswoman Robin Kelly recently announced that Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center, based in Olympia Fields, was awarded two federal grants totaling $12.1 million and Harvey-based Family Christian Health Center was awarded $2.2 million in federal funding.
