Local News

Chicago Public Schools Approve Seven Charter Schools amidst Protests

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced last Wednesday that seven proposals for charter operating schools have been approved for the 2014-2015 School Year (SY14-15) and the 2015-2016 School Year (SY15-16). However, some community members are strongly opposed to the new schools opening in their neighborhoods.

Match Program Expands to Include 1000 CPS Students Next Year

Following a study that shows CPS (Chicago Public Schools) high students who were at risk of dropping out but improved their math scores with the help of an intensive tutoring and mentoring program, the City of Chicago and the University of Chicago will expand the program to include 1000 students next year.

Chicago Maintains Status as Place to Film Movies and Television Shows

Chicago is maintaining its status as the place for major film and television productions, with an overall increase in filming activity, according to information released from the Chicago Film Office at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). “This past year has been an outstanding year for film in Chicago with major films and six full-time TV shows in production,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Arthur Bishop Appointed as Department of Children and Family Services Chief

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn appointed Arthur Bishop as Director of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on Friday. “Arthur Bishop is a long-standing public servant who has dedicated his professional career to helping Illinois families,” Governor Quinn said. “I am confident that he will carry out the mission of the department by making the safety and well-being of children across the state priority number one. I thank acting Director Denise Gonzales for her commitment to protecting children and stepping up to ensure a smooth transition.”

IRS Offers Videos to Help Taxpayers Preparing to File in 2014

The Internal Revenue Service is offering taxpayers a number of instructional YouTube videos to help prepare their taxes for the upcoming filing season, which begins on Jan. 31.

28th Annual Interfaith Celebration, Honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago's local church community and various elected officials paid homage to Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the City of Chicago’s 28th Annual Interfaith Breakfast where women of the Civil Rights movement were also recognized.

Aja Evans Details Her Journey to the 2014 Winter Olympics

Chicago native and Olympic hopeful Aja Evans’ journey to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia is a testament to her resolve, competitive spirit and longing for meaningful fulfillment.

New Online Tools for Chicago Small Business Startups and Entrepreneurs

Chicago Small Business owners and entrepreneurs now have two new online tools designed to help launch and grow business and both are available in English and Spanish. A Small Business Center (SBC) website will serve as a one stop shop for entrepreneurs and a new and improved Site Selector tool will help small businesses search for commercial sites available for lease or sale.

24th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast Celebrates Academic Youth Excellence

On Monday, PUSH for Excellence, Inc. (PUSH Excel), hosted its 24th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr. The ceremony recognized the academic achievements of African American youth from across the nation, awarded scholarships, was a call to action to end poverty and recognized recipients of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson Dream-Makers Award including:

Governor Quinn, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Announce 200 New Jobs for Illinois

Governor Pat Quinn joined EquiTrust Life Insurance Company to announce that the company is opening new offices in Illinois that will create 200 jobs in the coming year and could employ hundreds more in years to come. According to company officials, EquiTrust will open their first Illinois office in Chicago, where they expect to add approximately 200 employees over the coming year. The announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

Emergency Rules Implemented to Protect Illinoisans from Petcoke

On Tuesday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced emergency administrative rules designed to protect Illinois residents from petroleum coke (petcoke). Under the Governor’s order, the rules will be filed later this week as part of his agenda to protect Illinois’ natural resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

Village of Matteson Celebrates Dr. King & Honors Others

The Village of Matteson is presenting its’ 33rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon on Saturday, January 18 at the Holiday Inn Matteson, 500 Holiday Plaza Dr., from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

U of I Approves $5 Million Matching Grant for New Illinois Manufacturing Lab

Trustees at the University of Illinois recently approved a $5 million grant to support a new manufacturing initiative that hopefully will advance economic development throughout Illinois.

Triton College Offers Firearms Training Course for General Public

In response to a federal court striking down Illinois’ ban on public possession of concealed guns last year—Triton College’s School of Continuing Education will offer a new course that will provide individuals with the education and training needed to apply for the Concealed Carry License in Illinois.

MLK Memorial Exhibit Center Scheduled to Open

A West Side organization will unveil a new exhibit that honors the legacy and also marks the now historic site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s., home during his stay here in Chicago back in 1966--part of the first phase of a multi-phased project included in the MLK Memorial District located in Chicago’s North Lawndale Neighborhood.