News
As many as 700,000 Illinoisans at risk of losing Medicaid coverage this year
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Medicaid enrollees will need to resubmit eligibility to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to maintain coverage.
News
Witness protection program to receive funding in new state budget
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Austin lawmaker La Shawn Ford said the new state budget includes $12 million to fund Illinois’ witness protection program. The Leaders Network has been pushing for the funding for years.
health
Austin lawmaker shares prostate cancer story
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State Rep. La Shawn Ford shared his story of overcoming cancer, and 30 men were screened for prostate cancer at West Suburban Medical Center last weekend. Free screening is available through the end of September at The Loretto Hospital.
coronavirus
West Side officials encourage residents to get COVID-19 vaccine
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A virtual town hall held last weekend addressed the reservations some people have about getting the vaccine. Officials said it’s especially important that African Americans get vaccinated, since Black Chicagoans are dying at a higher rate than other groups.
health
MLK Day celebrated with a reminder to stay healthy
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The 14th annual family health challenge, organized by state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Austin
Racial reconciliation symposium focuses on changing the narrative
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The event, held virtually and at the Kehrein Center for the Arts and presented by the Austin Renaissance Council, highlighted the importance of storytelling with panel discussions, poetry and musical guests. It prompted uncomfortable conversations, emphasizing the importance of Austin residents taking control of their narratives.
school
West Side lawmakers put spotlight on state of education
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Parents and teachers from Chicago’s West Side and Oak Park attended a legislative forum last week at which funding and other issues were discussed.
Opinion
It’s time for change in 2013
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State Rep. La Shawn Ford urges the governor to establish a commission to create a plan to address poverty.