Chicago Metro Ends 2025 with Record Number of December Jobs, Year and a Half Year-Over-Year Steady Growth
Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 9 metropolitan areas and increased in 3, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Chicago (18 consecutive months) and Lake (7 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 11 metro areas and was unchanged in 1 for the year ending December 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). There was no October 2025 metro area release due to the federal government shutdown
Chicago Friday Night Flights Craft Beer sampling Event at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 13
Chicago Friday Night Flights will once again bring local craft beer to the show floor of the Chicago Auto Show on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. The fan-favorite event offers attendees the opportunity to explore the show while sampling a vast array of beer and ciders from participating local breweries with a tasting pass.
Richard Boykin Talks About Campaign For Illinois 7th Congressional District
Richard Boykin has decided to run for the Illinois 7th Congressional District. He believes that he was born to do the job. He also believes the job was made for him. He said his whole adult life has been devoted to public service, mainly in Washington, DC.
Book Encourages Women To Heal From Divorce
Mechelle McCain is reinventing herself as part of her healing journey after going through a public divorce. She wrote the book, When Sh*t Isn’t Funny Anymore, so other women would know what to expect as they were going through a divorce. Her hope is that women who read the book can use it as a roadmap to get on the other side of the divorce. Her book is meant to provide clarity and serves as a catalyst for growth and women reclaiming their voice.
Your Legacy Is Richer Than You Think
Many believe they will be remembered for what they owned—a house, a business, insurance, or a bank account. Yet when families gather—at repasts, reunions, holidays, or around the kitchen table—conversations rarely center on possessions. Instead, stories are shared, told and retold, bringing laughter, tears, and the warmth of memories coming alive.
Remel Terry Appointed President Of NAACP Chicago Westside Branch
Remel Terry has been appointed President of the NAACP Chicago Westside Branch. Terry was previously the Vice President of the Chicago Westside Branch. Terry has been involved with the NAACP Chicago Westside Branch for about 17 years, serving in various executive board roles.
Meals On Wheels Chicago Launches New Volunteer Program
In response to changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Meals on Wheels Chicago has launched a new initiative. Snap Together Volunteers offers opportunities for seniors, ages 55-64, to volunteer at the Nourish Chicago Pantry.
The American Cancer Society Addresses Cancer Disparities
The American Cancer Society is addressing cancer disparities through a study that is focused on Black women and their health conditions. VOICES of Black Women was launched in 2024, as a nationwide research study, with the goal to better understand cancer and other health care conditions among African American women. Health and life history data is being collected, with the hope that it will help shape the health outcomes for generations to come.
Under Karina Villa as Comptroller, Billionaires will pay their Fair Share
Karina Villa has proposed a new bill, SB 3376, this week to bring extra revenue to the Illinois’ budget.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale to Present Chancellor’s Scholarship at Rich Township High School District 227
Rich Township High School District 227 is pleased to announce that representatives from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) will visit the District’s Fine Arts & Communications (FAC) Campus on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to formally present the prestigious SIUC Chancellor’s Scholarship. The presentation will take place at 1:00 PM.
OLIVE -HARVEY COLLEGE JUSTICE CENTER SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Attend a special Black History Month screening of the newly-released documentary film, Against the Current at Malcolm X College (Auditorium) on February 18, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
STATE, COUNTY, AND LOCAL LEADERS TO TRAVEL TO PROVISO EAST HIGH SCHOOL TO HONOR STUDENTS FOR REMARKABLE TURNAROUND
Tara Stamps-Cook County Commissioner of the 1st District) joined by Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel Chris Welch, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Illinois State Senator Kimberly Lightford, Chicago Teacher Union President Stacy Davis Gates, Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker, various West Suburban Mayors, Municipal leaders from across the Proviso Township region, Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education members, and Proviso East High School administration, educators, students, and families in a collective expression of joy, celebration, and recognition for a historic academic turnaround for Proviso East High School.
Let’s Just Do It
Last week I shared that I have been meeting with several of my colleagues—men and women who, like me, have spent decades in financial services. When we gather, there is one painful truth we almost always end up lamenting: our skills, experience, and professional knowledge are too often undervalued in our own community when compared to our white counterparts.
The Ripple Effect Tour Aims To Create Waves Of Change
Jahmal Cole founded My Block My Hood My City in 2015, with the mission to empower communities, inspire youth and build a better world one block at a time. The organization’s motto is to take care of people no matter what and Cole sees it as a rapid response organization, shoveling snow in the winter and delivering water and box fans in the summer. The organization is also continuing to work with youth from 15 different high schools and take them on field trips and exposing them to different careers.
Healing Illinois Supports Organizations Doing Racial Healing Work
Healing Illinois recently announced it would distribute $4.3 million in grant funding for 193 subgrantees that work to promote racial healing in more than 30 counties across the state of Illinois. The announcement was made during a celebration of the National Day of Racial Healing at an event at Malcolm X College, titled, “We Carry the Light.”
Elevated Chicago And MacArthur Foundation Invest In Community-Led Art Projects
Elevated Chicago recently partnered with the MacArthur Foundation to provide $340,000 in grant money to eight community-led art projects that will be located near transit hubs. Equiticity in North and South Lawndale, the OH Art Foundation in Bridgeport, One Aim High LLC in Bronzeville, the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance in Avondale and Humboldt Park.
Local Entrepreneur Creates Foundation Around Global Mission
Sunny Akhigbe founded A Boy and His Dream in 2015, as a way to help people who have experienced childhood trauma and provide them with the necessary tools they need to succeed. Akhigbe and A Boy and His Dream will host the annual legacy gala from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21st, at the Midland Hotel, located at 172 W. Adams St.
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Expands Access To Women’s Healthcare
The UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial opened a new women’s health clinic on its Harvey campus, with the goal to address disparities in access to care for women with complex healthcare needs.
How a Treasurer’s Office Study Closed a Loophole that Allowed Wealthy Investors to Siphon Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from Low-Income areas
For years, wealthy investors exploited loopholes in the property tax system to funnel money from local schools and governments into their collective wallets. But the loopholes were closed after a Cook County Treasurer’s Office study put a spotlight on the state’s costly sale-in-error law that the investors themselves helped craft.
