SUPPORT CENTER FOR WOMEN RETURNING FROM INCARCERATION
The Mayor’s Office of Reentry and Department of Family and Support Services have chosen the Women’s Justice Institute (WJI) as the delegate agency to operate the City’s first women-focused Community Reentry Support Center for women-identifying individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Four additional Community Reentry Support Center delegates for the 2026-2028 contract period have also been selected.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bipartisan Clean Slate Act
Governor JB Pritzker signed the bipartisan Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), a law that will automate the state's record-sealing system process for individuals with certain non-violent convictions following a waiting period. Individuals with violent and serious convictions including murder, domestic battery, DUI, sex crimes, and other serious crimes are not eligible for record sealing under the Clean Slate Act. The bill also does not apply to any crimes that aren’t already eligible for sealing.
Chicago’s A. Philip Randolph Porter Museum AKA the Pullman Porter Museum, to Celebrate its 31st Anniversary with Highly Anticipated A. Philip Randolph “Gentle Warrior Awards” Gala
The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (NAPRPPM) proudly announces its signature fundraising event with the celebration of the Museum's 31st Founding Anniversary through the A. Philip Randolph “Gentle Warrior Awards” Gala. This highly–anticipated event will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Wintrust Grand Banking Hall, located at 231 S. LaSalle Street in Chicago, Illinois from 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM (CST). Celebrity co-hosts are Michelle Relerford of NBC 5 Chicago and iHeart Radio personality Marseil Jackson.
CARLINVILLE GEARS UP FOR ROUTE 66 JUBILEE IN JUNE
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66. One of the small towns along the route in Illinois is planning one of the largest celebrations.
Prime Healthcare Expands Mission in Illinois with Franciscan Health Olympia Fields
Prime Healthcare today announced it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Franciscan Alliance to acquire Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, further expanding Prime’s mission-driven presence in Chicagoland and reinforcing its commitment to preserving access to high-quality, compassionate care in communities that need it most.
On the Eve of Maternal Health Awareness Day, Cook County Launches “Healthy Beginnings” to Support Families Before, During, and After Pregnancy
Cook County Department of Public Health today launched the Healthy Beginnings maternal and child health program on the eve of Maternal Health Awareness Day. The Healthy Beginnings program will deliver home-based nursing care, case management, and wraparound services and support to pregnant individuals and their infants across suburban Cook County to reduce preventable maternal and infant illnesses and deaths.
Preston outlines measure to overhaul state’s tax sale system, stop predatory speculation
State Senator Willie Preston held a press conference Tuesday, Jan. 13, to outline his Property Justice and Community Recovery Act – long-term structural reform to stop wealth extraction from disinvested communities, which will in turn stabilize neighborhoods.
Ventura champions measures requiring car dealers to provide buyers with vehicle history report
State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would require car dealers to provide a vehicle history report to buyers with the purchase of any used car.
Remembering the Revolution: Lessons for Today
In Minnesota this winter, amid the steady stream of grim headlines out of Minneapolis, one story barely made it beyond Duluth’s city limits. The Duluth News Tribune and other regional outlets are inviting residents to dig into the city’s archives, retell old stories, and share plans for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Town halls are discussing parades. Local museums are planning exhibits. Families are marking the milestone in small, thoughtful ways.
Winter Jazz Fair Continues To Build Community Around Jazz Music
The Jazz Institute of Chicago was founded in 1969 by a group of musicians, jazz enthusiasts and journalists who wanted to ensure jazz would stay alive. With a mission to nurture and promote jazz in all its forms, in 1979, the organization started its Winter Jazz Fair. The Jazz Institute of Chicago will host its annual Winter Jazz Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20th, at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington St.
Author’s Book Reminds Black Boys They Are Loved
Dr. Kimberly Gordon Biddle was always interested in human behavior, thoughts and emotions. Gordon Biddle has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and music and a graduate degree in child and adolescent development.
PGC Doors Celebrates Grand Opening
PGC Doors recently celebrated the grand opening of their location at 2450 S. State St. The business was founded by Tyrone E. Powell, Jr. and his wife Marceda in 2019 as Powell Painting and Decorating, then transitioned to Powell Group Corporation as a way to expand the business and its offerings.
Rich Auntie Trivia ™ Card Game Highlights Black Women
A trivia game recently launched, aimed at celebrating the brilliance of Black women and is meant to enhance historical and cultural knowledge, while creating conversation and building community.
Illinois Speaker Of The House Reflects On Political Journey
Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch has served as Speaker for five years. He is the first Black Speaker of the House. Welch represents Illinois’ 7th House of Representatives District. It encompasses Broadview, Bellwood, Berkeley, Elmhurst, Forest Park, Hillside, Hinsdale, Oak Park, La Grange Park, Maywood, Oak Brook, River Forest, Westchester and Western Springs.
BOWA Gives Announces Two-Day Girls in Sports Summit in Chicago
BOWA Gives, an organization empowering the next generation of leaders - especially girls - through the transformative power of sport, mentorship, and career development, has announced plans for the annual Girls in Sports Summit, formerly the BOWA Gives Girls’ Invite. Members of the media are encouraged and welcome to attend.
Largest Teacher Union in the Chicagoland Area Endorses Karina Villa for Illinois Comptroller, a Strong Voice for Illinois Families
Momentum continues to grow behind Karina Villa’s campaign for Illinois State Comptroller with a major endorsement from the Chicago Teachers Union.
Assessor’s Office helped record number of homeowners with property tax savings in 2025, hit affordable housing milestone
The Cook County Assessor’s Office processed more than 1.5 million property tax-saving exemptions for homeowners last year, while returning millions of dollars in revenue to taxing districts and reaching a new milestone in its affordable housing incentive, with 1,500 properties joining the program.
Raja Krishnamoorthi is Tackling the Housing Crisis Head-On
For too many families across Illinois, the dream of owning a home feels further out of reach than ever. Rising housing prices, limited inventory, and steep upfront costs have locked working and middle-class families out of the market — even when they can afford monthly mortgage payments. That’s why Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is tackling the housing crisis head-on with new legislation designed to make first-time homeownership more attainable and life more affordable across Illinois.
FIRST MINORITY-OWNED DOOR SUPPLIER IN CHICAGO LAUNCHES AT HIRE360 TRAINING CENTER
Powell Group Corporation (PGC), a family-owned construction company founded in 2019, has officially opened PGC Doors, the first and only minority-certified doors, frames and hardware supplier in Chicago. PGC Doors operates out of a 4,000-square-foot warehouse at HIRE360’s Training and Business Development Center in Bronzeville, which will serve as the central hub for the company’s door and doorframe supply across Chicagoland. The space was provided rent-free by HIRE360 for one year, enabling the company to scale its operations and enter manufacturing.
