Chicago Public Schools Spotlight Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Programming
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) celebrated record participation and success in its nationally recognized dual credit and dual enrollment programs, which continue to expand rigorous college-level opportunities for students across the city. These programs are driving stronger outcomes for Black and Latinx students, and providing families with meaningful cost-effective savings as students earn college credit at no cost.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ANNOUNCE CUT THE TAPE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced Cut the Tape for Small Business, a comprehensive effort to update and streamline the City’s administrative processes in service of making it faster and easier to open and operate a small business in Chicago. Cut the Tape for Small Business is designed to serve as both a strategic framework and a long-term resource for the small business ecosystem. Building on the success of Mayor Johnson’s Cut the Tape initiative, which has advanced more than 100 concrete actions to streamline and expedite housing and commercial development processes, the new program is designed to uplift and empower small businesses across Chicago while building upon the Johnson administration's long-standing work to support entrepreneurs and business owners.
State of Illinois Honored with International Award for Leadership in Innovation
The State of Illinois has once again been recognized on the global stage at the 2025 Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards in Paris, hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) was recognized with the Startup Ecosystem Stars Award acknowledging the state’s international leadership in talent, research, investment, industry support, and innovation policy.
HFS Announces New Illinois Medicaid Coverage for Home Visiting Services for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is launching new coverage for home visiting services for pregnant and parenting Medicaid customers, effective Nov. 21. The newly-covered services and supports aim to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting individuals at a critical time in their healthcare journey, in order to create better health outcomes for both parents and their children.
Avoid the Fee, Get REAL ID: Giannoulias Leads Push to Spare Illinoisans from TSA’s $45 Penalty
With the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new $45 penalty set to catch travelers off guard starting February 1, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is taking action to reduce the Time Tax by making it easier than ever for Illinois residents to get their REAL ID.
Laboratory Scientist Boasts Being First Black Person in Illinois To Hold A Doctorate In Clinical Laboratory Science
Dr. RoDina Williams always loved the laboratory portion of her science courses. Now, she is the first Black person in Illinois to hold a doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science.
Local Organization Provides Essentials To Those In Need
Renee Ruffin founded Faithful Meals in Motion in 2015. Ruffin said it was instilled in her from a young age to give to others who might not have as much as she does. She recalled how her mother always invited people into their home for a meal.
ComEd Working To Prepare A Grid For The Quantum Center Arrival
As development begins on the Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park (IQMP), ComEd is working to ensure the local electric grid will be able to support the computing center and its existing customers.
It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
As we close out 2025 and look toward a new year, many families are taking stock of their financial and personal affairs. How about your family? Have y’all had The Talk? I certainly hope so, because some of you will discover that a little planning now can prevent tremendous pain later. Unfortunately, some folks don’t believe that fat meat is greasy and will only learn this truth after a crisis hits their family.
Last Week to Enter Cook County’s First Marriage of 2026 Lottery
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon reminds couples that there are just days left to enter the lottery for the First Marriage License of 2026 and participate in the Clerk’s Office’s annual First Marriage Ceremony.
Reminder: Taxes are due December 15, 2025. Pay now to avoid late fees. Struggling financially? Our Payment Plan Calculator is a tool you can use
Second-Installment Cook County property taxes are due Dec. 15 for nearly 1.8 million Cook County homes and other properties.
TWO GOVERNMENTS TO FORMALIZE HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP IN ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Sheila Chalmers-Currin-Mayor of Matteson, Il- and Calvin Jordan-Supervisor of Rich Township-are announcing a holiday initiative designed to combat and address negative stigmas related to mental health during the holiday season.
State Farm and The Salvation Army Launch National Donation Drive to Support Families This Holiday Season
State Farm and The Salvation Army are partnering this holiday season through a national corporate digital donation drive, providing State Farm employees, agents, retirees, and their extended network an opportunity to directly support individuals and families in need this Christmas season.
Assessor Kaegi, South and West Side Community Leaders Urge Legislature to Pass Property Tax Relief, Condemn Board of Review's Large Breaks for Downtown Commercial Properties
These tax bill spikes, which have hit the city’s Black and Latino neighborhoods the hardest, are driven by commissioners at the Cook County Board of Review reducing the value of large commercial properties, shifting the property tax burden onto homeowners.
Trump's Policies Negatively Target Women
Achieving the American Dream for women seems to be getting further out of reach under President Donald Trump's Administration.
Comcast’s Xfinity Launches National Video Plans; The Best Entertainment Experience for One Simple Price
Xfinity recently announced the launch of new national video plans with all-in pricing, designed to deliver simplicity, transparency, and unbeatable value for customers. Available to new and existing customers, all packages come with an included X1 4K TV box and award-winning voice remote, making it effortless for customers to find and enjoy more of the content they love, wherever it lives. Only Xfinity includes unique features like Multiview, Enhanced 4K, Fan View and StreamStore, to deliver the ultimate viewing experience.
Celebrate Your Financial New Year: A Q&A With Chicago Community Manager, Jared Evans
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the year and set yourself up for success in 2026. Whether you’re building new habits or refining your financial strategy, Jared Evans, one of five Chase Community Managers in Chicago, shares practical tips to strengthen your financial health journey.
Harry S Truman College Men’s Soccer Program, the Falcons, Extend Region 4 Dominance, Coach and Players Earn Top Honors
Harry S Truman College proudly announces another historic year for its Men’s Soccer program, the Falcons, solidifying its position as one of the most successful community-college soccer teams in the nation. The Falcons have won the NJCAA Region 4 Championship for the third consecutive year—2023, 2024, and 2025—an achievement rarely matched in two-year collegiate athletics.
Stay Merry and Safe: Fire Safety Comes First This Holiday Season
Springfield, Ill- As holiday celebrations get underway, the OSFM, Camp I Am Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board and the Springfield Fire Department urge residents to keep fire safety at the top of their holiday checklist
