As 2025 Tax Season Begins, Hundreds of Millions in Tax Credits Available to Illinoisans
The 2025 tax season has officially began on Jan. 27, and the Economic Security Illinois is encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of new and expanded tax credits that will put hundreds of dollars back in their pockets. New this year, the state’s first-ever Child Tax Credit (CTC) will provide up to $300 to eligible families with at least one child under 12. That’s on top of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which thanks to a successful advocacy campaign from ESIL and its partners, was expanded in 2022 to provide more money to more Illinoisans than ever before. Illinoisans can also now access these credits easier than ever before via IRS Direct File, a new tool allowing Illinoisans to file their taxes online directly with the IRS, completely free.
Gov. Pritzker Announces 5,150 New Preschool Seats Through Smart Start Initiative
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced the addition of 5,150 publicly funded preschool seats as the result of the fiscal year 2025 Early Childhood Block Grants. The grants mark the second year of Governor JB Pritzker’s Smart Start Illinois plan, which aims to expand access to early childhood education by increasing the number of preschool seats available to working families. A total of 11,000 seats have been added under Governor Pritzker’s leadership.
CALUMET CITY’S FIRST LADY DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER
Saprina Jones- First Lady of Calumet City and wife of Mayor Thaddeus Jones- recently was devastated by her recent diagnosis of breast cancer and has now launched an information campaign to prepare, educate and support the countless women who will endure this diagnosis in the future.
BLUE ISLAND PARK COMMISSIONERS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ON HAND AS REPRESENTATIVE BOB RITA RECEIVED THE LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PARK DISTRICTS
Tonya R. Howard-Commissioner of the Blue Island Park District- recently was joined by fellow Commissioner GiGi John and Blue Island Park District Executive Director Teddy Ruthenberg as they were on hand to witness Illinois State Representative Robert "Bob" Rita receive the prestigious Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
THE POWERFUL COMBINATION OF LYNWOOD MAYOR JADA D. CURRY AND LYNWOOD VILLAGE CLERK KAREN WINGFIELD-BOND
Much has been documented about the enormous and remarkable accomplishments of Lynwood Mayor Jada D. Curry. However, Mayor Curry is often quick to express an abundance of accolades to the Lynwood Village Clerk, Karen Wingfield-Bond.
Joy Is At The Center Of Motivational Speaker’s Work
Bose Akadiri is a Motivational Speaker and Corporate Trainer, who offers keynote speeches, corporate workshops and shares inspiring/actionable tips on joyful, holistic living through social media. She believes that joy is the foundation, not just the reward when it comes to goal setting.
University Of Chicago Programs Provide College Readiness
Teniola Ajagbe always knew that she wanted to be an engineer. She didn’t have any experience with aerospace engineering. She decided to apply for the University of Chicago Space Explorers Program. The program provided the insight she needed for a career in the future as an engineer. During the program Ajagbe learned how to work with others and collect data, which are tools she will be able to use in her future career. Ajagbe has been accepted to Northwestern University, where she wants to study engineering.
Black Fire Brigade Trains Next Generation Of Firefighters And Medical Technicians
Quention Curtis had the opportunity to see his first Black firefighter when he was 12 years old growing up in the Cabrini Green Housing Development. He knew early that it was what he wanted to be when he grew up, and focused on becoming just that.
Legislation Provides Support To Families And Children In The Foster Care System
The Illinois General Assembly recently passed House Bill 4781, The Kinship In Demand (KIND) Act. The legislation implements a kin-first approach to the way the Department of Children and Family Services places and supports children within its system.
New Black Owned Brewery Opens In Logan Square
The Moor’s Brewing Company is partnering with Steep Ravine Brewing on a new brewery, taproom space and sports bar. Diversey House, located at 2601 W. Diversey, opens today Feb. 5th.
Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly through three main stages: early, middle, and late (also referred to as mild, moderate, and severe in medical contexts). While each individual’s experience may differ, understanding these stages can help caregivers and families prepare for the journey ahead.
“No Long-Term Care Insurance, No Problem”
Do you have long-term care insurance or Medicaid? Did you know that you may be among the 55,000 people that the State of Illinois provided long-term care (LTC) to last year through their Healthcare and Family Services Department? Do you own a home and want to make sure that your designated heir receives the property as you have expressed?
6TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION FOR ENGLEWOOD COMMUNITY’S SENIORS AND VETERANS
Chicago’s 16th Ward Alderman Stephanie Coleman will be joined by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, President Toni Preckwinkle, and other elected officials as they will honor and serve over 400 Military Veterans and Seniors. The event is being held as part of the 16th Ward’s 6th Annual Appreciation Luncheon for its Veterans and Seniors.
COOK COUNTY RESIDENTS TO GATHER AND MOURN THE LOST OF A COMMUNITY ICON
Residents throughout Cook County are mourning the loss of an immensely popular and iconic figure, Ms. Odessa Hurt. Mother Hurt was considered by many a mother, friend, and mentor to so many African American women and girls. Her passing is viewed as a significant loss not only to her family but to the community in which she called home.
TCA Health Holds Successful Informational and Hiring Event
Job seekers were ready as soon as TCA Health opened the adjacent rooms to its clinic for information and employment opportunities. Construction of a new Nutrition and Wellness Center in the Altgeld Gardens/Riverdale area, prompted the three-hour hiring event to make sure area residents benefit from the project. The nearly 10,000 square foot Nutrition and Wellness Center will be connected to TCA's main health facility at 1029 East 130th Street.
The Alliance For Civic Engagement Hosted Its 2nd Annual Unity Brunch Fundraiser
The Alliance for Civic Engagement (ACE) proudly celebrated the 2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Brunch at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, honoring what would have been Dr. King’s 96th birthday. The event was a resounding success, drawing community members together in a spirit of unity and reflection.
CUBS CHARITIES AND CUBS PLAYER PETE CROW-ARMSTRONG LEAD MLK JR. DAY OF SERVICE AT GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY
On January 20, Cubs Charities proudly marked its fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), bringing together nearly 160 volunteers, including Cubs Nike RBI players, their families, coaches, Cubs Charities staff, and Cubs player Pete Crow-Armstrong. Together, they packed 17,523 meals to support families in need across Chicago and address food insecurity. In addition to volunteer efforts, Cubs Charities donated $25,000 to the GCFD, supporting their work to address food insecurity and provide meals to families across Chicago. This impactful event honored Dr. King’s enduring legacy of community and equality by inspiring individuals to take meaningful action within their communities.
South Suburban College Welcomes Back the 2025 Chicago Women’s Conference: “Winning the Race”
South Suburban College (SSC) proudly announces the return of the highly anticipated Chicago Women’s Conference: “Winning the Race,” on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This exciting event will take place at SSC’s Main Campus, located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL.
Pappas mails first installment property tax bills to 1.8 million owners. More than 12,000 have already paid $64 million online.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has mailed nearly 1.8 million Tax Year 2024 First Installment property tax bills. Payments are due March 4, 2025.
