Gov. Pritzker Stands Up for Students with UIC, Young Invincibles
Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton joined students, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) leadership, the Project on Predatory Student Lending, and the non-profit Young Invincibles for a rally in support of students and student loan borrowers across Illinois. Continuing the ‘Standing Up for Illinois’ tour, the Governor joined education leaders and students in calling attention to the harmful impact of Trump’s dangerous education agenda while pledging support for the Illinoisans and Illinois institutions that are under attack.
Governor Pritzker Announces 25 Awards to Revitalize Main Streets and Downtowns Across Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders in Jacksonville to announce state-funded grant awards totaling $30 million for 25 grantees through the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets (RDMS, $20 million) and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE, $10 million) programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state and accelerate local economic initiatives.
Manley Visits Portal Innovations, Highlights Biotech Growth in Illinois
State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, observed firsthand research being conducted by startup life sciences companies during a tour of Portal Innovations, a Chicago-based incubator and venture fund that supports over 50 startup life sciences companies.
MAYOR JOHNSON ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION IN NEW ROUND OF COMMUNITY GRANT RECIPIENTS
Ten neighborhood business projects are slated to receive a combined $2 million in Community Development Grants from the City, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced.
Clerk Spyropoulos Shares Progress Report Outlining Achievements in Officewide Reform and Modernization
Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos shared her Progress Report outlining achievements in her sweeping efforts to modernize the Clerk’s Office and restore public trust in one of Cook County’s most essential government agencies. Since taking office, Clerk Spyropoulos has moved swiftly to implement a reform agenda focused on transparency, accountability and accessibility, setting a new standard for how government serves its residents.
College Promise Spotlights Hope Chicago for Its Family-Centered Approach to Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development
Hope Chicago and College Promise brought together educators, policymakers, and community advocates for The Decade of Promise, a half-day symposium held at Farragut Career Academy in Chicago on Tuesday, April 29. The event focused on the growing need for innovative, family-centered approaches to postsecondary education and workforce development.
Chicago Public Schools Names Devon Morales, Sr. as New Executive Director of the Office of Sports Administration
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced Monday, April 28, that Mr. Devon Morales, Sr., Principal of Roberto Clemente Community Academy, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Office of Sports Administration. A proud CPS graduate, U.S. Navy veteran, educator, and longtime school leader, Mr. Morales brings a powerful combination of personal experience, academic leadership, and student-centered commitment to this Districtwide role.
Illinois Department of Human Services Announces Summer EBT Benefits for the 2024-25 School Year
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced that Summer EBT benefits will be issued to families for the 2024-25 school year starting in May.
Black-Owned Brewery Supports Legislation That Would Help Business Grow
Rich Bloomfield, Greg Williams and Zack Day founded Funkytown Brewery in 2021. Bloomfield, Williams and Day have known each other since junior high school. They also attended high school and Grambling State University together.
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ New Leadership Wants to Engage Community
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) is continuing its commitment to the Black community across the State of Illinois to uplift them. New leadership within ILBC wants residents in the state to see them as the voice of the community and to engage with them as a place to receive resources.
Author Seeks to Help Others Experiencing Loss With Book
Dr. Erie S. Crawford, a Local Social Worker (LSW), was led to doing social work due to her childhood experiences. She decided to make it her life’s mission to improve the quality of life for people who had unpleasant experiences in their childhood and lives. She specifically wanted to help those who were underserved and unheard.
Program Helps Woman Gain Knowledge In Skilled Trades
Myeisha Cook always had an interest in refurbishing furniture. She wanted to find a program that would help her enhance those skills. One of Cook’s family members who teaches a class for HIRE360 encouraged her to participate in the program because of her interest in carpentry.
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter has released its 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report
The findings from the report are sounding a statewide and national alarm. For the first time, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 250,600 seniors in Illinois alone.
On Mother’s Day, VOICES of Black Women Study Honors the Stories That Shape Our Health for Generations to Come
This Mother’s Day, the American Cancer Society is celebrating the power of Black women’s voices—mothers, daughters, and caregivers—by encouraging participation in a groundbreaking national research initiative: the VOICES of Black Women study. Designed to close the gap in cancer outcomes, this long-term study invites Black women between the ages of 25 and 55 to enroll and share their stories.
Rent vs. own in today’s economy: Is now the best time to buy?
Homeownership has been long associated with the American Dream, yet the economic climate of recent years has left some potential homebuyers on edge. Many potential homeowners have put their dream of buying a home on pause – or even abandoned it altogether.
VILLAGE OF MATTESON TO HOST SWEARING-IN CEREMONY CELEBRATING SUBSTANTIAL COMMUNITY PROGRESS
The Village of Matteson will proudly host its official Swearing-In Ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 7:30 PM, at the Village Hall Council Chambers, located at 4900 Village Commons, Matteson, IL 60443. This ceremonial event marks an important civic moment for the community and invites residents to take part in celebrating the continuation of Matteson’s bold vision for growth, inclusion, and prosperity.
The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners
Nearly $2 billion in property taxes shifted onto homeowners from businesses over just three years, with a disproportionate share of the added burden falling on lower-income Black and Latino homeowners, a first-of-its-kind analysis by the Treasurer’s Office found.
Join the Village of Care For A Free Doula & Maternal Wellness Event
Family Focus invites you to the Village of Care - a FREE community event centered around maternal wellness, birth equity, and support for birthing families.
Turn Back the Hands of Time
A retired Naval officer, 60, came to me for estate planning after divorcing his wife of 30 years and remarrying a much younger woman with minor children. He seemed eager to get his financial affairs in order—perhaps because of underlying health concerns.
