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Shantel Jackson Expands Shoe Gummi Into a Multi-Category Foot Comfort Brand and Launches Original Series
Entrepreneur and inventor Shantel Jackson is scaling her patented high heel innovation, Shoe Gummi—the first outer-sole technology designed to prevent high-heel discomfort—into a multi-category foot comfort brand, while also expanding into media as the creator and executive producer of an original YouTube series, Let's Get Down to Business.
Nominations now open for 2026 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards
Landmarks Illinois is accepting nominations for the 2026 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards. The annual awards program recognizes exceptional efforts in preserving, restoring and revitalizing historic places in Illinois. Nominations are due June 1, 2026, and can be submitted online here.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SUCCESSFULLY PROTECTS STATE ENERGY PROGRAMS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) rescinded its unlawful policy capping reimbursement for state energy programs, preserving a multistate coalition’s victory in federal court and bringing the case to a close.
Manley Raises Awareness About Rare Jacobsen Syndrome Through Young Girl’s Story
In an ongoing commitment to raise awareness about neurodiversity, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is shining a light on a rare disorder, Jacobsen Syndrome, through the story of 2-year-old Bralynn Powell, of Lincoln, Ill. Bralynn may be the only person in Illinois with this syndrome.
Ventura-backed medically assisted treatment program to address opiate overdose deaths heard in committee
A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura that would provide opiate use disorder treatments for incarcerated individuals was heard in the Senate Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee on March 25.
Spring roars to life at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with can’t-miss experiences through May
As Chicago shakes off winter, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is springing to life with a vibrant lineup of events and experiences from Earth Month in April through May 2026—giving guests plenty of reasons to get outside, explore and reconnect with wildlife.
Put the phone away or pay
The Illinois Department of Transportation is partnering with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state during April, reminding the public to put their phones away and pay attention to the road. Throughout the month, additional law enforcement officers will be watching for texting, social media use, video viewing and other forms of distracted driving.
Giannoulias Secures Nearly $950,000 for Illinois Investors in a $19 Million Settlement
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced nearly $950,000 will be returned to Illinois investors as part of a $19 million multi-state settlement involving five major brokerage firms accused of charging unfair fees on small stock trades.
Five City Colleges of Chicago Earn 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School Designations
Harry S Truman, Kennedy-King, Richard J. Daley, Olive-Harvey, and Wilbur Wright Colleges have all received awards that name them as great college choices for military members, veterans, and their spouses.
One Hope United launches Hope House United to expand innovative care model nationwide
One Hope United announced the launch of Hope House United, a new division dedicated to expanding its innovative Hope House model across the country, bringing more effective, community-based care to youth with complex behavioral and emotional needs.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, MAYOR’S OFFICE OF REENTRY KICK OFF SECOND CHANCE MONTH
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office of Reentry are joining Chicagoans to celebrate the beginning of Second Chance Month, an annual observance dedicated to uplifting and supporting individuals who have been impacted by the justice system. April's designation as Second Chance Month highlights the importance of providing people “real” second chances, recognizing that barriers still exist when those who have served their time return home.
CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE RELEASES NEW REPORT ON DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT OF OPIOID CRISIS ON BLACK CHICAGOANS
The Chicago Urban League (CUL) released the second iteration of Whitewashed: The Opioid Crisis in Black America, a report calling for equitable, urgent policy reforms to combat opioid addiction based on research analyzing the disproportionate impact of the opioid crisis on Black communities.
Obama Foundation Announces Upcoming Ticket Sale Dates to Visit the Museum at the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Foundation announced that Museum tickets will go on sale for Founding Members starting April 21st, with ticket sales for the general public beginning May 6th. Illinois residents will be able to visit the Museum for free on Tuesdays, with those timed-entry tickets for residents starting June 23rd.
Honoring legacies and building a future of hope during National Donate Life Month
As National Donate Life Month begins, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is encouraging residents across Illinois and northwest Indiana to take an action that reflects compassion, community and legacy: register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.