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Peoples Gas reduces rate request by $58 million

As part of a filing being made today, Peoples Gas has adjusted the rate request it made with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) earlier this year. The company has reduced its request by a total of $58 million.

Oh What Needless Pain We Bear…

This week, the oldest, boldest, most revered—and at times most feared—civil rights organization in America, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), hosted its 117th National Convention here in Chicago. Unfortunately, because of my newspaper deadline being the first day of the convention, I cannot give you a full report. I can say, however, that the seminars listed in the convention program appear to be both timely and promising. Stay tuned—I look forward to sharing highlights and observations in a future column.

Cook County Board of Review Opens 2026 Property Tax Appeal Season on Monday, July 27

The Cook County Board of Review (CCBOR) will officially open the 2026 property tax appeal season on Monday, July 27, providing homeowners, businesses, and property owners across Cook County the opportunity to appeal their property assessments.

Before Integration, There Were the Negro Leagues. The Double Duty Classic Makes Sure No One Forgets.

When Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe was pitching and catching for the Chicago American Giants in the 1930s, he could not have known that nearly seven decades later, a high school baseball showcase would carry his nickname into a new century. But that is exactly what the White Sox Double Duty Classic has done since 2007 -- kept the names, the stories, and the spirit of Negro Leagues baseball alive on the South Side, one class of young players at a time.

Illinois Department on Aging and Illinois Department of Human Services jointly administer program offering income-eligible older adults assistance

With farmers market season underway across Illinois, low-income older adults may be able to get help buying fresh, local produce.

New Bronzeville Mural Honors Chicago Park District’s Positive Impact on the Community, Promotes Message of Unity

Chicago brothers and artists Amoz and Malachi Wright have completed a new mural at the front entrance of the Chicago Park District’s Kennicott Fieldhouse at 4434 S. Lake Park Avenue. The mural celebrates the Chicago Park District’s positive impact on the community and promotes a message of unity.

Historic Black House Speakers from Across the Nation to Gather in Chicago for "Beyond the Gavel" Brunch Celebration

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch will welcome four of the nation's most influential legislative leaders to Chicago for Beyond the Gavel, a first-of-its-kind brunch celebration honoring historic leadership, enduring legacy, and the impact of public service beyond elected office.

RICH TOWNSHIP UNITES THE SOUTHLAND FOR A HISTORIC CELEBRATION HONORING AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

Rich Township welcomed hundreds of residents, families, community leaders, and visitors from across the Southland for its inaugural "United Under the Stars" Independence Day Celebration, commemorating America's historic 250th anniversary with an afternoon filled with patriotism, fellowship, music, and family fun. Held at the Olympia Fields Park District, the celebration showcased the strength of regional collaboration by bringing together neighboring municipalities and residents for a unified celebration of community pride.

Nominations for Treasurer’s Office Programs for Small Business and College Scholarships Close Soon

The Chicago Stars Awards (CSA) return this year to spotlight the small businesses driving neighborhood investment, local spending, and economic growth across the City. The program is a citywide initiative created to celebrate and support the entrepreneurs, storefronts, and emerging brands helping shape the future of Chicago’s economy. Nominations for the program are open through August 1, 2026.

How May I Help You…

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving the public in many roles. Those experiences taught me an important lesson: government and business exist to serve people—not the other way around. Now more than ever, I am committed to providing information and advocacy that helps people live better lives. I suppose it is simply in my nature to nurture.

Let Chicago's Next Mayor Choose the Next Police Superintendent

“With just nine months until Chicago elects its next mayor, now is not the time to rush the appointment of a permanent Police Superintendent. The city's focus should be on stability, continuity of operations, and maintaining public safety—not creating the likelihood that Chicago will have two different police superintendents within the span of a single year.

Zippytops Introduces a Shoulder-Friendly Activewear Solution

Zippytops, a woman-owned, Made-in-America activewear brand, announces the launch of its signature performance top designed to support women of all abilities, including those recovering from shoulder injuries, surgery or with limited mobility. Featuring a full front zipper for effortless removal, built-in bust support and a sleek, non-bulky silhouette, Zippytops transitions seamlessly from workouts to everyday wear.

Cook County Public Health Offers Back-to-School Vaccinations at Suburban Cook County Community Events

Parents can get their children vaccinated for the upcoming school year, right on time for National Immunization Awareness Month in August.

Local fitness expert partners with DCASE for a 3rd year to offer a Free Cardio Kickboxing class on July 18th at Millennium Park

Seobia Rivers is a Chicago based fitness and wellness expert. She’s been known across the city as The Fitness and Health Creative. For a third year, she’s partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events | DCASE to lead a special free class, open to the public, right in the city’s downtown at Millennium Park — The Great Lawn. The class will take place on Saturday, July 18th at 10:00 am.

Illinois Department of Early Childhood Officially Launches July 1 as New State Agency

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) officially begins operations as Illinois’ first agency focused entirely on early childhood programs and services. The agency joins together programs previously administered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD).