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Mayor Johnson and CTA Celebrate Investments in Welcoming Spaces Across Chicago’s Transit System
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Acting President Nora Leerhsen to kick-off the 2026 construction season, which includes numerous ongoing infrastructure projects including the expansion of the CTA’s Refresh & Renew program, which aims to create welcoming spaces for riders of all ages and now includes jobs for returning citizens. This holistic approach ensures that investments made in transit benefit the communities CTA serves by providing a modern, safe and welcoming transit system for all, which is core to the Mayor’s ‘Build Better Together’ initiative.
Even Under Attack, Black Southern Voters Can Deliver the Senate for Democrats
Democrats have momentum as the midterms approach. A string of recent victories has fueled optimism that Democrats could retake the House of Representatives and even reclaim the Senate. At a moment of rising global tensions and persistent economic strain on working families, Democratic control of Congress would offer a critical check on the Trump administration.
USHER’S NEW LOOK LAUNCHES NATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED THE R&B TOUR
Usher’s New Look (UNL) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit (BGCGD) today announced the launch of the Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition—a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative designed to accelerate career pathways for young adults in the entertainment trades.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his appointments of Anjanette Young and Angelique Guzman to fill vacancies on the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability (CCSPA). The appointees will assume their roles as Commissioners following the expiration of the current Commissioners’ terms in June 2026.
…Not Out of Habit, But Out of Love
This week’s column is about a conversation that must happen in every Black family—at barbecues, around the kitchen table, wherever we gather—and it needs to happen now, before another election cycle slips past while our community watches from the sidelines.
3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Tax Refund
Tax Day is officially behind us, and if you’re getting a tax refund this year—which were predicted to be about 10% higher due to provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—hopefully it’s already in your bank account or will be shortly. Whether large or small, there are some smart money moves you can make with your tax refund to set yourself up for long-term financial success. Here, the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) shares three suggestions for putting your refund to work for you.
THE WORLD'S LONGEST-RUNNING HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL TURNS 36
When the world's greatest House music festivals assemble their lineups, they fly to Ibiza, Berlin, Amsterdam, or Miami. But there is only one city where House music was born, and only one festival that has been honoring that legacy, without interruption, for 36 consecutive years. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the 36th Annual Chosen Few Picnic & Music Festival returns to Chicago's iconic Jackson Park, where it all began, and for the record, where it still reigns supreme as the most culturally significant House music gathering on the planet.
EDDIE MURPHY HONORED AT AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD GALA TRIBUTE
The American Film Institute (AFI) presented the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award to Eddie Murphy on Saturday, April 18, at a Gala Tribute in Hollywood. The tribute special, THE 51st AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO EDDIE MURPHY, will premiere on Netflix on May 31, 2026.
New Ventra-Divvy Pilot Promotion
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace Suburban Bus, and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) are making it even easier to get around Chicago by adding a new bonus to riders who purchase a 30-day CTA/Pace pass. Today, the Chicago Transit Board approved the Intergovernmental Agreement between CTA and the City of Chicago. The promotional product launch later in April.
Customers urged to stay connected if they are behind on bills
Peoples Gas is urging customers who may be behind on their energy bills to reach out as soon as possible to avoid disconnection. Illinois’ winter moratorium on residential disconnection expired at the start of April.
DE BEERS GROUP LAUNCHES NEW BRIDAL CAMPAIGN CELEBRATING DESERT DIAMONDS
De Beers Group today announced the launch of its new Desert diamonds Bridal campaign undersigned by A Diamond Is Forever, celebrating a fresh and authentic vision for the modern proposal. This campaign marks a significant moment in De Beers' ongoing commitment to redefining how natural diamonds express individuality, love, and timeless beauty.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL WINS LAWSUIT PROTECTING GENDER AFFIRMING CARE; COURT ISSUES FINAL WRITTEN ORDER
Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of 22 states secured a federal court order blocking an unlawful attempt by the Trump administration to threaten health care providers who treat youth with gender dysphoria. A federal district court issued a written opinion and judgment, granting the plaintiff states’ summary judgment motion.
Chicago State University Sets Stage for Historic 373rd Commencement with Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch and Four Trailblazing Honorary Degree Recipients
Chicago State University (CSU) is proud to announce that Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, will serve as the featured commencement speaker at the university’s 373rd Commencement Ceremony. The celebration will take place at 10:45 a.m. on May 14, 2026, at the Jones Convocation Center on CSU’s campus.
Giannoulias Releases Insurance Study Exposing Insurance Pricing Inequities Driving Higher Costs for Illinoisans
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released a new study today detailing how auto insurance companies use non-driving factors to significantly increase costs for Illinois drivers.