The median American household leaves $182,370 in lifetime Social Security benefits on the table by claiming at the wrong time, according to research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Entrepreneur, educator, and retirement benefits expert Kwame Kuadey believes the problem isn't that retirees don't read the rules. It's that every guide on the market is organized around the rules instead of the decisions. His new book, The Social Security Playbook: 7 Big Decisions and 75 Essential Answers to Get Every Dollar You Deserve (LegaBrand Press), releases today in hardcover, paperback, and ebook.
A group of students, parents, educators, and community advocates today called on Gov. JB Pritzker to opt Illinois into a new federal program that would generate a projected $2 billion for Illinois students. The program, which takes effect January 1, 2027, lets taxpayers contribute to K-12 scholarships in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit, but the dollars reach students only in those states whose governors formally opt in. Currently, 31 states have opted in, including Colorado, Nevada, New York and Virginia.
The Chesterfield Community Council invites high school students, parents, families, educators, and community members to attend the 20th Annual Silas Purnell College Expo on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Tuley Park Field House, 501 East 90th Place (90th Street & King Drive), Chicago, IL.
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) today announced a new partnership with the Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group (IERG) to provide the state’s manufacturing community with a stronger, unified voice on environmental policy, regulation, rulemaking, compliance and enforcement.
ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO), the nation's leading prostate cancer nonprofit, will host its annual Chicago Run/Walk on Saturday, September 26 at Warren Park. The event is free to register and open to participants of all ages and abilities, welcoming survivors, caregivers, families, and community members for a morning of movement, connection, and shared purpose.
The 2026 Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair will bring communities together on Saturday, September 12, 2026, under the theme “One Legacy, Many Bridges.” The celebration will honor the late Bishop Dr. Claude Porter, visionary leader and founder of Bridging the Gap Parade and PLCCA INC, whose life was dedicated to service, faith, youth, and community empowerment.
The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce (ILBCC) will convene its 21st Annual Statewide Conference on September 9–10 at the Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino & Hotel, 1300 Broadway Avenue, Hazel Crest, bringing together the state’s most influential Black business, civic, and economic leaders for a high stakes call to collective action.
The Cook County 3rd District will host its Annual Men’s & Families’ Health & Resource Fair on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at New Life Covenant Church Southeast, 7621 S. Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619.
Stephanie Coleman, Alderman of the 16th Ward, will be joined by local Congressmen, State Senators, State Representatives, Chicago Aldermen, and Cook County Commissioners, kicking off the much-anticipated Sixth Annual Englewood Music Fest. (EMF) Over 5000 people are expected once again to partake in an evening full of love, stellar music performances, awesome food, and beautiful vibes. The event will feature live music, local vendors, back-to-school programming, prizes, and more!
State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita recently joined Calumet Park Mayor Ronald Denson and local elected officials for a groundbreaking of the new Village Green development project funded by $3 million in state grant funds secured by Rep. Rita.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced two new conditions have been added to the list of debilitating medical issues that can qualify an Illinois resident for participation in the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra approved the addition of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) with chronic pain and sickle cell disease after a thorough review by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board (MCAB) and IDPH staff.
Due to popular demand, Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago announces that the “WhirlWind” exhibit will be extended four months through January 3, giving families even more time to explore the power of wind and air through hands-on, interactive play.
Cook County residents who have legal questions about the county's complex property tax redemption process will soon have access to free legal guidance through a new Property Tax Redemption Help Desk, Clerk Monica Gordon announced recently.
he Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) proudly announces iconic recording artist Chaka Khan as Honorary Ambassador, and Q Parker from R&B Group 112 as the Honorary Gala Chair for this year’s Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala, taking place Friday, October 2, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.