Local News
We Don't Have to Choose Between Keeping Kids Safe and Keeping Opportunity Within Reach
As a father, an uncle, and someone who has spent more than two decades working to improve opportunities for young people in Chicago, I know how much families worry about keeping children safe online. I also know that today's young people live in a digital world, and our responsibility is to make that world safer—not to shut them out of it.
What Say You?
When I first started writing this column, I stayed close to the focus of my training: providing financial advice, particularly stressing the importance of succession planning so that hard-earned assets could be passed on to loved ones and become part of a legacy for which you would be fondly remembered.
HIRE360 AND COMED CELEBRATE GRADUATES OF THE TAKE CHARGE EV PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
HIRE360 and ComEd celebrated 15 graduates of the Take Charge Pre-Apprenticeship program, a nine-week training program that prepares participants for careers in the skilled trades that support electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Illinois Housing Development Authority Releases Plan to Create and Preserve Affordable Housing
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has published its 2027-2028 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), which establishes the rules and criteria governing Illinois’ Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, the state’s primary tool for financing the creation and preservation of affordable housing. The new QAP is part of Governor Pritzker’s broader housing strategy to address Illinois’ housing from multiple facets: maximizing limited federal resources for affordable housing while also supporting the conditions needed for more homes of all types to be built in communities across the state. Together, these efforts advance the goal of ensuring every Illinoisan has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Greenwood Project, Focusing on Workforce Development in Chicago, Recognized by Old National Bank Foundation Through ‘20 for 20’ Campaign
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, the Old National Bank Foundation in 2026 is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including Greenwood Project, located in Chicago, Ill.
Rich Township High School District 227 Builds on Student Success as 2026–2027 School Year Approaches
Rich Township High School District 227 is preparing to welcome students and staff back for the 2026–2027 school year with excitement, renewed energy, and a continued focus on students and student success.
Chicago Children’s Theatre grows staff, appoints Jamal Howard as Associate Artistic Director, Catherine Councell as Director of Education
“I am thrilled and honored to add such experienced, passionate artists/administrators to our small but mighty staff at Chicago Children’s Theatre,” said Jacqueline Russell, Co-Founder and Artistic Director. “Both Catherine and Jamal have years of experience and proven dedication to creating significant work for young people. The gifts that these two professionals bring to CCT will allow us to further deepen our service and offerings to the children of Chicago.”
A once-in-a-generation opportunity: Conservation World visitors invited to record personal stories, memories and hopes for nation to commemorate America’s 250th during the 2026 Illinois State Fair
Visitors to Conservation World during the 2026 Illinois State Fair will have an opportunity to record their stories, memories and hopes for the nation for Illinois Voices 250, part of Illinois’ ongoing celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
A Step-by-Step Strategy for Building an Emergency Fund
The climbing cost of living is continuing to strain households nationwide. More than half of Americans (53%) say they can’t cover an unexpected $1,000 expense with their savings alone, according to Bankrate’s 2026 Annual Emergency Savings Report. Worse, 18% of adults report having no emergency savings at all, while 33% have less than they did last year.
Illinois Joins $15.5 Million Settlement with Mortgage Servicer
Illinois and 46 state financial agencies in 46 states have reached a $15.5 million settlement with one of the nation’s largest mortgage servicers for improperly imposing “force-placed” insurance costs on borrowers who already had active homeowners insurance policies.
Giannoulias Launches Disability Parking Placard Pilot as New Law Expands Access for Caregivers
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a pilot program to make disability parking placards easier to obtain as a newly signed law expands accessible parking relief for families caring for children and individuals with disabilities. The law allows the Secretary of State’s office to issue meter-exempt disability parking placards to legal guardians who transport individuals with disabilities who are incapable of driving.
Howard Brown Health Welcomes Healthcare Operations Leader Melba Ansah as Chief Operating Officer
Howard Brown Health today announced that Melba Ansah, MBA, BS, joined the organization as its new Chief Operating Officer, bolstering the leadership of one of the largest healthcare institutions in the country serving LGBTQ+ people and others seeking affirming care. Ansah brings 30 years of healthcare experience across academic medicine, private practice and consulting, with a proven track record of expanding patient access, optimizing clinical operations, and strengthening workforce structures to enhance care delivery. Ansah joins Howard Brown with a deep commitment to ensuring that operational strategy and execution directly support compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care.
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Brings Rising Young Musicians to Free Summer Concert Series
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) is showcasing the next generation of jazz talent through its CJPNext ensemble during two free summer concerts presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series.
Second Installment 2025 tax bills are now online, two weeks before they’re mailed
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas announced today that property owners can now go to cookcountytreasurer.com to view, download and pay their Second Installment bill for the 2025 Tax Year.
