Local News
NMSDC Releases 2024 Minority Businesses Economic Impact Report: MBEs Drive Nearly $600 Billion in Economic Output
(Black PR Wire) Recently, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) released its highly anticipated 2024 Minority Businesses Economic Impact Report, showcasing the extraordinary contributions of NMSDC-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to the U.S. economy.
Novae Wins DSA Award for Technology Innovation
Novae has won the 2025 DSA Award for Technology Innovation, presented by the U.S. Direct Selling Association (DSA), for its myNovaeDisputes Manager personal credit software. The annual DSA awards honor companies that set a benchmark for excellence and integrity in the direct selling industry.
America at 250: It’s Time to Bring the Ballot Home A democracy worthy of its 250th birthday must make participation simple, secure, and within reach of every voter.
Americans aren’t just anxious about next year’s elections—they’re uneasy in a deeper way.
New Report Highlights Opportunities to Expand Awareness of 9-8-8 and Strengthen Crisis Care Across Cook County
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) have released Community and Provider Voices: Strengths and Opportunities in the Suburban Cook County Crisis Care System, a comprehensive local assessment of the behavioral health crisis system that presents findings from community members, behavioral health providers, and social service providers.
CHICAGO COMMUNITY BUILDERS COLLECTIVE AND PARTNERS PROVIDE 300 MEALS FOR SNAP RECIPIENTS IN NORTH LAWNDALE
Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), the general contractor for the Bally’s Chicago Casino project, in partnership with UCAN Chicago, Bally’s Chicago, McHugh Concrete Construction, UJAMAA Construction, and Brown and Momen, hosted two-free meal giveaways, providing meals to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients impacted by the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Select photos are linked below.
Cunningham backs plan to deliver property tax relief for seniors
State Senator Bill Cunningham backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.
Holiday Magic® Returns Brighter Than Ever to Brookfield Zoo Chicago with All-New Displays, Interactive Experiences and Festive Delights
Chicagoland’s most dazzling holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! Holiday Magic® at Brookfield Zoo Chicago returns reimagined for 2025, transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland illuminated by over 3.5 million twinkling lights and the region’s largest display of decorated holiday trees. Now through January 4, guests can stroll through breathtaking new light displays and interactive experiences that bring the season’s sparkle to life like never before.
Homeowners: Make sure you aren’t missing out on property tax savings
With the release of 2024 second installment tax bills from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, homeowners should check to make sure they are not missing property tax-saving exemptions.
Treasurer Frerichs Clinches 7th Gold Rating For Bright Start College Savings Plan
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has earned its 7th Gold rating from independent analyst Morningstar, firmly placing the plan among the best in the nation.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES CONSUMERS TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CRYPTO–RELATED SCAMS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul encouraged Illinoisans who have lost money to cryptocurrency fraud and scams to report the incident to law enforcement and be cautious of so-called “recovery” services.
ALF Celebrates Veterans Day with Launch of New Veterans Information Center
American Liver Foundation (ALF) is excited to celebrate Veterans with the launch of a new Veterans Information Center in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veteran Health Administration (VHA). The new information center provides timely information on early detection, lifestyle management, and helpful resources and tools. With roughly 100,000 Veterans either at risk or living with some form of liver disease and over 2,000 of these Veterans getting diagnosed annually with liver cancer, ALF’s information center provides invaluable support to U.S. Veterans.
City of Chicago and DCASE Announce 2025 CityArts Grantees
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the 2025 CityArts grant recipients, with more than 300 nonprofit arts and culture organizations receiving a combined total of over $6M in general operating support this year. The total number of organizations receiving CityArts grants has increased to approximately 300 awards from 200 since 2021. The investment reinforces DCASE’s long-standing commitment to the arts as a driver of community vitality, economic growth and civic pride.
Assessor Kaegi Calls for Changes to Cook County’s Property Tax System to Protect Homeowners from Tax Spikes
As Chicago homeowners receive property tax bills showing the largest increases in decades, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi is calling for reforms to protect homeowners and raising alarms about the unfairness of a property tax system that forces reductions in downtown commercial properties to be shouldered by Black and Latino residents.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON CUTS RIBBON ON IMANI VILLAGE SENIOR RESIDENCE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN PULLMAN
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Alderwoman Michelle Harris (8th), Department of Housing (DOH) Commissioner Lissette Castañeda, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, members of the Trinity United Church of Christ community, neighborhood leaders, and Pullman residents for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly completed Imani Village Senior Residence. The City-backed project adds 70 new affordable homes to the Pullman area while providing independent living opportunities tailored to the needs of seniors. The project is part of the larger Imani Village project under development in the surrounding area.