Local News
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.
NABJ Announces Executive Director Search Committee and Launch of National Search Process
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) today announced the formation of its and the launch of the next phase of its national search for the organization's next Executive Director.
CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois Awards Record Accounting Tuition Scholarships
As the accounting profession works to strengthen its future workforce, the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois, the charitable partner of the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state certified public accountant (CPA) societies—has awarded a record $161,000 in scholarships to 61 accounting students attending 23 Illinois colleges and universities.
Giannoulias Marks Major Victory for Illinois Drivers Facing Skyrocketing Costs with Landmark Auto Insurance Reform
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias highlighted landmark auto insurance reform legislation that would, for the first time, give Illinois regulators the authority to review and challenge excessive insurance rate increases while strengthening oversight of insurance companies and delivering long-overdue transparency, accountability and consumer protections for Illinois drivers.
Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court Launches a Strategic Plan Survey
The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, under the leadership of Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, has launched a Strategic Plan Survey in partnership with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). The survey will support the development of the Office’s 2027-2031 Strategic Plan and guide long-term operational and service priorities.
WNBA to Become First Professional Sports League to Host Events at the New Obama Presidential Center
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today that several marquee events during AT&T WNBA All-Star 2026 will take place at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center.
(BPRW) College of Engineering and Architecture Students Supply Water to a Kenyan Community and Earn National Recognition
The Howard University College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) has been awarded the 2026 Engineering Education Award from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying for its Kenya Water Supply Project, recognizing CEA’s commitment to integrating professional practice with engineering education.
Chicago Hip-Hop Legend and Grammy Award-Winning Producer Toxic Returns with His Most Personal Project Yet, HOLY
Chicago has long been recognized as one of the world's most influential music cities, producing artists whose impact reaches far beyond its neighborhoods. Few producers have helped shape that sound quite like Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and artist Toxic.
Christian Harris Named Common Cause’s Illinois State Director
Common Cause announced Christian Harris as the new state director in Illinois. In this role, Harris will lead the organization’s work to protect voting rights, advance government accountability, and build civic power across the state with a focus on racial equity.
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS OF COOK COUNTY & PRESIDENT CALVIN JORDAN UNITE LOCAL LEADERS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOCUSED ON COLLABORATION AND THE FUTURE OF TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT
The Township Officials of Cook County (TOCC) successfully brought together township supervisors, trustees, clerks, assessors, highway commissioners, administrators, and public servants from across Cook County for its Annual Conference at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Hosted by TOCC President Calvin Jordan, the conference served as a premier gathering for local government leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative solutions to the evolving challenges facing township government.
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.
