Local News
Rainbow PUSH’s Saturday Morning Forum to Honor the Life of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Rainbow PUSH will host its weekly Saturday Morning Forum on Saturday, February 21, honoring the prophetic leadership and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. under the theme Keep Hope Alive.
Lightford pushes for funding to combat Black HIV/AIDS epidemic
Building upon her decades of advocacy to combat the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is pushing for $15 million to help bring greater resources to disadvantaged communities.
Chicago Metro Ends 2025 with Record Number of December Jobs, Year and a Half Year-Over-Year Steady Growth
Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 9 metropolitan areas and increased in 3, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Chicago (18 consecutive months) and Lake (7 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 11 metro areas and was unchanged in 1 for the year ending December 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). There was no October 2025 metro area release due to the federal government shutdown.
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Illinois Lottery Veterans' Cash Grants Recipients
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced nearly $1 million in grants to support organizations providing vital services to veterans and their families across Illinois for the third quarter of FY26.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Route 66 Centennial Kickoff
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Route 66 Centennial Kickoff 2026 marks 100 years since the creation of the iconic Route 66 GRANITE CITY — Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) joined the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and tourism partners from across the state to celebrate the official kickoff of the Route 66 Centennial, marking 100 years since the creation of the highway. Also known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 begins in Chicago and runs through the heart of Illinois — connecting communities and travelers for a century. “Throughout 2026, we’ll recognize 100 years of Route 66, a road that helped shape Illinois into what it is today. That’s why my administration is proud to provide attraction and site infrastructure along this iconic route and deliver millions in grant funding to local tourism bureaus,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I invite all Illinoisans to take part in the many celebrations throughout the year — it’s a chance to check out the beauty of a truly American road and soak in all that Route 66 and our state have to offer.” Illinois continues to prioritize its growing tourism industry as millions of visitors from around the world boost economic development and support jobs in the industry. Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY25 with $367 million — a 14% increase over the previous record set in FY24. Additionally, Illinois welcomed 113 million visitors who spent a record-breaking $48.5 billion in 2024 — representing 500,000 more travelers and $1.3 billion more in spending compared to 2023. In recognition of the centennial, DCEO is awarding nearly $4 million in grant funding to local tourism bureaus to support development, education, preservation, and promotion efforts of Route 66 activities throughout Illinois. These awards will help communities enhance visitor experiences, preserve historic assets, and showcase Illinois’ unique role in Route 66 history. “Tourism is a powerful economic driver for Illinois, and Route 66 is one of our greatest assets,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “These grants will help communities tell their stories, preserve their history, and attract visitors from across the country, ensuring the legacy of Route 66 continues to shine statewide.” The Route 66 Grant Program is funding several standout projects in 2026 to create even more must-see stops along America’s most iconic highway. An Abraham Lincoln penny sculpture will soon be installed in Lincoln, while Granite City will honor President Lincoln with a towering 14-foot statue. Springfield’s famous Giant Slide at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is getting a fresh look for the Route 66 Centennial, and Joliet is transforming part of the Old Joliet Prison grounds into a baseball field for events, representing the long history of organized baseball played at the prison. Since 2021, DCEO’s Illinois Office of Tourism has invested $19 million in Route 66 projects to drive tourism forward over the last several years. For the centennial, the Illinois State Fair's theme for 2026 will be “Miles of Smiles,” in honor of Route 66 and its enduring impact on the state’s communities, culture, and tourism. The theme will be featured at both the Springfield and Du Quoin fairs, highlighting Route 66’s legacy through special exhibits, programming, and experiences for fairgoers of all ages. The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission also has scheduled celebration events across the state throughout 2026, with additional events and announcements forthcoming. These activities will spotlight Illinois’ historic Route 66 attractions, local businesses, and community traditions, all while inviting visitors to explore the Mother Road from end to end. “The Centennial of Route 66 reminds us that America’s most iconic road was built mile by mile, town by town, and community by community. Its storied past inspires our shared future — a century behind us, a lifetime of journeys ahead — that’s the promise Route 66 has in Illinois,” said Cory Jobe, President & CEO of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. Learn more about the centennial and local events by visiting enjoyillinois.com/things-to-do/route-66-in-illinois
Cook County Clerk’s Office Seeking Election Judges in South Suburbs for Upcoming March 17 Gubernatorial Primary
Suburban voters can do their part for local democracy and earn some cash in the process by working as an Election Judge for the Cook County Clerk’s Office in the March 17, 2026, Gubernatorial Primary Election.
Ventura introduces measures to fortify broadband access for Illinoisans
Recognizing residents’ need for reliable, high-speed internet access – especially for active participation in today’s society – State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced two new measures that would expand on and protect broadband access for Illinoisans.
Bell Heir’s BBQ Opens New Location at River Oaks Center
Acclaimed pitmaster Tyris Bell is ushering in a new chapter for Bell Heir’s BBQ with the opening of a new location at River Oaks Center in Calumet City. The restaurant officially opened Friday, February 6, following the closure of Bell Heir’s original Chicago location.
$1.7 Million in Grants to Expand Arts Opportunities for Chicago Public School Students
Arts education across Chicago is expanding for CPS students as $1.7 million in grants is awarded to 125 Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The grants will support projects that connect students with arts organizations to strengthen artistic skills, deepen community connections, and build leadership.
Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance Available for Qualifying Taxpayers
Several trusted Illinois programs offer free income tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families and older adults who may need assistance in filing their 2025 income taxes.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION OPPOSING REPEAL OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS THAT EXPOSE RACE- AND ETHNICITY-BASED DISPARITIES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a U.S. Department of Education proposal to remove certain reporting requirements that help the department uncover significant disproportionality in the identification and placement of children in special education programming and in the discipline of children, based on race and ethnicity.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, MAYOR’S OFFICE OF REENTRY RELEASES YOUTH REENTY GUIDEBOOK
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office of Reentry announced the release of the first ever Youth Reentry Guidebook, a comprehensive resource designed to support young people returning to their communities from the criminal justice system. The guidebook connects system impacted individuals and their families with tools and trusted resources to support reentry including legal support, housing assistance, educational opportunities, mental health services, and employment opportunities.
The Obama Presidential Center Advances Its Public Art Program with Next Wave of Monumental Commissions
The Obama Foundation today announced five new artist commissions for the Obama Presidential Center, opening in June 2026 on Chicago’s South Side. Mark Bradford, Tyanna J. Buie, Jay Heikes, Carrie Mae Weems, and a collaboration between Sam Kirk and Dorian Sylvain will create major site-specific works that will serve as catalysts for civic dialogue, inspiration, and connection.
Cook County Clerk Cautions Voters About USPS Postmark Change
With the Illinois Primary Election less than six weeks away, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is urging voters who plan to vote by mail to take extra precautions following a recent United States Postal Service policy change that could affect whether mail ballots can be counted.