Local News
Largest Teacher Union in the Chicagoland Area Endorses Karina Villa for Illinois Comptroller, a Strong Voice for Illinois Families
Momentum continues to grow behind Karina Villa’s campaign for Illinois State Comptroller with a major endorsement from the Chicago Teachers Union.
Assessor’s Office helped record number of homeowners with property tax savings in 2025, hit affordable housing milestone
The Cook County Assessor’s Office processed more than 1.5 million property tax-saving exemptions for homeowners last year, while returning millions of dollars in revenue to taxing districts and reaching a new milestone in its affordable housing incentive, with 1,500 properties joining the program.
Raja Krishnamoorthi is Tackling the Housing Crisis Head-On
For too many families across Illinois, the dream of owning a home feels further out of reach than ever. Rising housing prices, limited inventory, and steep upfront costs have locked working and middle-class families out of the market — even when they can afford monthly mortgage payments. That’s why Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is tackling the housing crisis head-on with new legislation designed to make first-time homeownership more attainable and life more affordable across Illinois.
FIRST MINORITY-OWNED DOOR SUPPLIER IN CHICAGO LAUNCHES AT HIRE360 TRAINING CENTER
Powell Group Corporation (PGC), a family-owned construction company founded in 2019, has officially opened PGC Doors, the first and only minority-certified doors, frames and hardware supplier in Chicago. PGC Doors operates out of a 4,000-square-foot warehouse at HIRE360’s Training and Business Development Center in Bronzeville, which will serve as the central hub for the company’s door and doorframe supply across Chicagoland. The space was provided rent-free by HIRE360 for one year, enabling the company to scale its operations and enter manufacturing.
Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos Completes Comprehensive Phone Number Audit to Strengthen Public Access to the Courts
The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, under the leadership of Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos, has completed a comprehensive audit of all public-facing phone numbers and website listings to ensure that residents seeking court services are able to reach the correct department quickly and reliably.
Column: Your Property Taxes with the Cook County Treasurer
Cook County property owners can sign up for eBilling for themselves or family members to receive property tax bills through their computers or smart phones instead of the mail.
City Council Leaders Call for Hearing After Administration Makes Partial Pension Payment Despite Adopted Budget
Today, 30 members of the City Council introduced a resolution calling for a Finance Committee hearing after Mayor Brandon Johnson failed to make the full $260 million advance pension payment as required under the FY2026 budget adopted by City Council.
Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Presents Inaugural EXPLORE AND RESTORE: A Health, Wellness and Service Open House
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to kick-off the new year with its inaugural Explore and Restore: A Health, Wellness and Service Open House, a neighborhood-wide open house focused on wellness in all its forms. The new event will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 10 am – 2 pm as part of ACC’s annual Swedish-inspired Säg Hej Health & Wellness celebration. From physical and mental health to home design, financial planning, downsizing and self-care, connect with local businesses, ask questions and explore new ways to care for yourself and your space in 2026.
Hirschauer Landmark Safe Gun Storage Bill in Effect
A staunch advocate for safe firearm practices and lessening the rate of preventable gun violence across Illinois, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting a first-of-its-kind safe storage law that went into effect Jan. 1st.
Renowned Poet and Educator Mayda Alexandra del Valle to Serve as Next Chicago Poet Laureate
Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Public Library and the Poetry Foundation, announced Mayda Alexandra del Valle as Chicago’s second Poet Laureate.
INTERSTATE SHOOTINGS DECREASE FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR WITH ZERO FATAL SHOOTINGS IN 2025
For the fourth year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2025, compared to 2024, with zero fatal interstate shooting in Illinois. This is the first time in roughly a decade there has been zero interstate shooting fatalities.
Cook County Department of Public Health Encourages Residents to Test Their Homes During Radon Action Month
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is recognizing Radon Action Month by urging residents, no matter where they live, to test their homes for radon, a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that can cause lung cancer.
Get Covered Illinois Gives Residents More Time to Enroll in Health Insurance, Deadline Now January 31
Get Covered Illinois announced that it is giving residents an additional 16 days to enroll in health insurance through the state’s official marketplace. Customers now have until January 31 to apply for and enroll in coverage.
Illinois CPA Society Announces Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program Scholars
The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) and its charitable partner, the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois, are proud to recognize the 14th cohort of the annual Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program. This award-winning program equips Illinois-based college students pursuing accounting careers with training, resources, and mentorship designed to prepare them for successful internships. The program expands access and preparedness for students who are historically underrepresented in the profession, including those from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds, first-generation college students, and others who have faced systemic barriers.