Local News
DEMOCRAT NATALIE HOWSE PRIMED, PREPARED, AND READY TO SERVE AS CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE OF THE 1ST SUB CIRCUIT
Democrat Natalie Howse, a respected attorney, community advocate, and lifelong South Side Chicagoan, is now primed, energized and ready for the stretch run for Circuit Court Judge of the 1st Sub Circuit. With decades of legal experience spanning prosecution, child welfare, regulatory oversight, and equity-driven public service, Howse enters the race with a deep understanding of the law and an unwavering commitment to fairness, accountability, and justice for all.
Commissioner Donna Miller Convenes First Meeting of Chicago–Cook County Task Force to Reduce Violence Against Women
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller helped convene the first meeting of the Chicago–Cook County Task Force to Reduce Violence Against Women, marking a critical step forward in strengthening protections and advancing coordinated solutions for survivors of domestic violence.
Cook County Clerk and Chicago Bears Launch Historic High School Early Voting Program
In partnership with the Chicago Bears organization, the Cook County Clerk’s Office is launching a first-of-its-kind High School Early Voting program, bringing official Early Voting sites to more than 20 suburban high schools across the county at the start of Early Voting for the March 17 Gubernatorial Primary Election.
OWN ANNOUNCES MAXXED OUT: A BOLD NEW FINANCIAL INTERVENTION SERIES PREMIERING JANUARY 10, 2026
OWN dives into the emotional and financial chaos impacting families and friends across America with its bold new series, MAXXED OUT, premiering Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET/PT.
100 Black Men of America, Inc. Joins National HOPE AI Initiative to Advance Inclusive Financial and AI Literacy Across Underserved Communities
100 Black Men of America, Inc., the nation's preeminent African American mentoring and leadership development organization, announced its partnership with Operation HOPE's newly launched HOPE AI initiative, a national strategy designed to transform financial literacy and expand equitable access to artificial intelligence education and tools.
The Obama Presidential Center Announces Latest Art Commission, An Expansive Frieze by Artist Theaster Gates
The Obama Foundation announced a major new commission by artist Theaster Gates for the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium at the forthcoming Obama Presidential Center opening in 2026.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CALLS ON META TO REMOVE MISLEADING AI WEIGHT LOSS ADS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 35 attorneys general, called on Meta to better enforce its own policies about pharmaceutical and wellness ads on Instagram and Facebook, and take additional measures to prevent AI-generated weight loss content in ads. These ads are likely to see an uptick during the holiday season and the new year, when conversations around weight loss and appearance tend to increase.
ELEVATE’S FIRST YOUNG-ADULT SOLAR TRAINING PROGRAM EMPOWERS 7 CHICAGOANS TO LAUNCH REWARDING CAREERS IN CLEAN ENERGY, FUEL HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
Elevate, in partnership with Cultivate Collective, Sesenergi Eco Solutions, and Priority Consulting & Services, celebrated the graduation of seven young adults from its inaugural Young Adult Clean Energy Training Program. The ten-week program equipped graduates aged 18-24 from Chicago’s Southwest Side with the skills they need to succeed in the solar industry by pairing a robust training curriculum with personalized case management and holistic support. In addition to gaining technical expertise and industry-recognized credentials, the graduates developed communication and problem-solving skills that will contribute to their long-term success as professionals.
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon Highlights First-Year Accomplishments and Officewide Modernization Efforts
Clerk Monica Gordon has released a comprehensive summary of her first-year accomplishments, highlighting significant progress in modernizing operations, strengthening election administration, improving customer service, and expanding access across all divisions of the Clerk’s Office.
HFS to increase funding for Planned Parenthood to protect reproductive healthcare access across Illinois
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is investing $4 million in Medicaid family planning programming in order to counteract the federal defunding of Planned Parenthood in Trump’s budget bill (HR1), as Illinois continues to serve as a beacon for protecting reproductive healthcare access nationally.
More than 1,500 seniors walk the red carpet at 42nd annual CHA Senior Gala
For the 42nd year, Chicago Housing Authority seniors gathered to celebrate the season – and themselves – at the CHA Senior Gala.
Illinois State Fair Announces Digital Ticketing for 2026 Season
Following a successful trial in 2025, the Illinois State Fair is transitioning to digital ticketing for 2026. This modernization will provide guests with a more convenient, secure, and streamlined entry process.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE WELCOMES NEW TROOPERS OF CADET CLASS 151
The Illinois State Police (ISP) welcomed 21 new Troopers from Cadet Class 151 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The new Troopers will report to seven ISP Troop locations throughout the state on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Cadet Class 151 marks the 23rd cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Since 2019, 713 troopers have joined ISP.
The Abbey Resort to Host “An Italian Winter’s Night” Benefit Dinner for the James Beard Foundation on January 31, 2026
The Abbey Resort is proud to announce An Italian Winter’s Night at The Abbey, an exclusive James Beard Foundation benefit dinner taking place Saturday, January 31, 2026. The evening will feature an inspired four-course menu created collaboratively by The Abbey’s Executive Chef Noah Gümüstekin and celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, best known for his breakout role on Top Chef and his acclaimed nationwide restaurant group.
