Local News
Officiants, Speakers, and Performers are Announced for Reverend Jesse L. Jackson’s Peoples Celebration of Life and Homegoing Services
Faith leaders, Dr. Charles Jenkins and Rev. James T. Meeks, will co-officiate the Celebration of Life and Homegoing Services on March 6 and 7 for Civil Rights, Global leader and minister, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Illinois EPA Announces $1.5 Million in Funding Available for Energy Efficiency Upgrades at Public Water Supply Facilities
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy is offering up to $1,500,000 in grant funding available to support energy efficiency projects at publicly owned public water supply (PWS) facilities, commonly referred to as drinking water treatment plants (DWTP). Awarded projects will range from $50,000 to $500,000 with match a requirement of 10-20% based on geographic location. Application materials are available at the Illinois EPA Office of Energy PWS Energy Efficiency Grant Program webpage. The application period closes at 5:00 pm on May 4, 2026.
SOUTH CHICAGO RESIDENTS LAUNCH “SOUTHEAST NEIGHBORS FOR QUANTUM” IN SUPPORT OF HISTORIC ILLINOIS QUANTUM AND MICROELECTRONICS PARK DEVELOPMENT
Today, a group of longtime South Chicago and South Shore residents officially launched Southeast Neighbors for Quantum, a new community-based organization formed to elevate the voices of residents who are excited for the potential that the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and Quantum Shore holds for local community members and famil
The Kids Are Alright: High School Sites Outpace Weeklong Early Voting In One Day
High school students made voting history this week in Cook County. Student-run Early Voting sites operating inside 24 suburban high schools recorded 1,136 ballots cast in a single day as part of the Clerk’s brand-new ‘Defenders of DA’mocracy’ High School Early Voting Program.
WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Weekend Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Black-Owned Businesses
WDB Marketing and its nonprofit division, WDB Cares, will celebrate a historic milestone in 2026: 20 years of WDB Marketing and 10 years of the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards platform—two decades of building brands and a decade of building legacy through entrepreneurship and community impact. Since its inception, the L.E.G.A.C.Y. platform has awarded over $250,000 in cash and prizes to young and emerging entrepreneurs, fueling business growth, job creation, and generational wealth across the region.
Ghana National Council to Host First-Ever Flag Raising at Daley Plaza for Ghana’s 69th Independence Day
The Ghana National Council will mark a historic milestone this year with its first-ever Ghana Flag Raising Ceremony in downtown Chicago, celebrating Ghana’s 69th Independence Day.
CHICAGO AREA ELECTED OFFICIALS, PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES, AND CHICAGO AREA ENTERTAINERS TO GATHER FOR MAJOR STREET RENAMING FOR CHICAGO AREA BUSINESS
Emma Mitts- Alderwoman of Chicago’s 37th Ward- will be joined by numerous members of the Chicago City Council, The Illinois General assembly, Chicago area entertainers and residents as they gather for the well-deserved street renaming honor the legendary DeGeratto family who have not only owned several business throughout the westside and the Chicagoland area, but has also been a pillar of the community for nearly a century.
Built by Texas Trailblazers: Why Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run Carries a Legacy Forward
The Texas Senate race is capturing national attention, and momentum is shifting. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is now leading in multiple public polls as she seeks the Democratic nomination. A new University of Texas Politics Project poll shows her with a double-digit advantage, 56 percent to 44 percent, over her opponent James Talarico. Earlier polling from the University of Houston showed her leading by eight points. In January, the race was neck and neck. The numbers show movement.
CALUMET CITY RECORDS ZERO HOMICIDES IN 2025 AND MAJOR REDUCTIONS IN NUMEROUS SERIOUS CRIMES
Thaddeus Jones- Mayor of Calumet City- is expressing his admiration, confidence, and continued support of the Calumet City Police Department amid the growing reduction in serious crimes throughout the thirty thousand resident town.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi Brings UIC Student Whose Father was Deported after Being Detained at Broadview ICE Facility to State of the Union Address
On Tuesday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) attended President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address with Jaime, a 21-year-old University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) student from Mount Prospect. Jaime’s father was detained at Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Broadview facility for four days after masked federal agents seized him outside his home in October 2025. Jaime’s father was then exposed to inhumane conditions within the facility, where he was packed into a windowless room with 60 other men, forced to sleep on the floor or standing up, and denied showers. He was coerced into signing a "voluntary departure” form despite repeatedly asking officials inside Broadview to see a judge and his children, who also lost their mother in early 2025 after a battle with cancer. Jaime’s father now lives in Mexico City.
OVER 1,000 TO GATHER TO CELEBRATE, COMMEMORATE AND TO SUPPORT REVEREND JESSE L. JACKSON’S PASSION FOR EDUCATION
The Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SCSDD) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will be joined by over 1,000 in an annual gathering to open more doors to college for students across the Chicagoland area through the We Are Stronger Together Scholarship Gala.
The Rotunda Is Too Small for Rev. Jesse Jackson
America has rituals for the dead. We lower flags. We dim lights. We ask for moments of silence. In rare cases — former presidents, Rosa Parks — we place bodies beneath the Capitol dome and call it honor. So when congressional leaders declined to extend that honor to Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, they cited precedent.
Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos and the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court Celebrate Black History Month
Yesterday, the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, under the leadership of Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, hosted its annual Black History Month celebration, marking this year’s national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” The program honored Black leadership and public service, recognizing individuals whose work continues to strengthen Cook County’s civic life and justice system.
OVER 100 FAITH LEADERS ENDORSE JULIANA STRATTON FOR U.S. SENATE
Juliana Stratton has been endorsed by over 100 faith leaders across Illinois in her campaign for U.S. Senate. These trusted leaders know that Juliana will be the best partner to their congregations and communities, ensuring that everyone has what they need to thrive. Clergy for Juliana will mobilize voters, drive “souls to the polls,” and share Juliana’s message across the state.