Local News
Final Illinois cannabis licensing case heads to court April 1; redacted identities could be revealed
The final remaining legal challenge to Illinois’ cannabis dispensary licensing process will be argued in open court April 1, in a hearing that could reveal identities and relationships that have been withheld from view.
Marcus C. Evans Jr. Wins Democratic State Central Committee Seat, Expanding Leadership Role in the Illinois Democratic Party
Avalon Park, Chicago, Illinois — Marcus C. Evans Jr. has secured a decisive victory in the race for State Central Committeeman, marking a significant milestone in his continued service and leadership within the Democratic Party of Illinois. The election results from the Tuesday, March 17th Democratic Primary are as follows: Marcus C. Evans, Jr. 32,226 votes Elgie R. Sims, Jr. 22,980 votes Christopher Swann 15,817 votes
Developments Across McDonald’s cases Draw Attention to Franchise System Practices
A federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois has allowed key claims of racial discrimination and breach of contract to move forward in a case brought by longtime McDonald’s franchise operator. The ruling permits claims involving alleged racial steering in store assignments, denial of rent relief, and discriminatory inspections to proceed, along with a breach-of-contract claim related to the franchise agreement.
Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Hosts Women’s Safety Seminar to Equip Residents with Practical Safety Tools
On Saturday, Clerk Spyropoulos, along with Chief Investigator Elias Voulgaris, hosted the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s second Women’s Safety Seminar. The program was designed to equip women with tools and information to move through daily life with greater confidence and awareness.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to Provide Residents and Businesses Impacted by the Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2025 with Low-interest Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that impacted six counties in northeastern Illinois from Aug. 16–18, 2025. This declaration will allow homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain non-profit organizations to apply for low-interest loans to help cover damages not covered by insurance.
Pappas Study Calls for Halt to Runaway Property Taxes
Cook County property taxes have grown at twice the rate of inflation over the past three decades, forcing home and business owners to turn over an ever-greater percentage of their annual earnings to local governments, according to a study released Monday by Treasurer Maria Pappas.
HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC. CELEBRATES 48 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), a Historically Black Community-Based Organization (HBCBO), commemorated its 48th anniversary recently with a powerful celebration honoring community leaders and reflecting on nearly five decades of providing behavioral health and human services throughout Chicago’s West and South Sides.
Black Contractors United Returns with Landmark Gala Honoring Congressman Danny K. Davis and Celebrating the Legacy of Larry Huggins
After a seven-year hiatus, President of Black Contractors United (BCU) Kareen Broughton, proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated Together We Stand Gala on Saturday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The evening will bring together industry leaders, elected officials, and community changemakers for a powerful celebration of progress, partnership, and purpose.
Former IEA President Reginald “Reg” Weaver, trailblazer for collective bargaining rights in Illinois, passes away at 86
Reginald “Reg” Weaver died Tuesday at age 86. Weaver was a lifelong educator and organizer who served as president of the Illinois Education Association from 1981 to 1987 and led the battle to ensure collective bargaining rights for Illinois educators.
Child Celebrity’s Kicks 2 Grow Foundation Helps Kids Step Forward With Confidence
Around the world, many children attend school without proper shoes or clothing, leaving families to choose between everyday necessities. For 10-year-old entertainer and recording artist King Moore, that reality sparked an idea: help kids step forward with confidence.
Final Illinois cannabis licensing case heads to court April 1; redacted identities could be revealed
The final remaining legal challenge to Illinois’ cannabis dispensary licensing process will be argued in open court April 1, in a hearing that could reveal identities and relationships that have been withheld from view.
FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE TO HEAD THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE TO LEAD A SMALL DELEGATION OF ILLINOIS MAYORS TO MEET THE POPE
Sheila Chalmers-Currin- President of the Illinois Municipal League and Mayor of Matteson, Il- will lead a delegation of Illinois Mayors to the Vatican in an exclusive meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The delegation will depart Chicago on March 28th, 2026, returning on April 2, 2026.
WRONGFULLY INCARCERATED MAN TRANSFORMS HIS DIRE EXPERIENCE INTO SUCCESSFUL NARRATIVE
Troshawn McCoy’s life has been everything but simple and balanced. For 22 years he was forced to only view life through wandered dreams and through the bars of a six by eight-foot floor space with a steel sliding door.
Camelback Ventures Releases First-Ever Camelback Fellowship Insights Report, Spotlighting How Proximate Leaders Are Redefining Innovation
Camelback Ventures announces the release of its first-ever Camelback Fellowship Insights Report. This is a data-driven analysis of 892 applications from early-stage social impact entrepreneurs across 44 states, who applied in the fall of 2025 for our latest Cohort 16, which started this month. The report offers a rare, in-depth look at how founders with lived experience are building scalable, sustainable ventures that address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
