Local News
THERE'S A SUCKER BORN EVERY MINUTE
Whether you believe this statement, often attributed to P.T. Barnum, the famed showman of the late 1800s, or W.C. Fields, an early stage and screen star of the 1920s, the statement is still true and remains the unofficial mantra of grifters everywhere. As is often said in the "hood," "suckers are there for the taking."
Black Women Leaders Are Not Burnt Out, We Are Being Extracted From
According to a 2020 Citigroup analysis, racism cost the United States economy $16 trillion over twenty years. McKinsey & Company later estimated that the entertainment industry alone leaves roughly $10 billion annually on the table by systematically undervaluing Black-led work, despite repeated evidence that it outperforms on return on investment.
Rainbow PUSH Coalition Enters a New Chapter of Leadership at the 2026 Annual Convention
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition hosted its annual convention June 10th through 13th at its Chicago headquarters, drawing leaders, advocates, policymakers, and hundreds of community members for four days of dialogue, reflection, and action. This year's convention required no registration fee and was open to the public.
One Hope United Raises More Than $160,000 at 4th Annual Thriving Together Luncheon
One Hope United (OHU) welcomed supporters, partners, and community leaders to the Ivy Room in Chicago for its 4th annual Thriving Together Luncheon on June 11, raising more than $160,000 to support children, youth, and families across Illinois and Florida.
HAZEL CREST SCHOOL DISTRICT 152½ CELEBRATES RECORD GROWTH YEAR MARKED BY ACADEMIC GAINS, IMPROVED SCHOOL CLIMATE, AND PROFOUND STUDENT EVOLVEMENT
As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, Hazel Crest School District 152½ is celebrating a year marked by measurable academic progress, strengthened student supports, operational improvements, and a renewed commitment to excellence across every level of the organization. Through the collective efforts of the Board of Education, district leadership, educators, staff, students, and families, the district has continued building momentum toward long-term success while creating meaningful opportunities for every learner to thrive.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Medicaid Omnibus Bill into Law
Governor JB Pritzker signed SB3365 into law, building a foundation to protect patients in anticipation of significant changes to the healthcare system in Illinois due to the federal HR1 legislation. This law will deliver significant reforms to Illinois’ hospital system and long-term care industry. The bipartisan Fiscal Year 2027 Medicaid Omnibus bill will strengthen the ability of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to detect hospital financial distress, assist financially vulnerable hospitals, ensure transparency, and prevent service disruptions that could negatively impact Illinois residents.
Chicago Violin Competition 2026 - Registration Now Open
The Chicago Violin Competition (CVC) is an international violin competition held online, providing promising young talent an outlet to exhibit their art on the world’s stage. CVC is now accepting registrations for its 2026 edition, scheduled for November 22, 2026.
HFS Awards New HealthChoice Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Contracts
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has awarded new HealthChoice Illinois (HCI) contracts to six Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). The new contracts will make significant improvements to the way that the Medicaid program operates by holding the MCOs accountable for how they serve customers by promoting whole person care. The new contracts now require MCOs to improve the integration of physical and behavioral healthcare with a focus on health-related social needs that drive health outcomes, ensure equitable access to quality care and culturally competent services, pay for value to drive health outcomes, and nurture strong partnerships with providers, community members, MCOs and other stakeholders
Chicago Nonprofit and Chick-fil-A South Loop Are Helping to Bring Free Vision Care to Chicago Kids
The Experiences That Matter Foundation’s 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign launches its 2026 summer tour with a week-long Chick-fil-A South Loop fundraiser and community showcase –raising funds to bring free vision care to 500 Chicago-area children this season
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Launches Pro-Growth Initiative, Grow Chicago, to Drive Economic Development and Opportunity Across the Region
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce today launched Grow Chicago, a pro-growth advocacy initiative dedicated to raising the voice of local businesses and advancing sustainable policies that create jobs, support families and communities, and ensure the long-term economic health of the region.
Giannoulias Ends Mandatory Road Tests for Drivers Ages 79-86
Road Safety & Fairness Act Takes Effect July 1, Replacing Outdated Age-Based Requirement with Smarter, Data-Driven Approach A major component of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ Road Safety & Fairness Act will begin next month with the elimination of the state’s mandatory behind-the-wheel driving tests for Illinois drivers ages 79 to 86.
Kennedy-King College chosen to host NJCAA Region 4 Division I Basketball Tournament
Kennedy-King College (KKC) has been officially selected to host the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 4 Division I Men’s and Women’s basketball postseason tournaments for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
THE SALVATION ARMY OPENS NEW VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER IN ILLINOIS TO STRENGTHEN SUPPORT NETWORKS FOR RETURNING SERVICE MEMBERS
The Salvation Army has launched a new Veterans Resource Center in Champaign, introducing a community-based model designed to help Illinois veterans navigate the transition back to civilian life at a time when demand for coordinated support remains high statewide.
Pastor Norwood Fights to Save Jonestown Innocent Children Base Headquarters - A 32-Year Sanctuary
For 32 years, the Base Headquarters of the Annual Jonestown Cherishing the Innocent Children and Hero Families Memorial and Wall has stood as a sanctuary of truth, prayer, and remembrance. Pastor Jynona Norwood designed the only memorial on earth dedicated solely to the 305 innocent children who entered Jonestown one way and had no way out.
