Local News

Ribbon-Cutting Scheduled for State-of-the-Art Digital Training Center for West Englewood Youth

Local leaders, members and benefactors will celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the “Joyce Mpower House,” a state-of-the-art digital arts training facility for youth in Chicago’s West Englewood community, at 10:30 a.m. on Wed., July 15, 2026 on the We Grow Peace Campus, located at 64th and Honore in Chicago. The Campus is a block-based community center, and the Joyce Mpower House is owned and operated by Metropolitan Family Services, a We Grow partner.

City of Chicago Flood Damage Assessment Survey for Residents Affected by Flooding on July 3-4, 2026

The City of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) is reviewing calls for service into 3-1-1 from the severe thunderstorms from July 3 through July 4, 2026. We ask that residents continue to report any service requests related to water in basement to 3-1-1 either by calling 3-1-1, entering into the CHI311 app, or inputting at 311.Chicago.gov.

Chosen Few, John Mulaney at Wrigley Field, White Sox v. Athletics, Taste of Chicago and the Windy City Smokeout Top the List of Multiple Citywide Weekend Events

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents, to stay vigilant and to enjoy the various citywide events and festivals this weekend safely and responsibly. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed.

THE FULL ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS TO ADDRESS THE CHICAGOLAND MEDIA ON THE OBVIOUS DISDAIN FOR VOTER INTEGRITY AMID MIDTERM ELECTIONS"

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF), under the dynamic leadership of ILBC Joint Chairwoman Illinois State Senator Laksia Collins, ILBCF Chairman Paul Williams, ILBCF Executive Director Tiffany D. Hightower, and the full Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will host its Annual Scholarship Reception at the spacious UIC Forum.

How May I Help You…

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving the public in many roles. Those experiences taught me an important lesson: government and business exist to serve people—not the other way around. Now more than ever, I am committed to providing information and advocacy that helps people live better lives. I suppose it is simply in my nature to nurture.

Amid Increased ICE Activity, Giannoulias Urges Public to Report Illegal License Plate Tampering

As federal immigration activity intensifies once again in Illinois, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is urging residents to immediately report any vehicle displaying altered, obscured, missing or unlawfully switched license plates, warning that plate tampering is illegal under Illinois law, regardless of who commits it.

Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Announces Re-Opening of the Self-Represented Litigant Center

Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos today announced the relocation and re-opening of the Self-Represented Litigant (SRL) Center, a resource dedicated to assisting individuals navigating the court system without an attorney. The Center provides resources, guidance and support to help self-represented litigants understand and manage their legal matters more effectively.

Cook County/Chicago Joint Opioid Report Shows Third-Year Decline in Opioid Overdose Deaths

Expanded awareness, stronger partnerships and investment in harm-reduction strategies are helping save lives as Chicago and Cook County continue to see declines in fatal opioid overdoses.

Brian Faulkner named 2026-2027 president of the Illinois Principals Association

Brian Faulkner, principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, Illinois, will serve as president of the Illinois Principals Association for the 2026–2027 school year.

ICJIA Invests Nearly $51 Million in Fourth Round Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Grants to Empower Historically Underserved Communities

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) today announced 147 grants to organizations totaling $50.8 million in the latest round of Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program funding. These grants continue the state’s commitment to uplifting communities that have experienced systemic racism and historic disinvestment.

Make your story part of history: Illinois Voices 250 hosting community recording sessions to chronicle personal stories in celebration of America’s 250th birthday

Illinoisans are invited to chronicle their stories, memories and reflections in audio recordings that will be permanently archived at the U.S. Library of Congress during a series of community recording sessions scheduled for this summer.

Open Auditions for Death by Design Play at South Suburban College's Kindig Performing Arts Center

The Kindig Performing Arts Center (PAC) at South Suburban College (SSC) invites community members to audition for its upcoming production of Death by Design, a witty and entertaining comedy-mystery by acclaimed playwright Rob Urbinati, directed by Heather Young.

Partnership for College Completion Receives Grant from ECMC Foundation to Strengthen Higher Education in Prison Across Illinois

The Partnership for College Completion (PCC) has received an 18-month planning and coalition-building grant from ECMC Foundation to support expansion of equitable, high-quality higher education opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Illinoisans.

Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Marks 250th Anniversary with Program on Rare Copy of Declaration of Independence

Recently, the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, under the leadership of Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos[RC1] , hosted an educational program highlighting the Chicago History Museum’s rare print of the Declaration of Independence.

National Grocery Retail for All Summit Highlights Solutions

The Food Systems for the Future Institute (FSFI) with Chef José Andrés serving as Honorary Co-Host, convened the 2026 Grocery Retail for All Summit, a national gathering of more than 200 attendees representing 186 organizations and 41 states, focused on identifying, elevating, and accelerating solutions that strengthen grocery retail and expand access to affordable, nutritious food in underserved communities.