Local News
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his appointments of Anjanette Young and Angelique Guzman to fill vacancies on the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability (CCSPA). The appointees will assume their roles as Commissioners following the expiration of the current Commissioners’ terms in June 2026.
…Not Out of Habit, But Out of Love
This week’s column is about a conversation that must happen in every Black family—at barbecues, around the kitchen table, wherever we gather—and it needs to happen now, before another election cycle slips past while our community watches from the sidelines.
3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Tax Refund
Tax Day is officially behind us, and if you’re getting a tax refund this year—which were predicted to be about 10% higher due to provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—hopefully it’s already in your bank account or will be shortly. Whether large or small, there are some smart money moves you can make with your tax refund to set yourself up for long-term financial success. Here, the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) shares three suggestions for putting your refund to work for you.
New Ventra-Divvy Pilot Promotion
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace Suburban Bus, and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) are making it even easier to get around Chicago by adding a new bonus to riders who purchase a 30-day CTA/Pace pass. Today, the Chicago Transit Board approved the Intergovernmental Agreement between CTA and the City of Chicago. The promotional product launch later in April.
Customers urged to stay connected if they are behind on bills
Peoples Gas is urging customers who may be behind on their energy bills to reach out as soon as possible to avoid disconnection. Illinois’ winter moratorium on residential disconnection expired at the start of April.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL WINS LAWSUIT PROTECTING GENDER AFFIRMING CARE; COURT ISSUES FINAL WRITTEN ORDER
Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of 22 states secured a federal court order blocking an unlawful attempt by the Trump administration to threaten health care providers who treat youth with gender dysphoria. A federal district court issued a written opinion and judgment, granting the plaintiff states’ summary judgment motion.
Chicago State University Sets Stage for Historic 373rd Commencement with Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch and Four Trailblazing Honorary Degree Recipients
Chicago State University (CSU) is proud to announce that Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, will serve as the featured commencement speaker at the university’s 373rd Commencement Ceremony. The celebration will take place at 10:45 a.m. on May 14, 2026, at the Jones Convocation Center on CSU’s campus.
Giannoulias Releases Insurance Study Exposing Insurance Pricing Inequities Driving Higher Costs for Illinoisans
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released a new study today detailing how auto insurance companies use non-driving factors to significantly increase costs for Illinois drivers.
NASA Standard Initiator Named “The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois”
Chosen by voters from an initial field of more than 100 entries, the NASA Standard Initiator made by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove has been crowned the winner of the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos’ Office Will Depository Legislation Clears Both Illinois Chambers
The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, led by Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, today announced that identical Clerk-led proposals to modernize probate safeguards have successfully passed their respective chambers in the Illinois General Assembly. SB3291, sponsored by Sen. Bill Cunningham, passed the Illinois Senate with a vote of 55-0-0, while HB4722, sponsored by Rep. Lilian Jiménez, passed the Illinois House with a vote of 111-0-0.
OIG Finds Department of Finance Lacks Tools for Managing and Addressing City Debt; At Least $8.1 Billion in Outstanding Debt Owed to the City
The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has completed an audit of the Department of Finance’s (DOF) management of outstanding debt owed to the City of Chicago, and found that DOF lacks foundational management tools for addressing the overall amount of outstanding debt owed to the City. As a result, outstanding debt totals at least $8.1 billion.
Cancer Center at Illinois Earns Prestigious National Cancer Institute Designation
Today, the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) announced it has been designated as a Basic Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This national recognition places CCIL among the nation’s most elite cancer research institutions and affirms the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s excellence in merging oncology, engineering, and basic science.
Chicago Selected as Home of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience
The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) today announced that Chicago has been selected for the permanent home of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience, a 60,000-square-foot, multi-level destination coming to 830 N. Michigan Ave, along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
NAREB CALLS ON FHA TO ELIMINATE UNFAIR SPOUSAL DEBT RULES CURTAILING HOMEOWNERSHIP IN COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATES ACROSS THE US
he National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) has issued a call to action urging the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to eliminate outdated underwriting rules that can penalize married borrowers. NAREB President Ashley Thomas III is demanding that the agency stop requiring lenders to include a non-borrowing spouse's debt on mortgage applications unless that spouse is legally obligated to repay the loan.
