Local News
CSU Sees Largest Freshman Class in Over a Decade
Enrollment at Chicago State University (CSU) saw strong growth with surges in the numbers of new freshman, transfers, graduate students, along with increased reenrollment for continuing students. The University saw a 12 percent jump in overall enrollment. These enrollment levels are high-water marks, with the highest total enrollment since fall 2020 and largest class of first-time freshmen in over a decade.
2023 Data Shows Life Expectancy Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels, CDPH Reports
New data from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) highlights a third consecutive year of growth in life expectancy for Chicagoans, reaching 78.7 years in 2023. This marks an increase of 1.5 years since 2022, when life expectancy was 77.2 years. The latest data brings the city close to its pre-pandemic peak of 78.8 years in 2019, which was the highest life expectancy ever recorded in Chicago.
Illinois Treasurer Frerichs Marks Bright Start’s 25th Anniversary with Record Growth During College Savings Month
The news comes as the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office kicks off College Savings Month, which falls in September. Sponsored and launched by the State of Illinois in the year 2000, the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan is designed for higher education savings. Treasurer Frerichs also sponsors Bright Directions, a 529 plan for families who prefer to work with a financial advisor. Over the past 25 years, more than 250,000 students have used their IL 529 college savings funds to attend hundreds of universities, colleges, trade schools, vocational programs and apprenticeships.
Landmarks Illinois awards $43,000 in grant funding to preservation efforts across Illinois
Landmarks Illinois has awarded $43,000 in grant funding to 10 preservation projects across the state through three grant programs: the Preservation Heritage Fund, Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois and the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side.
CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE TO HOST 64TH ANNUAL GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER
The Chicago Urban League announced that its 64th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner (GFD) will feature a special performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi and will honor distinguished leaders George E. Johnson and Julieanna L. Richardson. The gala will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place.
City of Chicago Unveils 2025 World Music Festival Chicago Lineup
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the music lineup for the 2025 World Music Festival Chicago, taking place Friday, Sept. 26, through Saturday, Oct. 5. The festival recognizes the contributions and artistry of musicians from around the world, hailing from 15 countries and regions.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR SOUTH LAWNDALE SMALL BUSINESS STOREFRONT ACTIVATION PROGRAM
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program. This program seeks to partner with a local community and economic development organization to bring new life to vacant storefronts and provide vital support to small businesses in the South Lawndale community, particularly along the 26th Street Commercial Corridor. For program details, visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.
Where the World's Largest and Fastest-Growing Economies Met: T.D. Jakes' "The Global Exchange" Gathers Diaspora and Africa at Martha's Vineyard
Leveraging Africa's projected 25% of the global population by 2050 and the Black American $1.6 trillion buying power, according to the World Economic Forum, the T.D. Jakes Group officially launched 'The Global Exchange: Unlocking Wealth & Opportunity Across the Diaspora' this month, a new initiative to unify the diaspora's collective influence. The inaugural gathering, held August 7-8, 2025, on Martha's Vineyard, convened global leaders to forge new economic and cultural ties between Africa and its descendants worldwide.
Mental Health Advocate Matthew Davison Named CEO of NAMI Chicago
The Board of Directors of NAMI Chicago is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew (Matt) Davison as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective now.
Gov. Pritzker Meets with Undocumented Students Amid Attacks on Education
Governor JB Pritzker joined students, alumni, and administrators from the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) at Harold Washington College to discuss the impact of heightened federal immigration enforcement efforts on community college students, particularly those with vulnerable legal status. With federal deployments growing in Chicago, the Governor spoke directly to the fears and needs of undocumented students, faculty, and staff navigating new challenges and uncertainty.
CHICAGO BULLS SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE
Home game highlights include Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement, the Ring of Honor celebration, 32 theme nights and 17 exclusive giveaways, including Derrick Rose figurines and the eighth annual BMO artist hat series.
A Matter of Life and Death
Illinois is again at the center of a heated ethical, legal, and medical debate over medical aid in dying (MAID), under proposed legislation that would permit terminally ill adults to obtain lethal prescription medication under certain conditions. Proponents say it offers compassion and autonomy; opponents warn of possible abuse and moral hazard. I’m going to provide you with the pros and cons, as articulated by lawmakers and stakeholders, and let you decide.
Assessor’s Office Releases 2024 Chicago Reassessment Report
The Cook County Assessor's Office published its report on the 2024 reassessment of property in Chicago. This annual report describes the city's reassessment cycle from beginning to end, detailing changes to Chicago’s tax base and sharing first-of-its-kind data about real estate market trends and commercial property types.
Chicago State University’s Dual Enrollment Students Receive Computers
On Wednesday, high school students from nine high schools, who are in the Dual Enrollment program at Chicago State University, received computers. The distribution event is part of AT&T Illinois; “Back to School” Connectivity Month. Students from Bowen, Kenwood Academy, Harlan, Butler College Prep, Perspectives IIT, Perspectives Leadership Academy and Perspectives Joslin, as well as Thornton Fractional North and Thornton Fractional South, also received computers from Compudopt.
