Local News
HFS Announces New Illinois Medicaid Coverage for Home Visiting Services for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is launching new coverage for home visiting services for pregnant and parenting Medicaid customers, effective Nov. 21. The newly-covered services and supports aim to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting individuals at a critical time in their healthcare journey, in order to create better health outcomes for both parents and their children.
Avoid the Fee, Get REAL ID: Giannoulias Leads Push to Spare Illinoisans from TSA’s $45 Penalty
With the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new $45 penalty set to catch travelers off guard starting February 1, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is taking action to reduce the Time Tax by making it easier than ever for Illinois residents to get their REAL ID.
Laboratory Scientist Boasts Being First Black Person in Illinois To Hold A Doctorate In Clinical Laboratory Science
Dr. RoDina Williams always loved the laboratory portion of her science courses. Now, she is the first Black person in Illinois to hold a doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science.
Local Organization Provides Essentials To Those In Need
Renee Ruffin founded Faithful Meals in Motion in 2015. Ruffin said it was instilled in her from a young age to give to others who might not have as much as she does. She recalled how her mother always invited people into their home for a meal.
Seasonal Affect Disorder: More Than Just The ‘Holiday Blues’
As the days get shorter in the winter months, people can experience Season Affective Disorder (SAD). It is a form of depression that can happen during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight.
Obama Foundation And Emerald South Launch Community Tourism Prep Sessions
The Obama Foundation and the Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative are hosting sessions for business owners and residents with the goal of helping them prepare for the Obama Presidential Center’s opening. The Community Tourism Prep Sessions are set to begin January of 2026. President Obama recently announced that the Obama Presidential Center will be opened in July of 2026.
It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
As we close out 2025 and look toward a new year, many families are taking stock of their financial and personal affairs. How about your family? Have y’all had The Talk? I certainly hope so, because some of you will discover that a little planning now can prevent tremendous pain later. Unfortunately, some folks don’t believe that fat meat is greasy and will only learn this truth after a crisis hits their family.
Last Week to Enter Cook County’s First Marriage of 2026 Lottery
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon reminds couples that there are just days left to enter the lottery for the First Marriage License of 2026 and participate in the Clerk’s Office’s annual First Marriage Ceremony.
Reminder: Taxes are due December 15, 2025. Pay now to avoid late fees. Struggling financially? Our Payment Plan Calculator is a tool you can use
Second-Installment Cook County property taxes are due Dec. 15 for nearly 1.8 million Cook County homes and other properties.
TWO GOVERNMENTS TO FORMALIZE HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP IN ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Sheila Chalmers-Currin-Mayor of Matteson, Il- and Calvin Jordan-Supervisor of Rich Township-are announcing a holiday initiative designed to combat and address negative stigmas related to mental health during the holiday season.
State Farm and The Salvation Army Launch National Donation Drive to Support Families This Holiday Season
State Farm and The Salvation Army are partnering this holiday season through a national corporate digital donation drive, providing State Farm employees, agents, retirees, and their extended network an opportunity to directly support individuals and families in need this Christmas season.
Assessor Kaegi, South and West Side Community Leaders Urge Legislature to Pass Property Tax Relief, Condemn Board of Review's Large Breaks for Downtown Commercial Properties
These tax bill spikes, which have hit the city’s Black and Latino neighborhoods the hardest, are driven by commissioners at the Cook County Board of Review reducing the value of large commercial properties, shifting the property tax burden onto homeowners.
Trump's Policies Negatively Target Women
Achieving the American Dream for women seems to be getting further out of reach under President Donald Trump's Administration.
Comcast’s Xfinity Launches National Video Plans; The Best Entertainment Experience for One Simple Price
Xfinity recently announced the launch of new national video plans with all-in pricing, designed to deliver simplicity, transparency, and unbeatable value for customers. Available to new and existing customers, all packages come with an included X1 4K TV box and award-winning voice remote, making it effortless for customers to find and enjoy more of the content they love, wherever it lives. Only Xfinity includes unique features like Multiview, Enhanced 4K, Fan View and StreamStore, to deliver the ultimate viewing experience.
