Local News
Southland Graduate Jordan Lee Finishes Third in Nation in Two Speech Events
Southland College Prep Charter High School graduate Jordan Lee finished third in the nation in two events at the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament, held June 14-19 in Richmond, Va.
UNCF CHICAGO HOSTS 26TH ANNUAL “A MIND IS…” GALA TO SUPPORT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
An impressive gathering of supporters, civic leaders, and education champions joined the festivities when UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Chicago hosted the 26th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala to support student scholarships and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) member schools. The evening, held at The Geraghty recently, was a celebration of community, legacy, and the enduring belief that education is the most powerful investment society can make in its future.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) BY CITY OF CALUMET CITY, ILLINOIS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Calumet City will accept sealed proposals for providing all labor, equipment, vehicles, materials and related services necessary for the collection of residential solid waste and landscape waste / food scraps at all residential dwellings not exceeding four units as well as the collection of refuse from designated City collection sites. The proposed initial term of the Franchise Agreement will begin on January 01, 2027, and end at midnight on December 31, 2029.
FY 2027 ILLINOIS BUDGET DOES NOT PROVIDE NEEDED FUNDING FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HIV/AIDS RESPONSE ACT (AAHARA)
Leaders of African American/Black-led HIV service providers are raising concerns that the Fiscal Year 2027 Illinois budget signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker does not include new funding for African American/Black-led HIV service providers. The budget states, “The sum of $7,880,500, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the African-American HIV/AIDS Response Fund to the Department of Public Health for grants,” which merely authorizes the use of remaining funds from the $15 million appropriated in 2020 through the African American HIV/AIDS Response Act (AAHARA), rather than providing new funding. Although the original appropriation was intended to be distributed at $5 million annually over three years, continual delays in contract execution, budget approvals, and reimbursements have limited the timely distribution of funds, leaving substantially less funding available than needed for Fiscal Year 2027 despite legislative efforts to address the disparity. To raise awareness of the resulting state funding shortfall and the impact of recent federal funding losses, African American/Black-led HIV service providers will convene a news conference and community gathering to discuss strategies for securing equitable and sustainable funding for HIV prevention, care, and treatment services across Illinois.
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.