Local News
A Step-by-Step Strategy for Building an Emergency Fund
The climbing cost of living is continuing to strain households nationwide. More than half of Americans (53%) say they can’t cover an unexpected $1,000 expense with their savings alone, according to Bankrate’s 2026 Annual Emergency Savings Report. Worse, 18% of adults report having no emergency savings at all, while 33% have less than they did last year.
Illinois Joins $15.5 Million Settlement with Mortgage Servicer
Illinois and 46 state financial agencies in 46 states have reached a $15.5 million settlement with one of the nation’s largest mortgage servicers for improperly imposing “force-placed” insurance costs on borrowers who already had active homeowners insurance policies.
Giannoulias Launches Disability Parking Placard Pilot as New Law Expands Access for Caregivers
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a pilot program to make disability parking placards easier to obtain as a newly signed law expands accessible parking relief for families caring for children and individuals with disabilities. The law allows the Secretary of State’s office to issue meter-exempt disability parking placards to legal guardians who transport individuals with disabilities who are incapable of driving.
Howard Brown Health Welcomes Healthcare Operations Leader Melba Ansah as Chief Operating Officer
Howard Brown Health today announced that Melba Ansah, MBA, BS, joined the organization as its new Chief Operating Officer, bolstering the leadership of one of the largest healthcare institutions in the country serving LGBTQ+ people and others seeking affirming care. Ansah brings 30 years of healthcare experience across academic medicine, private practice and consulting, with a proven track record of expanding patient access, optimizing clinical operations, and strengthening workforce structures to enhance care delivery. Ansah joins Howard Brown with a deep commitment to ensuring that operational strategy and execution directly support compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care.
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Brings Rising Young Musicians to Free Summer Concert Series
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) is showcasing the next generation of jazz talent through its CJPNext ensemble during two free summer concerts presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series.
Second Installment 2025 tax bills are now online, two weeks before they’re mailed
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas announced today that property owners can now go to cookcountytreasurer.com to view, download and pay their Second Installment bill for the 2025 Tax Year.
Fishing activities for the whole family in Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair
Visitors to the Illinois State Fair are invited to explore a variety of new and popular long-standing fish- and fishing-related activities and exhibits in Conservation World during the 2026 Illinois State Fair through Aug. 23.
DESTINY’S CHILD REIMAGINED ICONIC TOUR CONCLUDES IN CHICAGO
Following the high demand and sold-out performances nationwide, Destiny's Child: Iconic Reimagined Tribute returns this summer with an exciting Phase 2 expansion, bringing the immersive candlelit concert experience to major cities across the country beginning in July. Traveling through major markets since the tour launch in Houston, the show will wrap up in Chicago with two shows on August 29th at The Congress Theatre.
CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS, STATE REPRESENTATIVE LA SHAWN K. FORD AND BRIGHT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE HOST 47TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC & PARADE
Congressman Danny K. Davis, State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, and the Bright Leadership Institute will host the 47th Annual Back to School Picnic & Parade on Saturday, August 15, 2026, bringing together children, families, seniors, elected officials, government agencies, businesses, health institutions, schools and hundreds of community organizations for one of Chicago's longest-running back-to-school traditions.
Kennedy-King College and Black Midwifery Collective Launch New Pathway for Chicago’s Next Generation of Midwives
A new partnership between Kennedy-King College and the Black Midwifery Collective is creating a pathway for aspiring midwives in Chicago while honoring generations of Black women who have served as trusted caregivers to mothers, babies and families.
Seven Emerging Illinois Developers Awarded Funding to Construct Affordable Housing Communities
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) are excited to announce that seven program alumni of the Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen) reached a major milestone, securing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) awards for affordable housing. These seven developments will deliver 342 homes, including 323 affordable units, across Illinois. The sale of the tax credits is expected to leverage more than $113 million in private equity, demonstrating how the state’s investment in emerging developers is translating into tangible housing production.
Property Values for Bremen Township Released
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi released the initial assessments of residential and commercial properties in Bremen Township on August 12, 2026. The Assessor’s Office reassesses one-third of Cook County every year. The south and west suburbs were last reassessed in 2023.
Alders Demand Bally’s Resume Full Casino Development, Call for Public Hearing
On Wednesday, August 13, 2026, 27 members of the Chicago City Council called on Bally’s to promptly resume construction of the full permanent Chicago casino development and announced plans for a public hearing to examine the company’s decision to slow or suspend significant non-gaming portions of the project while continuing construction of the casino itself.
Christmas in the Wards 365 Hosts Major Back-to-School Celebration at Olive-Harvey College
On Friday, August 14, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Christmas in the Wards 365 (CITW), in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, In His Hands Resource Center, S2 Grills, Black Men United, Buddy Bear Car Wash and participating local aldermen, will host a large-scale Back-to-School Celebration and Giveaway at Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628. Mayor Brandon Johnson will be on hand to greet parents and students to kick off the NEW SCHOOL SEASON!!!!
