Local News
New Chicago News Weekly Poll Finds Pritzker Up 20 Points, Democratic Candidates Leading Statewide Races
Chicago News Weekly released the results of a new statewide election poll conducted by Public Policy Polling showing Gov. JB Pritzker with a 20-point advantage over Republican Darren Bailey and Democratic candidates leading each of the five statewide contests surveyed. The poll surveyed 569 Illinois voters from Sept. 30 through Oct. 1.
Free Payment Plan Calculator now live online to help property owners spread out late tax payments and avoid tax sale
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas announced today that her free online Payment Plan Calculator is live online and available to property owners seeking a way to manage delinquent property taxes through smaller, scheduled payments.
Buckner Calls on NITA to Make Autonomous Vehicles Part of Regional Transit Planning
House Sponsor of Illinois AV legislation urges new transit authority to explore first- and last-mile connections, accessibility, underserved communities and integration with CTA, Metra and Pace
Financial assistance available to Peoples Gas customers for winter heating season
As the calendar turns to October and winter draws close, Peoples Gas is making its customers aware of financial assistance now available to people having a tough time keeping up with their heating bills.
BISHOP TROTTER TO LEAD OVER 500 SOUTHSIDE RESIDENTS, ILLINOIS FAITH AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AS THEY WILL PUBLICLY URGE GOVERNOR PRITZKER TO OPT ILLINOIS INTO FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
“Public and nonpublic students alike have educational needs that families and schools struggle to meet. We should have the ability to capitalize on a program that incentivizes investment in educational services and not have our money flow to surrounding states.”
Target volunteers transform classroom at Primo Women’s Shelter in Englewood
More than 35 Target volunteers traded their usual workday for a hands-on project this week, transforming a classroom for infants and preschoolers whose families are experiencing homelessness at Primo Women’s Shelter in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.
GLORIA J. TAYLOR FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP, AND YOUTH ADVOCACY
The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation (GJTF) is celebrating 30 years of remarkable success in the development of young people, the promotion of educational excellence, and its tremendous achievements in helping to build safe and positive communities. On October 6th Gloria J. Taylor would have been 82 years old. During the week of October 5th, The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation will be doing an act of kindness every day that week in memory of Gloria J. Taylor.
GARFIELD PARK COMMUNITY UNVEILS SHARED VISION FOR ITS NEXT CHAPTER
After extensive community engagement and collaboration among residents, community organizations and local partners, the Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative (GPRWC) today unveiled the Garfield Park Quality of Life Plan (QLP), a community-led planning process led by GPRWC with support from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The process created a community-driven roadmap that establishes, for the first time, a shared direction for East and West Garfield Park and alignment for future investment, partnerships and action around community priorities.
ISAC CONGRATULATES ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOLS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, is pleased to announce the 2026-27 Financial Aid Application Completion Recognition of Excellence Honorees. These Illinois public and private high schools have attained outstanding financial aid application completion rates-- demonstrating ongoing support for their students through the financial aid process. This recognition celebrates each school’s dedication to helping students access financial aid to help them pursue their educational goals. This year, 539 schools were honored, almost a 15 percent increase over last year’s honorees.
M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS CELEBRATES ITS 25th ANNIVERSARY AT THE CHICAGO TAP SUMMIT, OCTOBER 2nd Thru. 4th
M.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms, Chicago’s premier tap collective, is proud to celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Chicago Tap Summit, October 2 - 4, at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Dr. (47th Street entrance). The premier Illinois tap dancing event of the year follows M.A.D.D. Rhythms Day in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 1. This Anniversary Summit includes three days of dance, discussion and classes while celebrating the tap dance community with tours and panels as well as the premiere of works from company Co-Founder Bril Barrett, who has been named to Newcity’s Players 50 Hall of Fame (2026) and received “The Hoofer Award” from Tap City in 2025, as well as a premiere from Co-Founder Martin “Tré” Dumas III. Additionally, a screening of “Beyond a Shuffle,” a new documentary about M.A.D.D. Rhythms will be shown. For information on the Chicago Tap Summit and the other events go to MADDRhythms.com.
After School Matters Gala Celebrates 35 Years, Raising Nearly $2.7 Million and Counting for Chicago Teens
More than 500 civic, corporate, and community leaders gathered at the Obama Presidential Center Home Court on September 24 for the After School Matters® Annual Gala, raising nearly $2.7 million and counting to support life-changing opportunities for Chicago teens. The evening marked 35 years of After School Matters meeting the moment and empowering Chicago young people through paid, hands-on programs that help teens explore their passions, develop their talents, and build skills for their futures.
CCDPH Launches “Every Vaccine Counts” Campaign to Help Protect Children From Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
As students across suburban Cook County return to school, Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) today launched "Every Vaccine Counts,” a public awareness campaign encouraging parents and caregivers to make sure their children are up to date on vaccinations that protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
Chicago Hotel Workers Vote 85% To Authorize Largest Strikes in City’s History
Following negotiations with no agreement, Local 1 hospitality members, including room attendants, cooks, dishwashers, front desk agents, servers, and food service workers, have voted 85% to authorize strikes in the first wave of voting.
TALBOTS TAKES MANHATTAN FOR FALL 2026, BRINGING A MODERN EXPRESSION OF AMERICAN STYLE TO NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
Talbots is bringing a new expression of classic American style to Manhattan this fall with Talbots Takes Manhattan, a Fall 2026 campaign spanning social storytelling, the brand's New York Fashion Week debut, and new cultural and media partnerships.