Local News
Chicago Restaurant Industry Lost 2,100 Jobs in 2025
New data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Chicago’s full-service restaurants lost another 2,100 jobs in the past 12 months, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing Chicago’s restaurant industry.
Illinois Fallen Firefighter Remembered and Firefighters Honored for Distinguished Service to their Communities
Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele L. Pankow and members from the Illinois Fire Service gathered today to honor and remember a fallen Chicago Fire Department Captain and recognize those who went above and beyond their duties at the 33rd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.
CRYSTAL R. EMERY, DIRECTOR, AUTHOR, AND ADVOCATE, DIES AT 65
Crystal R. Emery, an award‑winning producer, director, author, and nationally recognized STEM and disability advocate whose work championed equity and inclusion across film, theater, publishing and education, died Tuesday. She was 65.
TRAFFIC SCHEDULED TO SHIFT ON FRANKLIN AVENUE/GREEN STREET IN BENSENVILLE, FRANKLIN PARK
Traffic shifts are scheduled to begin this week on Franklin Avenue/ Green Street between York Road and Runge Street as work continues on a Cook County roadway improvement project to accommodate the Illinois Tollway’s I-490/Franklin Avenue Interchange Project.
SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Illinois Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Low interest disaster loans now available
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Illinois businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by severe storms and flash flooding occurring July 25 – 28, 2025. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. JB Pritzker on April 22.
COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER TO GALVANIZE HUGE GATHERING TO RESPOND AND COMBAT RACIST RECENT SUPREME COURT RULINGS AGAINST BLACKS
Dr. Kisha McCaskill- Cook County Commissioner for the 5th District- will be joined by Chicago area NAACP President Gary Dingle, a mass group of county, local and state elected officials, civic leaders, and a mass audience of mostly African American Cook County residents in a town hall meeting concerning recent Supreme court decisions and actions in Louisiana and Tennessee that moves to disenfranchise to remove political empowerment in black communities.
HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS
Friday, May 15th Stephanie Mills and Shalamar @ Hard Rock Casino Live – Doors open at 7 p.m. Stephanie Mills is a Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and Broadway star. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she started singing at the age of three. Stephanie won the competitive Amateur Hour at the Apollo for six straight weeks and made her Broadway debut at a young age starring in the musical “Maggie Flynn.” As Shalamar, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel collected more than 100 gold, silver and platinum awards. Howard and Jeffrey, together with Carolyn Griffey – the daughter of Solar Records founder Dick Griffey and longest serving female member of the group, bring an exciting blend of funk, disco and soul to every live show. Tickets start at $65. Ticketmaster.com
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes
Every year, my office hears from thousands of homeowners who run into problems with their property taxes due to common errors. Here are the five most common mistakes homeowners make and what you can do to avoid them.
State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford and Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez to Spotlight Brown University Research on Overdose Prevention Sites and Advocate for Pilot Program on Chicago’s West Side
State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is partnering with local public health organizations, elected officials, and researchers from Brown University to highlight new research on the efficacy of overdose prevention sites (centers) in reducing preventable overdose deaths and improving public health outcomes.
New Xfinity Stores Coming Soon to Calumet City and Oak Lawn
Comcast today announced plans to open new Xfinity Stores in Calumet City and Oak Lawn, IL, expanding the company’s retail presence in south suburban Cook County and providing added convenience for residents.
Alders Call for Hearing on Implementation of $46.6 million EY Efficiencies Identified as Part of FY2026 Budget
Recently, Aldermen Nicole T. Lee and Scott Waguespack introduced a resolution calling for a City Council hearing to examine the City’s progress in implementing key efficiency and reform measures outlined in the EY Financial and Strategic Reform Options report
DR. TWIN GREEN EMERGES AS A LEADING FORCE IN MENTAL HEALTH ACROSS THE CHICAGOLAND AREA AND THE SOUTH SUBURBAN REGION, DRIVING LASTING CHANGE WITHIN COOK COUNTY
In a region where access to quality mental health care remains a growing concern, Dr. Twin Green has emerged as one of the most impactful and transformative voices in behavioral health across Chicagoland and the South Suburbs. With more than three decades of service, Dr. Green’s journey is rooted not only in professional excellence but in lived experience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to community healing. Her path into mental health began not in a boardroom, but at home.
They’re Taxing Your Social Security—Here’s the Bottom Line
Let’s talk plainly this week, because too many retirees are being caught off guard.
Keith Pettigrew Begins Tenure as new Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Housing Authority
A new era at the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) begins today as Keith Pettigrew starts his tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the third-largest housing authority in the nation.
