Local News

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!!!!

Chicago mother Carmen Day memorializes her son Jelani Day 6 years after going missing and found dead in the Illinois River. The Jelani Day Foundation will host its 4th Annual Gala

Carmen Day, mother of Jelani Day, started The Jelani Day Foundation after the unsolved death of her son Jelani in 2021. Jelani, who was a 25 year old graduate student at Illinois State University, went missing on August 24, 2021 and was found dead in the Illinois River on. His murder has not been solved.

Nicor Illinois Community Investment delivers $600,000 in Impact Grants to amplify innovative economic development projects

Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI) has awarded four $150,000 Impact Grants to nonprofits in Rockford and South Suburban Cook County. These grants support projects fostering economic mobility, small business growth and workforce development programs.

Free Grandstand Concert with 38 Special & Warrant at the Illinois State Fair

Music fans are invited to experience an unforgettable night at the Illinois State Fair when legendary southern rock band 38 Special performs a FREE Grandstand concert on Monday, August 17. The concert will kick off with special guest Warrant.

An Allegation Should Begin an Investigation, Not End a Reputation

The Rev. Michael Pfleger has again been removed from ministry at St. Sabina while the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates an allegation of sexual abuse said to have occurred more than 30 years ago.

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S IS WORLD'S LARGEST EVENT DEDICATED TO ALZHEIMER'S CARE, SUPPORT AND RESEARCH

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Chicago area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Financial Wellness is a Practice: Community Manager Laura Lopez in Chicago Shares How to Build a Routine that Lasts

When it comes to personal finance, most of us think about goals—saving for a home, paying off debt, or launching a business. But financial wellness isn’t just about reaching milestones; it’s about the habits and choices we make every day. It’s a practice, and like any practice, it gets stronger with personalized guidance, practical support and trusted resources.

Commissioner Donna Miller Presents Official Cook County Civility Month Resolution at Chicago Urban League Press Conference

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller joined community leaders, elected officials, and advocates at the Chicago Urban League to celebrate the launch of Civility Month in Illinois and to present an official copy of the Cook County Resolution declaring August as Civility Month in Cook County.