Local News
Harper Calls for Greater Equity, Reform at Statewide Town Hall
Following the gathering of operators, advocates, farmers, regulators, and community members for a timely discussion titled “The State of Cannabis, Hemp & Equity in Illinois: Progress, Challenges & What Comes Next,” which examined the current state of Illinois’ cannabis and hemp industries and the ongoing effort to fulfill the state’s equity commitments, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, emphasized that while progress has been made, work remains to ensure equity and opportunity stay at the forefront of the industry’s future.
Bally’s Corporation Earns MBE Certification from NMSDC, Becoming One of the First Publicly Traded Organizations to Achieve Important Designation
Bally’s Corporation (NYSE: BALY) today announced that it has achieved Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification through NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council), positioning the Company as the first publicly traded gaming organization to earn this designation — a milestone that underscores Bally’s leadership in advancing supplier diversity, equitable economic participation, and inclusive growth at scale.
Giannoulias’ Auto Insurance Reform Bill Passes Illinois Senate
Senate Bill 714 builds on the Secretary of State’s statewide Driving Change initiative, which was launched to address rising and increasingly unaffordable insurance costs and spotlight unfair and discriminatory ratemaking practices impacting Illinois drivers. Meanwhile, Illinois remains one of only two states without a process to review or challenge rate increases.
Help.Guide.Thrive Launched in Illinois as Community Operations Care HUB
Help.Guide.Thrive (HGT HUB), a new Community Operations Care HUB in Illinois, has officially launched as a nonprofit organization founded by The HAP Foundation, Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), and Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA). The HGT HUB will support networks of healthcare providers and community-based organizations (CBOs) by coordinating resources and services that address a broad range of health-related social needs.
SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2026 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR
Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting, today announced Antonela Qyra as its 2026 Teacher of the Year and Raynard Gillispie as its 2026 Staff of the Year.
Honey Pot Performance Celebrates 25 Years with Season of Dance, Memory and Black Joy Across Chicago’s West Side
As Chicago prepares for a summer of festivals and cultural programming, Honey Pot Performance (HPP) marks 25 years of radical artistry, cultural preservation and community storytelling with a dynamic line-up of performances, exhibitions and public programs that exploring the roots of house music, community memory and Black joy as both cultural practice and political expression.
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater to Unveil Groundbreaking Premieres at 30th Anniversary Performance at The Auditorium on May 30th
As ongoing funding challenges continue to impact Chicago's arts landscape, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is preparing to celebrate its landmark 30th anniversary season with a one-night-only, must-see show at The Auditorium on May 30th.
Assessor’s Office Defends Higher Data Center Assessments at Appeal Hearings
To protect homeowners from undue property tax burden, the Cook County Assessor’s Office successfully defended its assessments of data centers and other large north suburban commercial properties during 2025 Cook County Board of Review appeal hearings.
United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros Hosts First-of-Its-Kind All Fed-Head Summit in Chicago
Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today assembled the highest law enforcement leadership from the entire federal apparatus in the Chicagoland region for a historic, first-of-its-kind summit to discuss collaborative efforts to oversee important federal enforcement priorities and do the people’s business. The most senior leaders from more than 40 federal agencies operating in the Chicagoland region participated in the summit, as did nine U.S. Attorneys from the Seventh Circuit (Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin) and other federal districts, in addition to the Head of the Department of Justice’s Trade Fraud Task Force.
Refinancing readiness and navigating the process in today’s market
Depending on where you are in your homeownership journey, refinancing your mortgage can be an effective strategy to help you meet your financial goals. Refinancing may help you save money over time or add money back to your monthly budget if you score a lower interest rate. And depending on the type of refinance you choose, you could also borrow against your home’s equity to pay down debt or make a major purchase.
Good Family Fun
On Sunday — Mother's Day — I took a stroll down memory lane. Try it, you might like it. And your family, if not now, then certainly later, will appreciate your efforts to leave them a family trail and tale to follow.
KIRK FRANKLIN HONORED WITH SOUNDEXCHANGE HALL OF FAME AWARD
Contemporary gospel icon Kirk Franklin has earned a SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award, recognizing him as one of the most-streamed artists in the organization's 20-plus year history of administering digital performance royalties.
Alders Demand Answers on Delays to Gunshot Detection Technology and Police Records System
Aldermen Brian Hopkins, Peter Chico, Derrick G. Curtis and members of the Chicago City Council are convening a hearing before the Committee on Public Safety to examine ongoing delays in procuring two major public safety technologies: a new records management system for the Chicago Police Department and a replacement acoustic gunshot detection technology system.
CHICAGO RESTAURANTS TURN MENU ITEMS INTO SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE THIS MAY
One Hope United, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families through foster care, early childhood education, and mental health services, launches its first annual Sip & Share for Foster Care campaign in recognition of National Foster Care Awareness Month this May.