Local News

Rep. Kelly awards $850,000 to City of Paxton for Market Street streetscape improvements

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined state Sen. Chris Balkema, state Rep. Jason Bunting, and Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold yesterday to award $850,000 in federal funding to the City of Paxton to continue streetscape improvements along Market Street in the city's downtown core. Rep. Kelly secured the funding through the annual Community Project Funding request process.

Leadership Greater Chicago Selects the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows 43 esteemed cross-sector professionals will convene to drive transformational change in the region

Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) announced the 43 distinguished leaders selected for the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows, representing the 42nd Class of the region’s premier civic leadership development program. They join LGC’s diverse network of cross-sector business and civic leaders committed to spearheading transformative change.

Dr. Blondean Y. Davis Honored as Educator of the Year by America's Big Sisters Foundation

Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, center, accepts the Educator of the Year Award from Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson, right, founder of the America's Big Sisters Foundation, as ABC7 Chicago anchor and event emcee Val Warner looks on during the Foundation's 9th Anniversary Champions for Youth Awards Luncheon at Wind Creek Casino in East Hazel Crest.

Cook County Leaders Urge Medicaid Members to Prepare for Upcoming Eligibility Changes

Cook County leaders are encouraging Medicaid members to learn about upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility and renewal requirements so they can avoid unnecessary gaps in their health coverage.

ADVOCATES CALL ON CHICAGO SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES TO PLEDGE TO PROTECT HUMAN-CENTERED EDUCATION

The pro-public school advocacy organization Illinois Families for Public Schools announced a Pledge to Protect Human-Centered Education. The organization is asking all candidates running for the Chicago Board of Education to commit to the Pledge. So far, 22 candidates have committed.

Grand Victoria Foundation Relaunches as AMARA, Reaffirming Commitment to Racial Justice and Funding Black-Centered Organizations Across Illinois

As many philanthropic institutions scale back public commitments to racial equity amid political and legal pressure, one Illinois grant-maker is making its commitment even more explicit.

IDFPR Makes it Easier for Industry Professionals to Report Suspected Misconduct Directly to Regulators

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced on National Whistleblower Day the launch of a new online page for whistleblower complaints to be submitted to the Division of Financial Institutions.

Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Announces Scholarship Winners

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has named the winners of several scholarship award programs designed to support students pursuing careers in STEM and manufacturing, with the goal of inspiring future generations of leaders and innovators.

GLENWOOD CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW OUTDOOR FITNESS COURT Arquilla Park

Glenwood Mayor Toleda Hart, joined by elected officials and community leaders, cut the ribbon on a new outdoor fitness court at Arquilla Park.

Put Your Actions Where Your Heart Is….

When I was a child, I was surrounded by wise folks who spoke words that still resonate in my heart and mind. "Baby, you can't pour from an empty cup — but you also can't fill one that stays sealed shut." That saying needed no explanation back then. Today, its wisdom has lost its savor, and few live it out anymore. Stick with me — this ain't about to turn into a sermon. It's just good, old-fashioned common sense I hope you'll take to heart and pass on.

CHA STUDENTS IN SUMMER ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM WILL PITCH IDEAS IN THE 'SHARK TANK'

Chicago Housing Authority students participating in Future Founders’ “Be Your Own Boss” program presented their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of experts in a “Shark Tank”-like setting Thursday, July 30 at Future Founders headquarters Downtown.

MAYOR THADDEUS JONES AND THE CITY OF CALUMET CITY BRING COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT CELEBRATION FILLED WITH FAMILY FUN, MUSIC, AND COMMUNITY

The City of Calumet City welcomed hundreds of residents, families, first responders, and community partners for a successful National Night Out celebration that united the community for an evening of entertainment, neighborhood engagement, and public safety awareness. Held as part of the nationwide National Night Out initiative, the annual celebration showcased Calumet City's ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships between residents and the City's Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department, and other community partners.

SOUTH SIDE HELP CENTER LAUNCHES NEW HIV PREVENTION CAMPAIGN TO REACH BLACK WOMEN ACROSS CHICAGO AND ILLINOIS

The South Side Help Center launched a new public education campaign to increase awareness of HIV prevention among Black women in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The campaign encourages women to take advantage of free HIV screenings and learn about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a medication that can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact by about 99% when taken as prescribed.

Skip a DMV Trip by Visiting the Secretary of State Tent at the Illinois State Fair

llinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting Illinois State Fair visitors to stop by the office’s tent to apply for a REAL ID, renew a driver’s license or vehicle registration, explore family history through free genealogy searches, meet award-winning Illinois authors and enjoy free activities for kids.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Illinois Lottery Veterans' Cash Grants Recipients

Recently, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced nearly $1 million in grants to support organizations providing vital services to veterans and their families across Illinois for the first quarter of FY27.