Local News
Local organization to host its 3rd Annual Dream Out Loud Conference for youth to explore careers in various industries
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Leaders in Transformational Education will host its 3rd Annual Dream Out Loud Youth Conference at the Sheraton Lisle/Naperville, 3000 Warrenville Rd., from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Chicago Public Schools Opens Applications for Free Preschool Programs
Applications for Chicago Public Schools’ 2026–27 preschool programs are open, giving families access to high-quality programs for four-year-olds and a limited number of half-day programs for three-year-olds at 372 elementary schools across the District. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, families are encouraged to apply within the first three weeks for the widest selection of options.
Customers urged to stay connected if they are behind on bills State moratorium on disconnection expires
Peoples Gas is urging customers who may be behind on their energy bills to reach out as soon as possible to avoid disconnection. Illinois’ winter moratorium on residential disconnection expired at the start of April.
Have It Your Way!
Let me speak plainly for a moment. Some of the biggest financial mistakes are not the ones you see coming. They are the quiet ones—the ones you believe have already been taken care of. Paperwork sitting in a desk drawer, file cabinet, or safety deposit box, untouched for years, waiting to override everything you thought you had in place.
The Clerk of Circuit Court To Hold Amnesty Week
The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office will hold Amnesty Week from April 27th to May 1st. It is an opportunity for people to pay their moving traffic violations, with the fees waived. It does not include red light camera tickets or parking tickets, which are enforced by the municipalities.
Legislation Aims To Provide Equitable Funding To Public Universities
Legislation currently in the Illinois House seeks to make funding public universities more equitable. Illinois Senate Bill 813/Illinois House Bill 1581, The Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act, would make the Illinois Board of Higher Education responsible for distributing all general operating expenses for public universities using a statewide funding formula. The legislation was introduced by Illinois State Senator Kimberly Lightford and Illinois State Representative Carol Ammons.
Comedian And Actor Lil Rel Howery Leads Storytime At Nia Family Center
Comedian and Actor Lil Rel Howery recently read the book, Raindrops to Rainbows, to preschool aged children at the Nia Family Center, located at 744 N. Monticello, on the city’s West side. The story time was part of a partnership with Chicago Commons, Share Our Spare and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Michael Reese Health Trust Gives Support For A Healthier Illinois
Michael Reese Hospital was founded in 1881 in the city’s Bronzeville community as a space for people who faced barriers to healthcare. What resulted is that the hospital built a broader community that made healthcare accessible to all people. The Michael Reese Health Trust was established around 30 years ago when Michael Reese Hospital was closed, as a way to carry the hospital’s mission forward. Now the Michael Reese Health Trust is supporting organizations and providers that make access to reproductive and sexual healthcare more available to people who need those services the most.
La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center Celebrates 40 Years of Healing and Hope for more than 10,000 Local Children Impacted by Abuse and Trauma
La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is proud to celebrate 40 years of providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to children and families impacted by child abuse and violence. Since its start in 1986, La Rabida CAC has served more than 10,000 children and has become a trusted resource for some of the region’s most vulnerable children, helping them find safety, support, and a path toward healing.
Thirty Years of Runaway Property Taxes Demand Action
Since I came into this office in 1998 there’s been one constant, the inexorable rise of property tax bills. To better understand why, my office conducted a 30-year analysis of property tax data. The findings make clear the current system is broken.
New Ventra-Divvy Pilot Promotion
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace Suburban Bus, and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) are making it even easier to get around Chicago by adding a new bonus to riders who purchase a 30-day CTA/Pace pass. Today, the Chicago Transit Board approved the Intergovernmental Agreement between CTA and the City of Chicago. The promotional product is expected to launch later in April.
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE® RETURNS APRIL 11 TO WELCOME SPRING
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Parade® presented by Events DC, returns to Constitution Ave. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a lineup of vibrant floats, giant helium balloons and lively performances.
Illinois Department of Revenue Reminds Taxpayers of Postal Service Changes That May Affect Tax Filing Deadlines
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers about changes announced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding postmarks that could affect tax filing deadlines in 2026.
Giannoulias Hosting First-Ever Free Business Services Resource Fair to Support Illinois Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting entrepreneurs, small business owners and aspiring founders to attend the office’s first-ever free Business Services Resource Fair, an event designed to help Illinoisans turn business ideas into real opportunities.