Local News
Peoples Gas reducing November bills by $56 per customer
Peoples Gas is reducing each of its customers’ bills by $56 for the month of November. The reductions will automatically appear as bill credits on statements customers receive through Dec. 3. The bill credits are a result of a settlement Peoples Gas made earlier this year that resolved proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) related to construction and uncollectible bill reconciliations.
Lilly Recognized for Expanding Access to Preeclampsia Testing During Prematurity Awareness Month
As November marks Prematurity Awareness Month, state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is being recognized for her work to raise awareness of preeclampsia and expand access to biomarker testing that can help identify pregnancy risks earlier and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Olive-Harvey College to unveil life-size mural honoring its namesakes and Vietnam War heroes Milton L. Olive III and Carmel B. Harvey Jr. on November 12, hold Veterans Conference that is free and open
Olive-Harvey College (OHC) proudly announces the upcoming reveal and dedication of a striking, full-wall mural honoring the legacy of its namesakes, Private First Class Milton L. Olive III and Specialist Four Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr. The newly commissioned artwork, created by Jess Patterson, a talented Chicago visual artist and muralist, is permanently installed within the Veterans Center located in the main building. The official unveiling and dedication ceremony will take place at 11:45am on November 12.
Chicago City Council Budget Accountability Coalition Tells Mayor Johnson His FY27 Budget Lacks Votes Needed to Pass
oday, 28 members of the Chicago City Council Budget Accountability Coalition sent a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson outlining that his proposed FY2027 budget does not have the 26 votes needed for passage. The letter communicates the coalition's concerns with the Mayor's proposal, including a new tax on jobs, a 33% increase in the personal property lease transaction tax, tens of millions in new spending, and a reliance on one-time revenues and borrowing to close the City's $882.4 million budget deficit. The coalition also criticized the administration's failure to identify meaningful government efficiencies and pursue billions in outstanding debt owed to the City. The coalition called on the Mayor to rework his proposal and present a responsible, structurally balanced budget that protects essential services, supports job growth and can earn the 26 votes needed for passage.
Black McDonald’s Operators Association Expands 26th Annual Turkey Giveaway with Essential Resources for Local Families and Veterans
The Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana will bring holiday meals and essential community resources to thousands of local families and veterans as its annual Food for the Body & Spirit initiative returns for its 26th year. The giveaway will take place November 10–14 at five McDonald’s locations across the Chicagoland area.
The DuSable Museum Announces Free Admission for Veterans
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center announced the launch of a new initiative providing free Museum admission to veterans beginning Veterans Day, November 11, 2026. The initiative recognizes the service and sacrifice of veterans while creating greater opportunities for them to engage with the stories, people and experiences being preserved and amplified through the work of the Museum.
Treasurer Pappas Announces the Fewest Number of Cook County Homes and other Properties Eligible for Tax Sale in Decades
For the first time since at least 1994 fewer than 10,000 properties are eligible for sale in Cook County’s annual tax sale according to Treasurer’s Office records. As of today 9,481 properties are eligible to go up for sale at the Dec. 15, 2026, tax sale following reforms that gave property owners more time to pay.
LIFELONG GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND SISTER OF FORMER HARVEY MAYOR ERIC KELLOGG SUCCUMBS AT 82
For decades the management of many suburban towns and villages in Cook County was male dominated and lacked gender equality. Women were often limited to secretarial and other paraprofessional roles within the government operations of towns. Women who desired a head management role would look beyond the suburban region and explore opportunities within the City of Chicago or State of Illinois.
CHICAGO COMEDIAN DAMON WILLIAMS AND OTHER NOTABLES TO JOIN STUDENTS IN THEIR ATTEMPT TO HELP THEIR PARENTS FOR CHRISTMAS
Dean Barnett- President of Illinois Grade School District 152 ½ - along with General Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Levy- will be joined by Chicago Comedian Damon Williams ,students, District staff, and faculty in a Charity basketball game featuring district staff versus the students to raise money for families who have yet to overcome the violent summer tornados and storms of 2026.
Cook County Board of Review Opens Fourth Group of Townships for 2026 Property Tax Appeal Season
The Cook County Board of Review (CCBOR) will begin accepting 2026 property tax assessment appeals for the fourth group of townships. The fourth group will open for filing on Monday, November 9, 2026. Property owners in these designated townships are encouraged to review their assessments and file an appeal if they believe their assessed value is inaccurate.The filing period for Group 4 will close on Tuesday, December 8.
Safe Sleep Event Connects Chicago Families With Resources to Protect Infants
Families, healthcare providers and community organizations came together last week to promote infant sleep safety and raise awareness about practices that help reduce sleep-related infant deaths.
Ursula Burns, Karen S. Carter, Black Enterprise, and Procter \& Gamble Honored at BECA 2026 Manifest Awards
BECA, an alliance of C-suite marketing and marketing-adjacent executives dedicated to sharing knowledge, developing future leaders and creating a more inclusive pipeline of marketing leadership, celebrated its fifth anniversary at the 2026 BECA Manifest Awards \& Symposium on October 8 at The St. Regis Bal Harbour in Bal Harbour, Florida,
You Can’t Beat God Giving
What if the best gift you give this holiday season doesn't come in a box, have a price tag, or require a trip to the mall? What if it is something you give with your time, your talents, and a little concern for somebody who may be feeling forgotten?
Johnny Gill to Headline Chicago Urban League's 65th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner; Peggy Montes and Larry Huggins Named 2026 Honorees
The Chicago Urban League has announced that Grammy Award-nominated, multi- platinum R&B singer Johnny Gill will headline its 65th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner (GFD) on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place. The League also announced its 2026 honorees: museum founder and civic leader Peggy Montes, who will receive the Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Award, and businessman and philanthropist Larry Huggins, who will receive the Lester McKeever Individual Service Award. Comedian Damon Williams will host the event.
