Local News
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.
Michael Reese Health Trust Announces First $1 Million in Grants from Prairie State Access Fund
The Michael Reese Health Trust announced the first round of grants from the Prairie State Access Fund, awarding $1 million in flexible funding to four organizations across Illinois’ reproductive and sexual healthcare ecosystem: Chicago Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Repro TLC, and the Red Tent Fund.
DineAmic Hospitality Unveils Mosaic, a Versatile New Private Event Venue in River North
DineAmic Hospitality introduces Mosaic, a recently unveiled private event venue in River North designed to host elevated gatherings of all kinds just steps from the Chicago River. Blending modern design with timeless character, Mosaic offers a flexible, design-forward space paired with a curated menu featuring signature dishes from DineAmic Hospitality’s most celebrated restaurants.
Price vs. Protection: Who Wins?
When I meet people at seminars or after speaking engagements, many tell me they never realized how exposed their assets truly are. It is an eye-opening moment. Most people believe they are protected—until they discover how easily everything they own can be put at risk.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago Names Soche Picard as Executive Event Chair
For more than three decades, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities across the nation in an effort to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. This year marks a significant milestone for the Chicago walk, as Soche Picard, CEO of Arc Worldwide, will serve as the first-ever Executive Event Chair, signaling a new chapter of community engagement in support of the American Cancer Society’s mission. As a breast cancer survivor and business leader, Picard brings both personal passion and strategic stewardship to the role.