Local News
Hirschauer Landmark Safe Gun Storage Bill in Effect
A staunch advocate for safe firearm practices and lessening the rate of preventable gun violence across Illinois, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting a first-of-its-kind safe storage law that went into effect Jan. 1st.
Renowned Poet and Educator Mayda Alexandra del Valle to Serve as Next Chicago Poet Laureate
Mayor Brandon Johnson, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Public Library and the Poetry Foundation, announced Mayda Alexandra del Valle as Chicago’s second Poet Laureate.
INTERSTATE SHOOTINGS DECREASE FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR WITH ZERO FATAL SHOOTINGS IN 2025
For the fourth year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2025, compared to 2024, with zero fatal interstate shooting in Illinois. This is the first time in roughly a decade there has been zero interstate shooting fatalities.
Cook County Department of Public Health Encourages Residents to Test Their Homes During Radon Action Month
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is recognizing Radon Action Month by urging residents, no matter where they live, to test their homes for radon, a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that can cause lung cancer.
Get Covered Illinois Gives Residents More Time to Enroll in Health Insurance, Deadline Now January 31
Get Covered Illinois announced that it is giving residents an additional 16 days to enroll in health insurance through the state’s official marketplace. Customers now have until January 31 to apply for and enroll in coverage.
Illinois CPA Society Announces Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program Scholars
The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) and its charitable partner, the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois, are proud to recognize the 14th cohort of the annual Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program. This award-winning program equips Illinois-based college students pursuing accounting careers with training, resources, and mentorship designed to prepare them for successful internships. The program expands access and preparedness for students who are historically underrepresented in the profession, including those from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds, first-generation college students, and others who have faced systemic barriers.
Welch Marks Five Historic Years as Speaker of the Illinois House
Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is recognizing five years of leadership in the House, and the transformational changes delivered in that time. Since assuming leadership on January 13, 2020, Welch has dedicated his tenure to advancing an agenda focused on economic opportunity, healthcare expansion, education reform, and fairness for all Illinois residents.
Giannoulias Announces 3rd Annual John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
In partnership with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the recipients of the third annual John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (JLYLA), honoring two outstanding young Illinois leaders whose service reflects the enduring legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis.
SOUTH SIDE HEALTHY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ENSURES ACCESS TO CARE FOR SOUTH SIDE RESIDENTS AFTER ACA SUBSIDY EXPIRATION
The South Side Healthy Community Organization (SSHCO) announced that it will continue to provide critical healthcare access and support to South Side residents following the expiration of key Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies on December 31, which has left millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands in Cook County, facing sharply higher premiums or at risk of losing their insurance altogether. SSHCO is a nonprofit that subsidizes providers on the South Side so that residents can access care within their own community, provides a free doula program for new mothers, and connects patients to primary care physicians, healthy food and even transportation.
Chicago Faces Potential $60 Million Cut to Homeless Services as Winter Walk Mobilizes Emergency Response
Chicago’s homelessness response system could lose tens of millions of dollars within weeks under proposed federal funding changes, a shift advocates warn would dramatically increase street homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
THE DISTRICT COUNCIL NOMINATING COMMITTEE OPENS APPLICATIONS TO FILL THREE UPCOMING VACANCIES ON THE COMMUNITY COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CCPSA)
The District Council Nominating Committee invites qualified city leaders to apply to fill three upcoming vacancies on the seven-member Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). Applications will be open for 30 days. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by February 6, 2026, and may access the application here.
American Airlines and OBAP celebrate 50 years of progress and 100 years of flight
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and American Airlines proudly announce their partnership for OBAP's 50th Anniversary Celebration. As the event's official Title Sponsor, American Airlines joins OBAP in honoring five decades of advancing awareness, access and opportunities for careers in aviation for those who otherwise may have not known it was possible. This partnership is especially significant as American Airlines celebrates its centennial year in 2026, marking 100 years of connecting people and places around the world.
Bradlink's President Helen Callier to Speak at the University of Texas Austin Readiness Training Program for HUB's Graduation
Bradlink LLC President Helen Callier will speak at the University of Texas at Austin signature IC2 Institute's Readiness Training Program (RTP) Graduation for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB's). Helen leads an award-winning SBA small business and industry recognized government contracting firm that provides technical services to various local agencies including Austin Independent School District (AISD).
Aetna Better Health of Illinois and Blueberry Pediatrics Team Up to Expand Pediatric Care Access in Cook County
Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, a CVS Health® company, has collaborated with Blueberry Pediatrics to deliver remote, around-the-clock pediatric care to families across Cook County—home to nearly one-third of Aetna Better Health of Illinois’ pediatric members statewide. The joint effort will expand statewide in phases.
