Local News
BlackDoctor Names Akinwole "Aki" Garrett Chief Executive Officer, Appointing a New Generation of Leadership to Drive the Company's Next Chapter
BlackDoctor, the leading digital health media platform dedicated to the health and wellness of Black Americans, today announced the appointment of Akinwole "Aki" Garrett as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. Garrett, who has served as the company's President and Chief Operating Officer, steps into the role with a clear mandate: accelerate BlackDoctor's growth, expand its platform capabilities, and deepen its impact on the communities it serves. Reginald Ware, who founded the company and has led it since inception, will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board.
LOCAL ORGANIZATION STEPPING UP TO PROVIDE RESOURCES AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS THAT EMPOWER RESIDENTS AND ENSURE SAFER DRINKING WATER
Now more than ever, families and communities rely on organizations to help them make smarter choices, manage household expenses, put food on the table, and stay healthy. Local organizations and municipalities are stepping up to provide resources and educational materials that empower residents to take practical steps toward energy savings, improve home efficiency, and ensure safer drinking water.
Illinois Department of Corrections Hosts Freedom Reads for Inside Literary Prize Events at Logan and Shawnee Correctional Centers
The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) welcomed the national non-profit Freedom Reads to Logan and Shawnee Correctional Centers to facilitate book discussions, voting, and author events for the third annual Inside Literary Prize. During the visit to Logan Correctional Center, Freedom Reads also opened seven new Freedom Libraries in housing units throughout the facility, expanding access to literature and creating lasting spaces for connection and reflection. The new libraries at Logan Correctional Center bring the total to 35 Freedom Libraries installed in four IDOC facilities since 2022, including six at Decatur Correctional Center, 16 at Illinois River Correctional Center, and one at Lincoln Correctional Center.
Deadline to Apply for Property Tax Savings is May 15
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced the deadline for homeowners to apply for property tax exemptions is Friday, May 15.
Giannoulias Unveils First-Ever Business Services Center, Streamlining Services for Faster, More Convenient Access
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the opening of the office’s first-ever Business Services Center in downtown Chicago, bringing together key business-related services in a centralized, customer-focused location while reducing operational costs.
A Day of Wellness + Jump Rope-a-Thon Fundraiser Focused on Movement, Healing, and Community Care
Black Girls Jump, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the art of Double Dutch and promoting health through culturally relevant fitness, proudly announces Jump, Heal & Thrive — A Day of Wellness + Jump Rope-a-Thon, taking place Saturday, May 16th in Chicago.
New Data: Violent Retail Crime on the Rise in Illinois
Illinois retail workers are facing rising levels of in-store violence tied to repeat and organized offenders, according to new data from global retail crime intelligence company Auror.
Chicago Restaurant Industry Lost 2,100 Jobs in 2025
New data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Chicago’s full-service restaurants lost another 2,100 jobs in the past 12 months, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing Chicago’s restaurant industry.
Illinois Fallen Firefighter Remembered and Firefighters Honored for Distinguished Service to their Communities
Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele L. Pankow and members from the Illinois Fire Service gathered today to honor and remember a fallen Chicago Fire Department Captain and recognize those who went above and beyond their duties at the 33rd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.
CRYSTAL R. EMERY, DIRECTOR, AUTHOR, AND ADVOCATE, DIES AT 65
Crystal R. Emery, an award‑winning producer, director, author, and nationally recognized STEM and disability advocate whose work championed equity and inclusion across film, theater, publishing and education, died Tuesday. She was 65.
TRAFFIC SCHEDULED TO SHIFT ON FRANKLIN AVENUE/GREEN STREET IN BENSENVILLE, FRANKLIN PARK
Traffic shifts are scheduled to begin this week on Franklin Avenue/ Green Street between York Road and Runge Street as work continues on a Cook County roadway improvement project to accommodate the Illinois Tollway’s I-490/Franklin Avenue Interchange Project.
SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Illinois Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Low interest disaster loans now available
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Illinois businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by severe storms and flash flooding occurring July 25 – 28, 2025. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. JB Pritzker on April 22.
COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER TO GALVANIZE HUGE GATHERING TO RESPOND AND COMBAT RACIST RECENT SUPREME COURT RULINGS AGAINST BLACKS
Dr. Kisha McCaskill- Cook County Commissioner for the 5th District- will be joined by Chicago area NAACP President Gary Dingle, a mass group of county, local and state elected officials, civic leaders, and a mass audience of mostly African American Cook County residents in a town hall meeting concerning recent Supreme court decisions and actions in Louisiana and Tennessee that moves to disenfranchise to remove political empowerment in black communities.
HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS
Friday, May 15th Stephanie Mills and Shalamar @ Hard Rock Casino Live – Doors open at 7 p.m. Stephanie Mills is a Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and Broadway star. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she started singing at the age of three. Stephanie won the competitive Amateur Hour at the Apollo for six straight weeks and made her Broadway debut at a young age starring in the musical “Maggie Flynn.” As Shalamar, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel collected more than 100 gold, silver and platinum awards. Howard and Jeffrey, together with Carolyn Griffey – the daughter of Solar Records founder Dick Griffey and longest serving female member of the group, bring an exciting blend of funk, disco and soul to every live show. Tickets start at $65. Ticketmaster.com