Local News
HFS Awards New HealthChoice Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Contracts
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has awarded new HealthChoice Illinois (HCI) contracts to six Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). The new contracts will make significant improvements to the way that the Medicaid program operates by holding the MCOs accountable for how they serve customers by promoting whole person care. The new contracts now require MCOs to improve the integration of physical and behavioral healthcare with a focus on health-related social needs that drive health outcomes, ensure equitable access to quality care and culturally competent services, pay for value to drive health outcomes, and nurture strong partnerships with providers, community members, MCOs and other stakeholders
Chicago Nonprofit and Chick-fil-A South Loop Are Helping to Bring Free Vision Care to Chicago Kids
The Experiences That Matter Foundation’s 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign launches its 2026 summer tour with a week-long Chick-fil-A South Loop fundraiser and community showcase –raising funds to bring free vision care to 500 Chicago-area children this season
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Launches Pro-Growth Initiative, Grow Chicago, to Drive Economic Development and Opportunity Across the Region
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce today launched Grow Chicago, a pro-growth advocacy initiative dedicated to raising the voice of local businesses and advancing sustainable policies that create jobs, support families and communities, and ensure the long-term economic health of the region.
Giannoulias Ends Mandatory Road Tests for Drivers Ages 79-86
Road Safety & Fairness Act Takes Effect July 1, Replacing Outdated Age-Based Requirement with Smarter, Data-Driven Approach A major component of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ Road Safety & Fairness Act will begin next month with the elimination of the state’s mandatory behind-the-wheel driving tests for Illinois drivers ages 79 to 86.
Kennedy-King College chosen to host NJCAA Region 4 Division I Basketball Tournament
Kennedy-King College (KKC) has been officially selected to host the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 4 Division I Men’s and Women’s basketball postseason tournaments for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
THE SALVATION ARMY OPENS NEW VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER IN ILLINOIS TO STRENGTHEN SUPPORT NETWORKS FOR RETURNING SERVICE MEMBERS
The Salvation Army has launched a new Veterans Resource Center in Champaign, introducing a community-based model designed to help Illinois veterans navigate the transition back to civilian life at a time when demand for coordinated support remains high statewide.
Pastor Norwood Fights to Save Jonestown Innocent Children Base Headquarters - A 32-Year Sanctuary
For 32 years, the Base Headquarters of the Annual Jonestown Cherishing the Innocent Children and Hero Families Memorial and Wall has stood as a sanctuary of truth, prayer, and remembrance. Pastor Jynona Norwood designed the only memorial on earth dedicated solely to the 305 innocent children who entered Jonestown one way and had no way out.
Your home is an investment --How to create generational wealth
For most Americans, owning a home has long been considered a cornerstone to building and preserving generational wealth. A home purchase often symbolizes more than just securing a place to live – homeownership can help anchor families, support long-term financial stability and fuel local economic growth.
“BRONZEVILLE TRAIL” SOIL TESTING SCHEDULED BY COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
On Monday June 22, 2026, at 9:30 AM at 40th and State Street, Chicago, IL, the Cook County Department of Environment & Sustainability has scheduled environmental soil testing from the top of the Kenwood ‘L’ Embankment to get an idea of the condition of the soil after almost seventy years of non-passenger service. Contractors will hoist drilling and other equipment to the top of the embankment. This will represent the first physical manifestation that the Bronzeville Trail Development Project is in progress.
Chicago Members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Join African American Male Wellness Agency for 3rd Annual Black Men's Wellness Day
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, Chicago members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will join the African American Male Wellness Agency for a massive convening of health, wellness, and community resources in one of the most impactful single day men's wellness events in recent memory.
The Salvation Army Celebrates 88 Years of National Donut Day Across Chicagoland
If you spotted free donuts in and around your neighborhood today, there's a story behind them that most Chicagoans don't know. National Donut Day exists because of The Salvation Army. The holiday traces back to the organization's female volunteers who served donuts to soldiers on the front lines of World War I and was formally established as an annual celebration in Chicago in 1938. Today, 88 years later, The Salvation Army marked the occasion with community celebrations across the Chicagoland area — right where it all began.
Happy Juneteenth!!!
Unless you grew up in Texas the concept of Juneteenth as a holiday was not a part of your experience growing up. Being from Tennessee I did not learn about Juneteenth until my most beloved friend, Margaret McCrumby, affectionately called Muff, shared with me the delight she experienced as a child growing up in Fort Worth. Texas in the 30’s and 40’s. Her whole countenance changed when she relayed the many stories retrieved from her memories of Juneteenth Celebrations. Her reflections were always about the wonderful experiences of food, entertainment, gifts, a day off from work, and a feeling of both the white and Black community coming together to celebrate that holiday as a unified community.
United African Organization to Host Free Citizenship Clinic in Bolingbrook
The United African Organization (UAO) will host a free citizenship clinic on June 18 to help lawful permanent residents navigate the process of becoming U.S. citizens.
Chicago Nonprofit and Chick-fil-A South Loop Are Helping to Bring Free Vision Care to Chicago Kids
Just in time for summer, the Experiences That Matter Foundation (ETM Foundation) is partnering with Chick-fil-A South Loop for a week-long fundraiser from June 22–27, 2026, marking the official kickoff to the organization’s 2026 summer mobile vision clinic tour. A portion of proceeds from qualifying purchases — made via the Chick-fil-A mobile app or in-restaurant dining — will directly benefit their 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign, which provides free comprehensive eye exams and same-day prescription glasses to uninsured and underinsured children ages 3–18 across Chicago and surrounding communities.
