Local News
Amid Budget Cuts, Seven Local Nonprofits Will Receive Transformative Grants Totaling $490,000
At a time when many government-funded programs are being scaled back, seven Chicago nonprofits working on the city’s most urgent issues will receive a combined $490,000 in funding from Impact Grants Chicago, a women-powered collective giving organization.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES $7M CITY INVESTMENT TO INCREASE COMPENSATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS
Mayor Johnson and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced a $7M City investment to provide a cost-per-child increase towards salaries for early childhood professionals. Leveraging Mayor Johnson’s $7M investment, this will be the first time Corporate funds are applied for early childhood workforce enhancements. At least 3,000 early childhood workers across at least 86 early care and education providers will receive wage increases averaging 5-10% to bring their pay closer in line with the broader K-12 education workforce.
Jiménez-Backed Law Increasing State Support for More Affordable Housing Solutions Advances to House Floor
State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, passed a measure out of the Housing Committee on Wednesday, May 7, that would support community land trusts in their efforts to create lasting affordable housing amid rising mortgage and rental costs.
Illinois State Parks and Historic Sites Attract Highest Number of Visitors in Over a Decade
During National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-10), Governor Pritzker announced that more than 41 million visitors visited Illinois state parks and historic sites, the highest number in nearly 15 years. The surge coincides with increases in investments and efforts by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Office of Tourism to attract local, national, and international travelers by improving recreational opportunities, investing in park facilities and infrastructure, and featuring Illinois parks and historic sites prominently in the state’s Middle of Everything tourism campaign.
Illinois Senate Passes Bill to Curb Junk Fees and Lower Costs
In a victory for working families struggling with the affordability crisis and deceptive corporate practices, the Illinois State Senate passed the Illinois Junk Fee Transparency Act (SB1486) to curb the widespread use of deceptive and excessive junk fees. Economic Security Illinois Action put forward the legislation with lead sponsor Senator Omar Aquino and in partnership with Representative Bob Morgan and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and DARPA QBI Performer Diraq Sign Letter of Intent to Join Park as a Future Tenant
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) announced it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Diraq to join the Park as a future tenant. The LOI outlines plans to initially locate at the IQMP’s On-Ramp, a program designed to allow companies who will ultimately be tenants at the IQMP to enter and leverage the Chicago and Illinois quantum ecosystem by operating out of a local innovation facility while the campus is under development.
HIGH MUSEUM OF ART NAMES ALISON SAAR RECIPIENT OF 2025 DAVID C. DRISKELL PRIZE
The High Museum of Art today announced artist Alison Saar as the 2025 recipient of the David C. Driskell Prize in recognition of her contributions to the field of African American art. Saar will be honored at the 20th annual Driskell Prize Gala at the High on at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, featuring a performance by EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum musician John Legend. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the $50,000 prize demonstrates the High's ongoing dedication to furthering artistic innovation and promoting research of African American artists and scholars. The announcement took place during an exclusive event hosted by The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City during New York Art Week.
Alzheimer’s Association Statement on First Blood Test Used in Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease Cleared for Use by FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the first blood test to aid in diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The test detects amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, through a blood draw, making it less invasive than other more commonly used diagnostic tools.
Look Before You Leap: Choosing the Right Medicare Plan
Summer is here, and if you’re 65 or older and love to travel, now is the time to make sure your Medicare plan still fits your lifestyle. With Medicare Open Enrollment coming this fall, you’ll have the chance to switch plans if needed.
Project Tracks How CPS Supports Effect College Success
According to research done by the To & Through Project, if current rates hold, 31% of current CPS ninth-graders would complete a college credential within 10 years. This data comes from a study that was released in fall of 2024, using 2023 data. The project, which is housed at the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute, has been tracking this data since it has been in existence for 10 years.
First Of Ten Advocate Health Care ‘Neighborhood Care Clinics’ Opens In Chatham
Advocate Health has opened the first of its ten neighborhood care clinics in New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, located at 7640 S. Cottage Grove. The clinic at the church, which opened in early April, is part of Advocate Health Care’s $1 billion investment to improve health outcomes on the South side of Chicago.
City Year Executive Director Looks To Expand Its Reach
Valencia Koker has been the Executive Director of City Year Chicago for two years. She aspires to broaden the reach of the organization and double the number of schools it services.
Country Club Hills Alderman Sees Bright Future For City
Country Club Hills Fourth Ward Alderman Ricardo Spivey was recently sworn in for his third term. During his last two terms, Spivey worked with Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin and United States Congresswoman Robin Kelly on economic development programs and public safety legislation.
Chicago Homeowners See Tax Burden Increase After Appeals Finish
Many Chicago homeowners could see their property taxes increase this year, as residential property took on a greater share of the city's tax burden after appeals for the 2024 reassessment cycle were finalized at the Cook County Board of Review.
