Local News
As Summer Nears, Chicago and Greater Illinois Residents Urged to Take Simple Steps to Prevent Skin Cancer When Going Outside
As warmer weather returns and more Chicagoans and residents across Illinois spend time outdoors, the American Cancer Society is reminding residents that skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed each year.
Illinois Senate Unanimously Passes Giannoulias E-Bike Bill
Illinois Senators today approved a sweeping statewide safety initiative spearheaded by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to address the growing dangers posed by unregulated high-speed e-bikes, e-motos and other powerful electric transportation devices operating on streets, bike lanes and sidewalks across the state.
ILLINOIS TOLLWAY AWARDS MORE THAN $114.1 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION AND PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING CONTRACTS IN APRIL
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors today approved 12 new construction and professional engineering contracts totaling more than $114.1 million at its April Board meeting for work to advance ongoing projects and provide for systemwide maintenance.
IDOL Reaches Agreement with Allied Universal Security Services to Resolve Wage Claims and Strengthen Compliance
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with Allied Universal Security Services to resolve wage claims and prevent future violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.
Prime Healthcare earns unanimous approval, community support for expansion across Illinois with Olympia Fields
Prime Healthcare received unanimous approval today from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for the purchase of Franciscan Health Olympia Fields.
May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month Illinois is leading the nation in kinship care
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is proudly recognizing May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary foster families and relative and kinship caregivers across the state who have opened their hearts, their homes and their lives to care for the state’s most vulnerable children.
Illinois Department of Revenue Awarded 2026 Bell Seal Certification for Workplace Mental Health for Second, Consecutive Year
The Illinois Department of Revenue IDOR has once again been recognized by Mental Health America (MHA) as a recipient of the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, marking the second consecutive year the department has earned this national distinction.
Mayor Johnson and CTA Celebrate Investments in Welcoming Spaces Across Chicago’s Transit System
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Acting President Nora Leerhsen to kick-off the 2026 construction season, which includes numerous ongoing infrastructure projects including the expansion of the CTA’s Refresh & Renew program, which aims to create welcoming spaces for riders of all ages and now includes jobs for returning citizens. This holistic approach ensures that investments made in transit benefit the communities CTA serves by providing a modern, safe and welcoming transit system for all, which is core to the Mayor’s ‘Build Better Together’ initiative.
Even Under Attack, Black Southern Voters Can Deliver the Senate for Democrats
Democrats have momentum as the midterms approach. A string of recent victories has fueled optimism that Democrats could retake the House of Representatives and even reclaim the Senate. At a moment of rising global tensions and persistent economic strain on working families, Democratic control of Congress would offer a critical check on the Trump administration.
USHER’S NEW LOOK LAUNCHES NATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED THE R&B TOUR
Usher’s New Look (UNL) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit (BGCGD) today announced the launch of the Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition—a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative designed to accelerate career pathways for young adults in the entertainment trades.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his appointments of Anjanette Young and Angelique Guzman to fill vacancies on the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability (CCSPA). The appointees will assume their roles as Commissioners following the expiration of the current Commissioners’ terms in June 2026.
…Not Out of Habit, But Out of Love
This week’s column is about a conversation that must happen in every Black family—at barbecues, around the kitchen table, wherever we gather—and it needs to happen now, before another election cycle slips past while our community watches from the sidelines.
3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Tax Refund
Tax Day is officially behind us, and if you’re getting a tax refund this year—which were predicted to be about 10% higher due to provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—hopefully it’s already in your bank account or will be shortly. Whether large or small, there are some smart money moves you can make with your tax refund to set yourself up for long-term financial success. Here, the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) shares three suggestions for putting your refund to work for you.
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 launch later in April.