Local News
SGA YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENTS AND ART INSTALLATION IN SUMMIT
SGA Youth & Family Services (SGA) announced the completion of Summit Together Creative Placemaking initiative, an eight-month project that brought Summit residents together to reimagine and improve public spaces through art, gardening and community engagement.
PeacePlayers Chicago, offering CHA youth blend of basketball, life skills and a stipend, ends with finale
PeacePlayers Chicago, a Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) youth development initiative that offers a unique blend of basketball, leadership development, career readiness and peace building for boys ages 13-15, concluded Friday with a finale at Intentional Sports. The day included skills and drills, cross-city games, a back-to-school giveaway and a special visit by Tre Jones of the Chicago Bulls.
AFT Launches ‘Shop Smart,' Not Target Campaign for Back-to-School
As teachers and families head back to school, the AFT has launched a nationwide campaign to urge them to shop at retailers other than Target for their school supplies. The "Shop Smart, Support Working Families" campaign was created in response to Target’s refusal to condemn the unlawful Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity that continues to roil communities around the country. A new website, ShopSmart.AFT.org, along with an associated digital and print ad initiative, helps educators and families shop for school supplies at local stores and outlets that respect labor rights, instead of at Target.
Forest Preserves of Cook County Will Remain Open During Union Strike, Continue Negotiations
The Forest Preserves of Cook County will remain open and operational during a strike of members of Teamsters Local 700, allowing the public opportunities to continue to enjoy the many amenities the Preserves offers, including trails, picnic groves, nature centers, campgrounds, golf courses, fishing lakes and more. The Forest Preserves has worked to avoid a strike with offers that include a total of 8% in raises over two years and a one-time payment—part of a pattern that would increase the starting salaries of Local 700 members by 33% in just six years.
Giannoulias Awards Nearly $29 Million in Library and Literacy Grants
The grants include awards to regional library systems to enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.
Illinois State Fair Teams Up with Special Olympics to Expand Accessibility with New Sunflower Showmanship Program
The Illinois State Fair announces the launch of the Sunflower Showmanship program, a new event in 2026 that connects Special Olympics athletes with opportunities to participate in the Fair’s livestock exhibition alongside more seasoned FFA and 4-H exhibitors. Sunflower Showmanship was held in the Coliseum on Saturday, August 15 at 10 a.m.
OIG Advisory Recommends Reconsideration of the City’s Inactive $57 Million Catalyst Fund
The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published an advisory concerning the governance and investment activity of the Chicago Community Catalyst Fund. The Fund was established in 2016 to increase access to public and private investment capital for businesses and organizations in economically underserved areas of Chicago. While former Mayor Rahm Emanuel originally proposed pooling $100 million in public money with private investment in the Fund, the Fund was inactive for several years until the City contributed $50 million in 2020. Approximately $21 million of this money was then used during the Covid-19 pandemic for small-business loans, which later were repaid to the Fund.
Instacart Expands On-Demand Retail Delivery with Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, and Champs Sports
Instacart (Nasdaq: CART), the leading grocery technology company in North America, and Foot Locker today announced a new partnership bringing Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, and Champs Sports to the Instacart Marketplace. Customers can now shop a wide assortment of footwear, apparel and accessories from more than 1,000 locations nationwide for delivery in as fast as one hour with no markups.
Community Leaders Unite at Chicago Urban League to Launch National Civility Month with Call for Dialogue, Respect, and Collective Action
Community leaders, elected officials, educators, faith leaders, and advocates gathered Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Chicago Urban League to officially launch National Civility Month, reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing respect, meaningful dialogue, and safer communities throughout Cook County and the State of Illinois.
Statewide Farmer Mental Health Program Rebrands as FARM SOS
What began as a pilot program serving six Illinois counties has grown into a trusted program providing confidential mental health support to agricultural communities across all 102 counties. Now, seven years later, the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI) announces its new name: FARM SOS.
USA Dodgeball National Championships Coming to Chicago Area Labor Day Weekend
The best competitive dodgeball athletes from across the United States will converge on Bedford Park this Labor Day weekend for the 2026 USA Dodgeball National Championships, taking place September 4–6 at Wintrust Sports Complex.
Property Taxes Up $743.8 Million; Homeowners Hit Again
Cook County homeowners face a sharper increase in property taxes this year compared to businesses — a result of home values climbing much faster than commercial real estate values, according to the latest tax bill analysis by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
The Coalition of African American Leaders (COAL) issues its Chicago Board of Education Candidate Questionnaire
Oversight of our children’s education is among the most important responsibilities in public service. The Chicago Board of Education fulfills this role for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), a system with an annual budget of nearly $10 billion and roughly 630 schools.
2026 Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair to Honor the Enduring Legacy of Bishop Dr. Claude Porter
The 2026 Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair will bring communities together on Saturday, September 12, 2026, under the theme “One Legacy, Many Bridges.” The celebration will honor the late Bishop Dr. Claude Porter, visionary leader and founder of Bridging the Gap Parade and PLCCA INC, whose life was dedicated to service, faith, youth, and community empowerment.
