Local News
Ventura-backed medically assisted treatment program to address opiate overdose deaths heard in committee
A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura that would provide opiate use disorder treatments for incarcerated individuals was heard in the Senate Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee on March 25.
Spring roars to life at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with can’t-miss experiences through May
As Chicago shakes off winter, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is springing to life with a vibrant lineup of events and experiences from Earth Month in April through May 2026—giving guests plenty of reasons to get outside, explore and reconnect with wildlife.
Put the phone away or pay
The Illinois Department of Transportation is partnering with the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state during April, reminding the public to put their phones away and pay attention to the road. Throughout the month, additional law enforcement officers will be watching for texting, social media use, video viewing and other forms of distracted driving.
Giannoulias Secures Nearly $950,000 for Illinois Investors in a $19 Million Settlement
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced nearly $950,000 will be returned to Illinois investors as part of a $19 million multi-state settlement involving five major brokerage firms accused of charging unfair fees on small stock trades.
Five City Colleges of Chicago Earn 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School Designations
Harry S Truman, Kennedy-King, Richard J. Daley, Olive-Harvey, and Wilbur Wright Colleges have all received awards that name them as great college choices for military members, veterans, and their spouses.
One Hope United launches Hope House United to expand innovative care model nationwide
One Hope United announced the launch of Hope House United, a new division dedicated to expanding its innovative Hope House model across the country, bringing more effective, community-based care to youth with complex behavioral and emotional needs.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, MAYOR’S OFFICE OF REENTRY KICK OFF SECOND CHANCE MONTH
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office of Reentry are joining Chicagoans to celebrate the beginning of Second Chance Month, an annual observance dedicated to uplifting and supporting individuals who have been impacted by the justice system. April's designation as Second Chance Month highlights the importance of providing people “real” second chances, recognizing that barriers still exist when those who have served their time return home.
CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE RELEASES NEW REPORT ON DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT OF OPIOID CRISIS ON BLACK CHICAGOANS
The Chicago Urban League (CUL) released the second iteration of Whitewashed: The Opioid Crisis in Black America, a report calling for equitable, urgent policy reforms to combat opioid addiction based on research analyzing the disproportionate impact of the opioid crisis on Black communities.
Obama Foundation Announces Upcoming Ticket Sale Dates to Visit the Museum at the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Foundation announced that Museum tickets will go on sale for Founding Members starting April 21st, with ticket sales for the general public beginning May 6th. Illinois residents will be able to visit the Museum for free on Tuesdays, with those timed-entry tickets for residents starting June 23rd.
Honoring legacies and building a future of hope during National Donate Life Month
As National Donate Life Month begins, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is encouraging residents across Illinois and northwest Indiana to take an action that reflects compassion, community and legacy: register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
Local organization to host its 3rd Annual Dream Out Loud Conference for youth to explore careers in various industries
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Leaders in Transformational Education will host its 3rd Annual Dream Out Loud Youth Conference at the Sheraton Lisle/Naperville, 3000 Warrenville Rd., from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Chicago Public Schools Opens Applications for Free Preschool Programs
Applications for Chicago Public Schools’ 2026–27 preschool programs are open, giving families access to high-quality programs for four-year-olds and a limited number of half-day programs for three-year-olds at 372 elementary schools across the District. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, families are encouraged to apply within the first three weeks for the widest selection of options.
Customers urged to stay connected if they are behind on bills State moratorium on disconnection expires
Peoples Gas is urging customers who may be behind on their energy bills to reach out as soon as possible to avoid disconnection. Illinois’ winter moratorium on residential disconnection expired at the start of April.
Have It Your Way!
Let me speak plainly for a moment. Some of the biggest financial mistakes are not the ones you see coming. They are the quiet ones—the ones you believe have already been taken care of. Paperwork sitting in a desk drawer, file cabinet, or safety deposit box, untouched for years, waiting to override everything you thought you had in place.
