Local News
CHICAGO COMMUNITY BUILDERS COLLECTIVE AND PARTNERS PROVIDE 300 MEALS FOR SNAP RECIPIENTS IN NORTH LAWNDALE
Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), the general contractor for the Bally’s Chicago Casino project, in partnership with UCAN Chicago, Bally’s Chicago, McHugh Concrete Construction, UJAMAA Construction, and Brown and Momen, hosted two-free meal giveaways, providing meals to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients impacted by the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Select photos are linked below.
Cunningham backs plan to deliver property tax relief for seniors
State Senator Bill Cunningham backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.
Holiday Magic® Returns Brighter Than Ever to Brookfield Zoo Chicago with All-New Displays, Interactive Experiences and Festive Delights
Chicagoland’s most dazzling holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! Holiday Magic® at Brookfield Zoo Chicago returns reimagined for 2025, transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland illuminated by over 3.5 million twinkling lights and the region’s largest display of decorated holiday trees. Now through January 4, guests can stroll through breathtaking new light displays and interactive experiences that bring the season’s sparkle to life like never before.
Homeowners: Make sure you aren’t missing out on property tax savings
With the release of 2024 second installment tax bills from the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, homeowners should check to make sure they are not missing property tax-saving exemptions.
Treasurer Frerichs Clinches 7th Gold Rating For Bright Start College Savings Plan
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has earned its 7th Gold rating from independent analyst Morningstar, firmly placing the plan among the best in the nation.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES CONSUMERS TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CRYPTO–RELATED SCAMS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul encouraged Illinoisans who have lost money to cryptocurrency fraud and scams to report the incident to law enforcement and be cautious of so-called “recovery” services.
ALF Celebrates Veterans Day with Launch of New Veterans Information Center
American Liver Foundation (ALF) is excited to celebrate Veterans with the launch of a new Veterans Information Center in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veteran Health Administration (VHA). The new information center provides timely information on early detection, lifestyle management, and helpful resources and tools. With roughly 100,000 Veterans either at risk or living with some form of liver disease and over 2,000 of these Veterans getting diagnosed annually with liver cancer, ALF’s information center provides invaluable support to U.S. Veterans.
City of Chicago and DCASE Announce 2025 CityArts Grantees
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the 2025 CityArts grant recipients, with more than 300 nonprofit arts and culture organizations receiving a combined total of over $6M in general operating support this year. The total number of organizations receiving CityArts grants has increased to approximately 300 awards from 200 since 2021. The investment reinforces DCASE’s long-standing commitment to the arts as a driver of community vitality, economic growth and civic pride.
Assessor Kaegi Calls for Changes to Cook County’s Property Tax System to Protect Homeowners from Tax Spikes
As Chicago homeowners receive property tax bills showing the largest increases in decades, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi is calling for reforms to protect homeowners and raising alarms about the unfairness of a property tax system that forces reductions in downtown commercial properties to be shouldered by Black and Latino residents.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON CUTS RIBBON ON IMANI VILLAGE SENIOR RESIDENCE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN PULLMAN
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Alderwoman Michelle Harris (8th), Department of Housing (DOH) Commissioner Lissette Castañeda, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, members of the Trinity United Church of Christ community, neighborhood leaders, and Pullman residents for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly completed Imani Village Senior Residence. The City-backed project adds 70 new affordable homes to the Pullman area while providing independent living opportunities tailored to the needs of seniors. The project is part of the larger Imani Village project under development in the surrounding area.
Governor Pritzker Cuts Ribbon at IATSE Local 2’s New Training Center
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 2 Chicago Stagehands to celebrate the opening of their new training center, which was supported by a $5 million grant from the State of Illinois.
Clerk Gordon Teams Up with Chicago Wolves Hockey to Offer Game Ticket for Veterans and Military Members
As the country marks National Veterans and Military Families Month, Clerk Monica Gordon announced that her office is teaming up with the Chicago Wolves to offer Cook County veterans and active-duty military members a free ticket to a regular-season Wolves game for the 2025-26 season.
Building HOPE in Austin: Community Celebrates Milestone for First Permanent Youth Health and Wellness Hub on Chicago’s West Side
In a powerful symbol of community renewal and resilience, residents, civic leaders, and partners gathered on Monday, November 17 to celebrate the beam raising for the Austin HOPE Center, the $22 million 25,000-square-foot, three-story health and wellness facility at 5036 W. Chicago Ave. that will bring affordable, high-quality pediatric specialty and behavioral health care directly to Chicago’s West Side.
Morgan State University Music Programs Receive National Association of Schools of Music Reaccreditation Through 2033-34
Morgan State University’s Department of Fine & Performing Arts has received full reaccreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for its Bachelor of Arts in Music and Master of Arts in Music programs, extending through the 2033–34 review cycle. Following a comprehensive self-study and multi-day peer review, NASM affirmed that Morgan’s music programs meet or exceed national standards across curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, assessment, student support, and educational outcomes.
