Local News
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.
Spelman College Partners with NEON to Expand Access to College-Level Courses for Underserved Students
Spelman College is expanding its innovative partnership with the newly renamed National Education Opportunity Network (NEON), formerly the National Education Equity Lab. The collaboration, which brings college-credit courses to high school students from Title I schools across the country, has rapidly grown at Spelman from one class and 50 students in Spring 2023 to nearly 300 students and two classes in 2025.
Don’t Cast Your Fate to the Wind
For many older homeowners, the family home is more than a roof and four walls — it represents security, sacrifice, and the hope of leaving something meaningful behind. But financial planners warn that relying on a home alone as a retirement or legacy strategy can create gaps that put families at risk.
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation Awards Over $270,000 to Improve Children’s Oral Health
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, awarded more than $270,000 to 29 nonprofit and community organizations through its annual Community Grants Program. The grants support organizations that share the Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to care and improving the health and well-being of children and families across Illinois.
Chicago Leads the Way: Choose Chicago Launches New Department to Champion Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement
Choose Chicago announced the creation of the Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement department, marking a major investment in Chicago’s visitor economy and a defining moment for the destination marketing industry. While other DMOs have introduced programs focused on diversity or cultural outreach, Choose Chicago is among the first in the nation to establish a permanent, fully resourced department dedicated to inclusive tourism — integrating it directly into the organization’s marketing and brand strategy.
