Local News

Rent vs. own in today’s economy: Is now the best time to buy?

Homeownership has been long associated with the American Dream, yet the economic climate of recent years has left some potential homebuyers on edge. Many potential homeowners have put their dream of buying a home on pause – or even abandoned it altogether.

VILLAGE OF MATTESON TO HOST SWEARING-IN CEREMONY CELEBRATING SUBSTANTIAL COMMUNITY PROGRESS

The Village of Matteson will proudly host its official Swearing-In Ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 7:30 PM, at the Village Hall Council Chambers, located at 4900 Village Commons, Matteson, IL 60443. This ceremonial event marks an important civic moment for the community and invites residents to take part in celebrating the continuation of Matteson’s bold vision for growth, inclusion, and prosperity.

The $2 billion wealth transfer: How Cook County’s property tax appeals system rewards businesses at the expense of homeowners

Nearly $2 billion in property taxes shifted onto homeowners from businesses over just three years, with a disproportionate share of the added burden falling on lower-income Black and Latino homeowners, a first-of-its-kind analysis by the Treasurer’s Office found.

Join the Village of Care For A Free Doula & Maternal Wellness Event

Family Focus invites you to the Village of Care - a FREE community event centered around maternal wellness, birth equity, and support for birthing families.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES HHS TO REQUIRE BETTER FEDERAL-STATE COOPERATION TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition of 41 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to require better cooperation with local law enforcement from the next operator of the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Hampton University Claims 2025 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship

After more than 122 rounds of intense gameplay, Hampton University emerged victorious at the 36th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America's premier academic competition for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students, securing a $100,000 institutional grant from Honda. Over 200 students and coaches from 32 HBCUs competed in the HCASC National Championship Tournament, which was held near the American Honda corporate headquarters in Torrance, California.

National Society of Black Engineers Releases Micro Certification Program

The National Society of Black Engineers® (NSBE®), one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the U.S., will provide specialized AI training as part of Microsoft's Micro Certification Program. Microsoft has worked with NSBE leadership to create a true impact in advancing NBSE's mission as well as providing a grant to support NSBE's facilitation of member skilling.

A Legacy of Giving: Burger King℠ Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Serving, Supporting, and Empowering Communities Through Impactful Programming and Education

With a dedicated mission to impact lives, inspire hope, and help individuals discover their true potential, the Burger King Foundation has transformed thousands of lives by allowing people to explore what’s possible. This year, the Burger King Foundation proudly celebrates it’s remarkable 20-year journey of giving back to communities through intentional programming and education.

Burrell Communications Group acquires Atlanta-based general market agency Fitzco

Burrell Communications Group, one of the world’s most highly regarded multicultural advertising agencies, has announced the acquisition of Atlanta, Georgia-based Fitzco, a 42 year-old full-service marketing agency. Effective immediately, the move signals Burrell’s first building block in its plan to create BCG Worldwide, the first Black-owned agency network.

American Lung Association's 2025 "State of the Air" report

According to the American Lung Association's 2025 "State of the Air" report, released today, nearly half of the U.S. population breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution. The report finds that 156 million people in the U.S. (46%) live in areas that received an "F" grade for either ozone or particle pollution, a significant increase of 25 million from last year's report.

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook and NorthStar Anesthesia Partner to Elevate Anesthesia Care Delivery

NorthStar Anesthesia, a leader in anesthesia care delivery nationwide, proudly announces a new partnership with UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook, marking another important expansion in the Chicagoland market. The collaboration is a powerful testament to NorthStar's proven ability to deliver tailored, high-quality anesthesia services to health systems across the region.

HRP Group Celebrates Earth Day 2025 with Community Volunteerism and Investments in Local Green Spaces

HRP Group (HRP), a vertically integrated, multi-strategy real estate investment company specializing in the transformation of obsolete industrial sites into sustainable developments, celebrated Earth Day 2025 through a series of community-based environmental initiatives across its markets.

BALLY’S CHICAGO EXPANDS OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, OFFERING PREFERENCE TO CITY RESIDENTS

Bally’s Chicago has announced expanded ownership opportunities giving preference to City of Chicago and Illinois residents, in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

Family Focus Sets New Illinois Standard in Postnatal Equity and Education for Families Across Chicagoland

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Family Focus will host the Village of Care: Doula and Maternal Wellness Event during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Homan Square Community Center (3517 W. Arthington St., Chicago, IL). The event amplifies the voices of mothers, birth workers, fathers, and legislative leaders, fostering collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders. It supports their efforts to broaden access to doulas and address disparities in maternal health outcomes throughout Chicago and Northeast Illinois.

Not in Our State: Illinois Urgently Calls on Residents to Help Stop Hate

Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) urgently call on all residents to report acts of hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources.