Local News
Cook County Becomes First Government Body in Nation to Make Guaranteed Income Permanent
With the passage of its 2026 budget, Cook County will become the first government body in the nation with a permanent guaranteed income program. This $7.5 million investment will make the Cook County program the largest permanent program in the country at a time when families are facing an affordability crisis and devastating cuts from the federal government. ESIL is a proud partner with Cook County on this program and ESIL Director Sarah Saheb is a leader on the program’s advisory committee.
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.
FIRE COMMISSIONER NANCE-HOLT GRADUATES 70 NEW FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRE PARAMEDICS
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt celebrated the graduation of 55 Firefighter EMTs and 15 Fire Paramedics from the Fire Academy in a ceremony held at Navy Pier.
HIRE360, CONSTELLATION, AND VEHICLES FOR CHANGE AWARD THREE VEHICLES TO LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRADUATES
Three aspiring trades professionals received life-changing support today as Vehicles for Change, with support from Constellation, awarded vehicles to candidates identified through HIRE360, Chicago Women in Trades, and Richland Community College's, pre-apprenticeship and workforce development programs across Illinois. The event, held at Liberty Auto in Libertyville, marked the first time Vehicles for Change—a Maryland-based organization renowned for empowering economically challenged families through car ownership and technical training—expanded its work into Illinois.
Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology & Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security Highlight Ways Residents Can Stay Cyber Safe This Holiday Season
As Illinois residents gear up for holiday shopping, travel, and online celebrations, the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) are reminding everyone to stay alert to cyber scams that often lurk at the end of the year. With more purchases, donations, and digital communication taking place online, cyber criminals take advantage of the season’s increased activity and distractions.
Be the Best That We Can Be
As we move toward the celebration of Christmas and prepare to close the book on 2025 to welcome the new year of 2026, many of us naturally grow more reflective. These two seasons carry lessons that meet us right where we are: Christmas calls us to honor God’s gift of life, and the New Year urges us to care for that gift with greater intention. It is the perfect moment to pause and consider how well we are tending to our physical bodies—because although we are living longer, too many of us in the Black community are still not living healthier.
Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter and Illinois Department of Public Health Launch New Initiative to Promote Brain Health and Reduce Cognitive Decline
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, launched the Illinois Brain Health Project, a groundbreaking public health initiative designed to educate Illinoisans about the importance of brain health. This comprehensive campaign focuses on reducing cognitive decline by addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle practices, with a particular emphasis on reaching diverse, underserved, and higher-risk communities.
Actress With Local Ties Perform in Drama Series For Second Season
NBC’s Brilliant Minds is well into its second season. The drama about Dr. Oliver Wolf and his unconventional methods of treating his patients first premiered on the network in September of 2024. Tamberla Perry portrays Dr. Carol Pierce, which is loosely based by Dr. Carol E. Burnett. In real life, Burnett was a colleague of Dr. Oliver Sacks, who Zachary Quinto’s character Dr. Wolf is inspired by.
Schoolteachers Receive Support From Mazda Through DonorsChoose
Two local Elementary school teachers recently received the gift of having their wish lists fully funded, thanks to DonorsChoose and Mazda. Amani Ghusein and Sarah Klima, who teach at Dawes Elementary School had their entire wish lists funded on Giving Tuesday. Both teachers agreed that DonorsChoose is essential to their classrooms being able to have much needed items.
Near North Health Opens The Family Care Center At Oakwood Shores
A federally qualified health center (FQHC) has decided to streamline its network of health centers in order to provide better health care service by consolidating its operation to three locations. Near North Health recently opened the Family Care Center at Oakwood Shores, located at 3753 S. Cottage Grove.
The State Of The Southland: Rich Township
Rich Township was incorporated in 1850 and includes 10 municipalities: Country Club Hills, Flossmoor, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Matteson, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, Tinley Park and University Park. According to the U.S census, the Township’s population is more than 76,000. According to the Rich Township website, the Township is 74.1 % African American, 16.17% white, 1.1% Asian, 2.9% other and 4.9% multiracial.
‘The Support Group’ Looks For Community Support
For 36 years The Support Group has been creating opportunities for children and young people, ages 12 years old to 24 years old, through educational programs, team building activities, character building and athletic conditioning
THE WHISPERS AND DENIECE WILLIAMS ARE COMING TO HARD ROCK LIVE
Valentine’s Soul Jam Featuring The Whispers and Deniece Williams is coming to Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s Hard Rock Live venue on Sunday, February 14. Doors open at 6 p.m. General on sale begins this Friday, December 12, at 10 a.m. Central Time.
OPERATION COVER CHICAGO ONCE AGAIN STIFLED BY NATION'S ECONOMY, PRIOR PROBLEMS IN SNAP DELAYS, RISING INFLATION AND MASSIVE RISE IN UNEMPLOYMENT
"PARENTS SIMPLY DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO OFFER THEIR CHILDREN A PRODUCTIVE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY"
