Local News
Governor Pritzker Launches Statewide Effort to Promote Housing Development for Working Families
Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order launching a statewide effort enlisting multiple state agencies to explore how Illinois can accelerate plans to expand the supply and access of housing for working families. Additionally, as part of an ongoing commitment to lower housing costs, Governor Pritzker announced the return of SmartBuy, a program providing direct monetary assistance to pay off student loan debt for those buying a home in Illinois. Together, these actions seek to address the shortage of attainable homes for working families across the state, as well as overall housing shortages that affect renters and homebuyers alike.
Landmarks Illinois announces $34,000 in grant funding to people saving places in communities across the state
A 19th-century opera hall, an iconic Route 66 attraction and a nationally-recognized round barn are among the historic places Landmarks Illinois is helping people preserve through grant funding. Landmarks Illinois has awarded $34,000 to nine preservation projects across the state through its Preservation Heritage Fund and Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois grant programs. Grant-funded projects are in the Illinois communities of Anna, Chicago, Gibson City, Hometown, McClean, Mendon, Princeton and Rockford.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON NAMES SEAN HARDEN AS CHICAGO BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT ALONGSIDE KEY BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Sean Harden as President of the Chicago Board of Education, accompanied by a slate of experienced and passionate leaders whose collective expertise will guide Chicago’s public schools toward greater equity and opportunity for all students.
Treasurer Pappas offers ‘snowbirds’ and other Cook County property owners the option to prepay taxes due in 2025
Treasurer Maria Pappas is offering Cook County property owners the option to prepay their 2024 property taxes that will be due in 2025.
Rep. Kelly, Senators Durbin, Duckworth, Chicago Delegation Announce $1.9 Billion Funding Agreement with FTA to Support Chicago’s Red Line Extension Project
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to sign a full funding grant agreement for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)’s Red Line Extension Project. The funding agreement will contractually obligate $1.9 billion in federal funding to the project, solidifying the federal government’s commitment to the project.
Bob Rita Named Township Officials of Illinois Legislator of the Year
State Representative Bob Rita has been named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) in recognition of his commitment to township government and community service. Rita, who also serves as Calumet Township Supervisor, was honored for his leadership in delivering essential services and advocating for policies that strengthen local government and improve residents' lives.
Resilience Healthcare Celebrates Two Year Anniversary with New Initiatives at West Suburban and Weiss Memorial
As Resilience Healthcare marks its second anniversary operating West Suburban Medical Center and Weiss Memorial Hospital, the team is announcing the launch of two new multi-specialty clinics. These clinics will operate at each hospital and will provide faster access to quality outpatient care for the diverse communities they serve.
Simmons: Housing is a human right
To address the housing crisis that the 7th District and entire state of Illinois faces, State Senator Mike Simmons led a Senate Human Rights Committee subject matter hearing on Tuesday titled “Housing as a Human Right.”
Rep. Manley Highlights RX Mobile Food Pantry at Bolingbrook High School
Free milk, meat, fruit, and vegetables are offered at the RX Mobile Food Pantry in the west parking lot of Bolingbrook High School at 9:00 am on the first Tuesday of every month. This December, District Office staff of State Rep. Natalie Manley, (D-Joliet), volunteered to hand out food to residents.
Vintrendi Wine Company thrives in South Suburbs
Rick Nesbitt started the Vintrendi Wine Company in 2017 when a seed was planted while he was working as a liquor distributor. He started with his own small, private distribution shop, but realized it wasn’t enough for him. He really wanted to be able to produce the products he was selling. He knew if he wanted products that represented the people and area that he served, he was going to have to create it.
Arts And Cultural Initiative Provides Much Needed Support To BIPOC Arts And Cultural Organizations
The Joel Hall Dancers and Center has been training dancers for 50 years. This year the dance company and training studio celebrated that milestone and moved into a new studio space, which the organization rents from Black Ensemble Theatre.
Christmas In The Wards Brings Happiness During The Holiday Season
Children and their families were able to receive gifts and celebrate the holidays at Christmas in the Wards. The annual event brought families from all 50 wards and 77 neighborhoods in Chicago, as well as families from the South Suburbs and Proviso Township, together in a ballroom at McCormick Place.
The Dovetail Project prepares young fathers
Sheldon Smith founded the Dovetail Project in 2009 as a way to support young fathers and help them to be better prepared. Smith grew up with teen parents who struggled as young parents, and at the time, he was set to become a father at the age of 21.
Advocate Health Care To Build A $300 Million New Hospital Facility
Advocate Health Care announced a $1 billion investment to expand access to primary care, wellness services and specialty care on the South side during a recent press conference at Imani Village, in the city’s Cottage Grove Heights neighborhood. Advocate Health also announced a new $300 million Advocate Trinity Hospital facility on the former U.S. South Works Steel Site.
