Local News
OVER 100 FAITH LEADERS ENDORSE JULIANA STRATTON FOR U.S. SENATE
Juliana Stratton has been endorsed by over 100 faith leaders across Illinois in her campaign for U.S. Senate. These trusted leaders know that Juliana will be the best partner to their congregations and communities, ensuring that everyone has what they need to thrive. Clergy for Juliana will mobilize voters, drive “souls to the polls,” and share Juliana’s message across the state.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Over $1 Billion in Medical Debt Relief for Illinoisans
Governor Pritzker announced that the State of Illinois has erased over $1.1 billion in medical debt for more than half a million Illinoisans through the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program. The announcement comes ahead of Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and proposed budget address tomorrow, previewing a focus on improving affordability.
Lightford, Ammons and higher education leaders call for passage of equitable funding model
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and State Representative Carol Ammons are fighting to transform how Illinois funds its higher education system through legislation that would take a student-centered approach.
New Cervantes legislation to expand role of physician assistants
State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes was joined by health care providers, students, patients and the Illinois Academy of Physician Associates for a press conference on a new law that would modernize PA practice laws, improving health care access across the state.
Turner: No student should feel ostracized at school
After meeting with a local student who can no longer take her service animal to school due to claims of harassment from other students, State Senator Doris Turner led a resolution to encourage the review of school policies, ensuring they align with laws regarding service animal access.
One Hope United partners with University of Illinois Chicago to build national evidence-based model of its Hope House program
One Hope United (OHU) is partnering with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to expand its successful Hope House program in Illinois and strengthen the evidence base for national replication. This collaboration will focus on a rigorous, data-driven evaluation of the Hope House model to support future growth and demonstrate its impact on youth in foster care.
United Women in Faith Honors 100 Years of Black History Month by Celebrating the Legacy and Leadership of Black Women
As we celebrate 100 years since the inception of Black History Month, and 50 years as a national observance, United Women in Faith honored the foundational role and contributions of the Black women who have gotten us where we are today. They released the following statement, which can be attributed to Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith:
Faith Leaders Mobilize Just Like Selma Campaign as Voting Rights Return to Center of U.S. Debate
As voting rights and civic participation return to the forefront of America’s national debate, faith leaders, musicians, and civic partners have launched the nationwide Just Like Selma Civic Engagement Campaign. The initiative aims to mobilize congregations and community institutions in all 50 states and more than 100 cities, drawing on the historic role of houses of worship as centers of education, advocacy, and moral leadership.
Community Garden Seeks Applicants for 2026 Season
As interest in locally grown food and community-based agriculture continues to rise, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is inviting individuals and families to take part in the 2026 IDOA Community Garden, a hands-on opportunity to grow fresh produce, build food security, and connect with agriculture in the heart of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Residents and visitors invited to explore America’s roots with Illinois America 250’s keepsake Passport to Illinois
As Illinois communities prepare to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, the Illinois America 250 Commission today unveiled the first ever Passport to Illinois, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the powerful places, people and events in Illinois that have shaped the nation’s history.
Crawford-Backed Measure Aims to Secure Stable Funding for Schools, Supporting Student Success
Schools will receive the full funding necessary to support essential programs under a new measure co-sponsored by state Rep. Michael Crawford, D-Chicago, benefiting students across the state.
Chicago Public Schools Seniors Lead 2026 Posse Scholars List with 95 Full-tuition Scholarships
Nearly 100 graduating seniors from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have been selected to be part of this year’s group of “Posse Scholars,” making up the majority of a prestigious cohort of students receiving full-tuition scholarships to attend Posse Chicago’s partner colleges and universities
SOUTH CHICAGO DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS THREE WORLD PREMIERES AT THE HARRIS THEATER IN ONE CELEBRATORY EVENING, MAY 1, 2026
South Chicago Dance Theatre (SCDT) presents its ninth annual home season concert, An Evening with South Chicago Dance Theatre, featuring three electric world premieres by award-winning choreographers Natasha Adorlee, David Dorfman, and SCDT Founder and Director of Vision and Strategy and Resident Choreographer Kia S. Smith. The four-part mixed repertory program concludes with a powerful work by renowned choreographer Donald Byrd. An Evening with South Chicago Dance Theatre takes place for one night only at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 West Randolph, on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Assessor Kaegi, Joined by Lawmakers, Clergy, and Community Leaders, Calls for Reducing Barriers to Property Tax Relief for Seniors
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi was joined by state lawmakers, community groups, and clergy at a press conference Wednesday morning calling for better access to property tax relief for low-income seniors.