Local News

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.

EARLY WALKER AND VMS TO SURPRISE GRANDMOTHER FORCIBLY LEFT TO RAISE YOUNG GRANDSON WHO WITNESSED HIS MOTHER’S MURDER

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD BOY TO PREPARE FOR HIS FIRST CHRISTMAS WITHOUT HIS HEROIC MOTHER WHO DIED SHIELDING HIM FROM GUNFIRE

GUNSHOT VICTIM RETURNS TO CALUMET CITY TO SURPRISE OFFICER TYLER NEWKIRK BY BRINGING HIS NEWBORN SON IN WHICH HE AND HIS WIFE NAMED AFTER THE HEROIC OFFICER

Thaddeus Jones- Mayor of Calumet City, Illinois- along with Calumet City Police Chief Kevin Kolosh, will pause the start of the regular City Council meeting to honor Calumet City Police Officer Tyler Newkirk.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks $4.2 Million 154th Street Reconstruction Completion

After months of closure to motorists and pedestrians, 154th Street is officially reopening, marking the completion of a $4.2 million reconstruction project that transformed the roadway from Wood Street to Broadway. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Monday, December 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at 154th and Broadway to celebrate this significant milestone.

HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC. CELEBRATES HISTORICALLY BLACK COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS AT 4TH ANNUAL RACE AND HEALTH EQUITY AWARDS

“Honoring the Legacy of Historically Black Community Based Organizations (HBCBOs)” was the theme when Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), one of Chicago’s largest behavioral health and human services agencies dedicated to enriching the quality of life in key communities, hosted the 4th Annual HSI Race and Health Equity Awards, held recently at Malcolm X College.