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Chicago Spent $510.9M on Overtime in 2024, Including $273.8M for Police, Down Slightly From Last Year

Heather Cherone | Jared Rutecki | July 22, 2025, 4:38 pm The city of Chicago spent approximately $510.9 million on employee overtime in 2024 — 1.5% less than in 2023, with more than half of the total amount used to compensate Chicago Police Department officers for working extra hours, according to records obtained by WTTW News. The…

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Chicago Eliminates Parking Minimums Near Transit

Changes to a city ordinance make it easier to build ‘by-right’ car-free developments near train stations and pave the way for more affordable housing. July 23, 2025, 6:00 AM PDT By Diana Ionescu Writing in Streetsblog Chicago, Steven Vance and John Greenfield praise the city of Chicago’s recent move to eliminate parking minimums near train stations…

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Illinois officials express concern over Medicaid, SNAP cuts in new budget law

by: Jenna Barnes, Ethan Illers Posted: Jul 8, 2025 / 07:22 PM CDT   CHICAGO (WGN) – Elected officials and local leaders gathered in downtown Chicago Tuesday to discuss their concerns now that President Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill” is law. WGN-TV listened in on a roundtable discussion with the American Civil Liberties Union and several Democratic members…

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LGBTQ+ health centers brace for Trump’s attacks

Chicago-area research labs and community health clinics are navigating illegal funding stoppages, censorship, and increasing anti-LGBTQ+ violence under President Donald Trump. by Devyn-Marshall Brown (DMB) June 25, 2025 John Peller’s two decades as an AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) staff member have been marked by highs and lows. In 2010, after President Barack Obama signed the…

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What’s next for CPS?

New leadership and looming budget problems are on the horizon for Chicago Public Schools. by Maureen Kelleher June 26, 2025 June 18 was the last day on the job for Pedro Martinez, the long-embattled chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools. Only a week before he left, the Chicago Board of Education narrowly voted to appoint…

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Hundreds march in Chicago Disability Pride Parade that celebrates diversity, demands accessibility

Katherine Weaver, Chicago Tribune Sat, July 26, 2025 at 2:31 PM CDT You wouldn’t guess that Matt Keeth has a severe visual impairment from the way he skateboarded up and down Chicago’s Disability Pride Parade in the Loop — if not for the red-and-white striped cane he rolls in front of him. Keeth, 31, a…

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Mother shares struggles obtaining help for her children through early intervention disability program

By Lauren Victory July 11, 2025 / 6:45 PM CDT About 60,000 children with developmental disabilities qualify for a free Illinois program that provides speech, physical therapy, and other services. It’s called “early intervention” and can be a game-changer. The problem is that the service is delayed for more than 2,000 kids. Meet the Heath…

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LGBTQ+ health centers brace for Trump’s attacks

Chicago-area research labs and community health clinics are navigating illegal funding stoppages, censorship, and increasing anti-LGBTQ+ violence under President Donald Trump. by Devyn-Marshall Brown (DMB) June 25, 2025 John Peller’s two decades as an AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) staff member have been marked by highs and lows. In 2010, after President Barack Obama signed the…

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What’s next for CPS?

New leadership and looming budget problems are on the horizon for Chicago Public Schools. by Maureen Kelleher June 26, 2025 June 18 was the last day on the job for Pedro Martinez, the long-embattled chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools. Only a week before he left, the Chicago Board of Education narrowly voted to appoint…

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Chicago’s Black-owned businesses hope Juneteenth support extends year-round

When Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, many Black-owned businesses reported strong sales. Now, Chicago companies say they hope the trend continues. By  Mariah Rush Jun 19, 2025, 7:00am CDT For years, Essential Elements owner Melanie Whaley sold bedazzled Juneteenth T-shirts, with sayings like “Juneteenth Queen” and “Free-ish and fierce.” This year, the items are…

Local Organizations

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Rainbow PUSH Coalition - We protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.

Chicago Urban League - Since 1916, the Chicago Urban League—through collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships—has helped people find jobs, secure affordable housing, enhance their educational experiences, and grow their businesses. One of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban League, we promote strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, innovation, and collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships.

Grassroots Collaborative - Grassroots Collaborative builds power with working families through strategic community-labor organizing, grassroots leadership development, civic engagement, and training. We started in Chicago and our 9 member organizations and their 125,000 members, along with an effective and diverse set of ally organizations across movements create transformative change to win fully funded resources for our public schools, social services, and affordable housing that working families depend on.

First Defense Legal Aid - First Defense Legal Aid provides free, 24-hour legal representation to people in Chicago Police custody and educates Chicagoans about how to protect their constitutional rights. We undertake these activities to promote fairness and accountability in the justice system.

Inner-City Muslim Action Network - The Inner-City Muslim Action Network is a community organization that fosters health, wellness and healing in the inner-city by organizing for social change, cultivating the arts, and operating a holistic health center. IMAN incorporated as a nonprofit in 1997 through the drive of people directly affected by and deeply invested in social issues affecting communities of color living on Chicago’s South Side.

One Northside - Organizing Neighborhoods for Equality: Northside is a mixed-income, multi-ethnic, intergenerational organization that unites our diverse communities. We build collective power to eliminate injustice through bold and innovative community organizing. We accomplish this through developing grassroots leaders and acting together to effect change.

Polished Pebbles - The mission of the Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program is to provide girls (7-17 years old) with the opportunity of learning the vital life skill of effective communication. Our Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring program instills confidence in girls to face the challenges of daily life by substituting aggressive forms of communicating and problem solving with new strategies that allow them to gain a solid reputation and respect without retaliating.

Restore Justice Illinois - Restore Justice Illinois believes in the possibility of rehabilitation, redemption, and reunification with the community for all incarcerated people, even those who have committed the most serious crimes.

Safer Foundation - Safer Foundation is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of services designed exclusively for people with criminal records. We focus on helping our clients secure and maintain jobs because we understand that employment offers the best chance at successful re-entry.

Dovetail Project - We give young African American fathers – ages 17-24 – the skills and support they need to be better fathers for their children and better men in their communities.

Black Youth Project 100 - BYP100 is National, member-based organization of Black 18-35 year old activists and organizers, dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all Black people. We do this through building a network focused on transformative leadership development, direct action organizing, advocacy, and political education using a Black queer feminist lens. BYP100 envisions a world where all Black people have economic, social, political, and educational freedom.

Upcoming Events

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Pathfinders: Find, Stabilize and Connect Veterans of Color @ Ballard Branch

The Veterans of Color Pathfinders Program at El Centro de la Raza provides outreach, advocacy, and service pathfinding to all veterans with an emphasis on assisting veterans of color and their families living in King County. Our Veteran Pathfinders are here to connect all military service persons to supportive services that are available throughout King…

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Pathfinders: Find, Stabilize and Connect Veterans of Color @ Ballard Branch

The Veterans of Color Pathfinders Program at El Centro de la Raza provides outreach, advocacy, and service pathfinding to all veterans with an emphasis on assisting veterans of color and their families living in King County. Our Veteran Pathfinders are here to connect all military service persons to supportive services that are available throughout King…

Racial Justice Learning Exchange

Multiple events and discussions including ongoing book club. Next book club is Oct 11 1800-1930, discussing Solito by Javier Zamora. Founded in February 2022, the Second District Racial Justice Learning Exchange (RJLE) is an initiative of the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell that brings district residents, County, civic and community leaders together to learn…

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Initiate Justice Open House and Mixer

Tour our new office, hangout with Initiate Justice staff, and to see items from our 2023 ART Gallery! This mixer will be an opportunity to meet and reconnect with Initiate Justice staff, organizers, members and supporters! Light refreshments will be provided.

13th Annual Justice Jam 2023

Whether you’re a long-time advocate or new to the cause, this event is for everyone. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and have fun while supporting a worthy cause. So grab your friends, family, or colleagues and join us for an unforgettable night of music, food, and community. Honorees of the evening include: Luz Herrera…

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25th Annual Access to Justice Gala

Our gala supports LAFLA’s mission for equal justice through sponsorships and tickets, as well as a silent auction. This year’s honorees are: Access to Justice Award: Rep. Adam Schiff, U.S. Congressman (CA-30) Maynard Toll Award for Pro Bono Service: Dan Stormer, Partner, Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai Pro Bono Law Firm Awards: Kirkland & Ellis;…

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Finding Sequins in the Rubble

Finding Sequins in the Rubble by Eddy F. Alvarez Jr., Ph.D., is a metaphor for how members of the jotería community in Los Angeles find joy, love, and healing in the midst of discrimination, rejection, and violence that they may experience.

Volunteer Networking & Information Session

Join us at our redM Networking and Volunteer Information Session! Are you eager to make a real impact against human and sex trafficking? Discover exciting opportunities to volunteer at our upcoming events. Whether you’re a new face or a dedicated member, this event is the perfect chance to mingle and connect with like-minded individuals. Learn…

“Dallas Sierra Club General Meeting via Zoom – Tuesday, October 10 Plastic Reduction Project”

Please join the Dallas Sierra Club in welcoming Sean Winn, Co-Founder of the Plastic Reduction Project. Sean will share with us how his organization got started as an outgrowth of Sierra Club Austin and will walk us through their programs aimed at converting single-use foodware and food packaging models into reuse models with supportive outreach…

Dallas Sierra Club:Water Supply In Texas: Why Is It Such A Challenge? – Zoom

Existing plans to supply more water are an anathema to environmentalists who fear that construction of more reservoirs will have detrimental effects on the environment, flora & fauna, and on the displacement of people. Can a reasonable answer be found to this controversial issue?

Local Hero Spotlight

Members can nominate a local hero for recognition on their local LoveJustice.com city page!

Anyone and everyone can make an impact, and at LoveJustice we believe that they deserve to be recognized for their good, necessary work!

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