The city of Chicago is providing extra funding to help working families apply for tax refunds.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Wednesday that an added $500,000 will go toward expanding hours at free tax preparation sites where people can find out if they're eligible to claim earned income tax credits worth up to $5,891.
The mayor is hoping more Chicagoans will claim the earned income tax credit, which he calls "the single most important tool we have to encourage work and reduce poverty in our country."
The additional funding will go to two nonprofit groups that provide tax preparation services - the Center for Economic Progress and Ladder Up.
The city also launched a new website that can helps residents find free tax preparation sites nearby.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Monday, June 17 2013 12:48 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:48:35 GMT
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Father's Day is only two days away. Do you have a present for your dad yet? David Viggiano, the gift and gadget guy, showcased some of the coolest new tech gadgets you can get – all under $100!
Father's Day is only two days away. Do you have a present for your dad yet? David Viggiano, the gift and gadget guy, showcased some of the coolest new tech gadgets you can get – all under $100!
Friday, June 14 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:57:37 GMT
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
