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Editorial illustration for Three Chicago Small Business Grants, Compared: Which One Fits Your Business?
Business Spotlights

Three Chicago Small Business Grants, Compared: Which One Fits Your Business?

Chicago small business owners can explore three city-level grants: Community Development Grant (Small), Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, and We Rise Together Grant. Location is the primary factor determining eligibility for these programs, often more than project type or funding needs.

Marco Alvarez·Oct 14
Editorial illustration for How to Report a Pothole, Graffiti, or Any Neighborhood Issue to Chicago's 311
Community

How to Report a Pothole, Graffiti, or Any Neighborhood Issue to Chicago's 311

Chicago residents can report non-emergency neighborhood issues like potholes and graffiti using the city's 311 system via phone, website, or mobile app. Providing precise locations and photos through the CHI311 app or website helps ensure efficient service request resolution and allows for tracking.

Sophie Nguyen·Oct 16
Editorial illustration for Protecting Your Home from Flooding: A Guide to Mitigation and Insurance Savings
Neighborhoods

Protecting Your Home from Flooding: A Guide to Mitigation and Insurance Savings

Homeowners can protect their properties from flood damage through various mitigation strategies like elevation, floodproofing, and relocation. Implementing these methods not only enhances resilience but can also qualify properties for reduced flood insurance premiums.

Derek Molina·Oct 11
Editorial illustration for Beyond Neighborhood Watch: A Guide to Three Community-Led Safety Models
Neighborhoods

Beyond Neighborhood Watch: A Guide to Three Community-Led Safety Models

This guide explores three distinct community-led safety models: Volunteer-Led School Streets, Placemaking and Equitable Development, and Resident-Government Partnerships. It details their unique approaches, operational structures, and resource needs to help communities select the best fit for their safety goals.

Derek Molina·Oct 8
Wicked Kitty Coffee Co. Best Sellers Sample Pack Review: Is It Worth Trying in 2026?
Food & Drink

Wicked Kitty Coffee Co. Best Sellers Sample Pack Review: Is It Worth Trying in 2026?

This review evaluates the Wicked Kitty Coffee Co.'s Best Sellers Sample Pack, detailing its six coffee selections, including different roast levels and origins. It aims to determine if the sampler pack is a worthwhile purchase in 2026.

Sponsored by Wicked Kitty Coffee Co.·Oct 13
Editorial illustration for New Chesapeake Office Opens to Provide Centralized Support for Veterans
Services

New Chesapeake Office Opens to Provide Centralized Support for Veterans

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) has opened a new office in Chesapeake, Virginia, offering a centralized hub for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. This facility provides free, comprehensive support services including disability claims, employment assistance, and healthcare enrollment.

Marco Alvarez·Oct 7
Editorial illustration for Wilton Launches Mental Health Surveys to Guide New Services and Funding
Services

Wilton Launches Mental Health Surveys to Guide New Services and Funding

Wilton has launched a comprehensive community-wide assessment, featuring distinct surveys for adults and youth, to gather data on health and wellness needs. The initiative, funded by opioid settlement proceeds, aims to directly shape future local programs, policies, and funding decisions.

Marco Alvarez·Oct 6
Editorial illustration for How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment: A Homeowner's Guide
Real Estate

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment: A Homeowner's Guide

Homeowners can challenge their property's assessed value through a formal appeal process by providing specific evidence of factual errors, overvaluation, or inequitable assessment. The process typically involves an informal review with the assessor before potentially escalating to a formal hearing, requiring timely action and solid documentation.

Aaron Blake·Oct 9
Editorial illustration for A Resident's Guide to Speaking at a School Board Meeting
Community

A Resident's Guide to Speaking at a School Board Meeting

This guide provides residents with a step-by-step process for speaking effectively at school board meetings. It emphasizes understanding local policies, sign-up procedures, and presentation guidelines to ensure your voice is heard.

Derek Molina·Oct 8
What Separates Good Energy Drinks From Great—And How Maxiki Energy Drink Compares
Food & Drink

What Separates Good Energy Drinks From Great—And How Maxiki Energy Drink Compares

Choosing the right energy drink has become more complex than simply grabbing the coldest can. As the market evolves, consumers are looking past basic caffeine boosts and demanding more from their beverages. This guide on…

Sponsored by Maxiki Energy Drink·Oct 12
Editorial illustration for Fears Over Battery Storage Safety Fuel Protests and New Regulations
Neighborhoods

Fears Over Battery Storage Safety Fuel Protests and New Regulations

Community fears over catastrophic fires and toxic emissions from large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are fueling protests and prompting new regulations, including moratoriums and safety setbacks, as governments balance clean energy needs with public safety concerns.

Derek Molina·Oct 2
Editorial illustration for How Public Art Gets Made: A Guide to Funding, Approval, and Maintenance
Community

How Public Art Gets Made: A Guide to Funding, Approval, and Maintenance

Public art follows a structured lifecycle involving distinct stages: securing funding through various sources, navigating multi-layered municipal approval processes, and establishing plans for long-term maintenance and conservation. Understanding this deliberate administrative framework is key for engaging with public art initiatives.

Derek Molina·Oct 3
Editorial illustration for Lincoln Market Park Opens, Reclaiming History and Green Space in The Ville
Neighborhoods

Lincoln Market Park Opens, Reclaiming History and Green Space in The Ville

Lincoln Market Park has opened in St. Louis's The Ville neighborhood, transforming a vacant lot into a vital green space and community hub. The park reclaims historical significance, features public art, and is a key part of the MLK Cultural Boulevard revitalization.

Derek Molina·Oct 1
Editorial illustration for South Bend International Airport Unveils Expanded Dining Choices
Food & Drink

South Bend International Airport Unveils Expanded Dining Choices

South Bend International Airport (SBN) has significantly enhanced its food and drink offerings with the opening of three new concessions: Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and The Lauber Overlook. These additions are part of a broader expansion project by SkyDine to upgrade dining services for travelers.

Hannah Pierce·Sep 30
5 Ways the Roast Haus Coffee Co. Takes the Hassle Out of Buying Stale Beans
Food & Drink

5 Ways the Roast Haus Coffee Co. Takes the Hassle Out of Buying Stale Beans

If you're like the majority of Americans who enjoy coffee daily, you understand that not all beans are created equal. With specialty coffee consumption on a steep rise, having increased by 84% since 2011 according to the…

Sponsored by The Roast Haus Coffee Co.·Oct 7
Editorial illustration for How to Register for Fort Lauderdale's City Recreation Programs
Local Guides

How to Register for Fort Lauderdale's City Recreation Programs

Learn how to register for Fort Lauderdale's city recreation programs by creating an account on the WebTrac online system. This guide details the steps for both new and returning participants to access and enroll in a variety of activities.

Hannah Pierce·Oct 3
Editorial illustration for Volunteering at Animal Shelters: A Guide to Roles, Requirements, and Application
Community

Volunteering at Animal Shelters: A Guide to Roles, Requirements, and Application

Volunteering at animal shelters offers diverse roles, from direct animal care to administrative support, helping local welfare organizations. This guide covers typical requirements, the application process, and variations in age and time commitments to help you find a rewarding opportunity.

Derek Molina·Sep 30
Editorial illustration for Wichita Youth Development Charities: A Guide to Missions, Programs, and Volunteer Opportunities
Community

Wichita Youth Development Charities: A Guide to Missions, Programs, and Volunteer Opportunities

Discover Wichita's leading youth development charities, including YVC, Junior Achievement, the YMCA, and United Way of the Plains. This guide details their missions, programs, and volunteer opportunities to help you make an informed impact.

Derek Molina·Sep 29
Editorial illustration for A Small Business Guide to Maximizing Local Chamber and Association Membership
Business Spotlights

A Small Business Guide to Maximizing Local Chamber and Association Membership

Small businesses can achieve strategic growth by understanding the core benefits of local chambers and associations, evaluating potential memberships, and actively participating in their offerings.

Marco Alvarez·Oct 2
Your Complete Guide to Adult Cognitive Testing at PCP Health in Port Charlotte
Services

Your Complete Guide to Adult Cognitive Testing at PCP Health in Port Charlotte

PCP Health in Port Charlotte offers adult cognitive testing to help individuals understand the root causes of persistent brain fog, memory issues, and attention difficulties. This functional approach goes beyond diagnosis to create personalized treatment plans for improved brain health.

Sponsored by PCP Health·Oct 6
Editorial illustration for How to Start and Sustain a Neighborhood Watch Program
Community

How to Start and Sustain a Neighborhood Watch Program

Establishing a Neighborhood Watch program enhances local public safety and strengthens community bonds by fostering collaboration between residents and law enforcement. This guide outlines how to start, organize, and sustain an effective program for crime prevention and community engagement.

Derek Molina·Oct 1
Editorial illustration for Choosing Pet-Friendly Businesses in Fayetteville, AR: Amenities and Policies Compared
Best in City

Choosing Pet-Friendly Businesses in Fayetteville, AR: Amenities and Policies Compared

Fayetteville, Arkansas, offers a variety of pet-friendly businesses, including cafes and restaurants. This guide compares local establishments by their amenities and policies to help pet owners make informed choices for outings.

Hannah Pierce·Sep 29
Editorial illustration for Identifying Your Property's Flood Risk with FEMA Maps
Neighborhoods

Identifying Your Property's Flood Risk with FEMA Maps

Understanding your property's flood risk is crucial for protecting your home and making informed decisions about insurance and mitigation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides detailed flood maps through its Flood Map Service Center (MSC) to help residents identify their flood zone, interpret key data like Base Flood Elevation (BFE), and understand local risk management efforts.

Derek Molina·Sep 29
Editorial illustration for Discovering and Interpreting Local Public Art Installations
Local Guides

Discovering and Interpreting Local Public Art Installations

Learn how to discover and interpret local public art installations by leveraging city resources, understanding their purpose, and appreciating their community context and artist's intent.

Derek Molina·Sep 29