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, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
A Chicago startup wants to make finding your lost items easier, with a new website and mobile app called "crowdfynd." Co-founders Jay Sebben and Pinaki Saha explained how they're helping relieve your anxiety.
A Chicago startup wants to make finding your lost items easier, with a new website and mobile app called "crowdfynd." Co-founders Jay Sebben and Pinaki Saha explained how they're helping relieve your anxiety.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:26:00 GMT
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
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The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:51 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:51:56 GMT
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:52 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:52:14 GMT
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:05:27 GMT
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has been appointed to head the board of a government-supported nonprofit that promotes Chicago as a tourism and convention destination.
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has been appointed to head the board of a government-supported nonprofit that promotes Chicago as a tourism and convention destination.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:53 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:53:52 GMT
An 87-year-old who alleges Donald Trump cheated her in a bait-and-switch has told jurors she had qualms about suing the developer-turned-TV star given his power and influence.
An 87-year-old woman who alleges Donald Trump cheated her in a bait-and-switch scheme has told jurors she had qualms about suing the developer-turned-TV star given his power and influence.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:53 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:53:43 GMT
Five people died and six others were taken to hospitals Monday after the van they were riding in left a southern Illinois freeway and overturned several times, Illinois State Police said.
Five people died and six others were taken to hospitals Monday after the van they were riding in left a southern Illinois freeway and overturned several times, Illinois State Police said.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:45 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:45:14 GMT
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:39:06 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
