J. T. Matthews News
Chicago treasurer proposes halting new U.S. Treasury investments over federal immigration actions
By J. T. Matthews | Nov 19, 2025
Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin has announced a plan to stop purchasing U.S. Treasury securities as part of the city’s investment portfolio, citing recent federal actions that she describes as harmful to Chicago residents.
Chicago Mayor Johnson’s rideshare surcharge proposal draws scrutiny amid $1.15 billion budget gap
By J. T. Matthews | Oct 31, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to expand congestion surcharges on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has sparked backlash from companies, riders and local commentators, who argue the increase would burden low-income residents and stifle economic growth in a city grappling with elevated inflation and a softening job market.
Former Mayoral candidate on Chicago budget: 'It’s regressive, reckless, and a betrayal of Chicago's future’
By J. T. Matthews | Oct 30, 2025
Paul Vallas, a senior fellow at the Illinois Policy Institute, has expressed concerns regarding Mayor Brandon Johnson's 2026 budget proposal and the potential implementation of a congestion tax in Chicago.
City Treasurer highlights unity at Chicago Diwali celebration
By J. T. Matthews | Oct 30, 2025
Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Irvin took part in the city's Diwali celebration at City Hall, joining Mayor Brandon Johnson, members of the Indian American Business Council (IABC), and community leaders.
Women athletes discuss leadership and financial empowerment at Building for Wealth summit
By J. T. Matthews | Oct 29, 2025
The 5th annual “Building for Wealth Today & Tomorrow” Summit took place in Chicago, focusing on financial empowerment and investment in women’s sports and communities.
Common joins Treasurer Conyears-Ervin for 5th anniversary of BWTT Financial Empowerment Summit
By J. T. Matthews | Oct 27, 2025
The Office of the City Treasurer has announced that Common, a Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winning artist and Chicago native, will headline the fifth anniversary of the Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow (BWTT) Financial Empowerment Summit.
Lincoln Park Zoo announces relocation of polar bear Siku to Henry Vilas Zoo
By J. T. Matthews | Oct 16, 2025
Siku, a 15-year-old male polar bear at Lincoln Park Zoo, will soon move to Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin.
Essence Ventures partners with Chicago treasurer for community financial empowerment summit
By J. T. Matthews | Sep 29, 2025
ESSENCE Ventures and the Office of the Chicago City Treasurer, led by Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, have announced a partnership aimed at advancing financial empowerment and wealth-building opportunities for diverse communities in Chicago.
Lincoln Park Zoo announces pregnancy of critically endangered eastern black rhinoceros
By J. T. Matthews | Sep 22, 2025
Lincoln Park Zoo has announced that Kapuki, a 20-year-old female eastern black rhinoceros, is pregnant.