CTA Red Line Extension Project Receives Prestigious “Strategic Plan Award” from the American Planning Association—IL Chapter for its Visionary “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” to Revitalize Disin
The CTA’s Red Line Extension (RLE) Project “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” has won the 2023 Strategic Plan Award the American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter (APA-IL). This notable award recognizes the CTA’s vision and plan for transformational community impact related to the $3.6 billion RLE project, which will build a 5.6-mile Red Line extension to 130th Street from 95th Street.
FOR THE LOVE OF SHOES: CHICAGO SNEAKER BOUTIQUE LAUNCHES PODCAST PROMOTING COMMUNITY
After the successful launch of his latest sneaker boutique in Hyde Park, Chicago entrepreneur, and businessman James Denman is using his venture to bring people together through a new podcast. The Sneakerville 88 podcast features athletes, entertainers, artists, and even politicians. Even better, each podcast coincides with a new drop. The goal is to restore a sense of community and belonging over a shared love of sneakers.
Treasurer Frerichs Expands Outreach Efforts For IL ABLE Savings Program
As students head back to school, parents of children with Individualized Education Plans will receive information about a State Treasurer’s Office program that helps families save money for disability-related expenses.
THE JOFFREY BALLET OPENS 2023-24 SEASON WITH CHICAGO PREMIERE OF LIAM SCARLETT’S FRANKENSTEIN
The Joffrey Ballet opens its 68th season with the highly anticipated Chicago premiere of Liam Scarlett's critically acclaimed interpretation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. A gothic masterpiece set in the dawn of modern science, Scarlett's production of the 19th-century science fiction novel is a visceral, profoundly emotional tale of life, death, love, and identity. Set to an original sweeping score by Lowell Liebermann and immersed within the striking stage design by world-renowned artist of premiere ballets and operas John Macfarlane, this must-see Chicago premiere is one of the most innovative works of dance today. Frankenstein will be presented at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in 10 performances only, from October 12–22.
INTRODUCING THE CHICAGO ARTS & HEALTH PILOT FOR CREATIVE WORKERS
The City of Chicago is proud to announce the launch of the Chicago Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers, an innovative paid job training program that seeks to bridge the realms of arts, health, healing, and wellness. Funded through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) federal funds, the program will pay artists to apprentice in community clinics and become certified community health workers to amplify the proven benefits of arts engagement in fostering holistic recovery, well-being, and social cohesion in communities.
Aetna Better Health of Illinois Supports Community Health Centers
Aetna Better Health of Illinois has provided more than $12.7 million in value-based incentive payments to eight local community health centers.
EMERGE! Fashion Runway Show Continues its mission of being one of the largest showcases for emerging designers during New York Fashion Week
On September 12, 2023, EMERGE! Fashion Runway Show hosted its highly-anticipated & must attend runway show during New York Fashion Week. With a renowned reputation as the preeminent showcase for bringing to the forefront rising fashion design stars, EMERGE! Fashion Runway Show turned the spotlight on these talented visionaries redefining the fashion industry’s style conversation. For 12 years, Emerge! has provided emerging designers a national and global platform to showcase their creativity during New York Fashion Week, and provides access to media outlets, buyers, notables, celebrities and the nation to discover.
Duckworth Announces $3.5 Million in Congressionally Directed Spending to Support Water Improvements in Harvey
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), co-founder of the Senate’s first Environmental Justice Caucus, announced that $3.5 million she secured through a Fiscal Year 2022 Congressionally Directed Spending Request will be sent by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the City of Harvey for its Central Area Water and Sewer Improvement Project. This Duckworth-secured federal funding will increase Harvey’s financial capacity to implement long-overdue water infrastructure upgrades to help address chronic flooding and reduce resource costs for breaks and leaks repairs, while also helping provide higher quality drinking water to residents.
Organization continues to improve the lives of children in Illinois
For 20 years, Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation has been ensuring that children across Illinois grow up healthy. The grantmaking organization was founded in 2002, with a focus on the mental and oral health for children in Illinois.
Dream Exchange CEO Speaks at Historic National Black Business Conference, Forges Transformative Partnership with National Black Chamber of Commerce
Joe Cecala, Founder and CEO of Dream Exchange, was invited to speak at the National Black Business Conference which took place in Atlanta, Georgia on Aug. 24-26. With a resounding commitment to empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs, a historic agreement that marked the beginning of an unprecedented partnership between Dream Exchange and the National Black Chamber of Commerce ® (NBCC) was solidified and signed.
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER ANNOUNCES EXPANDED OPEN HOUSE PROGRAMMING
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) announced programming for this year’s Open House Chicago (OHC), a free festival that provides behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most historically, culturally and architecturally important sites. The 2023 event, which will take place October 13-15, will feature 170+ locations across 20+ Chicago neighborhoods. Additionally, for the first time, the CAC will host two Friday events, including one exclusively for CAC members.
Chicago Public Schools rolls out new menu items for 2023-2024 school year
With the new school year in full swing, Chicago Public Schools has launched new initiatives and menu items for the students.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES EXPANDED YOUTH COMMISSION
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the 5th cohort of the Mayor’s Youth Commission, expanding the Commission from 32 young people to 40 young people.
DISNEY100: THE EXHIBITION TO OPEN NOVEMBER 18 IN CHICAGO--BIRTHPLACE OF WALT DISNEY
The Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions, a worldwide exhibit presenter and producer, announced today that Disney100: The Exhibition will open at the 35,000-square-foot Exhibition Hub Art Center (formerly known as the Windy City Fieldhouse) in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 18. This date is also special because it's Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse's birthday. The pair made their first on-screen appearance in Steamboat Willie, which premiered in New York City on November 18, 1928.
Pear Nova and Flora & Noor Celebrate Self-Care Awareness Month
September is Self-Care Awareness Month and to celebrate, two locally based beauty brands, Pear Nova and Flora & Noor, teamed up for a two-day event that included yoga, hand massages, body massages, facials etc. Pear Nova is a beauty brand that was founded by Rachel James in 2013.
Jada Pinkett Smith to Host 'Red Table Talk' Inspired Event Live in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi will be hosting the multi-talented actor, producer, entrepreneur, musician, host, author, and advocate, Jada Pinkett Smith. She will be hosting an intimate conversation inspired by her Emmy Award-Winning talk show "Red Table Talk" Nov. 6th in Abu Dhabi. The event marks Jada's first stop in the Middle East as she embarks on the highly anticipated world tour of her memoir, "Worthy."
Start Early works to close the maternal health gap
According to National Partnership, Black women are three to four times more likely to experience pregnancy-related death than white women; they are more likely to experience preventable maternal death compared with white women; and their heightened risk of pregnancy-related death spans income and education levels.
Dress for Success® Worldwide launches its prestigious power lunch, Women Who Inspire, with guest of honor, Gayle King
Dress for Success® Worldwide is honored to announce the return of Women Who Inspire on September 27, in New York City. Bringing together corporate executives, innovative thought leaders, media, social influencers, and the women Dress for Success serves, this event aims to create practical and sustainable solutions to advance economic opportunities for women.
Comcast Announces $250,000 Grant to fund Digital Navigators at 26 Chicago Public Library branches, Plans to Donate 1,000 Laptops to 10 City Non-profits
National and local Comcast leaders joined Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Library (CPL) Commissioner Chris Brown today to announce a $250,000 donation to the Chicago Public Library Foundation to fund digital navigators at 26 city library branches. Digital navigators are professionals who link Chicagoans to resources that can help them build the digital skills needed to succeed in school, participate in the workforce and connect to programs that can help them access and pay for broadband Internet service at home.
