Rep. Kelly Tours South Suburb Emergency Dispatch Center
During a week of action against the Trump administration's harmful agenda, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) toured the SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center to discuss its employees’ mental health.
Illinois Students and Advocates Call on Lawmakers to Fully Fund Campus Mental Health Support
Young Invincibles and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago joined students and legislative leaders, Representative La Shawn K. Ford and Representative Lindsey LaPointe, to advocate to fully fund the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act (MHEACA) at $23.5 million for fiscal year 2026.
Giannoulias Launches Multi-Faceted Effort to Curb Distracted Driving
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias kicked off the office’s multi-faceted “One Road. One Focus” public safety campaign that raises awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.
Gov. Pritzker Highlights Progress Reducing Gun Violence in Chicago
Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) officials, legislators, and community leaders convened to recognize progress made to reduce gun violence in Chicago and Illinois due in part to the Peacekeeper Program. The State of Illinois adopted this model in 2023 as a strategy of the OFVP. A recent Northwestern University evaluation report found a 41% reduction of gun violence rates in Chicago and Cook County suburban hotspots targeted by the program.
Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago, and University of Illinois Chicago Launch Chicago Roadmap 2.0 to Ensure a Seamless Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree
Chicago Public Schools (CPS), City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) are expanding the nationally-recognized higher education partnership with the launch of “Chicago Roadmap 2.0.” This next phase is designed to ensure students have a seamless transition from high school to community college to four-year institutions — retaining earned credits, reducing barriers to transfer, and keeping them on track for bachelor’s degree completion.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING RELEASE DRAFT OF 2025 QUALIFIED ALLOCATION PLAN FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING RESOURCES
The 2025 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) draft, which determines a significant portion of the City of Chicago’s affordable housing resources, was issued on April 15 by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH).
Comprehensive Learning Services Supports The Whole Child
As an educational psychologist and learning disability specialist, Dr. Chrisna Perry supports children with various neurodiversity needs, including Autism, ADHD and Anxiety Disorder, as well as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and neurotypical children who are struggling in school.
ComEd Program Helps Participant Transition Into New Career
After more than 10 years in education, Sasha Simmons wanted to transition to a career in the construction and utility fields. As a registered behavioral technician, she worked with children with autism. She decided to participate in ComEd’s Craft Academy because she knew it would be a great steppingstone in her transition and she would be able to learn as much as she possibly could about the construction and utility fields.
Artist Wants To Make Others Feel Seen Through Work
Anthony Bartley’s journey with art started as a child, drawing his favorite characters from anime, cartoon and video games. It was something that his mother encouraged, because it was something she did when she was younger.
United African Organization Offers a Platform for Meaningful Dialogue and Community Connection
The United African Organization (UAO) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 Chicago African Summit & Community Resource Fair, a premier forum in the Midwest dedicated to addressing contemporary issues facing the African diaspora. Scheduled for Saturday, May 10th, from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, the event will be hosted at the Charles Hayes Center located at 4859 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60615.
DIVERSE COALITION OF CHICAGO LEADERS AND FANS OF RENOWN BLACK PIANIST TO COALESCE THEIR TALENTS AND NETWORKS IN HOPE OF FINDING A KIDNEY DONOR
Government officials, Medical Professionals, Civic and Community leaders are gathering themselves to advocate for a woman of distinction, selflessness, and a music legend in a kickoff of a nationwide public relations campaign. Yvonne W. Huntley, considered by many as one of the nation’s top pianists, is now in the fight of her life as she seeks a kidney that will allow her to continue her remarkable life of providing beautiful music. Her current kidneys are functioning at an alarmingly low rate.
Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer's: A Journey Through Change
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that unfolds gradually over time, impacting memory, thinking, and behavior. While the experience can vary widely from person to person, Alzheimer’s typically progresses through three main stages: early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe).
When the Heat and Storms Come, Lies Will Not Save Us
When the storms come harder and the heat comes earlier, it does not matter who you voted for. You still have to rebuild your home. You still have to find a way to breathe clean air. You still have to keep your family safe.
CTU Gathers with Faith-based Leaders to Highlight Recent Tentative Agreement Wins for Students and Educators
In a powerful display of unity between education advocates and Chicago’s vibrant faith community, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) gathered with local faith leaders and community leaders this week to highlight the community-centered benefits secured in the recently ratified tentative agreement. CTU leaders explained the vital role churches and congregations play in disseminating critical information to families and students across the city.
COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER KISHA MCCASKILL TAKES CENTER STAGE AS SOUTH SUBURBAN COMMUNITY UNITES FOR A GREENER FUTURE
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill of the 5th District successfully hosted a dynamic and impactful Earth Day Celebration at South Suburban College, located at 15800 State Street in South Holland, Illinois. The event, presented in partnership with State Senator Napoleon B. Harris III and the Office of Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart, brought together residents from across the South Suburbs for a day of environmental action and community service.
RICH TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR CALVIN JORDAN LEADS HEARTWARMING SPRING CELEBRATION FOR HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES WITH “EASTER JAMBOREE” CELEBRATION
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan and Olympia Fields Park District hosted an unforgettable Easter Celebration that brought together families from across the south suburban area. Hundreds of children gathered at 20712 Western Avenue to enjoy an afternoon filled with laughter, endless fun, and activities for the entire family. This family-focused event featured an egg hunt, arts and crafts, interactive games, music, and an engaging dance session with the Easter Bunny. Families also enjoyed a complimentary lunch, capturing springtime memories with festive photo ops and colorful decorations. Supervisor Jordan credits the impact of purposeful partnership to being able to create great opportunities for memorable experiences
New Secretary of State DMV+ Opens in Aurora
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office is opening a new 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art DMV+ housed at the former Carson Pirie Scott building in downtown Aurora.
Giannoulias Celebrates Financial Literacy Month With Book Donation
Mellody Hobson Books Donated to Every Public Library in Illinois
OneUnited Bank Teams Up with Esusu to Empower Renters, Unlock Better Credit and Open Doors to Homeownership
In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, OneUnited Bank, a leading Community Development Financial Institution and the nation's largest Black-owned bank, is joining forces with the innovative credit-building platform Esusu to revolutionize the path to homeownership for renters. By reporting on-time rental payments, this alliance simplifies credit building, paving the way to homeownership and delivering essential financial literacy tools and AI technology to help close the wealth gap.
