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CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS EMERGENCY FOOD GIVEAWAY
In response to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its evolving federal guidelines, Christmas in the Wards (CITW) hosted a community food giveaway on Chicago’s West side, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon at Sav-A-Lot, 420 S. Pulaski Road.
Give the Gift of Joy With The Salvation Army This Holiday Season
With more individuals and families facing hardship this holiday season, The Salvation Army is stepping up to meet the rising demand for support. To ensure critical services remain available through the holidays and beyond, the organization is aiming to raise $12 Million in Chicago and is calling on the local community to help make it possible.
Dr. Calvin Mackie receives 2025 ASME Ralph Coats Roe Medal
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has named Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder and CEO of STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action, the 2025 recipient of the ASME Ralph Coats Roe Medal—one of the most distinguished honors in the field of engineering.
Celebrate in Nature: Forest Preserves of Cook County 2026 Picnic, Special Event Permits and Camping Reservations Open Now
Whether you’re planning a family reunion, company picnic, birthday party or even a wedding, the Forest Preserves of Cook County offers beautiful outdoor locations to make your event unforgettable.
SKYDECK CHICAGO LAUNCHES 10TH ANNUAL LOVE ON THE LEDGE CONTEST
Skydeck Chicago, the iconic observation deck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, is celebrating a decade of romance in the sky with the 10th annual Love on The Ledge contest. The beloved Valentine's Day social media contest invites deserving couples to tie the knot or renew their vows 1,353 ft. above the city in an intimate ceremony on The Ledge, creating the feeling of floating above Chicago's skyline.
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce & Partner Organizations Announce Chicago Loves Local: 77 Reasons to Shop Small
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, the Chicago Is With You Task Force, the Rogers Park Business Alliance and the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights are proud to announce the launch of Chicago Loves Local: 77 Reasons to Shop Small, a citywide campaign celebrating small businesses in every one of Chicago’s 77 community areas.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum open through Jan. 3
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum will once again light up the holiday season. The 13th annual celebration of trees in winter runs through Jan. 3, 2026, inviting guests to experience nature in a whole new light along a one-mile, ADA-accessible walking trail.
November is National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is raising awareness during National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month this November. The OSFM is urging everyone to recognize the silent and invisible danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which claims hundreds of lives and sickens thousands each year across the United States.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WW II Purple Heart Medal to Family of Late Veteran at Ceremony in Oak Lawn Ahead of Veterans Day
On the day before Veterans Day, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the niece of a World War II veteran who was injured while fighting in France and Germany.
Chicago State University, CPS Network 17 Launch “Elevate 17” — A Bold Collaboration to Ignite Postsecondary Success Across Chicago’s South Side
Chicago State University (CSU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Network 17 have joined forces to launch Elevate 17: Powered by CSU and Network 17, a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform college access and success for students on Chicago’s South Side.
MAYOR JOHNSON, PARK CEO RAMIREZ-ROSA JOIN PARK ADVOCATES AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS TO ANNOUNCE FUTURE PLANS FOR PARK DEVELOPMENT AT CALUMET CONFINED DISPOSAL FACILITY
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Park District CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joined Friends of the Parks, Alliance of the Southeast, and the Environmental Law and Policy Center joined a host of elected officials, conservation advocates, and Eastside community stakeholders at the Calumet Park fieldhouse, 9801 S. Avenue G, to announce the future closure of the Calumet Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) and plans to convert the 43-acre site into public parkland.
City Colleges of Chicago Fall Enrollment Grows for Fourth Straight Year, Driven by Gains in Credit Enrollment
For the fourth straight year, City Colleges of Chicago has made gains in fall headcount enrollment, exceeding pre-pandemic enrollment. Fall enrollment of 44,296 students in credit and adult education programs combined represents an increase of 3.6% over the prior fall, according to the Illinois Community College Board.
BLACK ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE OF CHICAGO (BACA) ANNOUNCES
The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA) has announced the winners of the 2025 Black Excellence Awards, honoring and celebrating Chicago theatre, dance, music, film, literary, and visual artists. The 24th annual event was held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. in Chicago.
NATIONAL PUBLIC HOUSING MUSEUM SELECTS OPEN MIKE EAGLE AS 2026 ARTIST AS INSTIGATOR
The National Public Housing Museum, the first museum dedicated to telling the stories and sharing the history of public housing in the United States, today announced Chicago-born hip-hop artist Open Mike Eagle as its seventh Artist as Instigator. The year-long residency, which combines art and advocacy to make creative public policy interventions around housing-related issues, kicks off with a public event at the National Public Housing Museum (919 S. Ada Street, Chicago) on Thursday, December 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, where Eagle will share early plans for his project and give a performance.