What if the best gift you give this holiday season doesn't come in a box, have a price tag, or require a trip to the mall? What if it is something you give with your time, your talents, and a little concern for somebody who may be feeling forgotten?
The Chicago Urban League has announced that Grammy Award-nominated, multi- platinum R&B singer Johnny Gill will headline its 65th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner (GFD) on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place. The League also announced its 2026 honorees: museum founder and civic leader Peggy Montes, who will receive the Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Award, and businessman and philanthropist Larry Huggins, who will receive the Lester McKeever Individual Service Award. Comedian Damon Williams will host the event.
Past and current Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students gathered today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bright Futures U, a workforce development program that has helped hundreds of young Chicagoans prepare for careers in the energy industry. Bright Futures U is a joint initiative between Peoples Gas and CPS that provides paid training for students interested in learning about the energy industry. Graduates of the program and current participants gathered at Peoples Gas’ training facility in Little Village today to celebrate the program and their own growing careers.
The new state lead testing requirements, which took effect July 1, 2026, require all children to receive blood lead tests at ages 12 months and 24 months, regardless of where they live. Also, children 6 years old and younger must receive a lead exposure risk assessment through a questionnaire administered by a healthcare provider. Previously, Illinois lead testing requirements applied only to children living in high-risk ZIP codes.
Representing Chicago in a nationwide contest, La Rabida Children’s Hospital has been named Soliant Health’s Most Beautiful Hospital. With more than 67,000 votes, La Rabida is proud to have earned this special recognition.
The Chicago Housing Authority distributed 5,000 brand-new winter coats to families and children at the agency’s 19th annual Operation Warm event. Nearly 1,600 families living in public housing or participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program attended to pick up warm clothing for the upcoming winter and connect with resources to support their families’ well-being.
Illinois Rep. Thaddeus Jones (29th), who was instrumental in providing state funds for the new TCA Health Nutrition and Wellness Center, said the journey started in 2020 when CEO Veronica Clarke shared her vision for such a facility in the Riverdale community. Jones joined other elected officials, board members and residents to cut the ribbon on the 10,000 sq. ft. multifunction building connected to TCA's main health facility at 1029 East 130th Street in the Altgeld Gardens/Riverdale community.
Global Mixx Creative Arts, NFP proudly announces the honorees of The Game Changer Awards on Friday, November 13, 2026. The ceremony kicks off the 17th Annual Global Mixx Music and Film Forum, which takes place November 14, 2026, at Malcolm X College in Chicago.
Howard Brown Health today announced plans to renovate and improve its care center at 6500 N. Clark St. in Rogers Park into a more modern, accessible, efficient and integrated community health center. The renovation will enhance primary care, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, diagnostic testing, case management and social service support together in one coordinated setting. Once complete, Howard Brown anticipates the site will serve more than 10,000 patients each year — an increase of about 2,400 — and provide an estimated 28,000 to 32,000 patient encounters annually.
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) recently released the final Cabrini NOW Development Framework Plan, a community-driven development roadmap for around 4,100 new homes across CHA’s remaining 43 acres in Cabrini-Green.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans that it is time to get immunizations against seasonal respiratory illnesses, like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The reminder comes after IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra received his annual flu and COVID-19 shots during a visit to the Winnebago County Health Department.
REVOLVE Group, Inc. announces the appointment of Dwyane Wade as Chief Performance Officer for REVOLVE Man and FWRD Man, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the company's rapidly growing menswear business.
Members of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments (ENDPP.ORG) gathered in Hyde Park for their annual meeting on Saturday, calling on elected officials to advance policies that would end the legal, economic and social barriers facing people who have completed their prison sentences, also known as permanent punishments.
The Chicagoland Apartment Association (CAA), the region’s leading voice for the rental housing industry, today announced a major organizational rebrand and expansion. Effective immediately, the association will operate as the Illinois Apartment Association (IAA), reflecting its broadened mission, statewide reach, and strengthened commitment to elevating Illinois’ rental housing industry.
United to Revive Ministries reports that its We Are One Tour provided at least 2,000 free meals through partnerships with churches, businesses and volunteers across three counties and eight Illinois communities.