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Bell Heir’s BBQ Opens New Location at River Oaks Center
Acclaimed pitmaster Tyris Bell is ushering in a new chapter for Bell Heir’s BBQ with the opening of a new location at River Oaks Center in Calumet City. The restaurant officially opened Friday, February 6, following the closure of Bell Heir’s original Chicago location.
$1.7 Million in Grants to Expand Arts Opportunities for Chicago Public School Students
Arts education across Chicago is expanding for CPS students as $1.7 million in grants is awarded to 125 Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The grants will support projects that connect students with arts organizations to strengthen artistic skills, deepen community connections, and build leadership.
Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance Available for Qualifying Taxpayers
Several trusted Illinois programs offer free income tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families and older adults who may need assistance in filing their 2025 income taxes.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION OPPOSING REPEAL OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS THAT EXPOSE RACE- AND ETHNICITY-BASED DISPARITIES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a U.S. Department of Education proposal to remove certain reporting requirements that help the department uncover significant disproportionality in the identification and placement of children in special education programming and in the discipline of children, based on race and ethnicity.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, MAYOR’S OFFICE OF REENTRY RELEASES YOUTH REENTY GUIDEBOOK
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office of Reentry announced the release of the first ever Youth Reentry Guidebook, a comprehensive resource designed to support young people returning to their communities from the criminal justice system. The guidebook connects system impacted individuals and their families with tools and trusted resources to support reentry including legal support, housing assistance, educational opportunities, mental health services, and employment opportunities.
The Obama Presidential Center Advances Its Public Art Program with Next Wave of Monumental Commissions
The Obama Foundation today announced five new artist commissions for the Obama Presidential Center, opening in June 2026 on Chicago’s South Side. Mark Bradford, Tyanna J. Buie, Jay Heikes, Carrie Mae Weems, and a collaboration between Sam Kirk and Dorian Sylvain will create major site-specific works that will serve as catalysts for civic dialogue, inspiration, and connection.
Cook County Clerk Cautions Voters About USPS Postmark Change
With the Illinois Primary Election less than six weeks away, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is urging voters who plan to vote by mail to take extra precautions following a recent United States Postal Service policy change that could affect whether mail ballots can be counted.
Wellness West Announces New Chief Executive Officer
Wellness West is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly E. McCullough-Starks as its new Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Kimberly will focus on strengthening collaboration among partners, improving care coordination, and positioning Wellness West for long-term sustainability.
Merck Foundation grant supports heart care for formerly incarcerated Black men
UChicago Medicine and Lawndale Christian Health Center have received a $1.75 million grant to address heart health disparities among formerly incarcerated Black men by helping provide preventive cardiovascular care in an underserved neighborhood.
Genius Factor Academy and National Black MBA Association Announce Strategic Partnership to Launch AI-Driven Career Intelligence Platform
Genius Factor Academy and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) today announced a strategic partnership aimed at empowering professionals to align their talent, passion, career and income in the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence.
Popilush Announces Second Limited-Edition Collaboration with Angela Simmons
Popilush, the trailblazing, award-winning shapewear fashion brand, is thrilled to announce its second collaboration with entrepreneur and TV personality Angela Simmons. The new Popilush x Angela collection includes two fashion-forward styles, the Zip-Front Waist Shaping Swimsuit and Sculpting Curve Mesh Skirt One-Piece Swimsuit.
SNIPES X SAUCONY® LAUNCH "CITY LIGHTS" COLLECTION: EXCLUSIVE FOOTWEAR COLORWAYS FUSING RUNNING HERITAGE WITH NEON-SOAKED STREET CULTURE
NIPES US, the leading global streetwear and sneaker retailer, and Saucony, a global performance running and lifestyle brand, unveiled the "City Lights" collection, blending Saucony's storied running heritage with modern street culture through a dynamic, neon-soaked parkour narrative. The campaign's message is clear: don't just walk through the city – run it, own it, and shine in it.
HOW SWEET THE SOUND™ to Air Nationwide in February 2026 Through Broadcast Television Syndication
How Sweet The Sound™ will air nationwide in February 2026 through broadcast television syndication, reaching audiences across the United States during Black History Month. The one-hour special will be available on major broadcast television networks and affiliates, offering viewers a powerful celebration of gospel music, faith, and cultural legacy.
SOULSVILLE FOUNDATION AND STAX MUSIC ACADEMY PRESENT 'SOUL OF AMERICA
Stax Music Academy announced the release of SOUL OF AMERICA, a companion study guide and video experience created for educators and students nationwide. Developed by Stax Music Academy students, Soul of America provides educators with a collection of engaging, curriculum-aligned activities that place American music history within a rich sociocultural context.
