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ISBE and Lurie Children’s Launch Free, Data-Informed Resilience-Supportive Schools Illinois Initiative to Strengthen Student Mental Health and Resilience in All Schools
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Center for Childhood Resilience at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago today announced the statewide rollout of Resilience-Supportive Schools Illinois (RSSI) — a free, data-informed initiative that provides schools with tools to strengthen student and educator mental health and resilience. RSSI builds on the Resilience Education to Advance Community Healing (REACH) Initiative, which has led to reduced chronic absenteeism, improved teacher retention, and decreased the use of suspensions, and improved schools’ capacity for trauma-responsiveness for participating schools.
UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES PLANS SECOND UNIVERSAL HORROR UNLEASHED IN CHICAGO
Universal Destinations & Experiences, the themed entertainment division of Comcast NBCUniversal, announced Chicago as the second location for its year-round immersive horror experience Universal Horror Unleashed. The permanent entertainment venue is Universal’s first branded experience in the Midwest and is part of the company’s plans to invest in the brand and introduce it to new audiences, in new markets with new, original concepts. Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago will transform a vacant 114,000-square-foot commercial building at 700 W. Chicago Avenue, directly across from the new Bally’s Casino, into a world-class horror attraction and entertainment destination. According to World Business Chicago, the project is expected to generate more than $1 billion in economic impact for the city.
LISC ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 31ST ANNUAL CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
LISC is proud to announce the winners of the 31st Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDAs), the city’s premier celebration of community-driven transformation. Held at Radius, a live music venue in the heart of Pilsen, on June 26, the event drew more than 700 civic leaders, residents, artists, architects, developers, and elected officials and honored how culture, creativity, and local leadership helps cities grow equitably.
MAYOR JOHNSON, CITY COUNCIL MAKE VETERANS BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM PERMANENT, EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES
In a unanimous vote, the Chicago City Council approved the Veterans= Business Enterprise (VBE) Program as a permanent program within the Department of Procurement Services (DPS), building on the success of the VBE pilot program. This milestone builds on a continued commitment by the City to expanding economic opportunities for veteran-owned businesses and reduce barriers for those who have served our country.
With Four Years of Impact and Counting, Hope Chicago Marks Leadership Transition
As founding CEO of Hope Chicago, Dr. Janice K. Jackson has led a groundbreaking effort to deliver pathways to economic mobility for thousands of South, Southwest, and West Side Chicago families with its multi-generational approach to post-secondary education. In just four years, she has taken the organization from a bold idea to powerful impact. She will step down from her role at Hope Chicago to pursue other career opportunities, effective August 1.
Gov. Pritzker Signs College Access and Affordability Bills into Law
Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), community college presidents, and legislators to sign bills into law that will support Illinois high school students pursuing higher education. Governor Pritzker signed four bills into law that help improve college access and affordability: HB 2967, HB 3096, HB 3097, and HB 3522. During his February State of the State Address, Governor Pritzker emphasized that support for college admissions would be a priority initiative during this year’s session.
Representatives Jackson and Krishnamoorthi Demand ICE Transparency at Chicago South Loop Facility
Congressmen Jonathan L. Jackson and Raja Krishnamoorthi are demanding immediate transparency and accountability from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following their denied attempt to conduct an oversight visit at the South Loop ICE facility in Chicago.
Gov. Pritzker Presses Congress to Protect Food and Nutrition Program for Working Families
Governor JB Pritzker joined 23 governors from across the country to send a letter urging Congressional leaders to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a critical safety net that an estimated 427,000 Illinoisans are at risk to lose.
Community’s Voice Shapes Future Leadership
The Chicago Board of Education (Board) has successfully concluded the community engagement phase of its search for the next superintendent/CEO.
City of Chicago Announces Full Schedule for 2025 Taste of Chicago, Including Grant Park and Neighborhood Celebrations
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are proud to announce the return of Taste of Chicago, the city’s signature food and music festival, with a dynamic lineup of events across Chicago neighborhoods and a grand finale in Grant Park, Sept. 5–7, 2025. All events are free admission and open to the public.
Black Ensemble Theater extends That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti
Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti, a musical celebration of sisterhood, soul, and legendary voices written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. The production has been extended through August 10, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
Chicago Board of Education Appoints 2025–2026 Honorary Student Board Member
The Chicago Board of Education (Board) has named Destiny Singleton, a rising senior from Ogden International High School as its 2025-2026 Honorary Student Board Member (HSBM). She succeeds Carolina Carchi, a recent Roberto Clemente Community Academy graduate.
The IBUKUN Hip Hop Art & Culture Fest Is Coming to Chicago
This summer, Chicago will experience a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community healing as the IBUKUN Hip Hop Art & Culture Fest takes over the Zhou B Art Center (1029 W. 35th Street, Chicago) on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 3:00pm - 8:00pm. The event is hosted by Ibukun Comprehensive Community Services and is more than a cultural event, this all-day festival is also a fundraiser dedicated to supporting mental health services for disadvantaged youth, families, and underserved communities across the city.
Famous Amos Recognizes 3 Emerging Black-Owned Enterprises with $50,000 Business Awards
Famous Amos, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc (USBC), has announced the winners of its fifth annual Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative (IFS). IFS supports pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $50,000 to three organizations each, in addition to mentorship, networking and educational resources.
