Local News
Michael Reese Health Trust Announces First $1 Million in Grants from Prairie State Access Fund
The Michael Reese Health Trust announced the first round of grants from the Prairie State Access Fund, awarding $1 million in flexible funding to four organizations across Illinois’ reproductive and sexual healthcare ecosystem: Chicago Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Repro TLC, and the Red Tent Fund.
DineAmic Hospitality Unveils Mosaic, a Versatile New Private Event Venue in River North
DineAmic Hospitality introduces Mosaic, a recently unveiled private event venue in River North designed to host elevated gatherings of all kinds just steps from the Chicago River. Blending modern design with timeless character, Mosaic offers a flexible, design-forward space paired with a curated menu featuring signature dishes from DineAmic Hospitality’s most celebrated restaurants.
Price vs. Protection: Who Wins?
When I meet people at seminars or after speaking engagements, many tell me they never realized how exposed their assets truly are. It is an eye-opening moment. Most people believe they are protected—until they discover how easily everything they own can be put at risk.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago Names Soche Picard as Executive Event Chair
For more than three decades, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities across the nation in an effort to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. This year marks a significant milestone for the Chicago walk, as Soche Picard, CEO of Arc Worldwide, will serve as the first-ever Executive Event Chair, signaling a new chapter of community engagement in support of the American Cancer Society’s mission. As a breast cancer survivor and business leader, Picard brings both personal passion and strategic stewardship to the role.
Ryan Opera Center showcases Ensemble members at Rising Stars in Concert
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago proudly presents Rising Stars in Concert on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., at the Lyric Opera House. This annual showcase of the acclaimed Ryan Opera Center’s 2025/26 Ensemble is a vibrant and theatrically engaging progra m celebrating the next generation of operatic talent. The concert is free and open to all. Tickets can be reserved at lyricopera.org/risingstars.
Molina Healthcare of Illinois and Foodsmart Celebrate National Nutrition Month with Joint Effort to Improve Nutrition Among New Mothers
Molina Healthcare of Illinois is continuing its partnership with Foodsmart, a national tele nutrition and food care provider, to make nutrition a core part of maternal health care for Molina members. Through this collaboration, eligible, expectant Molina mothers can access Foodsmart’s maternal health program, including support from registered dietitians and medically tailored meals that improve long-term health.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Join the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Hospital Sisters Health System, the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, elected officials, child welfare stakeholders and more for a month-long observance to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness messages and promote prevention efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
Chicago Board of Education Selects Dr. Macquline King as Superintendent/CEO of Chicago Public Schools
The Chicago Board of Education selected Macquline King, Ed.D., a District educator and leader for more than 30 years, to serve as CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Dr. King has served as interim superintendent/CEO since June 11, 2025 and will remain interim until her three-year contract takes effect July 1, 2026.
Crawford Advances Bill to Review Barriers Facing Millions of Illinoisans with Criminal Records
State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, has successfully advanced legislation out of committee aimed at addressing long-term barriers faced by individuals with arrest or conviction records across Illinois.
SOUTH CHICAGO DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS THREE WORLD PREMIERES AT THE HARRIS THEATER IN ONE CELEBRATORY EVENING, MAY 1, 2026
South Chicago Dance Theatre (SCDT) presents its ninth annual home season performance, An Evening with South Chicago Dance Theatre, featuring three electric world premieres by award-winning choreographers Natasha Adorlee, David Dorfman, and SCDT Founder and Director of Vision and Strategy and Resident Choreographer Kia S. Smith. The four-part mixed repertory program opens with a powerful work by renowned choreographer Donald Byrd. An Evening with South Chicago Dance Theatre takes place for one night only at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 East Randolph, on Friday, May 1, 2026.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES ILLINOISANS TO BE ALERT FOR TEXT MESSAGE SCAMS INVOLVING FAKE TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged Illinois consumers to be alert for scam text messages claiming they committed a traffic or tollway violation and must pay a fine. Raoul’s office is warning that the unsolicited text messages are intended to trick consumers into sharing personal and financial information.
Study shows trauma center placement makes a lifesaving difference
For decades, Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods have experienced high rates of firearm violence, making speedy access to expert trauma care a matter of life and death. A recent study in JAMA Surgery helps quantify the impact of critical care: the opening of the University of Chicago Medicine’s Level 1 trauma center in 2018 was associated with a nearly 4% reduction in firearm mortality, thanks to faster and closer emergency treatment.
HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC. CELEBRATES 48 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), a Historically Black Community-Based Organization (HBCBO), commemorated its 48th anniversary recently with a powerful celebration honoring community leaders and reflecting on nearly five decades of providing behavioral health and human services throughout Chicago’s West and South Sides.
City Year Chicago Invites the Community to its Annual Ripples of Hope Gala Celebrating a Year of Impact and Looking Towards the Future on April 16th, 2026.
City Year Chicago is proud to announce its annual Ripples of Hope Gala, taking place on Thursday, April 16th, 2026, at The Geraghty. This event is a “can’t miss” for anyone with a deep care for the education community.
