Local News
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller Launches Congressional Campaign
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is launching her campaign for Illinois' 2nd Congressional District today with an introductory video, linked here, that summarizes her family's history of service and her plans to carry that legacy forward. Miller raised her family in the south suburbs and grew up in Chicago with her family's generational story rooted in Black migration.
Chicago Board of Education Approves Resolution Launching Healthy Green Schools Pilot Program
During its June meeting, the Chicago Board of Education (Board) unanimously approved a resolution to launch a Healthy Green Schools Pilot Program that aims to invest in clean energy and building electrification projects across 12 neighborhood schools by fiscal year 2026.
CVS Health opens new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center in Chicago
CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) announced the opening of its new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center (WITC) in Chicago. The center, situated at the Chicago Baptist Institute, will improve the community's access to workforce training services and provide every participant who completes the program an opportunity to apply for a position at CVS Health.
Choose Chicago Launches Chicago Pizza Pass in Partnership with More Than 25 Local Pizza Restaurants
Choose Chicago, in partnership with more than 25 local pizza spots, announced the launch of the Chicago Pizza Pass, a new digital experience produced by Choose Chicago that invites locals and visitors alike to taste their way through one of the most iconic pizza destinations in the world. This new program will encourage exploration of Chicago’s pizza scene by giving pass holders access to exclusive discounts and deals at participating restaurants as well as the opportunity to win special prizes. For just $15, pizza fans can sign up today at chipizzapass.com and get access to deals until the end of the year – no apps or downloads required.
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.