Local News
HAZEL CREST SCHOOL DISTRICT 152½ CELEBRATES RECORD GROWTH YEAR MARKED BY ACADEMIC GAINS, IMPROVED SCHOOL CLIMATE, AND PROFOUND STUDENT EVOLVEMENT
As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, Hazel Crest School District 152½ is celebrating a year marked by measurable academic progress, strengthened student supports, operational improvements, and a renewed commitment to excellence across every level of the organization. Through the collective efforts of the Board of Education, district leadership, educators, staff, students, and families, the district has continued building momentum toward long-term success while creating meaningful opportunities for every learner to thrive.
MAYOR JADA D. CURRY & THE VILLAGE OF LYNWOOD SET TO CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND WITH THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED “LYNVINIA MUSIC FESTIVAL” FEATURING LIVE MUSIC, FOOD, AND FAMILY FUN
Mayor Jada D. Curry, alongside the Village Clerk and Lynwood Board of Trustees, is proud to invite residents and visitors from across the South Suburbs and Chicagoland region to attend the highly anticipated Lynvinia Music Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lake View Park, 19801 Lake Lynwood Drive, Lynwood, Illinois.
Illinois Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. With reports of elder abuse on the rise in Illinois since 2022, Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Mary Killough, is reminding community members to learn the warning signs and speak up about suspected abuse of older adults.
(BPRW) SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUP NAMES CEDRIC J. ROGERS CHIEF PRODUCT & PLATFORM OFFICER
Sundial Media & Technology Group today formally announced the establishment of a Chief Product & Platform Officer role and the appointment of Cedric J. Rogers to lead this function. A former Apple executive and the Co-Founder of Culture Genesis, one of the largest Black-owned digital media networks, Rogers brings rare depth at the intersection of consumer technology, cultural media and creator ecosystems. He will drive product strategy, platform innovation, audience intelligence, monetization, and the continued evolution of Sundial’s SMART platform across its portfolio of brands - including ESSENCE, Refinery29, Beautycon, AFROPUNK, and the CreateHER Network.
Chicago State University Launches CQuEST Center, Opening Pathways to Careers at the Frontier of the Quantum Era
Chicago State University (CSU) proudly announces the launch of its CSU Quantum Education, Science and Technology Center (CQuEST), an Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)-authorized hub that brings together the university’s quantum research, credentials, and workforce programs under a single, coordinated center on Chicago’s South Side.
Taste of Chicago Returns to Prime Summer Season This July with Free Live Music, Family Fun and Local Flavors
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announces the return of Taste of Chicago, one of the world’s largest free-admission food festivals, July 8–12 for an expanded five-day celebration bringing residents and visitors together through acclaimed cuisine, live music and Chicago pride. From beloved neighborhood restaurants and emerging chefs to performances by globally recognized artists and family-friendly programming along the city’s iconic lakefront, Taste of Chicago 2026 will showcase the cultural diversity and creative energy that continue to make Chicago a premier culinary destination.
In the final hours of 2026 Illinois Legislative Session… History Made as More Than 100,000 Rideshare Drivers Win Union Rights in Illinois, Rideshare Drivers’ Union Bill Heads to Governor Pritzker’s De
In a historic moment for the nation’s labor movement and the State of Illinois, the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act (HB 5090), also known as the Rideshare Drivers’ Union Bill, passed both chambers of the Illinois State Legislature this weekend, giving more than 100,000 rideshare drivers statewide the right to form a union. The legislation sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolonda Morris will now head to Governor JB Pritzker's desk and would establish one of the strongest frameworks in the country for rideshare drivers to organize and bargain collectively.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ Historic Property Tax Sale Reform Legislation Passes in Illinois General Assembly
Sweeping property tax foreclosure reforms pushed by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas passed Saturday in the Illinois General Assembly and now head to the governor’s desk.
From Neighborhood Staples to Emerging Brands
As Chicago neighborhoods continue prioritizing local economic growth and community investment, the Office of Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is proud to announce the return of the Chicago Stars Awards (CSA), a citywide initiative created to celebrate and support the entrepreneurs, storefronts, and emerging brands helping shape the future of Chicago’s economy. Nominations for the 2026 Chicago Stars Awards cohort officially open June 1, 2026, and will remain open through August 1, 2026.
Illinois DCFS celebrates national #1 ranking in kinship care; reports progress made in KIND Act implementation
State government leaders joined the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the ACLU of Illinois, and community partners at a press conference at the Center for Youth and Family Solutions in Springfield today to highlight significant accomplishments and ongoing progress in implementing the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act, landmark legislation signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2025.
Here’s How One Lucky Illinoisan Will Control the Chicago Skyline in 2027
Open to all Illinois residents age 18 and older, the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago Foundation’s new Skyline Lighting Raffle is now live through Aug. 21. The raffle invites participants to purchase $25 tickets for a chance to design a custom skyline lighting display across downtown Chicago in 2027. The winning participant will work directly with BOMA/Chicago to create a meaningful lighting campaign celebrating a personal milestone, honoring a loved one, raising awareness for a cause—or maybe it’s just a favorite color.
FAITH LEADERS TO RECEIVE THE REV. JESSE L. JACKSON SR. FREEDOM & JUSTICE AWARD AT ANNUAL RAINBOW PUSH CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO
Rainbow PUSH announced on this past Thursday that it would honor three faith leaders during its annual national convention taking place June 10–13, 2026, at its headquarters in Chicago.
Chicago Public Schools Crossing Guard of the Year Winners District Honors Five Outstanding Crossing Guards
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today honored the more than 600 crossing guards who play a critical role in safeguarding students as they travel to and from school. The District’s annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Day recognized these individuals for their commitment to student safety and invaluable contributions to school communities.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SUPPORTS STRONGER ONLINE PROTECTIONS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general opposing the federal Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (“KIDS Act”), arguing the bill would weaken states’ ability to protect children online while insulating technology companies from accountability.