Local News
EDUCATIONAL LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE NATION TO VISIT CHICAGO AREA STEM CAMPUS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE BEST CENTERS IN THE UNITED STATES
Dr. Johnnie Thomas- General Superintendent of the Rich Township High School District 227- will be joined by area elected officials and community leaders in welcoming educational leaders throughout the United States in a Chicago area tour of the nationally renowned RTHS Stem Center of Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Valparaiso University and City Colleges of Chicago Announce a Guaranteed Admissions Agreement for Students Pursuing a Higher Degree in Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical and Biological Engin
Valparaiso University and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) have entered into a guaranteed admission to support engineering students seeking a way to pursue a four-year degree.
ANNOUNCING THE 2026 YOUNGARTS AWARD WINNERS
YoungArts announces the 2026 YoungArts award winners, 734 of the nation's most accomplished young visual, literary, and performing artists representing 39 states and the District of Columbia. Bestowed annually since 1981, the YoungArts Award is the only award in the nation that recognizes exceptional young talent across disciplines and affirms their pursuit of a professional life in the arts. Recipients become part of a lifelong community of peers and mentors, with access to critical resources that help sustain their creative practices throughout their careers. A complete list of the 2026 winners is available online at youngarts.org/winners.
CHANCE THE RAPPER NAMED HOST OF CHICAGO’S NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE BROADCAST
ABC7, Dick Clark Productions (DCP), Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Choose Chicago announced that Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper will serve as the host during Chicago’s historic debut as a featured Central Time zone location for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026.”
Valparaiso University and City Colleges of Chicago Announce a Guaranteed Admissions Agreement for Students Pursuing a Higher Degree in Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical and Biological Engin
Valparaiso University and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) have entered into a guaranteed admission to support engineering students seeking a way to pursue a four-year degree.
JOHNSON ADMINISTRATION REACHES $18 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH DOORDASH OVER DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES
The City of Chicago announced on Friday, Nov. 14, an $18 million settlement with DoorDash, resolving the City’s lawsuit asserting claims that the company engaged in deceptive and unfair business practices at the expense of restaurants, consumers, and delivery drivers.
The Waffle Lounge Opens in Chatham
The Waffle Lounge, a Black-female owned, family-friendly, community-rooted brunch restaurant, located at 7433 S. State Street, recently hosted its official grand opening.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON CUTS RIBBON AT XCHANGE TECH WORKFORCE AND INNOVATION HUB IN GRAND CROSSING
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Ald. Desmond Yancy (5th), Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright, leaders from P33, Xchange, SDI Presence, the Comer Science and Education Foundation, as well as Xchange apprentices and local residents for a ceremonial ribbon cutting at Xchange Chicago, a new state-of-the-art IT services and innovation center which is bringing new jobs and workforce training opportunities to Grand Crossing and the surrounding communities. The project, which received developmental support from DPD, is projected to create up to 8,000 new jobs while generating $160 million in City-wide annual economic impact.
Catalytic Far South Side development Morgan Park Commons approved by Chicago Plan Commission
The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation (Far South CDC) — an organization that provides strategic community-building services to residents and businesses across the Chicago region and statewide — is proud to announce its Morgan Park Commons mixed-use development project has been approved by the Chicago Plan Commission. A construction groundbreaking is planned for Spring 2026.
Chicago Board of Education Launches Black Student Achievement Committee Application
The Board of Education for the City of Chicago (Board) Black Student Achievement Committee (BSAC) is currently accepting membership applications. The BSAC will appoint 14 members to each serve a 1-year term. Applicants must reside within the city of Chicago and, if selected, complete the CPS New Volunteer Application.
Village of Dolton Officially Designates the Childhood Home of Pope Leo XIV as a Historical Landmark
On Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, in a historic and unprecedented action, the Village of Dolton has formally designated the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost) as an official Historical Landmark and Site of Special Historical Significance. The decision, enacted through ordinance by Mayor Jason House and the Board of Trustees, recognizes the property at 212 East 141st Place as one of the most culturally and spiritually significant locations in the United States.
Cook County Becomes First Government Body in Nation to Make Guaranteed Income Permanent
With the passage of its 2026 budget, Cook County will become the first government body in the nation with a permanent guaranteed income program. This $7.5 million investment will make the Cook County program the largest permanent program in the country at a time when families are facing an affordability crisis and devastating cuts from the federal government. ESIL is a proud partner with Cook County on this program and ESIL Director Sarah Saheb is a leader on the program’s advisory committee.
Cunningham backs plan to deliver property tax relief for seniors
State Senator Bill Cunningham backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.
FIRE COMMISSIONER NANCE-HOLT GRADUATES 70 NEW FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRE PARAMEDICS
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt celebrated the graduation of 55 Firefighter EMTs and 15 Fire Paramedics from the Fire Academy in a ceremony held at Navy Pier.