Local News
Reps. Kelly, Miller-Meeks, Eshoo, Burgess, PREEMIE Act Passes the House
H. R. 3226, the “Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023,” or the PREEMIE Act, legislation to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (IL-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), and Michael Burgess (TX-26).
Lt. Governor Stratton Launches New Statewide Initiative to Advance the Financial Health and Well-Being of Women in Illinois
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is launching a new initiative dedicated to advancing women’s financial wholeness: We Thrive. We Thrive is focused on fostering financial health, freedom and resilience for all women in Illinois. As both a woman leader and Chair of the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, Lt. Governor Stratton understands women have a huge role to play in our state’s financial success, but systemic barriers continue to prevent women from wholly engaging in the economy. We Thrive is a major step towards financially empowering women across Illinois—half of our state’s population—to engage in the economy with confidence.
CITY OF CHICAGO’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SAFETY LAUNCHES THE PEOPLE’S PLAN FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY
The City of Chicago’s Office of Community Safety announced a new, community-led initiative – The People’s Plan for Community Safety – that brings together government, community organizations, philanthropy, youth leaders, faith organizations, researchers and businesses to address historic disinvestment as co-creators of safety.
The Adler Planetarium presents an Action Lines production: Cosmic Rhythms, in association with the Joffrey Ballet
In partnership with Action Lines Productions and The Joffrey Ballet, the Adler Planetarium announces a new, cutting-edge collaboration of the immersive production Cosmic Rhythms, running Wednesday evenings from February 14 through April 17, 2024. On view at Chicago's Adler Planetarium, located at 1300 S Lake Shore Dr., the fulldome film experience takes audiences on a mesmerizing journey through the universe by blending dance with animation, computer-generated imagery, and insightful commentary from Adler astronomers. Cosmic Rhythms marks the first-ever collaboration between the Adler Planetarium, Action Lines, and Joffrey Ballet.
Exelon Foundation Grants Over $850,000 to Education Organizations Providing STEM Education in Delaware, District of Columbia Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), the nation’s premier transmission and distribution utility company, and the Exelon Foundation have awarded Green Lab Grants for the third consecutive year. To date, the program has provided $2.5 million to more than 70 grantees, which include public schools, private schools, and education-focused nonprofit organizations that run out-of-school programs serving Title I-eligible middle and high school students.
THE ELMHURST ART MUSEUM ANNOUNCES PROGRAMS FOR NORMAN TEAGUE’S A LOVE SUPREME
The Elmhurst Art Museum announces programs for A Love Supreme, a solo exhibition by Norman Teague inspired by legendary jazz musician John Coltrane, with an adjoining group exhibition in the Mies van der Rohe’s McCormick House featuring over 30 Chicago-based BIPOC artists titled A Love Supreme: McCormick House Reimagined. Teague uses Coltrane’s album “A Love Supreme” as a cultural touchstone to consider design influences from his life-long home in Chicago, exploring how the power of bold improvisational jazz and unapologetic Black aesthetics have expanded the minds and inspired creative communities of color. Celebrating BIPOC designers and a variety of cultural influences in Chicago at a time when the country is reckoning with representation across industries and disciplines, A Love Supreme takes place at the Elmhurst Art Museum from January 20 to April 28, 2024.
Treasurer Frerichs Returns $47 Million In Missing Money Ahead of Holidays
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned nearly $47 million in missing money during November, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced.
CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK 2024 RESTAURANTS REVEALED AT EATITUPCHICAGO.COM
Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organization, announces the highly anticipated return of the annual Chicago Restaurant Week (CRW). Produced annually by Choose Chicago, the beloved event celebrates its 17th year Friday, January 19 through Sunday, February 4, 2024. Food lovers can reserve tables and view menus online beginning today for multi-course meals at more than 381 Chicagoland eateries at eatitupchicago.com.
CITY OF CHICAGO/SALES TAX SECURITIZATION CORPORATION WIN BOND BUYER’S DEAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
The City of Chicago was awarded the esteemed national Bond Buyer 2023 Deal of the Year award and the 2023 Deal of the Year award in the Midwest category. The City was honored for its innovative financing techniques to invest in social initiatives in the Chicago Recovery Plan, its capital investments, and the refinancing of outstanding debt, all of which generated significant debt-service savings for the City.
GRACE AND PEACE COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TOYS AND COAT DRIVE
The Grace and Peace Community Center brought holiday cheer to Chicago’s Austin neighborhood with its annual “A Christmas To Remember” event. Celebrating its 25th year, the event served many of the migrant families recently relocated from Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and other countries that the Center has been providing resources and support to. At the event, 250 families in need received toys, food, and winter essentials thanks to event sponsor DoorDash, who provided $2,500 to support the event.
Chicago United For Equity Continues To Work Toward Equity And Inclusion
As Chicago United for Equity enters a season of transition, its mission remains the same, to build a just, equitable and inclusive city. Chicago United for Equity was founded in 2016 by Niketa Brar and Elizabeth Greer as part of activism around and National Teachers Academy, where the population at the school and its surrounding communities were changing. There was a need for a different kind of leadership in the city.
Children’s Book Series Educates While it Entertains
Allison Caldwell knew she would write children’s books when she was in college. She got the idea for the “Phat Cat and the Family” series 10 years ago. For her, the pandemic gave her time to develop the concept for the books.
Hope Chicago Celebrates Parent Scholars
In 2022, Hope Chicago launched its two-generation program that provides opportunities for students, along with their parents. The hope is the program will help rebuild Chicago, family by family, block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood.
Zakat Foundation Of America Opens Social Service Center In Harvey, Illinois
The Zakat Foundation of America recently opened a Social Services Center in Harvey, Illinois located at 444 E. 147th St. The center will provide items for migrant refugees and low-income residents on the South side of Chicago and South Suburbs.
