Local News
Boston University Names Melissa L. Gilliam 11th President
Boston University announced today that Melissa L. Gilliam, the executive vice president and provost of The Ohio State University, and a distinguished educator, scholar, research scientist, and physician, will be Boston University's 11th president. She will assume the post on July 1, 2024.
Muhammad Ali Center website gets six-figure overhaul
After a year of development and production, the Muhammad Ali Center is proud to unveil the new alicenter.org. This new website is the ultimate source of Muhammad Ali information, and a state-of-the-art hub reflecting the next chapter of the Center. Features of the new site include an in-depth biographical section about Ali and a Learning Hub for educators, as well as the Center’s new membership program.
More than Half of Southland College Prep Senior Class Invited to University of Illinois Salute to Academic Achievement
More than 70 southland College Prep Charter High School seniors—more than half of the senior class—were invited to “Salute to Academic Achievement,” an annual University of Illinois system-wide event which recognizes high-achieving African American, Latino, and Native American high school students, and those from underrepresented Illinois counties.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ESTABLISHING CITY OF CHICAGO’S FIRST CHIEF HOMELESSNESS OFFICER
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order to establish a Chief Homelessness Officer for the City of Chicago to address the current homelessness crisis in Chicago. The position will be the first of its kind for the City.
Giannoulias Announces $420,000 in Grants to Support 28 Prison Libraries
Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias is awarding more than $400,000 to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to support 28 prison libraries throughout the state, in a first-of-its-kind partnership.
FALL BENEATH THE WAVES: SHEDD AQUARIUM SHARES SCHEDULE OF AUTUMN EVENTS
As the weather starts to become colder, Shedd Aquarium is offering several ways that guests can spark their curiosity for the aquatic animal world. Guests can participate in local conservation efforts by meeting a rescued sea lion in a new animal encounter, exploring the newest exhibit, Plankton Revealed, visiting the new bowmouth guitarfish in Wild Reef and more.
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Elected as Next President of National Association of State Treasurers
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has been chosen as the next president of the National Association of State Treasurers, the nation's foremost authority for responsible state treasury programs and related financial practices, policies and education. Frerichs, who has been serving as NAST senior vice president, was elected president at the organization’s annual business meeting in October.
Rep. Kelly, Senator Durbin Introduce Bicameral Promoting Access to Broadband Act
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023 in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislation will make grants available to states to inform Medicaid enrollees, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants, and low-income residents of their potential eligibility for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program and Affordable Connectivity Programs (ACP).
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Opening of Eli’s Cheesecake’s Expanded Facility
Governor JB Pritzker joined local and state leaders to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eli’s Cheesecake expanded facility. The $10 million investment and 42,000 square-foot expanded facility will increase space for packaging lines and bakery operations for the famous Chicago cheesecake company while creating 50 new jobs for the area.
ComEd and Aclima Launch Hyperlocal Air-Quality Portal
To help communities identify areas with high concentrations of air pollutants, and develop programs to mitigate their negative effects, ComEd recently launched the first phase of an online, air-quality portal with Aclima, a climate technology leader specializing in block-level, hyperlocal air quality and greenhouse gas mapping and analysis.
Highly-Anticipated IFAFF International Returns with 20 Thought-Provoking and Inspiring Films Focused on Front-Burner Social Justice Issues
The (In)Justice for All Film Festival International (IFAFF International) returns for another season of bold films from the United States and across the globe that center on mass incarceration, the criminal injustice system, returning citizens, social unrest, racism, police brutality, gun violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, discrimination, unfair housing, bail bond inequality, and other critical social justice issues.
Reducing Negative Health Impacts from Transportation on Communities of Color
When discussing the ongoing climate crisis, I often hear the proverbial phrase, “we are all in this together.” However, the data on air pollution in conjunction with public health risks suggests we are not, in fact, “all in this together.”
Chicago Sinfonietta’s Mission and Artistry Continues to Resonate As Three New Industry Movers and Shakers Join Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Chicago Sinfonietta today announced the addition of three new Board members, adding to what is already one of the most diverse Boards in the country. Hailing from the financial, healthcare, and automotive sectors, the three new members are all based in the Chicago metropolitan area.
CAAP Program prepares high school students for college
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a program that gives high school students college credit. The College Arts Access Program is a three-year college bridge program for Chicago Public School students.
