Local News

CLERK MONICA GORDON EXPANDING VITAL RECORDS

Building on positive customer reviews, Clerk Monica Gordon is expanding a new appointment-based system for Vital Records services to better serve residents in the western and northern suburbs in a continuing effort to modernize the services of the Cook County Clerk’s Office.

MARLON WAYANS IS COMING TO HARD ROCK LIVE ON MARCH 6

Comedian Marlon Wayans is coming to Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s Hard Rock Live venue on Friday, March 6, 2026. Doors open at 7 p.m. General on sale begins this Friday, October 17, at 10 a.m. Central Time.

Retired Illinois Appellate Court Justice and Member of the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Shelvin Louise Marie Hall Dies

Judge Shelvin Louise Marie Hall, a distinguished jurist and civil rights advocate who championed equality, inclusion, and social justice throughout her career, died Oct. 8, 2025.

Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Redefine Legacy Through Equity and Empowerment at NAIC Alts Forum

At the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) Amplifying Alts Forum, powerhouse investors and philanthropists Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano redefined what it means to build a legacy. In a fireside chat with Robert L. Greene, President & CEO of NAIC, the duo shifted the conversation from financial returns to long-term systems of access, opportunity, and impact.

Chicago Repertory Ballet announces cast for World Premiere of The Capulets

Chicago Repertory Ballet is proud to announce the casting for the world premiere of its original ballet, The Capulets. Set in the fictional universe of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, The Capulets focuses on the fraught relationships and power dynamics of the Capulet family, reimagining the timeless story from Lady Capulet’s perspective. The casting for the production features Miriam-Rose LeDuc as Lady Capulet; Jackson Liee as Tybalt; Rosario Guillen as Lord Capulet; Nathaniel Urie as Mercutio; Skyler Newcom as Lord Paris; P.J. Spagnoletti as Romeo; Rachel Schmnidt as Roseline/Juliet; Molly Gemerchak as Benvolio; Haley Baker as Lucetta/Lady Capulet; Tessa Castellano as Juliet/Roseline; Sarah Price as Anna; Phillip Ollenberg as Prince Escalus; and Jessica Larbig as Lucetta. The world premiere of The Capulets takes place two weekends only, November 7-16, at Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. Tickets are available at www.crbdance.com or by calling 872-588-0430.

Chicago Voted Best Big City in the U.S. by Readers of Condé Nast Traveler for Ninth Consecutive Year

Chicago has once again been crowned the Best Big City in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions a destination can receive. This is the ninth consecutive year Chicago has claimed this title, a streak unprecedented in the awards program’s more than 30-year history. Over 750,000 votes were cast for this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Disney’s The Lion King Begins Limited Three-Week Engagement

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated return engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING is now playing a three-week limited engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) through October 19. Ticket prices range from $45 - $180, with a limited number of Extra Magic Package seats available, which include an excellent seat in the theater and show merchandise. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Tickets can be purchased at BroadwayInChicago.com or in-person at any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Reservations for groups of ten (10) or more are available by emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com or calling 312-977-1710.

Security Traders Association of Chicago to Host 2025 Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament

The Security Traders Association of Chicago (STAC), a membership organization for professionals in the securities industry and an affiliate of The Security Traders Association (STA), will host its annual STAC Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse.

SPIKE LEE TO BE HONORED AT 61st CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Iconic director Spike Lee is set to be feted at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, it was announced today. Lee will receive the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing an auspicious, bold, and visionary collection of films that have helped define and expand on what American cinema is, and can be, at “An Evening With Spike Lee” on Friday, October 24. The Festival will present Lee’s latest masterwork, HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, at a screening earlier that day. Tickets are on sale at www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

UChicago Medicine Ingalls locations offering free mental health screenings in October for National Depression and Health Screening Month

The free screenings aim to raise awareness for depression and anxiety and to help remove stigma and barriers to access that community members struggling with mental health face.

GLENWOOD APPROVES PROGRAM TO ATTRACT NEW INVESTMENT

The Village of Glenwood has introduced a new economic development tool aimed at eliminating blight, while also making it easier for developers to invest in the community.

Olive-Harvey College Partners with Cook County Department of Corrections in the creation of an on-site forklift certification program

Olive-Harvey College (OHC) is proud to announce a groundbreaking new partnership with the Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) that is offering on-site forklift certification training to individuals in custody. This program, championed by Olive-Harvey College President Kimberly Hollingsworth and her team, is designed to provide an industry-recognized credential that remains valid for three years—equipping participants with tangible skills that support workforce reentry and economic mobility upon release.

16th Annual CPA Day of Service Draws Hundreds of Volunteers Across Illinois

For the 16th year in a row, hundreds of Illinois certified public accountants (CPAs) gave back to their local communities for the Illinois CPA Society’s (ICPAS) annual CPA Day of Service held on Sept. 19, with others still planning activities throughout the fall.

LISC ANNOUNCES OPENING OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDAs) and The Richard Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design. Applications are being accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 19.

llinois Hunger Coalition to Close After 36 Years of Fighting Hunger

After more than three decades of service, the Illinois Hunger Coalition (IHC) announced that it will wind down operations and officially close its doors this fall. Founded in 1988, IHC has been a statewide leader in the fight against hunger and food insecurity, serving Illinois families through community organizing, advocacy, education, and direct assistance.