Local News
HIRE360 AND PIVOT ENERGY CELEBRATED PIVOT SOLAR BOOT CAMP GRADUATION CEREMONY
HIRE360, an Illinois-based workforce development nonprofit, in partnership with Pivot Energy, a national renewable energy independent producer, celebrated the graduation of Pivot Program Cohort 1, a workforce development initiative that helps people prepare for construction careers on clean energy projects. Pivot donated $180,000 for this training program and partnered with HIRE360 to co-design a 240-hour Solar Workforce Bootcamp Training Program in Chicago for 10 participants, which concluded on July 9, 2026. HIRE360 has a strong track record of connecting individuals from underrepresented communities to careers in the union construction and clean energy trades through workforce training, pre-apprenticeship programs, and employer partnerships.
City Colleges of Chicago Lab Schools are open for enrollment and vital foundation for Young Children's Education
As education systems across the country seek more effective, research-driven approaches to early childhood development, Laboratory (Lab) schools have emerged as a cornerstone for shaping young learners. City Colleges of Chicago offers child Development Laboratory Schools at five of its campuses, providing children age 2-5 with dynamic, hands-on learning experiences grounded in best practices and the latest research. Program include Head Start and Preschool for All. The next program year begins August 21, 2025. Spaces are limited. Waitlists are available.
Ribbon-Cutting Scheduled for State-of-the-Art Digital Training Center for West Englewood Youth
Local leaders, members and benefactors will celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the “Joyce Mpower House,” a state-of-the-art digital arts training facility for youth in Chicago’s West Englewood community, at 10:30 a.m. on Wed., July 15, 2026 on the We Grow Peace Campus, located at 64th and Honore in Chicago. The Campus is a block-based community center, and the Joyce Mpower House is owned and operated by Metropolitan Family Services, a We Grow partner.
City of Chicago Flood Damage Assessment Survey for Residents Affected by Flooding on July 3-4, 2026
The City of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) is reviewing calls for service into 3-1-1 from the severe thunderstorms from July 3 through July 4, 2026. We ask that residents continue to report any service requests related to water in basement to 3-1-1 either by calling 3-1-1, entering into the CHI311 app, or inputting at 311.Chicago.gov.
Chosen Few, John Mulaney at Wrigley Field, White Sox v. Athletics, Taste of Chicago and the Windy City Smokeout Top the List of Multiple Citywide Weekend Events
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents, to stay vigilant and to enjoy the various citywide events and festivals this weekend safely and responsibly. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed.
THE FULL ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS TO ADDRESS THE CHICAGOLAND MEDIA ON THE OBVIOUS DISDAIN FOR VOTER INTEGRITY AMID MIDTERM ELECTIONS"
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF), under the dynamic leadership of ILBC Joint Chairwoman Illinois State Senator Laksia Collins, ILBCF Chairman Paul Williams, ILBCF Executive Director Tiffany D. Hightower, and the full Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will host its Annual Scholarship Reception at the spacious UIC Forum.
Amid Increased ICE Activity, Giannoulias Urges Public to Report Illegal License Plate Tampering
As federal immigration activity intensifies once again in Illinois, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is urging residents to immediately report any vehicle displaying altered, obscured, missing or unlawfully switched license plates, warning that plate tampering is illegal under Illinois law, regardless of who commits it.
Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Announces Re-Opening of the Self-Represented Litigant Center
Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos today announced the relocation and re-opening of the Self-Represented Litigant (SRL) Center, a resource dedicated to assisting individuals navigating the court system without an attorney. The Center provides resources, guidance and support to help self-represented litigants understand and manage their legal matters more effectively.
Cook County/Chicago Joint Opioid Report Shows Third-Year Decline in Opioid Overdose Deaths
Expanded awareness, stronger partnerships and investment in harm-reduction strategies are helping save lives as Chicago and Cook County continue to see declines in fatal opioid overdoses.
Brian Faulkner named 2026-2027 president of the Illinois Principals Association
Brian Faulkner, principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, Illinois, will serve as president of the Illinois Principals Association for the 2026–2027 school year.
ICJIA Invests Nearly $51 Million in Fourth Round Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Grants to Empower Historically Underserved Communities
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) today announced 147 grants to organizations totaling $50.8 million in the latest round of Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program funding. These grants continue the state’s commitment to uplifting communities that have experienced systemic racism and historic disinvestment.
Make your story part of history: Illinois Voices 250 hosting community recording sessions to chronicle personal stories in celebration of America’s 250th birthday
Illinoisans are invited to chronicle their stories, memories and reflections in audio recordings that will be permanently archived at the U.S. Library of Congress during a series of community recording sessions scheduled for this summer.
Open Auditions for Death by Design Play at South Suburban College's Kindig Performing Arts Center
The Kindig Performing Arts Center (PAC) at South Suburban College (SSC) invites community members to audition for its upcoming production of Death by Design, a witty and entertaining comedy-mystery by acclaimed playwright Rob Urbinati, directed by Heather Young.
Partnership for College Completion Receives Grant from ECMC Foundation to Strengthen Higher Education in Prison Across Illinois
The Partnership for College Completion (PCC) has received an 18-month planning and coalition-building grant from ECMC Foundation to support expansion of equitable, high-quality higher education opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Illinoisans.