Local News
Clerk Gordon Teams Up with Chicago Wolves Hockey to Offer Game Ticket for Veterans and Military Members
As the country marks National Veterans and Military Families Month, Clerk Monica Gordon announced that her office is teaming up with the Chicago Wolves to offer Cook County veterans and active-duty military members a free ticket to a regular-season Wolves game for the 2025-26 season.
Building HOPE in Austin: Community Celebrates Milestone for First Permanent Youth Health and Wellness Hub on Chicago’s West Side
In a powerful symbol of community renewal and resilience, residents, civic leaders, and partners gathered on Monday, November 17 to celebrate the beam raising for the Austin HOPE Center, the $22 million 25,000-square-foot, three-story health and wellness facility at 5036 W. Chicago Ave. that will bring affordable, high-quality pediatric specialty and behavioral health care directly to Chicago’s West Side.
Morgan State University Music Programs Receive National Association of Schools of Music Reaccreditation Through 2033-34
Morgan State University’s Department of Fine & Performing Arts has received full reaccreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for its Bachelor of Arts in Music and Master of Arts in Music programs, extending through the 2033–34 review cycle. Following a comprehensive self-study and multi-day peer review, NASM affirmed that Morgan’s music programs meet or exceed national standards across curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, assessment, student support, and educational outcomes.
Spelman College Partners with NEON to Expand Access to College-Level Courses for Underserved Students
Spelman College is expanding its innovative partnership with the newly renamed National Education Opportunity Network (NEON), formerly the National Education Equity Lab. The collaboration, which brings college-credit courses to high school students from Title I schools across the country, has rapidly grown at Spelman from one class and 50 students in Spring 2023 to nearly 300 students and two classes in 2025.
Don’t Cast Your Fate to the Wind
For many older homeowners, the family home is more than a roof and four walls — it represents security, sacrifice, and the hope of leaving something meaningful behind. But financial planners warn that relying on a home alone as a retirement or legacy strategy can create gaps that put families at risk.
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation Awards Over $270,000 to Improve Children’s Oral Health
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, awarded more than $270,000 to 29 nonprofit and community organizations through its annual Community Grants Program. The grants support organizations that share the Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to care and improving the health and well-being of children and families across Illinois.
Chicago Leads the Way: Choose Chicago Launches New Department to Champion Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement
Choose Chicago announced the creation of the Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement department, marking a major investment in Chicago’s visitor economy and a defining moment for the destination marketing industry. While other DMOs have introduced programs focused on diversity or cultural outreach, Choose Chicago is among the first in the nation to establish a permanent, fully resourced department dedicated to inclusive tourism — integrating it directly into the organization’s marketing and brand strategy.
NOMINATIONS EXTENDED: Illinois Caregiver Awards Now Open Through December 7
Illinois Women Conquer ALZ and the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter announced today that nominations for the annual Caregiver Awards have been extended by one week, giving the public additional time to honor outstanding caregivers across the state. The new deadline for submissions is December 7, 2025.
A Local Father, Magazine Publisher, Podcaster And Mentor Adds Author To His List of Accomplished Titles
Inspired by a close friend to become an author, he decided why not. Now Carl D. West has added yet another title to his already accomplished titles. He is now the author of his first book entitled “The Support System”. Since writing and telling stories have come easy for him and because of his love for reading, it didn’t take long for him to decide to put his pen to work at his newest release.
Nurse Practitioner, Mindset Coach, And Notable Entrepreneur Keshawn Harding Redefines Wellness And Personal Transformation In The Southland
Keshaun Harding, MSN, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC—Nurse Practitioner, Mindset Coach, entrepreneur, and founder of The Key Collective, is making a profound impact on women seeking clarity, confidence, and a renewed purpose. As the owner of Obsidian Aura Med Spa, located at 15931 South Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477.
Harvey Is Now The Home To ‘The Little Free Library’
Residents of Harvey and the surrounding communities now have access to a Little Free Library thanks to the Top Ladies of Distinction Inc. (TLOD) Will County Black Diamond Chapter. The local chapter of the international service organization recently hosted a ribbon cutting and reception to celebrate the opening of the library which is located at the Gloria Taylor Banquet Hall, 14821 Broadway, in Harvey.
Local Home Décor And Fragrance Company Will Be Featured At The Style Shop
Jamica Harper started the Red Elephant Candle Company in 2020. A candle lover, she had been burning them but noticed when she did, she didn’t feel well. Eventually, she found out it was the candle she was burning. So, she set out to create a candle brand that would have the fragrance that she wanted and the feeling that came with burning the candle, without the elements that made her and others not feel well.
Organization Commits To Providing Safe Play Spaces For Schoolchildren And Communities
Recently, an organization unveiled new playground spaces. The spaces serve a dual purpose, they provide safe places for children to play, while also addressing flooding. Space to Grow is a partnership between Openlands and the Healthy Schools Campaign. Since it began in 2014, Space to Grow has constructed 41 schoolyards across the city.
SHFT Offers Mental Health Urgent Care
A new behavioral health clinic that opened this month is providing options for mental health urgent care for young people and their families. SHFT Behavioral Health, located at 730 N. Franklin St., was founded by COO Genia Yovankin and Clinical Director Holley Brandchaft-White.
