Local News
Ten years, 470 students: CPS students and Peoples Gas celebrate training program that launches energy careers
Past and current Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students gathered today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bright Futures U, a workforce development program that has helped hundreds of young Chicagoans prepare for careers in the energy industry. Bright Futures U is a joint initiative between Peoples Gas and CPS that provides paid training for students interested in learning about the energy industry. Graduates of the program and current participants gathered at Peoples Gas’ training facility in Little Village today to celebrate the program and their own growing careers.
Cook County Public Health Reminds Families to Get Their Children Tested for Lead
The new state lead testing requirements, which took effect July 1, 2026, require all children to receive blood lead tests at ages 12 months and 24 months, regardless of where they live. Also, children 6 years old and younger must receive a lead exposure risk assessment through a questionnaire administered by a healthcare provider. Previously, Illinois lead testing requirements applied only to children living in high-risk ZIP codes.
La Rabida Children’s Hospital Voted Nation’s Most Beautiful Hospital in Soliant Health Contest
Representing Chicago in a nationwide contest, La Rabida Children’s Hospital has been named Soliant Health’s Most Beautiful Hospital. With more than 67,000 votes, La Rabida is proud to have earned this special recognition.
Chicago Housing Authority Distributes 5,000 New Coats to Families and Children at 19th Annual Operation Warm
The Chicago Housing Authority distributed 5,000 brand-new winter coats to families and children at the agency’s 19th annual Operation Warm event. Nearly 1,600 families living in public housing or participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program attended to pick up warm clothing for the upcoming winter and connect with resources to support their families’ well-being.
Culture Over Everything
Global Mixx Creative Arts, NFP proudly announces the honorees of The Game Changer Awards on Friday, November 13, 2026. The ceremony kicks off the 17th Annual Global Mixx Music and Film Forum, which takes place November 14, 2026, at Malcolm X College in Chicago.
Howard Brown Health to Expand and Modernize Clark Street Health Center
Howard Brown Health today announced plans to renovate and improve its care center at 6500 N. Clark St. in Rogers Park into a more modern, accessible, efficient and integrated community health center. The renovation will enhance primary care, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, diagnostic testing, case management and social service support together in one coordinated setting. Once complete, Howard Brown anticipates the site will serve more than 10,000 patients each year — an increase of about 2,400 — and provide an estimated 28,000 to 32,000 patient encounters annually.
CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY RELEASES FINAL CABRINI NOW PLAN TO CREATE 4,100 NEW HOMES
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) recently released the final Cabrini NOW Development Framework Plan, a community-driven development roadmap for around 4,100 new homes across CHA’s remaining 43 acres in Cabrini-Green.
IDPH Reminds Illinoisans: It’s Time to Get Seasonal Respiratory Illness Immunizations
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans that it is time to get immunizations against seasonal respiratory illnesses, like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The reminder comes after IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra received his annual flu and COVID-19 shots during a visit to the Winnebago County Health Department.
REVOLVE Group Appoints Dwyane Wade as Chief Performance Officer, Doubling Down on Men's Business Momentum
REVOLVE Group, Inc. announces the appointment of Dwyane Wade as Chief Performance Officer for REVOLVE Man and FWRD Man, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the company's rapidly growing menswear business.
Advocates Urge Action to End Legal, Economic and Social Barriers Facing Formerly Incarcerated People
Members of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments (ENDPP.ORG) gathered in Hyde Park for their annual meeting on Saturday, calling on elected officials to advance policies that would end the legal, economic and social barriers facing people who have completed their prison sentences, also known as permanent punishments.
Chicagoland Apartment Association Announces Statewide Expansion as the Illinois Apartment Association
The Chicagoland Apartment Association (CAA), the region’s leading voice for the rental housing industry, today announced a major organizational rebrand and expansion. Effective immediately, the association will operate as the Illinois Apartment Association (IAA), reflecting its broadened mission, statewide reach, and strengthened commitment to elevating Illinois’ rental housing industry.
Grassroots Unity Movement Draws Thousands Across Illinois, Hears Calls to Expand
United to Revive Ministries reports that its We Are One Tour provided at least 2,000 free meals through partnerships with churches, businesses and volunteers across three counties and eight Illinois communities.
America's First Elected Black Governor Tells Activists, Politicians: 'Don't Stop. You Haven't Gotten There'
Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, America’s first elected Black governor, has encouraged an audience of civil and voting rights activists, community organizers and politicians to never stop fighting for the good of other people.
Cook County Public Health: Vaccinate Now Before the Holidays
As families make plans for holiday gatherings, health officials say now is a good time to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV. "It takes two to three weeks for respiratory vaccinations to provide maximum protection in vaccinated individuals. So, this is a perfect time to get vaccinated before gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving," said Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of Cook County Department of Public Health.
