Local News
George Ellzey, Jr. To present Film Screening In March
Filmmaker George Ellzey, Jr. is presenting his work at a film screening titled INTERIOR on March1st at Facets Film Forum, located at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. INTERIOR will include five completed short films, along with two new works he has in progress.
La Femme Dance Festival Set For Late March
Red Clay Dance Company will host its La Femme Dance Festival from March 26th through the 28th, with its culminating dance performance set to take place at 7;30 p.m. Saturday, March 28th, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, located at 205 E. Randolph St. This is the fifth year for the biennial festival, which was developed by Vershawn Sanders-Ward, Founding Artistic Director and CEO of Red Clay Dance Company.
Afton Battle Appointed Director Of The Land School And General Manager Of Rebuild Foundation
Afton Battle has been appointed to the role of Director of The Land School and General Manager of Rebuild Foundation. She said that being part of Rebuild means a great deal to her. It is the second job she has had where she feels like she can authentically be herself.
The Village Of Ford Heights Receives Its First Dine-In Restaurant in Sixty Years
Andre Williams and Suheir Barakat opened their first S2 Grills in 2017. They recently opened a location in Ford Heights, giving the small Southland village one of its only sit-down restaurants in sixty years.
Congressional Candidate, Donna Miller, Issues Statement on State of the Union Address
Listening to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address tonight, I'm reminded of a number of sayings, "There's a sucker born every minute" and "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull."
Congressional Candidate, Donna Miller, Issues Statement on State of the Union Address
Listening to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address tonight, I'm reminded of a number of sayings, "There's a sucker born every minute" and "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull."
Living Fresh Market Expands Its Monthly Community Giveback Events with Black History Month 60‑Second Shopping Spree
Living Fresh Market, the nation’s largest African American–owned full–service supermarket, will once again host its popular 60‑Second Shopping Spree on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at its 71,000‑square‑feet store located at 7520 W. Roosevelt Road in Forest Park.
Economic Development Without Equity Is a Fumble
For decades, Black business leaders in Chicago have fought to ensure that large-scale economic development produces real opportunity for minority- and women-owned firms. DBE, MBE, and WBE programs did not emerge from charity; they emerged from exclusion—and from hard lessons showing that, without intentional policy, major projects routinely bypass entire communities.
Rainbow PUSH’s Saturday Morning Forum to Honor the Life of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Rainbow PUSH will host its weekly Saturday Morning Forum on Saturday, February 21, honoring the prophetic leadership and enduring legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. under the theme Keep Hope Alive.
Lightford pushes for funding to combat Black HIV/AIDS epidemic
Building upon her decades of advocacy to combat the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is pushing for $15 million to help bring greater resources to disadvantaged communities.
Chicago Metro Ends 2025 with Record Number of December Jobs, Year and a Half Year-Over-Year Steady Growth
Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 9 metropolitan areas and increased in 3, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Chicago (18 consecutive months) and Lake (7 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 11 metro areas and was unchanged in 1 for the year ending December 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). There was no October 2025 metro area release due to the federal government shutdown.
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Illinois Lottery Veterans' Cash Grants Recipients
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced nearly $1 million in grants to support organizations providing vital services to veterans and their families across Illinois for the third quarter of FY26.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Route 66 Centennial Kickoff
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Route 66 Centennial Kickoff 2026 marks 100 years since the creation of the iconic Route 66 GRANITE CITY — Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) joined the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and tourism partners from across the state to celebrate the official kickoff of the Route 66 Centennial, marking 100 years since the creation of the highway. Also known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 begins in Chicago and runs through the heart of Illinois — connecting communities and travelers for a century. “Throughout 2026, we’ll recognize 100 years of Route 66, a road that helped shape Illinois into what it is today. That’s why my administration is proud to provide attraction and site infrastructure along this iconic route and deliver millions in grant funding to local tourism bureaus,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I invite all Illinoisans to take part in the many celebrations throughout the year — it’s a chance to check out the beauty of a truly American road and soak in all that Route 66 and our state have to offer.” Illinois continues to prioritize its growing tourism industry as millions of visitors from around the world boost economic development and support jobs in the industry. Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY25 with $367 million — a 14% increase over the previous record set in FY24. Additionally, Illinois welcomed 113 million visitors who spent a record-breaking $48.5 billion in 2024 — representing 500,000 more travelers and $1.3 billion more in spending compared to 2023. In recognition of the centennial, DCEO is awarding nearly $4 million in grant funding to local tourism bureaus to support development, education, preservation, and promotion efforts of Route 66 activities throughout Illinois. These awards will help communities enhance visitor experiences, preserve historic assets, and showcase Illinois’ unique role in Route 66 history. “Tourism is a powerful economic driver for Illinois, and Route 66 is one of our greatest assets,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “These grants will help communities tell their stories, preserve their history, and attract visitors from across the country, ensuring the legacy of Route 66 continues to shine statewide.” The Route 66 Grant Program is funding several standout projects in 2026 to create even more must-see stops along America’s most iconic highway. An Abraham Lincoln penny sculpture will soon be installed in Lincoln, while Granite City will honor President Lincoln with a towering 14-foot statue. Springfield’s famous Giant Slide at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is getting a fresh look for the Route 66 Centennial, and Joliet is transforming part of the Old Joliet Prison grounds into a baseball field for events, representing the long history of organized baseball played at the prison. Since 2021, DCEO’s Illinois Office of Tourism has invested $19 million in Route 66 projects to drive tourism forward over the last several years. For the centennial, the Illinois State Fair's theme for 2026 will be “Miles of Smiles,” in honor of Route 66 and its enduring impact on the state’s communities, culture, and tourism. The theme will be featured at both the Springfield and Du Quoin fairs, highlighting Route 66’s legacy through special exhibits, programming, and experiences for fairgoers of all ages. The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission also has scheduled celebration events across the state throughout 2026, with additional events and announcements forthcoming. These activities will spotlight Illinois’ historic Route 66 attractions, local businesses, and community traditions, all while inviting visitors to explore the Mother Road from end to end. “The Centennial of Route 66 reminds us that America’s most iconic road was built mile by mile, town by town, and community by community. Its storied past inspires our shared future — a century behind us, a lifetime of journeys ahead — that’s the promise Route 66 has in Illinois,” said Cory Jobe, President & CEO of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. Learn more about the centennial and local events by visiting enjoyillinois.com/things-to-do/route-66-in-illinois
Cook County Clerk’s Office Seeking Election Judges in South Suburbs for Upcoming March 17 Gubernatorial Primary
Suburban voters can do their part for local democracy and earn some cash in the process by working as an Election Judge for the Cook County Clerk’s Office in the March 17, 2026, Gubernatorial Primary Election.