Local News

Pace Bus is Hiring at South Suburban College

South Suburban College (SSC) and Pace Bus are pleased to announce another pre-hiring event to provide a free Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) permit course for the next generation of professional bus operators in the Chicago Southland region. The college and transportation agency will offer a customized two-week course to assist qualified applicants in obtaining their CDL permit. To remove financial barriers for students to pursue and complete the program actively, Pace will cover the costs of tuition, training, books, fees, and other expenses associated with the program. In addition, SSC, in partnership with the Workforce Equity Initiative Grant, will provide a completion incentive for participants who complete the two-week course.

Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Safe Passage Program

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez joined staff, and community members to celebrate the nearly 1,200 Safe Passage workers that support Chicago’s youth. The Safe Passage Program aims to improve student safety during daily walks to and from school and increase engagement through partnerships with community-based organizations. This year, 191 schools will be connected to Safe Passage routes.

8th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards Celebrates Young Writers Across Illinois

Illinois Humanities, in partnership with Brooks Permissions, the Poetry Foundation, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards, an annual competition for Illinois poets in grades K–12. The 26 winners and 12 honorable mentions were chosen from a record 988 submissions representing over 150 schools from across the state — the most competitive awards to date. Two of this year’s recognized student poets are past winners, exemplifying the Awards’ opportunity to introduce young writers as well as witness their growth and enduring love for poetry through their education.

Local Performer ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ To Show Off Their Talent

Performing in “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life of the Temptations” is a full circle moment for Bernell Lassai III. When they were younger, they attended plays in the same Theatre District where the production will run from Sept. 24-29.

Hope Center Foundation Aims To Build Affordable Homes In Roseland

The Hope Center Foundation is taking on affordable housing and is on a mission to build new affordable homes in Roseland as part of its Reclaiming Roseland.

Tamberla Perry is Fierce as Dr. Carol Pierce in ‘Brilliant Minds’

When Tamberla Perry first read the role of Dr. Carol Pierce in the pilot of “Brilliant Minds,” she knew she wanted the role. She even told her husband, Kevin Douglas, that she was going to book the role. That’s how much she loved the script and the character, who she has been calling Dr. Carol “Fierce” Pierce.

‘When Amy Met Donny’ Features The Music Of Two Musical Geniuses

Donnita Hathaway is the Founder of the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project. Her father’s legacy is something that she cares about a lot. Listening to music from other artists, she could see where Donny Hathaway’s music influenced theirs. Amy Winehouse was one of those artists. Winehouse covered Donnie Hathaway’s music and even referenced him in her song, “Rehab.”

More homes for families coming soon: CHA Board of Commissioners approves contracts to renovate 60 apartments in four vacant buildings as part of its Restore Home initiative

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) continues to make steady progress on its Restore Home initiative, fully restoring and leasing several multi-family buildings and single-family homes that were previously vacant due to extensive repair needs.

Caring for Someone With Alzheimer’s And Recognizing And Managing Caregiver Stress

Being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be incredibly rewarding but also highly demanding. Many caregivers report feeling overwhelmed and stressed, which, if left unaddressed, can take a toll on both the caregiver and the person receiving care. Understanding the symptoms of caregiver stress and knowing how to manage them can help prevent burnout and ensure a better quality of life for everyone involved.

The Alzheimer's Association Will Turn The City Skyline Purple

The Alzheimer's Association is turning the Chicago Skyline purple this week (9/9 - 9/14/24). This is in recognition of World Alzheimer's Day and the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Chicago on Saturday, September 21. The Association is making an effort to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and honor those affected by the disease.

Alphawood Exhibitions at Wrightwood 659 Presents John Akomfrah: Four Nocturnes

This fall, Alphawood Exhibitions at Wrightwood 659 presents John Akomfrah: Four Nocturnes, an exhibition comprised of two installations by London-based artist and filmmaker, Sir John Akomfrah. Mesmerizing and haunting, his works are characterized by their investigations into memory, post-colonialism, temporality, and aesthetics, often exploring the experiences of migrant diasporas globally. Installed in the second floor galleries, the exhibition is on view from Sept. 27 to Feb. 15, 2025.

CHICAGO BULLS ANNOUNCE EMIRATES NBA CUP 2024 SCHEDULE

The Chicago Bulls have announced their schedule for the Emirates NBA Cup 2024, the second annual regular season tournament across the NBA that tips off on Tuesday, Nov. 12 in team markets and culminates with the Championship on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

THE 3RD ANNUAL CLINK WINE & SPIRITS FESTIVAL IN CHICAGO CELEBRATES WOMEN AND BIPOC ENTREPRENEURS ON SEPTEMBER 22

CLINK Festival founders Chrishon Lampley, owner of Love Cork Screw wines, and Joyce Dawkins, founder of She ROCKS It, are excited to announce the 3rd Annual CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival. This unique Chicago-based event is dedicated to celebrating Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the wine and spirits industry. The festival will feature a walk-around tasting, showcasing over 50 minority-owned wine and spirit brands, alongside delicious offerings from local Chicago chefs of color. Attendees can also enjoy a cigar lounge, non-alcoholic wine options, diverse vendors, and live music from a DJ.

The Kehrein Center for the Arts Hosts Inaugural Garden Party

The Kehrein Center for the Arts Foundation is thrilled to host its inaugural Garden Party, to connect, support, and engage with the KCAF’s vibrant community arts programming. Join us from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Kehrein Center for the Arts at 5628 West Washington Blvd.

Rep. Davis Celebrates $440 Million to States and Tribes

Representative Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support, released the following statement after the Health Resources and Services Administration announced more than $440 million for the FY 2024 Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Base and Matching Grant awards this week.