Local News
Wandering and Getting Lost: Who’s at Risk and How to Be Prepared
Wandering is a common yet dangerous behavior for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, with six in 10 people with dementia likely to wander at least once. This risk, which can occur even in the early stages of the disease, creates significant safety concerns for those affected and adds stress for caregivers and family members.
MCA Chicago’s Wafaa Bilal: Indulge Me opens February 1
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s upcoming exhibition Wafaa Bilal: Indulge Me will open on February 1 and run through October 19, 2025. Indulge Me is a major survey of renowned artist Wafaa Bilal (b. 1966, Najaf, Iraq; lives in New York, NY). The exhibition covers five major works from Bilal’s immersive, interdisciplinary practice, which investigates the complex dynamic between international and interpersonal politics, with a particular focus on US–Iraq relations. Whether putting his own body on the line to interrogate notions of power or inventing new technological methods to rectify acts of cultural destruction, Bilal shows us what it means to consciously engage across cultures while highlighting negative global implications of consumption, exploitation, and profiteering.
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER AWARDED $1 MILLION GRANT BY THE RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS FOUNDATION TO EXPAND YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMING IN ARCHITECTURE AND THE TRADES
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) announced a $1 million grant from The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation to support and grow its educational programming for K-12 students and facilitate new learning opportunities for young adults. The grant, distributed over the next four years, will aid the CAC in its work to diversify the architecture, construction, engineering, and design fields. The CAC’s educational programming division will now be named The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Youth Learning Programs, in recognition of the foundation’s support.
HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO RETURNS TO THE HARRIS THEATER WITH A WORLD PREMIERE FOR SEASON 47: WINTER SERIES, FEB. 13-16
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) unveiled the full program for the second performance series of its 2024/2025 season, Season 47: Winter Series. Featuring four captivating pieces, including a World Premiere by acclaimed choreographer James Gregg, the Series builds on the success of HSDC’s critically acclaimed, sold-out Fall program at the Steppenwolf Theatre in November. The Winter Series will take place from Thursday, February 13, to Sunday, February 16, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph).
CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK 2025 RESTAURANTS REVEALED AT EATITUPCHICAGO.COM
Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organization, announces the highly anticipated return of the annual Chicago Restaurant Week (CRW). Produced annually by Choose Chicago, the beloved event celebrates its 18th year Friday, Jan. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 9. Food lovers can reserve tables and view menus online beginning today for multi-course meals at more than 470 Chicagoland eateries at eatitupchicago.com.
Governor Pritzker Launches Statewide Effort to Promote Housing Development for Working Families
Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order launching a statewide effort enlisting multiple state agencies to explore how Illinois can accelerate plans to expand the supply and access of housing for working families. Additionally, as part of an ongoing commitment to lower housing costs, Governor Pritzker announced the return of SmartBuy, a program providing direct monetary assistance to pay off student loan debt for those buying a home in Illinois. Together, these actions seek to address the shortage of attainable homes for working families across the state, as well as overall housing shortages that affect renters and homebuyers alike.
Landmarks Illinois announces $34,000 in grant funding to people saving places in communities across the state
A 19th-century opera hall, an iconic Route 66 attraction and a nationally-recognized round barn are among the historic places Landmarks Illinois is helping people preserve through grant funding. Landmarks Illinois has awarded $34,000 to nine preservation projects across the state through its Preservation Heritage Fund and Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois grant programs. Grant-funded projects are in the Illinois communities of Anna, Chicago, Gibson City, Hometown, McClean, Mendon, Princeton and Rockford.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON NAMES SEAN HARDEN AS CHICAGO BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT ALONGSIDE KEY BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Sean Harden as President of the Chicago Board of Education, accompanied by a slate of experienced and passionate leaders whose collective expertise will guide Chicago’s public schools toward greater equity and opportunity for all students.
Treasurer Pappas offers ‘snowbirds’ and other Cook County property owners the option to prepay taxes due in 2025
Treasurer Maria Pappas is offering Cook County property owners the option to prepay their 2024 property taxes that will be due in 2025.
Rep. Kelly, Senators Durbin, Duckworth, Chicago Delegation Announce $1.9 Billion Funding Agreement with FTA to Support Chicago’s Red Line Extension Project
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to sign a full funding grant agreement for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)’s Red Line Extension Project. The funding agreement will contractually obligate $1.9 billion in federal funding to the project, solidifying the federal government’s commitment to the project.
Bob Rita Named Township Officials of Illinois Legislator of the Year
State Representative Bob Rita has been named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) in recognition of his commitment to township government and community service. Rita, who also serves as Calumet Township Supervisor, was honored for his leadership in delivering essential services and advocating for policies that strengthen local government and improve residents' lives.
Resilience Healthcare Celebrates Two Year Anniversary with New Initiatives at West Suburban and Weiss Memorial
As Resilience Healthcare marks its second anniversary operating West Suburban Medical Center and Weiss Memorial Hospital, the team is announcing the launch of two new multi-specialty clinics. These clinics will operate at each hospital and will provide faster access to quality outpatient care for the diverse communities they serve.
Simmons: Housing is a human right
To address the housing crisis that the 7th District and entire state of Illinois faces, State Senator Mike Simmons led a Senate Human Rights Committee subject matter hearing on Tuesday titled “Housing as a Human Right.”
Rep. Manley Highlights RX Mobile Food Pantry at Bolingbrook High School
Free milk, meat, fruit, and vegetables are offered at the RX Mobile Food Pantry in the west parking lot of Bolingbrook High School at 9:00 am on the first Tuesday of every month. This December, District Office staff of State Rep. Natalie Manley, (D-Joliet), volunteered to hand out food to residents.
