Local News
ComEd STEM Labs Encourage 50 High School Students to Consider Careers in STEM this Women’s History Month
As part of its Women’s History Month celebration and to help encourage high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, ComEd hosted its STEM Labs event on Saturday, March 22, in Chicago, where 50 local high school students joined more than 25 ComEd professionals for a day of mentoring and networking.
HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC. HOSTS RIBBON CUTTING FOR RENOVATED HEADQUARTERS
The Larry T. Byrd Administrative Building at 415 S. Kilpatrick Avenue has served as the headquarters of Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), one of Chicago’s largest behavioral health and human services agencies, since its founding in 1978.
DCFS AWARDS MASSIVE FOSTER CARE ADOPTION CONTRACT TO LET IT BE US
Let It Be Us, the largest nonprofit 501(c) 3 in Illinois providing collaborative, innovative solutions for effective recruitment and placement of children in Illinois foster and adoptive care, has been awarded a $750,000 three- year contract by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Illinois ranks one of the lowest in adoption placement rates in the US for children awaiting adoption. This contract will significantly improve these children’s trajectories for finding forever families. Founded by Dr. Susan McConnell, Executive Director, herself an adoptive parent, this milestone solidifies Let It Be Us as the go-to resource for linking waiting children with loving, permanent families across the state.
Chicago Public Schools Announces New Partnership to Offer Virtual Mental Health Care Services to 110,000 Students Throughout the District
Students across Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will soon have access to virtual healthcare services as part of efforts to address mental health needs among youth. Starting in mid-March, approximately 110,000 high school students throughout the District will began to have access to high-quality, clinically-validated mental health services through Hazel Health - the nation’s largest school-centered provider of telehealth services – supported through an investment from UnitedHealthcare. Starting in mid-March, students will be able to access services at home, and will be able to access at school appointments as schools join the program.
Chicago Department of Public Health Partnering with Department of Family and Support Services Senior Centers to Offer COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is reminding individuals 65 and older to stay current on their COVID-19 vaccinations, which means receiving a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their initial dose. The 2024-2025 vaccine was released this past September, so seniors who received their first dose around that time would now be eligible for their second dose.
Chicago Department of Public Health Advises All Chicagoans to Ensure They Are Protected Against Measles as Cases Rise Across the United States
As of March 14, a total of 301 measles cases were reported in 2025 across 15 jurisdictions in the United States, including two deaths, the first U.S. measles deaths in over a decade. To date, no case of measles has been identified in Chicago or Illinois in 2025.
THE ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW + SALE® RETURNS TO THE MART APRIL 25-27 SHOWCASING OVER 350 OF THE NATION’S TOP ARTISTS, MAKERS & DESIGNERS
The One of a Kind Spring Show + Sale® will return in full bloom to the 7th floor of THE MART this April, featuring over 350 of the nation’s most talented creators together under one roof. Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, thousands of art-loving shoppers will flock to the historic venue for an action-packed weekend filled with an impressive selection of original, handcrafted work, live music by talented local musicians, hands-on art workshops, interactive experiences including a fresh floral market and more. The show offers the perfect opportunity for those looking to refresh their Spring style, discover unique gifts for any occasion, tap into their creativity and connect with the nation’s top makers in their craft or simply enjoy a beautiful Spring weekend in the heart of the city. Tickets, exclusive show totes and ticket bundles are now on sale via the show website.
Taste of Iceland Festival Kicks Off U.S. Tour in Chicago, April 3-5
Taste of Iceland 2025, organized by Inspired by Iceland, returns to Chicago, III., Thursday-Saturday, April 3-5. The cultural festival celebrates the land of fire and ice with events across the city showcasing the best of Icelandic culture, including food, music, nature, literature, art and design, wellness, and more.
Just Do It!
I am not a betting woman, but I bet that those of you reading this column now—and have read it before—DO NOT have an estate plan. I am so confident in this that I’d be willing to put up a wager for everyone who presents their estate plan to me.
Op Ed: Black Press and Black Church Unity Targeting TARGET
For over 198 years the Black Press and the Black Church have joined together for causes of freedom, justice, equality, equity, and empowerment. Today more than ever before there is renewed urgency for the Black Church and the Black Press to publicly amplify our mutual interests to protect and maintain the hard-fought gains and progress that has been accomplished by African Americans in the last two centuries.
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Hosts the Third Annual African American Conference
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is proud to announce the Third Annual African American Conference, Release the Silence: Navigating the Caregiving Journey. This free, community-centered event will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM (Doors open at 8:30 AM) at Greenwood Oasis, 7621 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60619.
Brown Sugar Bakery Brings the Love
Stephanie Hart, owner of the Brown Sugar Bakery, bakes cakes that reminds people of their loved ones. Her Caramel, Red Velvet, German Dark Chocolate and Pineapple Coconut Cakes reference a nostalgia for people who come into her Chatham store, and those who order her cakes to have them shipped across the country.
Premium Candy Maker Gets Boost From The Illinois Made Program
Jana Farmer began Ms. Jana’s Candy when she was 67 years old, making the peanut brittle she made for her mother. After her mother passed, she would make the peanut brittle and think of her mother. She got so good at it that she began sending it to family members.
Artificial Intelligence Is Being Used To Detect Speech Disorders In Children
As Artificial Intelligence gains popularity, the technology is being applied to detect speech disorders in children. Experts say using the technology in this way can also improve accessibility to screenings and make them more efficient, which is helpful to families in marginalized communities who might not have access to those kinds of screenings. Experts also point toward earlier diagnoses as being helpful for children to receive critical interventions.
