Local News
South Chicago Dance Theatre Preparing For Its 8th Season
Kia S. Smith founded the South Chicago Dance Theatre in 2017, because she was really proud of her upbringing on the South side. She always wanted to be a dancer and have a dance company. She went to college and afterwards pursued a career in dance.
Chicago Urban League Honors Public Servants and Renames Building for James W. Compton
The Chicago Urban League hosted its 3rd Annual Reception Honoring Public Servants on Monday, March 24, 2025, at its headquarters, bringing together civic leaders, community members, and public officials to celebrate distinguished individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing equity, opportunity, and social justice.
Commissioner Samantha Steele Strengthens Fairness and Accessibility for All Who Pay Property Taxes to Cook County
Cook County’s 2nd District residents continue to benefit from the leadership of Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele, who has served on the Board since 2022. With 20 years of experience in property valuations and a deep commitment to public service, Steele continually works to ensure that taxpayers have a fair, transparent, and accessible property tax appeals process.
“In Defense of Mac Properties”
In the Biblical spirit of speaking out for truth and justice, I come to the reputational defense of Mac Properties, which was accused in a recently filed lawsuit of systemic discrimination against prospective renters holding Housing Choice Vouchers – formerly known as Section 8 vouchers.
Chicago Sinfonietta one of 15 arts and culture and arts-centered organizations to receive a MacArthur Foundation 2025 Culture, Equity, and the Arts Grant
Chicago Sinfonietta is honored to receive a significant grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation over the next three years as one of 15 organizations “that help enrich communities in Chicago”.
SPLC President Condemns Trump Executive Orders Aimed at Whitewashing U.S. History and Restoring Confederate Monuments
Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) President and CEO Margaret Huang denounced the executive orders from the Trump administration aimed at rewriting U.S. history and restoring Confederate monuments around the country:
Pappas Urges Citizens to Vote on April 1 as Study Reveals Racial and Income Disparities in Referendum Turnout
In a first-of-its-kind analysis, the Cook County Treasurer’s Office found much higher property tax referendum turnout in wealthier, predominantly white communities where nearly all people own their homes than in areas with mostly minority populations, lower incomes and lesser rates of home ownership.
PRIMO Partners CEO Antonio McBroom Announces Book Launch to Further Mission of Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
From being a scooper at his local Ben & Jerry's to a visionary CEO, Antonio McBroom embarks on his next venture with the launch of his first publicly released book: The Self•ish Servant: Inspirational Lessons from a Visionary CEO to Create Extra-Ordinary Life. Offering an innovative framework for leadership that combines self-development with servant leadership principles, The Self•ish Servant is available today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major online booksellers.
Janeen Uzzell Elected to the National Academy of Engineering
The National Society of Black Engineers® (NSBE®) one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the U.S., proudly announces that NSBE CEO Janeen Uzzell has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the highest professional honors in the engineering field. Uzzell joins an esteemed class of 128 U.S.-based members and 22 international members newly elected to the NAE Class of 2025.
National Civil Rights Museum and Unite Memphis Announce Next-Level Partnership
The National Civil Rights Museum and Unite Memphis announced a new partnership to amplify the message and movement of healing, honor, and hope in the city of Memphis. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Unite Memphis, which is entering its fourth year following a remarkable 43% growth in participation last year.
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.
Gov. Pritzker Breaks Ground on Wieland North America’s Modernized East Alton Facility
Governor JB Pritzker, Wieland Rolled Products North America, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state's clean energy economy.
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.
Breaking Barriers: Transforming Women’s Health Luncheon to Support Women-Led Cancer Research
The American Cancer Society invites you to the Breaking Barriers: Transforming Women’s Health Luncheon on Wednesday, April 30, a premier event dedicated to advancing women’s health and supporting the ACS ResearcHERS movement. This initiative funds women-led cancer research and addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership within the field.
