Local News
Choose Chicago Celebrates 2024 Visitation and Record-Breaking Economic Impact at 2025 Annual Meeting
Choose Chicago hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting of Partnership yesterday at the historic James M. Nederlander Theatre, where leaders from across the local tourism, hospitality, business, and civic sectors gathered to celebrate their collective accomplishments and learn about the latest trends impacting the tourism industry. At the Annual Meeting, Choose Chicago announced that Chicago welcomed over 55 million visitors in 2024, honored local hotelier and Chair of the Choose Chicago Foundation Juan Leyva with the 2025 Tourism Champion Award, and announced the long-term extension of the National Restaurant Show to take place annually in Chicago through 2032. Speakers at the event included Mayor Brandon Johnson, the organization’s new President and CEO Kristen Reynolds, outgoing Board Chair Glenn Eden, and head of U.S. operations for the Premier League, Akash Jain. Attendees also heard from Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, who reviewed the current obstacles and opportunities within the international travel landscape ahead of IPW 2025 taking place in Chicago June 14-18.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Electric Bus Company, Damera, to Open First U.S. Assembly Plant in Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker, Damera Corporation and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the company will open its first U.S. assembly plant in the Greater Peoria region. Damera Corporation (Damera Bus USA LLC in the U.S.) plans to make a capital investment of more than $31.5 million over four years with support from a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement, which will enable the company to expand into Illinois and create 90 new full-time jobs. The announcement was made with Governor Pritzker and Damera leadership in Washington DC as part of a larger business development trip.
Chicago Public Schools Becomes First K-12 District in the Nation to Earn Gold Certification from Healthy Green Schools and Colleges
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has become the first K-12 school district in the nation to earn Gold Certification from the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges (HGSC) program, marking a historic milestone in sustainable education facility management. This top-tier designation recognizes CPS for meeting rigorous national standards that promote healthier indoor environments, environmental responsibility, and cost-effective facility operations.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON LAUNCHES IMPACT DASHBOARD SHOWING CHICAGO’S ROAD TO RECOVERY PLAN PERFORMANCE
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) launched an impact dashboard for the City of Chicago ARPA Information Hub, the transparency website for the City’s Road to Recovery ARPA Plan. The user-friendly dashboard features an interactive heat map illustrating targeted program impact, an extensive set of program metrics and demographic indicators that provide meaningful insight into Chicago’s communities.
Chicago Public Schools Becomes First K-12 District in the Nation to Earn Gold Certification from Healthy Green Schools and Colleges
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has become the first K-12 school district in the nation to earn Gold Certification from the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges (HGSC) program, marking a historic milestone in sustainable education facility management. This top-tier designation recognizes CPS for meeting rigorous national standards that promote healthier indoor environments, environmental responsibility, and cost-effective facility operations.
Alton Youth Named Illinois Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year
An 18-year-old member of the Boys & Girls Club of Alton has been named the Boys & Girls Clubs of Illinois Youth of the Year. Isaiah was given the organization’s highest honor and will now move on to the regional competition.
It’s Not Too Late – There is No Better Time Than Now
Twenty years ago, my clients made a sound financial decision. They purchased a 20-year term life insurance policy on the husband, designed to cover their mortgage and provide the equivalent of one year’s salary—just enough to give the family breathing room if the husband (the primary bread winner) died. A smaller term policy was taken out on the wife. At the time, this seemed sufficient. Based on their family health histories, they believed the policies would outlast them.
Unlocking the Power of the Brain – The Three-Pound Command Center
In a world where technology and medicine constantly evolve, one of the most fascinating frontiers remains right inside our heads — the human brain. Weighing in at just about three pounds and with a consistency similar to firm jelly, this compact organ is the epicenter of thought, memory, emotion, and life-sustaining functions.
Community College Teachers Want An Elected Board Of Trustees
Cook County College Teachers Union, Local 1600, (CCTU) are urging Illinois Senate members to vote in favor of Senate Bill 1693. The bill would amend the Public Community College Act and create an elected board of trustees for the City Colleges of Chicago, beginning with the 2027 election.
Local Student Wins Chris Crane Memorial Scholarship
Aisha Salau was surprised when she found out that she was the recipient of the Exelon Foundation Chris Crane Memorial Scholarship. Salau, who is graduating from the Chicago Math and Science Academy, will be attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and majoring in computer engineering.
Donna Gaines And The Sage Collective Flip TheScript On Aging
May is recognized as Older Americans Month, but even beyond May, Donna Gaines believes that 65 is the new 45 and that a person’s age shouldn’t define their potential, purpose or their passion.
Thornton Township Swears In New Supervisor
Thornton Township has a new supervisor. Napoleon B. Harris III was sworn into office on Monday, May 19th, at the Thornton Township Hall. Harris, who also serves as an Illinois State Senator, received 73.77% percent of the vote, according to the Cook County Clerk’s Office.
Clinic Wants To Reach Expectant Mothers With Mobile Care Unit
Dr. Twin Green wants to close the maternal health gap on the South side of Chicago and South Suburbs, much like she set out to do with providing services for the youth, when she opened The Link & Option Center in South Holland in 1994.
PURSUE SCHOLARS HOSTS 6th ANNUAL FUNDRAISING WALK ACROSS CHICAGO
May 27, 2025) To support and unite invest in the future leaders of Chicago, Pursue Scholars will host their sixth annual Pursue Unity Walk across the length of Chicago on June 14, 2025.