Local News
New Initiative from Dominican University Looks to Grow, Diversify School Social Workers
Recognizing the critical need for more school-based mental health professionals, especially within underserved communities of color, Dominican University is launching a new program aimed at training and graduating a growing cohort of school social workers.
Manley Helps Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Through Monthly Legislative Advisory Committee
Grandparents who unexpectedly find themselves raising grandchildren face numerous challenges — not only whatever issues brought them together in the first place — but also antiquated, statewide computer systems make it difficult to find information that they need.
Black Ensemble Theater announces new musical revue 2024 Season of Affirmation with HITT RECORDS
Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the world premiere musical revue as part of the 2024 Season of Affirmation: Protection – Hitt Records, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. Hitt Records, replacing the previously announced A Gamble on Huff: The Story of Gamble and Huff, runs December 21, 2024 – January 26, 2025, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 3:00pm.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CELEBRATE 2024 GRADUATES OF GREENCORPS JOB TRAINING PROGRAM
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), joined by public and private sector partners, celebrated the graduation of 39 participants from Greencorps Chicago, the City's green job training program for individuals overcoming barriers to employment. This year's ceremony also marks the program's 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of workforce development, environmental stewardship and community improvement.
Rebuilding Illinois: I-270 Mississippi River bridge reaches milestone in Madison County
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that work to replace two Interstate 270 bridges over the Mississippi River in Madison County, a cornerstone project in Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, has reached the midway point with the completion of the south span. The joint project with the Missouri Department of Transportation is on track to wrap up in 2026.
Gov. Pritzker Accepts International Award for Illinois’ Leadership in Innovation
Governor JB Pritzker joined the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Mind the Bridge, and economic leaders for the Startup Ecosystems (SES) Awards in Paris, France. Representing Illinois and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Governor Pritzker made brief remarks and accepted an award on behalf of the State.
U.S. DEBUT OF 63-PIECE COLLECTION OF ART & ARTIFACTS FEATURED IN HOKUSAI EXHIBITION
The Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA) and McAninch Arts Center, (MAC) located at 425 Fawell Blvd on the College of DuPage (COD) campus, present “Hokusai and Ukiyo-e: The Floating World, Artworks from the Chiossone Collection” May 31 – Sept. 21, 2025. The exhibition will feature a collection of 53 works of art and 13 artifacts that has never been seen in the U.S. More than a museum show, this arts center experience will immerse guests in Japanese Edo culture through several interactive exhibits, from a serene outdoor Japanese garden to an anime exhibit. Anytime Tickets are now on sale at Hokusai2025.org. Timed Tickets go on sale Jan. 2. The exhibition is organized by the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in collaboration with the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art of Genoa, Italy and with the support of MondoMostre.
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.
Gala Will Showcase Organization’s Work And Honor Dr. King
The Lawndale Christian Development Corporation is hosting its Reawakening North Lawndale Gala from 5:30p.m to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17th, at the Bridgeport Art Center, which is located at 1200 W. 35th St. The annual gala commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who lived in North Lawndale when he was working on the Poor People’s Campaign.
Hope Chicago Celebrates Parent Scholars
Shelia Moore had been retired for five years when she decided to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in Hope Chicago’s Parent Scholar program. Her daughter Dominique Moore, who is completing her senior year at Chicago State University, is a Hope Chicago Scholar.
Roseland Location of Program Offers Wrestling and Enrichment
This summer, Beat the Streets opened its Roseland location, with Jeremy Powell as the wrestling coach and site leader, and a staff that reflects the community the program serves.
Fitness And Finance At The Heart Of ‘Mind, Body, Money’
Eszylfie Taylor is a financial advisor and a fitness guru, who is the subject of the television show "Mind, Body, Money.” He is also a longtime yoga instructor and was recently named a face of Lululemon. Taylor talked about his journey as an entrepreneur as the co-founder of Kali Fitness, his non-profit organization Four Stars Camp, and what people can do to stay active during the winter months.
Vision 2030 Plan Details Education Leaders’ Priorities for Future-Focused Learning, Shared Accountability and Predictable Funding for K-12 Schools
Education leaders from five statewide organizations in Illinois announced Vision 2030, a blueprint for public education in Illinois, developed with input from the statewide membership of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), Illinois Principals Association (IPA), Illinois Association of School Business Officials (Illinois ASBO) and Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents (IARSS). Vision 2030 seeks to engage parents, educators, policy leaders, elected officials, and the general public around a platform that emphasizes student and school safety, attracts and retains high-quality educators, enhances post-secondary success and more effectively measures what is working well in schools in a timely, usable manner.
Holiday gift guide for people living with dementia and their caregivers
Holiday shopping and gift-giving can often be challenging, but even more so when shopping for a person living with dementia. There are seven million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 266,500 living in Illinois. Depending on the stage of disease, some well-intentioned gifts may no longer be appropriate or practical for the person.
