Tanya Williams

Tanya Williams

Tanya covers positive and people-centered stories from across Chicago. From neighborhood events to inspiring local residents, she focuses on what brings our communities together. Tanya grew up in the city and believes every neighborhood has a story worth telling.

Illinois Teen With Cancer Surprised With Dream Bedroom Makeover In Northlake
Local News

Illinois Teen With Cancer Surprised With Dream Bedroom Makeover In Northlake

NORTHLAKE, IL — A 15-year-old boy battling cancer in the Chicago suburb of Northlake got the surprise of a lifetime when a nonprofit and ...

Tanya Williams
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McDonald’s Confirms Return of Fan-Favorite Snack Wraps After Nearly a Decade
Local News

McDonald’s Confirms Return of Fan-Favorite Snack Wraps After Nearly a Decade

CHICAGO, IL — After nearly a decade of relentless fan requests and social media campaigns, McDonald’s has officially confirmed that its Snack Wraps will ...

Tanya Williams
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City Ordered To Install 1,700 Audible Crosswalk Signals To Aid Blind, Visually Impaired Residents In Chicago
Chicago News

City Ordered To Install 1,700 Audible Crosswalk Signals To Aid Blind, Visually Impaired Residents In Chicago

CHICAGO — A federal judge has ordered the city of Chicago to install more than 1,700 accessible pedestrian crosswalk signals over the next 10 ...

Tanya Williams
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Austin Elementary School Unveils Flood-Resistant Playground Designed For Wellness And Resilience
Chicago News

Austin Elementary School Unveils Flood-Resistant Playground Designed For Wellness And Resilience

AUSTIN, CHICAGO — A West Side elementary school has turned a long-standing flooding challenge into a model of green infrastructure and student wellness. Spencer ...

Tanya Williams
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Drag Storytime At Beverly Library Draws Protesters — But Even More Supporters Show Up
Chicago NewsLocal News

Drag Storytime At Beverly Library Draws Protesters — But Even More Supporters Show Up

BEVERLY — A drag-themed children’s event at a Chicago Public Library branch drew both vocal protesters and an even larger crowd of supporters Tuesday ...

Tanya Williams
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Cognac Gets A Summer Remix As Chicago Toasts First-Ever National Cognac Week
Chicago News

Cognac Gets A Summer Remix As Chicago Toasts First-Ever National Cognac Week

CHICAGO — The city’s cocktail scene is raising its glass to a new tradition this week as Chicago officially kicks off the country’s first-ever ...

Tanya Williams
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4 Restaurants Set To Open In The South Loop — And A Beloved Bakery Closes
Chicago News

4 Restaurants Set To Open In The South Loop — And A Beloved Bakery Closes

SOUTH LOOP, CHICAGO — A beloved bakery has closed, but four new restaurants — including one from a former Chicago Bear — are bringing ...

Tanya Williams
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Illinois Holocaust Museum to Close for Renovations — Some Exhibits Moving to River North The renovation plans include major updates to enhance visitor experience, including a redesigned auditorium, a brand-new welcome center, and updated security, ticketing, and restroom facilities. Exhibits Paused, But Programming Continues While all exhibitions will be closed starting Monday, the museum will continue to offer public programs and educator trainings through the end of June. Officials said the closure is expected to last approximately 12 months, during which time construction will take place to modernize the space and better serve the museum’s growing number of visitors. Exhibits Moving Downtown During Closure To maintain public engagement and educational access, some of the museum’s most popular exhibits will be on display at a temporary location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. This pop-up exhibit site will be hosted on State Street, allowing downtown visitors to continue interacting with the museum’s core messages of remembrance and human rights. The Illinois Holocaust Museum is known for its immersive exhibitions including: The award-winning Take A Stand Center Auschwitz artifacts and survivor stories Youth-focused tolerance programming Why This Matters The Skokie-based museum is one of the most significant Holocaust education institutions in the country. Since opening in 2009, it has hosted more than 2 million visitors and serves as a national leader in genocide awareness and anti-hate education. Museum representatives say the upgrades are meant to strengthen the institution’s mission of fostering human rights through education, especially amid rising concerns around antisemitism and intolerance. Museum Programs in June Despite the exhibit closures, the museum will continue running several events and trainings throughout June. Topics include: Virtual survivor testimony presentations Teacher workshops on tolerance education Community engagement sessions A full list of June programming is available at the museum’s official site. Reader Callout Have you visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum recently, or plan to see its exhibits in River North? What are your thoughts on this renovation effort? Share your experience and views in the comments section.
Local News

Illinois Holocaust Museum to Close for Renovations — Some Exhibits Moving to River North

SKOKIE, IL — The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center will temporarily close its Skokie facility starting this July as it undergoes a year-long ...

Tanya Williams
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Cardinal Cupich Visits Chicago Students Behind Viral Mock Conclave At Catholic School
Local NewsChicago News

Cardinal Cupich Visits Chicago Students Behind Viral Mock Conclave At Catholic School

CHICAGO, IL — A group of Catholic school students in Chicago who made headlines with a viral mock conclave video were rewarded with a ...

Tanya Williams
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Simone Biles Moves Into New Chicago Home as Husband Joins Bears Roster
Chicago News

Simone Biles Moves Into New Chicago Home as Husband Joins Bears Roster

CHICAGO, IL — Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has officially joined the ranks of high-profile Chicago homeowners. The 28-year-old gymnast recently announced via Instagram ...

Tanya Williams
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