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.

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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
Cheesecake Factory Expands in Illinois with New Naperville Location
Local News

Cheesecake Factory Expands in Illinois with New Naperville Location

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Cheesecake Factory fans in the western suburbs will soon have a new spot to enjoy the restaurant’s famously large menu and ...

Tanya Williams
|
Bronzeville Soul Sees Sales Surge During Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour Stop In Chicago
Local NewsChicago News

Bronzeville Soul Sees Sales Surge During Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour Stop In Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — As Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter Tour” took over Soldier Field in mid-May, it wasn’t just music fans who benefited. One local soul ...

Tanya Williams
|
Black Bear Spotted Again in Illinois: Wildlife Officials Issue Safety Guidance
Local News

Black Bear Spotted Again in Illinois: Wildlife Officials Issue Safety Guidance

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, IL — A black bear has been spotted again in southwestern Illinois, triggering a safety advisory from state officials and raising ...

Tanya Williams
|
Nature-Inspired Art Takes Center Stage In Will County This Summer
Local News

Nature-Inspired Art Takes Center Stage In Will County This Summer

WILL COUNTY, IL — Nature lovers and art enthusiasts in Will County are in for a treat this summer, as two unique art exhibits ...

Tanya Williams
|
Local News

Warrenville Receives $19K Grant To Replant Parkway Trees Lost To Invasive Pest

CHICAGO — A major environmental restoration effort is underway in suburban Warrenville, where city officials have secured a $19,000 grant to replace trees lost ...

Tanya Williams
|
Chicago’s Famous Turtle “Chonk” Is Back In The River — And She’s Bigger Than Ever
Local News

Chicago’s Famous Turtle “Chonk” Is Back In The River — And She’s Bigger Than Ever

GOOSE ISLAND, CHICAGO — She’s big. She’s calm. She’s a certified Chicago icon — and she’s back. Chicagoans can once again spot Chonkosaurus, the ...

Tanya Williams
|
Previous 1…3132333435 Next