💻 From Under the El
If you’ve braved that persistent cold to walk through the Loop lately, you’ve probably seen signs that our sleepy, wintry city is gearing up for Spring: posters for Hamilton’s return, maybe a few extra brave tourists out shopping or eating. We’re almost there, Chicago — Friday promises a sunny high of almost 60 degrees! (That’s good news all on its own). But until then, let these stories keep you warm. We’ve got plenty of good news for your Wednesday.
⏰ tl;dr
Wrigley Field is hosting its first-ever HBCU Baseball Classic, making history on the ballfield
Medical students are bringing free heart screenings to food pantries, meeting people where they are
The Slumber Party CMN Fundraiser is in the Loop this week, so you can enjoy good views and do some good
🌻 What’s Going Right In Chicago Today
⚾ Wrigley Field helps make history, hosting the inaugural HBCU Baseball Classic
For the first time in its long, storied life, Wrigley Field will host an HBCU Baseball Classic, spotlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities on one of baseball’s most iconic stages.
Wrigley Field is no stranger to firsts, but this one is special. The home of the Cubbies is opening its grass to Alabama A&M and Prairie View A&M for the inaugural HBCU Baseball Classic, a game that embraces athletic excellence and celebrates community and representation in one of America’s favorite pastimes.
The Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic comes to Chicago on May 2, and will feature marching band performances and fan activities along with, of course, some great baseball.
“Our mission is to elevate the next generation of talent and expand opportunity in Black baseball. With the support of the Chicago Cubs, bringing this Classic to Wrigley Field allows us to build a baseball tradition that mirrors the decades-long impact of the Chicago Football Classic - ensuring HBCUs remain a vibrant part of Chicago's sports DNA.”
Tickets are required to attend the game, but you can get them free of charge by clicking here.
❤ Rush medical students bring heart screenings to food pantries
Medical students are taking care outside the clinic, bringing free heart health screenings to people at food pantries across the city.
Instead of waiting for patients to walk into hospitals, students from Rush University Medical Center are setting up shop at local food pantries to offer free heart screenings, checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and other markers right where people are already accessing food resources.
The screenings came from a challenge cardiologist Dr. Danny Luger gave to the students: Find a way to help more people learn about heart disease and related chronic conditions, which are usually preventable by adopting healthy habits and managing risk factors.
Food pantries serve people who lack access to healthy food they can afford, and such food insecurity itself contributes to chronic health conditions.
Participants are given their results before leaving the pantries. Those who are identified as high-risk for chronic conditions are offered resources to connect with follow-up care and other support, including help finding access to housing and transportation.
🏃♀ Peace Runners 773 celebrates new headquarters in Garfield Park
Nonprofit Peace Runners 773 has opened a community wellness hub in Garfield Park, a new anchor for health, movement, and connection.
A local group focused on wellness, community engagement, and youth support has moved into a dedicated headquarters in Garfield Park. Their new space offers them far more than an office; it’s a hub for classes, gatherings, and programs aimed at building resilience and connection through wellness and movement.
Even better: The new headquarters, located at 3563 W. Fifth Ave., used to be a liquor store.
“[We’re] changing a liquor store into a wellness space. So, actually taking space in our community. A space for people to come to, for our young people to come to, for our youth program, for our seniors to come to our senior program, but to actually hold space within the community.”
Earlier this month, Peace Runners 773 earned the “Award of Excellence” by the national nonprofit Running USA, and in January, the Bulls recognized the organization’s founder, Jackie Hoffman, as their 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Honoree.
🤝 Neighbors helping neighbors
Chicago shows up for each other! If you know of a great volunteer or organization who deserves to be shouted out in our newsletter, reply to this email and tell us about it.
Image Credit: Vessel to the Voice / Instagram
Vessel to the Voice
Vessel to the Voice is a youth organization for artists. This week, their members made blankets to donate to the Salvation Army for Chicagoans in need. “We are so grateful to have homes and warmth, and we hope to continue extending our gratitude to communities in need,” they wrote.
🧑🚒 Chicago-area firefighters recognized for daring ice rescue
Three Cary firefighters were recognized for a rescue that pulled two neighbors out of an icy lake after they fell through while fishing.
When a mother and son were ice fishing and the ice gave way, it was one of those moments when they didn’t have a chance to figure it out — they just needed help to show up. Luckily, it did.
Two off-duty firefighter brothers, Ben and Cody Delatorre, ran from home with basically whatever they had (including an extension cord to use as a tether), and started helping immediately. A third firefighter arrived with dive gear to complete the rescue, and neighbors also jumped in to assist (including someone who brought a ladder).
I’d do it the same way with anybody.
On Tuesday night, the rescuers and the people they saved reunited at a ceremony where the firefighters received lifesaving awards and their neighbor was recognized with a community service award.
🗓️ Eye On the Chi
Slumber Party CMN Fundraiser
Enjoy music, food, drinks, and special events as you help raise money for Children's Miracle Network.
When: Feb. 26, 5:30-8:30
Where: Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
37th Annual Snowball Gala
Tastings from local restaurants, a silent auction, dancing, and more. An iconic event is back, benefitting the Lurie Children's Hospital.
When: Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Where: Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
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Till next time,
Good News, Chicago
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