Hosted by the Chicago Asian Network alongside Chef Thai Dang, Do-Rite Donuts, Cà Phê Đá Vietnamese Coffee, Chicago Water Taxi, and Wendella Tours & Cruises, the Industry Gratitude Cruise brought together culinary professionals for a well-deserved moment of connection, appreciation, and community.

Learning each other's histories is more than an academic exercise. It helps us understand why certain symbols carry deep wounds and why accountability matters. It also reminds us that relationships built through education, dialogue, and shared purpose can withstand moments that might otherwise pull communities apart.

Across Chicago and Illinois, a new generation of women leaders is helping shape that future. They are advocating for immigrants, empowering underrepresented communities, expanding civic participation, and challenging systems that were not designed with their communities in mind. We spoke with Amanda Hwu, Vân Huynh, Danae Kovac, Amina Barhumi, and Rhea Yap. Together, their stories reveal not only how they arrived at leadership, but also what they believe it takes to build lasting change.

If you want to see what true community resilience looks like, you only need to look at the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA).

On March 6 and 7, the Filipino grocery chain hosted “Late Night Madness,” a sold-out pop-up that kept its doors open until midnight. What unfolded was not just a dance party tucked between shelves of pantry staples, but a reimagining of what a community space can look like.

AACC’s 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Gala drew more than 1,100 attendees for an evening of cultural celebration, community recognition, and political visibility. From heartfelt tributes and awards to a standout performance by Shin Lim, the event highlighted the strength, unity, and growing influence of Chicago’s Asian American community.

According to a recent application filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation on February 24, 2026, Philippine Airlines is seeking approval to launch the first nonstop flight between Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport in time for Summer 2026.