Infleqtion to Accelerate Quantum Computing in Illinois and Locate Computing Headquarters in Chicago
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Intersect Illinois announced that quantum company Infleqtion will headquarter its global quantum computing operations in Illinois as a future tenant of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). As part of the expected $50 million investment, the company will create dozens of new jobs, accelerating the growth of its hardware and software workforce and cementing a major expansion of its presence in the state’s innovation ecosystem. This announcement comes as hundreds of quantum leaders from business, government, and academia across the globe gather for the inaugural Global Quantum Forum hosted in Chicago.
Young Women in Illinois Revved Up to Build, Race Electric Vehicles in ComEd’s EV Rally
Forty-five young women geared up for ComEd’s third EV Rally, a program designed to educate female students on electric vehicles (EVs), science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles and the future of clean energy while connecting with female ComEd mentors.
Giannoulias Launches Driving Change Campaign for Auto Insurance Fairness
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is launching a statewide advocacy campaign aimed at preventing insurance companies from using socio-economic data – such as credit scores, zip codes and age – to charge Illinoisans higher auto insurance rates.
City of Chicago Announces Full Lineup for 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show, Aug. 16-17
The City of Chicago and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will present the 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show on Aug. 16 and 17 along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as the show center from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. First held in 1959, the 66th Chicago Air & Water Show remains the largest free-admission event of its kind. This year’s headliners include the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
City of Chicago Announces Record Expansion of Individual Artists Program Grants
The City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced a record expansion of its Individual Artists Program (IAP), underscoring the City’s deepening commitment to creative equity and artist support across all neighborhoods. This year’s awards represent a significant increase in support from grantees funded in 2024 with nearly 250 grantees for 2025, reflecting the City’s ongoing investment in its creative community and its belief that artists are essential to civic life, community well-being and economic vitality.
Hope Credit Union to Merge with 1st Choice Credit Union
Hope Credit Union has agreed to merge with 1st Choice Credit Union in Atlanta. Hope Credit Union, with its affiliates, Hope Enterprise Corporation and Hope Policy Institute (collectively known as HOPE), combine to form one of the nation's most impactful community development organizations and largest Black- and women-owned financial institutions.
Gift of Life in Collaboration with Labcorp and DOUBLEMINT®, Launch Hero Gum to Expand Marrow Donor Registry
Signing up for the stem cell registry just got a whole lot easier — and tastier — thanks to a bold new initiative from Gift of Life Marrow Registry. In collaboration with Labcorp, a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, and DOUBLEMINT®, proudly part of Mars, the nonprofit is introducing Hero Gum, a first-of-its-kind donor registration kit that pairs a stick of gum with a scientifically validated method for DNA collection.
AFROTECH™ Wants To Ensure International Innovators Gain Access To Game-Changing Career, Networking, And Funding Opportunities
The annual AFROTECH™ Conference is designed to expose Black professionals to innovation and wealth-building opportunities within sectors that include AI, marketing and advertising, cybersecurity and risk, product and design, fintech, esports, and government and civics. Additionally, it is a launchpad to endless networking conversations, funding opportunities, and your next career move. Wells Fargo employee Aaron McBee credits the 2022 AFROTECH™ Conference for helping him land a role at the company, as AFROTECH™ previously reported.
HBCU ELI at Clark Atlanta University
The Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU ELI) proudly marks its fifth anniversary with a celebration honoring three groundbreaking leadership cohorts: the distinguished Community of Fellows, the HBCU New Presidents Program, and the inaugural Women Leaders Program. Together, these initiatives represent HBCU ELI's unwavering commitment to developing visionary leaders equipped to navigate today's higher education landscape and champion the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Cook County Department of Public Health Honored with Five National Achievement Awards
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is proud to announce that five of its programs received achievement awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) during its 2025 Annual Conference and Exposition, held July 11–18 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Road to 40: Firstline Brands Launches New Products Ahead of 40th Anniversary
As Firstline Brands approaches its 40th anniversary, the leading textured hair accessory company in the U.S. honors its enduring legacy through bold product innovation and culturally-rooted community engagement.
Award-winning actress, producer Marsai Martin to serve as Creative Ambassador for the 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival November 6–8, 2025
The 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival announced that actress/producer and entrepreneur Marsai Martin will be the Creative Ambassador for the third annual film festival. Convening again at Howard University from November 6 – 8, 2025; the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival will continue to provide a platform for young creatives to present their work and learn about the diverse aspects of the business from HBCU alumni and industry allies who support the cultural institutions.
Academy Award Honoree and Multi-Emmy Winner Debbie Allen to Deliver Keynote at CommHIT25 at Kennedy Space Center
Internationally acclaimed actor, director, choreographer, and philanthropist Debbie Allen will deliver the keynote address at CommHIT25, taking place December 4–5, 2025 at CommHIT's headquarters at NASA/Kennedy Space Center. Hosted by CommHIT, the two-day annual event brings together leaders in business, healthcare, and technology to explore the theme "Coopetition: The Art of Competing and Collaborating."
Illinois Housing Development Authority Now Accepting Applications for Permanent Supportive Housing Funding
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is now accepting applications for its Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Development Program, offering loans, forgivable loans, and grants to developers building or preserving affordable housing paired with essential case management and supportive services.
RFP Process Launched for Chicago State University’s University Village 95 Mixed-Use Development
CBRE, in partnership with Chicago State University (CSU), is pleased to announce the launch of a Request for Proposals for University Village 95, a transformative mixed-use development opportunity located in the heart of Chicago’s South Side. This initiative marks a significant milestone in CSU’s long-term vision to expand student housing and catalyze economic revitalization along the 95th Street Corridor.
Sachs Foundation Launches Alumni Board to Advance Black Leadership in Philanthropy
The Sachs Foundation has launched its inaugural Alumni Board, a bold initiative placing Black leadership at the center of philanthropic decision-making. Composed entirely of former Sachs Scholars, the Alumni Board will guide discretionary grantmaking and contribute to shaping the Foundation's strategic direction, marking a new chapter in alumni engagement and community-led impact.
Experience the Soulful Sounds of Jazz at Rainbow Beach: Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Presents Rajiv Plays Cannonball
Orbert Davis' Chicago Jazz Philharmonic invites you to its 2025 Free Summer Concert Series with a special tribute to one of jazz’s most influential saxophonists. Join us for Rajiv Plays Cannonball, Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Norman’s Bistro on the Lake at Rainbow Beach, 3111 E. 77th Street, Chicago for an evening dedicated to celebrating the legendary Cannonball Adderley and his enduring musical legacy.
THE VILLAGE OF ROBBINS UNVEILING OF ALL NEW FOOTBALL FIELD FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL TEAM UPSTAGED BY THIEVES WHO STOLE 12K WORTH OF FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT
The Mayor of Robbins, Illinois- will be joined by the Robbins Village Board, Robbins Eagles Coaching staff, regional elected officials, and residents as they gather to witness the public unveiling of the all-new Robbins Eagles Football field. However, the group will also make a public appeal for people to donate towards the organization amid the recent theft of football equipment in which the young players need to start the season.
CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS GEAR UP FOR MAJOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY TO SUPPORT WEST SIDE CHICAGO FAMILIES
Saturday, August 2, 2025, CITW will host a Back-to-School Giveaway at JLM Life Center, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL. The invitation-only event will provide more than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, alongside essentials like clothing, diapers, personal care products, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy lunches, Pepsi beverages, and more. Most notable are the “Be the Voice #StopSuicide” branded clothes provided by In His Hands Resource Center, Inc. to address suicide among teenagers. The #StopSuicide movement message is one of hope, support, and action: "Together, a world can be created where no one feels alone in their struggles. Suicide is preventable, and everyone has a role in fostering understanding and compassion.”
