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EASTSIDE GOLF SIGNS TOP JUNIOR GOLFER KIHEI AKINA TO NIL ROSTER

Eastside Golf furthered its commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes by announcing the signing of superstar young golfer Kihei Akina to its Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) athlete roster. Akina, ranked No. 1 in the 2025 class by Golfweek, now accompanies Temple University freshman Matthew Vital on Eastside Golf's NIL roster as the apparel brand continues to expand its platform supporting and sponsoring talented young golfers.

Where fashion, art and culture unite: H&M, Ev Bravado and Téla D'Amore collaborate for a collection featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat's works

Together with New York-based fashion designers Ev Bravado and Téla D'Amore, the latest H&M collaboration explores Jean-Michel Basquiat's legacy and his impact on young Black creatives. The 30-piece collection merges Basquiat's iconic imagery and rarely seen artworks with Bravado and D'Amore's stained glass motifs and expressive designs. The collection will be available at hm.com and in select stores on August 1st.

Celebrating the Spirit and Mission of Bebe Moore Campbell

This July, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) honors Bebe Moore Campbell, American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health trailblazer who used her words, voice, and experiences to address the profound impact of mental health on culture, community, and connections.

New Policy Will Remove Race, Improve Equity in Transplantation

The following is a joint Statement from the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and American Society of Nephrology (ASN) on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) plans to remove the African American/Black race coefficient from the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) calculation.

Opportunity@Work Awards $2 Million to Organizations Accelerating Economic Mobility

National economic mobility nonprofit Opportunity@Work announced eight recipients of its Powering STAR Breakthroughs grant program, a first-of-its-kind effort to support organizations that are boosting economic mobility and combatting occupational segregation for workers from who have historically been excluded from high-wage roles. The grantees cover a range of geographic regions and industries, with a shared commitment to connecting workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) – such as community college, military service, or on the job experience, rather than a bachelor's degree – to family-sustaining jobs and careers.

PROPEL Center Celebrates 37 Faculty Fellows

A cohort of nearly 40 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) leaders recently culminated a year-long professional development training designed to enhance teaching skills to ensure the most impactful learning classroom experience. Launched by PROPEL Center, an innovation technology hub for HBCUs, the HBCU Faculty Fellows Academy (HFFA) serves as a cornerstone programmatic initiative that provides selected faculty members an opportunity to facilitate learning, lead and leverage Apple technology to promote student success, and expand their professional network.

Illinois Reaches Record High Cash Balance, Exceeds FY24 Revenue Estimates

Governor JB Pritzker announced that the State of Illinois ended FY24 approximately $125 million, or .2%, above projected FY24 General Funds revenue estimates. Illinois also ended the fiscal year with the highest ever General Funds cash balance, capping off another year of fiscal responsibility and stewardship as Illinois continues to regrow its fiscal portfolio and restore fiscal stability following years of mismanagement.

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE LAUNCH OF CUT THE TAPE INITIATIVE

Mayor Brandon Johnson made three major announcements as part of his signature Cut the Tape initiative to streamline and expedite housing and commercial development. The announcements include the completion of several policy initiatives that were outlined in the Cut the Tape Report, the appointment of Abigail Sullivan as the inaugural Director of Process Improvement, and the creation of the Cut the Tape Task Force consisting of nearly 50 development leaders.

i.c.stars announces Karin Norington-Reaves as new CEO

i.c.stars announces the appointment of Karin M. Norington-Reaves as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. A dedicated executive with a deep commitment to community development and workforce innovation, Norington-Reaves brings a wealth of experience, values, and a passion for mission-driven leadership.

Celebrate Literature at the 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest in Chicago

In its 39th year, Printers Row Lit Fest, one of the largest and oldest literary festivals in the United States, attracts over 100,000 visitors annually to a festive celebration of literature, readers, and community.

CHICAGO NONPROFIT BRINGS FARM-TO-TABLE TROLLEY TOURS TO AUSTIN COMMUNITY

Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures (CAYTA) has kicked off its Austin Farm-to-Table Trolley Tours thanks to a $30,000 grant from Austin Eats in partnership with Austin Fresh. The tour will stop at 12 gardens throughout Austin in an effort to bring more awareness to accessibility and healthy options in the community. At the end of each tour, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a licensed chef demonstration and free meal utilizing items from the gardens.

New Public Art Coming to Millennium Park for 20th Anniversary Season

Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the Millennium Park Foundation announced new temporary public art installations coming to Millennium Park during its milestone 20th Anniversary season, including physical works by one of the world’s most recognized sculptors, Franz West, and innovative augmented reality works by Chicago-based artists Claire Ashley, Faheem Majeed, Yvette Mayorga and Carlos Rolón. The augmented reality works are on view throughout Millennium Park now through November 2025. West’s sculptures will be on view in the South Boeing Gallery starting the week of July 22nd through November 2025.

Illinois House Speaker Launches Black Excellence in Bleu

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate are doing more than hosting one of the biggest DNC parties of the year. They are also bringing together Speakers from across the country to party with a purpose– launching the 501(c)(4) Black Excellence in Bleu.

CTA and Local DJs Are Back to Provide Riders a Harmonious Commute with Sounds from the AESOP DJ Booth

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is proud to announce that AESOP (An Extended Song of Our People), the public art project and DJ booth has returned to provide commuters with another season of lively music as they pass through the 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station. This year’s programming schedule now includes three days of real-time programming by multiple local disc jockey (DJ) artists.

How to take action and help protect older adults from scams

Anyone can be a victim of scams. They happen when scammers go after individuals of all ages, using tactics like phone calls, emails and messages to reel in unsuspecting victims to get to their money and personal information.