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HIRE360 CELEBRATES FIRST GRADUATION, MARKING A NEW CHAPTER IN CHICAGO’S WORKFORCE PIPELINE
HIRE360, with JPMorganChase, celebrated a major milestone for Chicago’s energy workforce with the graduation of the first cohort of the Clean Energy Construction Trades Pathway Program. Fifteen graduates were recognized during a ceremony at HIRE360’s Training and Business Development Center for completing a comprehensive program designed to prepare residents for in-demand careers in construction, building operations and renewable energy. The Clean Energy Construction Trades Pathway Program was made possible with support from JPMorganChase.
Governor Pritzker Announces $10 Million Investment in Job Training and Economic Development Program
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $10 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Program for workforce training and wrap-around services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. As part of Illinois’ workforce recovery efforts, JTED grants focus on helping increase employment among workers and key sectors of the state’s economy. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.
Chicago Public Schools Spotlight Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Programming
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) celebrated record participation and success in its nationally recognized dual credit and dual enrollment programs, which continue to expand rigorous college-level opportunities for students across the city. These programs are driving stronger outcomes for Black and Latinx students, and providing families with meaningful cost-effective savings as students earn college credit at no cost.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ANNOUNCE CUT THE TAPE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced Cut the Tape for Small Business, a comprehensive effort to update and streamline the City’s administrative processes in service of making it faster and easier to open and operate a small business in Chicago. Cut the Tape for Small Business is designed to serve as both a strategic framework and a long-term resource for the small business ecosystem. Building on the success of Mayor Johnson’s Cut the Tape initiative, which has advanced more than 100 concrete actions to streamline and expedite housing and commercial development processes, the new program is designed to uplift and empower small businesses across Chicago while building upon the Johnson administration's long-standing work to support entrepreneurs and business owners.
State of Illinois Honored with International Award for Leadership in Innovation
The State of Illinois has once again been recognized on the global stage at the 2025 Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards in Paris, hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) was recognized with the Startup Ecosystem Stars Award acknowledging the state’s international leadership in talent, research, investment, industry support, and innovation policy.
HFS Announces New Illinois Medicaid Coverage for Home Visiting Services for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is launching new coverage for home visiting services for pregnant and parenting Medicaid customers, effective Nov. 21. The newly-covered services and supports aim to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting individuals at a critical time in their healthcare journey, in order to create better health outcomes for both parents and their children.
Avoid the Fee, Get REAL ID: Giannoulias Leads Push to Spare Illinoisans from TSA’s $45 Penalty
With the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new $45 penalty set to catch travelers off guard starting February 1, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is taking action to reduce the Time Tax by making it easier than ever for Illinois residents to get their REAL ID.
Laboratory Scientist Boasts Being First Black Person in Illinois To Hold A Doctorate In Clinical Laboratory Science
Dr. RoDina Williams always loved the laboratory portion of her science courses. Now, she is the first Black person in Illinois to hold a doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science.
Local Organization Provides Essentials To Those In Need
Renee Ruffin founded Faithful Meals in Motion in 2015. Ruffin said it was instilled in her from a young age to give to others who might not have as much as she does. She recalled how her mother always invited people into their home for a meal.
ComEd Working To Prepare A Grid For The Quantum Center Arrival
As development begins on the Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park (IQMP), ComEd is working to ensure the local electric grid will be able to support the computing center and its existing customers.
Seasonal Affect Disorder: More Than Just The ‘Holiday Blues’
As the days get shorter in the winter months, people can experience Season Affective Disorder (SAD). It is a form of depression that can happen during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight.
Obama Foundation And Emerald South Launch Community Tourism Prep Sessions
The Obama Foundation and the Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative are hosting sessions for business owners and residents with the goal of helping them prepare for the Obama Presidential Center’s opening. The Community Tourism Prep Sessions are set to begin January of 2026. President Obama recently announced that the Obama Presidential Center will be opened in July of 2026.
It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
As we close out 2025 and look toward a new year, many families are taking stock of their financial and personal affairs. How about your family? Have y’all had The Talk? I certainly hope so, because some of you will discover that a little planning now can prevent tremendous pain later. Unfortunately, some folks don’t believe that fat meat is greasy and will only learn this truth after a crisis hits their family.
Last Week to Enter Cook County’s First Marriage of 2026 Lottery
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon reminds couples that there are just days left to enter the lottery for the First Marriage License of 2026 and participate in the Clerk’s Office’s annual First Marriage Ceremony.
