Local News
How Celestine Achi is Reshaping PR Strategy, One Framework at a Time
In the fast-moving world of technology, few leaders can translate complex innovation into human-centered strategy. Mr. Celestine Achi does just that—and more.
Dr. Eli Joseph Secures USA Basketball Coaching License, Aims to Revolutionize Sports Training
With a new Team USA Basketball coaching license joining his credentials as an academic and futurist, Dr. Eli Joseph is pioneering the future of sports instruction. His groundbreaking Extended Reality (XR) book system further solidifies his position at the forefront of this potential revolution.
The AAKOMA Project Unveils Largest-Ever Study on Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color
The AAKOMA Project announces the release of its highly anticipated 2025 State of Mental Health of Youth and Young Adults of Color (SOMHYOC) Full Report, a groundbreaking research initiative that redefines the landscape of mental health data, equity, and advocacy for nearly 9,000 Youth and Young Adults of Color (YYAC) across the United States.
STRENGTH STARTS HERE: PLANET FITNESS' ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PASS™ PROGRAM RETURNS THIS JUNE
Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, announces the return of its annual High School Summer Pass™ program. Celebrating its fifth year, the initiative invites high school teens ages 14 – 19¹ to go all in on the gym this summer to fuel their passions by working out for free at any of its 2,700+ Planet Fitness locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Teens can visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass to register for the program with club access beginning Sunday, June 1 through Sunday, August 31.
Megan Thee Stallion Launches Self-Designed Swimwear Brand, Hot Girl Summer, With 18 Size-Inclusive Pieces Available for Purchase Exclusively At Walmart
Three-time, Grammy award-winning artist and entrepreneur Megan Thee Stallion announced the launch of her new, self-designed swimwear brand, Hot Girl Summer, that will feature 18 size-inclusive pieces as part of the initial collection.
Hampton University and Hinds Community College at Utica join the Thurgood Marshall College Fund as member schools
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has added Hampton University (Hampton) in Virginia and Hinds Community College at Utica (Hinds CC) in Mississippi to its member schools, now totaling 57 institutions consisting of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) and historically Black community colleges (HBCCs).
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT TOPS 80% IN PARTS OF CHICAGO, NEW REPORT SHOWS
In parts of Chicago, more than four out of five teens are out of work. A new report released by the University of Illinois Chicago's Great Cities Institute, commissioned by the Alternative Schools Network, reveals persistent and severe joblessness among youth and young adults, especially for Black and Latino residents, in Chicago and across the state.
CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL PASSES MAYOR JOHNSON’S LANDMARK GREEN SOCIAL HOUSING ORDINANCE
The Chicago City Council passed Mayor Johnson’s Green Social Housing (GSH) Ordinance, a bold and innovative initiative to expand affordable housing in Chicago while upholding the City’s green building standards. The ordinance lays the groundwork for the creation of an independent nonprofit with the authority to serve as a GSH developer. With the passage of the GSH ordinance, Chicago becomes the first major city in the country to implement this innovative model for developing permanent affordable housing.
Johnson advocates for student wellness, safety, and workforce development with legislative package
State Senator Adriane Johnson advocated for a package of legislation designed to foster healthier learning environments, enhance access to mental health care, and expand educational and job opportunities for some of Illinois’ most vulnerable populations during a subject matter hearing Tuesday, May 13.
Chicago Public Schools Class of 2025 Saves More Than $10 Million in College Tuition Through Early College Credits
This spring, as thousands of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) seniors cross graduation stages across the city, many will be taking more than a diploma with them —they will be stepping into their future with a head start on college, a stronger sense of purpose, and meaningful financial savings for their families.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES YEAR OF PROGRESS ON ‘CUT THE TAPE’ INITIATIVE TO STREAMLINE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Mayor Brandon Johnson released an update on his Cut the Tape initiative, after a year of progress. Working across 14 City departments, the Cut the Tape Task Force has helped to drive advancements in 96 of the 107 recommendations put forward in the Cut the Tape report. After one year, key wins include strategic reforms to outdated zoning regulations that stifle development, streamlining approval processes by empowering departments to make administrative decisions, and consolidating review processes to move development along with greater expediency.
Choose Chicago Celebrates 2024 Visitation and Record-Breaking Economic Impact at 2025 Annual Meeting
Choose Chicago hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting of Partnership yesterday at the historic James M. Nederlander Theatre, where leaders from across the local tourism, hospitality, business, and civic sectors gathered to celebrate their collective accomplishments and learn about the latest trends impacting the tourism industry. At the Annual Meeting, Choose Chicago announced that Chicago welcomed over 55 million visitors in 2024, honored local hotelier and Chair of the Choose Chicago Foundation Juan Leyva with the 2025 Tourism Champion Award, and announced the long-term extension of the National Restaurant Show to take place annually in Chicago through 2032. Speakers at the event included Mayor Brandon Johnson, the organization’s new President and CEO Kristen Reynolds, outgoing Board Chair Glenn Eden, and head of U.S. operations for the Premier League, Akash Jain. Attendees also heard from Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, who reviewed the current obstacles and opportunities within the international travel landscape ahead of IPW 2025 taking place in Chicago June 14-18.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Electric Bus Company, Damera, to Open First U.S. Assembly Plant in Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker, Damera Corporation and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the company will open its first U.S. assembly plant in the Greater Peoria region. Damera Corporation (Damera Bus USA LLC in the U.S.) plans to make a capital investment of more than $31.5 million over four years with support from a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement, which will enable the company to expand into Illinois and create 90 new full-time jobs. The announcement was made with Governor Pritzker and Damera leadership in Washington DC as part of a larger business development trip.
Chicago Public Schools Becomes First K-12 District in the Nation to Earn Gold Certification from Healthy Green Schools and Colleges
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has become the first K-12 school district in the nation to earn Gold Certification from the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges (HGSC) program, marking a historic milestone in sustainable education facility management. This top-tier designation recognizes CPS for meeting rigorous national standards that promote healthier indoor environments, environmental responsibility, and cost-effective facility operations.
