Local News

The Messi Experience Officially Launches in Chicago

The Messi Experience World Tour has officially landed in Chicago, marking the start of its highly anticipated U.S. run. The immersive exhibition opened to the public on Friday, July 4, inviting fans to explore Messi's journey through October 2025 in Logan Square.

WNBA's Chicago Sky Announces First-of-Its-Kind Partnership with Moonshot to Protect Players from Online Threats and Abuse

The WNBA's Chicago Sky announced an innovative partnership with Moonshot, a global leader in countering online threats, to leverage national security technology to keep the team's full roster safe. As the first team in the league to deploy this type of technology, the Chicago Sky is setting the standard for how sports organizations can proactively address online hate, harassment, and abuse targeting athletes.

YWCA METROPOLITAN CHICAGO HONORS FOUR OUTSTANDING LEADERS AT 2025 COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARDS

The YWCA Metropolitan Chicago recently hosted its annual Community Champion Awards, bringing together partners, advocates, and leaders who embody the spirit of justice, equity, and community. The event honored four inspiring individuals whose contributions have meaningfully advanced opportunity, safety, and dignity across Illinois.

Governor Pritzker Announces 36 Awards Through Tourism Grant Programs

Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $6.3 million in grant funding has been awarded to 36 grantees through three grant programs – the Route 66 Grant Program ($4 million), Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($1.7 million), and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000) – as part of the state's continued effort to boost tourism and welcome more visitors to Illinois.

MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ON TRACK TO HIT SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT GOAL WITH ALMOST 29,000 YOUNG PEOPLE HIRED FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) provided an update on the success of Mayor Johnson’s summer youth employment program. As of today, 28,839 young people have been hired through One Summer Chicago (OSC), as employers continue to fill their remaining spots.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS COALITION OPPOSING UNLAWFUL TERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT PROGRAM

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for unlawfully terminating the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program.

THE SPIRIT OF NELSON MANDELA: EMBODYING UBUNTU

Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI), an initiative of World Business Chicago, proudly announces “The Spirit of Nelson Mandela: Embodying Ubuntu”. This event hosted by the Durban Committee of CSCI will be held in partnership with The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on Saturday, July 19th, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

New Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Launches

Governor JB Pritzker announced that the newly formed Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) has officially begun operations. Housed in the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the new division integrates the former IDHS Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) and Division of Mental Health (DMH).

Giannoulias Awarding $13 Million in Grants to Chicago Area Libraries

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding over $13 million in grant funding to libraries throughout the Chicago area to ensure access to quality resources and programming for more than 8.5 million residents, Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced.

Nourishing Hope and FAME Center Partner to Provide Snack Bags for South Loop Summer Campers

Nourishing Hope, one of Chicago’s leading hunger relief and social service organizations, is proud to partner with the Fortson and Music Education Center (FAME) to support young campers this summer with nutritious daily snack bags. The collaboration, which launched June 16, ensures children in Chicago’s South Loop have the nourishment they need to stay energized and focused during a dynamic, arts-based summer camp experience.

Chicago Park District Teens Race Push Karts on NASCAR Chicago Street Race Grounds

More than 100 eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders competed July 3 in the 13th Annual Teen X-Stream Push Kart Derby – sponsored by the Chicago Park District and hosted by the NASCAR Chicago Street Race – on the Chicago Street Race grounds in Grant Park, where NASCAR held its third annual street race July 5-6.

Chicago State University, PGA Jr. Opportunity League and Project Love Chicago Announce the Junior Golf Summer Camp

The PGA Jr. Opportunity League in partnership with Project LOVE Chicago is excited to announce the launch of the Junior Golf Summer Camp that will be hosted by Chicago State University.

The Chicago School Launches New M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology Program to Meet Growing Workforce Demand in Legal and Community Settings

The Chicago School, a leading nonprofit university focused on integrated health education, announced the launch of a new M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology program. Developed to meet the growing need for behavioral expertise in legal and public service sectors, the fully online program will begin enrolling students for Fall 2025.

National Humanities Center Announces Dr. Blair LM Kelley as New President

After a nationwide search, the National Humanities Center (NHC) is pleased to announce the selection of historian Blair LM Kelley as its next president and director. Dr. Kelley's appointment marks a pivotal moment for the NHC as it looks to build on five decades of foundational work in supporting and advancing humanities research and education.

Woman Evolve Powers a New Economic Engine as Atlanta Hosts Sold-Out Conference Led by Sarah Jakes Roberts

Sarah Jakes Roberts is healing the nation one woman at a time. The powerhouse preacher, author, businesswoman, fashion influencer and everyone's favorite bestie is bringing Woman Evolve, presented by Wells Fargo, to State Farm Arena in Atlanta from July 31 – August 2.