Local News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lab Schools are a vital foundation for Young Children's Education
As education systems across the country seek more effective, research-driven approaches to early childhood development, Laboratory (Lab) schools have emerged as a cornerstone for shaping young learners. City Colleges of Chicago offers child Development Laboratory Schools at five of its campuses, providing children age 2-5 with dynamic, hands-on learning experiences grounded in best practices and the latest research. Program include Head Start and Preschool for All. The next program year begins August 21, 2025. Spaces are limited. Waitlists are available.
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.
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.
2026 YOUNGARTS AWARD COMPETITION OPEN NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 8
YoungArts, the national organization dedicated to the advancement of artists, is now accepting applications for its prestigious annual competition. Artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10–12 are encouraged to apply online at youngarts.org/apply through October 8, 2025. YoungArts award winners receive financial awards ranging from $250 to $10,000 and are eligible for creative and professional development support throughout their careers. Applications are adjudicated through a rigorous blind process by esteemed discipline-specific artist panels. YoungArts 2026 award winners will be announced on November 24.
Lyric Opera of Chicago and Black Leadership Arts Collective Partner for Echoes of Excellence Recital
Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Black Leadership Arts Collective (B.L.A.C.) proudly present Echoes of Excellence: Celebrating the Legacy of Chicago’s Black Voices, a one-night-only recital honoring the profound contributions of Black artists to Lyric, to the city of Chicago, and to the broader operatic field. The event will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lyric Opera House. Following the recital, B.L.A.C. will host a fundraising gala at Lyric.
Herbalism Events Serve As A Way to Heal Community
Urban Growers Collective will be hosting herbalism events in August. The herbalism workshops will take place at the South Chicago farm, which is located at 9001 S. Mackinaw.
XL Film Fest Creates Ecosystem For Artists’ Success
Troy Pryor has been in the entertainment industry since 2004. Pryor began as an extra on a movie that was filming in Atlanta. Entertainment was really something he was invested in. He was in college at the University of Illinois and playing football.
Actor Wants People to Lead with Love
Ramone Nelson fell in love with musical theatre in high school when he was cast as Jean Valjean in the production of “Les Misérables.” He fell in love with the research of it and the work he had to put into the character.
