Local News
Entrepreneur Emma Grede Joins Board of The Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation is pleased to announce that Emma Grede has joined its Board of Directors. Grede, a celebrated entrepreneur and business leader, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community empowerment to the Foundation.
Gov. Pritzker Stands Up for Students with UIC, Young Invincibles
Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton joined students, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) leadership, the Project on Predatory Student Lending, and the non-profit Young Invincibles for a rally in support of students and student loan borrowers across Illinois. Continuing the ‘Standing Up for Illinois’ tour, the Governor joined education leaders and students in calling attention to the harmful impact of Trump’s dangerous education agenda while pledging support for the Illinoisans and Illinois institutions that are under attack.
Governor Pritzker Announces 25 Awards to Revitalize Main Streets and Downtowns Across Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders in Jacksonville to announce state-funded grant awards totaling $30 million for 25 grantees through the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets (RDMS, $20 million) and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE, $10 million) programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state and accelerate local economic initiatives.
Manley Visits Portal Innovations, Highlights Biotech Growth in Illinois
State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, observed firsthand research being conducted by startup life sciences companies during a tour of Portal Innovations, a Chicago-based incubator and venture fund that supports over 50 startup life sciences companies.
MAYOR JOHNSON ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION IN NEW ROUND OF COMMUNITY GRANT RECIPIENTS
Ten neighborhood business projects are slated to receive a combined $2 million in Community Development Grants from the City, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced.
Clerk Spyropoulos Shares Progress Report Outlining Achievements in Officewide Reform and Modernization
Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos shared her Progress Report outlining achievements in her sweeping efforts to modernize the Clerk’s Office and restore public trust in one of Cook County’s most essential government agencies. Since taking office, Clerk Spyropoulos has moved swiftly to implement a reform agenda focused on transparency, accountability and accessibility, setting a new standard for how government serves its residents.
College Promise Spotlights Hope Chicago for Its Family-Centered Approach to Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development
Hope Chicago and College Promise brought together educators, policymakers, and community advocates for The Decade of Promise, a half-day symposium held at Farragut Career Academy in Chicago on Tuesday, April 29. The event focused on the growing need for innovative, family-centered approaches to postsecondary education and workforce development.
Chicago Public Schools Names Devon Morales, Sr. as New Executive Director of the Office of Sports Administration
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced Monday, April 28, that Mr. Devon Morales, Sr., Principal of Roberto Clemente Community Academy, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Office of Sports Administration. A proud CPS graduate, U.S. Navy veteran, educator, and longtime school leader, Mr. Morales brings a powerful combination of personal experience, academic leadership, and student-centered commitment to this Districtwide role.
Illinois Department of Human Services Announces Summer EBT Benefits for the 2024-25 School Year
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced that Summer EBT benefits will be issued to families for the 2024-25 school year starting in May.
Olympic Swimmer Advocates For Pool Access
May is Water Safety Month and Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones is using his platform to increase access to pools, swimming education and swimming participation.
Black-Owned Brewery Supports Legislation That Would Help Business Grow
Rich Bloomfield, Greg Williams and Zack Day founded Funkytown Brewery in 2021. Bloomfield, Williams and Day have known each other since junior high school. They also attended high school and Grambling State University together.
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ New Leadership Wants to Engage Community
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) is continuing its commitment to the Black community across the State of Illinois to uplift them. New leadership within ILBC wants residents in the state to see them as the voice of the community and to engage with them as a place to receive resources.
Author Seeks to Help Others Experiencing Loss With Book
Dr. Erie S. Crawford, a Local Social Worker (LSW), was led to doing social work due to her childhood experiences. She decided to make it her life’s mission to improve the quality of life for people who had unpleasant experiences in their childhood and lives. She specifically wanted to help those who were underserved and unheard.
Program Helps Woman Gain Knowledge In Skilled Trades
Myeisha Cook always had an interest in refurbishing furniture. She wanted to find a program that would help her enhance those skills. One of Cook’s family members who teaches a class for HIRE360 encouraged her to participate in the program because of her interest in carpentry.
