Local News
Google Launches New AI Certificate and Free Training for Every Small Business in the U.S.
Google launched the Google AI Professional Certificate to equip people with the AI skills that are most in-demand by today’s employers. The program is based on labor market research from Burning Glass Institute and is validated by the Skills-First Workforce Initiative, a coalition of major U.S. employers including Walmart. To bridge the AI skills gap, Google is providing every U.S. small business with free access to the program, along with three months of Google AI Pro at no cost. This effort is supported by ADP, PayPal, and Verizon, who will distribute this training to millions of small businesses within their respective networks. Walmart will provide the training at no cost to Walmart and Sam’s Club associates. Employers including Colgate-Palmolive and Deloitte will also provide the training to their workforce at no cost.
More Than 500 Students From Five Districts Unite for 2026 Black History Showcase
More than 500 students from five south suburban school districts took the stage Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Governors State University Center for the Performing Arts for the 2026 Black History Showcase, a regional celebration of African American history, culture and achievement.
Giannoulias Announces More than $680,000 in Investments to Strengthen and Support Public Libraries Across Illinois
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced more than $680,000 in grants awarded to public libraries across Illinois and opened the application period for additional funding to support library safety and security, advancing a comprehensive effort to strengthen libraries and the services they provide to communities statewide.
10 Million Views in 30 Days: Dr. Chi's Viral Series Shines Light on Infertility and Dismissed Symptoms black women face
In December, Dr. Chinyere "Dr. Chi" Johnson took a bold leap and released a video series detailing her infertility journey. Within the journal, she shared her process in becoming pregnant, including loss and experiencing medical dismissal. What was intended to be a vulnerable private video journal became, instead, a story she shared online with her followers. To her surprise, within the first 30 days of the series' release, it garnered 10 million plus views across social media. What began as an online video journal became a broader conversation about how Black women are treated in healthcare.
Erie Family Health Center Opens The Sankofa Village Wellness Center
The Erie Family Health Centers recently opened a new health center inside of the Sankofa Village Wellness Center, located at 4305 W. Madison. Sankofa Village Wellness Center opened in February of 2026. Erie Family Health joins Rush University Medical Center and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago as anchor partners in the space, which is set to open fully in the Spring of this year.
Simone Green Releases Single “Black Queen”
Simone Green recalls being around nine years old at church, and hearing her cousin sing The Clark Sisters “You Brought the Sunshine.” In that moment, Green said that she realized that she wanted to be a singer. She said that she has been pursuing her dream ever since that day in church. Green recently released the single “Black Queen,” which is available on all streaming platforms.
Daughters Of Oscar Brown, Jr. Keep His Legacy Alive
Oscar Brown, Jr. was a poet, a playwright, a songwriter, an activist and a truth teller. His discography includes “Sin & Soul,” “Between Heaven & Hell,” “In a New Mood” and “Oscar Brown, Jr., Tell it Like it Is.” He mounted the musical “Opportunity Please Knock” in 1967 and In De Beginnin’” in 1977. Oct. 10, 2026 would have been his 100th birthday. His daughters Africa and Maggie Brown are celebrating his contributions to the culture and sharing his work with the world, starting with Chicago.
Illinois State Rep. Introduces Legislation To Empower Young Voters
Illinois State Representative Kimberly DuBuclet has introduced legislation in Springfield that would make voting more accessible to graduating high school students. The goal of the legislation is to engage students in the political process early. The Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, or HB 4339, would offer high school students who are eligible the opportunity to vote. DuBuclet introduced the legislation in January and upon passage, it would be effective immediately.
Congressional Black Caucus Condemns Pritzker For Heavy-Handing In Senate Race
Congressional Black Caucus Condemns Pritzker For Heavy-Handing In Senate Race. According to new reporting, the Congressional Black Caucus is warning Governor JB Pritzker to stop heavy-handing in the Illinois U.S. Senate race. The Congressional Black Caucus was founded in 1971 and strives to use the full Constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Officiants, Speakers, and Performers are Announced for Reverend Jesse L. Jackson’s Peoples Celebration of Life and Homegoing Services
Faith leaders, Dr. Charles Jenkins and Rev. James T. Meeks, will co-officiate the Celebration of Life and Homegoing Services on March 6 and 7 for Civil Rights, Global leader and minister, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Illinois EPA Announces $1.5 Million in Funding Available for Energy Efficiency Upgrades at Public Water Supply Facilities
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy is offering up to $1,500,000 in grant funding available to support energy efficiency projects at publicly owned public water supply (PWS) facilities, commonly referred to as drinking water treatment plants (DWTP). Awarded projects will range from $50,000 to $500,000 with match a requirement of 10-20% based on geographic location. Application materials are available at the Illinois EPA Office of Energy PWS Energy Efficiency Grant Program webpage. The application period closes at 5:00 pm on May 4, 2026.
SOUTH CHICAGO RESIDENTS LAUNCH “SOUTHEAST NEIGHBORS FOR QUANTUM” IN SUPPORT OF HISTORIC ILLINOIS QUANTUM AND MICROELECTRONICS PARK DEVELOPMENT
Today, a group of longtime South Chicago and South Shore residents officially launched Southeast Neighbors for Quantum, a new community-based organization formed to elevate the voices of residents who are excited for the potential that the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and Quantum Shore holds for local community members and famil
The Kids Are Alright: High School Sites Outpace Weeklong Early Voting In One Day
High school students made voting history this week in Cook County. Student-run Early Voting sites operating inside 24 suburban high schools recorded 1,136 ballots cast in a single day as part of the Clerk’s brand-new ‘Defenders of DA’mocracy’ High School Early Voting Program.
WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Weekend Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Black-Owned Businesses
WDB Marketing and its nonprofit division, WDB Cares, will celebrate a historic milestone in 2026: 20 years of WDB Marketing and 10 years of the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards platform—two decades of building brands and a decade of building legacy through entrepreneurship and community impact. Since its inception, the L.E.G.A.C.Y. platform has awarded over $250,000 in cash and prizes to young and emerging entrepreneurs, fueling business growth, job creation, and generational wealth across the region.
