Local News
Philander Smith and Southern University win 6th annual Moguls in the Making entrepreneurial pitch competition
Philander Smith University and Southern University students took top honors in the sixth annual Moguls in the Making entrepreneurial pitch competition, where 50 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) developed innovative and impactful solutions to address economic mobility challenges in Detroit.
THRESHOLDS CENTER FOR MENTAL WELLBEING - SOUTH HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING FOR EXPANDED MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Thresholds, one of the largest mental health and substance use treatment providers in Chicago, held an official ribbon cutting and open house at its Center for Mental Wellbeing - South (Center) to announce the expansion of the Center’s accessible, person-centered, evidence-based, individualized care for community members and celebrate the new building expansion. In 2023, the Center received a grant to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), allowing them to offer expanded mental health care services, and making them one of just 19 clinics with the same designation in Illinois.
Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory Announce National Education Partnership to Support Girls' Healthy Relationships with Technology
Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory today announced a groundbreaking digital wellness partnership for girls. This innovative collaboration between the two organizations offers a unique opportunity to address the pressing issue of digital wellness for young girls at scale, reaching underserved communities across America.
NBA Stars Keegan and Kris Murray Team Up with Brightn to Champion Youth Mental Health
Brightn, a pioneer in AI-driven mental wellness technology, announces a groundbreaking partnership with NBA twin brothers Keegan and Kris Murray. This collaboration aims to tackle the pressing issue of youth mental health, introducing a cutting-edge AI-supported journaling feature that promises to revolutionize personal mental health management.
MADD IL Proudly Participates in National Rebrand to Renew Efforts to End Impaired Driving
For more than four decades, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) has led one of the most critical public safety movements in history. Today, MADD Illinois proudly joins state offices across the country to announce a bold new brand identity — a dynamic, energized logo and tagline Impaired Driving Ends Here.
NEW NFIB SURVEY: Main Street Uncertainty Reaches All-Time High
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose by 0.3 points in September to 91.5. This is the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose 11 points to 103, the highest reading recorded. Fifty-one percent of owners reported capital outlays in the last six months, down five points from August. Meanwhile, the number of owners reporting inventory gains fell four points to a net negative 13% (seasonally adjusted), the lowest reading since June 2020.
NBA Foundation, Chicago Beyond, and Chicago Bulls Announce Grant Recipients
National philanthropic organization Chicago Beyond, in partnership with the NBA Foundation and the Chicago Bulls, announced the continuation of a $1 million collaboration to support Black-led nonprofit organizations that are creating opportunities for Black youth and communities in Chicago. The initiative marks the expansion of the NBA Foundation’s first-ever collaborative grant to deploy resources and reach more organizations at the local level, leveraging Chicago Beyond’s expertise and trust-based philanthropic model, as well as the Chicago Bulls’ long-standing commitment to addressing critical issues in the city.
Giannoulias’ Office Accepting John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Nominations
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is accepting applications for the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (JLYLA), Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced. The award celebrates the efforts of young Illinoisans between the ages of 18 to 25 who have made exceptional civic contributions to their communities.
FOOT LOCKER ANNOUNCES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHICAGO BULLS
Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) announced a multi-year partnership with the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, further cementing its leadership position in basketball. This partnership will feature community basketball events, exclusive in-store activations, and behind-the-scenes player-focused content, offering fans the chance to engage in unique experiences throughout the season.
DEEPLY ROOTED DANCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS RETURN
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater announces the appointment of Kelli David-Low as Dance Education Director, a development that is facilitating the return of several training programs and community-based program offerings.
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF MISSING MIDDLE INFILL HOUSING DESIGN COMPETITION
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) announced the winners of its Missing Middle Infill Housing Design Competition. The contest challenged architectural firms to reimagine designs for “missing middle density” home categories—that fall between detached, single-family housing and high-density large, multi-family apartment complexes—to meet modern needs. Fifty-six firms were invited to submit designs for the competition, and a single winner was chosen in each of four categories: six-flats, two- and three-flats, rowhouses, and single-family homes.
Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Next Steps to Bolster Academic Offerings at North Lawndale Schools
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials celebrated the next milestone in a District-community collaborative project to provide high-quality science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programming at three North Lawndale schools.
Biden-Harris Administration Awards Nearly $1.5 Million to Help Illinois Improve Maternal Health
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced nearly $1.5 million to the University of Illinois-Chicago to identify and implement innovative strategies to address the maternal health crisis. HRSA Deputy Administrator Jordan Grossman, joined by Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and Co-chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus, announced this award in Chicago as part of HRSA’s latest state Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative convening.
Illinois Announces 2024 LIHEAP Application for Utility Bill Assistance
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released information about this year's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs. LIHEAP will be accepting applications through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
