Local News
LET IT BE US ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE AND GINGERBREAD FUNDRAISER IN SUPPORT OF CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE AND THOSE AWAITING ADOPTION ACROSS ILLINOIS
Let It Be Us, a licensed child welfare agency and trusted leader in adoption and foster care innovation, will host two holiday initiatives to benefit children in foster care and those awaiting across Illinois. Already a statewide leader in adoption reform, Let It Be Us continues to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and support systems surrounding the adoption process. As part of its mission, the organization utilizes and manages the Illinois Adoption Listing Service and The Heart Gallery of Illinois, providing caseworkers and prospective families with an interactive, user-friendly platform highlighting children and teens awaiting permanent, loving families. Through this system, families can view profiles, learn about each child’s unique story and interests, and take the first step toward adoption.
George M. Pullman Educational Foundation Receives $10 Million from MacKenzie Scott to Advance 75-Year Legacy of College Access for Cook County High School Students
The George M. Pullman Educational Foundation (GPEF), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing access to higher education for Cook County students, announced today that philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has awarded the organization a $10 million unrestricted gift. This substantial contribution supports GPEF’s endowment, empowering the Foundation to sustain and expand the vital resources it provides its Pullman Scholars. These include renewable scholarships of up to $40,000 over four years — alongside an array of wrap-around services designed to help ensure students graduate on time with little or no debt.
Illinois Poison Center Shares Halloween Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe from Hidden Hazards
As families prepare to celebrate Halloween, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is reminding parents and caregivers about the growing number of accidental poisonings reported during the season, including cases involving dry ice, glow sticks, cosmetics, and occasionally candy.
Illinois Together Against Hate: Building a Roadmap for the Nation
More than 200 people participated in the 2025 Illinois Together Against Hate: Human Rights in Action Conference on Oct. 21 in Champaign, Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC), and the City of Champaign’s Equity & Engagement Department collaborated efforts to amplify conversations and strengthen partnerships to combat hate.
Illinois Housing Development Authority and LISC Open Applications to Grow the Next Generation of Housing Developers
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced today that individuals may now apply to be part of the 2026 class of the Next Gen Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen), a program designed to expand the talent pipeline for emerging developers to gain knowledge in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. Next Gen equips for-profit and nonprofit developers with critical training, technical assistance, and understanding of financial resources to bring affordable housing to life in communities across Illinois.
Become a roads scholar, get your new Illinois highway map
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the release of the new Illinois Official Highway Map. The map includes updates to listings and locations of colleges and universities, Amtrak service, tourist attractions, recreational areas – and more! It also commemorates next year’s 100th anniversary of Route 66, with updates that better represent the alignment of the historic road.
Chicago Public Schools Opens ADA Accessible Garden at Southside School
Bees will be buzzing as native flowers, plants, and fruit take root at Southside Occupational Academy, where a fully ADA-accessible garden will serve as an outdoor classroom for students with disabilities.
BLACK ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE OF CHICAGO (BACA) ANNOUNCES THE 2025 BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA) announces the 2025 Black Excellence Awards, honoring and celebrating Chicago theatre, dance, music, film, literary, and visual artists. The 24th annual event will be held at 7:30pm on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. in Chicago.
Ignite Named One of the Top 100 Finalists for the 24th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards
Out of 315 nominees, Ignite has been selected as one of the Top 100 Finalists still in the running for the 24th annual Chicago Innovation Awards. The awards celebrate the most innovative new products and services in the Chicago region across all organization sizes, sectors and industries. Over 700 business and civic leaders will come together to honor the winners when they are announced on November 13th at the UIC Forum.
O’HARE MARKS BUSIEST SUMMER EVER, SURPASSING PRE-PANDEMIC PEAK FOR THE SEASON
O’Hare International Airport recorded the busiest summer in its 70-year history, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced.
Giannoulias’ Office Accepting John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Nominations
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is accepting applications for the 2025 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
Clark Atlanta University Receives Historic $16.5 Million Gift as Part of Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation's $50 Million HBCU Commitment
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) announced it will receive $16.5 million as part of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation's landmark $50 million, 10-year scholarship commitment to Atlanta's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This transformative gift, the largest private donation in CAU's history, will provide critical financial support to help students overcome barriers to graduation.
MADE WINS $50,000 IN FIRST-EVER "KEEP IT 100" PITCH COMPETITION SPONSORED BY ELITE MEDIA
MADE, a verification system developed to protect Black creativity, was declared the winner of the inaugural "Keep It 100" Pitch Competition sponsored by Elite Media. The winner was announced at The One Club's "Where Are All the Black People" Conference in New York City on Friday evening, October 17.
NBCC Reaffirms its Support to Dream Exchange and Its Mission to Open Public Markets to Small Businesses
The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) reaffirmed its support for Dream Exchange and its effort to expand access to public capital markets for small, midsized, and minority-owned businesses across the United States.
