Local News
Illinois Celebrates National Women’s Business Month
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women's Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses across the state. There are nearly 561,000 women-owned businesses in Illinois employing more than 661,000 workers and bringing in $165 billion in revenue each year. During this monthlong celebration, DCEO will be elevating resources and events to help bolster Illinois’ women-owned businesses and aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Governor Pritzker Announces NANO Nuclear to Establish Operations in Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, will establish a manufacturing and research & development facility in Illinois. NANO Nuclear plans to make an investment of more than $12 million with the support from the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, which will enable the company to establish its operations and create 50 new full-time jobs.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD RETAIL ACTIVATION PROGRAM
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced four Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program. These initiatives seek out partnerships with local community and economic development organizations to assist businesses impacted by the 2023 and 2024 summer storms and bring new vitality to vacant storefronts along commercial corridors in Austin, Belmont Cragin and West Garfield Park.
The Black Women's Agenda's 48th Annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon Sells Out in Minutes, Honors Trailblazers, and Inspires
The Black Women's Agenda, Inc. (BWA) once again drew a sold-out crowd to its 48th Annual Symposium Town Hall and Awards Luncheon, held September 27 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference. Tickets sold out within minutes, underscoring the event's reputation as a must-attend gathering of leaders, advocates, and influencers from across the country.
Talk Show Promotes Positivity And Features Creatives Living In Their Purpose
Jewel Ifeguni has always been a creative and a hustler. Ifeguni was a product manager and producer in the video game industry. At the same time, she was balancing that work with filmmaking. Her positivity while juggling multiple projects led to her motto “Every Day is a Yay!,” which is also the title of her talk show. Ifeguni likes to say that while every day is not easy, everyday people have the ability to live in their purpose.
Actress Plays Ambitious Role in ‘The Book of Mormon’
Charity Arianna has been singing for as long as she can remember. Singing helped her get through the days. Her love of singing and music led her to theatre. Doing plays and musicals in schools helped her decide that she wanted a career in the theatre. She said her favorite thing about the theatre is that you can walk into one and it completely changes a person’s point of view.
ILBCF Policy Summit Lays Groundwork For Legislation
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF) recently held its Annual Policy Summit and Power Brunch. With the theme of the event being, “Where Policy & Power Unite; Relentlessly,” elected officials and other community stakeholders gathered to engage in discussion about policy issues that affect the Black community -- healthcare, economics, criminal justice, social justice, crime, gender equality, and voter suppression.
C3 Impact Fund Seeks To Spur Growth In Underserved Communities Through Real estate
Across the country, community development financial institutions (CDFI) are providing financial opportunities to businesses and individuals in underserved communities. Locally, the C3 Impact Fund is working to empower underserved neighborhoods through real estate.
Exciting Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Research Offer New Hope for Patients
There is growing optimism in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, as new research and treatments are reshaping the outlook for millions of Americans living with the condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications that not only ease symptoms but also slow the progression of Alzheimer’s — marking a turning point in dementia care.
It’s That Time Again: Reviewing Your Medicare Plan Before It’s Too Late
Would you renew your car insurance without checking if your rate went up or your coverage changed? Probably not. Yet every fall, millions of Medicare beneficiaries do exactly that — automatically renewing their current plan without reviewing what’s new for the year ahead.
Giannoulias Opens New Orland Park DMV Location
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias unveiled the new Orland Park DMV facility, which will continue to offer critical services to the surrounding community. The new location will offer extended hours in addition to expanded services, including road exams.
Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Application Cycle to Open October 28
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced the dates for the next EV Rebate Program application cycle, as well as updates to the program that reflect legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2025. Program requirements are included on the Illinois EPA’s EV Rebate Program webpage. The next application cycle for the EV Rebate Program will open Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and run through Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Hope Chicago Extends Groundbreaking Scholarship Program to 700 More South and West Side Families
Hope Chicago, the two-generation economic mobility initiative supporting more than 2,600 Hope Scholars and Hope Parent Scholars through postsecondary education since 2022, announced the expansion of its program to Class of 2026 students and their parents at its five partner Chicago public high schools. The addition of a new cohort marks the next step in Hope Chicago’s mission to eliminate barriers to educational and economic opportunities for Chicago families and builds on the organization’s successful early results from its first four cohorts.
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon Advocates for Federal Support of Election Infrastructure in Washington, D.C.
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon traveled to the nation’s Capital with fellow clerks from Illinois and across the nation to meet with U.S. Congressional leaders to make a unified appeal for increased federal funding for local Election Infrastructure.
