Local News
Illinois Housing Development Authority Awards $2 Million to Habitat for Humanity to Expand Homeownership Opportunities
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) allocated $2 million to Habitat for Humanity of Illinois (HFHIL) to administer a new round of the Community Impact Fund, a program that helps working families, especially in Central and Southern Illinois, buy a home. The program is expected to create 100 new homeowners across Illinois.
Illinois announces participation in federal Cell & Gene Therapy Access Model for Sickle Cell Disease treatment
Illinois has been selected to participate in a federal model that will increase access to potentially transformative treatments for people living with rare and severe diseases, advancing the work already underway in the state’s Medicaid program. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) was accepted into the federal Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model, a multi-year agreement among states and drug manufacturers to increase Medicaid beneficiaries’ access to treatments. Illinois is expected to be awarded up to $9.55 million in federal dollars over the course of 10.5 years to support Illinois’ implementation of the model, including screenings, referrals and wraparound support services, with the ultimate goal of directly resolving documented barriers to care. 84% of the total model administrative operating costs are federally funded, and the remaining 16% of costs will be funded by the state – up to approximately $1.8 million.
The Morton Arboretum Launches 2025 Weekly Fall Color Report to Guide Visitors Through Leaf-Peeping Season
The Morton Arboretum has launched its weekly Fall Color Report for 2025 to help visitors track the changing colors throughout the season and make the most of their fall visits. Updated every Wednesday through the season on the Arboretum's website, the report provides real-time information about which species are changing, where to find the best colors and what to expect in the coming weeks.
Gov. Pritzker Welcomes 533 New Homeowners Through Groundbreaking SmartBuy Program
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced the success of the most recent round of SmartBuy, a first-of-its-kind initiative that helped 533 Illinoisans eliminate $16 million in student loan debt while achieving the dream of homeownership in only 12 weeks. Through SmartBuy, homeowners were able to purchase a home eight years earlier than traditional IHDA borrowers.
Cadence Bank Strengthens Commitment to Recruiting Top Talent Through Sponsorship of SIAC Conference
Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) has announced its sponsorship of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), underscoring its commitment to building strong relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and creating meaningful connections within the communities it serves. Cadence was named the official banking partner of the SIAC with the execution of the conference's newest partnership agreement. The sponsorship began in July 2025 and will continue through June 2029.
Transformational Leader Joy D. Calloway Named President & CEO of the Black Women's Health Imperative
The Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI) is proud to announce Joy D. Calloway, MHSA, MBA, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 6, 2025. A seasoned nonprofit executive and values-based strategist, Calloway brings nearly three decades of leadership in advancing equity-focused organizations and driving meaningful change across health systems and communities.
Actress and Television Host Sherri Shepherd Announces First Children’s Book
On the heels of the Season 4 premiere of her hit nationally syndicated daytime talk show, SHERRI, award-winning actress, television host, comedian, podcaster, and New York Times Bestselling author Sherri Shepherd has announced her latest venture, authoring her first children’s book The Sunshine Queens (ISBN: 9781400252732), which was released October 7. Shepherd first announced the book live on Sherri.
One Size Does Not Fit All in Medicare
If you are reading this article, you probably live in Illinois. If so, I hope that the following information will help those enrolling or re-enrolling in Medicare to make an informed decision on the plan that best fits their healthcare needs.
Matteson Mayor Begins Term As President Of The Illinois Municipal League
The Village of Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin was passed the gavel as the President of the Illinois Municipal League. She was unanimously voted to serve as President.
Pigment International Showcases The Work Of Black Artists At Art Faire
D. Lamar Preston began as a child sculpting using play doh. As he grew older, his path veered into graphic design, but he ultimately returned to sculpting, this time using metal. A chance meeting with sculptor Richard Hunt and opportunities to be in community with other artists led him to create work that can be seen in front of Hyde Park Career Academy High School.
Photographer Sheds Light On Underrepresented Communities
Malik Zambezi has made a name for himself on social media. Going by the handle MalikShotYou, he takes photos of people and places in Chicago, with the goal of showing the parts of Chicago that aren’t often represented.
Awards Event Recognizes People Who Give Back To The Community
The Village Legal and Community Project recently hosted its annual fundraising gala. During the event, three local individuals were recognized for the positive impact they’ve made on the community. Chrishon Lampley, Founder and CEO of Love Cork Screw, was honored with the B.O.S.S. Award; Jasir Bailey, Owner of Stock Boy Chicago, was honored with the Baby B.O.S.S. Award; and Channyn Lynn Parker, CEO of Brave Space Alliance, was honored with the Village Award.
U.S. CONGRESSMAN RAJA KRISHNAMMOORTHI RECEIVES HUGE ENDORSEMENT FROM PASTOR JOHN HARRELL
John Harrell- CEO of Black Men United – was joined by westside community civic and clergy leaders in a unified embrace and engagement of U.S Congressman Raja Krishnammoorthi. Pastor Harrell, who is also a candidate for Illinois State Representative of the 8th District, openly endorsed Congressman Raja. In return, Congressman Raja endorsed Harrell’s campaign. The event took place on Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church located at 116 S. Central in Chicago
COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER BILL LOWRY HOSTS CHICAGO’S LARGEST MEN’S & FAMILIES’ HEALTH FAIR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH “COOK COUNTY HEALTH”
COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVOCATES HELP RESPOND TO ALARMING PROSTATE CANCER, HYPERTENSION, AND WELLNESS ISSUES IMPACTING BLACK MEN’S HEALTH Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, 3rd District and Chairman of the Cook County Health and Hospitals Committee, proudly partnered with Cook County Health to host one of Chicago’s largest Men’s and Families’ Health Fairs, drawing hundreds of participants for an afternoon dedicated to wellness, education, and prevention. The impactful event was held at New Life Covenant Southeast Church on Thursday, September 25th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The notable fair featured an array of free health screenings, educational resources, and interactive activities tailored to address the most pressing health disparities impacting Black men and their families.
