Local News
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.
Healthy Churches 2030 Virtual Conference - Building Healthy Congregations, Families and Communities
The 12th Annual Healthy Churches 2030 Virtual Conference mission is to educate, empower and advocate for healthy behavior change and outcomes within African American communities. This three-day virtual health event, November 17–19, is presented by The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a non-profit with a 38-year legacy of addressing health disparities through churches globally.
New National Resource Hub Launched to Support Women of Color Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
In honor of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Breastcancer.org, in partnership with the Tigerlily Foundation, has launched a new Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Resource Hub — a comprehensive, bilingual, mobile-friendly platform designed to meet the cultural and community needs of people living with metastatic breast cancer, with a special focus on Black and African American women who face disproportionate barriers to care. The hub is available in both English and Spanish to ensure broader access and inclusion for diverse communities.
Beyond the Screen: How Trading Cards Support Learning in a Digital Age
Parents, teachers, and even pediatricians have tried everything to manage kids’ screen time — banning phones from bedrooms, requiring outdoor play, encouraging reading, even prescribing medications. But the pull of technology isn’t going away. Social media, streaming platforms, and artificial intelligence tools are programmed to grab the attention of young people with remarkable effectiveness.
IDPH Marks Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 19-25
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is observing Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 19-25, and reminding all parents and caregivers of young children to be aware of risk factors for lead poisoning and how to prevent it.
