Local News
Dress for Success® Worldwide Launches Global Brand Refresh and Campaign to Transform Women's Futures
Dress for Success Worldwide announced recently the launch of Success Starts Now, a new global brand campaign marking the organization’s next chapter and evolution of its identity, purpose, and support programs to better align with the evolving needs and gaps facing women across the world’s workforce. Dress for Success is the non-profit leader in advancing women in the workplace globally, supporting careers and livelihoods far beyond clothing.
Gov. Pritzker Joins Educators to Support Distraction-Free Learning in Illinois Classrooms
Governor JB Pritzker joined students, educators, and state leaders at Oak Park and River Forest High School to advocate for a cell phone ban in Illinois classrooms, a critical measure that would support Illinois teachers and help students across the state reach their full potential. Governor Pritzker championed the initiative during his annual State of the State budget address.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON RELEASES 2025 YOUTH IMPACT REPORT, HIGHLIGHTING TRANSFORMATIVE INVESTMENTS IN YOUNG CHICAGOANS
With 60 aspiring youth media members in attendance, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the release of the City’s 2025 Youth Impact Report, an expansive review that showcases a year of robust investment, partnership, and empowerment for Chicago’s young people. The report, outlines efforts by the Mayor’s Office, Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), City Departments and Sister Agencies, and community partners while providing updates and reflections on the focus areas of youth safety, employment, enrichment, and empowerment over the past year.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON WELCOMES CPS STUDENTS TO CITY HALL FOR INAUGURAL YOUTH MEDIA DAY
Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students from five high schools to City Hall for the inaugural Youth Media Day, a hands-on civic learning experience grounded in the City’s 2025 Youth Impact Report. During the event, 60 students worked alongside professional photographers and communications specialists to develop strategic presentations focused on critical city issues, including youth safety and employment opportunities, before having an opportunity to ask a question of Mayor Johnson.
COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES HIGHEST REVENUE YEAR SINCE 2018, GENERATING $9.6 MILLION IN 2025 AND A CUMULATIVE $291 MILLION IN COMMUNITY WEALTH
The Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) on Thursday, Feb. 19, hosted its annual Developer Awards and Recognition Luncheon, celebrating the accomplishments of small developers and other partners, who helped generate $291 million in community wealth and more than $9.6 million in revenue, marking CCLBA’s highest revenue year since 2018.
Peoples Gas Pipe Retirement Program construction gets underway
Work crews began active construction to retire old energy pipes from Chicago’s heating system. The iron pipes in the current system are approaching the end of their useful lives. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) directed Peoples Gas to do the work to ensure ongoing safety and reliability in the city’s heating system.
Public Investments in Community Violence Intervention Contributed to Public Safety Gains, New Report Finds
Communities receiving higher levels of public investment in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) experienced increased services, stronger program participation and the largest public safety gains, according to a new 2025 impact report released today by the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC). The analysis, prepared by Northwestern University’s Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science (CORNERS), highlights the positive association between coordinated public investment and improved community outcomes in Chicago.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT CORP. ANNOUNCES 2025 IMPACT, INCLUDING $50+ MILLION IN LOANS AND GRANTS PRESERVING AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING
Community Investment Corporation (CIC), a Chicago nonprofit lender that finances the acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental housing, today released its FY 2025 Performance and Credit Review (PCR) Report, detailing a year of strong financial performance and meaningful progress toward its lending and community development goals, despite challenging economic conditions and ongoing federal uncertainty.
Google Launches New AI Certificate and Free Training for Every Small Business in the U.S.
Google launched the Google AI Professional Certificate to equip people with the AI skills that are most in-demand by today’s employers. The program is based on labor market research from Burning Glass Institute and is validated by the Skills-First Workforce Initiative, a coalition of major U.S. employers including Walmart. To bridge the AI skills gap, Google is providing every U.S. small business with free access to the program, along with three months of Google AI Pro at no cost. This effort is supported by ADP, PayPal, and Verizon, who will distribute this training to millions of small businesses within their respective networks. Walmart will provide the training at no cost to Walmart and Sam’s Club associates. Employers including Colgate-Palmolive and Deloitte will also provide the training to their workforce at no cost.
More Than 500 Students From Five Districts Unite for 2026 Black History Showcase
More than 500 students from five south suburban school districts took the stage Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Governors State University Center for the Performing Arts for the 2026 Black History Showcase, a regional celebration of African American history, culture and achievement.
Giannoulias Announces More than $680,000 in Investments to Strengthen and Support Public Libraries Across Illinois
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced more than $680,000 in grants awarded to public libraries across Illinois and opened the application period for additional funding to support library safety and security, advancing a comprehensive effort to strengthen libraries and the services they provide to communities statewide.
10 Million Views in 30 Days: Dr. Chi's Viral Series Shines Light on Infertility and Dismissed Symptoms black women face
In December, Dr. Chinyere "Dr. Chi" Johnson took a bold leap and released a video series detailing her infertility journey. Within the journal, she shared her process in becoming pregnant, including loss and experiencing medical dismissal. What was intended to be a vulnerable private video journal became, instead, a story she shared online with her followers. To her surprise, within the first 30 days of the series' release, it garnered 10 million plus views across social media. What began as an online video journal became a broader conversation about how Black women are treated in healthcare.
Erie Family Health Center Opens The Sankofa Village Wellness Center
The Erie Family Health Centers recently opened a new health center inside of the Sankofa Village Wellness Center, located at 4305 W. Madison. Sankofa Village Wellness Center opened in February of 2026. Erie Family Health joins Rush University Medical Center and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago as anchor partners in the space, which is set to open fully in the Spring of this year.
Simone Green Releases Single “Black Queen”
Simone Green recalls being around nine years old at church, and hearing her cousin sing The Clark Sisters “You Brought the Sunshine.” In that moment, Green said that she realized that she wanted to be a singer. She said that she has been pursuing her dream ever since that day in church. Green recently released the single “Black Queen,” which is available on all streaming platforms.
