Local News
Chicago Urban Historian, Shermann ‘Dilla’ Thomas, Joins The DuSable Museum
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center announced today the hiring of Shermann “Dilla” Thomas as the new Brand Ambassador and Chief of Social Media. For the past 5 years, Dilla has been sharing the positive aspects of Chicago and its amazing history through engaging social content, community bus tours and most recently his show, “You Don’t Know Chi.”
South Carolina, Staley Ink Historic Contract Extension
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved today a contract extension for women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley that will go through the 2029-30 season and make her the highest paid college women’s basketball coach in the history of the sport.
Toyota Launches 'You Can't Stop My Drive'
Toyota has proudly lifted the wraps on its newest national brand campaign, "You Can't Stop My Drive," which celebrates the shared optimism for a progressive future, focused on Black men. Toyota's 2025 campaign aims to reinforce its emotional connection with Black men by spotlighting mobility as a transformative influence in their daily lives.
ComEd Ambassador Program Provides Jobs and Support to Customers in Need
For Diane Flowers of Chicago’s Westlawn neighborhood, educating struggling families about the support options available to pay their electric bills is more than a job. It’s a way to pay good fortune forward.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AND THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ANNOUNCE THE GOOD FOOD FUND GRANT ROUND 2 AWARDEES
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the awardees of the final round of the Good Food Fund Grant program. The Good Food Fund program increased access to culturally relevant and nourishing food on the South and West sides, expanded business ownership and jobs in the food industry, generated more sustainable local food economies and increased local sourcing and supply of locally grown and regionally produced foods. The 108 Chicago food businesses received a total of $3,360,000 in funding.
The Obama Foundation Opens Applications for the 2025-2027 Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service
The Obama Foundation opened applications for the 2025-2027 Voyager Scholarship, the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Funded by a $100 million contribution from Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky, the scholarship provides college students with last-dollar financial aid to help alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences, opportunities to connect with new communities, and access to a network of mentors and leaders to support them throughout their careers.
Target Area Launches “Caring Hearts” Giving Campaign to Uplift Englewood
Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. That’s why Target Area Development Corporation is proud to launch the “Caring Hearts” Giving Campaign, running now through the end of February. This initiative is a call to inspire support for the people and programs driving change in the Englewood community.
BURDEENS CHICAGO EXPANDS LEGACY WITH GRAND OPENING OF 2ND LOCATION IN LITTLE VILLAGE
In January, Burdeens Chicago, an iconic sports hat and apparel retailer owned by Gerry and Rolando Alvarez, celebrated the grand opening of its second location in the vibrant Little Village neighborhood. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the beloved store, building on decades of legacy in its original Pilsen location with a fresh vision for the future.
Gov. Pritzker Announces $38 Million Investment in Commuter Rail Service
Governor JB Pritzker announced a $38.6 million investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation towards Amtrak’s Borealis Intercity Passenger Rail Service Line, which began service in May 2024. Borealis service runs from Chicago to Minneapolis with an additional Illinois stop in Glenview. In September, Governor Pritzker joined Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers in a coordinated bid between their states to deliver this expanded commuter rail service in the Borealis corridor. The funding will support six years of operations for the Borealis service.
Loyola Medicine’s Shawn P. Vincent Elected to Serve as Chairman for Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board
Shawn P. Vincent, President and Chief Executive Officer of Loyola Medicine, Chief Executive Officer of Saint Joseph Health System, and President of the Trinity Health Illinois/Indiana Region has been elected to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA). The IHA Board is the policymaking body for the Association, which represents more than 200 hospitals and nearly 40 health systems across Illinois. Vincent’s one-year term began on Jan. 1.
HYDE PARK ART CENTER ANNOUNCES 2025 RESIDENT ARTISTS IN THE PROGRAM’S 14TH YEAR SUPPORTING LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL VOICES
Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, proudly announces the 2025 cohort of resident artists and curators on the fourteenth anniversary of its renowned Jackman Goldwasser Residency. The program offers supportive residencies of varying lengths to eight local, national, and international artists and curators who work across disciplines to address a wide range of social issues, including immigration, environmental justice, identity, and memory.
HYDE PARK SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Hyde Park School of Dance, now in its 31st year of training, performance, and community, presents Alice in Wonderland, returning after its successful revival in 2024. Performances are March 7 and 8 at Kennedy-King College, 740 West 63rd Street, Chicago.
Governor Pritzker Announces Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program
Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), state and local leaders at the Will Group to announce $10 million in funding for the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program to help small businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs through capital improvements. This grant program is designed around equity to uplift businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups and very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
As 2025 Tax Season Begins, Hundreds of Millions in Tax Credits Available to Illinoisans
The 2025 tax season has officially began on Jan. 27, and the Economic Security Illinois is encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of new and expanded tax credits that will put hundreds of dollars back in their pockets. New this year, the state’s first-ever Child Tax Credit (CTC) will provide up to $300 to eligible families with at least one child under 12. That’s on top of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which thanks to a successful advocacy campaign from ESIL and its partners, was expanded in 2022 to provide more money to more Illinoisans than ever before. Illinoisans can also now access these credits easier than ever before via IRS Direct File, a new tool allowing Illinoisans to file their taxes online directly with the IRS, completely free.
