Local News

Olive-Harvey College Partners with Cook County Department of Corrections in the creation of an on-site forklift certification program

Olive-Harvey College (OHC) is proud to announce a groundbreaking new partnership with the Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) that is offering on-site forklift certification training to individuals in custody. This program, championed by Olive-Harvey College President Kimberly Hollingsworth and her team, is designed to provide an industry-recognized credential that remains valid for three years—equipping participants with tangible skills that support workforce reentry and economic mobility upon release.

16th Annual CPA Day of Service Draws Hundreds of Volunteers Across Illinois

For the 16th year in a row, hundreds of Illinois certified public accountants (CPAs) gave back to their local communities for the Illinois CPA Society’s (ICPAS) annual CPA Day of Service held on Sept. 19, with others still planning activities throughout the fall.

LISC ANNOUNCES OPENING OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDAs) and The Richard Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design. Applications are being accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 19.

llinois Hunger Coalition to Close After 36 Years of Fighting Hunger

After more than three decades of service, the Illinois Hunger Coalition (IHC) announced that it will wind down operations and officially close its doors this fall. Founded in 1988, IHC has been a statewide leader in the fight against hunger and food insecurity, serving Illinois families through community organizing, advocacy, education, and direct assistance.

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.