CHICAGO AUTO SHOW OPENS AT MCCORMICK WITH NEW LOOK
Oldest and Largest Show in North America Returns
By Naimah Latif
This year marks the 117th edition of the Chicago Auto Show. First staged in 1901, it is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. The show opened to the public Saturday February 8th and extends toMonday February 17, drawing crowds from across the state to browse through the show room floor at Chicago's McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive.
Visitors viewed a complete range domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans and experimental and concept cars. More than two dozen different manufacturers supplied hundreds of vehicles, including competition vehicles, project cars, antique and collector vehicles.
In addition, the show features auto related and interactive exhibits. Produced by the Chicago Automotive Trade Association (CATA), exhibits include multiple world and North American introductions, a complete range of domestic and impored passenger cars and trucks, sports utility vehicles, and experimental or concept cars.
Opening day kicked off at 10am with a welcome to the many potential car buyers who came to examine new modern features offered by Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler,
The Chicago Auto Show announces its presence at the McCormick Place as it prepares for for hoardes of visitors too attend its 117th auto expedition. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News.
Dodge, Ferarrari, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini,
Lexus, Lotus, Lucid, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedez-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Ram, Rivian, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Vinfast and Volkswagon.
Auto Show Visitors Get Detailed Descriptions of Vehicles
What features are important to you when considering buying an automobile? Size? Speed? Safety? Color? Comfort? Whether considering a sturdy car to get you back and forth to work, or a spacious vehicle to cruise across country on a family vacation, you can find exactly what you're looking for at the 2025 auto show, where rows of autos include conplete descriptions of the cars' special features ad unique advantages. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News.
Consumers Consider Trucks For Comfortable Cruising
Perhaps you just like the feeling of sitting up high in a sturdy rig that can weather the winds of a heavy storm without getting blown off the highway. Or maybe you have the kind of business that requires you to pack up and move from here to there, and you need extra room your things. Whatever the reason, trucks are popular this year, and many auto manufacturers are seeking to woo ccustomers with trucks that offer many modern conveniences for today's modern family. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News.
Are You Ready To Go Places?
Gas prices may fluctuate, but today's consumers are determined to make whatever financial adjustment is necessary in order to fit a new car into the monthly budget. It may be that first car for the high school senior, or an opportunity to trade in that long time driven, older vehicle for a newer model. Visitors to the 2025 auto show came with an idea in mind and many came away with a game plan to purchase the car of their dreams. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News.
Sharp and Sporty
If you' want andeye catching vehicle that says "Here I Am" this may be just the right look for you. Come on down to the Chicago Auto Show and see what fits your personality! Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News.
Cute and Classy
Need something small and simple that doesn't take up a lot of space? This could be yours! Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News.
GOVERNOR PRITZKER ANNOUNCES SMALL BUSINESS CAPITAL
Grant program supports businesses owned by historically underrepresented populations
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
CHICAGO – Today, Thursday January 23, 2025, 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.
“Creating economic opportunity for diverse and small businesses demonstrates our commitment to investing in all of our people and growing the economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In communities across Illinois, small businesses are sustaining quality jobs, anchoring downtowns and commercial districts, providing vital goods and services, playing an integral role in supply chains, and anchoring the overall strength and diversity of our economy.”
"Supporting a small business doesn’t just support a local economy, it contributes to the health and success of our shared communities," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "DCEO's OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program will further support their development and build a stronger, more inclusive economy."
This program is designed to help small businesses strengthen their operations, overcome financial challenges, and continue contributing to both their communities and Illinois’ economy through capital and infrastructure investments. Many small businesses struggle to get the advance capital necessary for essential operational projects and expansions.
Bolstered by State support, selected businesses will be equipped with resources to create jobs, build capacity, scale operations and increase revenue while reaffirming DCEO’s dedication to advancing equitable access to opportunities and resources for all Illinois communities.
“Through DCEO’s Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment, the State of Illinois continues to prioritize providing equitable access to resources and opportunities to communities and businesses in every corner of the state,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards.
“The OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program will support small businesses that need it most and bolster economic development throughout Illinois.”
Capital resources can be used for eligible projects including planning, land and building acquisition, buildings, additions, or structures, site improvements, rolling stock, and durable equipment. The Governor announced this grant opportunity at The Will Group, who received DCEO grant funds from an earlier iteration of this program to expand their manufacturing presence on Chicago’s West Side.
Governor Pritzker’s administration has made investing in small businesses a priority, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Back to Business (B2B) and Business Interruption (BIG) grant programs through DCEO provided more than $705 million in grant funding to small businesses in hard-hit industries.
Governor Pritzker also revitalized Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), defunded under previous administrations, to expand access to community navigators and other resources designed to help aspiring small business owners.
Grant program supports small businesses with fewer than 10 employees
Grant program supports small businesses with fewer than 10 employees
"Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities,” said Senator Celina Villanueva (D – Chicago). “I encourage qualified entities to apply for critical funding through this capital and infrastructure grant program so they receive critical support that will help them grow and succeed for many years to come.”
Qualified entities include businesses owned by Socially Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) with a maximum of 25 full-time permanent employees and Very Small Businesses (VSBs) with less than 10 employees. SEDI includes businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups including people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ community and more. Priority will be given to businesses located in Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Investment Areas, especially those with project proposals that focus on job creation, economic revitalization, or increased community engagement in these areas.
“DCEO’s OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program was designed to ensure small businesses aren’t left behind in their economic development journey,” said Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D – Chicago). “I look forward to supporting the businesses in my community and beyond as they continue to grow and thrive.”
Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. Qualified entities can apply for grants from $10,000 to $245,000. Applications will be accepted until April 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. To view and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website.
Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a technical assistance webinar at 11 a.m. on February 4. Answers to frequently asked questions in English and Spanish are available on the DCEO website.
NABJ CHICAGO CHAPTER HOSTS NATIONAL CONVention
By Naimah Latif
Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
The National Association of Black Journalists Chicago Chapter is hosting this year's NABJ Convention and Career Fair Wednesday July 31 through Sunday August 4, 2024, an event which will attract industry leaders, innovators and influencers in journalism, media, technology, business, government, community service, health, arts, entertainment, and academia.
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) was formed to empower those in the media business to remove racial bias in news reporting. Demands for diversity in Network news organizations resulted in jobs for Black journalists across the country, who often challenged the mainstream message in the news by bringing a different perspective.
NABJ Chicago Chapter President Brandon Pope, who is a reporter and anchor at WCIU, and Host of On The Block powered by Block Club Chicago, said, "NABJ was a mentorship and guide and a navigation for me that powered my career." He stated in an interview on Monday Morning Mindfulness with host Zelda Robinson on The Female Solution Global Radio TV Show, "Ultimately, when it comes to Black journalists we definitely face challenges when we work for corporate entities in tines where you do need the Black voice. That's why it's important that we're in there."
He observed that Black journalists often have to speak up when they believe something isn't being reported fairly, even if it means risking their jobs. By forming a national organization with chapters in cities across the country, Black journalists have made the power of their voices felt and have welded influence when it comes to commanding an audience with national leaders.
Brandon Pope noted that at past NABJ National Conventions, special guest speakers have included then-Senator Barack Obama (who later became America's first Black President, President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden (who is the current U.S. President) and Vice President President Kamala Harris, who is now the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee for U.S. President.
The NABJ National Convention is being held two weeks before the Democratic National Convention and two weeks after the Republican National Convention, and Presidential candidates from both parties have been invited to take advantage of the opportunity to address thousands of the nation's best and brightest journalists, media executives, journalism educators, communications and marketing professionals and students at this impactful convention. The DNC will also have a mixer with Black Journalists during the NABJ Convention, however the RNC reportedly will not. Convention attendees may register for specific events or may attend the entire convention. Some events require an RSVP and may already be filled to capacity.
NABJ Chicago Chapter President Brandon Pope appears on Monday Morning Mindfulness on The Female Solution Global Radio/TV Show Monday July 29, 2024 to explain how the National Association of Black Journalists has empowered Blacks media professionals to influence the communications industry. NABJ members from across the nation will attend the National Convention which begins Wednesday, July 31st in Chicago. The interview with Brandon Pope is below.
NABJ 2024 Convention & Career Fair will be held at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. All sessions, workshops, plenaries, forums, networking activities, meal events, and our high-demand career fair will be held on-site.
The NABJ24 Career Fair will draw hundreds of recruiters from top media companies, businesses and journalism schools from across the country and around the world. This is a great opportunity for journalists seeking career advancement and journalism students to make connections in the industry.
Emerson College of Boston Journalism Professor Cheryl Charles, who is accompanying two Emerson College Journalism students to the NABJ Convention, said, "We're looking forward to the Job Fair and Career Fair and getting out and learning more. They are both intelligent and engaging young women. One of them will be attending grad school in Chicago, she'll be able to learn more about the city where she'll be attending school, and the other is a rising Junior who is currently an intern at the Boston Globe. I'm excited to be chaperoning them and being there as they learn how to network and hone their craft. There are plenty of workshops and panel discussions for them to attend."
Chicago is a vibrant city where the Black community has had a lasting impact on culture and history worldwide, including a legacy of thriving Black owned businesses and cultural institutions. As a multi-cultural city that thrives on the harmony and diversity of its neighborhoods, it offers a unique, enjoyable experience for conference attendees.
To register for the 2024 NABJ National Convention, go www.nabj.org
Project H.O.O.D. WORKSHOP HELPS BUSINESS OWNERS SUCCEED
By Naimah Latif
After sleeping on the roof of an abandoned motel for 94 days to bring attention to gun violence on the south side of Chicago, the "Rooftop Pastor" Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church started Project H.O.O.D. with the vision of "ending violence and building communities, one neighborhood at a time."
Project H.O.O.D. (which stands for Helping Others Obtain Destiny) was born out of a deep commitment to transform lives and uplift communities in the heart of Chicago. Project H.O.O.D.’s programming is designed to equip youth, adults, and families with the resources, skills, tools and experiences that are needed to be successful, healthy, and upwardly mobile members of society.
Stated Pastor Corey Brooks, "We seek to empower, not enable. We seek to equip, not excuse. We seek to inform, not ignore. Project H.O.O.D.’s goal is to be at the forefront of innovation and transformation on the South Side of Chicago and specifically within the Englewood and Woodlawn communities."
Project H.O.O.D is a 501 c(3) organization established in 2012. with the mission to empower people with the guidance, information and tools necessary to become peacemakers, problem solvers, leaders, and entrepreneurs in their communities. The organization partners with businesses and community organizations to provide needed skills and training for community residents.
Lakeisha Isom, Business Development Officer/VP with Southside Community Bank in Chicago, offers management tips for small business owners during an interview on The Female Solution Global Radio/TV Show. See the interview below. Photo by Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News
Southside Community Bank in Chicago, a Wintrust Community Bank, held a free business workshop in collaboration with Project H.O.O.D. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the New Beginnings Church, 6620 S. king Drive. This workshop gave existing and aspiring entrepreneurs some solid tips on planning, launching and managing a business.
Entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for many to use their creative skills and interests to develop an organized method for generating an income. Turning an idea into a successful business requires the right informationl. Matters such as incorporation, accounting, tax preparation, and hiring staff were some of the topics addressed.
Vice President Kamala Harris Grilled by Black Journalists
U.S. Vice President and Democratic Party Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris shares her plans to address America's challenges with journalists from the National Association of Black Journalists( NABJ.)
By Naimah Latif
ON AIR Daily News
PHILADELPHIA - The National Association of Black Jouralists (NABJ) in conjunction with station WHYY presented "A Conversation With Vice President Kamala Harris" Tuesday September 17, 2024. Every four years NABJ invites the nomineess from the Republican and Democraric Parties to meet with the organization and answer questions. For the first time in 24 years, both the Republican nominee and the Democratic nominee for President of the United States has met with NABJ.
A panel of three journalists questioned the Vice President on key issues.
NABJ Addresses Economy, War in Gaza, Racial Justice, Gun Control
When asked about the state of the economy and if she believed voters are better off today than they were four years ago under Donald Trump, Vice President Harris stated, "Four years ago when we came in, we came in during the worse unemployment since the Great Depression."
She said despite the challenges created by the Trump administration, the economic crisis and health care crises during COVID, the Biden- Harris administration managed to make progress, succeeding in capping the cost of prescription drugs, an issue critical for seniors on a fixed income.
Vice President Harris described what she called an "Opportunity Economy," explaining that she would expand the Child Tax Credit to $6,000. She also stated she would increase tax deductions for small start up businesses to $50,000. She said she intends to encourage entrepreneurship by giving aspiring business owners more access to capital. To help families qualify for housing loans she said she would have medical debt taken off of one's credit report, since medical debt was often a common factor in low credit scores that impacted one's ability to buy a home, a car or even get a lease on an apartment.
Regarding gun control, she advocates universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons. On the abortion issue, she said she would gladly sign legislation that provided the protections of women's rights under Roe v. Wade.
NABJ Members interviewing Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday evening September 17th included Gerren Keith Gaynor, White House Correspondent and Managing Editor of Politics for The Grio; Eugene Daniels ,Co-Author of The Politico Playbook and White House Correspondent for POLITICO; and Tonya Mosley, Co-Host, NPR and WHYY Fresh Air.
The war in Gaza is something that must end as soon as possible, Vice President Harris said. She said that the current administration has been "working around the clock" to find a solution.She said she supports a two State solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. When asked to explain the difference between defense and aggression, she acknowledged that "too may innocent Palestinians have been killed".
"I support Israel's right to defend itself," she reiterated. She said she also believes Palestinians have a right to saftety and securituy. She said she plans to push for a deal for an immediate cease fire and a release of the hostages.
"We need to get that deal done." she said.