University of Chicago Launches New Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence
The University of Chicago opened a new cross-disciplinary institute dedicated to artificial intelligence research, drawing faculty from computer science, medicine, and public policy.
Education
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Northwestern University Reports Record Engineering Enrollment for Third Straight Year
Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering enrolled its largest freshman class on record, extending a multi-year growth streak driven by rising national rankings.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Overhauls Computer Science Curriculum for AI Focus
UIUC is restructuring its computer science curriculum to place greater emphasis on machine learning and applied AI systems.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale Expands Environmental Science Program With New Field Station
Southern Illinois University Carbondale added a new field research station in the Shawnee National Forest, expanding hands-on fieldwork for environmental science students.
University of Illinois Chicago Receives $16 Million Grant to Expand Digital Media Programs
UIC will use a new grant to expand its digital media and game design programs, adding faculty and new production studio space.
Loyola University Chicago Expands Nursing Programs to Serve West Side Region
Loyola University Chicago is adding new nursing program seats to address healthcare worker shortages across Chicago's West Side.
Healthcare
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OSF HealthCare Opens Second Cardiac Catheterization Lab in Peoria Amid Rising Demand
OSF HealthCare added a second cardiac catheterization lab in Peoria to reduce wait times for heart procedures as central Illinois's population ages.
Rush Opens Dedicated Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Center in Schaumburg
Rush opened a new outpatient surgery center in Schaumburg focused on same-day joint replacement and orthopedic procedures.
Northwestern Medicine Breaks Ground on Expanded Cancer Center
Northwestern Medicine began construction on a major expansion of its Lurie Cancer Center to add outpatient treatment capacity in downtown Chicago.
Rush University Medical Center Expands Addiction Treatment Program Amid Rising Overdose Rates
Rush University Medical Center expanded its addiction medicine program, adding outpatient treatment slots and a new peer recovery coach initiative.
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Earns Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center became central Illinois's first hospital certified as a comprehensive stroke center.
Business Leaders
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Hyde Park EdTech Founder Raymond Atieno Turns Down Acquisition Offer to Stay Independent
Raymond Atieno turned down a nine-figure acquisition offer for his Hyde Park-based tutoring platform, betting on continued independent growth.
Chicago Entrepreneur Marcus Donnelly Raises $20 Million for Logistics Startup
Marcus Donnelly's Chicago-based logistics software startup, RailPoint, closed a $20 million Series B to expand its intermodal freight scheduling technology.
Evanston Biotech Founder Renata Blackwood Celebrates First FDA Drug Approval
Renata Blackwood's Evanston biotech company, Lakeshore Therapeutics, received its first FDA approval for a treatment targeting a rare autoimmune disorder.
Champaign AgTech Founder Theo Nakamura Lands Contract for Autonomous Farm Equipment Sensors
Theo Nakamura's Champaign-based technology startup won a multi-year contract to supply sensor systems for autonomous agricultural vehicles.
Joliet Logistics Executive Yvonne Delacroix Opens Third Regional Warehouse
Yvonne Delacroix's Joliet-based logistics company opened its third regional warehouse, capitalizing on the Chicago area's growing distribution hub status.
Finance & Economy
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Half on the Check, Half in Cash: The Payroll Habit the IRS Takes Most Seriously | TREAT&ART NailSpa
Paying part of a worker's wages in cash off the books can feel like a win for everyone, but of all the habits in this series it's the one the IRS treats most seriously. Here is why it raises concern, and why it quietly hurts your staff too.
Tracy Michelle's Nails: The Charge That Doesn't Show Up: What Every Nail Salon Owner Should Understand About Taxes
Charging part of a service on the card and quietly collecting the rest off the books has a name, skimming, and it is one of the surest ways to raise concern with the IRS. Here is why it is riskier than it looks, and what honest owners do instead.
LA Nails: The Card Reader That's Always Down: What Every Owner Should Know About Payment Apps and the IRS
When the card reader is conveniently down and everyone is asked to pay by Zelle, Venmo, or cash, the money is easy to leave off the books. Here is why that habit raises concern with the IRS, and why the trail is never as invisible as it looks.
Half on the Check, Half in Cash: The Payroll Habit the IRS Takes Most Seriously | Smile Nails Spa
Paying part of a worker's wages in cash off the books can feel like a win for everyone, but of all the habits in this series it's the one the IRS treats most seriously. Here is why it raises concern, and why it quietly hurts your staff too.
O'Hare International Airport Breaks Ground on New Air Cargo Facility
O'Hare International Airport began construction on a new air cargo facility as e-commerce shipping volume through the airport continues rising.
Beauty & Wellness
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US Beauty Award August 2026 Spotlight Honors Verified TOP Salons Across the United States
The US Beauty Award announces seven Verified TOP Salon recipients for August 2026, recognizing beauty establishments across six states for their commitment to quality, craftsmanship and client care.
US Beauty Award Unveils High-Level Jury Panel to Strengthen Independent Beauty Standards
US Beauty Award has announced its High-Level Jury Panel, bringing together specialists across artistry, hospitality, customer psychology, brand strategy and salon operations to support an independent and professional evaluation framework.
Late Appointment, Wrong Design, and Reported Nail Damage at Smile Nails Spa
A customer at Smile Nails Spa says a 40 minute wait and an incorrect dip and chrome design were followed by nail damage she noticed weeks later. A look at how the salon handled the redo, and what the client's account suggests for service and technique.
US Beauty Award Spotlight (Part II): Celebrating the Vanguards of Innovation and Community Prestige
The US Beauty Award launches the second installment of its Spotlight Series, celebrating the 2025 visionaries who masterfully harmonized cutting-edge operational technology and profound local trust to achieve elite market distinction.
Quoted $50 by Phone, Charged $60, and Left With Smeared Polish on a Men's Manicure at Tracy Michelle's Nails
A male walk-in client at Tracy Michelle's Nails says he was quoted $50 over the phone, charged $60 in person, and left with polish that smeared because coats were applied too quickly. A look at honoring phone quotes, giving polish time to set, and making every client feel equally welcome.