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.
Harold Washington College Launches Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Partnership
Harold Washington College is partnering with regional manufacturers to train students directly for entry-level advanced manufacturing positions.
DePaul University Breaks Ground on New Home for Driehaus College of Business
DePaul University began construction on a new building for its Driehaus College of Business, backed by a mix of university funding and private donations.
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.
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.
Felicia Okonkwo's Chicago Childcare Network Expands to Address Waitlist Crisis
Felicia Okonkwo's Chicago-based childcare center network is opening four new locations to address waitlists that have topped a year in some neighborhoods.
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.
Schaumburg Startup Founder Camille Forsythe Sells AI Company for $70 Million
Camille Forsythe's Schaumburg-based AI startup, ClarityGrid, was acquired by a national data analytics firm for $70 million after five years of growth.
Chicago Hospitality Founder Bianca Monroe Adds Fourth River North Hotel
Bianca Monroe's Chicago hospitality group acquired its fourth River North hotel, continuing a decade-long consolidation of the neighborhood's boutique lodging market.
Finance & Economy
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Home Prices in DuPage County Keep Climbing Amid Persistent Inventory Shortage
Home prices across DuPage County continue rising as limited housing inventory keeps competition intense among buyers in Naperville, Wheaton, and Downers Grove.
Illinois Utilities Ramp Up Grid Investment Ahead of Battery Plant Expansions
Illinois's major utilities are significantly increasing grid investment to support new electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants across the state.
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.
Venture Capital Flowing Into Chicago's Fintech Sector Hits New High
Venture capital investment in Chicago's fintech sector reached its highest level in five years, driven by trading technology and payments startups.
Illinois Corn and Soybean Exporters Navigate Shifting International Trade Rules
Illinois's corn and soybean industry is adjusting export strategies as shifting international trade rules affect key overseas markets.
Beauty & Wellness
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Lash and Brow Studios Boom Along Chicago's Andersonville Corridor
Eyelash extension and brow studios have opened rapidly along Chicago's Andersonville corridor, reflecting a broader regional boom in specialized beauty microservices.
Northern Illinois Lake Resorts Add Wellness Packages to Capture Summer Tourism Spending
Resorts near northern Illinois's lake communities are introducing bundled wellness packages combining spa treatments and outdoor fitness classes.
West Loop Luxury Day Spas Court Downtown Corporate Clientele With Lunch-Hour Packages
Luxury day spas in the West Loop are introducing express lunch-hour treatment packages designed for downtown Chicago professionals.
Clean Beauty Retailer Expands Lincoln Park Storefront Amid Growing Ingredient-Conscious Demand
A Lincoln Park clean beauty retailer expanded its storefront as demand grows among shoppers seeking transparency about cosmetic ingredients.
Champaign Nutrition Coaching Clinics See Growing Demand From Rural Clients
Nutrition coaching clinics in Champaign report growing demand as rural downstate Illinois clients seek personalized dietary guidance closer to home.