(The Center Square) – The executive director of a Chicago violence prevention group has been charged with sexually assaulting a juvenile family member and grooming. Englewood First Responders executive director
Charles McKenzie, 37, was arrested Aug. 5 in the 6700 block of South Emerald Avenue.
STELLANTIS ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IN BELVIDERE PLANT
Stellantis has announced that the next-generation Jeep Cherokee will become the first U.S. vehicle assembled on the new STLA One platform, with the Belvidere Assembly Plant to serve as the platform’s U.S. launch site.
According to a company statement issued on Friday, investment in Belvidere is expected to grow by $200 million to more than $800 million as preparations for production continue.
Pilot production of the Belvidere-assembled next-generation Cherokee is expected to begin in the first half of 2028.
SMALL BIZ OPTIMISM INDEX RISES
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.4 points in July to 99.8, moving above its 52-year average of 98.0 and reaching its highest level since August 2025.
The NFIB Uncertainty Index, however, went up 2 points and remained well above its historical average of 68.
NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said finding qualified workers remains a challenge for many Main Street businesses.
IHDA RELEASES QAP
The Illinois Housing Development Authority has published its 2027-2028 Qualified Allocation Plan, which establishes the rules and criteria governing Illinois’ Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
IHDA said LIHTC has been utilized to finance 147 developments over the last five years, resulting in the creation or preservation of 7,541 affordable housing units.
CANINE TEAM REQUEST LINE LAUNCHED
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office announced the launch of a dedicated 24/7 call-out line and email address for certified crisis response therapy canine teams.
The teams may be requested for critical incidents and response, school support following traumatic events, community healing, public safety outreach and other events.
The 24/7 call-out line is 773-67-4DOGS (3647), Option 9 and the email address is CITIllinoisTherapyK9@Illinois.gov.
More information is available online.
