CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM LEGISLATION PASSES IN SPRINGFIELD

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus passed legislation meant to eliminate systemic racism. The legislative package included a bill to address disparities in education and workforce development, eliminate healthcare disparities, as well as criminal justice reform, violence reduction and police accountability.

All taxpayers now eligible for Identity Protection PINs

The Internal Revenue Service has expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.

Despite Economic Uncertainty, Businesses Must Increase Salaries to Remain Competitive, New Report Finds

Despite the uncertain economic outlook for the first quarter of 2021, businesses will need to increase salaries by up to 3.5 percent for high-demand roles in order to remain competitive in the race for top talent, according to a new report by Randstad US.

Veteran Investor Damien Dwin Launches Lafayette Square with $100 Million Financing from Morgan Stanley

Damien Dwin, a Black American businessman, philanthropist and veteran investor, recently announced the official launch of Lafayette Square Holding Company (“Lafayette Square”), an impact-driven, minority owned investment platform.

Jennifer Lopez Launches JLo Beauty

Jennifer Lopez has introduced JLo Beauty, a skincare collection developed by Ascendant Beauty LLC, a joint venture between Guthy-Renker and BRX GR LLC.

Straight To View: Nielsen Begins Tracking Premium Theatrical Films Being Distributed On Streaming Platforms

Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) recently announced that it is launching its Theatrical Video On-Demand (TVOD) measurement service as a way to capture viewing to movie releases that are directly available to consumers to rent or purchase on demand through streaming/MVPD platforms.

Bar owners express frustration over liquor license process

Bar owners in Harvey are claiming that there is an inconsistency in policies when it comes to an excise tax for liquor. And, even after some claim to have paid the fees, reportedly, they still have not received their liquor licenses.

Permanent vote-by-mail expansion moves to House floor

The House Executive Committee advanced an election bill that would make permanent some of the expansions to mail-in voting that were passed for the 2020 general election.

ICE CREAM CONNOISSEUR CREATES ARTISAN ICE CREAM BUSINESS

What started out as a way to make extra income after being laid off due to COVID-19, has turned into a lucrative business venture for Ida Nelson.

Chicago Prepares For 2021 Meetings Return with Healthy Meetings Chicago

In collaboration with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), Choose Chicago is proud to launch Phase 1 of Healthy Meetings Chicago, a digital platform currently available for viewing on a desktop or laptop, showcasing the health and safety advantages of hosting future meetings and events at Chicago’s McCormick Place Campus.

Pritzker issues marijuana pardons, State Police clear eligible arrest records

Gov. JB Pritzker issued 9,219 pardons for low-level marijuana convictions recently while announcing the Illinois State Police had expunged all eligible records at the state level for marijuana related arrests.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul Urges Illinois Residents To Be Alert For COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently urged residents throughout Illinois to be on alert for scams related to the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT RECEIVES $10K

Christmas in the Wards and Chicago Football Classic each awarded Chicago Park District $5,000 for programs that focus on children during an event at Soldier Field.

Six Workforce Trends to Watch in 2021

The Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) helps local and state governments become knowledgeable and competitive employers so they can attract and retain a talented and committed workforce.

HALSEY SET TO LAUNCH about-face Make-u(p) without rules

Created by multimedia, award-winning artist and bestselling author Halsey, about-face is a multidimensional color beauty brand which is set to launch direct-to-consumer via www.aboutface.com on January 25, 2021.

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST USES INSTINCTS TO CREATE INITIATIVES

Jahmal Cole has been dedicated to making a difference in the community with his organization My Block, My Hood, My City. As founder and CEO, Cole is intrinsically motivated to improve the quality of life for the block clubs of Chicago.

Dr. Anthony Fauci to Speak at University of Chicago on March 4

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health will join the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy on March 4 for a conversation hosted by its dean, Katherine Baicker, who will award Dr. Fauci the 2020 Harris Dean’s Award.

New survey finds 70% of consumers improved home during COVID-19, more than half used smart devices

A new study released recently by Xiaomi, a global leader in smart devices, found that since March 2020, 70% of consumers have reported making changes in their living environment due to spending more time at home during the pandemic, and more than half (51%) have reported purchasing at least one smart device during that period.

Domestic violence survivor creates app

The National Domestic Violence Hotline began collecting data on the impact of COVID-19 on domestic violence victims and survivors in March 2020.

Research shows that charter schools are improving student achievement

Political interests, teachers unions and legislators are thwarting new and existing charter schools, and parents and students must use every available tool to fight back, argues a new research brief released recently by the Pacific Research Institute, a California-based, nonpartisan think tank.