Blow Dryers and Blockbusters Connect Cinema To Consumers

Wil Shelton, President and CEO of Wil Power Integrated Marketing, has learned how to use his network of over 100,000 African American-based hair salons and barbershops to spread awareness of many global brands around the country.

Where are Americans Moving?

North American Van Lines, Inc. has released its latest migration map, updated through 2019, showing where Americans have moved throughout the years.

With threat of spring flooding, state officials urge residents to consider flood insurance

Each year, millions of people around the world welcome the start of a new year by making personal resolutions. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI), Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies throughout Illinois are encouraging people to ‘Resolve to be Ready’ for emergencies in 2020.

Pritzker Administration Secures $40.2 Million Federal Preschool Development Grant

In line with Governor JB Pritzker’s vision of making Illinois the best state in the nation for families raising young children, the Pritzker administration recently announced it has secured $40.2 million in federal funding over the next three years to improve early childhood programs across Illinois.

MARCH WITH DR. MARTIN L. KING JR. AT DUSABLE MUSEUM EXHIBIT

An upcoming exhibit at the DuSable Museum of African American History, whose executive producer is Academy Award actress Viola Davis, will offer a virtual reality experience with Dr. Martin L. King Jr. and highlight his fight for equality.

MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES IN CHICAGO

The state increased minimum wage on Jan. 1 for the first time in a decade, but that may not be enough to recruit and retain employees seeking entry-level jobs in Chicago where minimum wage is much higher.

PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS PUSH BACK ON FEDERAL MARIJUANA BAN

Recreational marijuana use is now legal all over the state except at public housing developments and private residences whose tenants are Housing Choice Vouchers holders

A LOOK BACK AT CHICAGO AND THE ROLLERCOASTER YEAR OF 2019

As a new year begins this week, Chicago’s past was forever changed in 2019 by its politics, entertainment, education, and hometown businesses.

A Year In Review for the Hyde Park Community

For 2019, the Hyde Park community inched closer to someday becoming home to the Obama Presidential Library while the Museum of Science & Industry announced plans to rename itself and a local show store was named number one in Illinois.

A Year In Review for the Chatham Community

In 2019, a lot took place in Chatham, a black, middle-class community on the South Side, such as residents re-electing the incumbent alderman, experiencing longtime businesses shutting down, and gaining a nearby Metra station for commuters.

PRITZKER SIGNS PENSION CONSOLIDATION BILL INTO LAW

Springfield — A new law recently signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker will consolidate 649 downstate and suburban police and firefighter pension funds into just two. Pritzker signed the measure, passed in the recent fall veto session, in Chicago and hailed it as an initiative 70 years in the making.

The World’s Most Inspiring People in 2019 - Eight Women in the Top 10

OOOM Magazine recently published its fourth annual OOOM 100: THE WORLD’S MOST INSPIRING PEOPLE list, compiled by an international jury. The results are remarkable: No less than eight spots in this year’s OOOM 100’s top 10 are claimed by women.

CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE ENDS 2019 WITH A BANG OF SURPRISES

The South Side of Chicago, whose population is predominately black, according to census data, had a surprising yet interesting year in 2019 with construction underway on historic buildings to an unexpected guilty plea by a popular alderman and a new, state-of-the art public high school built in one of the most violent neighborhoods in the city.

Mayor Lightfoot Appoints New Members to the Cultural Advisory Council of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently introduced the new members of the local arts community to the Cultural Advisory Council of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), including Council Chair Amina J. Dickerson and Vice Chair Alison Cuddy. The Mayor will submit these appointments for City Council approval this month.

DEA and FDA shut down 44 websites advertising illegal vaping cartridges

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced the seizure of 44 website domains offering to sell illicit vaping cartridges containing THC and other adulterated substances.

Unemployment Rate Falls to New Historical Low in November

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently announced that the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 3.8 percent, a new historical low, while nonfarm payrolls lost -17,200 jobs in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The October monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report from +1,900 to +8,300 jobs.

South Suburban Life Was Good in 2019

A vibrant and strong economy could be why many south suburban villages made strides this past year with retail, commercial and residential housing developments as well as improving its economic and educational stances in the southlands.

A Streaming Solution for Subscription Fatigue

Family Features - Entertainment seekers have an almost overwhelming number of options available today when it comes to viewing television shows and movies. The rise in alternative entertainment options, such as streaming video services, has only increased the amount of choices.

Gig Economy Targeted to Grow Beyond $440 Billion by 2023

The Gig Economy had made quite a splash in recent years and according to recent reviews, it will continue to grow for the next several years… at least. Since the term “gig economy” became popularized in 2008-2009, task-based labor has evolved and has become a significant factor in the overall economy.

Getting Around Illinois provides latest winter road conditions

Now that winter is upon us, the Illinois Department of Transportation reminds travelers to visit and bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com for continually updated information on road conditions. “GettingAroundIllinois.com site is a great resource for getting you the latest information to keep you and your family safe in your travels,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.