March Housing Trends Provide First Glimpse of COVID-19 Impact on U.S. Housing Market

The U.S. housing market began to show signs of slowing in the second half of March as the year-over-year decline in inventory softened, the number of newly listed properties declined and prices decelerated compared to earlier in the month, according to realtor.com®’s March Housing Trends Report released recently.

Jay King Calls on Private Sector to Assist Small Black Businesses Amid the Coronavirus Crisis

Jay King, the chief executive officer and president of the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), is initiating a statewide call to action to the private sector, requesting banks, multinational corporations, the technology industry, and philanthropic organizations to create funding for grants for African American small business owners as they struggle to survive amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

SBA and Treasury Begin Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute Funds

Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin recently announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small businesses with the capital they need.

Simply Organic Beauty Launches Self Love Box to Promote Mental Health Awareness in Beauty Salons

Simply Organic Beauty has partnered with non-profit movement To Write Love On Her Arms to spark thoughtful conversation and awareness around mental health in beauty salons through their Self Love Charity Box.

‘All in Illinois’ Reinforces State’s Stay at Home Message

Governor JB Pritzker recently launched a new statewide effort called ‘All in Illinois’ to reinforce the state’s core message, backed by scientists and public health experts: stay at home and stay safe. As Illinoisans continue to practice social distancing to stay healthy, ‘All in Illinois’ is a way to unite residents across the state and remind them we are all in this together.

FOOD PANTRY PIVOTS DURING COVID-19

Local food pantries have seen an increase in the number of people who need their resources during the COVID-19 outbreak and food pantries are having to change the way food is distributed.

Fund to support artists during COVID-19

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a relief fund for artists which will provide financial assistance. Arts for Illinois Relief Fund is a partnership between the city, the state, as well as other philanthropic entities. The goal is to meet the needs of creatives during COVID-19. With the stay-at-home order extended until April 30, theaters, art galleries and museums remain closed.

MEDICAL STAFF AT ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL TREATED TO LUNCH BY LOCAL RESTAURANTS

The medical staff at Roseland Community Hospital, 45 W. 111th St., has eaten well the past few weeks thanks to local restaurants donating lunches to help front line workers who are battling COVID-19. And not only have staff members been eating well, patients have been too.

Comcast Makes More Than Two Dozen More Entertainment Networks and Subscription Video Services Available for Free

Comcast Makes More Than Two Dozen More Entertainment Networks and Subscription Video Services Available for Free AFRO, Aspire TV, Brown Sugar, Cinelatino, Kanal D Drama, Kocowa, RCN Novelas, REVOLT, TV One and ViendoMovies Are Among Additional Choices Xfinity Customers Can Access At No Extra Cost

Prepare for purchasing and closing on a home

Once you’ve found the right property, learn what you can expect ahead of the actual purchase and closing. You’ve reviewed your spending plan, been preapproved for a mortgage, and made an offer on the home of your dreams. Now, it’s time to close — the final steps before transferring of the property deed to your name after satisfying all the conditions of the purchase contract. Here are some things to consider as you finalize your purchase.

Nasdaq Pledges Business and Philanthropic Support

Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) recently announced its philanthropic support in response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. With our global community experiencing this unprecedented time in history, Nasdaq, a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries, is taking action to commit cash and in-kind donations totaling $6 million to COVID-19 response and relief efforts to provide immediate assistance to those who are most at risk.

CITY PROVIDES FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR TRANSPORTATION DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

Those who are designated essential during the COVID-19 crisis and who have to go to work in light of the stay-at-home order, can find some financial relief when it comes to transportation.

FAMILY LAWYERS FIELD CALLS ABOUT CUSTODY DURING COVID-19 While COVID-19 continues to

While COVID-19 continues to change the way people live, with stay-at-home orders being extended through April 30, as well as schools being closed until that time, family law attorneys are receiving calls for guidance to navigate child custody issues.

Steps Taken to Address Unprecedented Volume of Unemployment Claims

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently announced that they are taking additional steps to address the unprecedented volume of unemployment benefit claims the department has fielded as a result of COVID-19.

Red Roof® Launches Program to Help College Students Find Alternative Housing

As mandated closings of schools across the country have left many students with nowhere to go due to COVID-19, Red Roof® is helping university and continuing education students find alternative housing through its Student Support Program.

Nasdaq Pledges Business and Philanthropic Support in Response to COVID-19

Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) recently announced its philanthropic support in response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Why a Personalized Diet Can Help You Achieve Better Results

StatePoint - From custom designed sneakers to tailor made sunglasses, the trend of personalization is going head-to-toe, and for good reason, making its way to the world of weight loss and wellness.

CONVENTION CENTERS NEEDED TO HELP TREAT COVID-19 PATIENTS

State and federal health officials are seeking to transform convention centers into overflow sites to treat COVID-19 patients and to ease the burden on hospitals running out of beds.

UNIVERSITY TO PROVIDE MEAL PREPARATION AND DELIVERY

The University of Chicago is doing its part to support the needs of residents on the South Side during COVID-19. One of three measures the university launched recently in March involves providing meal preparation and delivery to South Side residents, in partnership with Greater Chicago Food Depository.

HELPFUL TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE INTERNET

Many workers have been given the option of working from home during COVID-19. While working from home and using the internet can be convenient, there are some safety measures to keep in mind. Always Giving Back (AGB) Innovative Security Solutions is a black-owned security firm based in Chicago. John Griffin is the CEO and co-founder of the company, along with his wife, Dr. Denitra Griffin. Arba Houlden is the COO of AGB. Both Griffin and Houlden provided some useful tips to keep those working from home safe while using the internet.