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.
Mayor Helps Make Christmas Easier for South Side Children
The 23rd Annual Christmas in the Wards event got a boost this year from Mayor Lori Lightfoot who took one first grader Christmas shopping at Walmart in Pullman.
West Side Native Striving to Make a Difference at North Lawndale College Prep
In Chicago, it’s rare that a high school alumnus returns as principal shortly after graduating but that’s exactly what 29-year-old Arriel Janae Williams did this year.
LOW-INCOME STUDENTS CAN NOW ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO FOR FREE
A relatively new program at the University of Chicago allows low-income students to receive free tuition if their household income is $125,000 per year or less. And more financial assistance is available to students with household incomes $60,000 per year or less. Those students receive free housing and fees plus tuition as part of their financial aid by the school. And for students who are the first in their families to attend college, they receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years and a guaranteed paid internship for their first summer. Free housing is a big deal because the university requires all students to live on campus during their first two years
Thornton Township once again joined forces with the Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County
The Illinois Horse Rescue has worked with the township over the past several years in events such as Days in the Park, the annual Township picnic, the Taste of Thornton Township and other various community outreach initiatives. The organization has 35 stalls for various animals.
