Small Business Job Growth Slows in June, While Wage Growth Increases
The Paychex | IHS Markit Small Business Employment Watch for June shows slowing small business job growth accompanied by continued steady wage growth, together indications of an increasingly tight labor market.
Average New-Car Prices Up 3% Year-Over-Year for June 2019
The valuation analysts at Kelley Blue Book recently reported the estimated average transaction price for a light vehicle in the United States was $37,285 in June 2019. New-vehicle prices increased $1,131 (up 3.1%) from June 2018, while decreasing $67 (down 0.2%) from last month.
Newly Opened South Side Boutique Invites Those In Need To Shop For Free
After quietly opening just a few months ago, the Gorgeous Things Giving Store, a boutique that offers all of their items at no cost and with no questions asked, is preparing to host a community-wide grand opening celebration on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the store, 1751 E. 55th St., in Hyde Park.
Airline Satisfaction Climbs to Record Highs
“AIRLINES CONTINUE TO DELIVER ON THE OPERATIONAL SIDE OF AIR TRAVEL. NEW TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS HAVE DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED THE RESERVATION AND CHECK-IN PROCESS. FLEETS ARE NEWER AND TRAVELERS GENERALLY FEEL THAT THEY ARE GETTING GREAT VALUE FOR THEIR MONEY.” MICHAEL TAYLOR Travel intelligence lead at J.D. Power.
Governors State Celebrates 50 years with Birthday Bash
Governors State University (GSU) is celebrating 50 years of education and excellence on July 17 with a day of community and family fun on campus, followed by a free concert in Park Forest.
South Suburban Village Under Do-Not-Consume Water Advisory
For close to a month, homes in the Village of University Park have been under a do-not-consume water advisory due to elevated lead levels in their drinking water. Aqua Illinois, a water utility company, is working to resolve the issue but in the meantime, affected residents are being provided with bottled water for drinking and cooking.
Rainbow PUSH Convention Hosts Several Presidential Candidates
Rainbow PUSH Coalition recently hosted its annual International Convention in Chicago. This year’s theme was 400 Years Later: Repairing the Damage Done and honored the 400 year anniversary of the first documented arrival of African slaves in North America in 1619. The convention hosted a multitude of notable figures from across the globe, including several U.S. presidential candidates who were given a chance to speak to attendees.
Chicago House Music Lovers Kick-Off Holiday With Annual South Side Pub Crawl
Chicago is a popular destination for summer music events. On Wednesday, July 3rd, thousands of House music lovers will “Get on the Bus” as the organizers House Club Tour, LLC continues the House Club Tour (HCT) Pub Crawl for the fi ft h year. Every year the HCT kicks off the House Music holiday weekend celebrated by music lovers all across the world. Chicago widely recognized as the birthplace of House Music now plays a major role in the current rise of the genre.
SOUTH SIDE MOTHER TAKES INITIATIVE TO TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT RACE AND COLORISM
After struggling to explain to her preschool-aged daughter about the concept of race, Lanisha Thaddison took it upon herself to write Black Rainbow, a children’s book that explores the topic of race and colorism, for other parents to turn to when they have similar struggles at home.
SHEDD AQUARIUM INVITES CHICAGOANS TO KAYAK FOR CONSERVATION ON THE CHICAGO RIVER
Throughout the summer, the Shedd Aquarium will hosts a unique kayaking experience on the Chicago River through their Kayak for Conservation program which will allow participants to paddle the North Branch Canal with the Aquarium’s wildlife conservation experts to pick up litter, collect data, and observe animals in their natural habitats.
CONCERNED SOUTH SUBURBAN LAWMAKERS CALL FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF METROSOUTH CLOSURE
A letter signed by State Representatives Robert Rita, William Davis, Justin Slaughter and State Senator Emil Jones III was recently sent to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to request a public hearing on the proposed closure of MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island.
Chicago Urban League Releases State of Black Chicago Report
The Chicago Urban League recently hosted its 2019 SUMMIT Luncheon and released the State of Black Chicago report which highlights important statistics about how Chicago’s black residents compare to the general population in areas like education, housing, and employment. The report will be used to help the Chicago Urban League better serve black Chicagoans.
ORS™ Olive Oil Launches FIX IT Range for Wig and Weave Wearers
Cutting-edge hairstyles are just as unique as the wearer and these days consumers demand more versatility than ever. Individual self-expression is now simpler with ORS Olive Oil’s latest sweat and humidity-resistant FIX IT line, formulated specifically for applying and styling wigs with unprecedented ease. FIX IT is the only multicultural brand with a gel adhesive and styling collection for lace front wig and weave wearers.
Lurie Children’s Dedicates New Family Lounge at The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health to NRG
Representatives from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago recently joined representatives from NRG to celebrate the dedication of the Family Lounge at The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health.
“Art for Justice” Unveiled at Ben & Jerry’s Factory
While melting ice cream cones may seem like an ice cream company’s biggest summer concern, Ben & Jerry’s is tackling an issue that’s a bit more substantial: criminal justice reform. With 5% of the world’s population, and 25% of the world’s prison population, the criminal justice system in the United States is what author Paul Brakke refers to as “a national shame.” Addressing that issue and advocating for criminal justice reform is the focus of a three-year effort by the iconic ice cream maker, who proudly unveiled a new art installation at its Waterbury, Vermont factory tour site recently.
Navy Pier Presents Robust Lineup of Talented Local Youth at Second Annual Fresh Fest! Presented by Allstate
Navy Pier is showcasing Chicago’s young talent in the arts for the second year in a row with its Fresh Fest! Presented by Allstate on Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12. This two-day celebration of the city’s gifted performing artists will highlight a variety of dance and music styles, including blues, classical, rock, jazz and more. The free festival is open to the public and will include multiple performances at various stages and spaces at the Pier, including the Wave Wall Performance Platform and the City and Lake Stages in Polk Bros Park
Community Meeting Held To Discuss Closure of South Side Hospital’s Obstetrics Unit
In an effort to encourage the Jackson Park Hospital to reverse their decision to close its obstetrics unit, which offers medical care for pregnant women, hospital staff and community members recently held a public meeting at The Quarry Event Center, 2423 E. 75th St., to discuss the need for this unit to remain open and the potential consequences of its closure.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Most Equity-Centric Law in Nation to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
Surrounded by a bipartisan group of lawmakers and criminal justice reform advocates, Governor JB Pritzker signed the most equity-centric law in the nation to legalize adult-use cannabis in Illinois, beginning Jan. 1, 2020. House Bill 1438 promotes equity and invests in the communities that suffered through the war on drugs, serving as a model for the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis. “As the first state in the nation to fully legalize adult-use cannabis through the legislative process, Illinois exemplifies the best of democracy: a bipartisan and deep commitment to better the lives of all of our people,” said Gov. JB Pritzker
Inaugural Men Of Virtue Celebration Honors Four South Side Men
The Washington Park Chamber of Commerce recently held their inaugural Men of Virtue Business Networking Celebration where four men were honored for their contributions to the community.
