Business
AI Revolution: Disruption Today, Growth Tomorrow for Chicago’s Workforce
AI is not just a buzzword. It is a force already reshaping the city’s economic landscape. Much of the national conversation has centered on job disruption, and it is a valid concern. Earlier this year, several leading technology companies announced significant job cuts as they increased investment in AI capabilities.
Black-Owned Company Launches First-of-Its-Kind Exam-Based Credential to Help Small Businesses Compete for Corporate Contracts in a Merit-Based Economy
As legislative shifts and the rollback of DEI-based supplier development programs continue to reshape corporate contracting, small businesses are facing a more competitive, merit-driven environment with fewer development resources.
The Sports Facilities Companies Welcomes The Legacy Sports Group to National Portfolio
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), the nation's leading resource for the planning, development, and management of sports, recreation, and event destinations, today announced that William R. Knox, Sr. and his firm, The Legacy Sports Group, have joined the SFC team. Through a strategic collaboration, The Legacy Sports Group will become part of The Sports Facilities Companies, strengthening SFC's capabilities in sports tourism, destination development, and community impact initiatives nationwide.
Giving Back Beyond the Journey: How ACRC Surrogacy is Supporting Families in the Community
The decision to participate in the event reflected ACRC Surrogacy's close, day-to-day work with families and its desire to extend that same care and compassion beyond the surrogacy journey. As an organization dedicated to helping create families through surrogacy and donation programs, ACRC Surrogacy viewed the holiday gathering as an opportunity to support mothers and children in the surrounding community in a more personal, human way.
Know the Truth
How many times have you heard, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you”? I’ve heard it more times than I can count. They say that if a statement is repeated often enough, people begin to accept it as truth. Well, I’m here to set the record straight. No matter how many times something is said, it does not make it so. And when it comes to retirement, what you don’t know can hurt you— especially financially.
Operation HOPE Announces Historic Partnership with the Country’s Top Nonprofits to Launch HOPE AI™ – a National Strategy for Inclusive Financial and AI Literacy
Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping low- and moderate-income Americans thrive in an ever-changing economy, today announced a historic partnership with a coalition of the nation’s most trusted and influential nonprofit organizations to launch HOPE AI™, a groundbreaking national strategy to bring both financial literacy and artificial intelligence literacy to every community in America. The announcement was marked by a powerful moment on the main stage at this year’s Annual Meeting of the Hope Global Forums in Atlanta, where the leaders of these organizations stood together with Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant for a historic signing ceremony affirming their shared commitment to this national effort.
OWN ANNOUNCES MAXXED OUT: A BOLD NEW FINANCIAL INTERVENTION SERIES PREMIERING JANUARY 10, 2026
OWN dives into the emotional and financial chaos impacting families and friends across America with its bold new series, MAXXED OUT, premiering Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET/PT.
A Word to the Wise Is Sufficient
Usually, I emphasize the importance of financial planning to meet our changing needs as we age. However, this week I’m offering a gentle nudge—especially to those of us who have been certified couch potatoes before and during the holidays, eating our favorite snacks and watching games or movies on TV. For many of us our only exercise has been running out for snacks, walking to and from the kitchen, and lifting food and beverages to our mouth. I ain’t crackin’, just fac’n.
ANNOUNCING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AAF ADVERTISING HALL OF FAME
On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame (AHOF), the esteemed Council of Judges, led by Chair Ross Martin, President of Known and Vice Chair Rita Ferro, President of Disney Advertising, has chosen to induct six legendary leaders along with one corporate honoree and two special President's Award recipients. Honorees will be celebrated at the annual Induction Gala in New York City at Cipriani Wall Street on April 23, 2026. The announcement was made today concurrent with the ringing of the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
Happy New You!
As 2025 comes to a close, many of us are ready to turn a new leaf and pray that all that was broken this year will be fixed in 2026. The losses, the uncertainty, the fatigue of it all—it has been a lot. But a new year does not require us to carry old burdens forward. It invites us to travel lighter. As we step into 2026, especially those of us who have experienced the coming and going of many years, it may be time to rethink not just what has happened to us—but what is still possible through us.
ESSENCE Launches ‘WeLoveUs.shop Powered by ESSENCE’
ESSENCE Communications Inc. proudly launched WeLoveUs.shop powered by ESSENCE, a community commerce platform built to support Black women-led and culturally rooted brands with stronger cash flow, consistent visibility, and direct access to consumers during the holiday season and beyond. With the debut of a new, curated digital retail destination, featuring a mix of emerging and beloved Black-owned brands across beauty, wellness, home, lifestyle, and gifting – all vetted through ESSENCE’s trusted editorial lens – consumers can meet the moment with purchases that directly invest in a founder’s dream.
New United Steelworkers Leaders Prepare to Take Office
Pittsburgh – A historic new slate of officers will take over leadership of the United Steelworkers (USW) in March following the union’s regular four-year nomination and election process that took place this fall.
UrbanGeekz Partners with British-Nigerian Inventor to Spotlight Patented Modular Handbag System
Award-winning digital news platform UrbanGeekz has teamed up with a visionary British-Nigerian designer to showcase his ingenious patented handbag invention.
Celebrate Your Financial New Year: A Q&A With Chicago Community Manager, Jared Evans
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the year and set yourself up for success in 2026. Whether you’re building new habits or refining your financial strategy, Jared Evans, one of five Chase Community Managers in Chicago, shares practical tips to strengthen your financial health journey.
