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Avoid the Fee, Get REAL ID: Giannoulias Leads Push to Spare Illinoisans from TSA’s $45 Penalty
With the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new $45 penalty set to catch travelers off guard starting February 1, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is taking action to reduce the Time Tax by making it easier than ever for Illinois residents to get their REAL ID.
Deck the Halls, Safely
The holidays are a time for family, joy and festive lights. They are also a time when electrical hazards can increase. As you decorate your home this season, keep these tips in mind to ensure your celebrations stay safe and bright.
Troy Pryor elevates Creative Cypher, appointing Cypher’s Sr. Newsroom Producer, Cindy Beasley, as company’s new President
On the heels of two Emmy nominations, three Telly Awards & major festivals, Creative Cypher — the innovative content collective founded by visionary creative and producer Troy Pryor — is entering a bold new era. The company announced today that Cindy Beasley has been appointed Interim President, signaling a strategic expansion of the Cypher brand as it continues to elevate underrepresented voices in film and television.
SOUTHSIDE BLOOMS OPENS FILLMORE CENTER LOCATION IN NORTH LAWNDALE, EXPANDING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Fillmore Center, a dynamic business hub in North Lawndale, announced Southside Blooms as its newest tenant, expanding youth employment opportunities and economic development on Chicago’s West Side. Founded in Englewood in 2019, the social enterprise florist is growing its mission of sustainability and community empowerment with a second shop that will employ up to 20 local youth from ages 16 - 24, with additional hiring opportunities expected in the months ahead.
Roseland Ceasefire Holds the Organization's Largest Holiday Giveaway
For the 15th year, Roseland Ceasefire Project Inc. held its holiday extravaganza at the Calumet Township Community Center, 12633 S. Ashland Avenue in Calumet Park. Run like a well-oiled machine, the violence intervention organization gave away hundreds of toys, 1,100 turkeys and all of the fixings.
UNICEF USA Announces Presidential Inaugural Poet and Activist Amanda Gorman as Newest Ambassador
UNICEF USA has appointed Presidential Inaugural Poet and activist, Amanda Gorman, as the organization’s newest Ambassador. The announcement comes on the eve of the 20th annual UNICEF Gala where Gorman will perform an original poem centering on how it is possible to create a better world for all children.
Dillard University Pre-Law Program Launches Official Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association
Dillard University, Louisiana’s oldest historically Black college and university (HBCU), proudly announces the establishment of its newly chartered Pre-Law Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). This milestone marks a significant expansion of Dillard’s commitment to preparing its students for success in the legal profession and advancing the representation of Black lawyers nationwide.
Tigerlily Foundation Launches the "Bliss Collective: Brunch & Sip" Series to Empower, Educate, and Uplift Women Nationwide
The Tigerlily Foundation (Tigerlily) proudly announces the launch of the Bliss Collective: Brunch & Sip, a new national event series designed to empower women, build community, and amplify awareness of health equity and clinical trial participation through culturally relevant lifestyle experiences. This powerful initiative is being launched in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb.
American Cancer Society Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline: Major Changes Include Self-Collection for HPV Testing and Guidance on Exiting Screening
The American Cancer Society (ACS) released updated guidelines today for cervical cancer screening, reflecting advances in disease detection and accessibility in the United States. The updated guideline for women at average risk and individuals with a cervix at average risk introduces two key changes: self-collection of vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as an option for cervical cancer screening, and provides new guidance on when individuals can safely exit screening for the disease. The update is published in a report in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, the flagship journal of ACS.
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.
LOUIS CARR APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF BET
Paramount recently announced that Louis Carr has been appointed President of BET, expanding his longstanding leadership at the largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Carr assumes leadership of BET from Scott Mills, who earlier today announced his departure after 23 years at the company. Carr will report to George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media at Paramount.
NAACP & BET Announce Date of “57th NAACP Image Awards” Comedian, Actor, and Writer Deon Cole Returns as Host
Recently, NAACP and BET announced the "57th NAACP Image Awards" will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 28, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. Beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole will return as host.
Chicago Teachers Union President Advocates For Young People
Stacy Davis Gates was recently elected President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Gates is also the President of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Local Husband And Wife Team Own Luxury Home Fragrance Brand
Jess Osi founded Mahoghany House Candles in 2022. Drew Osi has supported his wife through the journey. Jess worked as a nurse and during her pregnancy with her first child, she transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom. She wanted to carve out her own space, using her creativity and she started out making candles as a hobby. As friends and family positively responded to the candles she gifted them, Jess decided to turn the candle making into a business.
