Wakinguptothelifeofyourdreamsis,at its core, a choice but first, you must choose what you want Identifying your dream is the most important and necessary step in being able to picture yourfuture.Ifyoucan’tseeyourfuture,it willneverbe.Mostaccomplishedpeople will tellyou theyalways knewwhat they wantedtodo.Theytalkaboutsettinggoals andpicturingthemselvesinthepositions theyultimatelyattained.
Believe me, so many people move aimlesslythroughlife,castingtheirfuture to the wind, while others are simply reckless, tossing their lives into the air Thentherearethosewhoplanttheseed ofavisionforwheretheyseethemselves in the future These people understand the power of intentionality and work consistentlytowardtheirgoals
There are so many people who are familiarwithwakinguptotherealization that their lives are no longer working. Obviousquestionsarise:WhyamIbroke? Why am I still chasing money? Why don’tIhavewhatmyfriendshave?These thoughts cross their minds as they drift throughlife Then,suddenly,theyrealize that what they are experiencing is the resultofhowtheysettheirlivesup the choices they made along the way. To change their circumstances, they must first accept those choices and then face them.
Yep,you’vegottobeliketherubberand meettheroad theroadyou’vetraveled. You recognize that your life no longer provideswhatyouneedYoufacethetruth that, as it is, your life has stopped functioning. That recognition marks the beginningofaconsciouschoicetopursue yourdreams
This awareness can emerge from a gradual internal shift overtime, orit can arrive in connection with a larger shift affectinghumanityasawhole Changeis always happening, often without our awareness.Mostofusfailtorecognizethe increasing rate of change, making it difficult to predict anything as the world continuestoturn Wecan’tactually know whatthedetailsof thefuture.Wemustlive life to experience the reality even when glimpses of ourfuture appears What is revealed as true often isn’t clear We ignore what we sense because we can’t fully see it. Clarity comes with the experienceofthemoment.
Consequently,manyoftheoldwaysofplanning ourlivesarenolongerapplicablewhenwearein transition. Even so, we cling to what feels comfortable,lestwefeelstrangelyoutoftunewith reality Yet when we attune ourselves to the energies around us, we begin to question ideas that only a few years ago seemed perfectly sensible.
Inthesimplestterms,theshiftweexperiencein realtimehastodowithrecognizingourselvesas more than human remembering that our earthlyaspectsareonlyasmallpartofwhoweare. Intruth,wearemultidimensionalbeings Weare mental, emotional, physical and intuitive. Failing toacceptGodasourCreator,whomadeusinits image,hasledustooverlookourownspirituality.
When we accept this reality, we awaken to the realization that the life we planned for was a limitedversionofourselvesthatnolongerfits We begintonourishtheneedsofourbodies,andour souls Thisrealizationdawnsslowlyforsomeand strikes otherswith the suddenness of lightning fromoutsidethehorizonofthesky onthe edge ofheaven’srealm. Regardlessofhowitshowsup, each of us must find a way to integrate transformation ournew expanded sense of self expressionasweventureontoourlifeplan
Sometimesanunplannedfordrasticchangefeels completelyright,andovernightwedecidetoquit ourjob,, travel, sell ourhome, move to another country,orchangecareers Othertimes,weallow change to unfold slowly perhaps by simply allowing ourselves to dream of a new life or by seeking greater insights that will move, touch, inspire and guideustowarddiscoveringourtrue purpose.Howeveryourtransformationoccursor reveals itself to you, know that this process is a naturalsteptoyourgrowth.Acceptit,embraceit and trust it to lead you toward the life of your dreams.Aswesayinthenowmoment,relaxand leanin
From a political view Candidate Cook County CommissionerDonnaMillerisingoodstanding US RepresentativeBradSchneider(IL-10)announcedhis endorsement of the Cook County Commissioner in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District. Schneider cited her proven record of leadership, commitment to health care accessandabilitytodeliverresultsforIllinoisfamilies.
According to Congressman Schneider’s observation, “Donna Miller understands Illinois communities and knows how to get things done.” He continued, “As Cook County Commissioner, she has led with integrity and delivered real results, especially when it comes to healthcare, economic opportunity and standing up for seniors and working families Illinois needs leaders like Donna Miller and I’m proud to supporther” Schneider, is no stranger to the leadership required and is in fact a leading Illinois voice in Congress and chairoftheNewDemocratCoalition,sowhenhesays, “Miller’s background and experience make her well prepared to represent the district and contribute meaningfullyinCongress,”itcarriesweight.
With great appreciation, Miller welcomed the endorsement and tooktime to emphasize the shared commitment to results-driven leadership rooted in Illinoiscommunitiesthatisinvaluable
Commissioner Donna Miller, said, “I’m honored to have the support of Congressman Brad Schneider, who has been a strong advocate for Illinois families and a leader who understands the importance of practical solutions and effective governance. His endorsement reflects our shared belief that government should deliver results for working families, especially when it comes to healthcare, affordabilityandopportunity”
CongressmanBradSchneider’sobservationisclear that, “Donna Miller understands Illinois communities and knows how to get things done,” He continued,“AsCookCountyCommissioner,shehas led with integrity and delivered real results, especially when it comes to health care, economic opportunity and standing up for seniors and working families. Illinois needs leaders like Donna MillerandI’mproudtosupporther”
Schneider, is no stranger to the leadership and is in fact a leading Illinoisvoice in Congress and chairof the New Democrat Coalition, so when he says, “Miller’s background and experience make herwell prepared to represent the district and contribute meaningfullyinCongress,”itcarriesweight.
With great appreciation, Miller welcomed the endorsement and took time to emphasize the shared commitment to results-driven leadership rooted in Illinois communities that is invaluable.
Commissioner Donna Miller, said, “I’m honored to have the support of Congressman Brad Schneider Brad has been a strong advocate for Illinois families and a leader who understands the importance of practical solutions and effective governance His endorsement reflects our shared belief that government should deliver results for working families,especiallywhenitcomestohealthcare, affordabilityandopportunity”
The Cook County Commissioner has built a record of advancing health equity, supporting seniors and veterans, strengthening public health systems and promoting economic opportunitiesthroughout the Southland Miller’s campaign for Congress is focused on protecting access to health care That includes defending Social Security and Medicare, lowering costs for working families, and ensuring government works for the people it serves.
Miller's growing momentum has advanced Schneider’s timely meaningful endorsement adding to an increasing momentum like the wind in the sails of her campaign. Recent polling and sustained television and digital advertisinghavedemonstratedMiller’sviability in a crowded field, adding to the growing knowledge of voters about Miller’s record and leadership CongressmanScheiderisonemore earnedendorsementfromabroadanddiverse coalition, including U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell and Jan Schakowsky, ‘Elect Democratic Women’ and now Schneider, underscores her strength across Illinois and throughout the communitiesthatmakeupthe2ndDistrict
MillercontinueshercampaignforTheIllinois Democratic primary the 2nd Congressional DistrictMarch17,2026
Economic opportunityin the United States is often discussed in national terms, but where people live stillplaysasignificantroleinwhethertheycanmove up the economic ladder. A 2025 report from the ArchbridgeInstitute,SocialMobilityinthe50States, examines how well each state supports upward mobility For Illinois, the findings raise questions about long-term opportunity, particularly when viewedalongsidecontinuedpopulationlossesfrom thestateandtheCityofChicago
Whatsocialmobilitymeans
Socialmobilityreferstotheabilityofindividualsor families to improve their economic and social standing over time. While it is often measured through income, researchers increasingly define mobility more broadly, incorporating access to education, job opportunities, entrepreneurship, familystabilityandthestrengthofcivicinstitutions
The Archbridge Institute’s Social Mobility Index reflectsthisbroaderdefinition Ratherthanfocusing solely on income inequality or wage growth, the indexevaluateshowstate-levelenvironmentseither reduceorreinforcebarrierstoadvancement
Together, these measures are intended to capture whether a state’s policies and institutions support sustained upward mobility rather than short-term economicoutcomes
WhereIllinoisranks
Illinoisplaced38thoutof50statesinthe2025Social Mobility Index. The state’s performance varies widelybycategory
Illinois ranked in the upper half of states for education and skills development, reflecting the presence of higher education institutions and workforce training capacity It ranked closer to the nationalaverageforsocialcapital.
However, the state ranked near the bottom nationally for entrepreneurship and economic growth, as well as institutions and governance, two categories closely linked to long-term economic advancement and business formation These weakerscorespulleddownIllinois’overallranking.
Populationloss:Apersistentdomestictrend
Illinois’ social mobility challenges coincide with a sustained pattern of population loss driven largely bydomesticmigration AccordingtotheUS Census Bureau, Illinois recorded a net loss of about 56,000 residents to otherstates between July2023 and July 2024, placing it among the states with the largest domesticoutflowsduringthatperiod.
Illinois did record modest overall population growth during the same year, but that increase was largely driven by international migration According to Census population estimates compiled by USA Facts, the state gained roughly 67,900 residents overall, meaning Illinois would have continued to lose populationabsentinternationalarrivals.
Thispatternhaspersistedformuchofthepastdecade According to Census Bureau data, Illinois has experienced net domestic population losses in most years since 2014. Over that period, the state’s total populationdeclinedbyapproximately2percent,even asthenationalpopulationgrew.
Chicagoandregionalretention
The City of Chicago reflects many of the same dynamics visible statewide The city continues to attract immigrants and early-career workers, contributingtolaborforcegrowthandculturalvitality At the same time, long-term retention remains a challenge, particularly among families and midcareer residents
City-level migration data is less comprehensive than statewidefigures,butavailableestimatesindicateanet outflow of Chicago residents in recent years, with many relocating to suburban areas or other states. These movements mirror broader Illinois trends and highlight ongoing challenges in retaining residents overtime.
Chicagoandregionalretention
The City of Chicago reflects many of the same dynamics visible statewide. The city continues to attract immigrants and early-career workers, contributingtolaborforcegrowthandculturalvitality. At the same time, long-term retention remains a challenge, particularly among families and midcareer residents
City-level migration data is less comprehensive than statewidefigures,butavailableestimatesindicateanet outflow of Chicago residents in recent years, with many relocating to suburban areas or other states These movements mirror broader Illinois trends and highlight ongoing challenges in retaining residents overtime
WhereIllinoisresidentsaremoving
Migration destinations provide additional context According to American Community Survey data, approximately 95 percent of Illinois residents who move out of state relocate to states with lower overall taxburdens.
WhereIllinoisresidentsaremoving
Migration destinations provide additional context According to American Community Survey data, approximately 95 percent of Illinois residents who move out of state relocate to states with lower overall taxburdens
While migration decisions are influenced by many factors, including employment opportunities and family considerations, the consistency of this pattern suggests that cost of living, fiscal environment and perceivedopportunityplayameaningfulroleinwhere residents believe they can improve their economic prospects
Linkingmigrationandsocialmobility
Migration trends do not measure social mobility directly, but they offer insight into how residents perceive opportunity States with stronger social mobility environments tend to retain residents or attract domestic migrants, while states with weaker mobility conditions are more likely to experience sustainedpopulationoutflows.
Illinois’ low ranking in the 2025 index is driven in partbyweakperformanceinentrepreneurshipand institutional quality, two factors closely associated with economic advancement and long-term stability When tens of thousands of residents leave the state each year, particularly for states with lower costs and stronger growth, it suggests many view upwardmobilityasmoreattainableelsewhere Overtime,sustainedout-migrationcanstrainpublic finances, slow labor force growth and reinforce the conditionsthatlimitmobility.
Illinois’ experience underscores a central finding of social mobility research: Education alone is not sufficient to sustain upward mobility Even with strong universities and workforce talent, residents are less likely to remain if broader economic and institutionalconditionslimitadvancement
The Archbridge Institute report does not assign causation, but the alignment between Illinois’ low social mobility ranking and its persistent domestic population losses points to a structural challenge The question facing the state is not whether people will continue to arrive, but whether more of those who build careers and families in Illinois will choosetostay
THE WRIT, THE PRESS, & ASSEMBLY
LAURA MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR
Comewritersandcritics
Whoprophesizewithyourpen
Andkeepyoureyeswide
Thechancewon’tcomeagain…
—TheTimesTheyAreA-Changin’BobDylan
The above excerpt was written in 1963, when American society and much of the world was undergoingprofoundtransitionandchange People in the United States were deeply divided on many issues: the fight for civil rights, women ’ s liberation, tthe Viet Nam War and grappling with the assignationof PresidentJohnF Kennedyalongwith a host of other social reckonings were unfolding simultaneously Dylan believed that “the chance to keepyoureyeswide”wouldnotcomeagain.
Whether the perils of the 1960s outweigh the strugglesoftodayisopentodebate Whatisnot debatable is the enduring responsibility and power of the pen, the keystroke, and the lens, which have not wavered in their importance. Fromdetailstranscribedoncavewallstostories etchedintoancientruins,humanityhasalways documenteditsexperience.Thatrecordisvital for society to recognize its errors, its triumphs, and its inefficiencies. We learn through the act ofreporting
On January 18, 2026, a protest disrupted an active worship service at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota Demonstrators entered the sanctuary during the service to oppose federal immigrationenforcement,citingthebeliefthat one of the church’s pastors, David Easterwood, also served in a senior leadership role with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Chanting and verbal disruptions interrupted the service, which church leaders later describedasanintrusionintoaprivatereligious gathering
According to reporting and publicly available video from the event, Easterwood was not present at the worship service that day. Another church leader can be seen engaging with protesters and congregants during the disruption
Journalists, including Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, were present to document the protest and its aftermath Neither journalist was arrested at the scene. Coverage of the disruption circulated widely in the days that followed, drawing national attention to the protest and its underlyingclaims
In the immediate aftermath, state and local authorities did not pursue criminal charges relatedtotheservicedisruption,suchastrespass ordisorderlyconduct.Instead,intheweeksthat followed, the US Department of Justice opened a federal investigation Prosecutors ultimatelybroughtfederalchargesallegingthat participants in the protest violated civil rights statutes by interfering with worshippers’ constitutionalrights.Thechargesreliedonlaws intended to protect access to religious institutions,representingasignificantescalation beyondtypicallocalprotestenforcement.
Days later, following the unsealing of federal charges, Lemon and Fort were arrested at locations separate from the church Other individuals connected to the protest were also charged. All defendants known publicly at the time of reporting were released without monetary bail pending further court proceedings As of early February 9, 2026, the casesremainactive,withnofinalrulingsissued andtrialdatesnotyetpubliclyset.
A church sanctuary, even when open to the public for worship, is considered private property under constitutional law and is not treatedasapublicforum
Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly framed the federal action as necessary to protect constitutional rights, particularly the right to worshipwithoutinterference,statingthatunder the current administration “ you have the right toworshipfreelyandsafely”andthatviolations offederallawwouldbeprosecuted.
What followed raised not only legal questions, but professional ones particularly for journalists covering protests at the intersection ofprivatespaceandconstitutionalrights
TheConstitutionalFramework
At the center of the Jan 18 arrests is the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects multiple rights that converge andattimesconflictinthiscase.
TheFirstAmendmentstates:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedomofspeech,orofthepress,ortheright of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”
This single sentence contains five distinct protections: religion, including establishment and free exercise; speech; press; assembly; and petition. Courts are often required to evaluate how these rights interact when they intersect Whichiswhywearehere.
The Free Exercise Clause protects the right of individuals to practice religion without government interference Courts have consistently recognized worship services as a coreexpressionofreligiousexercise Asaresult, federal and state laws permit action to prevent substantial interference with religious worship, and houses of worship receive heightened constitutionalprotection.
While the First Amendment also protects speech and peaceful assembly, those protections are not unlimited as to place or manner Courts distinguish between public forums, such as streets and sidewalks, where speech protections are strongest, and private property, where owners retain the right to controlaccessandconduct.
Robert Johnson, an attorney specializing in corporateandsocialenterpriselaw,offeredthis perspective: “Freedom of speech, press and assembly are fundamental freedoms of our democracy. They are so elemental that the framers made them the very first amendment It is very broad in its interpretation, and courts have historically beenveryliberalindefiningwhatisprotected Now, it is being weaponized to try to quell dissent”
TheFirstAmendmentdoesnotexpresslygrant a right to enter or disrupt a private religious service,evenforpoliticalprotest.
Freedom of the press protects journalists from government censorship or retaliation based on viewpoint However, courts have repeatedly held that journalistic privileges do not extend beyond the rights of the general public Press protectionsapplytonewsgathering,buttheydo not exempt journalists from neutral laws of generalapplicability
When multiple First Amendment protections are activated simultaneously, including press freedom, peaceful assembly and religious exercise,courtsareoftenlefttodeterminehow those rights are balanced under the law and how enforcement decisions align with constitutionallimits.
JournalistSafetyandLegal“BrightLines”
ThearrestsconnectedtotheJanuary18protest prompted renewed scrutiny of how journalists can safely and lawfully cover demonstrations, particularly when protests occur inside or near privatespacessuchashousesofworship.
Press freedom advocates note that safety in these situations is not limited to physical risk Legal exposure often turns on observable conductratherthanintent,andonhowclearlya journalist’s actions can be distinguished from participationinaprotest.
Courts generally evaluate journalists arrests by examining conduct and context rather than professional identity. Journalists engaged in clearly recognizable newsgathering activities, suchasobservingevents,recordingwhatoccurs and avoiding participation in demonstrations, have often received greater First Amendment considerationduringjudicialreview.
COVERSTORY
Courts generally evaluate journalist arrests by examining conduct and context rather than professional identity. Journalists engaged in clearly recognizable news gathering activities, suchasobservingevents,recordingwhatoccurs and avoiding participation in demonstrations, have often received greater First Amendment considerationduringjudicialreview
Religious spaces raise additional constitutional considerations.Worshipservicesarerecognized as core expressions of religious exercise, and houses of worship receive heightened protection Journalists do not gain additional access rights inside religious spaces, and press freedom does not override congregants’ rights toworshipwithoutinterference
Press freedom organizations emphasize that responsibility for journalist safety does not rest solelywith individuals in the field Newsrooms andmediaorganizationsincreasinglyrecognize the importance of preparation, legal guidance, andinstitutionalsupportwhenassigningprotest coverage.
This framework does not determine guilt or innocenceinanyspecificcase.Rather,itreflects howcourtstypicallyevaluatejournalistconduct when protest activity intersects with private propertyandprotectedreligiousexercise
JournalisticReactionandCommentary
For journalists, the arrests connected to the January18 church protest did not registeras an isolated enforcement action They landed as a warning.
The severity of the federal charges brought under civil rights statutes rather than local protest laws immediately set the case apart Journalists noted that such statutes are rarely used in protest coverage and even more rarely applied to members of the press.The concern was not limited to whether the arrests would ultimately withstand judicial scrutiny, but what itmeanswhenthelinebetweenwitnessingand participationgrowsincreasinglythin
In recent years, arrests and prosecutions of journalists have increasingly appeared in international press-freedom reports, often tied toexpansivelegaltheoriesratherthanclearacts ofviolenceorincitement
OrganizationssuchastheCommitteetoProtect Journalists have documented cases in which journalistsweredetained,charged,orsurveilled based on proximity to protests rather than demonstrable participation. While the United States has long distinguished itself from such practices, journalists responding to the January 18 arrests said the escalation felt jarring particularly in a media landscape shaped by shrinkingbudgets,layoffs,andgrowingreliance onfreelancersandcommunityreporters Takentogether,thereactionsthatfollowedwere notpartisan Theywereprofessional
KaiEL’Zabar,EditorinChiefofChicagoNews Weekly, said, “the arrests signal that Journalists must know the laws regarding our rights. Paraphrasingwill not substitute for knowledge When we enter a private space, we need to knowthatwedosobyinvitationotherwise we aretrespassingandcanbearrested Wetoknow ourrights,notassumeourrightssothatwecan doourjobslegitimately
“Journalists are not participants in the stories theycoverWhenwitnessingandreportingare treated as criminal behavior, it creates a chilling effect especially for independent and community reporters who lack institutionalprotection.”
For Sylvia Ewing, vice president of journalism and media engagement at Public Narrative, the arrests were deeply troubling Ewing described her reaction as “disgust and disappointment,” framingthemomentaspartofabroadererosion of trust between journalists and institutions of power “We are at atippingpoint around attacks on the First Amendment, and the ongoing demonizationofthepresshurtseveryone”
She emphasized that journalists have long operatednearprotestmovementsaswitnesses,not participants.
“The role of journalists is to witness and report facts When this fundamental responsibility is underappreciated, the ability to make informed decisions is compromised and democracy is undermined”
Expectation, Not Shock Fear and the Cost ofSilence
ForNefferKerr,thearrestsconfirmedconcerns that have circulated quietly within journalism spaces foryears She recalled raising questions about press protections following the 2024 presidential election concerns she said were largelydismissedatthetime
“No one on the panel seemed to think the loss offreedomofspeechinmediaandpresswasa validthreat”
“Here in America, many of us have been so accustomed to having this right that we don’t fullygraspwhatnothavingitwillmean”
Kerr described fear not as panic, but as recalibration a pressure that can quietly shape decisions about which stories are pursued.
“Journalismisnotacrime
Institutional Power, Freelance Risk, and Precedent
For Brandon Pope, a freelance journalist and presidentoftheChicagochapteroftheNational Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the arrests raised alarms about how power is exercised andwhobearsthegreatestrisk
“The arrests of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort rely on bogus legal theories to punish constitutionally protected reporting and send a warning to other journalists. The message is unmistakable: the government is lookingforways to target reporters, particularlyindependentjournalists
The answer is not fear or self-censorship, but a strongercommitment to journalism, the truth and theFirstAmendment”
HistoricalMemoryandtheBlackPress
ForDr.BenjaminF.ChavisJr.,presidentandCEOof the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA),thearrestscarrieddeephistoricalresonance
Chavis described the use of civil-rights-era statutes against journalists as a troubling inversion of their originalintent
“You cannot build a democracy by arresting its witnesses”
He warned that precedent-setting cases disproportionately affect independent and Blackowned outlets,which have historicallyoperatedwith fewerlegalprotections
The journalists responding to the January 18 arrests arenotarguingthatpressprotectionsarelimitless,or that journalists are exempt from the law They are grappling with how narrow the margin has become betweenlawfulreportingandcriminalexposure
At a time when community journalists and independent reporters are increasingly responsible fordocumentingpubliclife,thatmarginmatters.
This moment, they suggest, is less about a single protest than about what happens when the act of witnessing itself becomes legally precarious and who remains to tell the storywhen the cost of doing sorises
WhatThisCaseSignalsGoingForward
The legal questions raised by the January 18 arrests will ultimately be resolved in court. Judges, not commentators, will determine how federal statutes apply,what conduct crossed legal lines, andwhether thechargeswithstandscrutiny
But the broader implications of the case are already beingfeltbeyondthecourtroom
Atissueisnotonlythebalancebetweenprotestrights andreligiousfreedom,buthowjournalismfunctions when it operates in spaces where constitutional protections intersect and sometimes collide The case underscores a reality long understood by press attorneysbutlessoftenconfrontedbythepublic:First Amendment protections are powerful, but they are not absolute, and they are shaped by context, conduct,andlocation
For protesters, the case reinforces longstanding legal limits on where and how political expression is protected Courts have consistently distinguished between public forums and private spaces, and religious worship remains among the most strongly protectedformsofprivateconstitutionalactivity.
For journalists, the case highlights how quickly the line between protected newsgathering and legally vulnerable conduct can narrow particularly in emotionallychargedenvironmentsinvolvingprivate propertyandheightenedconstitutionalinterests.
Several journalists who responded to the arrests describedfearnotaspanic,butasaquietrecalibration a moment where routine professional judgment begins to include questions of legal exposure, personal risk, and institutional support That shift, they argued, does not require censorship to be effective.
Fornewsorganizations,themomentraisesquestions of responsibility. Training, legal guidance, and clear editorial standards are no longeroptional safeguards but necessary infrastructure for covering protest movements, particularly when demonstrations intersect with private spaces or protected religious activity.
At a broader level, the case tests how a democracy treatsitswitnesses
Journalists do not create the events they document. Theydonotresolvetheconflictstheyobserve Their roleistorecord,contextualize,andpreserveapublic account of what occurred especiallywhen events arecontested,uncomfortable,orpoliticallycharged
The concern voiced by journalists following the January 18 arrests is not solelyabout this case, orthese defendants. It is about precedent, perception, and the cumulative effect of decisions that reshape the boundaries of press freedom withouteverformallyrewritingtheConstitution
As courts weigh the facts and the law, the larger question remains unresolved: how a society committed to both religious freedom and a free press ensures that neither is protected at the expense of the other and that neither becomescollateraldamageinmomentsofpoliticalconflict
What happens next will matter not only for those charged, but for how future protests are covered, how journalists assess risk, and how the public comes to understand the eventsunfoldinginitsname
PRETTY WITH PURPOSE
How P.R.E.T.T.Y. Inc
How P.R.E.T.T.Y. Inc
Founder Hareder
Founder Hareder
McDowell (Dr. Mac) Is Teaching Black Girls
McDowell (Dr. Mac) Is Teaching Black Girls
Confidence Before the World Tries to Name Them
RYAN WILLIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Confidence Before the World Tries to Name Them
PHOTO CREDIT: MICHELE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Confidenceisoftentreatedlikeapersonalitytrait something you either have or you don’t But inside P.R.E.T.T.Y. Inc, confidence is taught like a life skill Practiced Repeated Reinforced early before friendships, dating, and social pressure try todefineayoungBlackgirl’sidentityforher
That philosophy comes directly from Hareder McDowell, affectionately known as Dr Mac educator, researcher, and founder of P.R.E.T.T.Y. Inc whose work centers on identity formation for Black girls long before the world introduces shame,silence,orconfusion
“Reintroduce you to it as early as possible,” Dr. Mac says “Before dating Before situations with friends. So you can say, ‘No this is who I am. ThisiswhatIlike ThisiswhatIdon’tlike’AndI canadvocateformyself”
TheFirstSignConfidenceIsTakingRoot
When a girl begins to believe in herself differently, the change doesn’t always arrive loudly According to Dr Mac, it often shows up quietly inchoices.
“Shestartsdoingthingsalone,”sheexplains.“She joins the choir because she likes to sing not because her friends are doing it She decides she likes‘70sfashionandstartsaskingtogotovintage shopsinsteadofchasinglabels”
Confidence,inthisspace,lookslikeself-trust Itlookslikeagirlwhoenjoyscookingevenifher household doesn’t model it so she writes her own recipes, watches Food Network, and experiments anyway. It looks like discovering music based on personal taste, not popularity It lookslikeashiftfromfittingintostandingout. “What makes her different makes her a leader,” Dr Macsays
Thegrowthismeasurable Girlswhooncebarely spoke now run for student council. They make eye contact They ask direct questions They speakwithclarityaboutwhattheywanttolearn
UnlearningHarmfulMessagesEarly
PRETTY Inc does not pretend girls arrive untouched by the world Many come carrying labels from peers, institutions, and sometimes family
“There’s a lot of verbal abuse in our culture,” Dr Mac says plainly. “Adults project their pain onto childrenanddiminishthemdaybyday” Her approach begins with truth-telling conversationsmanyadultsavoid
On the first day of the program, she asks girls to raise their hands if they’re related to someone they love but don’t admire Nearly every hand goes up Then she asks them to keep their hands raisedifthatpersonistheirmother.
Thegoalisn’tdisrespect It’sliberation
“If your mother called you something harmful,” Dr. Mac tells them, “You can believe it or you canchoosenotto Nowlet’screateaplanforwhat youaregoingtocallyourself.”
By naming reality early, PRETTY Inc helps girls detach their identity from other people’s unresolvedpain
ConsistencyasaFormofHealing
Beyond conversation, the program ’ s power lies in consistency “Abandonmentisbiginourculture,”Dr Mac says “Everybody has a story about somebody whosaidthey’dshowup anddidn’t”
Inconsistent adults create children who expect inconsistency PRETTY Inc counters that pattern by showing up every time“ When someone is consistent,”sheexplains,“thatreputationfollowsyou throughlife”
In a city like Chicago, where trust travels through relationships, consistency becomes currency shaping how girls approachfriendships,careers,leadership, andlove
Her blueprint comes from her grandmother,wholivedtobe100:make aplanandsticktoit
TheVillageModel,Operationalized
The organization’s upcoming Academy of Confidence (launching in 2026) formalizes the village modelDr Maclivesby Therite-ofpassage program for 15- and 16year-old Black girls includes accountability partners drawn from eachgirl’sreal-lifevillage coaches, teachers,mentors,faithleaders..
Dr Mac knows the power of this model firsthand She credits her own village church, educators, mentors, sorority networks for expanding her accesswhenmoneycouldnot
“Your village is your greatest influence,” she says “It’swhoyouknow”
FillingtheGapsOthersAvoid
Chicago has countless youth programs, many focused on grades, careers, and scholarships PRETTY Incgoeswhereothersstopshort
“What does it matter if you don’t have the language for your body, your emotions, or your relationships?”Dr Macasks
Theorganizationaddressessex,self-worth,mental health, and boundaries without shame or rigid ideology offering questions rather than prescriptions
Herguidingprincipleissimpleandpowerful: “Communication is the prevention to the prescription”Early conversation reduces later crisis”
TheEndGoal:Authenticity andRevolution
When asked what she wants girls to carry into adulthood, Dr Mac doesn’t hesitate “Authenticity,” she says “We’re battling authenticityrightnow”
The pressure to look the same, sound the same, and be the same robs girls of self-trust. P.R.E.T.T.Y. Inc exists to reverse that The goal is for every Black girl to say, ‘I really rock with myself’”
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, I’m reflecting on the century of economic volatility and roadblocks that have oftendefinedtheexperiencesofdisenfranchised communities.Ourcollectivelegacyismarkedby resilience to overcome the economic challenges faced while trying to achieve the American dream
And with roughly 40% of skilled trades workers expectedtoretireinthenextdecade,thedemandwill continue to grow and more pathways to the middle class will open up These are careers that can’t be outsourced and that AI won’t replace. They require technical know-how, problem-solving skills, and hands-on training Another pathway to build a financiallystablelife
For the last 50years, manyhave pushed a single narrative:successcanonlycomefromafour-year collegedegree.Whilethisopenedthepathwayto education, access, and wealth creation, this singular focus doesn’t consider the varied ways people work to make our world move and operate That path doesn’t fit everyone, and it doesn’t have to. Check the news: the best kept secretisout,anditisacareerinthetrades
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 500,000 skilled trade workers are neededeveryyeartofillopenings.
Starting a career in the skilled trades now means entering an industry with financially rewarding indemandcareersthatareessentialtothefutureofour economy Skilled trades like construction, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, masonry, and HVAC are not only in high demand, but they’re also recession-resistant As America rebuilds its infrastructure, provides disaster relief efforts, and moves toward a greener economy, these trades are leading the charge. And at OICA we are building America’s workforce to rebuild America by enrolling thousands of people peryear to start their careers in theskilledtrades
At OIC ofAmerica, alongwith ouraffiliates across the country, we ’ re working to dismantle the negative assumptions around vocationalcareersandopendoorsforyoungpeopleandadults alike to explore these life-changing opportunities We’re also making sure women, returning citizens, multicultural and multigenerational folks are at the table and in the field where these good-paying jobs are waiting By 2030, we ’ re on tracktoplaceover50,000peopleintheskilledtradesperyear–a pivot that opens up aworld of economic potential theywere previouslylockedoutof.
Acareerintheskilledtradesisnotjustaboutworkingwithyour hands. It’s about building an economic future for yourself, yourfamily, andyourcommunity In myview, that’s trulyone ofthebestwaystohonorthelegacyofBlackHistoryMonth.
Endorsed
By Dr. Willie Wilson
Richard Boykin
caresabout people. He willmake life more affordable for families and seniors. He is an experienced leader we can trust.
Priorities of the 7th District
Lower Costs. More Jobs. Safe Streets.
ARTS&CULTURE
REVIEW: DRUMLine Live at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago
CANDI MCCRARY - CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When you hear the word drumline, your mind is instantly carried away to an Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) marching band an experience defined by explosive music and high-stepping energy like only Black folks can bring. If you ’ ve never experienced the annual HBCU Thanksgiving game in New Orleans theBayouClassic thenconsideryourselfdeprivedofoneoflife’s greatjoys
The Bayou Classic is the historic rivalry between Grambling State University and Southern University, held every Saturday after ThanksgivingattheCaesarsSuperdome Itisapremiercelebrationof HBCU culture, featuring a major Battle of the Bands, a parade, and typicallyahigh-stakesfootballmatchupbetweentheGramblingState Tigers and the Southern UniversityJaguars The game has been held inNewOrleanssince1974(withtheexceptionof2005)andrepresents amassiveculturalandeconomiceventforthecity
So when younger audiences hear “drumline,” they may think of the 2002filmofthesamename,whichfeaturedbandsfromseveralreal HBCUs, including Morris Brown College, Clark Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman College, and Grambling State University. Scenes were filmed on those campuses, though the main band Atlanta A&T was fictional The film showcased marching bands, powerful stepping, and musical rivalries, with Morris Brown’s band prominently featured as the opposing force in the climactic competitionsceneattheGeorgiaDome
So excuse me if I went into DRUMLine Live expecting exactly that. Instead,whattheaudiencewitnessedwasahigh-energy,entertaining, and talented “soul revue ” amemory-lane journeythrough some of music’s greatest legends The medley kicked off with Diana Ross, followedbytheTemptationsperforming“MyGirl,”whichevenpulled an audience member onstage to join the group That rendition opened the door for Tina Turner’s “Rollin’,” followed by Aretha Franklin steppinginwith “RESPECT.”RayCharles and James Brown representedtheirerabeforethesegmentclosedwithMichaelJackson delivering“BillieJean”
The King of Pop changed how soul music was received and viewed, creating a revolution in how music was delivered and sold MJ transformed music videos into cinematic storytelling visions brought to life through choreography, rhythm, and spectacle His work captured the high-stepping, high-energy tradition of HBCU marching bands, infused with thrilling movement and powerful percussion
I appreciated the ambition, though some performances lacked the lusteroftheoriginalheavyhitters Let’sbeclear:anyoneattemptingto portray the BAD has to bring it fully or surpass it Otherwise, it’s justanattempt,ashadowoftherealthing
The second half opened with the sounds of Nina Simone, Lena Horne,andBennyGoodman,usheringinbig-bandflair.Showgirlsin silk stockings (a shade too light for Black girls), dance shoes, and top hatsgracedthestagewithyouthfulexuberanceandclassicmoves
The stage then became home to a high-tempo trombone trio that rockedtheauditorium,heightenedbytriumphant,cockytrumpets jazzy, bold, and soulful rounding out a powerful soundscape. Then camethesmoothverveofLutherVandross,whosteppedinandblew the curtains off the floor As they ruffled, the Dreamgirls emerged, dancingwithrestraintandsanctimonyratherthanrecklessabandon Andthen whatIhadbeenwaitingfor.Whatweallhadbeenwaiting for,whethereveryoneknewitornot.
Finally,thedrumlinepresenteditselfinfullforcethroughtheChicagoStateUniversity Big Band Suddenly, we were whisked straight to Beyoncé’s Drumline moment at Coachella,closingthenightwith“WeLiketoParty”
Elijah Travis walked onstage, releasing the seductive sound of the saxophone, luring the audience into a melody of romance and pursuit That led to the gift of the evening: the battle of the drums Twodrummerswenthead-to-head,battlingtotheveryend,withthe winnerchosenbyaudienceapplause.
Today’ssocio-politicalclimatepresentsdailyopposition fromfactionsoftheAmericanpublicandfromvarious levels of government, raising fundamental questions about the rule of law and about the laws themselves that were put in place to create a government of the people,bythepeople,andforthepeople.Forthemost part,thissystemhasfunctionedsuccessfully.
Yet todaywe are confrontedwith persistent challenges tothelegitimacyandaccuracyofhowourgovernment operates. These challenges plant seeds of doubt, discord,andmistrustinwhathaslongbeenunderstood as a stable, functioning system of governance Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Some would argue that its strengthliespreciselyinitsflexibility particularlyinits interpretation, which is entrusted to the Supreme Court.
The foundation of our government has proven resilient because questions and challenges naturally arise from the evolving issues and concerns of changingtimes Theseconcernsarebroughtbeforethe Supreme Court, allowing the Constitution to serve its essential role as both an anchor and a balancing force among the three branches of government This framework has served us well, demonstrating the durability of a system designed to be both fluid and adaptable
All of this holds true when we, as a people, choose America and choose one another. Despite our differences in perception, interpretation, or understanding of the law, we have historically embraced it and pushed for clarity in order to better understandtheintentionsoftheConstitution’sauthors
The Constitution has long been accepted as a strong, well-writtendocument.
a.i. TheAnswerIs..
Thatacceptancefalters,however,whenindividuals actfrompurelyself-servinginterests Thisiswhere we find ourselves at this critical juncture in 2026. We are faced with officials empowered to represent the people as agents of change, growth, and prosperity yet we also confront the dangerous vision of governance concentrated in thehandsofoneman,forthebenefitofoneman
People areyoulistening?Areyouwitnessingthis, or are your eyes wide shut and your ears turned off?
Therewillalwaysbeworktodointhepursuitofa more perfect union Let us not forget that understanding the Constitution, its amendments, and the Bill of Rights is both sacred and our responsibility.
Let’stakeacloserlook
TheFirstAmendment
The First Amendment to the US Constitution, ratifiedin1791aspartoftheBillofRights,prohibits Congress from restricting essential liberties: freedom of religion (both establishment and free exercise), speech, press, assembly, and petition It protects foundational rights by preventing government interference in personal belief and publicexpression
KeyProtectionsoftheFirstAmendment:
Freedom of Religion: Prevents the government from establishing a state religion (the Establishment Clause) and protects individuals’ right to practice religionfreely(theFreeExerciseClause).
Freedom of the Press: Ensures that the government cannotsuppressthepublicationofnewsoropinions
Right toAssemble: Protects the right to gatherpeacefully forprotests,rallies,ormeetings.
Right to Petition: Guarantees the right to request governmentactionorredressgrievances
AdoptedonDecember15, 1791, this amendmentwas originally the third proposed amendment but became the first after the first two were not ratified. It is fundamental to American democracy, safeguardingindividualfreedomsfromfederaloverreach
FreedomofthePress
Freedom of the press, protected bythe FirstAmendment, ensuresthatthemediacanreport,publish,anddisseminate information without government censorship, control, or fear of punishment. As a cornerstone of democracy, it enables the press to serve as a watchdog overseeing government actions, fostering a marketplace of ideas, and ensuringpublicaccountability
KeyPrinciplesandLegalProtections:
First Amendment Guarantee: States that “Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press ”
ProtectionAgainst Prior Restraint: The government is generallyprohibited from preventingpublication, even when material is controversial Exceptions are rareandnarrowlydefined.
Scope:Appliestonewspapers,television,radio,blogs, independentjournalists,anddigitalmedia Reporter’s Privilege: While not absolute, this principle helps protect journalists from being compelledtorevealconfidentialsources
LimitationsonPressFreedom
Although robust, freedom of the press is not unlimited Recognized limitationsinclude:
National Security: Government intervention may occur if publication would cause direct, immediate, and irreparable harm such as revealingtroopmovements
Obscenity: Explicit material lacking serious literary, artistic, political,orscientificvalue
School-Sponsored Media: Public school officials may censor non-publicforum,school-sponsoredpublications.
Contempt of Court: Journalists may be compelled to reveal sourcesifacourtdeemsitnecessary
Surveillance: Advances in technology and national security practices have increasedscrutinyofjournalistsandtheirsources
Physical Harassment: Journalists covering protests and public events face heightenedrisksofassaultanddetention
Legal Threats: Criminalization of journalism and abusive lawsuits such as SLAPPsuits continuetothreatenpressfreedom.
Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss? The Surprising Connection
Explained
Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels, and its effects can extend far beyond blood glucose control. While diabetes is commonly associated with complications such as nerve damage and heart disease,itcanalsoaffecthairhealth,sometimesleadingtothinningorhairloss
HowDiabetesCanContributetoHairLoss
Several diabetes-related factors may interfere with normal hair growth Persistentlyhighbloodsugarcandamagesmallbloodvessels,reducingtheflow ofoxygenandnutrientstohairfollicles Poorcirculation,commoninlong-term diabetes,canweakenfolliclesandslowhairregrowth
Hormonal imbalances associated with diabetes may also disrupt the hair growthcycle,increasingsheddingorpreventingnewgrowth Peoplewithtype1 diabetes and in some cases type 2 are at higher risk for autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, in which the immune system attacks hair follicles,causingpatchyhairloss.
Stress is another contributor. Managing a chronic illness can raise stress levels, triggering telogen effluvium, a condition in which more hairs than usual enter thesheddingphase Certaindiabetesmedicationsandnutritionaldeficiencies particularlyiron,zinc,biotin,andprotein canalsoplayarole.
ManagingHairLosswithDiabetes
While hair loss may not be entirely preventable, several steps can help reduce the risk: Maintain good blood sugar control, the most important factor in preventingcomplications
Seek medical advice if hair loss is sudden, patchy, accompanied by scalp symptoms, or causing emotional distress Your primary care provider or a dermatologistcanhelpdeterminethecauseandrecommendtreatment.
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LOVE&RELATIONSHIPS
SometimesLoveTakesaLongTime
LAURA MILLER - MANAGING EDITOR
Luther Vandross said it best in Wait for Love: “Sometimes love takes a long time”It’salyricIreturntooften,becauseitfeelsespeciallyrelevantinaculture that rushes romance, gamifies connection, and treats love like something that should arrive overnight If dating lately feels exhausting instead of exciting, you ’renotimaginingit
Formanysingles,especiallyaroundValentine’sseason,datingappshavebecome less about hope and more about emotional fatigue The swiping, the halfconversations, the constant starting over it can wearyou down in ways that aren’t always obvious at first.That feeling now has a name: dating app fatigue. AndaccordingtoBLK,moresinglesareacknowledgingthatwhattheywantisn’t moreoptions it’smoreintention
Formanysingles,especiallyaroundValentine’sseason,datingappshavebecome less about hope and more about emotional fatigue The swiping, the halfconversations, the constant starting over it can wearyou down in ways that aren’t always obvious at first That feeling now has a name: dating app fatigue AndaccordingtoBLK,moresinglesareacknowledgingthatwhattheywantisn’t moreoptions it’smoreintention.
WhenDatingStopsFeelingLikeRomance
Dating rarely burns us out all at once It happens slowly You notice you ’ re replying becauseyou feelyou should, not becauseyouwant to. Conversations blurtogether You’retalkingtopeople,butnotreallyconnectingwithanyone Partoftheissueisthatdatingappsdon’tencouragepatience
Theyrewardavailability,volume,andspeed Butlovedoesn’tactuallyworkthat way Love requires presence It requires emotional space And sometimes, it requireswaiting.
BLK’s Head of Brand, Amber Cooper, points out that much of today’s dating fatiguecomesfromtryingtofitromanceintoeverysparemoment “Wewant to give daters permission to slow down,” she says “When dating has no boundaries,itbecomesdraininginsteadoflife-giving.”
DatingWithPace,NotPressure
One of the simplest shifts is creating intentional time for dating rather than letting it bleed into everything. Instead of checking apps all day, setting aside spacetoengageallowsyoutoshowupmorefully andlogoffwithoutguilt
Anothershiftisaskingmeaningfulquestionsearlier Nottorushintimacy,butto avoid investing emotional energy where alignment doesn’t exist Clarity early onisn’tcynicism;it’sself-respect.
BLK also encourages something called the Rule of 3 limiting yourself to no more than three active dating connections at a time. It’s not about restriction, but capacity Too many conversations can make dating feel transactional and disconnected
Whenyou’restretchedthin,it’shardtobepresentwithanyone TheRuleof3 invites you to slow down, focus, and actually experience what’s unfolding insteadofmanagingaroster
Whenyou’restretchedthin,it’shardtobepresentwithanyone.TheRuleof3 invites you to slow down, focus, and actually experience what’s unfolding insteadofmanagingaroster
ThePowerofPausing
Somuchdatingfrustrationcomesfromguilt.Guiltforneedingspace.Guiltfor losinginterest Guiltfornothavingtheemotionalenergytokeepup Thatguilt isoftenwhatleadspeopletoghost,evenwhentheydon’tmeanharm There’s another option: pausing honestly Letting someone know you ’ re overwhelmed or busy and suggesting a time to reconnect removes pressurewithoutclosingthedoor Itallowsdatingtofeelhumanagain
It also helps to pay attention to how connections make you feel Some conversations bring ease and curiosity Others bring confusion, anxiety, or constantsecond-guessing.Loveshouldn’trequireyoutooverrideyournervous systemjusttostayengaged
WaitingIsn’tFallingBehind
Sometimes dating app fatigue is your body asking for something different morepresence,moregrounding,morereal-lifeconnection Thatmightmean steppingawayfromtheappsforawhile.Orusingthemless,andlivingmore. Takingabreakdoesn’tmeanyou’vegivenuponlove Often,itmeansyoutrust itenoughnottoforceit
“Sometimes love takes a long time” isn’t a warning it’s reassurance. Love doesn’tneedtoberushed,optimized,orchasedintoexistence Itneedsroom It needs patience And sometimes, it needs you to slow down long enough to rememberwhoyouareoutsideofthesearch.
With Sunday’s Super Bowl coming up, the question of what to serve is on many minds acrossthecountry So haveyoudecided? If you live on the East Coast or in the Midwest, where Arctic temperatures have invaded, you may be craving something hearty somethingthatstickstotheribsand feels both filling and satisfying Forget the snacky stuff that simply piles on the pounds whilebarelytouchingthehunger.Youdevour chipsanddip,onlytowindupwithafullplate offoodlateranyway
Why not start with a solid, comforting meal and then finish with a nice dessert to top it off?
While reading the Sunday edition of The New York Times, I came across what I thought was the perfect dish for Super Bowl Sunday: easy to prepare and incredibly delicious It’s a Jamaican curry chicken cooked in a pressure cooker using boneless chicken thighs It doesn’t get much better thanthat here’s something almost elegant about the whole Scotch bonnet pepper, which gently perfumes the dish without overwhelming it On the other hand, if you ’ re looking for a spiciercurry, simplycookthe chile and stirit into the sauce to release its fiery magic, seasoning to taste The filling potatoes emergesoftandcreamy,naturallythickening the golden gravy Serve it over rice or alongsidesolidcornbread
I’vealreadymadethisformyfamilyandgota unanimous thumbs-up from the Evans familyoffive Imadeafewpersonaltweaks just because that’swhat I do Enjoy, and may thebestteamwin!
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, cut into thin matchsticks
1½ poundsYukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inchpieces
1¼cupschickenstock
2freshthymesprigs
1Scotchbonnetchile
Cookedrice,forserving
Instructions
Step1
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoonsofthecurrypowder Setaside
Step2
Set the pressure cooker to sauté Melt the coconut oil, then add the onion, bell pepper, garlic,andginger Seasonwithsaltandpepper and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, fragrant, and softened, about 8 to 10 minutes Add the remaining 1 teaspoon curry powder and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toastthespices
Step3
Add the potatoes, stock, and thyme, and seasonwithsaltandpepper Stirinthechicken andplacetheScotchbonnetontop.Cover,set the steam valve to the sealed position, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes Release thepressuremanually.
Step4
Carefully remove the Scotch bonnet If desired, mince a small amount of the tender flesh and stir it into the curry for extra heat. Stir well to encourage the potato starch to thicken the sauce.Taste and adjust seasoningwith salt and pepper.Serveoverrice.
StorageTip
Got leftovers? Freeze them. Transfer the curry to a large heatproof bowl and let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or run the container under warm tap water until the curry releases Transfer to a saucepan, cover, and heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Do not overheatorrecook.
FASHION..Today,Tomorrow&Everyday!
C L BLACKBURN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Vogue has always been the trendsetter in the magazine world every magazine wanted to beVogue Rememberthe scene from"The DevilWears Prada"where Miranda Priestly says to Andy, “Everybody wants to be us”? Priceless She was referringtoRUNWAY,thefictionalstand-inforVogue,which,inmanyways,still holdsthatpositiontoday
Thatsaid,themodernfashionindustryisnolongerburdenedbytheneedtofall inline Designersnowcreatetheirownlanes,andifyouwanttojointhem,sobeit The standard hasn’t disappeared it has simplyevolved. In today’s digitalworld, platforms allow creators to bypass the “ powers that be,” making fashion more accessibleandimmediatethanever Thatshiftisatruegame-changer
Fashion has kept pacewith technology Youwant it now?You’ve got it Gone are thedaysofrigidseasonaldropsgivngroomtospanthelooksbeforeyouinvestin a new wardrobe.Designers now unveil new looks year-round, with collections landinginstoresandonlineweekly Fromhandbagsandshoestoeveninggowns, denim, and the latest headwear, and shades it’s all in constant motion-rotating Shopthelooksandpullyourownlookoutoftherounds. Sothisweek,CNWissharingafewstandoutpicksthatmadethecut
