Amazon is expected to capture nearly half of all U.S. online sales this year. According to the market research company eMarketer, sales for Amazon are expected to grow by over 20% this year, amounting to $282.52 billion. That’s approximately 47% of American online expenditures and 5% of the U.S. retail market.

A new feature from Vox traces the birth of Amazon Prime, the hugely popular membership program. Thanks to increasing customer loyalty, Amazon is now worth an incredible $900 billion. For reference, eBay is worth a mere $30 billion.

With each passing year, more and more people take their shopping online. Every year, about 2 billion t-shirts are sold around the world, and on Amazon you can find more than 300,000 individual listings for t-shirts. Amazon has capitalized on this trend better than any other company, putting major stress on traditional retailers. This trend isn’t likely to change anytime soon, either.

Cindy Liu, eMarketer’s forecasting analyst, says that Amazon’s growth has slowed but that it still outpaces the e-commerce sector as a whole. Considering e-commerce retail spending was predicted to double between 2016 and 2020, it’s fair to say Amazon has the lion’s share. Amazon is expected to continue to expand sectors that have high growth potential including pharmacy and grocery.

Amazon ships up to 1.6 million packages a day. That number will continue to climb as Amazon grows, and the retail giant recently announced it will now be lessening its environmental impact. Amazon said the company plans to make all its shipments net zero carbon with a 50% achievement goal by 2030.

“With improvements in electric vehicles, aviation biofuels, reusable packaging, and renewable energy, for the first time we can now see a path to net zero carbon delivery of shipments to customers,” said Dave Clark, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide operations.

There are currently 500,000 reefer trailers operating on U.S. roads, and there were approximately 24,142,000 general aviation flight hours logged in 2015 alone.

“It won’t be easy to achieve this goal,” said Clark, “but it’s worth being focused and stubborn on this vision and we’re committed to seeing it through.”

But that’s not Amazon’s only goal. Clark says the company also has a long-term goal to power its global infrastructure using 100% renewable energy.

Forbes has also reported that Amazon will require consumer products manufacturers to change their packaging to make it greener. Brands that comply early will be rewarded with a credit of $1 per item shipped. After August 1, brands that are non-compliant will have a surcharge of $1.99 per item.

Amazon has already started shipping its items in lightweight plastic mailers rather than boxes. Using the mailers rather than cardboard boxes produces fewer greenhouse gases. For even further innovation, solar panels may also be an apt consideration. Following in the footsteps of North Carolina, the nation’s second-leading state in solar panel installation, may be the greenest option of all.

The goal of the mailers is to fit more items in Amazon’s trucks and planes, and also to make the items more secure. Unsecured truck cargo was the cause of 200,000 car accidents over the course of a four-year study by AAA.

Some recycling centers have complained that the mailers often jam their machinery. Amazon has yet to determine how to fix this issue.

Although Amazon plans to make its major green changes by 2030, environmentalists are urging the retail giant to act immediately. This is because drastic measures are necessary to curb human-made carbon emissions within 12 years to mitigate the effects of global warming.

A group of Amazon shareholders and employees filed a resolution in 2018 that would require the company to share its plans for going green.

“I think an effective plan will include dates and milestones,” Emily Cunningham, an Amazon employee who signed the resolution. “To me, climate change is the issue of our lifetime. And we want to make sure they understand it’s that important.”

eMarketer predicts that the percentage share for the top 10 U.S. online retail companies will be as follows: Amazon (47%), eBay (6.1%), Walmart (4.6%), Apple (3.8%), Home Depot (1.7%), Costco (1.3%), Wayfair (1.3%), Quadrate Retail Group (1.3%), Best Buy (1.3%), and Macy’s (1.2%).

A new study performed by the American Cancer Society has found that rates of prostate cancer have begun to stabilize throughout the globe. As the third-most common form of cancer in the United States, this health concern has been among the top health issues witnessed throughout the country.

According to this new study, however, some countries have seen a decline in the numbers of this diagnoses with the United States witnessing the largest decrease in prostate cancer rates.

The study tested the long term and short term data submitted by 44 countries who provided incidence data, while 71 countries submitted data pertaining to cancer deaths. The study took place between 1980 and 2012.

So far, it’s estimated that 37 million Americans throughout the United States will suffer from an enlarged prostate at some point in their lives, but only some of these health issues will result in a cancer diagnosis. However, the data has proven otherwise.

“Previous studies have indicated significant variation in prostate cancer rates, due to factors including detection practices, availability of treatment, and genetic factors,” explains ACS scientist and study director, MaryBeth Freeman.

“By comparing rates from different countries, we can assess differences in detection practices and improvements in treatment.”

The decrease in diagnoses is, in part, due to the decline in false positives made from an innovative blood test released in 1994. Though this led to a decrease in the number of deaths among older men who were tested, it also created a surge in incorrect diagnoses, increasing the fear of this condition among middle-aged men.

In fact, many forms of prostate cancer are slow-growing and unlikely to pose a significant health risk. This includes those who are actually diagnosed with this form of cancer. This is one of the many reasons most men aren’t required to get a prostate cancer screening until retirement, around the age of 63. After the age of 70, US Preventive Services Task Force even discourages taking the test in the first place as of 2018.

It was within the last five years that witnessed the greatest drop in prostate cancer diagnoses. This roughly correlates with the Preventive Services Task Force recommendation, who began to advise against the PSA test in 2012.

However, there are further technological advances that are attributed to the global decline of this disease.

In China, medical doctors and urologists have been able to formulate a 3D prostate treatment method. This treatment helps those with prostate cancer, but it also treats benign prostatic hyperplasia and other prostate issues. It has been found that this form of 3D treatment has a 95% effectiveness rating.

Unfortunately, only Chinese urologist Dr. Song is able to perform this innovative treatment. But as technology advances, the future for those diagnosed with prostate issues is looking a little brighter.

Chicago might not seem as flashy as San Fransisco or New York City, but this diverse city is ripe with opportunities for young professionals.

This is the perfect location for renters and homeowners alike. With 44% of Chicago residents renting their homes, this affordable housing market has become a huge draw for recent college graduates and families alike. And if you’re a baseball fan, you’ll be pleased to know that softball was actually invented in Chicago in 1887.

If you’re one of the many people looking to move to Chicago this year, consider these three reasons to wind up in the windy city.

The ample diversity

Chicago is a place with rich cultural opportunities. Because this thriving city bustles with tourists, cultural districts, and creative locations designed to inspire a diverse array of people.

This gives growing children an appreciation for other cultures and a desire to learn new languages. The city of Chicago is full of life and opportunities compared to a sheltered life in the suburbs. Even yoga practitioners have started establishing new businesses in this area. It’s estimated that 50% of yogis give back to their community.

The growing job market

Just like the diverse population residing within the city, Chicago also has a diverse job market. In fact, Chicago has become a recent hub for many jobs, including publishing, finance, food processing, manufacturing, and more.

This flourishing job market is, in part, thanks to the lowering crime rates. The number of shootings has decreased by over 30% in the last two years alone, making this a safer place to live and work.

Great public transit

Chicago is also easy to navigate in terms of walkability and public transit. Many people don’t even need to buy a car in order to get to work or get to the grocery store. Take a ride on the famous L train to visit some of the numerous museums or hail a taxi to hop on one of the countless highways in the area.

Moving to Chicago has become a growing trend among Millennials, and for good reason. Along with accessibility and an improving housing market, Chicago has truly become a hub for creativity and business. That 6% commission to your realtor will feel much sweeter once you’re in your new Chicago home.  After all, Chicago landlords are required by law to give 48-hours notice before they enter your apartment. When you want to move to a city where the resident is put first, think about moving to Chicago.

One of the most controversial actions taken by President Trump’s administration, migrant family separation at the United States-Mexico border, continues to have lasting, traumatic effects on hundreds of families. Despite public outcry, families have continued to be separated, with more than 200 migrant children having been taken from their families since the policy was officially rescinded.

By The Numbers

While the exact number of migrant children separated from their families at the border since Trump took office remains hard to determine exactly, estimates suggest that the policy has affected at least 2,800 children. These children have been held in detention centers throughout the country, with most being held in major cities. While it is possible for anyone over the age of 16 to set up power of attorney, many of these children do not speak English, are unaware of their legal rights, or simply are too young to make sense of the legal system.

Taking Responsibility

While courts have ruled that the Trump administration must take responsibility for the damage the family separation policy has caused, it remains to be seen what the Trump administration will do about reuniting separated families. So far, no single plan or policy has been established to reunite all families, but with increasing pressure from all sides, it’s possible a policy will be implemented in the future.

Continued Struggles For Migrants

As separation at the border slows, many migrants already living in the United States will continue to face issues as a result of Trump’s various immigration policies. Plans for family reunification remain uncertain, leaving many minors in a legal limbo. Until an established policy is planned to address this humanitarian crisis, many families will remain separated with no answers on when they will be reunited with their loved ones again.

Additionally, general anti-immigrant sentiments throughout the nation continue to make life difficult for those living in the country legally. ICE detentions continue to increase, as they have consistently since Trump took office. In addition to the increased number of ICE detainees with a clean record under the Trump administration, data also shows that 18% of the 44,435 individuals detained by ICE had resided continuously in the U.S. for ten years or more, and that one out of four had been in the country for at least five years.

In the aftermath of Trump’s family separation policy, many families are still in limbo. Unfortunately, it’s still uncertain what will happen for these migrant families.

At any given time, up to 66% of Americans are “on a diet.” For years, we’ve been told that there’s no magic weight loss solution — and that if we’re looking to target specific body parts for weight loss, that we’re totally out of luck. Even dancing, which can boosts metabolism and burns up to 400 calories in just 30 minutes (or an hour of squash, which burns between 600 and 1000 calories), isn’t a do-it-all workout solution. But a recent study has revealed that there’s a specific workout routine that might allow you to lose fat in one of the most popular “problem areas.” You’ll just need to commit to a different kind of fitness regime if you want to see results.

In general, staying active is an essential part of weight loss and maintenance. Unfortunately, less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, with only one in three receiving the recommended amount of physical activity each week. Although many of us are leading more sedentary lives these days, 30% of adults who exercise on a daily basis say they get their fitness on by walking. As it turns out, that might not be doing quite enough to make a difference. New research shows that HIIT — or high-intensity interval training — might be a lot more effective for muscle development and weight loss, particularly in terms of abdominal fat loss. Although steady, moderate intensity workouts can still allow you to lose weight, the study found that HIIT participants actually lost 28.5% more weight than those who followed a more traditional workout program.

That might be due to the uniquely iconic features of HIIT. These types of workouts are characterized by short bursts of intensive cardio activities followed by a few minutes of rest. According to researchers, the HIIT workouts involved four to eight high-intensity intervals of one minute in length followed by three to five minutes of rest. The group following the other plan simply did 30 minutes of moderate exercise per session. Over 12 weeks, both groups participated in three sessions each week. By the time the study had concluded, the HIIT participants had lost four more pounds of body fat on average, compared to those in the moderate intensity group. HIIT subjects also decreased their waistlines by about an inch and actually gained 1.5 pounds of lean muscle on average.

Since more than 90% of women and 10% of men experience dimply thighs at some point during their lives, the idea that HIIT could help to get you in shape by summertime might be very welcome news indeed. It’s also very promising for people who have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as abdominal fat can increase the risk of heart problem development.

As study lead author, Yaoshan Dun, explained in a statement: “A considerable amount of research on HIIT has been done in athletes to demonstrate its ability to improve total exercise capacity and sports performance. Scientists and clinicians are just beginning to recognize the power that HIIT may have in clinical populations to prevent a second heart attack in patients who’ve already had one.”

Of course, you can benefit from a HIIT workout even if you have no heart attack risk factors. While it’s certainly not a magic pill that will allow you to stay on the couch all day and eat junk food, it seems like a much more effective and potentially enjoyable way to work out than slogging through a half hour on the treadmill every day. Experts recommend that if you want to try this type of high-intensity workout at home that you slowly incorporate the most common elements (like burpees, squat jumps, and other moves) into your routine to allow your body to adjust.

Now that spring is nearly here, many renters and homeowners may be thinking ahead to embracing some new digs. In fact, 33% of renters move each year — which means that if your lease is ending soon, you might want to start making plans. Moving day itself is always stressful, particularly if you’re doing the DIY route. But even if you’ve hired professional help, things can still go awry. That’s especially true if you haven’t protected your possessions the way you should. Unfortunately, you could find out the hard way that inadequate preparation could result in irreparable damage. To avoid that scenario, here are some essential moving tips to keep in mind so that your belongings will make it to your new home safe and sound.

Clean Your Furniture First

Roughly 91% of sofa buyers say quality and durability are very important when making this furniture purchase. But your couch, chairs, and other large decor items won’t last for long if you don’t clean them properly prior to moving. That’s because even small pieces of dirt and debris could damage your upholstery or wood furniture when it’s being loaded into a truck and transported to your new house. Make sure to give your furniture a good once-over with a dust cloth or a hand-held vacuum, especially if it’s been stored in an attic, garage, or basement. Not only can this protect your furniture from damage, but it can also keep you from dragging dirt into your new space.

Measure and Disassemble

It’s a good rule of thumb to disassemble whatever furniture you can before you try to move it. This will allow you to lighten the load and avoid the possibility of damaging these pieces on the way out. While you don’t need to completely take everything apart (since you’ll probably risk losing smaller components along the way), this can definitely help to make this process more manageable. If there are pieces that really can’t be disassembled, make sure to measure these pieces and your doorways carefully. That goes for the entryways and exits both at your existing home and your new property. This can help you to develop a comprehensive plan of action for those items that will otherwise prove tricky.

Use Protective Materials

Of course, you can’t expect to move your furniture safely without covering it with padding, wrapping, and other materials. Bubble wrap, plastic sheeting, furniture pads, thick blankets, and other materials can be used to ensure your items don’t become damage during loading, transport, or unloading. Keep in mind that if you decide to hire movers, they may be able to supply you with some of these items. If you go the DIY route, however, you’ll have to source them yourself. Don’t assume that telling someone to “be careful” with a particular piece will mean your items will be safe from damage. That’s especially true with antiques or older pieces that may not be in the best shape. When in doubt, err on the side of overprotecting rather than under-protecting.

Take an Inventory

You should make a habit of taking a moving inventory well in advance of the big day so that you can keep track of things that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle. If you happen to misplace some valuables, this can be particularly distressing. It’s a good idea to write down an inventory and take photos of your belongings prior to your move and take note of corresponding box numbers, condition, and moving details. This can help you to retain proof of ownership and can allow your move to go more smoothly. There are even apps that can help you sort out all the details. Although it might seem like just another unnecessary task to do before moving day, it’s one that can provide you with major peace of mind.

Don’t Share Information

When it comes to protecting your property, you should always be cautious. You might be really excited about your upcoming move or might be hoping to enlist the help of friends or family on the day… but resist the urge to post about it on social media. Contact people on an individual basis if you require recommendations or assistance rather than allowing the whole of the internet to know exactly when you’re moving. Otherwise, a vacant home could be targeted for vandalism or you might risk having items stolen if you’re not moving everything at once. To that end, you should also label boxes by number or by room, rather than labeling by their contents. A criminal who sees the word “jewelry” in big bold letters written on a yet-to-be-loaded box won’t think twice about snagging your belongings for themselves. The less information you share with the general public, the more inherent protection you’ll have.

Even with all your efforts, it’s still possible that one of your possessions could still be damaged on moving day due to carelessness or a breakdown in communication. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be in a much better position to safeguard your stuff and to benefit from a smooth move.

Low-income areas are more likely to lack Internet access, new data shows. According to a recent study from the City of Seattle, Americans living in low-income communities are five to seven times more likely than working-class households to not have access to the Internet.

Researchers found that approximately 99% of U.S. households that make $50,000 or more a year have adequate Internet access. But that percentage dropped to 79% for households making $25,000 or less annually.

Up to 57% of participants without Internet access said Internet service was too expensive. Another 34% said Internet service was too slow, frustrating, or doesn’t work well. And, finally, 26% said their service plans from Internet providers were too confusing to keep.

“We know that access to technology is a race and social justice issue,” said Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan. “We must strive to make sure that our communities have access to high-speed Internet and the skills they need to compete in our constantly-connected world.”

Nine out of every 10 American adults use the Internet, according to the Pew Research Center, and the average U.S. customer spends $1,800 a year on e-commerce transactions. But the Internet is used for more than just shopping.

The top two Internet activities may be search and email, but there is also a world of education and job opportunities online.
The Internet streamlines access to information and makes it easier for people to engage in online learning. Americans can access job websites and long-distance education programs that make it easier for students to attend classes remotely and cut down on the resources required for education.

What’s more, the Internet itself provides jobs for many Americans. Up to 31% of IT services have been outsourced and some 58% of businesses are worried about cyber attacks.

Without adequate Internet access, Americans living in low-income households have fewer job opportunities and education opportunities available to them. So how can we fix this issue?

Durkan suggests improving access to free public Wi-Fi at community centers, circulating Internet hotspots, and equipping tiny house villages with Internet access. Other solutions include a municipal broadband network and a state broadband office, which was recently proposed by Washington Governor Jay Inslee.

But the Internet gap isn’t just a problem for Seattle. All states in the U.S. suffer from a growing urban-rural digital divide.

One new study from the University of South Dakota and Virginia’s Old Dominion University found that rural networks have insufficient Internet coverage, capacity, and speed for basic health, safety, and quality of life.

“The most intriguing finding was, if you look at mobile coverage maps, providers would say the entire state is covered,” said Bob McNab, lead author of the study and director of Old Dominion’s Center for Economic Analysis and Policy. “But what we found was the facts on the ground are dramatically different for rural consumers compared with urban consumers.”

Bringing high-speed Internet to every area in the state is a national issue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently set up a $600 million grant and loan programs for Internet service providers. The grant is meant to encourage providers to service rural areas and other spots where the Internet can be more expensive.

Updated 8/20/20

The construction equipment industry is projected to increase 12% over a 10-year period from 2016 to 2026. This sector is responsible for constructing everything from small residential properties to multimillion-dollar skyscrapers. Though these construction professionals are very knowledgable about the industry as a whole, they need to regularly stay up-to-date with various building codes.

Office buildings, for instances, require much different building codes than if they were being used as a residential property. Building codes are a set of rules that specify the standards for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. The main purpose of these codes are to protect public health, safety, and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of each structure.

But do you know how to fix building code violations? Odds are, you probably don’t. As such, relying on commercial builders is the best way to go about erecting a new office or industrial structure. They know how to look up building codes and negotiate with permit expediters to get the materials you need for the office you want.

But these experts are also vital for home residences. Residential building code violations are common since homeowners don’t realize that they’re breaking the law when they install that new deck. Relying on the pros could save you from wasting your time and effort.

According to Chicago Business, for the first time in 70 years, Chicago is getting its first new building codes.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel will introduce a major building code revision calling for new naming standards, material flexibility, sustainability measures, and much more that will likely revolutionize the way construction is handled throughout Chicago.

The new building codes will pave the way for utilizing cost-efficient construction materials and innovative technologies. Thinks like potting compound shrinkage (as much as 2.3% in the case of epoxy) must be considered.

“Being a world-class city and attracting the talent and businesses that see our economy growing requires that Chicago is at the top of national standards from the ground up,” said Mayor Emanuel in response to the new 2019 Chicago building code update.

The Mayor and the Department of Building’s proposal will require sprinkler systems in new apartment buildings with four or more units, hotels, event spaces holding more than 300 people, and office buildings over 70 feet tall. Additionally, the updated codes will provide the following benefits to Chicago:

• Adopt specific, up-to-date requirements for a wide range of building materials such as walls, roofs and other construction that will provide guidelines and standards that are lacking in Chicago’s existing code.
• Adopt the International Building Code’s terminology and classification systems for construction types and building occupancies, allowing Chicago builders and architects to easily adhere to the city’s code requirements.
• Encourage new development by allowing structures (with sprinkler systems) to have greater height, number of stores, and floor area per construction type. Fires are a huge risk and the new 2019 Chicago building codes are designed to deal with them.
• Promote energy efficiency and sustainability by making it easier to construct green buildings. Bamboo flooring, for instance, is a popular flooring option when it comes to sustainability due to its ability to grow to maturity in as little as three to five years.
• Improve public safety in the event of a natural disaster through seismic design requirements for critical establishments such as fire stations, hospitals, and taller facilities.
• Allow for cost-effective construction plans for single-family homes by implementing risk-based structural design requirements, meaning a two-story single-family home will not need to meet the same building requirements as 15-story buildings. With the average new mortgage balance being $244,000, any cost-saving measures are sure to be appreciated by homebuyers.
• Encourage preservation of Chicago’s existing buildings, including historic structures, by providing more flexibility and options for remodeling work. Additionally, this will bring down the cost of projects like the adaptive re-use of schools, retail buildings, and many of the city’s vacant buildings.
• Create greater opportunities for converting existing attics and basements into livable spaces without costly alterations. Minimum ceiling heights will be reduced, as well as introducing more options to meet light and ventilation requirements.

“From the beginning of this monumental effort we’ve led a consensus-based approach and worked together with a wide variety of stakeholders to better align Chicago’s building code with model codes and standards,” added Judy Frydland, Building Commissioner. “This accomplishment would not have been possible if not for the time and resources that were volunteered by so many within Chicago’s design, construction and development communities.”

Since you’re already going to invest in maintenance and repairs to get your building up to code in light of the 2019 Chicago building code update, now is also the perfect opportunity to upgrade the space in other ways. Studies have shown that the presence of natural sunlight can boost employee productivity while an open layout can promote collaboration. While some businesses might struggle to update their offices in the midst of the new 2019 Chicago building code announcement, looking at it as an opportunity will keep your employees safer and happier.

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The $500 million Obama Presidential Center is on thin ice now that federal judge John Robert Blakey has allowed the lawsuit against the City of Chicago to continue.

The advocacy group Protect Our Parks first sued Chicago in May of 2018. This came after the Obama Foundation and the University of Chicago unveiled plans to build a library and museum in honor of the former president.

Protect Our Parks and other environmental advocates were appalled that the plan would carve out more than 20 acres of land from Jackson Park, thereby violating the public trust doctrine.

The public trust doctrine governs a variety of environmental concerns, including anything from beach access to wildlife conservation. The main argument posited by Protect Our Parks is that this construction would inhibit the public’s claim over Jackson Park.

“For environmentalists and preservationists who view private ownership as a source of the degradation of our natural and historical resources, the public trust doctrine holds out the hope of salvation through what amounts to a judicially enforced inalienability rule that locks resources into public ownership,” notes an article hashing out the dispute in The University of Chicago Law Review.

Supporters for the Obama Presidential Center had hoped that the judge would dismiss the legal battle between the two parties. However, Blakey only dismissed some of the claims within the plaintiff’s argument, instead allowing the lawsuit to continue.

Among those claims dismissed included allegations of environmental damage to the park. Claims that the taxpayers would take the brunt of burden regarding construction were also dismissed. After all, the Obama Foundation bought the land for only $10 for its use over the next 99 years.

“They are essentially giving [property] to Obama […] for 10 cents a year for 99 years,” claims park advocacy lawyer Mark Roth.

Income taxes account for almost 50% of federal revenue, but city lawyers agreed that the City of Chicago would front the $175 million needed to change roads around the center.

As of now, the center accommodates the museum, along with a number of surrounding buildings, including a 300-seat auditorium. It’s essential that they build with care; for example, if they opt for pier and beam foundation, the beams need to measure 12 feet apart at most.

On the other side of the battle, city lawyers and supporters for the project claim that it could bring much-needed revenue into the city.

Not only would it create more than 5,000 temporary jobs in construction, but it would also create 2,500 permanent jobs and bring in an estimated 760,000 visitors each year after it opens.

Though the building is scheduled to open in 2021, the setbacks offered by the advocacy group has halted the project from breaking ground.

Judge Blakey has expedited the process, putting an expiration date on the lawsuit.