Wednesday, October 28
$5 Million Settlement With Community Health Systems For Data Breach
Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently announced a $5 million settlement with Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS) resulting from a 2014 data breach that impacted approximately 6.1 million patients nationwide.
ADVOCACY SPURS POLITICAL ACTION
Ibie Hart realized she was interested in politics while in law school at Loyola. She wanted to advocate for Black and brown children in the education system, so she got into the education law program, focusing on education reform policy, as well as school discipline laws and guidelines.
“Every Child Ready Chicago” Initiative Helps Children To Succeed
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently announced the launch of Every Child Ready Chicago, a public-private partnership led by the city of Chicago in partnership with Start Early (formerly the Ounce of Prevention Fund).
Triple Negative Breast Cancer: What Black Women Need To Know
Anyone can get triple-negative breast cancer, however, African-American women are more likely to develop breast cancer at a younger age (under 50) and often have a more aggressive form of the disease called triple-negative breast cancer
GET OUT AND VOTE!
Political Endorsements: National and Local Races
Voting has always been important, but this year, voting is VERY IMPORTANT. Participating in the Democratic process is how you get your voices heard. The ramifications of the Nov. 3 election will reverberate for years, if not decades to come. Of course, the presidential election is important across the nation, but there are down ballot races that locally need attention as well.
Three Things Travelers Should Know About COVID-19 Testing and Travel Insurance
Some airlines and airports now offer rapid COVID-19 testing to accommodate travelers required to show a negative test at their destination. But what happens if a traveler tests positive before a trip? Travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, breaks down three things travelers need to know about COVID-19 testing and travel insurance.
SHRM Research Shows Employers Offering Paid Leave Has Increased
A voluntary, comprehensive, and uniform federal paid leave framework is necessary to meet the needs of a modern, 21st century workplace, SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) recently wrote in a response to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau Request for Information on paid leave.
Women’s Health And Men’s Health Announce Nationwide Virtual Turkey Trot To Benefit Feeding America
Women’s Health and Men’s Health, the most established wellness media brands published across six continents, recently announced a new nationwide virtual 5K event to raise funds and awareness for hunger relief in America.
InForm Press Announces Release of “Out of the Shadows: The Henson Festivals and Their Impact on Contemporary Puppet Theater”
What is the first name that comes to mind when you hear the word puppet? Likely, it is Jim Henson. Many books and thousands of pages have been written about the beloved American icon’s life and work. Out of the Shadows is the first to focus solely on his love of, and impact on, puppetry as a vital contemporary art form, an important and previously unexplored aspect of the Henson legacy.
CUB to Consumers Struggling with Their Bills: Contact Your Utility
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is urging Illinois consumers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills during the pandemic to contact their utility companies to take advantage of unprecedented consumer protections available to them.
Hilariously, Witty campaign sheds light on the arduous experiences of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer
“YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER” are words nobody wants to hear. But for women across the globe forced to accept this harsh reality, what happens following the diagnosis is what shapes the burdensome journey.
Goodwill Receives SNAP E&T National Partnership Grant From USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that Goodwill Industries International, the largest nonprofit workforce provider in North America, is one of four national nonprofits that will receive a new grant to strengthen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training programs (SNAP E&T).
Currency Exchange Café offers a ‘RETREAT’ for artists
The Currency Exchange Café, located at 305 E. Garfield Blvd., is now a place where artists can develop their work. ‘RETREAT’ is an artist-led activation from Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation, in conjunction with Dorchester Industries. It is an extension of Gates’ Black Artists Retreat and will include events, program and artists residencies.
New Email Service for those Seeking to Restore Driving Privileges
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recently announced that a new email service is available to members of the public who need information on reinstating driving privileges, obtaining driving relief or scheduling an administrative hearing.
CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 4TH DISTRICT COMMANDER TALKS ABOUT POLICING
Chicago Police Department Commander Robert Rubio was assigned to the 4th District, which covers the South Chicago community, in late January. Rubio has been in the Chicago Police Department for 26 years.
Legislation introduced to Protect Black Women and Girls
The Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls was established in 2016, with the mission to advance issues and legislation focused on women and girls of African descent. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, D. Dist. 2, is a co-chair of the caucus.
South Side Community Collaborates on a Plan for Health Equity
With the national spotlight on social justice, three South Side healthcare providers, St. Bernard Hospital, Advocate Trinity Hospital and University of Chicago Medicine, along with community leaders, faith leaders, and a number of federally-qualified health centers have joined forces to bring attention to the glaring healthcare disparities that exist on the South Side of Chicago. They’re hopeful that their new community-driven South Side Health Transformation Project will persuade the Illinois General Assembly to award them a sizeable share of $150 million that are available for healthcare transformation in Illinois communities facing the most severe health outcomes, healthcare access, quality, and equity challenges.
CO-FOUNDER OF CHIGIVESBACK WANTS TO INSPIRE OTHERS
Sandi Robinson, co-founder of Chi- GivesBack, knows the importance of raising funds to provide resources. She also knows the importance of having a good team to support you in your endeavors.
Wednesday, October 21
NEW INITIATIVE SEEKS TO MAKE RECOVERY EQUITABLE
Chicago Community Trust has announced a new initiative which is meant to assist those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 recover through equitable and just means.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER HELPS RETURNING CITIZENS
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart launched the Community Resource Center to provide resources to returning citizens who have been released from custody.
$7.1M grant to review opioid alternatives to treating sickle cell disease pain
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago will lead a $7.1 million, five-year national study to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture and guided relaxation for people with chronic pain from sickle cell disease, or SCD.
Trustee announces run for Mayor of Dolton
Tiffany Henyard, a senior Village of Dolton Trustee, grew up in the village and has served on the board since 2013. Now, Henyard is running for Mayor of Dolton
Illinois Gaming Board Expected to Meet In The Coming Days To Grant a Southland Town A Gaming License
Village Of Matteson Primed And Ready For Stretch Drive Of Pursuit Of Southland Gaming License
Sheila Chalmers-Currin- Village President of Matteson, IL and the Matteson Village Board of Trustees are expressing joy concerning the monumental improvements made to the town as they prepares to present their case to the Illinois Gaming Board in hopes of landing the South Suburban Cook Gaming license. The Illinois Gaming Board is expected to meet soon to select a southland town to granted an Illinois Gaming License.
LOCAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO STAY “WELL” WHILE WORKING REMOTELY
Working remotely during COVID-19 can come with its own set of challenges when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. With some not physically returning to the office until 2021, there are ways to make sure that you are using positive mental health strategies during uncertain times.
CityXones finds your early voting place wherever you are
comCityXones, LLC, a software company that provides hyperlocal and community information has launched an easy online early voting product. It uses your real-time location, anywhere in Cook County, to let you immediately find a polling place or official ballot drop-off location near you at any time. Now, you don’t need to plan to vote early. You can vote whenever it is convenient for you by simply using the CityXones tool on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
New Skilled Trades in America Report Highlights Significant Job Opportunity
HomeAdvisor, a leading digital marketplace evolving the way homeowners connect with service professionals to complete home projects, recently released Skilled Trades in America, a report that examines America’s home service professionals and identifies the ways in which the industry can strengthen, grow, and diversify its labor force.
New Research Indicates Racial Justice is Top Factor Motivating Young Voters of Color
The national survey of 1,915 eligible Black, Latinx, Native and Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) voters ages 18-24 years old, found that young people of color were best motivated to vote with bold messages centering on the issues they care most about: racism and systemic inequality.
Teacher Publishes Children’s Book That Aims to Normalize Greatness in the Black Community
The need for diverse literature inspired Clamentia Hall Jr. to publish a book that encourages self-worth and self-assurance by highlighting the potential that lies within boys of color. As an under-represented community within the world of children’s literature, boys with brown skin deserve to see themselves in the books they read.
NAACP Announce A Long-Term Partnership To Deploy Over Four Million Dollars In Grants And Resources Through The Black-Owned Business Center
As part of a continued commitment to uplift New Majority-owned small businesses across the United States, Hello Alice has joined forces with the NAACP to create the Black-owned Business Center to ensure the growth and advancement of small business owners.
BMO Harris Bank Launches Community Impact Webinar Series
BMO Harris Bank recently announced the launch of its new Community Impact Webinar Series. The ongoing series will serve as a free resource for members in the community to obtain important information on key financial topics.
Illinois Department of Public Health Issues COVID-19 Halloween Festivities Guidance
As we head into the holiday season, starting with Halloween, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing guidance to help people celebrate safely as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines include following the 3 W’s – Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear your mask.
ORGANIZATION HOSTS VIRTUAL EVENTS TO SUPPORT THOSE WITH BREAST CANCER
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are individuals with breast cancer who still need a support system during COVID-19 where meeting in person can be a challenge. To continue to support those who need it, Gilda’s Club Chicago has created virtual programming.
Wednesday, October 14
Hospitals Hit Setbacks on Road to Recovery
August was a challenging month for hospitals nationwide as margins declined across the board, reflecting continued volatility in the sixth month of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Kaufman Hall September National Hospital Flash Report.
Give Blck: New Database Connects Donors to Black Nonprofits
Give Blck, a new digital platform that raises visibility for Black-founded nonprofits across America, launched recently. The tool helps donors easily identify these organizations in order to drive more dollars to underfunded causes and help solve racial disparities in philanthropic funding.
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.® DOES IT AGAIN AND RAISES $1 MILLION IN SUPPORT OF HBCUS
For the third consecutive year, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® has successfully raised $1 million in 24 hours for the benefit of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
United We Rise Works To Collectively End The HIV Epidemic For Every(Black)Body
United We Rise (UWR) recently launched nationally with the goal to unite and mobilize a collective force to end the HIV epidemic and uplift the quality of life for Black people. This new national effort is a pioneering collaboration of over 30 groups brought together by three organizations–National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition (NBGMAC), National Black Women’s HIV/AIDS Network (the Network), and the Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC). Together, these groups and their UWR partner organizations are working to build a Black-led, intersectional initiative that ends HIV, while fighting for a just response to COVID-19. The work of UWR is also grounded in the dismantling of racism that permeates Black life.
Kapor Foundation Gives $1 Million In Grant Funding To Social Justice Organizations
Kapor Foundation is giving $1 million in grant funding to national civil rights and local grassroots organizations focused on voter education and engagement, voter and election protection, and building political power within Black and Brown communities
NOTICE FROM COOK COUNTY ASSESSOR FRITZ KAEGI
This issue of the Suburban Times Weekly contains a 112-page supplement of the Real Estate Assessment List for Bloom Township. The listing contains Property Index Numbers, street names, addresses and the proposed, assessment values recently mailed to Bloom Township taxpayers. Our office is dedicated to increasing ethics, fairness and transparency in our work. As your Cook County Assessor, I hope you find this information helpful.
Survey Highlights Challenges for Post-9/11 Wounded Veterans During Pandemic
One-third of post-9/11 wounded veterans who responded to a recent Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) survey noted they have or expect to run out of money due to the COVID-19 pandemic
African American State & Local Government Employees Have Higher Concerns About Health and Financial Risks of COVID-19
A national poll of state and local employees finds that African American workers are more concerned than their colleagues about the potential health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Thirty-nine percent of African American state and local employees are worried about contracting the coronavirus at work as compared to 22 percent of all other survey respondents. Twenty-one percent of African American workers are concerned about a reduction in pay, which is nearly twice the level of other state and local employees (11 percent).
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL RECEIVES 2020 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON RECOGNITION
Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center, located at 8101 S. LaSalle, was named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School. It is the first time Lenart received this award and the West Chatham school is one of six Chicago Public Schools to receive the recognition this year.
Missguided Powerhouse Teams Up With Iconic Streetwear Brand Sean John To Drop Their First Women’s Collaboration
Global fashion brand MISSGUIDED and iconic streetwear brand SEAN JOHN have introduced SEAN JOHN X MISSGUIDED The Classics, a capsule collection for fall.
Series explores beauty standards and creates a platform for Black women
Barefoot Wine, a brand committed to inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices, brings Jordin Sparks, Ashley Everett and Melissa Butler together for We Stan for Her, a four-part web series centered around the unique beauty experience of Black women in America. In the series, which launched recently, each woman shares their personal journeys, challenges and wins that will make viewers laugh, relate and, most importantly, learn.
Relaunch of Iconic Telethon Hosted by Actor & Comedian Kevin Hart
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has announced the relaunch of their legendary Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon with Kevin Hart joining as host.
Keith E. Sonderling Sworn In As EEOC Commissioner And Vice Chair
Keith E. Sonderling was recently sworn in as Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Sonderling was nominated by President Trump on July 17, 2019, re-nominated on March 16, 2020, and was confirmed on September 22, 2020 by a Senate vote of 52-41 to serve as Commissioner, for a term expiring July 1, 2024. Sonderling was also designated by President Trump to serve as Vice Chair of the Commission. Sonderling joins Chair Janet Dhillon and Commissioners Charlotte A. Burrows and Victoria A. Lipnic on the presidentially appointed bipartisan Commission. One vacancy remains on the Commission.
State Representative to run for Mayor
Thaddeus Jones was the first African-American Alderman in Calumet City when he was elected in 1996. Now, he wants to be the first African-American mayor of the city, which is in the South Suburbs.
BLACK-LED INSURANCE COMPANY PROVIDES MEDICARE OPTION
Open enrollment lasts until Tuesday, Dec. 15. Zing Health, a doctor-founded startup insurance company, is offering Medicare Advantage HMO plans.
FATHER OF FIVE MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN COMMUNITY
Joseph Williams, husband and father of five, wanted to be a more involved father, so he started to become active at his children’s school. Williams began doing lunchroom duty and moved into reading books in the classroom. In 2017, he got the idea to start Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club, a non-profit organization which promotes literacy among children and which provides a male role model in the lives of children.
Federal Judge Certifies Class, Orders Trump Administration to Stop Denying Pandemic Relief Funds to Incarcerated Persons
On September 24, 2020, Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an Order certifying a nationwide class of people incarcerated in state and federal prisons, and granting the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction requiring the U.S. Department of Treasury, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and the United States of America (“Defendants”) to stop withholding CARES Act stimulus funds from plaintiffs or any class member on the sole basis of their incarcerated status.
TEACHER PROVIDES DESKS TO STUDENTS
Students in Bremen High School District 228 have been in school for a month and taking classes remotely due to COVID-19. Marty Coyle, industrial technology teacher at Hillcrest High School, wanted to do something for the students, so he decided to put out a call for any students who were in need of desks.
Thursday, October 8
Reimagining Store Design to Help Customers Better Navigate the Omni Shopping Experience
Walmart has been on a transformational journey for several years now, reimagining ways to create seamless omni shopping experiences that save our customers time and inspire them whether in-store, online or via mobile.
CHEVY HUMPHREY NAMED THE NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, CHICAGO
Following a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) announced today that Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of the Arizona Science Center, will succeed David Mosena as President and CEO of one of the largest science museums in the world. Mosena is retiring at the end of the year after 23 years leading MSI.
Wednesday, October 7
Majority of Young Adults Now Live with Parents Amid Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll across the nation, but for young adults the impact has been particularly devastating. According to a new survey by the Pew Research Center, for the first time ever, a majority of young adults between the ages of 18 to 34 now live at home with their parents.
State Regulated Utility Moratorium Extended through Winter 2021 for Eligible Customers
The Illinois Commerce Commission recently announced the moratorium on disconnections has voluntarily been extended by several state regulated utilities through the Winter 2021 for eligible low-income residential customers, and those who self-report to utilities that they are experiencing financial or COVID-19 hardship. Previously, several of the utilities had voluntarily agreed to extend the moratorium on shutoffs for residential customers until September 30, 2020.
Ben & Jerry’s Calls On Fans To March To The Polls In November
As part of Ben & Jerry’s efforts to get people to the polls in November, the ice cream company has unveiled a physical and virtual art installation based on civil rights icon John Lewis’ autobiographical graphic novel trilogy, MARCH.
U.S. House Of Representatives Applauded For Passing The Crown Act
The CROWN Coalition, a national alliance founded by Dove, National Urban League, Western Center on Law & Poverty and Color Of Change, along with over 70 CROWN Act supporting organizations, recently commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the CROWN Act of 2020, making the federal bill one step closer to being made into law.
GetSmarter Unveils Findings on the Future of Work with New Report
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU) brand, recently announced the results of a survey exploring the future of work, as accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Future of Work is Here” data highlights the value of continued learning as technology and automation change the workforce, details the importance of upskilling and reskilling, and emphasizes the value of soft skills.
COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION RECEIVES COMCAST GRANT
Comcast distributed $50,000 in grant money to three community-based organizations in the South Suburbs to assist in those organizations’ technological needs. New Star, in Chicago Heights, was one of the recipients of $15,000 in grant money.
New Study: College Faculty and Administrators Feel Prepared to Teach Online
U.S. higher education faculty and administrators agree that they are prepared to teach online this fall, and while questions remain, they are optimistic about the future of higher education, according to the second edition of the Digital Learning Pulse Survey, an ongoing four-part series to better understand the needs of colleges in the wake of the transformative disruption brought on by COVID-19.
COALITION ESTABLISHED TO ENSURE BLACK MEDIA IS NOT LEFT OUT
The Coalition for Black Media Equity says that Black media has been overlooked during the pandemic when it comes to support as small businesses. Calling for equity, the coalition gathered to talk about why it’s important for Black media to challenge the state of Illinois and to make sure Black media is not being left out.
COMMENTARY: Trump Brands Black U.S. Senator to Crime and Avoids Denouncing Violence
On August 18, speaking at an event at the White House, President Trump said, “The suburban voter, the suburban housewife, women and men living in the suburbs, they want security and they want safety. They don’t want to have their American dream fulfilled and then have a low-income housing process built right next to their house or in the neighborhood… That’s not part of the deal.”
Matteson unveils casino plans
Village of Matteson President Sheila Chalmers-Currin was recently joined by Rob Miller, a representative of the Choctaw Nation; Alicia Starks, of Inner City Entertainment; and Jay Beck and Robert Pooler, of Precision Golf Dome, for a presentation of projects for a casino proposal, which would be located at the former site of Lincoln Mall, if approved by the Illinois Gaming Board. Chalmers-Currin is confident the proposed casino, backed by the Choctaw Nation, will be approved by the board.
Players Coalition Urges Passage of Reparations Bill HR-40 in Partnership with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee “THE BILL HA
Players Coalition, in partnership with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, recently urged the House of Representatives to pass HR-40 in a joint press conference. The bill calls for the establishment of a commission to study reparations proposals for African Americans.
ORGANIZER ASPIRES FOR CHANGE IN COMMUNITY AND IN CONGRESSIONAL CHAMBERS
ORGANIZER ASPIRES FOR CHANGE IN COMMUNITY AND IN CONGRESSIONAL CHAMBERS
The Power of Community Collaborations & Partnerships for Achieving Diversity in Clinical Research
Barriers to participation of racially and ethnically underrepresented patients in clinical trials include: (1) mistrust, (2) fear, (3) lack of comfort with the clinical trial process, (4) lack of information about clinical trials, (5) logistical constraints such as time and out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, social and economic factors (the social determinants of health) may negatively impact patients’ willingness to participate in clinical research.
A faster, safer way to prep new patients for dialysis?
This procedure can cut the waiting time for patients needing to start.
For more than 14 years, Homer Glen resident Brent Song, 55, traded the cold, snowy Chicago winters for the tropical breezes and warm waters of Hawaii and mission work with his late wife, Elizabeth, in Mexico. Yet this year, a recent diagnoses of late-stage renal failure threatened his vacation plans to winter in a warmer climate.
RetailMeNot Confirms Holiday Season Will Start Earlier and See More Online Shopping Than Ever Before
According to a new survey from RetailMeNot, a Vericast company, this year’s unprecedented holiday season will start earlier than previous years. While many Americans’ wallets are tighter this season, 66% of consumers say they plan to spend the same amount of money or more this holiday in order to create a sense of normalcy and keep traditions alive.
Pappas: Nearly quarter million property owners must pay $1 billion in Cook County property taxes by October 1 to avoid late fees
More than 225,000 homeowners and businesspeople must pay $1 billion in Cook County property taxes by Thursday, October 1, 2020, to avoid hefty late fees, Treasurer Maria Pappas said.
Monday, October 5
First Responders Join U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly to Call for Resiliency & Suicide Prevention Resources
Chief James Black and Captain Jeff Dill joined Congresswoman Robin Kelly yesterday to mark Suicide Prevention Month and call for greater access to federal first responder resiliency and wellness resources.
Friday, October 2
4th ANNUAL ANTI-BULLYING CONFERENCE - VIRTUAL
Keeping the youth safe from bullying during the period of COVID-19 will be a featured program at this year's Anti- Bullying Virtual Conference on Saturday, Oct. 17th, from 8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. for adults and 9:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. for youth. The program will include "Current Issues in Bullying" and provide an open discussion on whether COVID-19 is increasing cyberbullying among youth.