Coronavirus in African Americans and Other People of Color
The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact all over the world, but a disturbing trend is evident in the U.S.: People of color, particularly African Americans, are experiencing more serious illness and death due to COVID-19 than white people.
EXPERT TRAVELER LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE FASHION DESIGN LINE
Karyn Pettigrew created the line, ZoeGoes, a five-piece sustainable capsule collection after a travel experience that helped her see the beauty in packing light. The minimalist, simplistic concept of the collection allows for its wearers a carry-on only option, with pieces made from wrinkle-free fabrics.
KELLY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION FOCUSED ON PROTECTING SENIORS
Congresswoman Robin Kelly has introduced a bill, H.R. 7699, Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act. The bipartisan legislation directs The Federal Trade Commission to report the number and types of scams targeting seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic to Congress.
ELECTED OFFICIALS ADDRESS CONSTITUENTS’ MAIL DELIVERY WOES
Recent reports of residents not receiving mail or packages from United States Postal Services led to elected officials hosting listening sessions, with Mack L. Julion, president of National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 11- Chicago.
57 Local Health Departments to Receive $50 Million to Hire Additional Contact Tracers, 1,600 Tracers Now Online
As the state continues to build out a robust COVID-19 testing and tracing infrastructure, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for public health organizations to assist with contact tracing efforts
Fraud Penetrating All State Unemployment Systems
IDES has uncovered and is investigating a widespread fraud scheme that is being conducted nationwide, impacting each state’s federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) programs, implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Documentary Explores High Heel Shoes
A 45-minute documentary film from two Atlanta-based independent filmmakers at DocuJourney Productions and Lola Kay Productions explores a popular fashion accessory - high heel shoes.
Durbin Speaks With FDA Commissioner About COVID-19 Vaccine Development
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) recently spoke by phone with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn about the research and approval process for COVID-19 vaccine candidates under Operation Warp Speed.
50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned and -Led Companies Honored
The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), in collaboration with American Express, recently released the 13th annual ranking of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies. The companies on this year’s 50 Fastest list span a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consulting. From January to December of 2019, the 50 Fastest generated a combined $3.8 billion in revenue and collectively employed more than 17,000 people.
Over 200 Drivers and Monitors Secure Wage and Benefit Increases
With over 95 percent of drivers and monitors voting in favor of ratification, Drivers and monitors employed by First Student of Maywood, IL have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 777. The 220 drivers and monitors provide student transportation for Maywood and Chicago Public Schools.
Camelot Illinois Announces Second Year of Grant Funding
Camelot Illinois is pleased to announce a second year of funding for non-profit organizations through the Camelot Illinois Grant Program. Over the past year, Camelot Illinois has supported the community with grants and donations totalling $241,800.
Doggone it! Vote for the new Peoples Gas Ambassadog for Safe Digging
Dogs love to dig, but people need to be reminded to call 811 to make sure that digging is safe for them, their pets, and the natural gas and other lines near their home. Peoples Gas needs your help selecting a safe digging Ambassadog in its annual Doggone it! photo contest.
Ava DuVernay builds her first primetime unscripted series for NBC
Ava DuVernay has built her first primetime unscripted series – a ten-part social experiment for NBC. The When They See Us filmmaker created Home Sweet Home and she will produce it via her production company Array Filmworks with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television.
RETAILERS PARTNER WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA TO HELP PREPARE KIDS AND TEENS FOR BACK2SCHOOL
Boys & Girls Clubs of America recently launched its 2020 Back2School cause campaign in partnership with more than a dozen retailers around the country. As millions of kids and teens are gearing up to return to school, whether virtually or in-person, the youth advocacy organization is working to ensure that all kids, especially those who are in the most need, have the same opportunities to succeed in life.
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Announces Launch of New E-filing and Case Management System
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) is rolling out a new, cloud-based electronic filing and case management system. The system, called CompFile, will allow for paperless filing and processing of court documents for workers’ compensation cases in Illinois.
Pritzker Administration Announces Over $2 million in Fines for Major Health Insurance Companies Violating Illinois Mental Health Parity Laws
The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) recently announced fines totaling over $2 million for five major health insurance companies found to be in violation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
STATE REPRESENTATIVE CONTINUES LEGACY
State Representative Marcus Evans, Jr. of the 33rd District has been in office since 2012. Evans has been working diligently for his constituents for the last eight years. His District extends from South Shore to Sauk Village
Small Business Program helps contractors involved in CTA Project
CTA has partnered with Walsh-Fluor and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago to create a Building Small Business Program that helps contractors interested in working on the Red and Purple Modernization Phase (RPM) One Project.
Clerk Dorothy Brown Adds Texting Service for Getting Next Court Dates
Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, IL, recently announced that due to the many changes in court dates, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recognizing that some people may not have access to a computer, the public may now obtain up-to-date court hearing dates by text.
