ABC 7’S HOSEA SANDERS REFLECTS ON HIS MOTHER, GARRETT ANN SANDERS

When Hosea Sanders mother, Mrs. Garrett Ann Sanders, left the world for her heavenly home on July 28, she left a legacy of love, tamales, public service, charity, wisdom, humor and five devoted children who carry on her spirit of giving and fighting for what’s right. She was 82.

Lung Association to donate masks to underserved populations through COVID-19 Action Initiative

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, states across the nation are issuing orders that require people to wear face masks in public to slow the spread.

GROUPS UNITE TO DECRY GUN VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN

Recent shootings and killings of young children have prompted organizations to host an event to bring awareness to gun violence throughout the city. The Let Our Kids Live event was hosted by the Austin Peoples Action Center, with the goal of bringing people together who are ready to take action and make positive changes.

BUFI Remembers Founding Board Member Rita Wilson

“On behalf of the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) it is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of former board member Rita Wilson. We send our condolences to Rita Wilsons’s family and the many civic and social organizations at this difficult time,” shares Carolyn Day, Executive Director of BUFI.

Study Explores the Changing Diversity of Law Students Since the Great Recession

Enrollment in law school has declined by 25% over the past decade; there are now more women than men pursuing law; and Asian Americans, once the fastest-growing group in law schools, have experienced the steepest decline in recent years.

Sandra J. Evers-Manly Elected to 2020 Class of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences

The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) recently announced the election and invitation extended by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to Sandra J. Evers-Manly, to join the 2020 class of new members. Evers-Manly joins the 2020 class that includes 819 new members.

TARGETED: CITY ORDINANCE SEEKS TO END FLAVORED TOBACCO SALES

A coalition of clergy, medical professionals, community organizers and elected officials have partnered to create and support an ordinance that would end the sale of flavored tobacco products. Among those products on the list are menthol, apple, strawberry and watermelon-flavored tobacco products.

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.