Local News
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.
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
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.
A faster, safer way to prep new patients for dialysis?
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.
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.
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.
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.