Citizen
LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE — PAGE 3 Week of Sept. 26, 2018
| Vol. 54 | No. 26 | www.thechicagocitizen.com
CHATHAM SOUTHEAST
Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle (pictured), recently announced that she would be joining the race for Mayor of Chicago. Photo Credit: Toni For Chicago/Nathanael Filbert
MAYORAL CANDIDATES REACT TO PRECKWINKLE ENTERING CROWDED MAYORS RACE It’s difficult to keep track of who is currently running for Mayor of Chicago, even more so now that incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel has decided not to seek a third term. See more on Page 2
Business: National Day Of Action Asks Applebee’s To Add Plant-Based Menu Options To Combat Climate Change, Extinction — Page 4 Fashion: Michael B. Jordan Emerges as the First Global Face of the Coach Menswear Business — Page 6 |
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NEWS briefly EDUCATION
NEW STUDENT REGISTRATIONS UP 10% AT USF IN 2018 Bucking the trend of lower college enrollments across Illinois, the University of St. Francis (USF) grew by two percent on strong new student enrollment. Fewer high school graduates, strong competition from out-of-state schools, and state budget woes have created a challenging environment for enrollment staffs at public and private universities. USF saw new student registrations jump ten percent this fall across undergraduate, transfer, and graduate programs. Applications to USF grew 14.7 % over last year.
HEALTH
FIRST COMPREHENSIVE HHS DATA SHARING REPORT RELEASED The Office of the Chief Technology Officer recently published a comprehensive report of the data sharing environment at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The report explores the challenges of sharing data between HHS agencies. Led by HHS Chief Data Officer Dr. Mona Siddiqui, a small team of HHS staff interviewed agency leadership and staff from eleven HHS agencies, including at the NIH, CDC, FDA, CMS, and AHRQ, about the challenges and opportunities in sharing data between agencies. According to the report, HHS lacks a consistent, transparent, and standardized protocol for interagency data sharing. While there are project-by-project successes, there is significant opportunity to develop a framework to efficiently scale. The report also outlines legal, technical, and cultural challenges. Read the full report at https://www.hhs.gov/idealab/ data-insights/
LAW & POLITICS
MARK LANIER EARNS 2018 OUTSTANDING TRIAL LAWYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Mark Lanier, founding partner of The Lanier Law Firm, has been named the 2018 Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year by the editors and reporters of ALM and The National Law Journal. The prestigious award will be presented at the 2018 Elite Trial Lawyers event on Oct. 5, 2018, at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. “There are so many outstanding and experienced attorneys representing the interests of their clients and the public every day in courts across the nation,” said Mr. Lanier. “To be selected from among that group for this award is a supreme honor.” In July, Lanier won one of the largest verdicts in plaintiffs’ personal injury history. He and his experienced trial team secured a nearly $4.7 billion verdict on behalf of 22 women who developed ovarian cancer as a result of longtime use of asbestos-laced talcum powder made by Johnson & Johnson.
Fellow female candidate, Amara Enyia (pictured), said that even with Preckwinkle entering the race her campaign will not change and that she has a “bold vision for Chicago’s future.” Photo Credit: Provided by Amara For Mayor 2019
Mayoral Candidates react to Preckwinkle Entering Crowded Mayors Race Continued from page 1 BY KATHERINE NEWMAN
It’s difficult to keep track of who is currently running for Mayor of Chicago, even more so now that incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel has decided not to seek a third term. Recently, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that she would be throwing her hat into the ring and many of the other candidates had something to say about their new opponent. During the weeks following Emanuel’s announcement that he would not run, local news outlets speculated about who would join the race next and several Chicagoan’s named Preckwinkle as a viable candidate before she formally announced her candidacy. “My hope is that today is more than a kick off of a campaign, but the start of a movement. One that is rooted in a new coalition across gender, race, age, and geography to demand a mayor’s office that understands values and reflects the diversity of its residents and communities. That’s why I’m here,
why I’m running, and why I hope for your support,” said Preckwinkle at a press conference to announce her candidacy for Mayor of Chicago. Shortly after the announcement, mayoral candidate Bill Daley welcomed Preckwinkle to the race via twitter and said that he “looks forward to a robust and much-needed debate about how to move Chicago forward and make our neighborhoods safe, strong and affordable.” There is no doubt that Preckwinkle has built a public service legacy for herself in Chicago spanning from her 1991 election to 4th Ward Alderman, a position she held for 5 terms, to being elected the first female President of the Cook County Board in 2010. Fellow female candidates, Amara Enyia and Lori Lightfoot both stated that despite Preckwinkle entering the race, their visions for Chicago and their campaign platforms remained the same. “Our campaign continues to share our bold vision for Chicago’s future, which is in desperate need of new leaders with fresh ideas that address our most pressing issues and energize people to participate in our
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democracy. We aren’t going to solve our most intractable problems with more of the same policies that caused these issues. However, we welcome Ms. Preckwinkle to the race and look forward to a robust dialogue,” said Enyia. Enyia mentioned Chicago needs a Mayor that wouldn’t continue to support the same policies that have plagued the city in the past and this particular sentiment was reiterated by Ja’Mal Green, the youngest Mayoral candidate and an outspoken critic of Chicago politics. “Toni Preckwinkle, while I respect her as a person, represents a breed of politics that Chicago can no longer afford. She has worked tirelessly amongst the establishment and has failed to create innovative ideas to put Chicago ahead of other cities. Her tax-nowfix-later approach has put a strain on Chicago residents for years. We need leadership that will go against the grain and step up when it’s tough and not when it’s convenient,” said Green. In general, it seems that all candidates are prepared and excited to share their vision for Chicago moving forward.
CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Sept. 26, 2018
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NEWS
Mayor Announces Resilient Families Task Force To Combat Poverty In Chicago BY KATHERINE NEWMAN
The Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, along with several Chicago Alderman, recently approved the creation of the Resilient Families Task Force to analyze current strategies and recommend new ways to reduce the number Chicago families that are living in poverty. Specifically, the Task Force will develop a Universal Basic Income pilot program for 1000 Chicago families and explore the possibility of a Chicago based Earned Income Tax Credit program. The ordinance creating the Resilient Families Task Force was first introduced in July by Alderman Ameya Pawar who represents the 47th Ward of Chicago. The ordinance was sponsored by over 30 other Alderman including Michelle Harris (8th Ward) and Roderick Sawyer (6th Ward) who each represent parts of Chatham and the surrounding communities. “Our number one priority as public servants is to find meaningful ways to help our constituents improve their quality of life. This task force speaks directly to that mission and I am excited to begin exploring ways to reduce poverty and the financial burdens felt by so many of our residents,” said Aldermen Harris. The Task Force will be charged with improving and expanding access to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, exploring the possibility of guaranteed income programs, and looking for other ways to reduce poverty and financial burdens for low-income residents in Chicago. “Chicago has the opportunity to lead the way in groundbreaking poverty-reduction programs, and this task force will help us lay the path toward that goal,” said Emanuel in a press release announcing the Task Force. “From my work on the EITC in the Clinton White House and Congress to the creation of a $13 minimum wage, I have dedicated my career to finding more ways to help families work their way out of poverty and strengthening their economic security.” If successful, the Resilient Families Task Force will lead the nation in launching a Universal Basic Income initiative and by ex-
The Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel (pictured), along with several Alderman, recently approved the creation of the Resilient Families Task Force to analyze current strategies and recommend new ways to reduce the number Chicago families that are living in poverty.
ploring a Chicago only Earned Income Tax Credit program to make sure that working people and families can become resilient to day-to-day financial emergencies, pay their rent without worry, cover childcare, and have unbarred access to food. The Universal Basic Income pilot program that will be developed by the Resilient Families Task Force will provide 1000 Chicago families with a minimum of $500 per month, no strings attached, to help with everyday expenses. The Task Force will partner with city departments and outside stakeholders, foundations, advocacy organizations, philanthropists, and leading public policymakers to launch a Universal Basic Income Initiative in Chicago, according to a press release from the Mayors Office. The task force will be led in partnership with the Economic Security Project, a national organization committed to fueling the conversation around guaranteed income in the United States, and with the Social IMPACT Research Center at Heartland Alliance, according to a press release from the Mayor’s Office.
The ordinance creating the Resilient Families Task Force was first introduced in City Council Chambers (pictured) in July by Alderman Ameya Pawar who represents the 47th Ward of Chicago. The ordinance was sponsored by over 30 other Alderman including Michelle Harris (8th Ward) and Roderick Sawyer (6th Ward). Photo Credit: Raed Mansour
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program applications available The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Community Assistance recently announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin scheduling appointments and accepting applications for winter heating assistance for seniors and people with disabilities beginning October 1, 2018. Customers must bring all required documentation when applying for assistance including: • Proof of gross income from all
household members for the 30-day income period beginning with the date of the application. • A copy of their current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days (if they pay for their energy directly). • A copy of their rental agreement (if they are renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact information. • Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members. • Proof that their household received
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD); or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Disconnected households and families with children ages 5 or under (includes all children who are not yet 6 years old, that is, up to 5 years and 364 days) can begin applying for LIHEAP assistance beginning November 1, 2018. Individuals not www.thechicagocitizen.com
eligible for priority enrollment can apply beginning December 1, 2018. LIHEAP applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until May 31, 2019 or until funding is exhausted. LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low-income families, in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households. Applications are processed through a network of 35 local administering agencies around the state. A single-person household can qualify with a month-
ly income of up to $1,518; a two-person household up to $2,058; a family of three can earn up to $2,598; and a family of four can earn up to $3,138. Benefits are paid directly to energy vendors on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent. For a complete listing of LIHEAP’s local administering agencies and additional information about the program, go to www.liheapIllinois. com or call the LIHEAP toll-free hotline at 1-877-411-WARM (9276).
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BUSINESS National Day Of Action Asks Applebee's To Add Plant-Based Menu Options To Combat Climate Change And Extinction
In partnership with One Meal a Day for the Planet and the Center for Biological Diversity, demonstrators outside of an Applebee's location in Queens, NY ask the chain to add a plant-based entrée for people's health and the health of the planet.
People recently gathered to ask Applebee's to add plantbased entrées to all of its menus nationwide. One Meal a Day for the Planet (OMD) and the Center for Biological Diversity hosted events at locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Clearwater to target the restaurant to make a change on behalf of climate health and biodiversity.
At the National Day of Action, concerned eaters served plant-based hamburger samples donated by Hungry Planet, a health-focused, premium plant-based food brand, outside of the Applebee's locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additionally, customers filled out comment cards and petitions were delivered urging the chain to offer healthy options free of meat and dairy.
With over 1,900 locations, Applebee's is the largest restaurant chain in the U.S. that does not offer a single vegetarian entrée on all its menus. The day was the kickoff of a larger national campaign targeting restaurants, developed and co-led by OMD and the Center, in an effort to increase access to plant-based foods for better health and to take action for the planet.
SIZE MATTERS! FitSmallBusiness.com Ranks the Least Expensive Cities for Business Travel The results are in, and it turns out, bigger really is better…when it comes to U.S. business travel. FitSmallBusiness.com, the digital business publication, analyzed 40 popular U.S. destinations to determine the least expensive cities for business travel. Newsflash: the bigger the city, the better it is on your wallet. Common wisdom suggests that small, lesser known cities offer business travelers the lowest prices for hotel rooms, airfare, transportation and dining options. But after a thorough research and evaluation process, Fit Small Business discovered something entirely different. In reality, large metropolitan cities offer the most competitive prices for all amenities including flight, hotel, car rental options and shared work stations, thus, making them the most cost efficient for business travelers. While the cost of living is sky high in cities like San Diego, Miami, and Atlanta, they are all central hubs for travel and commerce, offering the business traveler a broad spectrum of pricing on virtually all business travel needs. The top spot goes to Las Vegas courtesy of its inexpensive fight, dining and entertainment options. To create the list, Fit Small Business evaluated and ranked 40 popular U.S. destinations using a variety of factors that impact the cost of travel (see below) and assigned a weight to each category. THESE ARE THE LEAST EXPENSIVE CITIES IN THE U.S. FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL: 1. Las Vegas 2. West Palm Beach 3. Phoenix 4. Orlando 5. Atlanta 6. Tucson 7. San Diego 8. Miami 9. Sacramento 10. Washington D.C. Fit Small Business ranked the 40 cities on the following weighted six metrics: • Flight Costs (30%) - Average cost for a round-trip ticket to each of the cities from three airports across the country: DallasFort Worth International Airport, New York JFK International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport • Rental Car Costs (25%) - Average cost to rent a full-size vehicle from three rental car companies, based on a Monday pickup and a
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth
Legislation Introduced to Strengthen the ADA & Help Small Businesses Become Accessible
FitSmallBusiness.com's 2018 Least Expensive U.S. Cities for Business Travel
Wednesday drop-off at each city's major airport • Hotel Costs (25%) – Cost of a hotel room in each city researched, based on a Monday check-in and Wednesday checkout • Dining Costs (10%) - Cost of a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant • Taxi Costs (5%) - Taxi start price, hour waiting price, and average length of a one-way trip in each city researched • Workspace Costs (5%) - Cost to rent a conference room through Davinci in each city. The publication also considered the cost of
renting a shared office space through WeWork, however, WeWork's monthly plan makes the cost of renting office space equal across markets. "A lot of companies - particularly small businesses - might be tempted to choose a smaller city to host a conference or a corporate retreat as a way to save money," said Eric Noe, Editor in Chief of Fit Small Business. "But our study found they'd be better off looking at major transportation hubs, where they'll find many choices for flights, event spaces and everything else to fit their budget parameters - whatever they may be."
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U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced legislation recently with the Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to make it easier for small businesses to become accessible for people with disabilities and help those businesses comply with the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Disabled Access Credit Expansion Act bolsters the existing Disabled Access Credit (DAC), which helps businesses pay for renovations by doubling the maximum tax credit and allowing more small businesses to receive it. The legislation also invests in programs that mediate ADA-related disputes to avoid additional litigation and help individuals and businesses understand the ADA. “I’m proud to work with Senators Casey, Hassan and Klobuchar on this important legislation to strengthen the ADA and give Americans with disabilities increased opportunity to fully participate in our society,” Duckworth said. “This bill will help more businesses across the country comply with a nearly 30-yearold law that protects the rights of people with disabilities. It is a common-sense alternative to misguided efforts like the ADA Education and Reform Act, which would roll back hard-earned protections for people with disabilities by rewarding businesses who refuse to comply with the ADA instead of encouraging them to become accessible.”
CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Sept. 26, 2018
*To be eligible for the down payment assistance of 3% of the home’s purchase price, up to $3,600, the property must be in one of the following eligible states: MI, IN, IL, KY, TN, OH, WV, NC, GA, FL and either located in a low Income Census Tract or borrower must meet the low income limit threshold based on the qualifying income per FFIEC website. Down payment assistance may be taxable as income and reported to the IRS. Consult your tax advisor. Not available with all loan products. Loans subject to credit review and approval. Prices and programs subject to change without notice. Fifth Third Mortgage Company, 5001 Kingsley Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227, 1-877-841-7511, an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurances. Fifth Third Mortgage Company d/b/a Fifth Third Mortgage Company Incorporated and licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department. Fifth Third Mortgage is the trade name used by Fifth Third Mortgage Company (NMLS #134100) and Fifth Third Mortgage-MI, LLC (NMLS #447141). Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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FASHION
Don't Let the Workout Routine Get Cold Just Because the Weather Is Sticking to an exercise schedule can be tough when the days start getting shorter and the air chillier. But while it may be tempting to take it easier during the colder months with exercise, health doesn't take vacations, and it's important to stay on top of things or risk falling behind. Financial Education Benefits Center (FEBC), a membership benefits company, encourages people to stay active even when it's cold out, for their personal wellness. "Fitness is a year round endeavor, but during different seasons different tools and safety rules might
apply," said Jennifer Martinez, manager at FEBC. Though it may not feel like it at first, exercising in the cold might be easier. As long as the appropriate clothing is worn to keep warm, temperature regulation is easier in the cold. So when exercising in cooler temperatures, it's often easier to exercise longer and with more intensity. However, if exercising outside during these shorter days, it might become necessary to wear reflective workout gear to increase visibility. Many favorite sports brands have reflective wear that easily layers over regular gear, to help with bundling up.
Even still, exercising outside isn't for everyone. There's plenty to do inside to keep fit, even when the weather outside isn't so pleasant. Gyms usually have heated interiors, that way people can keep up with their regular fitness routines. And even if someone does skip a few gym sessions, it's important to keep in mind the end goal, not only the day by day. For however someone is looking to stay fit, FEBC offers select fitness discounts for its members. "At FEBC, we strive to provide our members with relevant, everyday discounts, to help encourage physical and financial wellness," said Martinez.
Coach Announces Michael B. Jordan As First Global Men's Face Of Coach
Michael B. Jordan Emerges as the First Global Face of the Coach Menswear Business
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Women-Owned Business Dr. Canuso Skincare for Feet Wins Coveted 'Best Product in Healthcare 2018'
Dr. Dana Canuso, owner of Dr. Canuso Skincare for Feet, accepts the "2018 Best Product in Healthcare" award presented by Drug Store News and ECRM/RangeMe. Dr. Canuso is a podiatrist in New Jersey and is often seen as an expert on television, radio and in national print media.
Dr. Canuso, LLC., an OTC footcare products company recently announced that the line has won the prestigious 2018 ECRM/RangeMe "Best Product in Healthcare" Buyers Choice Award in Phoenix, AZ. The award, which was presented at the ECRM Healthcare EPPS annual event, recognizes the newest and most innovative products in healthcare across foot care, eye and ear care, first aid, wound care, digestives and analgesics categories. A robust panel of national chain retail buyers across all healthcare categories voted on their favorite products from over one hundred brands in attendance. Dr. Dana Canuso, owner of the brand, was presented with the award at a reception held at the Phoenician Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Canuso's innovative, cutting-edge products effectively mesh beauty with footcare, and are changing the landscape of the retail foot care aisle," said Dr. Dana Canuso, podiatric surgeon and owner of the highly acclaimed product line.
"We are proud to be offering beautiful, highly effective products to consumers and are honored to be recognized for these advancements by Drug Store News, ECRM, RangeMe and buyers from national retail chains in attendance including CVS and Target." Dr. Canuso Skincare for Feet products were developed by Dr. Dana Canuso, a podiatric surgeon and chemist. While treating her patients, she noticed that many of them complained about common foot concerns that had no effective over the counter solutions. She formulated products specifically for her patients and then began selling them to other physicians across the country. Four years later, her line of products can now be found in over 2000 locations in all 50 states nationwide. The products blend beauty with medicine and effectively treat common symptoms such as dry, cracked heels and fungal toenails. These innovative products are clinically tested, safe for diabetics, and FDA registered.
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Coach recently announced actor and producer Michael B. Jordan as the first global face of the Coach menswear business. His partnership with Coach will include global advertising campaigns for men's ready-to-wear, accessories and fragrance, beginning with the Spring 2019 season. The partnership will also include special design projects with Creative Director Stuart Vevers and philanthropic endeavors with the Coach Foundation. Founded in New York more than 75 years ago, Coach began as a men's accessories brand and has built its reputation on leather innovation and craftsmanship. Today, it is a global fashion brand defined by a free-spirited attitude rooted in New York City. Jordan, a star who is redefining Hollywood standards as a leading man and producer, creating opportunity and empowering the careers of others, is also a longtime friend of the brand and shares Coach's belief in the modern American Dream and values of optimism and inclusivity. "I'm honored to be joining the Coach family and have so much respect for Stuart Vevers' vision," said Jordan. "I'm looking forward to jumping into the creative process and exploring fashion through a different lens." "Michael is cool and authentic, and he really embodies the Coach guy," said Vevers. "I've had the chance to get to know Michael over the last couple of years. He always looks great in Coach, so it felt really natural to build our relationship."
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T:13”
Bring It! available on Xfinity Stream app
grown-ish available on Xfinity Stream app
Streaming is always in session. Xfinity takes you back to school with Black Film & TV with Xfinity On Demand. Just say, “HBCU” into your X1 Voice Remote to watch your favorite Black college films and TV shows, catch HBCU football games and Classics, and get a look into Greek life. And, with customizable streaming TV, you can watch hit movies, top shows and live sports, at home or on-the-go. With Xfinity X1, access Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora right from your TV. Xfinity makes enjoying your entertainment simple, easy, awesome.
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity TV with X1 and On Demand required. ©2018 Comcast. No celebrity endorsement implied. All rights reserved.
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