CITIZEN SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY 6-3-2020

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of June 3, 2020

| Vol. 3 | No. 43 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

The U.S. Senate is currently considering a $3 trillion COVID-19 bill that would extend the $600 weekly federal unemployment payments until January 2021 and expand paid sick days, family and medical leave, as well as nutrition and food assistance programs. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

NEW STIMULUS BILL WOULD BENEFIT BLACK AMERICANS AND SMALL BUSINESSES If the U.S. Senate passes and President Donald Trump signs H.R. 6800, it would provide much relief to many black families and small businesses ďŹ ghting for their livelihoods. PAGE 3

Gov. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Stratton Engage Community Stakeholders to Reiterate Safety Message to At-Risk Residents

New Initiative Announced To Spur Chicago’s Tourism PostCoronavirus

OP-ED: State must craft a learning recovery plan for schools, students

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2 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 3, 2020

POLITISCOPE

Aiming for novelty in coronavirus coverage, journalists end up sensationalizing the trivial and untrue

BY MICHAEL J. SOCOLOW

For centuries, what has made news valuable and news organizations profitable has been the speed at which journalists collect and disseminate information.

This is useful for both commerce and public service. But the rush for novelty can prioritize sensationalism over depth, and elevate the newest tidbit of information over more important reporting.

Examples of this include reporting on such unimportant and inconsequential tweets by President Donald Trump as his bizarre accusation that a morning cable TV host murdered somebody, or his pride in the ratings for his pandemic press conferences.

When novelty replaces context, the ironic result is a less-informed but more up-to-date public.

Media easy to exploit This is particularly true in times of long-running historical events, such as the current pandemic.

When a clear beginning, middle and resolution are not discernible, the demand for any morsel of new information can confuse, rather than clarify, the story.

Journalists rushing to amplify any small update can mistakenly inflate its importance with sensational headlines or hyperbolic broadcast framing.

For example: the widespread discussion of hydroxychloroquine as a miracle cure – it wasn’t – or the celebrated roll-out of the CDC’s guidelines for a safe reopening of the economy, now appear, in retrospect, to be relatively insignificant, especially because numerous states are reopening without following the CDC’s recommended metrics.

Michael J. Socolow

Faded in memory now are things like the announcement of Google’s tracking website, and the national drive-through testing plan, both of which never materialized, but resulted in major headlines and widespread discussion in the wake of their announcement.

Traditionally, editorial news assessment of presidential assertions was simple: if the president said something, it was, by definition, newsworthy.

Yet the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how journalism’s traditional bias for novelty can result in front-page, top-of-the-broadcast news stories that are probably inaccurate, and even occasionally fictional. The tendency of journalists to inflate the value of certain new information makes the media manipulable and easy to exploit.

President Trump realizes this.

That’s why he tweets so much. He understands the content of any tweet is less important than its immediacy, and how his tweets pressure journalists to amplify unimportant messages on social media.

He knows that what he actually says in a tweet is less important than

that there’s a new tweet – and how such newness motivates journalists to redirect focus from ongoing problems that lack new developments to the tweet itself.

Lost in this confusing swirl is repetition’s power. News organizations find little value in republishing, or rebroadcasting, news everyone already knows. The goal for journalists has long been known as “advancing the story.”

But sometimes the biggest story does not advance as quickly as journalists might hope. It is in these moments of seeming stasis that journalistic repetition can become more powerful and serve as a way to hold government accountable.

Here’s one example: The states around the country that have moved to reopen their economies without achieving benchmarks proposed by the CDC. There are indications in Texas, for example, that this is resulting in increased spread of COVID-19.

This isn’t a one-day story; nor is the news simply the opening of these states. The White House’s own “Opening Up America Again” guidelines are public, easily accessed and could be continually referenced in stories about safely reopening the economy. Doing so would provide important context for the public about national and state leadership.

If the guidelines turn out to be wrong, that would offer important information about the CDC and the White House. If they turn out to be correct, decisions to deviate from them will similarly provide valuable information to the citizenry.

Repetition, journalism and civic responsibility

American journalism enjoys constitutional protection precisely because the founders recognized its educational role in civic governance.

Yet journalism’s avoidance of repetition can be viewed as detrimental to this public education mandate.

That the president has provably misled the media and the public with such regularity during the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be “old news” at this point.

The imperative for “new” news deters reminders in the lead paragraphs in newspaper articles, or at the top of news broadcasts, that much of what the president has said and tweeted about the pandemic has been inaccurate and disproven.

Though journalism scholarship contains few content analyses of repetition in long-running news stories, broadcast history provides evidence of its value.

ABC’s lucrative “Nightline” franchise was born out of a series of nightly updates – often about the lack of progress – during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979-1980.

Daily coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial in 1994-1995 raised cable TV news ratings and profits to record levels and sparked national conversations about race, celebrity and the justice system.

And now the COVID-19 crisis has catapulted ABC News’ “World News Tonight” to the top spot in the national TV ratings for weeks.

Viewership data proves the U.S. public is avidly following the story.

Journalists, however, seem to be tiring of it. Like body counts in Vietnam, days the hostages remained in Tehran or the number of positive COVID-19 tests, reciting dry numbers requires little effort.

For journalists, repeating data provided by governmental authorities can eventually become monotonous. As MSNBC’s Chris Hayes recently told the New Yorker, describing his team’s efforts covering the crisis, “there’s probably some fatigue setting in.”

Reporting something different now, Hayes added, was, “in a weird way, liberating, because it means you don’t feel beaten into the ground by repetition.”

Using the word “liberating” implies that Hayes, and other journalists, are feeling entrapped.

Yet, rather than complain, they might consider this a professional challenge. When body counts bored reporters in the Vietnam War, they went into the field to add irony, wit and emotion to their reports.

Journalists like Peter Arnett, Jack Laurence and Morley Safer composed distinctive and powerful stories capturing the mood and atmosphere in Vietnam.

Many unexplored angles on the COVID-19 epidemic await creative treatment. But they require imagination, skill and the investment of time, patience and money to produce.

News isn’t always what’s new.

Sometimes it’s the barely perceptible moments that tired journalists might overlook. Failure to capture and communicate those stories, because they might not contain the most recent morsel of information, could have political consequences today, and could misinform historians portraying this pandemic tomorrow.

Michael J. Socolow is an Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism at the University of Maine.

NEWS United States District Court Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order Against Village of Midlothian United States District Court Judge Thomas M. Durkin recently granted Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness, Inc.’s request for an Emergency Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the Village of Midlothian.

The TRO prohibits the Village of Midlothian from shutting down Aunt Martha’s Children’s Quarantine Center (CQC) for DCFS youth in care affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit organization filed the request on May 18,

less than a week after filing suit against the Village.

“Aunt Martha’s focus has always been, and will always be the health and safety of the children and youth in our care,” Raul Garza, Aunt Martha’s president and CEO said in a news release.

“We are pleased with today’s ruling granting our motion for a temporary restraining order, which will allow the continued operation of the Children’s Quarantine Center – a first of its kind program that serves as a

last resort for DCFS youth who have been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 and have nowhere else to safely quarantine,” said Ricardo Meza who serves as lead counsel for Aunt Martha’s in its lawsuit against the Village of Midlothian.

Following the COVID-19 outbreak in mid-March, DCFS asked child welfare organizations to determine their capacity to safely care for youth who have tested positive or are known to have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. The CQC represents

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Aunt Martha’s response to the state’s call.

“Today is an important day for everyone who cares about the health and well-being of the youth in our child welfare system, and it is just the latest chapter in Aunt Martha’s long history of standing up for and serving the most vulnerable members of our community,” Garza continued.

Also representing the organization in its lawsuit are attorneys Roger Derstine of Roger B. Derstine, Chartered and Sohil Shah of Polsinelli, PC.

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 3, 2020

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COMMUNITY

New Stimulus Bill Would Benefit Black Americans and Small Businesses Continued from page 1

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

If the U.S. Senate passes and President Donald Trump signs H.R. 6800, it would provide much relief to many black families and small businesses fighting for their livelihoods.

The HEROES (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions) Act was passed by Congress last month and would include another round of $1,200 stimulus checks to all Americans. In March, Trump signed the $2.2 trillion CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act into law that provided financial aid to businesses, nonprofits, state and local governments, and families hit hard by the pandemic.

And now Congress, which passed the bill last month by a vote of 208 to 199, wants to provide another round of economic relief to the country despite Trump saying more relief may not be needed since many states are slowly reopening their economies. The new, $3 trillion bill would provide another round of $1,200 cash payments to all Americans as well as other assistance.

The new bill is loaded with assistance programs that would largely benefit black and brown communities. They include $10,000 in student loan forgiveness; $100 billion for rental assistance; $75 billion in mortgage relief; expand eligibility and increase the value of some tax credits, like the earned-income

tax credit; extend the $600 weekly federal unemployment payments until January 2021; extend and expand the moratorium on certain evictions and foreclosures; expand paid sick days, family and medical leave, as well as nutrition and food assistance programs; modify and expand the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofit organizations; and establish a fund to award grants for employers to provide pandemic premium pay for essential workers.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st), whose district includes Chatham, Grand Crossing and Park Manor, said the new bill is needed to keep families afloat as the nation rebuilds its economy.

“I voted for the HEROES Act in order to provide state and local governments with $1 trillion so that the essential workers in my district and our state would be able to receive the money they deserve for literally putting their lives on the line amid this pandemic,” Rush told the Citizen. “(And) although the U.S. economy is slowly reopening all over the country, many of the millions of jobs that were lost may not be able to come back right away. Americans will continue to need direct financial assistance until we have completely recovered from this disaster.”

The bill also includes H.R. 6389, aka the Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act, that Rush, chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, introduced in March, and said the bill would

ensure that families and incarcerated family members are able to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In jails and prisons across the country, the average inmate can expect to pay as much as $25 per call they make to a family member or loved one. Given that most prisoners are paid legal slave wages — if any wages at all — this cost is usually incurred by the person they are calling, often forcing families to choose between putting food on the table and speaking with their loved one,” explained Rush.

“Predictably, these unjust and unreasonable charges can inflame already tense relationships between incarcerated persons and their support systems, thereby exacerbating recidivism.”

Barbara Swift, 59, said she knows all too well the expense families incur when a loved one is locked up.

“My 19-year-old son is serving a 40-year sentence for first-degree murder and I doubt if I will ever see him a free man again,” said Swift, who said she is battling cancer. “So, for me talking to him on the phone every week is a necessity and very expensive. On average, I spend $300 a month to talk to him because the phone rates are so high. Hell, it was cheaper when I was loaning him $200 every month before he got locked up.”

Rush added that the bill includes vital assistance his constituents need.

“The HEROES Act includes $1 trillion that will allow our state and local governments

to continue to provide essential benefits and services, including unemployment payments,” he said. “The bill also includes hazard pay for frontline workers.”

Other congressional leaders whose districts include the South Side, such as U.S. Reps.

Robin Kelly (D-2nd) and Danny K. Davis (D-7th), said the bill contains relief for everyone, but especially for poor families.

“A lot of essential workers are people of color so it was important to me to make sure this bill provided assistance to those workers and to preserve jobs,” said Kelly, whose district includes South Shore. “Economic development is critical to every community and I think that is one of the most important things this bill will deliver.”

Davis, a fellow congressman, whose district includes the West Side, Bronzeville and Englewood, agreed with Kelly and Rush.

“This bill concentrates on helping low and moderate-income individuals and families and that is the core base of my district. Congress realizes that if we are going to stabilize the economy, we must help those families and small businesses survive this pandemic,” said Davis. “If you can put $100, $200, $300 in the pockets of those who will put that money right back into the economy, you should do so. I believe money to an economy is like blood to the body. You see, if the blood leaves the body, you will die. And if money does not circulate in a community, then that community will die.”

Gov. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Stratton Engage Community Stakeholders to Reiterate Safety Message to At-Risk Residents Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton are releasing a set of video messages and radio announcements through the ‘All In Illinois’ initiative that focus on the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in communities of color. The spots feature key influencers from black and brown communities who reiterate the need to practice social distancing and take protective measures to stay healthy as

well as remind Illinoisans in our most vulnerable communities that we are all in this together.

The radio and video announcements include messages from: Tania Cordova, founder and director, Ser el Cambio; Pastor Chris Harris, Bright Star Church Chicago; Juan Huerta, community relations director, city of Springfield; J. Ivy, award-winning poet and recording artist; Tiffany Mathis, CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Central Illi-

nois and Reverend Otis Moss III, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago.

Lt. Gov. Stratton has also recorded social media videos speaking directly to the African American and Latino communities in Illinois.

Gov. Pritzker launched the statewide initiative in early April to promote safety practices and provide support for Illinoisans during the global pandemic that has upended daily life.

CBCF To Host First-Ever All Digital Annual Legislative Conference And Feature Online Programming August 31 - October 2, 2020 The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF), a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and educational institute, recently announced that it will deliver its Annual Legislative Conference completely online later this year. The new format, Virtual

ALC, will allow “attendees” to experience the programming they have become accustomed to from the comfort and safety of their homes.

The conference, originally scheduled on September 16-20, 2020, will now feature online programming from August 31-October 2, 2020

Attracting more than 30,000 people to Washington, DC each year, the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is CBCF’s leading public policy convening on issues impacting African Americans and the global black community.

To receive Virtual ALC schedwww.citizennewspapergroup.com

ules, special guest announcements, registration information and programming updates in the coming weeks and months, subscribe to receive the e-newsletter and follow @CBCFinc on Twitter and Instagram. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org.

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4 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 3, 2020

ART SCENE

Victory Gardens Theater Announces Free Spring Virtual Seminar Series for Theater Artists Victory Gardens Theater outgoing Artistic Director Chay Yew, Executive Artistic Erica Daniels recently announced a free seminar series taught by Chicago artists and local arts leaders designed to aid those whose ability to work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Topics cover virtual auditions, creating a home-recording studio, and how to handle income and taxes during this time.

All seminars are held live via Zoom with a recorded version made available to those unable to attend.

All seminars are on Saturdays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. now through June 13. For more information or to RSVP, visit https:// victorygardens.org/event/spring-virtual-seminar-series/.

“During this pandemic, artists have been forced to pivot to a digital workspace and have more questions than ever about how they can make the best decisions and set themselves up for success,” notes Executive Artistic Director Erica Daniels. “The Victory Gardens Conservatory wanted to address these pressing questions and give artists access to the top professionals working in these arenas. We’re thrilled these practitioners have joined with VG to be of service to our community.”

types of business entities such as LLCs and corporations. An overview of the tax law changes for 2018 as they specifically relate to artists.

JC Clementz, Kanomé Jones and Lauren Port (pictured from left to right) will discuss how to audition via Zoom during Victory Gardens Theater’s free virtual seminar series for theater artists.

Seminar Lineup Seminar 1: Tax Workshop for Performing Artists Saturday, May 30, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Instructor: David Turrentine, Enrolled Agent and Chicago Actor This workshop is designed to teach artists how to keep track of income and expenses and save money on their taxes. The workshop will include the following: An in-depth discussion of tax-deductible expenses for artists. An examination of wage

vs. independent contractor income and expenses (W-2s and 1099s). Basic bookkeeping techniques and tips on how to run a “one-person business.” An overview of the “Qualified Performing Artist” area of the tax code with its special rules for lower-income performing artists. Valuable hints on how to deal with “self-employment” income. A demonstration of how to include arts related business expenses on your tax return to significantly reduce your taxes. A discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of various

Seminar 2: How to Audition Via Zoom Saturday, June 6, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Instructors: Bob Mason, Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Associate/Casting Director; JC Clementz, Steppenwolf Theatre Casting Director and Artistic Producer; Lauren Port, Goodman Theatre Casting Director; Kanomé Jones, Victory Gardens Theater Casting Director Learn how to set yourself up for a successful Zoom audition, from creating your audition space to adjusting your performance for maximum digital impact.

Seminar 3: DIY Home Recording Studio Saturday, June 13, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Instructor: Dave Kresl, Recording Engineer Dave Kresl has worked as a recording engineer in the Chicago advertising community for over twenty years. Through the recording and mixing of thousands of spots for television radio and internet, he can help you with the process of preparing great sounding auditions.

TRAVEL

Choose Chicago Announces New Initiative To Spur Chicago’s Tourism Industry Post- Coronavirus At the Choose Chicago Annual Meeting recently, the organization announced Tourism & Hospitality Forward, a new initiative to accelerate and spur Chicago’s tourism industry post-coronavirus and help expedite the city’seconomic recovery.

To date, a coalition of more than 250 local tourism, hospitality, meeting and event-related organizations and businesses have signed on to the pledge promising alignment, collaboration and socially responsible tourism and hospitality that will instill confidence in residents and visitors as they return to Chicago.

“This current crisis has been simply devastating to so many, including the tourism and hospitality industry, and we recognize that these unprecedented challenges require unprecedented and swift actions in order to restore this economic driver for the city,” said Glenn Eden, chair of the Choose Chicago Board

of Directors. “Our first priority is to promote socially responsible tourism. We will demonstrate to our guests that through the operational changes and precautions taken, it is safe to enjoy Chicago again.”

Chicago’s tourism, hospitality, meetings, and events industries were amongst the hardest hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As the city transitions through a phased reopening, this alliance of industry partners will work together to establish best practices and safety measures for the health and safety of residents and visitors alike when cultural institutions, hotels, attractions and restaurants return to regular business and welcome guests.

“I applaud Choose Chicago’s commitment to developing safe, collaborative solutions to the profound impact COVID-19 has had on our city’s vital tourism and hospitality industry,” said Mayor Lori E.

Lightfoot. “Despite the challenges we face, the strength of our recovery is being built on forward-looking partnerships like these which are mutually supportive and rooted in the data of this disease, allowing us to build and grow more resilient, inclusive, and powerful than we’ve ever been.”

Additionally, Tourism & Hospitality Forward announced an outreach and engagement framework that participants can leverage to bring visitors back to Chicago when the time is right. The framework includes: * Promoting Chicago’s reopening in a calibrated manner with programs and promotions, such as www.citizennewspapergroup.com

staycations, designed to engage local audiences. * Launching seasonal initiatives to bring leisure travelers to Chicago with an emphasis on neighboring states. * Reinforcing that Chicago will continue to be the best place to do business as the city competes for meetings and events. * Maximizing all Chicago has to offer through a unifying marketing campaign.

Planning has been underway with several working groups aligned by sector, including accommodations, museums and attractions, arts & culture, festivals, and special events including sports and a dedicated focus on unique and diverse neighborhoods.

“These groups initially began meeting to focus on initial and almost immediate reopening strategies,” said Eden. “They have now evolved and have been rolled up to

collaborate with and support Mayor Lightfoot’s longer-term Reopening and Recovery Task Force, including marketing and economic development for the city as a whole.”

“The traditional visitor and convention delegate will remain our ultimate goal in the recovery process,” said David Whitaker, president & CEO of Choose Chicago.

“In the early phases of reopening, we are going to have to focus and rely on our local residents, nearby suburban and regional visitors and the drive market as a whole. While they will be the first to easily return to their favorite spots and activities, they can also be ambassadors, as we welcome guests and visitors back to Chicago.”

For more information about Tourism & Hospitality Forward or to sign up, visit https://www. choosechicago.com/partners/covid19-resources-for-partners/tourism-hospitality-forward/

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CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 3, 2020

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6 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 3, 2020

NEWS

OP-ED: State must craft a learning recovery plan for schools, students Children, particularly those of color, face crisis and our counting on us SUBMITTED BY EQUITY ILLINOIS SUPERINTENDENTS

Most of us are on the record that education is a major civil rights issue of the 21st century. A high-quality education unlocks the door to economic opportunity and stability.

We carried that message across the state and to Springfield where, in 2017, the Evidence-Based Funding formula was passed into law. This historic legislation forever changed how Illinois funds public schools, with a lens toward equity.

There were some who felt that a change of this magnitude was impossible. But, when the future of the state was on the line, people found a way to unite. Now, as we face a once-in-acentury crisis that is wreaking emotional and academic havoc on our children, we are called to come together again to protect their futures.

We applaud the school staff and families who have spent the past two months making the best of school campus closures and state-mandated remote learning. We know firsthand, however, that some families have struggled in this current environment — especially students of color, English learners and

students from low-income households or with special needs.

Let’s be clear about what is at stake. Research into other crises reveals that periods of intense learning loss, with months of lost schooling, resulted in lifelong negative outcomes in education, employment and earnings. Many of the students and families we serve have felt the pain of inequity for years.

COVID-19 has made it worse. The devastating and disproportionate death toll in black and Latinx communities has been overwhelming.

Adding insult to injury is the digital divide that severely impacts children of color and students from low-income households. Our students are counting on us to ensure, through a fair, just and equitable response, that their futures are not permanently compromised.

Prior to COVID-19, we were seeing promising increases in educational gains by students from historically marginalized communities. As the pandemic continues to disrupt schooling (and more) across our state, that progress is at risk. We cannot let that happen. Just as we did for school funding reform, we call on the governor, the General Assembly and other state leaders to implement a com-

prehensive, statewide learning recovery plan that ensures all districts, students and teachers have access to the supports they need.

A comprehensive learning recovery plan will require: social, emotional and mental health supports for students, families and educators; more planning time, support and training to help educators address the unprecedented emotional and academic impact their students are experiencing; infrastructure, training and other supports to close the digital divide; targeted supports for students most impacted by COVID-19; and the additional, in-person school time required to effectively address student’s social-emotional and academic needs.

Importantly, we must think collectively. A recovery plan that leaves every district to fend for itself, runs the very real risk of compounding the inequitable impact this crisis is already having on our children.

There are plenty of competing priorities as we work to rebuild in the wake of the coronavirus. We believe that a strategic, bold and equity-focused statewide plan for education must be front and center. And, if we care about our children, we will respond to this

crisis in a way that allows us to re-imagine a better system, one that works in an equitable manner for all students. Two million futures depend on what we do now, as does the vibrancy and future of our state as a whole.

We’ve come together for our children before and done the impossible. Surely, we can do it again.

Chicago Urban League Faith Coalition for the Common Good (Springfield) Illinois Association for Multilingual and Multicultural Education Illinois Latino Coalition of Education Leaders Illinois Latino Council in Higher Education Latino Leadership Pipeline Latino Policy Forum League of United Latin American Citizens Network for Hispanic Education Administrators Quad County Urban League (Aurora) Springfield NAACP Tri-County Urban League (Peoria) United Congregations of Metro East Dr. K. Edward Copeland, Lead Pastor, New Zion Baptist Church (Rockford)

Southland elected officials help provide housing resources

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Southland elected officials say that while everyone shares a foundational need for housing, unemployment and a reduction in income due to COVID-19, make paying rent and mortgages more difficult for some. As a result, they have decided to provide resources to those who might experience issues and need assistance.

Tyrone Ward is the mayor of Robbins and president of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. Ward said there are programs like the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Homeless Prevention Program, which can help people who need help paying rent at this time.

The program provides rental and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, as well as approved case management for families and individuals in danger of eviction, foreclosure and homelessness.

“With what’s going on now and the limit of time that it’s going on, sometimes you get as-

sistance with one month, then what do you do when the next month rolls around,” he said.

“Those programs are helpful, but they’re not a cure-all, more of a temporary help.”

Ward said the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association is helping where they can, and talking to the Illinois State Representatives and Senators to make sure more resources are available for the Southland residents. “The organization is very active with the legislators, with the administration in Springfield, to make sure they hear our side, they hear what we’re asking for, they hear our needs,” he said. “We have a good pipeline, we think they’ll listen. We talk to some people directly that are in leadership. So, they know exactly where we’re coming from, they know exactly what we need.”

Ward said some of the needs that were addressed included eviction relief, which was issued by Governor J.B. Pritzker on April 23, and stopped the initiation and enforcement of eviction orders during the current disaster proclamations. It was set to end on May 30,

but officials hoped it would be extended to provide residents with further relief.

Ward said he and the organization have received calls from people who need to pause.

So, there was a forbearance rule to put a pause on mortgage payments. There have also been calls to help reduce mortgage payments and the organization has been working with the landlords.

“For the most part, it’s not just tenants taking a hit, it’s the landlords. A lot of them have been doing what they’re supposed to be doing, offering extended payment plans, extending the grace period. And, they’ve been eliminating some of the late fees. They’ve been doing what they can, but they have obligations also,” he said. “Landlords have mortgages they have to pay. If they don’t have the money coming in to pay it, it puts them in a bind. So, we understand both sides.”

Now that Illinois is opening up in phases, the hope is that with people going back to work, they will be able to pay rent and are able to catch up on the time they lost.

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Tyrone Ward is the mayor of the Village of Robbins and the president of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. Ward said the organization has been assisting residents in the Southland with resources for rent and mortgages. Photo courtesy of Robbins Mayor Tyrone Ward

“We’re hoping it is a gradual piece that will help everybody involved. It will help them to begin to get that paycheck, help the employers get what they need to get done,” he said. “Just help overall, not only financially, but there is a mental aspect involved in this. We hope getting back out there slowly will help mentally with a lot of them, also. We think getting back to work will help in a variety of ways.”

CST Weekly

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 3, 2020

Classifieds REAL ESTATES AC 5-20-2020 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE ASSETS TRUST 2006-6, MORTGAGE-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-6 Plaintiff, -v.THOMAS P. QUINN, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR KEITH SANDERS A/K/A KEITH ANTHONY SANDERS (DECEASED), CONSUELA SANDERS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF KEITH SANDERS A/K/A KEITH ANTHONY SANDERS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12268 19921 CYPRESS AVENUE LYNWOOD, IL 60411 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 8, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 29, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 19921 CYPRESS AVENUE, LYNWOOD, IL 60411 Property Index No. 33074180090000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $371,759.72. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 116274. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at

www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 EMail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. 116274 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 18 CH 12268 TJSC#: 40-154 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 12268 I3149900 ____________________________ AC 5-27-2020 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-C, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-C Plaintiff, -v.- GERALD NORDGREN, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BARBARA G. MONTGOMERY (DECEASED), STATE OF ILLINOIS - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SANORA TRIMUEL, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BARBARA G. MONTGOMERY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12031 1411 CENTER AVENUE CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 21, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 8, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1411 CENTER AVENUE, CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411 Property Index No. 32-21-305-0040000, 32-21-305-005-0000 & 3221-305-006-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $71,939.78. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted.

The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial

Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 115974. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 EMail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. 115974 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 18 CH 12031 TJSC#: 39-6841 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 12031 I3149975 ____________________________ AC 6-3-2020 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC; Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ROBERT L. VAUGHN; JOHNNIE VAUGHN AKA JOHNNIE MELTON- VAUGHN; BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION THORN CREEK BASIN SANITARY DISTRICT; QUEENIE GRAY; CHRISTALLE MORRIS; CHRISTIANA VAUGHN; CRYSTAL VAUGHN; ROBERT VAUGHN JR. AKA ROBERT L. VAUGHN, JR.; THOMAS QUINN AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF ROBERT L. VAUGHN; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 8220 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 32-19-104-009-0000.

Commonly known as 20801 Gardner Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL 60411. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W19-0627 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3151104 ____________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST 2005-1; Plaintiff, vs. TONYA M. DAVIS; MAYNEGAITE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION; IMPAC FUNDING CORPORATION; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 9779 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 31-24-100-0120000. Commonly known as 3100 London Drive, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds,

within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W19-0304 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3151111 ____________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 Plaintiff, -v.- FRANKIE J. REDDITT, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 19 CH 02257 2010 OXFORD COURT FLOSSMOOR, IL 60422 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 7, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 6, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 2010 OXFORD COURT, FLOSSMOOR, IL 60422 Property Index No. 32-07-107-010-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $237,341.29. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for

the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the

assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 309401. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 EMail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. 309401 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 19 CH 02257 TJSC#: 40-156 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 19 CH 02257 I3151148 ____________________________ _

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8 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 3, 2020

COVID-19 Testing Available To All Together We Can Continue Flattening The Spread of The COVID Virus

PLEASE NOTE: SOME OF THE SITES MIGHT REQUIRE APPOINTMENTS (CALL)

COVID-19 Testing Sites are opening up across the city.

Here is a list of some that are already open and administering tests: Kennedy-King College 6301 S. Halsted Suburbs Movie Studio Grill 210 W. 87th St. Walgreen’s 347 E. 95th St. www.walgreens.com/covid19testing Access Health Facility 5153 S. Ashland 800-836-7633

Roseland Hospital 45 W. 111th St. 773-995-3000 Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center 5001S. Michigan Ave. 877-692-8686

Harvey Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center 15420 S. Dixie Highway 877-692-8686 Chicago Heights Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness Center 500 Dixie Highway 877-692-8686

Gately Park 744 E. 103rd St. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Orland Park Physicians Immediate Care 9570 W. 159th St. 708-675-7070