South Suburban Citizen 12-28-2022

New Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner wants to give a voice to Black and Brown communities

Chicago, Ill. –Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White released the following statement announcing his support for proposed gun reform bill HB5855, the Protect Illinois Communities Act:

“I am proud to stand with Illinois lawmakers as they work to pass life-saving gun safety legislation to protect our communities. As a veteran, I am acutely aware that our streets should not be flooded with weapons appropriate for a warzone. While I respect the rights of responsible gun owners, guns are falling into the wrong hands far too often, especially guns that are designed to kill as many people as quickly as possible. I urge legislators to come together and pass much needed reforms. It’s time to take action; the lives of Illinoisans depend on it.”

The Protect Illinois Communities Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Morgan earlier this month, includes legislation that would ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, facilitate better implementation and efficacy of Illinois’s Firearm Restraining Order (FRPO) law, raise the minimum age to obtain a FOID card to 21, and address illegal gun trafficking in the state.

A poll released by Everytown for Gun Safety last week demonstrated that these gun safety measures have widespread support across the state. Overall, 52% of Illinoisans believe gun laws in Illinois should be stronger, including nearly three quarters of Black voters and 56% of Hispanic voters. A ban on assault weapons has the support of 58% of Illinoisans and two-thirds of voters support increasing the minimum age to obtain a FOID card from 18 to 21.

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BY TIA CAROL JONES

Brown was prompted to run for the position after her son contracted the environmental waterborne illness, blastomycosis. Brown believes serving as a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner is a way for her to turn her pain into purpose and a way to look at giving a voice to Black and Brown communities.

“While MWRD, of course, wasn’t responsible for this illness, it just gave me an opportunity to pull the bandage off some of the environmental injustices and risk factors that we’re seeing in communities of color,” she said.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District was created in 1889 by the Illinois General Assembly. It is a special service agency that is responsible for processing the wastewater and all of the stormwater in Cook County. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioners are elected at-large and set policy for the agency. There are nine Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioners that serve County-wide. Every two years, three Commissioners are elected for six year terms.

In her professional career, Brown has spent the last 20 years working in non-profit organizations, which include the American Bar Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, and she is the Senior Director of Governance and Operations with the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Those experiences have enabled her to work closely with board of directors

of nonprofit organizations and CEOs to create boards. She also knows how to govern. Brown also serves as Clerk for the Village of Matteson, a position she has held for five years.

“Yumeka Brown is the breath of fresh air in which the MWRD will benefit from. I am thrilled and confident that she will serve the residents of Cook County in a spirit of excellence,” Calvin Jordan, Rich Township Democratic Committeeman, said in a release.

Brown has spent her first couple of weeks in office setting the foundation, hiring staff and learning more about the internal processes of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, as well as getting to know the other Commissioners.

Brown is also crafting her plan for her first 100 days in office. She wants to do a listening tour to connect with stakeholders, which includes Constituents, Trustees and Mayors, especially of towns where there have been water issues, as well as other Elected Officials.

“We’re making those initial contacts with stakeholders in those communities to partner to see how MWRD can help them, provide resources and also to listen to see what are some of the things they want from the agency to support them, as well,” she said.

Brown is very excited to have a seat at the table. She is looking forward to being part of some of the committees within the Board, including the Affirmative Action and Public Health and Awareness committees.

For more information about the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, visit mwrd.org.

Cook County, Ill. – Donna Miller is joining a select group of county elected officials as part of the National Association of Counties’ County Officials advancing Racial Equity (CORE) in Justice Network for their commitment to identifying and eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in the local criminal legal system.

Donna Miller has led Cook County in efforts to understand disparities within the local criminal legal system and support programs, practices, funding and policies to advance racial equity. Their continued commitment helps improve outcomes for all community members, enhance public safety and ensure all residents have an opportunity to thrive.

As a participant of the CORE Justice Network, Donna Miller will engage with fellow elected officials from across the country who are building similar efforts in their jurisdictions. They will engage with peers, including in-person peer exchanges to communities with model practices and policies, and participate in virtual technical assistance opportunities with subject matter experts.

Local leaders participating in this network represent jurisdictions ranging in size and geographic location from Story County, Iowa, which has a population of 98,000, to Cook County, Ill. with a population of 5.2 million. The CORE Justice Network is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. To see a full list of local officials participating in the CORE Justice Network, visit https:// tinyurl.com/3wpf6a8b.

NAMI METRO SUBURBAN, BEDS PLUS CARE EXPAND HEALTH SERVICES IN SUMMIT

SUMMIT, Ill. – In partnership with the Village of Summit, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Metro Suburban (NAMI Metro Suburban) and BEDS Plus Care held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of two new community resources focused on expanding mental and physical health care services in the Summit, Berwyn, Justice, and Cicero communities. The ceremony was held at NAMI Metro Suburban’s new Individual Placement and Support (IPS) facility and also commemorated the grand opening of BEDS Plus Care’s new Linda Sokol Francis Summit Service Center which will provide interim housing for homeless individuals as they heal from medical ailments.

“The last few years have been extremely challenging for all of us, but even more so for our young people and community members experiencing mental health conditions or homelessness,” said Sergio Rodriguez, Mayor of the Village of Summit. “We are so grateful that NAMI Metro Suburban and BEDS Plus Care have made this commitment to further cement their impact in Summit and provide innovative and impactful services for those in need.”

NAMI Metro Suburban expands its successful Individual Placement and Support employment program through the new physical location right next to its Summit Living Room. The organization’s evidence-based IPS program will help both adults and transitional youth (ages 18-24) living with a mental health diagnosis throughout the Summit, Berwyn, Justice, and Cicero communities access services that promote recovery through employment and education. Individuals visiting the new Summit location will have access to bilingual staff and supports to help them achieve

steady, meaningful employment in mainstream competitive jobs.

“We are thrilled to expand our services and reach in Summit, a community that has been so welcoming to our team,” said Kimberly Knake, Executive Director, NAMI Metro Suburban. “We know that it’s crucial to meet people, especially young adults, where they are, and we’re proud to provide a safe space where community members can access the services they need to support their mental wellness and gain meaningful employment.”

BEDS Plus Care’s Linda Sokol Francis Summit Service Center will offer 24-hour staffing, seven days a week in a facility that provides medically vulnerable homeless adults with dignity while they stabilize and qualify for permanent housing. The organization has operated in the Summit community for years and brings wrap-around services including intensive case management, homelessness prevention and rehousing services, and onsite access to medical, behavioral, and physical healthcare to the new Center.

“We are proud to open our new facility on West 63rd Street, right down the block from our partners at NAMI Metro Suburban,” said Tina Rounds, Chief Executive Officer, BEDS Plus. “With this new space we will be able to coordinate services and provide vulnerable members of our community with access to housing, mental and physical healthcare, job assistance and other supportive services.”

NAMI Metro Suburban’s new facility is located at 7602 63rd Street and the Linda Sokol Francis Summit Service Center is at 7666 W 63rd St, Summit, IL.

SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR THE PROTECT ILLINOIS COMMUNITIES ACT

DONNA MILLER ACCEPTED INTO NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES’ COUNTY OFFICIALS ADVANCING RACIAL EQUITY (CORE) IN JUSTICE NETWORK

Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Historic Completion of Jane Byrne Interchange in Chicago

CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined local officials and community leaders to celebrate the completion of the Jane Byrne Interchange reconstruction, a multiyear effort to modernize a key gateway into downtown Chicago and a critical transportation hub for the region and entire Midwest. One of the biggest projects in state history, the new-andimproved Jane Byrne Interchange eliminates a notorious national bottleneck and improves safety, efficiency, and mobility across multiple modes of transportation while better connecting people and jobs throughout the Chicago area.

“Today, I’m proud to announce the reconstruction of the Jane Byrne Interchange is finally completed,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

The $806.4 million project is the first major rehabilitation of the Jane Byrne since it was originally constructed more than 60

years ago. The final pieces of the project will conclude this week, weather permitting, with the opening of a second lane on the ramps connecting the inbound Eisenhower to the outbound Kennedy and Dan Ryan as well as the ramps connecting Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street to the outbound Kennedy. A fourth lane on the Dan Ryan and Kennedy lanes through the interchange also are due to open tahis week.

The finished product is predicted to result in a 50% reduction in vehicle delays, saving motorists an annual 5 million hours previously spent sitting in traffic and $185 million in productivity. Vehicle emissions are anticipated to reduce by a third, with annual gas consumption decreasing by 1.6 million gallons a year. Crashes are predicted to go down 25%.

A tri-level interchange situated between the city’s central business district, the University of Illinois Chicago campus, and the vibrant Greektown neighborhood, the Jane Byrne connects travelers from the Kennedy and Dan Ryan expressways (Interstate 90/94) and the Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290) with the principal route in and out of Chicago in Ida B. Wells Drive. The interchange also serves as a local travel corridor for businesses, residences and other attractions via neighborhood streets, the Chicago Transit Authority and bike and pedestrian accommodations.

Named after Jane Byrne to honor the former Chicago mayor and the first woman elected to lead a major American city, the interchange serves almost 400,000 vehicles a day, one out of four of those being trucks. Prior to its reconstruction, the interchange

struggled to perform under its original 1958 design, resulting in congestion for the majority of the day and frequent unsafe conditions. The American Transportation Research Institute and the Federal Highway Administration at one point rated the interchange the country’s No. 1 bottleneck for freight.

Construction started on the new Jane Byrne in 2013 with the Morgan Street bridge, the first of 10 bridges carrying local traffic that needed to be rebuilt to accommodate the interchange’s reconfigured footprint. To keep the interchange open to traffic throughout construction, the project was separated into 35 separate pieces and contracts to best manage sequencing and staging.

The project used approximately 52 million pounds of street, the equivalent of 2.5 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower, as well as 2,100 miles of rebar, the distance between Chicago and San Francisco. More than 223,000 cubic yards of concrete were required, which would fill 25,000 trucks. Installed were 12 miles of storm sewer, enough to connect Wrigley Field and O’Hare International Airport. More details and other facts can be found at janebyrneinterchange.org/.

Motorists should still expect occasional, temporary lane closures in the coming weeks to complete miscellaneous electrical work and other punch list items. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and remain alert for workers and equipment. Painting of the Ida B. Wells Drive bridge and landscaping of the interchange area will start in the spring with minimal traffic impacts.

Great Lakes Credit Union Supports U.S. Marine Corp.’s Toys-For-Tots

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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SOUTH END

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Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

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CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

BloomTownship, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor,FordHeights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest,Sauk Village,South Chicago and Steger

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BANNOCKBURN, Ill. ¬— Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) has once again spread joy and giving this holiday season throughout the Chicago area.

GLCU hosted a toy drive in partnership with Alpha Media to benefit the U.S. Marine Corp.’s Toys-For-Tots. Drop off bins were placed at all 13 GLCU branches as well as corporate headquarters and their member contact center.

In addition to collecting toys at their branches, GLCU hosted two community events to encourage final donations from the community and their southern and northern branches.

In the south, GLCU invited the local community to their Bolingbrook branch. Patrons were invited to drop off toys, hangout with the DJ’s and hosts of Star 96.7, enjoy hot cocoa and donuts from Jester Food Truck and meet some of the Marines who help make these toy drives possible.

Up north, GLCU teamed up with Alpha Media outside their broadcast station in Gurnee Mills Mall. With the

help of the Marines, 95 WIIL Rock and 102.3 XLC, GLCU was able to host a drive-up donation, where all donations were conveniently taken directly from vehicles.

Throughout these final collection efforts, GLCU and Alpha Media were able to collect over two trucks full of donations.

GLCU is a community-focused financial institution that prides itself on banking for a greater good. GLCU wants to grow so they can continue to give back more impactfully to their local communities through initiatives such as the toy drive.

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, GLCU is committed to financial empowerment for you. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over $1 billion in assets, GLCU is proud to serve more than 80,000 members in the Chicagoland and surrounding areas. Learn more about GLCU’s accounts, educational initiatives and community development programs at glcu.org

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

SIMS

CHAIR OF COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. was recently elected to serve as the National ViceChair of the Council of State Governments.

“It is an immense honor to have been elected by my colleagues from all 50 states to serve in this important position,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “I have derived much of my knowledge and skills from people I have met through the Council of State Governments and I am proud to help shape future generations of leaders.”

The Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. The mission of the group is to champion excellence in state government.

In July, Sims was nominated by his peers at CSG’s Midwestern Legislative Conference to join the national leadership team. That nomination was approved in December at the CSG National Conference by the nonpartisan group’s executive committee.

Senator Sims has been involved with the Council of State Governments since 2012, when he served in the Illinois House of Representatives. He previously served as the group’s Midwest chair and hosted its regional conference in Chicago in July 2019.

“By joining forces with hundreds of other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle from all states, we will work to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this great nation home,” said Sims. “I look forward to years of continued service with the Council of State Governments.”

Sims was elected to the position during the Council of State Governments’ national conference earlier this month. He will assume office Jan. 1, 2023 and is in line to be National Chair-Elect in 2024 and National Chair in 2025.

JOYCE REMINDS RESIDENTS OF IDOT’S WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS MAP AHEAD OF WINTER STORM

As the temperatures drop, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

“With the winter months here, drivers need to be aware of road conditions before traveling,” said Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Using this resource from IDOT can allow individuals to take precautions before their drive, which can prevent crashes and road delays altogether.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. The map is updated frequently through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways

“The weather in Illinois can change suddenly and this online tool is really helpful and updates often,” said Joyce. “I encourage all individuals to view this map before any trips this winter so everyone can stay safe on the roads.”

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million page views during snow-andice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow and green of traffic congestion reporting, as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

For more information and to view the map, visit https://www.gettingaroundillinois. com/.

SENATOR

ELECTED NATIONAL VICE-

OPERATION HOPE’S 1 MILLION BLACK BUSINESS INITIATIVE HAS SUPPORTED MORE THAN 155,000 BLACK BUSINESSES TO DATE

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Operation HOPE, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to financial empowerment for underserved communities, announced that its groundbreaking 1 Million Black Business (1MBB) initiative has supported more than 155,000 unique businesses to date through its HOPE Inside network and 1MBB partners. According to the 1MBB 2022 Impact Report, which will be released in Q1 2023, this accounts for approximately 5% of all Black-owned businesses in the U.S.

Launched in October 2020, Operation HOPE and lead partner Shopify established 1MBB to help create and support up to one million new Black-owned businesses by 2030. Shopify committed resources to the initiative valued at approximately $130 million. In addition, Operation HOPE has signed a coalition of more than 60 other corporate, governmental and private partners that have committed to support the effort. This includes the U.S. Small Business Administration, Truist, First Horizon, Wells Fargo, the NFL, MasterCard, Comcast, iHeart Radio, Aprio, Clark Atlanta University, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Reid AME Community Development Corporation, Fraternities Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma and municipality partners including the cities of Birmingham, Memphis, Jackson, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Charlotte, Salisbury and Montgomery, among others.

The no-cost program helps Black entrepreneurs acquire the knowledge, skills and access to resources required to start, scale and grow their businesses. Through 1MBB, Black business owners have the opportunity to sign up for Operation HOPE’s award-winning model of community uplift, financial literacy and education – HOPE Inside - and upon graduation, Shopify

has committed to providing aspiring Black entrepreneurs education, programming and resources to help launch or expand their businesses. Other 1MBB partners have also committed to providing in-kind services and support for these business owners.

“I have consistently espoused that ‘silver rights’ is the ‘civil rights’ issue of this generation. Operation HOPE’s bold 1MBB initiative is equipping entrepreneurs with what they need to create and sustain a viable business,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE. “1MBB

for success. With the resources and coaching, especially access to funding, and business development tools, I now know that I am supported and the sky is the limit.”

To date, 1MBB has achieved the following results: Onboarded more than 30,000 hours of professional services including accounting, legal, e-commerce strategy and marketing advice services from 1MBB partners to support Black business owners.

Established a strategic alliance with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which includes the support of municipal partners and civic and community leaders in more than 200 U.S. cities, to help raise awareness of tools and resources available to underserved communities through the SBA.

Activated nearly 100 certified financial wellness and small business coaches to provide one-on-one sessions to source, train, certify and support program participants via virtual webinars and in-person events.

offers a real, actionable approach to tackling financial disparities and building stronger communities. The data shows that we are having a true impact and empowering Black businesses.”

“Operation HOPE, 1MBB, and Shopify gave me the ability to build and launch a beautiful, easy-to-manage website with no prior experience along with the capital from my first loan to acquire the things I needed to continue to grow my business,” said Jazmin Richards, Founder & CEO, BlkSunflower.com.

“Operation HOPE and 1MBB also provided me with amazing coaches and resources that help set BlkSunflower up

Expanded national efforts to recruit new small business owners through various business trade groups, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as members of the ‘Divine 9’ National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Research from the latest HOPE Minority Small Business Index reveals that Black entrepreneurs remain optimistic despite recent inflation, hikes in interest rates, and supply chain disruptions. Through the 1MBB initiative, removing barriers to business success such as mentorship, risk tolerance, lack of technological innovation, digital strategies and limited access to capital can help improve outcomes.

Experian and Center for Financial Advancement Launch HBCU Financial Literacy Program

(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Almost half of all college students say money management is a bigger challenge than any other they may face, according to the U.S. Department of Education. To empower students as they embark on their higher education journeys, leading information services company Experian and HomeFree-USA’s Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA) have launched the CFA Credit Academy. More than 250 scholars from 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will learn and train to share financial literacy, credit education and leadership basics.

“Experian is a committed innovative partner. Understanding and mastering credit is of significant importance to the CFA Scholars. The CFA Credit Academy provides the training, tools, coaching and mentoring in a clear relevant manner that will enable the scholars to achieve their personal goals,” said Gwen Garnett, HomeFree-USA Center for Financial Advancement® Executive Director.

The HomeFree-USA 2022 Money4Life Leadership Conference kicked off CFA’s eight month program and included an orientation of the credit education program with Experian’s credit education experts. Students will gain an understanding of credit and its importance, so they can become knowledge ambassadors for their peers, family and their communities. In addition to live sessions and self-paced content, the CFA Credit Academy culminates with a hackathon competition in April, challenging all students to form teams of four at participating HBCUs to build the next best credit education program for their peers. The winning team will earn a $40,000 scholarship, sponsored by Experian.

“This program normalizes and modernizes the conversation about credit and overall financial health.

Through our partnership with the CFA, we want to ensure these students are visible within the credit ecosystem for more equitable lending when they’re ready. Access to fair and affordable credit can help them, and all consumers, get a college degree, buy a car or a home, start a business, and ultimately build wealth and achieve greater financial success,” said Raudy Perez, Experian North America’s senior director for diversity, equity and inclusion partnerships.

Experian research shows there are 28 million US consumers who are unable to participate in the mainstream financial ecosystem today because they don’t have a financial identity. Credit invisibility more frequently impacts underserved communities with 26% of Hispanic consumers and 28% of Black consumers unscoreable or invisible compared to 16% of White and Asian consumers. That can make homeownership, the greatest driver of generational wealth, an even bigger challenge for underserved communities.

As part of its mission of financial inclusion and empowerment for all, Experian partners with HomeFree-USA to provide continuing education for its housing counselors and resources for their clients. The company created the Home Preservation Grant, which supported homeowners at risk of losing their homes due to COVID-related hardships with credit education and mortgage relief. Inclusion Forward – Experian Empowering Opportunities™ harnesses Experian’s data, analytics and technology to help clients provide more affordable credit access to diverse communities.

The Mortgage Bankers Association recently honored Experian with its 2022 DEI Leadership Award. To learn more about Experian’s work in diverse communities: visit www.experian.com/diversity.

HomeFree-USA is a nonprofit started by Marcia and Jim Griffin in 1994 with a vision to close the homeownership gap. The organization gives African Americans the guidance they need to achieve and sustain homeownership, and bridges the gap between financial strength and homeownership for people of color across America.

As a HUD-intermediary, HomeFree-USA serves the diverse interests of 6.3 million consumers through its nationwide network of over 50 affiliated community-based nonprofits that specialize in guiding people to first-time homeownership, sustainability and increased financial capacity.

For more information visit: https://homefreeusa. org/.

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 21,700 people operating across 30 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

“This program normalizes and modernizes the conversation about credit and overall financial health. Through our partnership with the CFA, we want to ensure these students are visible within the credit ecosystem for more equitable lending when they’re ready.”

PRNewsfoto/Operation HOPE, Inc.

Uncle Funky’s Daughter Announces New College Athlete Brand Ambassador: Stanford BasketBall Star, Haley Jones

HOUSTON, PRNewswire -- Uncle Funky’s Daughter launched a College Athlete Brand Ambassador program to empower student athletes of color to push limits, break barriers and create change for a more equitable future. With this program, the brand aims to encourage youth to celebrate their individuality and uniqueness and embrace the beauty of their curly and textured hair with natural hair products that love them back.

With her passion for basketball and her winning mindset, Haley Jones was named Most Outstanding Player of 2021 NCAA Tournament. While being an exceptional basketball player, there were times when Jones battled with insecurities and didn’t feel like she fits in. Going through her natural hair journey and learning to embrace her curls, Jones realized that female athletes have a voice that can be used to create change. “I love being able to inspire the next generation and help them work through problems and give them a role model that I didn’t have,” Jones said. By partnering with a brand like Uncle Funky’s Daughter, Haley Jones hopes to become a role model for everyone who experiences similar struggles and insecurities.

Renee Morris, CEO of Uncle Funky’s Daughter, said: “I

am so excited that Haley has chosen to partner with us. Haley is a woman with confidence, grace, and a clear understanding of who she is and how she wants to represent herself to the world. I am looking forward to watching her blossom on the court and beyond. She is a true Funky Junky!”

Uncle Funky’s Daughter is a black and woman owned hair care brand created in 2009 with a mission to support women, men, and children in their quest to confidently showcase their beauty - naturally.

Uncle Funky’s Daughter curates high-quality all-natural hair products that are designed to naturally satisfy every curl in the world. Free of sulfates, parabens and harsh chemicals, Uncle Funky’s Daughter products are available to shop at www.unclefunkysdaughter.com or select retail stores.

Haley Jones is a college basketball player for the Stanford Cardinal of the Pac-12 Conference. In High School, Jones was named the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American. As a five-star recruit, Jones was ranked the number one recruit in the 2019 class by ESPN. In 2021, she was named an all-conference selection in the Pac-12.

Former Head of YeezyAdidas Innovation Lab Launches FCTRY LAb

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- FCTRY LAb is a BIPOC-led, LA-based footwear prototyping lab and venture studio aiming to democratize sneaker production and open-source innovation for emerging and established designers and brands of all sizes.

Founded by Omar Bailey (Former Head of Yeezy-Adidas Innovation Lab) and Abhishek Som (Former Wall Street & Private Equity Executive), FCTRY LAb is an independent innovation studio that is US-based to avoid the risks and delays of overseas supply chains, thus shrinking product development time from 8-12 months to a short 1-3 months. Making high-technology accessible, FCTRY LAb is working to provide equity in an industry where large sneaker corporations often make an overwhelming majority of profits off the creative power of minority designers, influencers and athletes.

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Martell, the oldest of the great Cognac houses, hosted “The Martell Sneaker Atelier,’’ a holiday experience that draws inspiration from a French tradition that encourages placing shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts by morning. Blending tradition with modern-day sneaker culture and high fashion, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Fe, founder of womenswear brand Fe Noel and CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund recipient, will introduce brainwave technology to inform one-of-a-kind sneaker designs as unique as the individual.

As a brand committed to forward-motion and reinvention, Martell Cognac keeps its legacy fresh by partnering with cultural architects and multifaceted minds like Fe to twist tradition in elegantly modern yet unexpected ways. A mainstay in New York culture widely remembered for her historic role in conceptualizing

NBA All-Star LeBron James’ first all-female designed sneaker – Fe is no newcomer to the realm of bold design and set to “make waves” this season. Together, Martell and Fe are embarking on another first: Redefining personalized footwear.

“I truly believe that fashion is a language of cultural self-expression and individuality. It’s a way to communicate who you are and where you’ve come from,” said Fe. “With this collaboration, my main objective is for people to feel good in their own skin by embracing their most precious memories and unapologetically

celebrating their inner “Standout Swift” with wearable art.”

Since the founding of Martell, the cognac producer has been pushing the boundaries of innovation, as embodied by a category first: Martell Blue Swift. As the first cognac house to ship its barrels to America in 1793, Martell Blue Swift is a celebration of the brand’s historic ties with the U.S., made of V.S.O.P cognac matured in French oak casks and finished in American whiskey barrels.

“Like the ‘Swift’ that adorns each bottle, Martell Blue Swift is crafted for those who soar higher, those who – like Fe Noel - are boldly redefining convention,” says Charlotte Raux, Senior Brand Manager, Martell Cognac at Pernod Ricard USA. “Fe has mastered the ability to bottle up culture with her fashion, making her the perfect creative partner for a holiday experience that marries technology with design for the ultimate gift of self-expression.”

Brainwave sensing headsets will interpret positive holiday memories into vibrant patterns incorporating Fe’s signature color palettes before translated into truly unique sneaker designs. Each sneaker will be hand painted live on-site and receive a finishing touch by Fe, custom gold charms designed in collaboration with New York-based jewelry artist Johnny Nelson.

To learn more about Martell Cognac, visit https://www.martell.com/en-us or follow at @ martellusa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

This initial $6 Million tranche included a diverse group of venture capital firms, top professional athletes and a myriad of pedigreed angel investors. Investors include the Co-Founder of Tinder (via Time Zero Capital), Co-Founder of WeWork, the West Coast Head of Warburg Pincus, and a consortium of NBA & NFL stars via Chicago based Aurelien Capital. Venture capital investment was led by the LA-based, Pay-Pal-backed Slauson & Co, with additional investment from Relay Ventures, Elysian Park Ventures (the private investment arm of the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group), Level One Fund & Fog City Capital among others.

Omar Bailey helped transition the gap from cutting edge conceptual design into physically wearable footwear during the $1 Billion revenue growth of Yeezy-Adidas. With over 20 years of global product development and manufacturing practice as a design engineer, his other experiences include developing footwear for entertainers such as Jay-Z and Lady Gaga, athletes such as Karim Benzema and working alongside culturally-impactful brands like Supreme, New Balance, K-Swiss & Timberland. Satyan Gohil, also a footwear prototyping and development veteran at Yeezy-Adidas, has joined FCTRY LAb as Head of Innovation. In a short period of time FCTRY LAb has already designed, prototyped and manufactured multiple lines of collaborative footwear with top design and brand partners and a reigning Super-Bowl winner.

FCTRY LAb is a footwear innovation lab based in Los Angeles, California, repurposing state of the art technology in additive manufacturing & 3D printing (traditionally used in aerospace and defense industries) with traditional knit and footwear development processes to create a one of a kind, end-to- end facility for footwear design, development and prototyping. The innovation lab is a bridge between product creation and large-scale manufacturing. FCTRY LAb has partnered with Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS:NASDAQ), for use of its advanced 3D printing technology. FCTRY LAb will follow ESG & sustainable development practices. B2B inquiries and more information is available at www.fctrylab.com.

Martell Cognac Taps Fe, Founder of Womenswear Brand Fe Noel, to Create One-of-a-Kind Sneaker Designs Using Signature Color Theory and Brainwave Technology

FCTRY LAb Co-Founders Omar Bailey and Abhishek Som. PRNewsFoto

121 Local Residents Graduate from ComEd Overhead Training Programs in Chicago, Rockford and Joliet

CHICAGO – ComEd leaders joined IBEW Local 15 and members of the community to recognize 121 local residents as they graduated from training programs required to become full-time lineworkers with ComEd. Graduation events held by the company today recognized newly hired pre-apprentices now on track to begin an overhead apprenticeship school in 2023. This on-the-job training is a requirement for performing the role of a lineworker, a key role helping to ensure reliable power is safely delivered to communities across northern Illinois.

This graduation represents one of the largest overhead classes in recent history, as ComEd has expanded investments in training and committed to hire hundreds of additional entry-level craft workers in the next couple of

years to prepare for the state’s clean energy transition.

“ComEd is working to ensure that as we grow and move toward a clean energy future, we are creating equitable opportunity for diverse, local talent to join our company and to play a role in ad -

dressing climate change,” said Terence Donnelly, president and COO of ComEd. “Congratulations to our newest class of overhead trainees for taking essential steps forward in your career journeys, and for your dedication to this challenging yet rewarding

work to deliver safe, reliable and resilient power to all our northern Illinois communities in the years ahead.”

The graduates have completed required skills training across the company’s three regional facilities: the Chicago Training Center, the Joliet Training Center, and the Rockford Training Center. ComEd craft trainees receive competitive pay of $29 an hour on average at the time of their hire and are paid during their training. More information on the training progression for entry-level craft roles can be found here.

The latest class of graduates is diverse with more than 32 percent minorities, 12 percent Veterans, and an increase in female hires to join the workforce as well. Additionally, graduates hail from all corners of the service region, representing 89 unique zip codes from across northern Illinois.

Working with ComEd, we are committed to building a diverse talent pipeline to prepare residents for the growing numbers of clean energy jobs in Illinois,” said Terry McGoldrick, President of IBEW Local 15. “By expanding access to our apprenticeship training programs, we’re working to invite more men and women of all backgrounds to learn a skilled trade that will be critical to powering communities, and the economy, for years to come.”

New entry-level craft positions – including the overhead helper position and other entry-level union roles – will play a key role in building and operating a more resilient grid that can withstand increasingly severe weather and meet the increased demand for

renewable energy and electric vehicles. Jobs in the clean energy space are on the rise today, as Illinois transitions to a clean energy future and as the energy industry outpaces growth of other industries nationally, adding more than 300,000 jobs last year alone (USEER 2022).

To prep are to meet these demands, ComEd has been working to expand the reach of its career readiness programs, including hosting more frequent climb clinics, expanding test prep, and boosting capacity of its apprenticeship schools to reach more residents interested in careers in utilities. As a result, ComEd has nearly doubled participation in the overhead apprenticeship program in the past two years.

Since announcing it would expand craft hiring earlier this year, ComEd has extended hiring offers to over 200 candidates for roles including overhead helpers, as well as construction workers. As interest in craft careers at ComEd has increased, so too has diversity: More than 75 percent of applications to craft roles in 2022 were for minority candidates, and 15 percent for women. This record level of diversity follows on efforts by the company to bolster outreach and recruitment in communities across the service territory, and to reduce barriers to help more qualified applicants get the training they need to compete for these new careers.

For more information on how ComEd is helping job seekers prepare for entry-level craft roles, please visit www.comed.com/cleanenergyjobs.

* Best Colleges Online.

You bring the magic. We’ll take care of the lights.

At ComEd, we’re at work behind-the-scenes to bring you the power you need for the holidays. That way, you can focus on what makes the season special. We’ll handle the rest.

Record-breaking reliability, powered by ComEd.

NEW EDITION AND THE BLACK PROMOTERS COLLECTIVE ANNOUNCE THEIR NEW TOUR FOR 2023

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Iconic Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling R&B supergroup NEW EDITION closed out 2022 with the highly successful “The Culture Tour,” nominated as one of the Top R&B Tours in the country by Pollstar. Selling out arenas across the country, the icons and The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) are happy to announce the 30-city “LEGACY TOUR” with a must-see lineup that includes a New Jack Swing reunion with KEITH SWEAT and the original members of GUY (Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Damion Hall) and TANK starting on Thursday, March 9 in Columbia, SC and ending on Sunday, April 30 in Tampa, FL.

Tickets are available to the general public and range from $59.50 to $179.50. Tickets can be purchased at https://blackpromoterscollective.com.

Few recording artists can attest to a superior 40-year career that stands the test of time, but New Edition can.

“Few recording artists can attest to a superior 40year career that stands the test of time, but New Edition can. When we partnered with NE for “The Culture Tour,” although I knew it would be stellar, their show exceeded my expectations; the guys were nothing short of miraculous. We are excited about partnering with New Edition to further the legacy of the foundation they have already laid,” states BP

NEW EDITION hit the scene in 1983 with their iconic #1 debut album Candy Girl disrupting the music industry forty years ago. That same year, the album’s title cut knocked Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” out of the #1 spot on the Billboard “Hot Black Singles” chart.

KEITH SWEAT entered the charts with his 3X platinum debut solo album, Make It Last Forever, in 1987, giving the world its first New Jack Swing Billboard “Hot 100” hit, “I Want Her.” The song, produced by Teddy Riley and Sweat, became the most successful R&B song in 1988 on the Billboard “Hot R&B Songs” chart.

Teddy Riley ushered in a new musical genre called

New Jack Swing, which included the formation of his group GUY with Aaron Hall and Damion Hall in 1987. The group’s first album, the self-titled masterpiece, quickly spawned the Billboard “Hot 100” hit “I Like,” which, along with four other hit singles such as “Groove Me” and “Teddy’s Jam,” helped to propel the debut album to double platinum status. The group disbanded after their second album, The Future, citing the stresses of the tragic loss of their former manager.

Don’t miss it. Go to a New Edition “Legacy Tour” date near you: Sunday, March 12 Memphis, TN FedExForum Thursday, March 16

Washington, D.C.

Capital One Center

Friday, March 17

Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum

Thursday, March 23 Chicago, IL United Center

Friday, March 24 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Saturday, March 25 Detroit, MI

Little Caesars Arena

Sunday, March 26 Cincinnati, OH

Heritage Bank Center

Thursday, March 30 Atlanta, GA

State Farm Arena Friday, March 31

New Orleans, LA

Smoothie King Center Thursday, April 13 Cleveland, OH

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Friday, April 14 Louisville, KY

KFC Yum! Center Saturday, April 15 St. Louis, MO

The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) is a coalition of six of the nation’s top independent concert promotion and event production companies. As a 100% Blackowned business, its mission is to be the world’s leading producer and provider of culturally relevant live entertainment experiences. To learn more, visit http://www. blackpromoterscollective.com.

8B EDUCATION INVESTMENTS WELCOMES THE ROOTS’ LEAD SINGER AND ENTREPRENEUR TARIQ “BLACK THOUGHT” TROTTER TO BOARD POSITION

8B Education Investments closes $3m seed raise and adds Trotter alongside David Brown, Managing Partner of Impellent Ventures, to board, continuing the momentum for 8B, which announced a historic $30M debt partnership with Nelnet Bank as part of a broader $111.6M commitment at the 2022 Clinton Global Initiative to accelerate African students’ access to global universities

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- 8B Education Investments, the first fintech lender to African students attending global universities, announced two additions to its Board of Directors. Following the close of 8B’s $3 m seed round, Tariq Trotter, a general partner at venture capital firm Impellent Ventures, and the lead lyricist and front man of legendary hip hop group The Roots known as “Black Thought”, will join David Brown, Impellent’s Managing Director, as 8B’s two new board members.

8B Education Investments has built a pioneering platform to connect high-potential African students with world-class colleges and universities, a financing marketplace to research scholarships and compare loan financing options; and a career support function to enable students to realize their highest potential.

With over 100,000 users on the platform and an ambition to 10x the number of African students in global universities, 8B has built a vibrant community where African students engage with peers, mentors and university experts on all aspects of the highly fragmented and often confusing journey of studying abroad. Students currently visit the platform to identify right-fit colleges, financing options, and careers.

The impact of 8B’s work is in providing global universities and employers a gateway to the world’s fastest growing pool of diverse young talent, while creating a critical mass of African innovators equipped to participate, compete, and thrive in the knowledge economy of the 21st.

century. The company plans to use the resources to grow its unique, non-cosigner loan program, expand its education finance marketplace, and build additional product capabilities.

Trotter’s appointment as an observer to the Board of Directors continues the artist, actor, writer, producer, creator and GRAMMY award-winning musician’s passion of supporting underserved entrepreneurs. A leader of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’s house band, and a composer and producer of the critically acclaimed off-Broadway musical Black No More, Trotter joined Impellent Ventures in May 2022. 8B is his first board position.

“I am honored to join 8B’s Board of Directors and continue my passion in helping and investing in underserved communities,” said Trotter. “Brilliance is evenly distributed everywhere around the world, but for too long, the world has acted as though African brilliance is a rare commodity. Through 8B’s work, the numbers of African students attending American schools will grow, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This will enrich the university experience for everyone, strengthen the US-Africa relations, and change existing perceptions about the African continent and about people of African descent around the world more broadly.”

The market need 8B is addressing is clear: 8B estimates that less than 30% of African students accepted into American universities can afford to attend, creating a $25b annual financing gap. Scholarships are too few to meet demand and affordable loan programs focusing on African students do not exist. Yet, Africa’s population of 1.2 billion people is the youngest and fastest growing in the world, with a median age of 19. By 2050, Africa is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world.

“8B is thrilled to close our seed financing and have Tariq Trotter and David Brown join our Board,” said Dr. Lydiah Kemunto Bosire, 8B’s founder and CEO. “This is Africa’s season, and 8B’s mission requires a scale of investment capital – not philanthropy - that has simply not been available to African students to date. That is why we are thrilled to have found like-minded investors to support us with the cutting-edge ideas, guidance and solutions we need to seize this generational opportunity of unlocking African potential.”

In addition to Trotter and Brown joining its Board of Directors, 8B’s investors in the round include New York Ventures, a division of Empire State Developments, and Trueventures.org, the social impact initiative launched by venture capital firm True Ventures. The round also includes 11 experienced investors and operators in the education, finance, and impact ecosystems, including Debra Fine of Fine Capital Partners, Seavest Investment Group CEO Rick Segal, Amplify CEO Larry Berger, and Bryan Meehan, former CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee.

This announcement comes a few weeks after the company unveiled a partnership with US-based Nelnet Bank during the 2022 meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, through which Nelnet will provide $30 million of lending funds over a period of three years to African students looking to receive a higher education at the American universities. During the Clinton Global Initiative meeting, 8B announced a total of $111.6 million in funding commitments from a range of partners, including the Education Testing Service, the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and World Resources Institute (Africa), unified in their purpose to enable world-class education for the next generation of African innovators, including for the new climate economy.

Planning a Balanced, Plant-Based Diet for Kids

Iron

(Family Features) Caregivers who follow a vegetarian, vegan or other plant-based diet may wonder whether it’s wise for their children to follow the same eating plan.

A well-balanced vegetarian diet can meet a baby or child’s needs, although it’s important to make sure children eating plant-based diets are getting enough protein-rich plant foods and other essential nutrients, according to Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN.

If you’re contemplating a plant-based diet for your child, you can learn more about the essential nutrients every child needs with this insight from Malkani and the nutrition experts at Plum Organics.

Starting at about 6 months, babies’ iron reserves are low and they need iron from food sources. Iron is essential for brain development and healthy immune systems, as well as overall growth. Heme iron from animal-based foods is absorbed better than non-heme iron found in plant foods, but you can increase the absorption of non-heme iron by offering meals that include a plant source of iron – found in foods like beans, legumes, quinoa, chia seeds, leafy greens, nuts, nut butters and tofu – and a vitamin C-rich food, such as broccoli, strawberries or cantaloupe. Vitamin C helps boost nonheme iron absorption.

Vitamin B12

Important for development of the nervous system, vitamin B12 also plays a role in the prevention of anemia and affects some behavior and mood regulation. Dietary sources of B12 include primarily animal products (meat, fish, eggs and milk), although some B12 can be found in nutritional yeast and fortified cereals. Infants likely get enough vitamin B12 from breast milk or formula, but as their milk intake begins to taper between 9-12 months, vegan babies may benefit from supplementation.

Vitamin D

Most people know vitamin D is good for strengthening teeth and bones, but it also supports calcium absorption and promotes optimal functioning of the immune system. The only known naturally occurring plant-based food source of vitamin D is some varieties of mushrooms. Formula-fed infants drinking more than 32 fluid ounces do not generally need a supplement, but breastfeeding infants may need to be supplemented.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These essential fatty acids are important for brain development, learning and behavior. There are three types of omega-3s, including EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA, the most critical, are found mainly in fish or algae. Breast milk and formula often contain omega-3s, as well.

For plant-based tots who don’t eat fish, the ALA in foods like chia

seeds, flax seeds and walnuts can be an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. Consider an option like the Mango & Pineapple, White Bean, Butternut Squash & Oats blend from Plum Organics, which provides omega-3 ALA from chia seeds and offers a convenient way to add important nutrients to a toddler’s plant-based diet.

Calcium

Calcium is important for strengthening bones and teeth, as well as muscular and nervous systems and heart function. For most infants, formula, breast milk or a combination of the two will provide adequate intake of calcium. Plant-based dietary sources of calcium include tofu, beans, fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, tahini, sesame seeds and almond butter.

Zinc

In addition to the important role it plays in immune health, overall growth and development, zinc is a vital component of cell turnover and repair. Breast milk provides adequate zinc to meet a baby’s needs, but over time the concentration of zinc in breast milk decreases (even if the mother takes supplements). Whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, legumes, chickpeas and nuts are all plant-based sources of zinc.

Protein

Most children who eat plant-based diets easily meet their needs for protein, which is essential for adequate growth and development. Plantbased baby food blends like the Carrot, Sweet Potato, Corn, Pea and Chicken pouches from Plum Organics offer a no-mess, portable way to provide about 18% of an average 6-12-month-old’s daily protein needs. Other sources of plant-based protein include beans, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds and soy.

Caregivers should speak with their pediatricians or registered dietitians about any nutrition-related concerns and always consult them before starting any supplements. Find more information to support your child’s nutrition needs at plumorganics.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

RSV Season Is Here! Best Ways To Protect You & Your Family

(Black PR Wire) The last four months of the year is always the most eventful time of the year with the drastic dip in the weather due to fall and winter, preparing for the holidays, all the good food you can eat and all the money to be spent. The last quarter of the year is always set to bring joy and laughter every year. Though joy and laughter aren’t the only things that the fall and winter bring. They also bring about health concerns. This time of year is when different illnesses are usually more prominent and easy to catch. You may know about the flu and a regular cold but do you know about RSV as well? Yes, that is an illness that could really affect you and your family, here’s how.

What Is RSV?

Otherwise known as respiratory syncytial virus, RSV is a virus that causes infections in the lungs and respiratory tract. With similar symptoms as a cold, if you are diagnosed with RSV you may experience symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing, low fever, dry cough and headaches.

ore severe cases the symptoms may look like severe cough difficulty or rapid breathing, wheezing, and a change of skin color (blush) due to lack of oxygen. An RSV infection can spread to your lower respiratory tract and can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia in severe cases because of the damage it does to your airway passages.

This virus can easily spread through the air by infected respiratory droplets. RSV can enter the body through the mouth, nose or eyes so a simple cough or sneeze from someone standing next to you who has RSV can lead to you being infected.

Who Is Affected By It The Most?

Though both children and adults can be affected by RSV, infants are severely affected by it the most. In infants, you’ll notice babies struggling to breathe, short or shallow breathing, lack of appetite and extreme tiredness or fatigue if a baby has been infected with RSV.

Unfortunately, it has been proven that every two out of three babies will be infected by respiratory syncytial virus by age 1 due to how easily this virus can spread. If your child attends daycare or has siblings who attend school, then your small infant is at a higher risk of developing RSV.

Children or adults with weakened immune systems,

children or adults with heart or chronic lung disease, premature infants and adults older than 65 are all people who are at a higher risk of developing severe or life-threatening RSV infections.

How To Protect Yourself And Your FamiThis Season

It’s extremely important to be mindful of this sickness when it comes around, especially if you are someone who is already living with respiratory issues such as asthma. This can cause extreme difficulty breathing and bring on severe cases of RSV due to the fact that you already suffer from easily inflamed airway passages, so protecting yourself is key. There’s no form of vaccine to prevent RSV, but there are ways you and your family can protect yourself from getting sick. When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth with your arm and not your hand. Wash your hands frequently and teach your children to do the same and why it’s important.

Try to keep your surfaces and areas clean as well as children’s toys. Keeping these clean will prevent bacteria and germs from spreading fast. Do not share cups with each other, drink from your own. Make sure no one kisses your baby on the lips or their face as that is an easy way to spread RSV to infants and children. Stay away from smoking if you can or do not expose your children to tobacco smoke because this puts them at a higher risk of developing RSV.

Not Sure If It’s RSV, COVID Or The Flu?

Since the symptoms are all so similar, it’s easy to not know if it’s COVID, RSV, the Flu or a common cold. The best way to distinguish which one you may have developed is by paying attention to who has what symptoms. In children, COVID symptoms are usually milder but adults usually experience more severe COVID symptoms. RSV is the opposite, where children experience severe symptoms and adults experience milder symptoms. The best way to determine which one your child has is to get tested and see a doctor once you notice the symptoms and their severity. Staying safe this winter is important so do your best to protect yourself and your family so you all can enjoy the season together.

Walgreens Launches Free Paxlovid Delivery Services with DoorDash and Uber

(Black PR Wire) DEERFIELD, Ill. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In partnership with DoorDash and Uber, Walgreens announced free delivery of Paxlovid, a COVID-19 oral antiviral therapy, directly to the doorsteps of those who need it.

With more than 8,000 Walgreens locations offering same day delivery services, available to anyone who lives within 15 miles of participating Walgreens locations, the majority of Americans have access to this program, about 92% of the population.

This initiative is aimed at increasing access to COVID-19 treatment, with a focus on reaching those in socially vulnerable or medically underserved areas at a time when COVID-19 cases are beginning to rise again across the United States. According to Walgreens COVID-19 Index data, overall positivity rates reached 36 percent this week. This steady rise in cases reinforces the critical need for access to life-saving treatments.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health disparities and emphasized the need to address long-standing barriers, including access to treatments,” said Anita Patel, PharmD, vice president, pharmacy services development, Walgreens. “Our pharmacy teams will continue to play a trusted and essential role in helping to keep people protected from COVID-19, including getting people vaccinated, tested and treated as safely, equitably and effectively as possible.”

Eligible patients must have a Paxlovid prescription from a healthcare provider. After the pharmacy has filled the prescription and before it gets picked up, individuals can go online to select Same Day Delivery by visiting Walgreens.com/PrescriptionDelivery, the Walgreens app or by calling their store.

This initiative is the latest offering in an ongoing collaboration between Walgreens, DoorDash and Uber to increase accessibility of life-saving treatments to medically underserved and underrepresented areas, following the companies’ response to the White House COVID-19 call to action to ensure a safe and healthy winter.

To use Same Day Rx Delivery, you must be opted into Prescription Status Alerts. It will appear as an option if order is before that store’s cutoff time for the day. Certain health plans do not cover, or participate in, Same Day Rx Delivery. Check with your health plan for further details. Excludes California.

Same Day Prescription Delivery is available on eligible prescriptions only. Most prescription orders are available to be delivered to the patient’s home same day. Orders must be received by 4 p.m. to be eligible for Same Day Rx Delivery. Please note that while most prescriptions are expected to be delivered same day, some deliveries may not be eligible for delivery due to prescription type, delivery address, holidays, weather, or other delivery constraints.

Age-restricted items are not eligible for delivery. Other exclusions may apply. For details, vi Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities. WBA’s purpose is to create more joyful lives through better health. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving nearly 10 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for the nation’s medically underserved populations. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in communities nationwide.

DoorDash (NYSE: DASH) is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local businesses in 27 countries across the globe. Founded in 2013, DoorDash builds products and services to help businesses innovate, grow, and reach more customers. DoorDash is building infrastructure for local commerce, enabling merchants to thrive in the convenience economy, giving consumers access to more of their communities, and providing work that empowers. With DoorDash, there is a neighborhood of good in every order.

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 36 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

BlackPRWire

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of: REBECCA CRUZ BENGCO.CASE NUMBER 22M6008665. There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: REBECCA BENGCO AYSON to the new name of REBECCO CRUZ BENGCO. The court date will be held: On

FEBRUARY21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at 16501 S. KEDZIE MARKHAM, ILLINOIS COOK IN Courtroom# 208 /s/ REBECCA CRUZ BENGCO.

NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR MOTION STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY

Rebecca Bengco, Ayson, Plantiff/Pettioner

1. Hearing Information: The hearing for the Motion I filed is scheduled:

A. On Feb. 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 208. Remotely by video conference: zoom. I certify that everything in the Notice of Court Date for motion is true and correct. I understand that making a false statement on this form is perjury and has penalities provided by law under 735ILCS 5/1-109 /s/ REBECCA B. AYSON 10142 S. VERNON, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60628.

(StatePoint) While you may want to tone your abs, glutes and triceps in the new year, there’s one often-overlooked area of the body that deserves your attention too: your feet!

“A lot of people hit the gym or dust off their home exercise equipment in January,” says Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “But without proper precautions, a new exercise routine can cause foot and ankle injuries that could sideline you just as you’re hitting your stride.”

According to ACFAS, here’s what to know as you follow through on your resolution to get fit:

Common Injuries

• Don’t play through the pain of an ankle sprain. Avoiding treatment can not only cause further damage to the ligaments which may take much longer to heal or possibly require surgery, but you may be overlooking a more serious injury -- a stress fracture.

• A stress fracture may feel like an ankle sprain at first, but you’ll notice additional warning signs, such as swelling without bruising, and pain even during normal activities or when touching the area. If you have any of these symptoms, have your foot and ankle evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible.

• Pain or swelling around your Achilles tendon after a workout could be indications of Achilles tendonitis. Untreated, a stretched or strained Achilles tendon may worsen over time, leading to stiffness and fatigue in your injured leg. Worse yet, untreated Achilles tendonitis could result in a ruptured tendon requiring surgery and a rehabilitation of several months.

• Heel pain that lasts for more than a day or two, or worsens when you stand after sitting for an extended amount of time, may be plantar fasciitis. This common condition is a result of inflammation of the tissue extending from your heel to your toes. If caught early, your foot and ankle surgeon can recommend athome conditioning. In late stages, plantar fasciitis is harder to treat and takes longer to resolve.

Prevention Tips

The good news? Many injuries are preventable. Foot and ankle surgeons offer five tips to help you keep your feet and ankles healthy:

1. Be smart. Consider consulting a personal trainer at first to ensure you’re

practicing good form, and to increase the duration and intensity of your workouts gradually and safely.

2. Stretch. Incorporate mobility and stretching into your fitness regimen, particularly before and after workouts.

3. Be footwear aware. Wear properly-fitting athletic shoes that support the arch of the foot, provide heel cushioning and are designed for the exercise in which you’re engaged. These measures can help you avoid plantar fasciitis and neuromas. Wear cotton or nonslip socks to help prevent painful blisters, which can become infected and cause more serious issues, especially if you have diabetes.

4. Guard against bacteria. Sweaty shoes, public showers, exercise equipment and the pool deck are breeding grounds for fungus, viruses and bacteria. Wear water shoes in public areas, and after workouts, and get your feet clean and dry quickly.

5. Book an appointment. Foot and ankle pain isn’t normal. It signals a problem that needs to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated by a specialist who fully understands this part of the body. To find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, use the “Find a Physician” search tool at FootHealthFacts.org.

“When you exercise, your feet and ankles do a ton of work holding you up and absorbing the shock of each step you take,” says Dr. Butto. “So, as you kick off your new fitness routine, don’t forget to protect them.”

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) kazuma seki / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Another boost in the fight against hunger

Bank of America proudly continues to support our employees’ health and safety while addressing food insecurity in our local communities, which typically spikes during the winter months.

Our employees are taking action to support the important work of our local food banks. For those who let us know they’ve received a coronavirus booster and/or a flu shot, we’ll donate $50 for each to a local hunger relief organization. In addition, employees can double the impact of their personal donations to fight hunger with our matching gifts program. Through these efforts, we’ll donate more than $8 million to address food insecurity in our local communities.

The team here in Chicago recently presented organizations including Food For Greater Elgin with checks totaling $200,000. This contribution is in addition to our long-standing philanthropic support to help fight hunger and food insecurity across the country. We are proud to be able to help our community as we work together to move forward.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago