Chicago Weekend Citizen 6-15-2022

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Marriott International Launches “Marriott’s Bridging The Gap” Hotel Development Program

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Week of June 15, 2022

FREE | VOL 53 | ISSUE 25

The Immersive Experience is open to the public. The experience is a journey through Prince’s life, music, activism and style. Photo credit: Superfly and Alive Coverage.

PRINCE:

THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE TAKES MUSIC LOVERS ON A RIDE Prince: The Immersive Experience is the latest immersive, interactive experience from the company that brought The Friends Experience and The Office Experience to Chicago.

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DIY Home Upgrades to Add Style and Beauty P12

Governor Pritzker Announces $20 Million Investment in Humboldt Park Health P6

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‘Eureka!,’ Premiering June 22 On Disney Junior And Disney+

2 NEWS briefly Rep. Harper’s Measure to Exempt Unclaimed Property from Sales Tax Signed Into Law

An Illinois State Representative Sonya Harper-led bill to exempt unclaimed property sold by the Treasurer from sales tax was recently signed into law.

“When the state Treasurer cannot reunite unclaimed tangible property with the legal owner after five years, the Treasurer can auction off the property,” Harper said.

“Exempting these goods from sales tax makes them more accessible to the consumer and saves them money.”

Historically, tangible unclaimed property sold at auctions on behalf of the state Treasurer has been exempt from sales tax, but the Leveling the Playing Field for Illinois Retail Act inadvertently removed this exemption. Senate Bill 3832 provides that all tangible personal property sold by or on behalf of the state Treasurer would be permanently exempt from sales tax.

“Exempting unclaimed property from sales tax puts money back into the pockets of consumers,” said Harper. “I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to pass this commonsense measure.”

Senate Bill 3832 is effective immediately.

CONGO SQUARE THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES PERFORMING ARTISTS FOR TWO JUNETEENTH PROGRAMS

Chicago’s Congo Square Theatre Company, one of the nation’s premier African American theatres, celebrates the Juneteenth holiday with two festive “Homecoming”-themed programs, Sunday, June 19, at the Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th Street in the Bridgeport neighborhood.

The celebration begins from 1 to 4 p.m., with Festival on the Square. This lively, family-friendly, and free program is inspired by the original Congo Square located in New Orleans, and aims to celebrate arts, healing, and Black joy.

Themed around “Homecoming,” this year’s Festival will showcase a vibrant collection of live performances, theatrical readings, and Black owned vendors. Ayodele Drum & Dance kicks off the festival with a live performance followed by a dance class for all ages and skill levels. Then Congo Square Theatre Ensemble Member Aaron Todd Douglas will read August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned followed by a performance from Chicago blues star Melody Angel. Members of the Congo Square Theatre Ensemble will perform staged readings of plays by the 2022 Samuel G. Roberson Next Up Fellowship winners directed

by Malkia Stampley. Fellowship winners will be announced during the festival.

Then at 6 p.m., Congo Square hosts the 2022 Vision Benefit, to help support Congo Square’s important mission, and celebrate the company’s work, its return to live theater, and its future. The 2022 Vision Benefit will honor three individuals for their contributions to the company and the Chicago theatre community, an annual Congo Square tradition: Luther Goins will receive its Lifetime Achievement Award; Jacqueline Williams will receive its Artistic Excellence Award; and Rueben Echoles will receive its Emerging Artist Award.

Entertainment for the Vision Benefit includes a Hit ‘em on the Blackside Watch Party with a cast and crew talkback, dance performances from Hawkins House of Horton and Ayodele Drum & Dance, and musical performances

by Melody Angel and Alexis Roston & Friends. Jeffery Beckham, Jr. will do a live painting which will be auctioned off during the celebration. A dance party hosted by DJ Retro concludes the evening. Vision Benefit tickets are $250.

Please note that all in-person attendees must present proof of vaccination and a photo ID to enter the facility.

For more information on this afternoon program, visit congosquaretheatre.org/fos.

For more information, to purchase tickets to the Vision Benefit, please visit congosquaretheatre.org/visionbenefit.

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Prince: The Immersive Experience takes music lovers on a ride Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Prince: The Immersive Experience is open to the public. It debuted in Chicago on Thursday, June 9th, at 540 N. Michigan Avenue.

Superfly really takes care to ensure guests are immersed in the worlds of the subjects they offer. Prince: The Immersive Experience is different than the other experiences because it not only details Prince’s music, but his life, his activism, his philanthropy, and his style.The Immersive Experience is different that the other experiences because it not only details Prince’s music, but his life, his activism, his philanthropy and his style.

Guests are taken on a journey into the life of Prince Rogers Nelson, who was born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minn. The first room features an introductory video that lets visitors know what they will see when they enter the experience.

Die-hard fans and people who are familiar with his music will enjoy seeing the artifacts, like the clothes Prince wore in videos and on tour. They’ll also learn about his life. One room has a timeline of his life and screens in that room show key locations in Minneapolis and how they connect to him.

To get the full span of Prince and his musical work, there is a discography in chronological order of all of his albums. The experience is filled with quotes from Prince.

It was said that Prince wrote a song a day. Guests can tour a replica of Studio A, where Prince recorded his music in Paisley Park. They can put on special purple headphones and work the soundboard like a sound engineer or music producer would during a recording session.

Prince: The Immersive Experience is different than the other experiences Guests can enter club Glam Slam and hear Prince’s because it not only details Prince’s music, but his life, his activism, his philansongs, played by a live DJ, in an audiovisual dance party. thropy. PHOTO CREDIT: SUPERFLY AND ALIVE COVERAGE. Another room showcases outfits worn by Prince, another has the guitars he played, and the pink keytar Prince invented.

Because the experience is in partnership with Bose, in one part of the experience, guests can step up to screens, answer questions and a playlist will be generated they can take with them and play on their mobile phones.

The experience also showcases Prince’s fight for creative freedom and artists’ rights. There is a video compilation of interviews of Prince talking about the importance of creative freedom.

Guests also can go into a replica of the scene from “Purple Rain,” where they can see and sit on the actual motorcycle from movie.

“We’re just really, really proud of it. It’s one thing to hear about it, it’s another thing to see drawings and think about it and talk about it. But, when you walk through and you go, ‘oh my goodness,’ and you see these photos and you have these experiences, it just takes your breath away. We feel very, very good and fortunate to be able to The Immersive Experience, in partnership with Bose, allows guests to create have the gift of doing this project and bringing this project their own playlist of Prince songs. PHOTO CREDIT: SUPERFLY AND ALIVE COVERAGE. to life,” said Richard Gay, Chief Operating Officer at Superfly.

Gay said that everyone who comes to the experience Gay felt inspired walking through the experience, hearing the music and seeing the fashion, and also felt the weight of walks away with a sense of discovery. He has seen people’s doing the job of creating the experience and wanting to do it justice. faces light up at those moments of discovery. He also has “Prince had so many dimensions and was so deep in terms of seen die hard fans going back to moments and experience what he did. We could’ve done an immersive experience on “Purple Prince in a way they never have before.

Rain,” or we could’ve done something on his social justice issues, “When it comes to Prince, people feel they have that or we could’ve done something on just his fashions, but we wanted personal relationship. It was really important to celebrate the to celebrate all of the man and all that he is, that is a hefty, hefty task breadth of it. We’re going to tell the overall story. There’s so and we wanted to make sure we did that justice,” Gay said. much more story to tell. We hope people get to experience The aim was also to partner with the heirs of The Estate, the depth of Prince in a way they haven’t before,” Gay said. because Superfly doesn’t believe in unauthorized biograFor more information about Prince: The Immersive Exphies. They wanted it to be authentic and set a high bar for perience, visit princetheexperience.com. themselves.

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Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Higher Education Bills aimed at increasing education equity across Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker today signed legislation designed to increase access to Illinois’ higher education system, close equity gaps, and improve student protections and operational effectiveness. The bills expand resources available to students and build on the administration’s efforts to expand equitable access to public universities and community colleges.

House Bill 4201 helps students at state universities and community colleges access benefits through “benefits navigators.” Each institution is tasked with assigning a benefits navigator for the purpose of guiding students to seek and

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apply for any federal, state, or local program that provides assistance or benefits for which they are eligible.

HB 4201 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Senate Bill 3991 amends the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program, also known as the Children’s Savings Program, which was established to start each baby born or adopted in Illinois with a $50 college savings deposit in the Treasurer’s 529 fund. This legislation allows the State Treasurer to increase the deposit amount for children in financially insecure households if funds are available. SB 3991 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

House Bill 5464 requires State public universities and community colleges to develop and implement equity plans and practices to increase the access, retention, completion, and student loan repayment rates for minority students, rural students, adult students, women, and people with disabilities who are traditionally underrepresented in education programs and activities. The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), in collaboration with the Illinois Community College Board, will guide implementation of the new equity plans. The bill also allows IBHE to request financial reports from private universities, private business, and vocational schools, if needed, to help institutions stay on solid financial footing. HB 5464 is effective immediately.

“Access to affordable, quality higher education shouldn’t be a privilege,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, we take a step forward in ensuring everyone—especially our historically underrepresented students—have the resources and investment necessary to thrive in our first-rate public education system. I am proud to sign these bills into law furthering our state’s commitment to educational equity for all Illinoisans.”

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have had a dramatic impact on students throughout our state, from pre-k to higher education. We also know it has been especially challenging for students in marginalized and rural communities,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “During my statewide college tour, students shared stories of their struggles as they worked to develop skills and grow through paths of learning. With these bills, Illinois takes decisive action. Our

state is standing up for strong education, continuing the focus on creating equitable, inclusive, affordable, safe and supportive environments for all students in Illinois.”

“Children from underprivileged families deserve the same access to higher education as everyone else,” said State Representative Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) and lead House sponsor of SB 3991. “Allowing additional assistance for these children and requiring improved reporting of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic data regarding beneficiaries will help to address systemic inequality in our state. I am pleased that SB 3991 has been signed into law.”

Benefits navigators Benefits navigators will participate in a consortium to share and develop best practices as they help students obtain needed benefits and assistance to reach their educational goals. The public university consortium will be overseen by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and the Illinois Community College Board will oversee the community college consortium.

Illinois Higher Education Savings Program The Illinois Higher Education Savings Program, also known as the Illinois Children’s Savings Account program, was first established in 2019 and was provided initial funding of $2.5 million in the FY 2023 budget (PA 102-698). Through this program, all children born or adopted in Illinois on or after January 1, 2023, will have access to a 529 College Savings account with a $50 starter deposit. Research from similar programs in other states has shown that the presence of such a savings fund increases the likelihood of children attending college by three times and the likelihood of them completing college by four times.

Additionally, the State Treasurer’s office is now tasked with reporting the rate of seed deposits claimed and certain demographic information of beneficiaries and of children in financially insecure households.

Higher Education Omnibus Bill In addition to requiring state public universities and community colleges to develop and implement equity plans, HB 5464 also requires all public and private postsecondary institutions to report student data to ensure IBHE has a complete picture of the State’s college students and ensure progress is made toward achieving educational equity.

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Peters measure to combat drownings in Lake Michigan becomes law

Chicago- Piers and public access points to Lake Michigan will soon be safer thanks to a measure advanced by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that will help install essential rescue equipment was signed into law.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when they head to the beach this summer,” Peters said. “I am glad that we are taking this long overdue step to protect our families who visit beaches on Lake Michigan.”

The new law requires owners of piers or drop-offs on Lake Michigan to install public rescue equipment. The measure also establishes tracking and reporting requirements for local governments that own a pier or drop-off on Lake Michigan.

Nationally, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 5, the second leading cause for children under 15, and the third leading cause for people under 30. There are significant disparities between Black and white populations in drowning death rates, with African American males from ages 15 to 19 facing the highest per-capita rates of drowning.

The measure originated from a controversy between residents of the Rogers Park neighborhood and the Chicago Park District over a lack of life saving rings on lakefront piers.

“We have had too many tragic and, in many cases, preventable deaths on Lake Michigan,” Peters said. “Simple rescue equipment like lifesavers are an effective way to help people get to safety in case they fall or find themselves struggling in the water.”

The measure was signed into law Thursday and takes effect one year after becoming law

Simmons Led Mental Health Curriculum Becomes Law

Youth in Illinois will now begin to receive specialized education on mental health resources after a measure championed by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) becomes law.

“This measure addresses a critical gap in the support systems that we need to offer our youth to be able to remain emotionally well,” Simmons said.

“Our youth have been so resilient during these past few years, but many of the broader issues amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic have put a severe strain on the mental health of our young people. It’s imperative that we prioritize the mental health and well-being of our young people and center the experiences they are voicing and actually living through.”

Senate Bill 4028 will ensure that the curricula for elementary and secondary schools would be required to include how and where to find mental health resources in the state. The measure helps make students aware of mental health services that are available to them and helps erase the broader stigma behind mental health.

The measure was in part inspired by two of Simmons’ Youth People’s Legislative Councils, where Simmons discussed with young people themselves the issues that are salient to them such as violence and access to mental health as part of his mission to empower young people to become more involved in policy making.

“The struggle to find adequate resources for mental health is an issue that I hear time and time again when I meet with young people in the district I represent,” Simmons said. “I am pleased that we will begin to deliver practical resources to support our youth directly in our schools.”

Senate Bill 4028 was signed into law and takes immediately.

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Marriott International Launches “Marriott’s Bridging The Gap” Hotel Development Program BETHESDA, Md., PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE -- At the 44th Annual NYU International Hospitality Investment Conference, Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announced the launch of “Marriott’s Bridging The Gap,” a multi-year, $50 million development program that aims to address the barriers to entry that historically underrepresented groups face in owning and developing hotels in the United States and Canada.

Recognizing that access to capital constitutes a critical barrier to market entry, Marriott will offer financial and other incentives to qualified historically underrepresented owners and franchisees that will have a controlling equity interest in select branded projects. The incentives will apply to new franchise applications submitted after June 1. Over three years, qualifying development projects built or converted under Marriott’s Bridging The Gap are expected to reach $1 billion in total asset value for historically underrepresented ownership groups.

“At the heart of what we do every day is welcome all,” said Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International. “Whether that’s people who stay with us, work in our hotels, meet our supply needs or develop hotels that fly one of our brand flags – all are welcome. With the establishment of Marriott’s Bridging The Gap, we are creating an on-ramp to help propel historically underrepresented groups in the journey to hotel ownership more frequently and more successfully. We are excited to launch Marriott’s Bridging The Gap and to continue building a more diverse owner and franchisee community.”

In developing the program, Marriott tapped into the company’s development and franchising teams as well as current and potential hotel owners and franchisees. In addition to providing access to valuable capital, Marriott plans to utilize its extensive relationships with seasoned hotel developers, operators and lenders to assist and support eligible owners’ hotel projects.

“As an investor in hotel projects and long-time advocate for creating more diversity, equity and inclusion within the hotel ownership community, I appreciated the advice Marriott sought from me and other industry experts in creating Marriott’s Bridging The Gap, which I hope others will emulate,” said Tracy Prigmore, Founder, She Has A Deal. “Providing access to capital is a big step in knocking down the highest barrier to entry underrepresented groups face when attempting to build or acquire a hotel.”

The announcement of Marriott’s Bridging The Gap program is a significant step in Marriott’s longstanding effort to increase the ranks of diverse owners and franchisees. The company is a founding sponsor of the Na-

tional Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD), She Has a Deal (SHaD) and the Latino Hotel Association. Through its engagement with these organizations as well as the National Black MBA Association, Marriott has conducted outreach and educational seminars on the path to hotel ownership. In addition, Marriott regularly hosts a Diverse Owner Summit at its headquarters to identify and recruit investors with interest in hotel ownership.

“A hotel is an economic engine for a community,” noted Stephanie Linnartz, President, Marriott International. “We believe our guests, our associates, our hotels and the communities we serve will benefit from the full participation of underrepresented groups in this extraordinary industry. Marriott’s Bridging The Gap program directly addresses some of the most critical barriers to entry, with a comprehensive approach designed to enable historically underrepresented groups to enter our ownership ranks or to expand their current holdings.”

Marriott’s Bridging The Gap exemplifies the company’s aspirations under its LoveTravels platform established in 2014. LoveTravels incorporates and expresses the company’s efforts to address barriers experienced by diverse communities, as well as make global communities better places to live, work, and visit. Through inclusion, equality and creating positive and sustainable impact, LoveTravels welcomes everyone to join the conversation for change.

For more information, please visit www.MarriottDevelopment.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to future plans, programs and commitments; investment and funding plans and expectations; growth and development expectations; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Communications Professionals Selected as an Accelerate Partner in the African-American Cisco Partner Community TROY, Mich., PRNewswire -- Communications Professionals announced today that it has been officially designated as an Acceleration Partner in the African American Cisco Partner Community (AACPC), a distinction indicating that the company has not only satisfied the rigorous personnel, support, and specialization requirements to achieve Cisco’s Select level, but is also a key partner in Cisco’s Social Justice efforts to power and inclusive future for all. In recognition of this accomplishment, Communications Professionals is identified as a Cisco Select Integrator in the Cisco Partner Locator.

“We’re proud to be an AACPC Accelerate Partner and achieve the Select Integrator Certification, as it fur-

ther demonstrates the level of Cisco expertise our teams bring to the table when helping our clients overcome their most significant business challenges,” said Andrew Wallace, President and CEO. “We want to understand our customer’s challenges and key business objectives and create solutions that solve those issues and push their businesses forward.”

Backed by Cisco, Communications Professionals will help you change how your organization plans and manages your complete technology lifecycle, including acquisition, upgrades, moves, and disposition.

For more information about Communications Professionals, visit their website at www.cpgp.com.

Team Alattis won the grand prize of $10,000 with a modern solution to virtual and hybrid videoconferencing. From left to right: Gina Battagliola, Nick Cannon, Ronnie Highsmith, Roel Huinink, Jacob Mandel, James Ward, Vernon Taylor, William Olsker, Catherine Domenech, Patrick Sanchez. PRNewsFoto.

Harlem Teens Receive Business Advice From Nick Cannon, Place Third in National Pitch Competition NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Nick Cannon Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in public schools nationwide, held its 7th Annual National America’s Teen Mogul (ATM) Competition in Southeast Queens, NY. Previous ATM pitch competitions have been held in San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, DC, Miami, and Charlotte. The event took place on Friday, June 3, at Excelsior Preparatory High School Auditorium in Southeast Queens.

The competition, open to youth nationwide, is designed to expose youth ages 12 to 19 to global career and entrepreneurship opportunities available in the growing middle-skill job sectors. A recent commissioned report revealed that growing job sectors in NYC include Health Care and Information and Communication Technologies. The competition encouraged students to explore global opportunities across all high-demand sectors.

More than 15 student teams nationwide from 9 school districts participated in business plan and career readiness training workshops leading up to the grand finale event. Team reMind Me of Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem took 3rd place, with a $2,500 cash prize, in the highly competitive competition. Team reMind Me presented an iOS app designed to combat and address procrastination which is linked to mental health concerns like anxiety, ADHD, and depression and their effects: lack of energy, motivation, and disconnection.

The 1st place prize of $10,000 was awarded to team Alattis, of Mission Bay High School in San Diego Unified School District, who created a modern solution to virtual and hybrid videoconferencing. The teen moguls invented the product after hearing legitimate concerns about the lack of hybrid meeting technology, experiencing how virtual students are disregarded in hybrid meetings, and watching teachers/students alike struggle to learn with conventional video conferencing software (Short video clip: https://youtube.com/shorts/kkZyYwR9fFs).

“I was truly blown away with the level of ingenuity and creativity of these teens,” said Nick Cannon.

The 2nd place prize of $5,000 went to team AppaRent, of Canyon Crest High School in San Diego’s San Dieguito Union School District.

Team AppaRent created a business-to-customer retailing company featuring an instant clothing rental service online and targeting marginalized communities. The Foundation awarded Rodney Orji, Principal, Excelsior Preparatory High School, with the 2022 NCREDIBLE Administrator Award and San Diego Unified School District’s CTE Teacher, David West, with the 2022 NCREDIBLE Teaching Partner Award.

In addition to the generous support of Nick Cannon, the ATM Competition was sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), and Sugar Factory Restaurant.

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Governor Pritzker Announces $20 Million Investment in Humboldt Park Health CHICAGO – Governor Pritzker joined Humboldt Park Health leaders to announce $20 million in funding for the safety-net hospital on the west side of Chicago, a product of the Governor’s historic Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan. $19 million will establish the new,

state-of-the-art Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center – set to open 18 months after construction kicks off this summer – and an additional $1 million is supporting infrastructure improvements throughout the hospital.

“Every single Illinoisan

deserves the opportunity to be as healthy as possible regardless of their race, gender, age, economic status, or zip code,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As another step to advance that mission, I’m proud to announce a $20 million investment from our Rebuild Illinois capital

plan to establish the new, state-ofthe-art Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center – a community hub for wellbeing in all its forms.”

The new Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center will serve as a low-cost community hub for area residents to access exercise equipment, individual and group fitness classes, swimming facilities, community gathering spaces, and much more. The facility will increase access to preventative care and early interventions for the predominantly Latino community, which in turn greatly reduce hospitalizations and lower medical costs.

“At HFS, we make health equity central to everything we do each day,” said Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Theresa Eagleson.

“Through their participation in our Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives and all of the work that they’re doing in the community, Humboldt Park Health is a strong partner in the mission to advance health equity in Illinois.”

Advancing Healthcare Equity This funding builds on the Pritzker administration’s commitment to equity in the healthcare space. In March of 2021, Governor Pritzker signed into law the Hospital and Healthcare Transformation Bill, increasing access to community-based health services and creating innovative collaborations that bridge gaps in the delivery of care.

With support from federal matching funds, Illinois is investing up to $150 million annually into collaboratives that fill healthcare gaps and focus on underlying health conditions in areas high on the federal

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social vulnerability index scale, communities that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and areas served by critical access and safety net hospitals, including rural parts of the state.

On June 30, 2021, the state announced the funding for the first round of Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives funding. The collaboratives that have received funding demonstrated equity-focused solutions and demonstrated innovative visions for closing gaps and removing access barriers to quality health care for people in their communities, to help achieve the ultimate goal of reimagining the health care system in Illinois.

Just last month, the first ribbon cutting was held for one of the Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives, the 55th and Pulaski Health Collaborative, which is based in the Gage Park/West Elsdon community.

Humboldt Park Health is a partner in two collaboratives: Westside Health Equity Collaborative, which seeks to increase convenient access to culturally responsive healthcare, supporting the unique and changing socio-economic needs of individuals and families on the Westside of Chicago, a community with one of the highest social vulnerability indexes in Illinois. Humboldt Park Health is also a partner in Collaborative Bridges, which is designed to improve behavioral health and other health outcomes and reduce health care costs by creating an unprecedented continuity of care between hospitals and community, also located on the west side of Chicago.

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REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE is the HUMAN RIGHT to control our bodies, our sexuality, our gender, our work and our reproduction.

That RIGHT can only be achieved when ALL women and girls have the complete economic, social and political POWER and resources to make healthy DECISIONS about our BODIES, our FAMILIES and our COMMUNITIES in all areas of our lives.

Right now, we are faced with an attack on our HUMAN RIGHTS as global CITIZENS by a conservative, activist U.S. Supreme Court.

Our FREEDOM depends on DISMANTLING systemic racism, misogyny, anti-blackness and white supremacy.

Historically, we have WON battles for our human and civil rights when we LISTEN TO AND TRUST BLACK WOMEN:

71

85

of Black women support ABORTION

believe whether she has “private or government-

believe a woman's ability to CONTROL

services.

funded health coverage, EVERY woman should have

whether or when she has children is an

HEALTH COVERAGE for the full range of

important part of FINANCIAL STABILITY

pregnancy-related care, including ABORTION.

for herself and her FAMILY.

%

91

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To do everything in our POWER to ensure all Black women and birthing people have the freedom, resources and power they need to assert AGENCY over their BODIES and to ensure that their FAMILIES can THRIVE. Bernard Center for Women, Politics & Public Policy, Black Feminist Future, Black Voters Matter Fund, Black Women in STEM 2.0, Black Women Meet Up, Black Women's Health Imperative, Black Women’s Democratic Club, Cafe Mocha Broadcast Network, California Black Women's Collective, California Commission on the Status of Women & Girls, Cedar River Creative Productions, Chanda Robinson Consulting, LLCv, Collective Grant Writing & Consulting, Community Hero Impact Alliance, Crowned Glory Yoga, Delta for Women in Action, DirtyGirlsAg, Feminist Women's Health Center, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda, Gods Natural Wonder, Harlem Network News, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, Interfaith Voices for Reproductive Justice, Kinnamon Holdings, KWH Law Center for Social Justice and Change, Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute, Mercedes Medina, Esq., Middleton4u, MS Black Women’s Roundtable, NAACP, Washington DC Branch, National Action Network Orange County, National Birth Equity Collaborative, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women's Roundtable, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, NJ Perinatal Quality Collaborative, Paths to Peace, She the People, SHERo Mississippi, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Sisterlove Inc, SisterReach, SisterSong the National Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, Skyline Advocacy, SoulStirring, LLC, South Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW!, Inc., SYE Strategies & PR, The Afiya Center, The Brown Girls Guide to Politics, The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), The Spectrum Circle, Win With Black Women, Women's Equity Center and Action Network (WE CAN), Women of Color Coalition, Women with a Vision, Inc. Nyree Wright Michelle D Bernard Selena McLaurin LaTosha Brown Deena Pierott Taisha Brown Pamela Sparrow Linda Goler Blount Sheila Eldridge Kellie Todd Griffin Lauren Babb Lora-Ellen McKinney Chanda Robinson Jordan Brown Nicole McGruder Linda White Shavon L Arline-Bradleyt Dr. Sonja Brookins Laphonza Butler Kwajelyn Jackson Helen Butler Roslyn M. Ogburn Hon. Hala Ayala Terri Wisdom Marcela Howell Giovanteey Bishop Karen A. Robinson Pamelya Herndon Patrice Marshall McKenzie Millicent Traeye Middleton

Cassandra Welchlin Akosua Ali Darlene Futrel Krystal Leaphart Melanie L. Campbell Abby Dobson Kelly Davis Linda Locke Robyn Donaldson, J.D. Alexia Frisbey Sandi Cook Aimee Allison Michelle Colon Rasheeda Liberty Dazon Dixon Diallo Cherisse Scott Tamara Rasberry Harris Jewel Love Letetia Jackson Dr. Krystal Redman Soni EdeWilliams Cerita Burrell A'shanti F. Gholar Dr. Benjamin Chavis Karen Maria Alston Gaybriel Gibson Octavia Kraft-Drayton Jotaka Eaddy Rachel Green, MPA Monica Hutchinson

Deon Haywood Dr. Stephanie McGencey Jotaka Eaddy Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq. Julie Collins Armani J. Eady Senator Raumesh Akbari Kimberly Egonmwan, Esq. Porsha White Valerie D. Bouldin Amira Barger Monica R. Cloud Honorable Karen Camper Kiaira Nixon Karen Carter Peterson Jaide Brown Eleina Raines Laura W. Murphy Jessica Knight Henry Stephanie Owens Monique Nash Senator Mattie Hunter Michele L. Jawando Susan J. Ross Meredith Lawson-Rowe Kassandra Timothe Dana Allmond Ebony M Baylor Janaye Ingram Awoyunla Smith

Amanda Green-Hawkins Mary Hanns Felicia D. Henderson Angela Angel Gayle C Rutherford Dr. Michele C. Reed Commissioner Tami Sawyer Sharron Howard Audrey Sullivan Moore Sherron Ann Rouzan Adwoa Antwi-Barfi Amiko Glasford Pamela Merritt Nadia Brown Robyn Lawrence Karen DuBois Walton Melissa Fox, MHA Denise M. Gray, JD Michele Barnwell Sabrina Clark, Ph.D. Kandie D. Smith R. Lucia Riddle Arjenae Jones Williams

Paid for by In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda www.blackrj.org

Nkeshi Free Terrel Kent Lisa Brown Ingrid Palmer Anna Alexander Rev. Melinda Weekes-Laidlow.

Esq. Barbara Anne Washington The Honorable Dr. Yvonne M. Spicer Paris Andrew Mary Frankie Forte Jacqueline Gordon Patrice Willoughby Tracie Apatira Rosalie Buggs LaQuanda Jackson Kinna Perry Angela brown Fatimah Gifford Dawn Epps Neneh Diallo Mariah Lichtenstern

Racine Tucker-Hamilton Adjoa Sankofia Tetteh Shawn Ashworth Fatima Goss Graves Tiffany Crawford Jocelyn C. Frye Dr. Jamila Perritt Dr. Toni M. Bond Miranda Badgett Bettye Brentley Kristenn Fortson Camille Kidd Donna Morris Lexi White

Join the movement, sign our pledge. www.blackrj.org/blackrjpledge

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City, State public health officials confirm first probable case of monkeypox virus in Illinois CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), announced today a single presumptive monkeypox case in an adult male Chicago resident with recent travel history to Europe.

Initial testing was completed Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at an IDPH laboratory, and confirmatory testing for monkeypox is pending at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Based on initial epidemiologic characteristics and the positive orthopoxvirus result at IDPH, health officials consider this a probable monkeypox infection.

CDPH and IDPH are working closely with the CDC and the patient’s health care providers to identify individuals with whom the patient may have been in contact while they were infectious. This contact tracing approach is appropriate given the nature and transmission of the virus.

The person did not require hospitalization and is isolating at home in good condition. To protect patient confidentiality, no further details relating to the patient will be disclosed.

The case remains isolated and at this time there is no indication there is a great risk of extensive local spread of the virus, as monkeypox does not spread as easily as the COVID-19 virus. Person to person transmission is possible through close physical contact with monkeypox sores, items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.

Monkeypox is a rare, but potentially serious viral illness, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family, and typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes, and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last 2 to 4 weeks. Monkeypox is typically endemic to parts of central and west Africa, and people can be exposed through bites or scratches from rodents and small mammals, preparing wild game, or having contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products.

For more about this virus, visit https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/ and https://chi.gov/monkeypox.

Hope Chicago formalizes partnerships with 23 Illinois institutions to offer debt-free higher education CHICAGO, Ill. -- Hope Chicago, the innovative two-generation scholarship program providing college and vocational scholarships to Chicago Public School students and their parents, has announced formal partnerships with 23 Illinois-based colleges and universities to support its inaugural Fall 2022 Hope Scholar cohort.

The 23 in-network institutions include all public 4-year colleges and universities in Illinois, all City Colleges of Chicago, as well as 4 private institutions. Together, these options offer Hope Scholars a broad range of educational programs, career opportunities, and geographic choices across Illinois for their postsecondary experience.

The partnerships between Hope Chicago and in-network institutions formalize the suite of comprehensive support that Hope Scholars will receive throughout their higher education journey.

Hope Chicago’s scholarships, alongside additional financial assistance that partners have committed toward Hope Scholars, will provide the funding to pursue postsecondary education, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, a laptop or other academic materials, and an annual stipend.

In addition, Hope Scholars at in-network institutions will receive non-financial support to help them complete their studies.

These supports include programming to help graduating seniors prepare for and adjust to postsecondary life, with academic, social emotional, and career exploration. Each partner will also designate a single point of contact for Hope Scholars to help them navigate the collegiate environment, encourage placement in campus programs, and connect them to academic, financial and career advising. Taken together, this support will increase Hope Scholars’ likelihood of staying on track to graduate.

“The transition for any scholar into a new postsecondary setting is a critical moment in time. That’s why we have developed such deep relationships with our partner colleges and universities that ensures a bridge of support ahead of high school graduation for our first cohort of Hope Scholars enrolling this fall.” shares Hope Chicago’s Chief Program Officer, Michele Howard.

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed banning menthol cigarettes. This rule would remove all menthol cigarettes, like Newport, from the store shelves if the rule goes into effect.

BANNING MENTHOL IS BAD PUBLIC POLICY AND WOULD CREATE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Great progress has been made reducing smoking rates in this country. Adult and youth smoking are at historic lows; menthol smoking by youth is rare (0.6% smoked even a puff in past 30 days) per recent government data.

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We do not believe the science justifies regulating menthol and non-menthol cigarettes differently. A ban would cause widespread negative unintended consequences including increases in illicit cigarette trade, crime, smuggling, lost tax revenues, strain on law enforcement and the risk of making it easier for youth to access cigarettes through illicit channels.

YOUTH PREVALENCE 99.4% of youth

have not even taken a puff of a menthol cigarette in the last 30 days.

National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2021, MMWR 71(5):1-29 (Mar. 11, 2022), at Table 5

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THE PATH FORWARD: TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION There is a larger public health issue at stake: reducing the harm from smoking cigarettes (menthol and non-menthol) and how to accomplish that. Public health policy should encourage innovative and acceptable alternatives to cigarettes – and provide accurate information about them – for those adult smokers who choose not to quit. The pathway to real progress is reducing the harms from smoking in this country by ensuring access for adults to consumer-acceptable alternatives to the cigarette that may present less risk.

Learn more about Reynolds’ scientific work: ReynoldsScience.com Learn more about tobacco harm reduction: ReynoldsHarmReduction.com Submit a comment on the proposed rule to the FDA: OwnItVoiceIt.com

© RAISC (2022)

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and colors, homeowners can mix and match to create a custom look.

Plus, it features a built-in water management system, overlapping edges to minimize gaps, reversible outside corners and a variety of available accessories.

Upgrade WindowTreatments Windows can often be overlooked or left with the simple paper shades or aluminum blinds the builder initially installed. Consider replacing them with plantation shutters, wooden blinds or drapes that better suit the style of the room. In addition to blinds, curtains provide another opportunity to add design elements that align with your tastes.

From geometric panels to sheers, the possibilities are nearly endless. Or simply match the curtain panels to the color of your walls or an accent color for a look that can match almost any style.

DIY Home Upgrades to ADD STYLE AND

BEAUTY

(Family Features) Home upgrades are necessary for a variety of reasons, but many homeowners look to update their homes to add comfort and beauty. While a complete renovation can be appealing, it can also be costly and time consuming.

However, if you’re willing to take on some of the work yourself, there are ways to upgrade your living spaces to add style (and value) without the assistance of a contractor. Consider these DIY ideas to spruce up your home’s aesthetics and create a more attractive place to live.

Freshen Up Paint When it comes to simple DIY projects, a new coat of paint can drastically update your spaces without making major renovations. Light colors like gray, beige or white can make smaller spaces feel more open while darker shades like navy and purple can create a dramatic look. If you don’t want (or need) to paint the entire room, adding a pop of color with an accent wall or touching up the trim are quick and easy improvements. Adding paint to a less traditional spot like the ceiling or refreshing cabinets with a new color can also help bring your spaces to life.

Install Mess-Free Stone Accents If you’re looking to add warmth and texture, easy-toinstall stone veneer can provide the look of natural stone without the expense. A mortarless option like ClipStone is designed to be installed with screws and common tools, making it easy to achieve the look of traditional masonry without the hassle and mess. Durable and low maintenance, you don’t have to worry about sealing or painting and it’s a perfect option for exterior or interior installation that can be installed in any weather conditions.

Available in a variety of styles

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Update Accessories Cabinet pulls, outlet covers, curtain rods, switch plates and doorknobs are easily ignored, but replacing them can be an inexpensive way to add small touches of elegance to your home. With a variety of designs and finishes to choose from, including bronze, brushed nickel, copper and stainless steel, updating worn pull handles and knobs can create an affordable look that appears expensive. The same is true for metal switch covers and outlet plates. While decorative curtain rods may be on the pricier side, adding a coat of paint in a metallic finish could provide a cheaper alternative.

Improve Curb Appeal There are a multitude of inexpensive ways to give your home’s exterior a makeover. Start by pressure washing your siding and windows, which can make your house look almost as good as a fresh coat of paint for a fraction of the time and money. Remember to also clean your driveway, patio and walkways to maximize your investment. Pulling weeds, trimming trees and bushes, and patching bald spots in the yard can also go a long way as can planting greenery in front of your home and making landscaping upgrades like adding mulch beds, water features or decorative edging. Another idea: replace your front door or give it a fresh coat of paint to add a pop of color to your porch.

Find more ideas for improving your living spaces at myclipstone. com.

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LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO ANNOUNCES $100M GIFT CHICAGO, Ill. – June 2, Loyola University Chicago today announced a $100 million gift–the largest individual gift in the University’s history–from John and Kathy Schreiber to fund full scholarships, room and board, and an array of comprehensive support services for aspiring Black, Latino, first generation, and other ethnically and racially diverse students who are historically underrepresented in higher education.

Together, the University and the Schreibers aspire to create a new, $500 million restricted portion of the University’s endowment that would make these resources permanent–empowering students to attend and successfully graduate from Loyola for generations to come. The Schreibers’ gift is the foundational investment in this planned program, which aims to fund hundreds of students a year when fully funded.

“Students with talent, grit, and promising leadership potential are, far too often, left out of life-changing scholarship opportunities and services due to circumstances beyond their control. At Loyola Chicago, our Jesuit, Catholic mission is to seek out and support anyone who is traditionally underserved and embrace those willing to work hard and thrive,” said Dr. Jo Ann Rooney, president of Loyola University Chicago.These two different approaches to educating students have demonstrated retention and graduation rates far beyond the national averages.

The program supported by this transformational gift from the Schreibers will fully cover tuition, room, board, and wraparound support services to remove obstacles that often keep a four-year degree out of reach, including: 1. Mentorship beyond a typical college counselor, connecting students to professional cohort leadership, live-in residential counselors, academic advisors, social work and wellness counselors, career development advisors, tutoring, peer mentors, and others who can help support students in various aspects of their educational journey.

2. Connection to resources students may need: addressing food insecurity through an on-campus food pantry; offering housing assistance and connecting student families to shelters; and providing other support to ease the stress students face when families become homeless.

3. A student community/cohort model proven to be successful in helping students feel a sense of belonging on campus and begin developing their own relationships and peer groups. The program facilitates the development of community through social events, networking functions, and opportunities to live together.

The program will launch in the fall semester of Loyola’s 2022-2023 academic year.

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THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY TO BE EXCLUSIVE ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR OF THE 2022 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE™ PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA® The Walt Disney Company announced it will be the exclusive entertainment sponsor of the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®. This year’s celebration kicks off with the Road to ESSENCE Festival with an activation taking place in Chicago on Sunday, June 19. It culminates with ESSENCE Fest, which takes place in person in New Orleans and virtually June 30-July 3, 2022.

ESSENCE Fest is one of the largest festivals in the country, drawing more than 500,000 attendees annually over the July Fourth weekend. ESSENCE Communications, Inc. is the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women and communities.

This year, The Walt Disney Company invites Festival attendees to experience “The Power of Joy” and the many ways Black joy reflects itself at Disney and the communities it touches. Fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in culture-defining storytelling, engage in unforgettable entertainment, interact with some of today’s biggest stars and enjoy culinary experiences.

“The Walt Disney Company is proud to serve as the exclusive entertainment sponsor at the premier celebration of Black culture,” said Latondra Newton, senior vice president and chief diversity officer of The Walt Disney Company. “ESSENCE Fest affirms and amplifies the Black excellence, creativity and innovation that is reflected in our people, storytelling and experiences.”

“ESSENCE Fest is the pinnacle of Black cultural celebration and reverence, and we’re excited to expand our decadelong partnership,” added Jill Estorino, president and managing director of Disney Parks International. “When we talk about this year’s Festival, we look forward to being able to say two things—The Walt Disney Company showed up in full to super-serve Black audiences, and we strengthened the foundation for partnership with ESSENCE for years to come.”

As the exclusive entertainment sponsor, Disney will bring talent, exclusive screenings and experiences from across the Company’s iconic brands and touchpoints, including ABC, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Disney Cruise Line, Disney+, Disney Studios Content, Disney Television Studios, Disneyland Resort, ESPN, Freeform, FX, Hulu, Marvel Studios, National Geographic, Onyx Collective, Pixar and Walt Disney World Resort. Specific programming, experiences and talent appearances will be announced at a later date.

“At ESSENCE we believe in building strategic engagements with our partners that drive significant value and put them authentically at the intersection of the culture that our audience creates and influences every single day,” said Pauline Malcolm-Thornton, chief revenue officer, Essence Ventures. “We are thrilled to deepen our relationship and expand upon our journey with Disney to deliver and celebrate our theme of Black joy for ESSENCE Fest and beyond.”

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Real Housewives of Dubai Rising Star Is Also An Entrepreneur Lesa Milan Hall has been cast as one of the newest housewives in “The Real Housewives of Dubai,” a new addition to Bravo’s juggernaut franchise series. Expected to be the most lavish and luxurious of the housewives franchise, the new series premiered on Bravo on Wednesday, June 1.

As the 11th city in the franchise, “The Real Housewives of Dubai” follows a powerful group of lavish women as they run business empires and expertly navigate a highly exclusive social scene within this ultra-luxe Billionaire’s Playground,” The newest housewives include Lesa Mila Hall, Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan, Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Mandani and Caroline Stanbury. Please use the following link to view the cast announcement teaser trailer. Real Housewives of Dubai Trailer The brainchild of a mom and fashion designer, Lesa created the sustainable “Mina Roe” brand more than five years ago believing that staying true to your personal style shouldn’t stop when you decide to start a family. Born out of the frustration of outdated maternity wear that expectant mothers have been stuck with for many years, Lesa and her team dedicated their experience to creating a line that truly captures the latest trends and fashion styles. Some of Mina Roe’s past clients include some of the worlds most in-demand singers, athletes, models and more, including Beyonce, Gigi Hadid, Serena Williams, Katy Perry, and Khloe Kardashian, to name a few.

Being a proud wife and mother of three, Lesa helped created Little Makers Academy to provide safe expert services that honors each child, supports the parents and encourages “Makers” through building/doing, collaborative learning, and creativity. Their program is more than childcare, it is Kindergarten preparedness, character building, and a creative Makerspace component. 4C’s : Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking.

Originally hailing from Kingston, Jamacia, Lesa took to the pageant world from a young age and has regionally competed in many competitions. Winning 25 first place titles, and 12 runners up titles, Lesa would eventually go on to be crowned Ms. Jamacia 2012. Lesa went on to attend Florida Atlantic University, majoring in broadcast journalism and minoring in tourism/hospitality management before eventually meeting her now husband and starting

Courtesy of Anderson Group Public Relations

a family with him in Dubai. From there, Lesa began creating her ever growing empire of businesses. When she is not busy running her businesses or filming, she can be found spending time with her family and speaking out in support of women empowerment as she is a fierce advocate and fighter of equality.

‘EUREKA!,’ PREMIERING JUNE 22 ON DISNEY JUNIOR AND DISNEY+ (Black PR Wire) Emmy Award®-winning actress Loretta Devine, world-famous drummer Sheila E., and renowned ballet dancer and New York Times best-selling author Misty Copeland have joined the cast of Disney Branded Television’s upcoming series “Eureka!” in guest starring roles. Devine will voice Eureka’s grandmother, Wanda, while Sheila E. and Copeland will voice the characters of Yurt, a traveling musician, and Rockanne, a dance teacher, respectively. Also joining the cast in recurring guest roles are Ellie Kemper (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) as the school librarian, Chee; Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”) as a pet kanga bird; Ryan Michelle Bathé (“The Endgame”) as Barry’s mom, Sierra; and Wendell Pierce (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) as Barry’s father, Cliff.

The series is set to premiere at 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday, June 22 on Disney Junior. An initial batch of episodes will also premiere the same BlackPRWire day on on-demand platforms and streaming on Disney+.

Set in the fantastical prehistoric world of Rocky Falls, “Eureka!” follows the story of Eureka, a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. She designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. The series stars Ruth Righi (Disney Channel’s “Sydney to the Max”) as Eureka, Renée Elise Goldsberry (“Hamilton”) and Lil Rel Howery (“Free Guy”) as Eureka’s parents, Roxy and Rollo, and Javier Muñoz (“Hamilton”) as her teacher, Ohm.

Rounding out the “Eureka!” voice cast is Kai Zen (“Amphibia”) as Pepper, Devin Trey Campbell (Broadway’s “Kinky Boots”) as Barry, Fred Tatasciore (“Big Hero 6 The Series”) as Murphy, Cree Summer (“Vampirina”) as Verna, Kevin Michael Richardson (“Family Guy”) as Dima, Aydrea Walden (“The Mandalorian”) as Olive and Groopy, Connor Andrade (“We Baby Bears”) as Clod, Cade Tropeano (“Raising Dion”) as Bog, Madigan Kacmar (“Chuggington”) as Julia, Vivienne Rutherford (“Seal Team”) as Lark, Judah Howery (“Uncle Drew”) as twins Spruce and Cypress Stoneland, Dee Bradley Baker (“Phineas and Ferb”) as Ptero and André Sogliuzzo (“American Dad”) as Link.

“Eureka!” is produced by Academy Award®-nominated animation studio Brown Bag Films (“Doc McStuffins”) in association with Disney Junior. Emmy® Award winner Norton Virgien (“Doc McStuffins”) and award-winning children’s book author/ illustrator Niamh Sharkey (“Henry Hugglemonster”) are the series’ creators and executive producers. Emmy Award-nominated Erica Rothschild (“Sofia the First”) developed the series with Virgien and Sharkey and serves as co-executive producer and story editor. Film and television writer and director Rusty Cundieff (“Tales from the Hood”) and Emmy Award-nominated television producer Donna Brown Guillaume (“Happily Ever After: Fairytales for Every Child”) are consulting producers.

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REAL ESTATE HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State," as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009191 on May 23, 2022. Under the Assumed Name of FINEFINEBABE with the business located at: 824 E. 44TH ST APT 1, CHICAGO, IL 60653. The true and real rull name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Cmplete Address AMIETE APREKUMA 824 E. 44TH ST APT 1 CHICAGO, IL 60653,USA ________________________________________

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

773.543.1783 eelie@kalerealty.com elizabethelie.kalerealty.com 2447 N. Ashland Chicago, IL 60614 @SoldbyLizzieG

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009207 on May 26, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of MONTEZ RASHAAD WILLIAMS with the business located at:815 W 63RD ST, CHICAGO, IL 60621. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is:Owner/Partner Full Name MONTEZ RASHAAD WILLIAMS Complete Address 815 WEST 63RD STREET CHICAGO, IL [60621], USA ________________________________________

EVENTS HUNTING & SPORTSMAN'S EXPO - June 17-19, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica.

Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Admission $8 Information contact Marv: 563-608-4401 www.marvkrauspromotions.net ________________________________________

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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: AT THE BEACH ACROSS 1. Like a certain eagle 5. *Beach-goer’s protective acronym 8. “To ____ and to hold” 12. Arabian bigwig 13. Indian lentil staple 14. Wild West grazer 15. TV prize 16. Between Illinois and Nebraska 17. Quick and light on one’s feet 18. *Wooden walkway by the beach 20. Not this 21. Unwritten examinations 22. Cherry middle 23. Relating to a rib 26. *Beach suit type 29. Kanye’s genre 30. Pool hall mishap 33. 52 cards 35. *Sunny Dutch Caribbean vacation destination 37. Be unwell 38. Eagle’s home 39. Precedes carotene?

40. Twisted or meandered 42. Chill, with ‘out’ 43. Seat by day, bed by night 45. Modifies 47. *Just out of the water 48. Parallel grooves 50. Arrival times 52. *Wave rider 56. Nitrogen, in the olden days 57. In ____ of 58. Hipbones 59. Parcel of land 60. Et alibi 61. Auctioneer’s exclamation 62. A.C.T. section 63. Tie the knot 64. *Casual beach tops DOWN 1. British Broadcasting Corporation, colloquially 2. Shells in a magazine 3. Capital of Peru

4. Fungus damage (2 words) 5. *Same as sandbar 6. Catch for a ratchet’s notch, pl.

7. Criticism 8. *Water at its highest (2 words) 9. The largest continent 10. Retired electric Chevy 11. Compass dir.

13. Hindu Festival of Lights 14. Dyed fabric 19. Type of TV show 22. Eating contest staple 23. *Decapod on a beach 24. *Propelled like a paddle board 25. Plural of sputum 26. Type of bin in a grocery store 27. Bundle of axons 28. Slipperier 31. *Building material found at the beach 32. Jack Ryan’s and Jason Bourne’s org.

34. Barrels of beer 36. *Hasselhoff’s beach TV show 38. Improvise 40. Exercise group 41. Upbraiding 44. Annoy 46. Lao Tzu follower 48. Hotel room option 49. Metallica’s “Don’t ____ On Me” 50. Poet Pound 51. To perfection (3 words) 52. A bunch 53. *End-of-day summertime soother 54. Rub the wrong way 55. Pops 56. Cash dispenser

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Mindful of what’s important At Bank of America, our employees’ emotional wellness is very important to us. We drive open and ongoing conversations to help break through the stigma around mental health. Whether it’s one-to-one professional counseling during critical life events or simple education and tips to manage daily stress, our goal is to ensure our teammates get the resources they need.

After all, when our employees are at their best, they’re able to give their best to our clients and communities.

My teammates and I are proud to work for a company that creates a supportive and emotionally healthy environment for all of us.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago

What would you like the power to do?® Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.