Chicago Weekend Citizen 7-8-2020

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

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of July 8, 2020

| Vol. 51 | No. 28 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

New guidelines released for return to in-person education Page 3

Forecast says U.S. economy is in “Depression-like crisis” and will not return to pre-recession peak until 2023 Page 3 As fitness centers and gyms open as part of the city’s reopening phase, boutique fitness studio owners are asking the mayor and governor to expand the capacity percentage to allow them to serve more customers.

IDFPR Announces PPP Loan Forgiveness Webinars Page 4

United Airlines Strengthens Onboard Mask Policy

Photos courtesy of Israel Idonije/RSTR

Page 7

FDA Warns 9 Hand Sanitizers May Contain Fatal Ingredient Page 8

BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIOS WANT CAPACITY EXPANSION Gyms and fitness centers opened on Friday, June 27, as part of Illinois’ Reopening Phase 4. A collective of boutique fitness studio owners is asking Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to expand the current capacity percentage from 25 to 75. PAGE 2

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2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 8, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION UIC NAMED ILLINOIS’ BEST COLLEGE FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS UIC has been named Illinois’ best college and university for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, according to the 2020 edition of rankings from BestColleges, in partnership with Campus Pride. “The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students” ranking recognizes U.S. schools that have “established the highest standards for inclusive environments while maintaining strong academic programs for students.”

The state-focused ranking, where UIC landed the top spot for Illinois, serves as a guide for prospective LGBTQ students to identify schools that are culturally inclusive, affordable and closer in proximity to their geographic location. UIC rates highly for its institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policy, program and practice according to the Campus Pride Index, where it earned 4.5 out of five stars. The university received full marks in LGBTQ recruitment and retention efforts, housing and residence life, and student life.

HEALTH

$50,000 CHALLENGE MATCH TO SEND HEALTHCARE HEROES ON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Record numbers of healthcare workers are experiencing distress, anxiety and depression as they work to battle COVID-19 and now the VF Foundation is matching every associate donation, up to $50,000, to support HERO RECHARGE, an outdoor adventure program designed specifically for healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines of the pandemic.

Developed by First Descents (FD) of Denver, HERO RECHARGE a is non-profit global leader in adventure programs. For 20 years, FD has provided young adults impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses with exhilarating challenges such as riding the rapids and climbing rock walls. Now FD is tailoring a program for COVID’s front line workers. Since launching in late April, HERO RECHARGE has received more than 10,000 inquiries from healthcare workers and first responders nationwide.

“We are thrilled to have the VF Foundation join First Descents and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to help accelerate this important crowdfunding campaign,” said Ryan O’Donoghue, executive director of FD. “The need is great, and this generous challenge match will help drive the grassroots funding needed to serve more healthcare workers.”

Learn more about the program and how you can help, visit support.firstdescents.org

LAW & POLITICS

AS TEMPERATURES HEAT UP, CONSERVATION POLICE OFFICERS ARE REMINDING BOAT OPERATORS TO KEEP DRINKS DRY ON THE WATER The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police Officers are reminding boat operators to always drive sober while on the water.

“When we talk about drunk driving, most people immediately associate it with getting behind the wheel of a car, but they should remember the same problems occur when boat operators drive drunk,” said Lt. Curt Lewis, boating law administrator, Illinois Conservation Police. “Just like a car or truck, boats are large, heavy machinery that become extremely dangerous to operate when you’re under the influence.

Already this year, Conservation Police Officers have made 17 arrests for operating under the influence – 10 in June alone.

Last year, Conservation Police Officers made 103 arrests for boaters operating under the influence (OUI). Additionally, Conservation Police Officers in 2019 issued 725 citations and 2,623 warnings in enforcement of Illinois boating safety laws.

Boutique Fitness Studios want capacity expansion Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Gyms and fitness centers opened on Friday, June 27, as part of Illinois’ Reopening Phase 4. A collective of boutique fitness studio owners is asking Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to expand the current capacity percentage from 25 to 75.

The Chicago Boutique Fitness Alliance is led by Israel Idonije, former Chicago Bear, an entrepreneur and owner of RSTR gym. The alliance includes more than 600 community fitness studios.

The alliance wants the expansion because it says boutique fitness centers and studios will have a challenge staying in business following the same guidelines that make it easy for larger gyms to reopen and if they can’t stay in business, that would be a travesty, Idonije said.

“We’ve always felt that boutique fitness and fitness health and wellness is really an essential business,” Idonije added. In the midst of the pandemic, he stressed the importance of being mentally and physically fit.

Idonije said that most of the gyms in the alliance closed their doors during this pandemic and his gym, RSTR, opened on Wednesday, July 1.

“The coming together of this association was really focused on unifying the voice of boutique fitness, across the city, across the state and really sending the message to the leadership across the city,” he said. Idonije added the message which is at the forefront of the business owners’ minds, is the health and safety of the people who are members of the boutique fitness centers and studios.

A healthier Chicago - in body and mind - is what will make a stronger city, he said. That’s what “our city needs as we’re looking to bounce back from the pandemic,” he said, adding in his opinion, the health and wellness space is one of the most “critical components” of a person’s well-being.

While safety is their number one focus as a group of fitness experts in the city, Idonije said that boutique fitness centers and studios are a significant part of the economic engine on both the city and state levels, adding “we employ a lot of people, we generate a lot of revenue economically for the city, for the state, we create so many jobs.”

He added the goal is to be handin-hand with the leadership to come together on the protocols and making the decisions about how to open boutique fitness centers and studios back up. At RSTR, a regular class would be comprised of 30 members, but with the reopening, there would be only 6-10 people per class.

“Every one of our gyms in our alliance,

The Chicago Boutique Fitness Alliance is led by Israel Idonije (pictured), former Chicago Bear, an entrepreneur and owner of RSTR Gym. The alliance says small community fitness centers can’t stay in business with the same guidelines that make it easy for larger gyms to reopen. Photos courtesy of Israel Idonije/RSTR

we’re going to have to make those adjustments. We’re going to have to change the format, the protocols, how people actually work out,” he said.

A change in the protocol includes members having zones and not moving from those zones during circuit training.

Cleaning protocols involve cleaning and steaming before and after every class.

Also, members will have to come dressed and ready to work out.

Gyms have integrated virtual classes once they had to close due to COVID-19.

It has expanded the reach of the gyms, but the goal is still to get people inside to do the work outs and the ask from the boutique fitness studio owners is that there be an occupancy of 50, 75 percent.

“That component when it comes to occupancy, it comes to survival. The numbers, the models have to work. [In] the gym business, you need volume,

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you need membership, you need people coming in daily and being able to manage those protocols, those workouts and you want to get as many members in the gym daily,” Idonije said. He added the boutique fitness studio owner’s job is to keep people healthy and to get people to build the best versions of themselves and that’s a role that they take “very seriously,” he said.

Idonije added he’s hopeful that the mayor and the governor will consider expanding the capacity percentage to allow boutique fitness studio owners to serve more customers.

“When you talk about advancing or making positive movements in any sector, it’s really important there’s two voices at the table in that conversation. The voice of the industry expert and the voice of the leadership. I think we have that here, in this equation,” he said.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 8, 2020

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NEWS

New guidelines released for return to in-person education

BY JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com

Springfield — Illinois released new guidelines for schools, colleges and universities to return to in-person learning in the fall, but leaders warned those plans could change if health metrics related to the COVID-19 pandemic stop improving.

“This fall will not be business as usual, and we will update our guidance as needed,” State Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala said during a recent news conference in Chicago. “In response to challenging and changing public health conditions, schools and districts must be prepared to return to remote learning if the virus surges again.”

Students and teachers will be required to wear face coverings if they are medically able, gatherings in one place will be limited to no more than 50 people and schools must adhere to stricter cleaning and disinfecting guidelines as well as conduct regular symptom checks.

Gov. JB Pritzker said at the news conference every district must develop its own plan based on those guidelines.

Ayala added districts and individual schools will soon send additional information to parents and students.

Pritzker said the Illinois Emergency Management Agency will provide public K-12 districts in Illinois with 2.5 million cloth face masks, allowing schools to provide one to all students and staff.

Universities and community colleges will have similar guidelines for a fall reopening, including social distancing and physical spacing requirements, hand sanitizing stations, face covering requirements and symptom monitoring.

Schools are also developing policies around traffic flow, cleaning of public spaces and staggered schedules for the use of laboratories, auditoriums and other group facilities, according to guidelines.

At this time, the governor’s office said, colleges expect dormitories, cafeterias, libraries, bookstores and other amenities to be available to students provided they meet approved guidelines.

If someone in a school tests positive, those who were in close contact with them — that is, within six feet for 15 to 30 minutes without a face covering, according to Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health — would be expected to quarantine for 14 days.

Pritzker said local and county health departments will

play a major role in deciding a path forward when such a positive test occurs.

Pritzker first ordered all public and private schools, including colleges and universities, to close for in-person instruction on March 13 and on June 4, schools were allowed to offer limited in-person instruction and summer school programs as part of Phase 3 of the reopening plan.

Ezike said the reopening being allowed this fall is the result of significant declines in new cases, deaths and hospitalizations since the peak of the pandemic in Illinois.

Those declines, she said, are the result of the vast majority of Illinoisans following basic safety guidelines that include frequent hand-washing, wearing face coverings when in public and practicing social distancing.

The fact that the state reports about 20,000 to 30,000 test results daily helps as well, she said.

In advance of schools reopening, Ezike strongly encouraged parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccinations and that all Illinoisans get caught up on basic wellness procedures, including cancer screenings. She noted there have been steep declines in those procedures since the pandemic began.

“We need to make sure that the kids get checked out by their providers and get their life-saving immunizations,” she said. “Yes, there could be another surge of COVID-19 in the fall or perhaps earlier, but let’s make sure we take this opportunity now to get to our doctors, let’s get our immunizations, let’s get our health screenings, let’s get as healthy as we can. Your baseline health status affects how you fare against this virus.”

Pritzker also said the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act, provided $510 million in relief directly to school districts to address local needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr. Ayala and I are encouraging all districts to use this funding to close the digital divide by providing devices and internet connectivity and are directing the majority of the remaining funding to purchasing laptops, tablets, virtual coaching for new teachers and internet connectivity to advance a vision of equity for our schools and keep our kids on track for success,” the governor said.

Pritzker’s office said the Illinois State Board of Education will use another $54.1 million in CARES act funding to provide funding to schools in six categories: laptops and tablets, internet connectivity, virtual coaching for teachers, professional development, and support for entities that cannot receive direct funds.

Federal Agency Introduces New Way of Illustrating Discrimination Statistics The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has created new data visualizations to illustrate existing online employment discrimination data the federal agency recently announced.

The purpose of these visuals, created by the EEOC’s Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics (OEDA), is to display enforcement data in a simple, comprehensible, and visually appealing way for all the EEOC’s stakeholders.

“These data visualizations will help illustrate statistics for employment dis-

crimination charges and resolutions for the general public as well as specialists in anti-discrimination law,” said EEOC Chair Janet Dhillon.

“Additionally, these new visual tools are part of the agency’s broader effort to bring greater transparency to EEOC’s operations.”

The visuals illustrate data over five years for charges of employ­ment discrimination and resolutions for: * All Charges * Retaliation Charges * Sexual Harassment Charges

“OEDA is pleased to provide these new tools for the public,” said Chief Data Officer Dr. Chris Haffer. “Data visualizations, such as those released today, are just one example of the products OEDA is developing as part of its effort to build a 21st century data analytics office at the EEOC.” The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

More information is available at www.eeoc.gov.

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Forecast says U.S. economy is in “Depression-like crisis” and will not return to pre-recession peak until 2023 In its March quarterly forecast, the UCLA Anderson Forecast revised its outlook for the U.S. economy downward because of the expected impact of COVID-19, which was then still being referred to as an epidemic. Two weeks later, as the economy began shutting down because of the pandemic, the Forecast released the first revision in its 68-year history to assert that the U.S. economy was already in recession.

Now, in its second quarterly forecast of 2020, the Forecast team states that the global health crisis has “morphed into a Depression-like crisis” and that it does not expect the national economy to return to its 2019 fourth-quarter peak until 2023.

The National Forecast “To call this crisis a recession is a misnomer. We are forecasting a 42% annual rate of decline in real GDP for the current quarter, followed by a ‘Nike swoosh’ recovery that won’t return the level of output to the prior fourth quarter of 2019 peak until early 2023,” writes UCLA Anderson Forecast senior economist David Shulman in an essay titled “The Post-COVID Economy.”

“On a fourth-quarter-tofourth-quarter basis, real GDP will decline by 8.6% in 2020 and then increase by 5.3% and 4.9% in 2021 and 2022, respectively,” he writes.

Shulman goes on to write that U.S. employment will not recover until “well past 2022” and that the unemployment rate, forecast to be about 10% in the fourth quarter of 2020, will still exceed 6% in the fourth quarter two years later. “For too many workers, the recession will linger on well past the official end date,” Shulman writes.

Shulman’s essay notes that the Federal Reserve acted with unusual alacrity by moving immediately to a near-zero interest rate policy and committing itself to supporting the corporate bond market, among other actions, and that the $1.8 trillion CARES Act moved quickly through Congress. He suggests that

more relief will be needed this summer, and although a recovery is eventually forecast, it is expected to be moderate.

“Simply put, despite the Paycheck Protection Program, too many small businesses will fail and millions of jobs in restaurants and personal service firms will disappear in the short run. We believe that even with the availability of a vaccine, it will take time for consumers to return to normal,” Shulman writes. He also states that the housing sector will be a lone bright spot in the recovery.

The forecast notes that while the economy seems to have hit bottom, it will be a while before GDP and employment levels reach fourth-quarter 2019 levels, as the huge debt buildup in both the public and private sectors dampen output.

Looking beyond the forecast horizon of 2022, the pandemic has accelerated economic trends that were already moving toward increased digitization of business functions and online commerce.

“It has increased already-rising tensions with China and brought the E.U. closer together,” Shulman writes. “A major response to the pandemic has been the success of work-from-home, which looks like it will lead to long-term changes in work and urban environments as workers avail themselves of more work/life options. In a nutshell, economic and housing activity will shift from large cites to mid-sized cities and away from the urban centers to the suburbs.”

The UCLA Anderson Forecast is one of the most widely watched and often-cited economic outlooks for California and the nation and was unique in predicting both the seriousness of the early-1990s downturn in California and the strength of the state’s rebound since 1993.

More recently, the Forecast was credited as the first major U.S. economic forecasting group to declare the recession of 2001.

Visit UCLA Anderson Forecast at uclaforecast.com.

4 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 8, 2020

BUSINESS

Lowe’s opens applications for the first wave of its $25 million in minority small business grants As thousands of small businesses struggle to keep their doors open and their employees paid amid economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) recently opened its first round of grant applications in its previously announced $25 million commitment to provide much-needed relief to minority-owned businesses.

Lowe’s donation will fuel emergency grants in historically underserved communities, as well as other assistance, to help owners navigate business challenges during the pandemic.

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s largest community development organization, will manage the process

of vetting applications for grants that will bring critical aid to minority- and women-led small businesses.

“Lowe’s has been committed to helping minority small business owners – the very backbone of our economy – rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating impact,” said Lowe’s President and CEO Marvin R. Ellison. “Helping people make their homes better extends beyond our walls and into our neighborhoods, communities and country. We’re proud these grants will help minority- and women-led small businesses, many of which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. This commitment is far more than a moment in time – it’s a

reflection of who we have been and will continue to be as a company.”

LISC President and CEO Maurice A. Jones applauded Lowe’s ongoing commitment, noting that it will take a robust investment of public and private resources to spur economic recovery and bridge opportunity gaps that affect the well-being of millions of Americans.

“The need for this kind of relief is overwhelming,” said Jones. He noted that when LISC began offering small

business rapid relief grants in April, it saw more than 50,000 applications in just the first four days, and another 200,000 for subsequent funding.

Two-thirds of the initial applicants are businesses owned by minorities, veterans and women. Forty percent are in distressed locations, and nearly half have been in business for more than 10 years.

“Our country’s small businesses are the backbones of rural and urban communities,” Jones said. “They require capital, right now, if they are to continue to provide vital goods and services to their customers and help drive long-term recovery and growth.

We are grateful to Lowe’s for their strong commitment to doing just that.”

New Grants Available to Support Dairy Entrepreneurship The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) is a newly announced program that will provide Midwestern dairy farmers and dairy-related businesses with financial and technical support.

This initiative, a joint effort coordinated by the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), was designed to support and promote the diversification and addition of value-added products to the Midwest dairy industry.

Goals of this program include: * Increasing on-farm diversification * Creating value-added dairy products such as specialty cheeses * Focusing on export opportunities for farm-scale and processor dairy products “We want to allow dairy farmers and processors to be innovative for their futures.

We hope to improve the situations on dairy farms, processing plants, and cooperatives,” said DBIA Program Director Karen Nielsen.

Grant applications are available on the DBIA

website. The grant application period is now open. Funds totaling $220,000 will be disbursed and awarded with individual projects receiving up to $20,000. The deadline to complete and return applications is August 14th. Selected producers and business owners will be notified on September 4th.

DBIA is also coordinating online webinars and compiling resources for dairy producers and processors.

Nielsen noted that a grant proposal is currently being written to the United States Department of Agriculture for funding for subsequent years.

Future plans for the program include expanding the resources available to dairy producers and processors and learning more about U.S. consumers’ dairy product buying preferences.

For more information, call the Illinois Department of Agriculture at (217) 5249129, visit their website at www.agr.state.il.us or call the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance at (608) 265-1491 or visit their website at https://turbo.cdr.wisc.edu/ dairy-business-innovationalliance/.

The recent announcement is the next step of Lowe’s $50 million commitment to support communities during the pandemic.

To date, LISC has raised more than $17 million for COVID-19 rapid relief grants and helped 955 organizations access $91 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans—including nearly 200 PPP loans funded by LISC. LISC’s COVID-19 efforts continue to focus on support for small businesses and nonprofits led by women and minorities in economically vulnerable communities.

For more on the LISC-Lowe’s partnership or to apply for a grant, visit LISC.org/lowes.

IDFPR Announces PPP Loan Forgiveness Webinars

The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) is a newly announced program that will provide Midwestern dairy farmers and dairy-related businesses with financial and technical support.

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The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has announced that recordings of two webinars hosted recently to help businesses and lenders with the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Applications are available to anyone who missed the sessions, but may still require assistance.

Hosted in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the first webinar focused on businesses and the steps they need to take to complete their loan forgiveness applications. The second webinar, for lenders, detailed the process in how those loan forgiveness applications should be reviewed.

“During this unprecedented time, we want to help small business owners and lenders navigate the PPP process,” said Deborah Hagan, secretary of the department. “I thank the SBA for partnering with us to provide these educational resources to Illinois small businesses and lenders.”

“The SBA is committed to helping all small businesses recover, and we’re grateful to partner agencies such as the IDFPR in helping us reach as many entrepreneurs as possible,” said Robert “Bo” Steiner, SBA Illinois district director. “Our interactive webinars allow us to talk directly to small business owners, hear about their challenges, and provide the most up-to-date information on available assistance.”

PPP is a forgivable small business loan program administrated by the SBA. The program is designed to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic to keep their workers on the payroll.

Over $125 billion in PPP funds are still available. Eligible small businesses include sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and the self-employed.

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CITIZEN On The Move

The Joint Caucus of Black Elected Officials Came Together Recently To Address Issues Facing The City and State Photos by L.M. Warington

Federal, State, County and City governmental officials came together to discuss the needs for an immediate need for drastic change to keep the community and children safe.

Black Lives Matter

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NEWS United Airlines Strengthens Onboard Mask Policy to Further Protect Passengers and Employees Against COVID-19 Spread United Airlines has announced that, along with other Airlines for America (A4A) members, it will strengthen mandatory mask policies to further mitigate against the spread of COVID-19.

While the overwhelming majority of passengers are complying with United’s mandatory policy, now, any passenger that does not comply when onboard a United flight will be placed on an internal travel restriction list.

Customers on this list will lose their travel privileges on United for a duration of time to be determined pending a comprehensive incident review.

United currently requires all passengers to wear a face covering onboard its flights and the only exceptions to this policy are individuals who have a medical condition or a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering, those who cannot put on or remove a face covering themselves and small children.

Customers are expected to wear a mask for the duration of the flight, except when eating or drinking.

“Every reputable heath institution says wearing a mask is one of the most effective things people can do to protect others from contracting COVID-19, especially in places like an aircraft where social distancing is a challenge,” said United’s Chief Customer Officer, Toby Enqvist. “We have been requiring our customers to wear masks onboard United aircraft since May 4 and we have been pleased that the overwhelming majority of passengers readily comply with our policy.

Today’s announcement is an unmistakable signal that we’re prepared to take serious steps, if necessary, to protect our customers and crew.”

Under this new policy, if a flight attendant notices or is informed of a customer onboard who is not wearing a face covering and that passenger does not fall within an exception, the flight attendant will proactively inform the customer that for the health and safety of everyone, face coverings are mandatory for all customers and crew on board. They will also offer to provide the customer with a mask if needed. If the customer continues to be non-compliant, flight attendants will do their best to de-escalate the situation, again, inform the customer of United’s policy, and provide the passenger with an In-Flight Mask policy reminder card. If a customer continues to not comply, the flight attendant will file a report of the incident, which will initiate a formal review process. Any final decision or

actions regarding a customer’s future flight benefits will not occur onboard, but instead take place after the flight has reached its destination and the security team has investigated the incident.

“U.S. airlines are very serious about requiring face coverings on their flights. Carriers are stepping up enforcement of face coverings and implementing substantial consequences for those who do not comply with the rules,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio.

“Face coverings are one of several public health measures recommended by the CDC as an important layer of protection for passengers and customer-facing employees.”

In April, United became the first major U.S.-based airline to require flight attendants to wear a face mask while on duty, and beginning in May, expanded that mandate to include all employees and customers on board.

This includes front-line workers like pilots, customer service agents and ramp workers when on board an aircraft, along with any other United employees traveling using their flight benefits.

“Wearing a mask is a critical part of helping make air travel safer,” said Dr. James Merlino, chief clinical transformational officer at Cleveland Clinic.

“The more people in a given space wearing masks, the fewer viral particles are making it into the space around them, decreasing exposure and risk.

The airline’s mask policy is an important part of the United CleanPlus program, which brings together Clorox - and the country’s top medical experts - Cleveland Clinic - to inform and guide United’s new cleaning, safety and social distancing protocols. As part of this program, United is taking a layered approach to help protect passengers and employees on board. In addition to requiring masks, United Airlines planes have HEPA grade filters that recirculate air every 2-3 minutes, and the airline is using electrostatic sprayers to disinfect the cabin before flights.

In addition to the onboard actions, United has implemented dozens of other new procedures at other points in the travel journey, including offering touchless check-in for baggage at more than 200 locations, asking customers to complete a health assessment at check-in, installing sneeze guards and adjusting the boarding process.

For full information on the United CleanPlus program, please visit united.com/cleanplus.

Kids are Online More These Days, Here is How to Keep Them Safe StatePoint - Children are spending more time online due to social distancing measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the internet can be an amazing gateway to knowledge and a tool to connect with family and friends, if parents and caregivers don’t follow certain precautions, it can also pose safety hazards.

Indeed, the United Nations has warned that the increased unstructured time online has put millions of children at greater risk of both cyberbullying and of being exposed to harmful content. Experts note that in the same way financial scammers have been working in overdrive to exploit the current crisis, the internet has also seen a surge of online predators targeting children.

Fortunately, there are effective actions parents can take to help keep kids safe online so that they can continue to reap the educational and social benefits of online use.

• Have a Dialogue: While you may be working remotely or otherwise occupied, if possible, try to spend time in the same room as your kids during the day so you can keep tabs on them. An open dialogue can go a long way toward establishing mutual trust between generations. Parents should have a respectful discussion with children about what kinds of activities they are engaging in online and who they are communicating with. This discussion should include what constitutes inappropriate content. Let kids know they can come to you if they are being sent images or messages that fall into this category.

• Steer Children to Quality Content: From free educational gaming apps to the online educational resources offered by museums and your local library, actively encourage your kids to explore the wealth of positive content designed for students and young people.

While the current crisis has created new online hazards that families should be aware of, parents can be proactive about keeping kids safe.

• Update Devices: Be sure to keep your family’s devices safeguarded from hackers and malware by installing the latest updates.

• Use New Tools: New tools can help parents effectively keep screen time in check. For example, by using OurPact, a screen time management solution, parents can limit app access automatically for recurring activities like school or bedtime, and can block or grant internet access on a child’s device any time. With the app, parents can even view screenshots of kids’ digital activity on Apple devices (this feature will be available on Android soon.)

“These abilities allow families to create and maintain a well-balanced schedule, while also offering parents a valuable tool for protecting their kids from unsafe content and people,” says Michele Havner, director of marketing for Eturi Corp., makers of OurPact.

To learn more or download, visit OurPact.com.

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8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 8, 2020

FASHION

FDA Warns 9 Hand Sanitizers May Contain Fatal Ingredient Hand sanitizers have become essential and a “go-to” tool to fighting off infection and disease, especially now with the coronavirus COVID-19.

But it’s important to know what kind of hand sanitizer you are using.

It could mean the difference between life and death.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol), a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. FDA has identified the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem: l All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01) l Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01) l CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04) l Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10) l CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03) l CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01) l CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01) l Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01) l FDA tested samples of Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ. Lavar Gel contains 81 percent (v/v) methanol and no ethyl alcohol, and CleanCare No Germ contains 28 percent (v/v) methanol. Methanol is not

Knowing what kind of hand sanitizer you are using could mean the difference between life and death.

an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic effects.

Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for

potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning. Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death.

Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute, are most at risk for methanol poisoning.

The FDA recommends consumers stop using these hand sanitizers and dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers. They also advise consumers not flush or pour these products down the drain.

FDA reminds consumers to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose. If soap and water are not readily available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent ethanol.

FDA remains vigilant and will continue to take action when quality issues arise with hand sanitizers.

Additionally, the agency is concerned with false and misleading claims for hand sanitizers, for example, that they can provide prolonged protection such as 24-hours against viruses including COVID-19, since there is no evidence to support these claims.

To date, FDA is not aware of any reports of adverse events associated with these hand sanitizer products. FDA encourages health care professionals, consumers and patients to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of hand sanitizers to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program: Complete and submit the report online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/ scripts/medwatch/index.cfm You can also download and complete the form at https://www. fda.gov/media/85598/download then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

Skin 2 Skin® Awarded Top Five Product Categories for Best Serum Solution for Sagging Skin by Truth in Aging Healthy skincare line Skin 2 Skin has just won its fifth award as one of the top products from the beauty critics of Truth in Aging.

Healthy skincare line Skin 2 Skin has just won its fifth award as one of the top products from the beauty critics of Truth in Aging, for being one of the five best products for sagging skin.

“Truth in Aging is all about the discovery of clean anti-aging cosmetics that really work,” said Marta Wohrle, founder of Truth in Aging.

“We test everything for at least 30 days so that we can know if they live up to their claims.

Then with continuous feedback from our community, we recommend the absolute best in our Five Best selections.”

Wohrle tested Skin 2 Skin’s Anti-Sagging Renewal Serum with PepStem4 Ultra-Lift™ herself and awarded it as ‘One of the 5 Best

Products for Sagging Skin.’ She said her skin looked lifted, especially around the jawline and lower cheeks. Wohrle also said an old, callused scar was reduced after using the product.

“Skin 2 Skin’s line of products are formulated using pure, natural ingredients and infused the highest concentration of skin nutrients, cutting edge peptides and stem cells to give skin a healthy, youthful appearance as part of our ‘Healthy Skin philosophy” said Kenneth Simpson, CEO, chief formulator of Skin 2 Skin. “ We recognize the connectivity and balance between our skin, the external environment, personal health and nutrition, lifestyle choices, natural aging and other factors affecting our ability to keep our skin appearing healthy and

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

vibrant regardless of age, gender or skin type.”

The Anti-Sagging Renewal Serum with PepStem4 Ultra-Lift sells for $79. The full healthy skincare line contains the highest concentration of cutting edge anti-aging elements on the market today, featuring a White Tea Face Wash, AB-HA Exfoliating Cleanser, Enzyme Renewal Mask, Revitalizing Eye Gel, 24/7 Rejuvenation, Aging Intervention Cream, Recovery Night and Dry Skin, antiexpression line cream, and more, according to a news release. All products can be purchased at www.Skin2SkinCare.com and Truth in Aging.com.

Visit www.Skin2SkinCare.com to learn more.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 8, 2020

HOME

Putting Your Home to Work: 5 Things to Know About Solar Panels (BPT) - As people have been spending more time at home and watching their utility bills increase, solar energy is becoming a topic of interest. In fact, even with more constrained purchasing practices in many households in the current environment, a recent Harris Poll research study revealed a 13 percent increase in consumer interest in solar energy since mid-March.

That's not surprising, given that the installation of solar panels can save homeowners hundreds of dollars in monthly utility bills, boost the value of their homes and provide peace of mind about helping the environment. Thankfully, making solar energy part of your daily life has never been easier.

If you are among the millions of American homeowners considering making the logical step to solar energy, here are some facts from renewable energy experts.

Solar works all day, year-round, in any weather Your solar energy system gathers the most energy from full sun, but it can still work at 10 to 25 percent capacity on overcast days. What about snowy days? Your system will still gather some energy even if it's partially covered, and high-quality solar panels are designed both to withstand significant amounts of accumulated snow and to help melt it away.

It's easier than ever to go solar There are new tools to walk you through the technology and financing you would need to get started with a solar installation or conversion. One such personal solar advisor is called "Solar Concierge."

This program from LG Solar takes a consultative approach, without high-pressure sales tactics, helping you determine whether solar meets your objectives and sets you up with an installer if you're interested.

Solar panels pay for themselves

By offsetting what you pay for electricity, solar panels can pay for themselves. The payoff date depends on the size and cost of your system, the amount of energy you use and the rebates and incentives you employ. Generally, for the first eight years or so, your annual investment in solar power will likely equal the amount you would otherwise pay to power your home in other ways. After that time, your solar power will essentially be free and should continue to work efficiently for many more years.

Not all panels are created equal Because solar panels can vary so much, you'll want to conduct research before finalizing your purchase.

Check reputable buyer's guides and seek a company that has a long history of high-quality design innovation, testing and manufacturing, looking for evidence of both cutting-edge solar technologies and global sustainability. Find a brand you can trust with

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

a 25-year warranty. When choosing products, note that some of today's high-efficiency panels generate nearly 20 percent more energy than conventional panels of the same size. With higher-efficiency panels, you may even have surplus green energy to sell back to your local utility provider.

Solar systems can be designed to work with most roofs These days, a number of options are available for securely connecting your panels regardless of the limited space your roof might have or what it's made of. A solar installer can assess your roof's maximum weight load and your city's building code before designing a solar system that works for your home. Homeowners can choose from a range of designs, including sleek and premium panels that deliver a modern aesthetic.

To find more information about the solar system that's ideal for your home, please visit lg.com.

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10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 8, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

New Data Shows Instagram Stories Are Getting Shorter Conviva, (www.conviva.com), recently released its third annual Instagram Stories Benchmark Report, revealing stories are getting shorter and are posted less frequently than in years past. However, average completion and reach rates continue to increase, demonstrating widespread adoption of Instagram Stories.

Conviva analyzed over 920 top Instagram accounts and 28,700 individual stories across four industry verticals – sports, media, entertainment and brands – comparing Instagram Stories from Q1 2020 versus Q1 2019.

“More than half of Instagram’s one billion plus users are consuming Instagram Stories daily and they are one of the most powerful engagement tools in use by brands today,” said Nick Cicero, vice president of strategy, Conviva. “The brands that find new and creative ways to effectively use this medium will not only gain followers, but also will greatly benefit from an engaged audience.”

Media Surpasses Sports as COVID-19 Causes Uptick in News-Based Stories Unlike previous years, sports posting on Instagram Stories was down considerably from the year before, in a quarter that saw most professional sports leagues postpone their seasons in early March. As the global pandemic emerged, media overtook sports as the category that posted most frequently, posting 2.7 stories a week (as compared with sports posting 2.6 stories a week) and averaged more frames per story than sports.

Local news maintained the highest reach rate among media categories while global news accounts posted the most frequently. Niche media, organizations that focus on a specific topic rather than a geographically defined audience, offered the longest Instagram stories, with an average of 6.3 frames per story this year.

Shorter, But Not Always Sweeter Despite data showing longer stories increase reach, average frames per story decreased among companies in the media, entertainment and sports sectors in 2020. Brands was the only sector to increase story length, with an average

Conviva recently released its third annual Instagram Stories Benchmark Report, revealing stories are getting shorter and are posted less frequently than in years past.

tap back rate and uncovered interesting trends in viewer behavior. Tap forward rate is significantly lower for the first two frames of a story while at best, only 5% of impressions result in a tap back, which occurs most frequently on the 4th frame in a story.

An analysis of over 165,000 individual frames shows the lowest percentage of user actions, including tap forwards, tap backs or exits, occurs on the second frame. Suggesting that the second frame is therefore a prime content spot as it is least likely to be interrupted by a user action.

PRNewsfoto/Conviva

of 5.5 frames per story in 2020, up from 5.2 frames in 2019.

Conviva found completion rates increased on average for most story lengths, while exit rate steadily declines as the viewer gets further into a story until it eventually averages out around 2% per frame. There is very little

difference between the exit rate for images versus videos. Interestingly, image frames do have a higher exit rate than video frames on the first frame of a story.

Examining User Behavior Conviva examined the tap forward and

Replies On For Increased Reach For accounts with replies turned on, the average reach rate was 2.1% higher than those with replies turned off. In 2020, 66% of accounts averaged at least one reply per story.

This is a full reversal from 2019 when 66% of accounts had replies turned off.

Download the full report: https://www. conviva.com/research/instagram-storiesbenchmark-report-2020/

Charles Wallert - Love Songs & More The “Singer’s Producer” Charles Wallert has put together a compilation of his compositions/ productions on multi-Grammy, Platinum recording artists George Benson, Dionne Warwick, O.C. Smith, Cuba Gooding (Main Ingredient) & more.

The album will feature a new release,” “Still In Love With You” by 10 time Grammy Winner George Benson.

Dionne Warwick sings “If I let Myself Go” opening up to the possibility of love once again.

O.C. Smith pledges renewed love in “Yes I Will” and delivers the

much-needed message for today of love for humanity and faith in the greater power in “Understand”.

Cuba Gooding (Main Ingredient) embarks on the possibility of a new romance with “Meant To Be In Love” & If You Were Mine.”

Darryl Tookes beckons in the elegantly seductive “Dance With Me” and delivers a powerful rendition of the classic “Just To See Her.” Ronnie Limar performs the wedding classic “Lifetime Guarantee,” along with two more of his original hits.

Benny Marsella follows up his #

1 National AC hit, “A Special Kind of Love” with a new Charles Wallert composition/production “Magic Nights.”

Billy Scott relates the joy of a renewed romantic connection in “Love You All Over Again.”

Chuck Jackson sardonically reflects on a former love in “What Goes Around Comes Around.”

The compilation includes many legendary artists from past decades as well as rising stars of today. The album is a prelude to the book “Music & Memoir” – Charles Wallert by noted author, Will Romano, www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Charles Wallert - Love Songs & More

Charles Wallert - Music & Memoir

currently in progress.

Tom Mazzetta - Sr. VP states, “Are you familiar with the expression, ‘to die for?’ Well allow me, this

compilation is to die for!”

Available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer and more. https:// v4alb02025403.hearnow.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 8, 2020

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ACROSS 1. It’s often breaking 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca 8. Bog deposit 12. Mine entrance 13. *Blood fluids 14. Sinbad the Sailor’s home 15. Delhi dress 16. Ball of yarn 17. On the radio 18. *Brain’s “fear factory” 20. Gulf War missile 21. Monkeys, in Spain 22. “____ Elise” 23. Capital of Tasmania 26. Unlike Pinocchio 29. Be mistaken 30. Meteorologist’s line 33. Radiant light 35. Popular horse breed, pl.

37. VIII predecessor 38. Lit test format 39. Prima donna 40. Like meters and kilograms 42. Step on it 43. a.k.a. association football 45. ____ Hood and Christopher ____ 47. *Result of UV exposure 48. Southern chicken stew 50. Staff leader 52. *The smallest bones 56. Social media button 57. Mange carrier 58. Plumber’s sealant 59. Fuzzy fruit, pl.

60. a.k.a. The Islamic State 61. Antioxidants-rich berry 62. Tolstoy’s Karenina 63. Grazing spot 64. Country singer-songwriter Loretta DOWN 1. “For the Benefit of All” org.

2. Cheese in red casing 3. Lean like an athlete 4. Bad rep 5. Address to Kitty 6. A in A=ab, pl.

7. *Location of strongest muscle 8. *Part of both digestive and endocrine systems 9. Genesis twin 10. Like a desert 11. Used to fix a leaky roof 13. Limit in quality 14. Same as boatswain 19. “Pillow Talk” (1960) star 22. Same as #22 Across, in English 23. *It loses 80% of body heat 24. Root of iris 25. Music to a performer’s ears 26. *Fastest growing tissue 27. Popular Japanese dish 28. Orient Express, e.g.

31. Walkie-talkie word 32. *The teeth did it 34. “The ____ have it” 36. *Gut dwellers 38. *One of #36 Down 40. Males 41. Van Gogh’s famous flower painting 44. Coffee shops 46. *____ cavity, a.k.a. mouth 48. Aplomb 49. Harbor city of Ancient Rome 50. *Humans are the only animals that have it 51. Field of grass 53. Having lace 54. Zeal 55. *The largest organ 56. Reggae precursor 57. mL

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Advertising has plummeted during the crisis and readers aren’t subscribing fast enough to fill the void. This has led to thousands of local reporters being laid off. Just as our society faces numerous, urgent challenges.

Millions of people are in danger of losing access to the authoritative local

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