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BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – Minimum wage workers in Illinois will see a boost in their hourly pay to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, while tenants in affordable housing units will be allowed to keep pets.
Those are just some of the more than 300 new laws that take effect in the new year.
The minimum wage increase is actually the result of a 2019 law that phases in a state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. This year, it will increase by one dollar to $12 an hour.
tenants to keep pets is the result of Senate Bill 154, by Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego. It provides that tenants of multifamily housing units that are acquired, built or renovated with money from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund may keep up to two cats or one dog weighing less than 50 pounds. It applies to residents of housing units that are designated as affordable housing for low- and very-lowincome families. The bill passed both chambers in its final form on May 30 and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it into law Aug. 6. Other new laws include:
BY ANDREW ADAMS CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS AADAMS@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM
SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers this week passed a bill aimed at boosting the development of renewable energy generation, but its proponents said the final measure was a “skinny” version of what they had hoped to pass.
The bill comes as several state officials warn that Illinois is falling behind on its clean energy goals. The state’s main funding mechanism for renewable energy projects also faces a potential $3 billion budget shortfall in the coming years.
The legislation gives state regulators more authority to balance the budget for a key renewable energy financing tool, partially by shifting financial risk to electric utility customers. It also sets up a study of energy storage technology that is intended to form the basis of a new bill later this year.
“We think this bill makes important and necessary changes, and we’re looking forward to more robust discussions this spring,” IPA Director Brian Granahan said in a statement Tuesday.
The bill also requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to host a series of workshops exploring battery-based energy storage. Renewable energy advocates increasingly are looking to the nascent technology as a way to make wind and solar power more reliable.
Because wind and solar power often do not generate electricity at times of peak demand, storing electricity generated at offpeak hours could keep electricity supplies affordable and reliable – at least according to battery storage’s proponents.
The law allowing public housing
Vehicle taxes: SB58 raises the private vehicle tax, which is a sales tax paid on the purchase of vehicles, by $75 for each model year where the purchase price is less than $15,000 and by $100 for vehicles priced above that amount. However, the registration fee for trailers weighing less than 3,000 pounds will drop to $36 instead of $118.
“We’ve seen the effects of climate change. We’ve seen the effects on storms, extreme storms, extreme heat, extreme cold,” Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, said during floor debate. “This is something we must do. We must move from fossil fuel, which emits carbon into the atmosphere, to renewable energy. This bill has a few small changes that will help us get renewable energy on the grid.”
The measure passed in the Senate 39-16 on Monday, with the House passing it the next day 74-39. It will next head to the governor’s desk for final approval before becoming law.
‘A very skinny bill’
Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, has spent years advocating for more incentives for battery storage. Gov. JB Pritzker, whose office was involved in bill negotiations, in December said he supported the premise of battery storage.
“The price of electricity is going up because of the higher demands, and we have to have a strategy in place to deal with that,” Cunningham said Monday.
A previous version of the bill would have set up a system of incentives and a funding mechanism for battery storage projects, similar to how the state handles renewable energy. That would have included allowing the IPA to “procure” energy credits from battery storage facilities.
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College admissions: HB226, establishing the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, prohibits public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit SAT, ACT or other standardized test scores as part of the admissions process, although prospective students may choose to submit them if they wish.
The bill makes several changes to how the state funds renewable energy developments. Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, described these as “highly technical.”
Existing law requires the state to purchase a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources. The Illinois Power Agency purchases this electricity using a system of financial instruments such as “renewable energy credits.” These are tracked and budgeted using the state’s renewable portfolio standard, or RPS.
The ICC’s report on battery storage will be due to the General Assembly by May 1. That report will then be used as the basis of a future bill from Springfield, according to the bill’s sponsors.
“Nothing in this legislation empowers the IPA to do a procurement. We would have to authorize that by state law,” Cunningham said. “The intent is to come back in the spring and do that.”
The bill passed Tuesday is also notable for what it didn’t include. In addition to cutting out much of the battery storage policy, the final bill didn’t include a set of provisions dealing with energy efficiency programs.
CST Weekly,published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issuesannually). W ritten permission isrequired to reproduce contents inwholeor part from the Generalmanager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibilityfor nor are weable to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is everyMonday at noon. For information on subscriptions oradvertising call us at (773)783-1251. Our office is locatedat 8741S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.
CST Weekly, published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issues annually). W ritten permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or part from the General manager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is every Monday at noon. For information on subscriptions or advertising call us at (773) 783-1251. Our office is located at 8741 S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.
CST Weekly,published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issuesannually). W ritten permission isrequired to reproduce contents inwholeor part from the Generalmanager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibilityfor nor are weable to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is everyMonday at noon. For information on subscriptions oradvertising call us at (773)783-1251. Our office is locatedat 8741S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.
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Drug prices: SB1682 requires pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale.
But the IPA has struggled to find developers for some of these projects – particularly wind farms. One of the driving concerns that developers cite is whether the budget for the RPS, which is funded by a monthly charge to utility customers, is sufficient to fund renewable energy contracts approved by the agency.
FOID card changes: HB562 enacts several changes to the Firearm Owner Identification card law. Among other things, it provides for a streamlined renewal process for FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses for people who voluntarily submit fingerprint records. It also allows the Illinois State Police to issue a combined FOID card and Concealed Carry License to qualified applicants, and it establishes a new Violent Crime Intelligence Task Force to take enforcement action against people with revoked FOID cards.
This makes financing these large infrastructure projects difficult, as banks and other institutions worry about the risk of not being paid back if energy prices spike and the RPS budget falls short.
Over the past few years, the IPA has begun to raise alarms about the funding mechanism. In October, the agency said the RPS could face a $3.1 billion budget shortfall by 2039, based on the agency’s long-term renewable procurement plan.
The bill would guarantee that projects approved under the RPS will be funded in case of unexpected spikes in prices by allowing utility companies to charge consumers for the costs of any budget shortfall.
Gabel said during debate Tuesday that she doesn’t expect the policy to lead to rate increases and that even if utilities needed to recover money from customers, it would only be a temporary increase.
to the appropriate school support personnel.
That portion of the bill would have updated the state’s requirements for solar energy rebates and provided subsidies for consumers who buy efficient appliances.
Those provisions were cut after the governor’s office “raised some concerns,” according to Cunningham.
Those portions of the bill were backed by the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, an influential group of environmental organizations that includes the Illinois Environmental Council.
“The bill that we’re going to see is not doing much,” IEC’s Executive Director Jen Walling said Monday morning, after the bill was finalized but before it passed.
The IEC, and the Clean Jobs Coalition more broadly, didn’t endorse the bill, taking a neutral stance. Kady McFadden, a lobbyist speaking on behalf of ICJC, said she was “disappointed” by the final bill, noting the elements that were cut out or pared down.
Walling and others expressed a desire for broader legislation in the spring.
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But Republicans were skeptical of transferring risk to ratepayers.
Student mental health: HB576 and SB1577 allow students in Illinois up to five excused absences to attend to their mental or behavioral health without providing a medical note. Those students will be given an opportunity to make up any work they missed during the first absence and, after using a second mental health day, may be referred
Official flags: HB605 requires state agencies and institutions to purchase Illinois and American flags that are made in the United States.
“All we’re doing here to add security to these failing projects is to transfer, to put the burden on taxpayers, on ratepayers, one way or another to make sure the creditors are going to get paid,” Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said during debate Tuesday.
Hair styles: SB817 prohibits discrimination in schools against individuals on the grounds of wearing natural or ethnic hairstyles, which include dreadlocks, braids, twists and afros.
The bill also grants the agency more flexibility on the split between its wind and solar procurement. While the agency has failed to meet wind targets in the past, it often meets or exceeds its solar targets thanks in part to the booming solar industry in the state. These provisions were negotiated and largely agreed upon by the agency and representatives of the renewable industry.
Lemonade stands: SB119 prohib-
its public health authorities from regulating or shutting down lemonade stands or similar operations that are operated by children under the age of 16. Known as “Hayli’s Law,” it was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was shut down by local officials.
“We’re setting up for a really big year for climate legislation,” Walling said.
United States. In June, President Joe Biden also signed a bill designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
The IEC and ICJC brought hundreds of people to the Capitol Tuesday to advocate for other climate- and energy-related bills, including bills limiting the use of natural gas for heating buildings and reforming the transit systems in the Chicago area.
Cunningham is also considering legislation that would boost incentives for transmission line construction, a critical step as the state increasingly relies on renewable generation.
Juneteenth: HB3922 recognizes June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as an official state holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Black PR Wire) Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), in partnership with Paramount Pictures, is proud to announce the 10 recipients of the Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship. This scholarship, launched in honor of the legacy of Bob Marley and the February release of the Bob Marley: One Love biopic, supports students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) dedicated to making a difference in their communities through social justice initiatives.
The Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarships honor Marley as a cultural icon and his message of unity by supporting ten rising sophomore, junior, and senior students with $5,000 scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students pursuing degrees in community organizing, nonprofit management, public policy, or social justice-related programs at selected HBCUs which include Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
Kylea Tanner – Dillard University
Gabrielle Frost – Florida A&M University
Delvin Reed – Hampton University
Ayden Calrk-Veal – Morehouse College
Khari Sanchez – Morgan State University
RayJ”Nai King – Spelman College
Kalandria Rogers – Texas Southern University
Kaydra Ruffin – Xavier University
These outstanding students have shown exemplary dedication to social justice causes, including racial equality, economic justice, and community empowerment. The scholarship will provide them with the resources they need to continue their education and expand their impact. For more information about CBCF, please visit www.cbcfinc.org.
Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org and follow @CBCFinc on social platforms.
(Black PR Wire) The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) presents the 2025 Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talk Series, titled “The Art of War: Conflict and the African American Philosophy.” Inspired by Sun Tzu’s classic text, The Art of War, this year’s series presents a unique framework to explore how African philosophies of war, strategy, resilience, and collective action have influenced African American history.
Taking place every Sunday in February at the Portsmouth Public Library, the series will also examine how African Americans have drawn upon spiritual strength, communal traditions, and cultural wisdom to endure oppression, fight for justice, and shape the nation’s history.
“This year’s series is not only a reflection on history but also a celebration of the resilience and ingenuity of African Americans,” said JerriAnne Boggis, Executive Director of BHTNH. “By drawing on ancient spiritual traditions and collective wisdom, African Americans created pathways for survival and progress. The conversations at the Tea Talks will allow us to understand our shared history and the ongoing fight for justice.”
Program Highlights: Sunday, Feb. 2 | 2:00 PM | Portsmouth, Public Library
Things They Carried: An African Philosophy on War, Surviving Enslavement, and Citizenship
This panel will explore how African philosophies of war and cosmology helped enslaved Africans endure and cope with the trauma of enslavement.
Sunday, Feb. 9 | 2:00 PM | Portsmouth Public Library Hopes and Impediments: War and Strategies for Belonging
“Investing in college students pursuing these scholarly areas is an investment in the future of social justice and equality,” said CBCF President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery. “Their passion and dedication inspire us all to work towards a more equitable world. We are proud to partner with Paramount Pictures to honor the legacy of Bob Marley and his message of unity, and to empower these young leaders in support of their dreams. Together, we are advancing the next generation of changemakers who will continue to drive impactful change in our communities.”
“At Paramount Pictures, we believe in the power of storytelling to create a better world. Through the Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship, we are honored to support these extraordinary students who are using their voices to champion social justice,” said Marc Weinstock, President Worldwide Marketing and Distribution. “Education is a crucial tool in the fight for equality, and by investing in these scholars, we are cultivating a future where everyone can thrive. We are proud to stand with the CBCF in this important initiative and look forward to seeing the incredible impact these students will make.”
The recipients of the Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship for 2024 are:
Elijah Jordan – Bowie State University
Robyn Jennings – Clarke Atlanta University
Paramount Global is a leading global media, streaming and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount’s portfolio includes CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+ and Pluto TV. Paramount holds one of the industry’s most extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution, and advertising solutions. For more information about Paramount, please visit www.paramount.com and follow @ParamountCo on social platforms.
BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE was released in theatres February 14, 2024. The film is the recipient of Variety’s inaugural Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors which celebrates individuals who are supporting often underrepresented themes of faith in storytelling and entertainment.
This session will highlight the significant role of African and African Americans in early wars, such as the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, which served as both a strategic offensive and a powerful act of spiritual defiance against oppression.
Sunday, Feb. 16 | 2:00 PM | Portsmouth Public Library
The Great Migration: Military Service and the Shaping of a Diversified New Hampshire
This panel will examine the integration of military bases in New Hampshire and how these bases built diverse communities in the state.
Sunday, Feb. 23 | 2:00 PM | Portsmouth Public Library
Eyes on the Prize: Protests, Movements, and the Road Ahead
Reflect on the spiritual and moral leadership of African American civic movements, from the Civil Rights era to today’s calls for justice and equity.
In addition, this year’s Tea Talk Series will include expanded programming in Warner and Manchester, bringing these essential conversations to a broader audience across the state.
“The conversations hosted by the Trail are some of the most meaningful and impactful discussions I’ve ever had,” said Valerie Fagin, a long-time volunteer with BHTNH. “I’ve seen how these events inspire attendees to reflect, connect, and take action in their own lives. These talks are not just about history—they’re about hope and transformation.”
All talks are free and open to the public, with in-person or virtual options.
SAN ANTONIO, PRNewswire -- The San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is making significant strides in its five-year transformative growth plan, achieving key milestones across economic and workforce development, educational attainment, and air service connectivity, as announced by greater:SATX, the region’s economic development partnership.
Recognized as the fastest-growing metro in the U.S. and a leader in diversity with a 66% Hispanic population, San Antonio is a city of the future -- showcasing a blueprint for inclusive growth. It stands as a hub for advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, life sciences, financial and professional services, and defense, drawing businesses and talent at a remarkable pace.
“In 2021, together with our partners, we launched a five-year plan to transform the region and expand opportunities for all residents,” said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, President and CEO of greater:SATX. “Today, our collective vision and strategy are paying off. We’re proud of the tremendous progress achieved with our community and partners.”
Driving Investment and Job Creation
-- its best-selling product in North America -- along with aerial access equipment.
Since 2021, greater:SATX initiatives have spurred the creation of over 16,000 new jobs and attracted more than $6 billion in capital investments. In 2024 alone, 30 new projects generated $1.2 billion in additional capital and generated thousands of jobs.
Toyota Texas announced its plans in June for a $531 million expansion, adding over 400 jobs and building a 500,000-square-foot facility for drivetrain parts production. For nearly two decades, Toyota Texas has rolled out top-quality trucks and SUVs with more than 181,000 vehicles assembled in San Antonio in 2023 alone.
Also in June, global leader in construction equipment manufacturing, JCB, broke ground on its new $500 million factory in San Antonio -- the biggest investment in the company’s history and the largest of two North American facilities. Set to begin production in 2026, it is expected to employ 1,500 within the first five years and will produce Loadall telescopic handlers
In cybersecurity and professional services, San Antonio welcomed Guidehouse, a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors, which plans to create 1,000 local jobs over five years. Additionally, Nukudo, a cybersecurity workforce innovator, made San Antonio its U.S. headquarters. The unique cybersecurity workforce company pays its students to attend a six-month course, helping fuel the much-needed cyber workforce in the region, nation and beyond. Diné Development Corporation, a Navajo Nation-owned solutions provider, opened an office at the Tech Port campus, an innovation hub operated by Port San Antonio, further strengthening the city’s tech ecosystem. These newcomers join leading companies such as Boeing, CrowdStirke, and International Motors (formerly Navistar), that have also established operations in the bustling region.
“San Antonio’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration makes it the perfect hub for our growth,” said Scott McIntyre, CEO of Guidehouse. “With the region’s
commitment to support both government and commercial businesses confronting many of the world’s most complex challenges, we look forward to working in close proximity to our many clients and colleagues, becoming part of the greater San Antonio community, and providing local opportunities for our expanding network of Texas-based employees and trading partners.”
Nation’s Leading Cybersecurity Hub
Second only to Washington D.C., San Antonio has more cybersecurity professionals than any other city in America. These professionals work for leading organizations, such as the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII), CyberFortress and others. Based in San Antonio, CyManII is at the forefront of integrating cybersecurity with smart, energy-efficient manufacturing to secure U.S. manufacturing -- facilities and supply chains.
CyManII held its second annual “Secure Together” conference in Oct., attracting the brightest minds in the field. In summer 2025, San Antonio will also host the U.S. debut of the InCyber Forum, the premier conference that convenes the world’s leading cybersecurity professionals, cementing its status as a cybersecurity powerhouse.
Port San Antonio, a local innovation asset in the region, was recently cited by Business Facilities magazine, a key source for site selectors, as “A Southern Mecca for Cyber.” According to the article, cybersecurity is crucial to site selection because companies will benefit in locations where resources that protect their information and operations are available.
As greater:SATX nears its 50th anniversary, its progress reflects a model of community-driven growth and collaboration that sets the stage for a thriving future in San Antonio.
For more information on San Antonio’s industry growth and economic opportunity, visit greatersatx.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @greater_SATX, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
MONTEREY, Calif., PRNewswire -- Monterey County is poised for an exciting year ahead with a series of new accommodations, dining experiences and significant anniversaries that highlight the region’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. As the community welcomes fresh hospitality options like the upcoming Kimpton Hotel in Pacific Grove and the recently opened Monterey Beach Hotel, visitors can also indulge in an array of culinary offerings from local favorites. Additionally, 2025 marks a year of celebration, including landmark anniversaries for the Carmel Bach Festival and other cultural icons, ensuring that both locals and visitors can enjoy the best of what this beautiful region has to offer.
Monterey County’s spirit of exploration and authenticity shines through in every new opening and milestone,” said Rob O’Keefe, President and CEO of See Monterey. “With expanded accommodations, unique culinary additions and landmark celebrations, this year promises countless opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture and beauty of our destination. Monterey County continues to inspire travelers to linger, discover and connect on a deeper level.”
Exciting new lodging options across Monterey County provide travelers with a diverse selection of stylish and distinctive accommodations. From luxurious hotels to charming boutique inns, each property reflects the region’s unique character and natural beauty.
Kimpton (Pacific Grove) | Opening Late 2025
The upcoming Kimpton Hotel in the heart of quaint Pacific Grove will bring a new level of hospitality to the area, featuring stylish accommodations and unique amenities that reflect the charm of Monterey County.
Fisherman’s Cove Inn (Monterey) | Opened Fall 2024
Newly opened Fisherman’s Cove Inn offers new amenities like K-Cup makers, hair dryers and luxury custom bath products, with a full room makeover set to debut in the winter of 2025.
Monterey Beach Hotel (Monterey) | Opened August 2024
Monterey Beach Hotel, Monterey’s only beachfront property and now part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, has reopened after a major renovation and rebrand from Monterey Tides, featuring 192 guest rooms, oceanfront dining at The Lantern Room, private beach access, complimentary e-bikes and a heated outdoor pool.
New dining experiences offer visitors a wide range of culinary options that celebrate the bounty of seafood from Monterey Bay, the fresh produce of Salinas Valley’s lush landscape and the exceptional wines of the region.
Tira Nanza Wines (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | Opening Early 2025
This celebrated local winery known for its handcrafted wines from family-owned organic vineyards is set to open a charming tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
El Charrito (Marina) | Opening Late 2025
The beloved Salinas-born burrito spot known for its homemade flour tortillas, will open its third outpost in Marina Promenade Shopping Center.
Wildflower Experience (Bradley) | Returning May 2025
The Wildflower Experience makes its highly anticipated return after a six-year hiatus, offering a full weekend festival featuring live entertainment, wine tasting, beer garden, race clinics with top professionals, movie nights under the stars, campfire antics and more – all set against the backdrop of California’s Central Coast.
Brewjee Coffee Co (Salinas) | Opened September 2024
Expanded from a mobile cart to a storefront in bustling downtown Salinas, Brewjee Coffee Co offers craft coffee and pastries in a welcoming brick-and-mortar space.
Maido Sushi Cafe (Marina) | Opened September 2024
The family-owned business offers fresh Japanese togo meals, snacks and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Piccolo (Monterey) | Opened September 2024
Piccolo on Cannery Row offers an approachable menu featuring panini, fresh salads and hearty soups, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying meal on the coastline.
Hops & Fog Brewing Co. (Pacific Grove) | Opened August 2024
Marking the town’s first brewery since it became wet in 1969, Hops & Fog features a unique selection of craft beers and artisan food in a vibrant, community-focused space that showcases local artistry.
For more information, visit www.SeeMonterey.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- QALO, the pioneer of silicone rings designed for active lifestyles, has unveiled their latest innovation: the QRNT (pronounced “Current”). Building on its reputation for creating durable and comfortable products, QALO has now combined its signature silicone material with advanced health-tracking technology to introduce a product that empowers everyone to take small but impactful steps toward better health—all at an accessible price point.
The QRNT (an acronym that stands for QALO Ring with NanoTechnology) offers a comprehensive suite of health-tracking features, including heart rate, SpO2, HRV, sleep stages, stress levels, and more, all accessible through a free app with zero subscription costs. To enhance the user experience, QALO is introducing interchangeable silicone “QRNT Covers” that can be swapped out to match your outfit or mood, providing scratch-protection, additional comfort, and an opportunity for personalization.
“Since revolutionizing the silicone ring market, QALO has been committed to creating products that seamlessly integrate into active, everyday lives,” said Jacob Brewer, President of WIN Brand Group, owners of the QALO brand. “With the QRNT Ring, we’re excited to bring a quality prod -
uct at a price that is more approachable. By combining our signature silicone material with leading-edge technology, we’ve created a product that embodies our vision of making personalized style and wellness accessible for all.”
QALO has extensive plans for the future of the QRNT, with a roadmap of new features already in development. The launch of the QRNT is just the first step toward QALO’s goal to bring personalized wellness to everyone.
Priced at $189.99, the QRNT delivers advanced health-tracking technology at a fraction of the cost of other wearables, ensuring accessibility for both fitness enthusiasts and those just beginning their wellness journey. Whether you’re looking to improve sleep, monitor stress levels, or track workouts, the QRNT inspires meaningful improvements, each and every day. Learn more at https://qalo.com/pages/smart-ring-lp.
QALO has been a trusted leader in creating durable, comfortable silicone rings that cater to active lifestyles. Founded on the principles of practical wellness, durability, and everyday improvement, QALO continues to innovate with products like the QRNT, bringing health and balance into reach for everyone. For more information about the QRNT Ring, visit www.qalo.com or follow QALO on Instagram at @QALO.
KERRVILLE, Texas, PRNewswire -- James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a family-owned jewelry retailer based in Texas, is thrilled to unveil its 2025 Valentine’s Day Collection. The new designs offer a range of beautifully crafted hearts, floral motifs and Western-inspired pieces across a variety of styles, including charms, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
“We love helping our customers celebrate the heartfelt moments that make life meaningful,” said John McCullough, CEO of James Avery Artisan Jewelry. “This collection captures that spirit in every detail, and we’re excited to offer more ways to honor those special relationships and memories.”
The Valentine’s Day Collection introduces fresh takes on beloved favorites, including the Delicate Bow Ring, an update to a classic design, that adds a delicate femininity to any ring stack. The release also expands James Avery’s popular enamel line with the engravable Enamel Connected Hearts Charm, offered in candy-sweet hues. The new Daisy Charm Bracelet, a sweet flower-linked design with modern open blooms, is perfect for displaying a charm collection and carries on a James Avery tradition of honoring the beauty in nature. Each piece is crafted with exquisite detail, evident in new items like the Mini Cowgirl Boot Charm, which features an authentic worn-in look.
“Our goal is to create jewelry that inspires joy and celebrates the bonds we cherish,” shared Sarah Herr, vice president of merchandising and design. “From timeless hearts to playful additions like the Pickleball Charm, the Valentine’s Day Collection was crafted to honor all types of love – love for people, love for places and love for sweet memories.”
Alongside this year’s Valentine’s Day collection, James Avery is excited to launch their “Design From Our Archives™” series. Each month, a retired design is brought out of the archives, offering Customers the chance to own a timeless treasure from James Avery’s rich artisan history.
January’s archive release is the Robin’s Egg Drop Earrings, a sculptural, nature-themed design. First introduced in 1983, these sterling silver earrings were a James Avery staple for more than 25 years.
The Robin’s Egg Drop Earrings are available for purchase through the month of January, and future releases promise even more opportunities to rediscover classic James Avery jewelry. Visit jamesavery.com or your local store to explore the Valentine’s Day collection and this month’s “Design From Our Archives™.”
Follow us @jamesavery on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn, as well as @jamesaveryjewelry on TikTok for new releases, trends and behind the scenes.
NAPERVILLE, Ill., PRNewswire -- Nicor Gas celebrated the opening of its first renewable natural gas (RNG) interconnection with Air Liquide’s largest RNG facility in the world. The plant converts biogas from a nearby landfill into energy through the utility’s first-ever RNG interconnection. To mark this historic moment in Illinois’s clean energy future, the companies hosted an official ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by company leaders, local and national elected officials and community partners.
“This interconnection is a significant step forward for Nicor Gas and Southern Company Gas on the path to a sustainable energy future for Illinois and facilitating economy-wide carbon reductions while fueling resiliency, energy security and the growth of the clean energy economy,” said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas.
RNG interconnection marks a milestone for Nicor Gas, Southern Company Gas on the path to a sustainable energy future.
The interconnection was established under Nicor Gas’ Renewable Gas Interconnection Pilot Program approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in 2021. This is the utility’s first-ever interconnection of a biogas upgrading plant to the Nicor Gas delivery system, which went live June 12, 2024.
Located in Rockford, Illinois, Air Liquide’s state-of-the-art plant uses biogas from the
adjacent Winnebago Landfill operated by Waste Connections, Inc. to create RNG. The plant is projected to produce approximately 1.3 million Metric Million British thermal units (MMBtu) per year, which is the estimated equivalent to replacing natural gas with RNG in 12,000 homes annually.
RNG is a low-carbon intensity fuel produced from biogas that is derived from organic waste sources such as household waste in landfills, wastewater treatment processes and agriculture. As organic waste decomposes, it produces biogas – a mixture of primarily methane and carbon dioxide. Instead of allowing it to be flared into the atmosphere, Air Liquide’s Winnebago facility captures it at the landfill and purifies it into a pipeline-quality gas that is interchangeable with geologic natural gas. In some cases, RNG is one of the only energy sources that can have a negative carbon intensity on a lifecycle basis, depending on the feedstock.
Nicor Gas’ pipeline infrastructure is a vital component in enabling reduced emissions for those entities who are purchasing and/or retiring the environmental attributes and delivering energy to end users, as well as encouraging RNG development. The company will receive and retire 13,900 MMbtu annually of environmental attributes associated with this project, contributing directly to Nicor Gas’ reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from its operations.
It’s better to have it, and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” We have heard this saying, however; few of us heed it. It is my intention and the purpose of this column to help more people to become familiar with the various processes and instruments of direction to preserve their assets and protect their general welfare.
Have you ever considered who would make medical decisions for you if you became incapacitated? If you are married, with few exceptions, automatically your spouse can make medical decisions for you, unless you have a court appointed guardian. However, for those without spouses it is not so clear who makes medical decisions for you. There is an order of medical decision makers for the unmarried as follows: any adult child(ren), either parent, any adult sibling(s), any adult grandchild(ren), close friend, or guardian of an estate.
For some, the order of the medical decision makers does not pose a problem, however, for those who do not want to chance who would make medical decisions for them, should they become incapacitated, it is highly recommended that you contact an attorney, financial advisor, or go on line and prepare a Medical Power of Attorney to designate who’s in charge to make your medical decisions, should you become incapacitated.
Bye for now, Bren.
QUIZ:
Is there a difference between a Durable Medical Power of Attorney and a Medical Power of Attorney?
Answers to last week’s quiz: Financial Advisors (FA) are most helpful to purposeful people, those who are already wealthy, but especially those who want to build their wealth and pass it on. A FA can provide with plans for tax protection, asset protection, building college funds, creating retirement funds, rapid debt reduction… just to name a few.
To get more detailed answers to last week’s QUIZ question or for general questions that you may have, please call me: 773-819-1700
Disclaimer: The illustrations presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, or any other licensed professional advice, you should contact the licensed professional of your choice for advice on your individual situation.
(Black PR Wire) SANTA MONICA, CALIF. – On Thurs, Jan. 30, 2025, GRAMMY® Award-winning music icon Alicia Keys will be celebrated at the fourth annual Recording Academy® Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective, taking place at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Keys will receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, established in 2023 to recognize artists whose influence extends far beyond music. Named after legendary producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Dre, the award celebrates not only musical excellence but also entrepreneurial achievements, philanthropic efforts and a profound impact on a global scale.
“From her timeless music to her unwavering dedication to uplifting others, Alicia has made an indelible impact on the world,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Alicia embodies everything the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award represents – her artistry knows no bounds, her advocacy inspires meaningful change, and her influence has profoundly shaped culture. We are honored to celebrate her extraordinary legacy and the transformative contributions she continues to make in music and beyond.”
Keys is a 16-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer, founder of Keys Soulcare, New York Times best-selling author, film/ television and Broadway producer, accomplished actress, entrepreneur, and a powerful force in the world of activism. She is one of the original founders of She Is The Music, an initiative to create change for women and build an equal future for music. Since the release of her monumental 2001 debut album, Songs In A Minor,
Keys has sold over 65 million records, received over five billion streams and built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments. Keys has become the No. 1 RIAA certified Female R&B artist of the millennium with over 37 million certified track sales (US) and 20 million album sales (US). She released her eighth studio album, KEYS (Original and Unlocked) – a double album – in 2021 followed by a deluxe version in 2022 and a soldout ALICIA + KEYS World Tour that celebrated the KEYS and ALICIA albums. Keys released her book, More Myself: A Journey via Flatiron Books, which debuted and spent multiple weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List. In March 2022, she released her first graphic novel titled, Girl on Fire, with HarperCollins. Keys released her first-ever holiday album Santa Baby in November 2022, which includes four original songs including the single “December Back 2 June.” In 2023, Keys completed a spectacular, 360-degree show, the Keys to the Summer Tour, which hit 22 cities across North America. Hell’s Kitchen, the GRAMMY-nominated and 13-time Tony Award-nominated original stage musical Keys diligently worked for 13 years to create opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theater on April 20, 2024.
Returning for the fourth consecutive year to produce the Recording Academy Honors event is MVD Inc, with Adam Blackstone also returning as music supervisor for the evening.
MVD Inc is a trailblazing global agency redefining the intersection of culture, creativity, and brand storytelling. Founded by visionary sisters Miatta Johnson
and Massah David, MVD pushes boundaries to deliver groundbreaking campaigns that resonate globally and shape industries. With an unmatched ability to translate cultural moments into iconic experiences, the agency has set new standards across music, film, fashion, and technology. From Sony Pictures to Universal Music Group, ESSENCE, and the Recording Academy, MVD’s work not only drives results but sparks conversations and influences the cultural zeitgeist.
The Black Music Collective is a hub for power players in Black music, across all genres, under the GRAMMY roof, bringing together creative geniuses and business leaders to set unified goals, align on a shared agenda, and build community. For more information on the Black Music Collective, visit here. For exclusive content, please join the Black Music Collective’s social communities on Instagram and Facebook.
The Recording Academy® represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards® – music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world’s leading society of music professionals, we work yearround to foster a more inspiring world for creators.
For more information about the GRAMMY Awards and the Recording Academy, please visit GRAMMY. com and RecordingAcademy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on X , “like” Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy’s social communities on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. For media assets, please visit the Recording Academy Press Room.
SEATTLE, PRNewswire -- BrightIDEAS Communications and Open Mic Records announce Eugenie Jones’ new self-titled release, EUGENIE, a profoundly personal and ambitious project, hitting airwaves on January 20.
Seattle-based singer, songwriter, and jazz legacy activist Eugenie Jones will release her highly anticipated album, EUGENIE, on January 20. Throughout her ten-year career Jones has become known for her smooth, powerful, satin vocal style and her intelligent, insightful songwriting, earning her comparisons to legendary songwriters Abbey Lincoln and Nina Simone. *EUGENIE*, follows five highly acclaimed albums, including the #7 Jazz Week Top 50 hit *PLAYERS*, which featured renowned artists such as Reggie Workman and Bobby Sanabria.
Following suit, EUGENIE – an exquisite, soulful, straight-ahead release with masterful instrumentation, beautiful string arrangements, rich melodies, and captivating narratives – is creating quite a buzz among music critics. “Highly recommended,” “impeccable phrasing and delightful,” “soaring vocals,” “emotive and enthralling,” “captivating,” and “instrumentally lustrous” are only a few of the encomium compliments the project has already received.
The album showcasing the depth and breadth of Jones’ talent is composed of 13 tracks. Six originals(bringing her total published works to 32) range from swing, Latin, slow-burn ballads, and bluesy originals
- and seven glistening contemporized classics initially recorded by Peggy Lee, Nat Adderley, Nina Simon, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye present a balanced array of sound and emotion.
The album opens with Jones’s self-declarative “Why I Sing,” with the compelling lyrics “DRIVE! DRIVE! DRIVE to wherever jazz lives,” ratcheted up by the exuberantly musical lockstep of McCune on piano, Plaxico on bass, and Carter on drums.
Originals, “Starlight Starbright” and “Nothing Better,” buoyed to another realm by cellist Jessica Wang and violinist Yoojin Park, testify to Jones’ ability to craft wondrous ballads with a sensuous vocal prowess that emphatically pulls listeners inside the throes of passion past, present, and yet to come.
But the album is far more than romantic melodies. The tenor shifts considerably with the hip, yet reminiscent, arrangement of Nina Simon’s ubiquitous “Sinnerman,” the bluesy, “put-the-blade-in-myheart-while-looking-in-my-face” original “Say What You Will,” the slowed groove of Peggy Lee’s “I Love Being Here with You,” and an intense rekindling of Marvin Gaye’s movie soundtrack hit, “Trouble Man.”
Also beautifully augmented by strings and highly complimented by critics is Jones’ version of “Natural Woman.” Writer C. Michael Bailey’s review states: “If this song can be more soulful, then it is so.” Comparably, The Ark of Music website states: “You’ve heard ‘Natural Woman,’ but not like this. The
strings and arrangement lift the emotional impact by at least 500%, and Jones’ vocals, harmonizing and accompanying, grant the song’s empowering protagonist a strength and tenacity not felt on the already capable original.”
With the desire to preserve the legacy of now-gentrified, musically historic communities, Eugenie Jones has served as Executive Producer of Seattle’s Jackson Street Jazz Walk for seven years. She presents a stream of community concerts and educational pop-ups that honor music icons of the once vibrant African American Seattle Central District, where Ray Charles and high school jazz musicians Ernestine Anderson and Quincy Jones began their iconic musical journeys. Jones doubles the event’s impact by using it to raise funds for non-profits that serve the needs of disadvantaged residents.
When it comes to her music, Jones describes her artistic journey: “Pursuing a music career is a Sisyphean act unlike any other I’ve taken on. But it brings unmatched joy and purpose to my life. So, with this release, here I stand, rolling that boulder up the hill again.”
Pre-orders - CDs, USBs, and digital downloads - are available now at: https://eugeniejones.bandcamp.com/album/eugenie-2.
For more information, visit www.eugeniejones. com.
NORMAL -- Governor JB Pritzker joined leaders from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) to celebrate a $21.7 million grant for Lifelong Access (formerly known as Marcfirst) which will be used to purchase and renovate a new hub for health and wellness services in Normal. The event included local elected officials, state legislators, Lifelong Access’ interim CEO Rebecca Brennan, and agency directors from CDB and HFS.
“Over the past six years, we have undertaken an ambitious effort to rebuild and revitalize healthcare in Illinois – seeking to build a truly comprehensive care infrastructure across the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The investments we are making here are not only about better healthcare, but community revitalization. Lifelong Access will have a home in the old Pantagraph building – a historical pillar of downtown Bloomington that will now become both a social services hub and an economic driver for the area.”
Lifelong Access will use the grant funding to purchase the Pantagraph newspaper building, which will serve as a collaborative hub for multiple agencies supporting services in behavioral health, psychiatry, a youth behavioral urgent care center, pediatric primary care, dental wellness, alternative youth education, community day services, food security initiatives and supported employment programming. The project unites several partners to provide services at the hub, including: Chestnut Health Systems, the Regional Office of Education (ROE) #17, Project Oz, Midwest Food Bank of Illinois-Bloomington-Normal, and YWCA McLean County.
By repurposing a historic building in the community, this critical investment not only expands access to healthcare services, but also helps revitalize a critical area of the community.
This announcement is part of the transformational $200 million Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program, which provided 13 grantees across the state with critical funding designed to transform healthcare
delivery and outcomes in underserved communities.
“HFS is proud to be partnering with CDB on this unique new program, which builds on our ongoing efforts to promote equitable access to healthcare across the state, particularly in historically underserved communities,” said Acting HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. “We look forward to seeing these 13 projects come to fruition and the positive impacts they will have on health outcomes in the communities they serve.”
“This capital grant program represents a significant investment in the health and wellness of Illinois communities,” said CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards. “CDB is proud to oversee the construction of these projects, which will not only enhance access to critical healthcare services but also create innovative facilities.”
Healthcare Transformation Capital Improvement grants will build on HFS’ equity-driven Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives (HTC) program, which was established in 2021. The goals of the HTC program are to expand access to care and improve health equity, especially in underserved communities, by leveraging shared resources among partners to create locally-driven solutions.
These awards also support six safety net hospitals, which are critical to providing essential medical care to Illinois’ most underserved communities. Safety nets are hospitals and medical centers that provide healthcare to patients regardless of insurance status or their ability to pay. Safety net health entities secured nearly half (48%) of the $200M in funding.
“We are thankful for the Healthcare Transformation grant program. The Town of Normal and the entire Bloomington-Normal community will benefit from these grant dollars,” said Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “Since the pandemic, our communities have seen a rise in mental health-related needs. Expanding access to critical services and ensuring access is available to all, especially underserved populations, is key.”
“Programs like this show what’s possible when vi-
sionary leaders come together to create real change,” said Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. “These projects will directly benefit residents by addressing critical health needs while also contributing to the revitalization of our community, including Downtown Bloomington. We’re grateful to the state and everyone involved in making this transformative program a reality.”
“This is a huge step not only for Illinois, but for Lawndale residents and every surrounding community that, without more health care access, would be at risk,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “Lawndale Christian Health Center serves thousands of residents, and with this funding will be able to make meaningful improvements to their facility, improving quality of care for all patients they see.”
“This funding further strengthens our state’s commitment to health care access, ensuring all residents can receive the quality care they deserve,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “In the 3rd District, this support will empower Insight Hospital to expand resources for youth and families, reinforcing its critical role as a safety net provider.”
“I am proud of this impactful investment, which brings much-needed resources to some of the most underserved communities in our state,” said Rep. Yolonda Morris (D-Chicago). “As a healthcare professional, I know very well how access to quality care can change lives. I am proud of this compassionate investment that will help to uplift our residents and enrich our communities.”
“Through this major state investment aimed at increasing equity and access to health care on the South Side, Insight Chicago will be able to provide robust academic support, modern athletic facilities and welcoming community empowerment spaces for local residents,” said Rep. Kimberly DuBuclet (D-Chicago). “Insight has served our community for over 172 years, and with investments such as these I am certain that its work will continue for the next 172.”
WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- The American Cancer Fund is excited to announce the launch of its new campaign, “Screamin’ for Screenings,” aimed at encouraging families to prioritize cancer screenings through a unique role-reversal initiative. Beginning in 2025, children across the country will take the lead in urging their parents, grandparents, and loved ones to get screened for cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention.
From Maryland to Alaska, kids will be rallying support for this vital cause, requesting a contribution of $20.25 to help bring awareness and screenings to communities nationwide as we bring in the New Year! This campaign not only highlights the critical role of early detection in fighting cancer but also empowers children to take an active role in their families’ health.
For Screenings initiative, shares, “I think by involving my generation and fellow gamers all over the country, we can have a profound impact on keeping families healthy by “screamin’” at our parents. By encouraging our loved ones to get screened, my generation alone has the opportunity to reverse roles, save lives, and still find time for Fortnite and Roblox!”.
“I think by involving my generation and fellow gamers all over the country, we can have a profound impact on keeping families healthy by “screamin’” at our parents. By encouraging our loved ones to get screened, my generation alone has the opportunity to reverse roles, save lives, and still find time for Fortnite and Roblox!”.
To kick off the campaign, children across the nation will be leading the charge, urging their parents and loved ones to prioritize early screenings. This unique role-reversal approach emphasizes the vital role of early detection in saving lives. As Johnny O. Knox (Age 13), an advocate for the Screamin’
To learn more about the “Screamin’ For Screenings” campaign and how you can support this important initiative, please visit our website at https://americancancerfund.org/screamin-for-screenings/. To contribute and help spread the message of early detection, visit our pledge page at https:// www.pledge.to/screamin-for-screenings. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer and promote healthier futures for families everywhere.
The American Cancer Fund is committed to providing resources and support for cancer patients and their families. By connecting patients with experts and promoting early detection initiatives, we strive to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals and communities across the nation. #kNOwCancer #ScreaminForScreenings #IScreamed!
NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- MyFitnessPal, the no. 1 global nutrition and food tracking app, announced today new preliminary data that underscores the importance of food tracking in achieving weight loss outcomes.
The Science of Success
Preliminary analysis of MyFitnessPal data by Dr. Zhaoping Li, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Clinical Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles revealed that close to 50% of subscribers who use the MyFitnessPal app daily achieved their goal of 5% weight loss within 4 months of beginning to use the app, with Premium users having a higher success rate (49.3%) than non-premium users (46.9%). The CDC states that a weight loss of 5% can lead to significant health improvements.
“Those who actively logged food in MyFitnessPal and engaged more frequently with the app were statistically more likely to reach their weight loss goal within 4 months,” said Dr. Li. “This finding underscores the role of consistent food tracking as a cornerstone of progress towards weight loss goals.”
The First Week Advantage
Early habits can set the stage for lasting success. According to MyFitnessPal’s internal data, users who logged their food for at least four days within their first week were seven times more likely to make measurable progress toward their weight loss goals than those that did not. This simple, yet powerful habit of tracking encourages mindfulness, offering a clearer understanding of how daily choices align with health objectives.
MyFitnessPal in GLP-1 Supported Weight Loss Programs
The role of tracking goes beyond personal use, with innovative telehealth companies like Medmate in Australia integrating MyFitnessPal into their medical weight management programs. Their pilot program, combining GLP-1 medication with a MyFitnessPal Premium subscription, shows promising preliminary results:
Participants who track their meals with MyFitnessPal were 32% more likely to adhere to their GLP-1 treatment compared to those who were not tracking.
By week eight, 37% of participants who tracked their meals remained engaged in the program, compared to just 28% of non-trackers.
“These results underscore the importance of food tracking in enhancing adherence to complex medical treatments and fostering long-term behavior change,” said Dr. Ganesh Naidoo, Medical Director and CEO of MedMate.
Why Tracking Matters
The initial evidence demonstrates that nutrition tracking can be a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining health goals. By creating awareness and fostering small, consistent changes, MyFitnessPal helps members build habits that can last a lifetime.
“Whether you’re just starting out or navigating a medically-supported program, MyFitnessPal offers the tools and insights to support you every step of the way,” says Mike Fisher, CEO of MyFitnessPal. “While weight loss can seem daunting, just logging one meal can be the start of success.”
For more information on MyFitnessPal, visit www.myfitnesspal. com or download the app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app founded in 2005 with a mission to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation, and a sense of progress. Supporting nearly 1 million people in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals every year, and with a community of over 250 million users in 120 countries, MyFitnessPal offers members one of the world’s most comprehensive nutrition and food tracking platforms, allowing them to track their food, record exercise activity, and log their weight. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 19 million foods, access to over 2,000 recipes, more than 40 workout routines, and over 40 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides members with the tools for positive healthy change. The MyFitnessPal app is available on the App Store and Google Play store. To learn more, visit www.myfitnesspal.com or follow MyFitnessPal on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.
AC 1-01-2025
23 CH 9874 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
Barclays Bank PLC Plaintiff vs. Chicago Equities LLC; Jouval Zive; City of Chicago; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants Defendant 23 CH 9874 CALENDAR NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on February 3, 2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty's office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 31-25-103-045-0000.
Commonly known as 118 Well Street, Park Forest, IL 60466. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group LLC, 33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1540, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W23-0450 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3257933
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2020-4, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF FAYETTA C. HANKINS, PARK CENTER TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION, CARY ROSENTHAL AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR FAYETTA C. HANKINS, DECEASED, KHALID HANKINS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2023 CH 02708 29 Cunningham Lane PARK FOREST, IL 60466 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 2, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 7, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 29 Cunningham Lane, PARK FOREST, IL 60466 Property Index No. 31-25-402-015-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $184,657.91. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 22-9463. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 22-9463 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2023 CH 02708 TJSC#: 44-3318 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2023 CH 02708 I3258127
AC 1-08-2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.- BRITNEY BOYDE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORO CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants. 22 CH 4273 353 Blackhawk Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 10/21/2024, an agent of Auction.com LLC will at 12:00 PM on February 19, 2025 located at Auction.com, 100 N LaSalle St, suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60606, sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 353 Blackhawk Drive, Park Forest, IL 60466 Property Index No. 31-35-204-028-0000 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $121,043.66 Sale Terms: 20% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to Auction.com LLC, No third party checks will be accepted. All registered bidders need to provide a photo ID in order to bid. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. (relief fee not required) The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: LOGS Legal Group LLP (847) 291-1717 please refer to file number 22-096176-FC01. Auction.com LLC 100 N LaSalle Suite 1400 Chicago, IL 60606 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 22-096176-FC01 Case Number: 22 CH 4273 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION
OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I3255695
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. Bank National Association Plaintiff, -v.Christopher A. Wilson Sr.; Illinois Housing Development Authority; United States of America - Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Ashley Dillard; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants Defendants. 2024CH01796 3321 WALLACE AVE, STEGER, IL 60475 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 7/18/2024, an agent of Auction.com LLC will conduct the auction in person at 12:00 PM on February 19, 2025 located at 100 N LaSalle Street, Suite 1400, Chicago IL, 60602, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 3321 WALLACE AVE, STEGER, IL 60475 Property Index No. 32-33-327-051-0000 The real estate is improved with a Residential Property. The judgment amount was $90,342.17 Sale Terms: 20% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to Auction.com LLC, No third party checks will be accepted. All registered bidders need to provide a photo ID in order to bid. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. (relief fee not required) The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES PC (630) 794-5300 please refer to file number 14-24-01225. Auction.com LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400 Chicago, IL 60606 - 872-225-4985
You can also visit www.auction.com.
Attorney File No. 14-24-01225 Case Number: 14-24-01225 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I3258327
AC1-15-2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Nationstar Mortgage LLC Plaintiff vs. Ronald G. Axelson; Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimants; Defendant 24 CH 1057 CALENDAR 58 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on February 18, 2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty's office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 32-03-301009-0000. Commonly known as 111 North Wabash Ave., Glenwood, IL 60425. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium
Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group LLC, 33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1540, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W22-0085 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3258532
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF STANWICH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST I Plaintiff, -v.- UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF ELLEN S. THORNTON, DECEASED, CRYSTAL PHILLIPSPIERCE, JANET MERRILLS, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ELLEN S. THORNTON, DECEASED, PARK PLACE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, CHICAGO TITLE AND TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, UNITED CREDIT UNION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants 20 CH 2215 3507 PARK PLACE FLOSSMOOR, IL 60422 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 24, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 11, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 3507 PARK PLACE, FLOSSMOOR, IL 60422 Property Index No. 31-11-405-052-0000
The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $252,799.93. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff's Attorneys, 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 20-093178. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 EMail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 20-093178 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 20 CH 2215 TJSC#: 45-31 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 20 CH 2215 I3258850
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff vs. JAMES W. REED A/K/A JAMES W. REED, JR; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; LISA REED; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendant 23 CH 7203 CALENDAR 59 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is
hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on February 24, 2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty's office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 29-31-401048-0000.
