Citizen Suburban Times Weekly 6-28-2023

ILLINOIS EXPANDS USE OF

POLICE SURVEILLANCE DRONES

New law allows event surveillance, building inspections, search and rescue

CHICAGO – Next time you attend a parade, there might be an eye in the sky.

A new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday expands local police departments’ authority to use drones to surveil certain events, respond to certain 911 calls, inspect buildings and participate in public relations events.

State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is pictured on the floor of the Illinois House during a May 25, 2023, debate over a bill to allow police departments to use drones to surveil crowds. (CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY ANDREW ADAMS)

New state laws taking effect Jan. 1

Minimum wage hike, pets in public housing among new changes

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

Illinois expands use of police surveillance drones

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.

New law allows event surveillance, building inspections, search and rescue

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.

The law allowing public housing

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.

By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com

CHICAGO – Next time you attend a parade, there might be an eye in the sky.

A new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday expands local police departments’ authority to use drones to surveil certain events, respond to certain 911 calls, inspect buildings and participate in public relations events.

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.

House Bill 3902 passed 56-1 in the Senate and 84-7 in the House with three members voting “present,” The law drew some concerns from civil liberties groups which ultimately led to added privacy protections and disclosure requirements.

ing to 911 calls to find victims, to assist with health or safety needs or to coordinate emergency personnel.

The information collected using drones, which could include video, images, sounds or other data, may only be stored temporarily and must be deleted within 24 hours after a parade or other special event and within 30 days for most other uses. There are some exceptions where police may retain that information, such as if there is reasonable suspicion that the information contains evidence of criminal activity, if the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation or if it will be used for future training.

Other new laws include:

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.

The push to expand when police drone authority originated after a 2019 mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, according to the bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora. She and others received renewed calls after a 2022 shooting at a July 4th parade in Highland Park last year.

“I hope people are safe and that this can prevent anything else from happening,” Hernandez said.

The Illinois Attorney General’s office can investigate police departments’ patterns and practices of drone use and compel their compliance by seeking a court order. Departments can lose drone authority for at least six months the first time they are found to violate the law and up to one year for subsequent violations.

In an interview, Hernandez encouraged people to reach out to the attorney general if they find police violating the new regulations.

“I hope people get to see that there are clear instructions in the law to prevent people from violating privacy,” Hernandez said.

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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.

Kenny Winslow, executive director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, supported the measure and is already planning to offer training on the new law to police departments. He said drone technology could save lives and expects more departments to use them moving forward.

The law also places significant restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology in conjunction with drones, barring police from using it during a flight and only allowing it to counter a high risk of a terrorist incident based on U.S. Department of Homeland Security intelligence or to prevent “imminent harm to life or to forestall the imminent escape of a suspect of the destruction of evidence.”

The law also explicitly bans police from equipping drones with weapons, such as firearms, chemical irritants or lasers.

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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 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.

Editorial:

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 he added that the protections contained in the bill – including requirements that police post notices if they are surveilling an event and keep a record of flight paths – were an important part of the final product.

“We’re trying to be as transparent with the public as we can,” Winslow said.

The law also places significant restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology in conjunction with drones, barring police from using it during a flight and only allowing it to counter a high risk of a terrorist incident based on U.S. Department of Homeland Security intelligence or to prevent “imminent harm to life or to forestall the imminent escape of a suspect of the destruction of evidence.”

The ACLU of Illinois – a civil rights organization that has long been a voice of opposition to unrestricted drone use by police departments – took a neutral stance on the bill. ACLU staff were key architects of a 2013 state law referred to as the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act that placed significant restrictions on police drone use.

“Our concern is that this kind of technology can be used in fairly invasive ways that intrude on our constitutional and privacy rights,” ACLU attorney Liza Roberson-Young told Capitol News Illinois.

These concerns led to some key protections in the bill, including limitations on what circumstances warrant the use of drones and how long the information collected by drones can be stored.

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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.

But some in the digital rights world say that the law still leaves the door open for police to use other surveillance technologies that encroach on people’s civil liberties.

Beryl Lipton is a law enforcement technology and surveillance researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights advocacy group. EFF was not engaged in the process of drafting HB 3902.

“It’s good that they have protections on facial recognition technology, but there are other biometric technologies that could be used,” Lipton said, pointing to gait analysis as one example.

Gov. JB Pritzker is shown here earlier this year in a Capitol News Illinois file photo. The governor signed more than 300 bills that become law on Jan. 1. (Capitol News Illinois file photo)

Although Lipton said that her organization has concerns any time police use drones, she added that there are good reasons for drones to be used in some circumstances.

to the appropriate school support personnel.

“We wouldn’t want this to be a first step to a slippery slope to chipping away at the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act,” Roberson-Young said.

Ultimately, however, Lipton said that local governments should be involved in determining appropriate use of police technologies for their communities.

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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.

Under the new law, drones may only be used at outdoor, government-hosted events. These include events such as parades, walks, races, concerts or food festivals. These events must meet minimum size requirements depending on the size of the municipality in which they are hosted in order for police to use drones.

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.

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.

The law explicitly bars drones from being used to monitor “any political protest, march, demonstration, or other assembly protected by the First Amendment.”

United States. In June, President Joe Biden also signed a bill designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

“There should be a municipal, local conversation about surveillance,” Lipton said.

The law went into effect immediately after Pritzker’s signature Friday.

Lemonade stands: SB119 prohib-

The law also allows police to use drones when respond -

Juneteenth: HB3922 recognizes June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as an official state holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the

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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 covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

The Great Exhale™, A Soft Space for Black Women, Launches

JERSEY CITY, N.J.,

PRNewswire -- The Great Exhale™, a private membership community created for Black women by Black women, opened its virtual doors on Juneteenth. Designed to be a soft space where Black women can nurture themselves and each other, The Great Exhale (TGE) was founded by Lisa Hurley and Liz Leiba, noted activists in the DEI and Social Justice arenas.

Through their advocacy work, the friends and business partners uncovered a theme which mirrored their own lived experiences: Although many organizations encourage their employees to “show up as their authentic selves,” that is often not possible for Black women. They are frequently forced to code switch, mask, and otherwise dim their light. Being constantly on guard against microaggressions, retaliation, or simply being “the only,” can prove exhausting to the body and spirit. Leiba and Hurley saw a need for a community where Black women could relax, lay their burdens down–and exhale.

“Black women keep fighting for seats at tables where we are not welcome. So, we decided to build our own,” states Liz Leiba, Co-Founder of The Great Exhale. “Our mission is to provide a nurturing space for Black women around the globe to embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-empowerment, and self-love, while surrounded by a community of sisters to encourage them.”

“We decided to establish the community as a private one in order to protect our members as much as possible,” explain Leiba and Hurley. “Most Black women are trolled, targeted, and harassed in public online spaces. By making The Great Exhale a private community, our goal is to minimize harm so that our members can feel at ease.”

The Co-Founders made a strategic decision to launch TGE on Juneteenth. They are reclaiming the holiday as a day of liberation for Black women to rest, divest, and de-stress.

“The themes of liberation, agency, and celebration are embedded into the meaning of Juneteenth. This is why we decided to launch The

Great Exhale on such a culturally resonant holiday. Our goal is that TGE will be an oasis for Black women. Our vision is that it will be a soft soothing sanctuary where Black women feel seen, valued, loved, relaxed, and most importantly–free,” notes Lisa Hurley, Co-Founder of The Great Exhale.

Founded by Lisa Hurley and Liz Leiba, The Great Exhale™ is a private membership community built exclusively to center Black women. It is a soft space designed for Black women around the globe to collectively relax, lay their burdens down—and exhale.

The Great Exhale facilitates this by creating a virtual forum for Black women to:

Be in community with a supportive sisterhood Divest from the tyranny of overwork

Be free from having to constantly code switch

Be as excellent or as average as they choose Openly share lived experiences and have them validated by folks who understand…

Enjoy a softer, friendlier, more fulfilling life

Members will benefit from community support, empowering content & events, exclusive learning journeys, authentic connections with like-minded women, and more. Membership starts at $40/month.

Find The Great Exhale Online at www. thegreatexhale.com.

Black is Beautiful Volume 2 Launches Globally to Support the National Black Brewers Association

SAN ANTONIO, PRNewswire -- Black is Beautiful, an influential initiative launched by Weathered Souls Brewing CO in 2020 in support of equality and social justice reform, is making a resounding comeback. This time, the movement stands firmly alongside the National Black Brewers Association, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the newly launched organization in its efforts to foster inclusivity and black representation in the brewing industry.

With its roots firmly planted in raising awareness about the daily injustices endured by people of color, Black is Beautiful garnered remarkable global momentum in 2020. Uniting 1601+ breweries across all 50 states in the United States and 21 countries worldwide and raising over 5 million in funds to support local charities. Brewers participate by promoting sales of the open source “Black is Beautiful” stout and adding their own creative spin on its evolving recipe.

“Black is Beautiful Volume 2 embodies the spirit of solidarity, empowering the brewing community

to embrace diversity and equality” said Marcus Bakersville co-founder and head brewer at Weathered Souls Brewing. “Our alliance with the National Black Brewers Association, will continue to pave the way for a more inclusive beer industry.”

This initiative comes on the heels of the National Black Brewers Associations launch in May, the first of its kind non-profit will direct Black is Beautiful proceeds towards impactful efforts that align with its mission to create a more equitable and diverse beer industry through education, policy, and community.

Weathered Souls Brewing Company is a renowned James Beard nominated craft brewery based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by Marcus Baskerville and Mike Holt in 2016, the brewery has gained widespread recognition for its exceptional beer offerings, community engagement, and commitment to social justice. Visit our website at: https://weatheredsouls.beer/

Less than 1% of craft breweries in the U.S. are owned by African Americans and there is no single

entity to help African American brewers and brewery owners with their specific needs and issues.

Given these challenges, the National Black Brewers Association (“NB2A”) was formed as a 501c6 membership-based non-profit organization to:

Promote the Black brewing community as a first-of-its kind organization.

Increase the number of African Americans in the brewing industry at all levels of production, especially ownership and brew master.

Exercise political influence by developing and advocating for effective policy; and

Foster understanding about the history and legacy of African American brewing in the United States.

The NB2A is governed by a dynamic Board of Directors composed of the most experienced and successful Black brewery owners and brew masters across the country. For more information on the National Black Brewers Association, visit our website at: www.nationalblackbrewersassociation.org.

Elizabeth Leiba (l) and Lisa Hurley (r), Co-Founders of The Great Exhale™

GRAND WAILEA, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT,

ANNOUNCES ITS REIMAGINED OCEANFRONT DINING VENUE, OLIVINE

MAUI, Hawaii, /PRNewswire -- The iconic Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, announces the debut of its newly reimagined dining concept, Olivine, following the recent refresh of four additional onsite culinary venues, and a property-wide revamp of the resort’s rooms, suites and exclusive Napua private lounge. The opening of Olivine spurs the next phase of the refresh, including a full renovation of the resort’s flagship Humuhumunukunukuāpua a dining venue, followed by the highly anticipated debut of Grand Wailea’s reimagined spa in the coming year. Honoring the natural beauty of its lush surroundings, Olivine specializes in coastal Italian cuisine prepared with local ingredients, as well as craft cocktails and an expansive wine list, each pairing seamlessly with views of the Pacific Ocean.

“We are incredibly excited to share this new dining experience with our guests,” says JP Oliver, managing director, Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. “The resort’s property-wide refresh has given us the opportunity to reimagine the Grand Wailea experience, and Olivine is a perfect example of how that will manifest in our food and beverage programming. We’ve been highly meticulous during this process to ensure that every change we implement aligns with our commitment to a retreat grounded in harmony, and we couldn’t be happier to see it come to life for our guests.”

Olivine inhabits the resort’s stunning oceanfront venue that formerly housed Bistro Molokini, donning a new look inspired by its namesake mineral – also known as the “Hawaiian diamond” – one of Maui’s primary minerals shaped by the steady flow of lava. The reimagined space is the work of Tihany Design, the studio behind the resort’s refreshed venues to date, and exhibits a green and earthy color palette that nods to its name, with hues inspired by Positano on the Amalfi coast. Muted greens, yellows, blues and sandy neutrals contrast with geological and mineral textures, all of which ground the aesthetic in its surrounding natural elements.

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests to Olivine, and look forward to sharing the hard work that’s gone into creating this one-of-a-kind experience at Grand Wailea,” says Executive Chef Ryan Urig, Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. “The new concept brings the best of Maui ingredients to the art of Italian cuisine, and the result is a menu that beautifully showcases our island’s sustainably sourced seafood, while evoking a sense of place. We can’t wait for guests to experience the best of Maui and beyond

bounty provided by the resort’s lush vegetation. Signature menu items include Molokai sweet potato ravioli with lemon almond pesto, cacio e pepe prepared with tonnarelli, Parmigiano Reggiano, pepper and caviar, Hawaiian Kanpachi crudo plated with aged pancetta, smoky Romanesco, candied kumquats and ogo, and a selection of woodfired pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients.

Just as heaven, earth and sea harmoniously transform throughout the day, Olivine effortlessly shifts from a vibrant, airy daytime eatery to an atmospheric, sultry dining spot in the evening. By day, guests savor signature dishes such as housemade pizzas and ‘ahi salad, while night brings Blue Ocean seafood dishes and fresh pastas. A selection of dinner-specific craft cocktails and a sommelier-curated master wine list become available with the setting sun, enabling guests to experience menus that are thoughtfully tailored to the time of day.

Olivine opens for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., intermezzo 3-5 p.m. and dinner from 5-9 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome; however, reservations are encouraged and can be made at https://www.grandwailea.com/dine/olivine.

at this new concept.”

The Italian menu features handmade pastas by Chef Michele di Bari of Sale Pepe, Maui’s beloved Italian bistro that transports Milan to Hawai i, and authentic dishes incorporating local produce and seafood sourced from Hawai i-based, sustainable aquaculture operation Blue Ocean Mariculture. To highlight the array of herbs grown on property by the resort’s Head Landscaper Jim Heid, the menu includes a seasonal initiative that infuses them into menu items, olive oils, cocktails and more to reflect the

The iconic resort consistently ranks among the world’s best in leading travel and consumer reports. Nestled on 40 acres of lush, tropical gardens fronting Wailea Beach, Grand Wailea provides a range of vacation experiences: open spaces for the active vacationer, beauty and seclusion for romantic getaways, and family fun with rope swings and a jungle-style river pool. Guests also have access to a new, intimate spa experience M halu Healing Garden & Beauty Lab, as well as eight restaurants, including the newly renovated Botero Lounge at the heart of the resort, and its latest oceanfront Italian dining addition, Olivine. Accommodation options include Grand Wailea’s 777 rooms and suites and an enclave of 50 luxury villas at Ho olei that each span at least 3,200 sq. ft., located nearby with access to Grand Wailea amenities. For reservations and information on what is currently available/open on property, please call 1-800888-6100 or visit www.grandwailea.com.

Woodfired Pizza at Olivine. PRNEWSFOTO/GRAND WAILEA.

Olivine at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. PRNEWSFOTO/GRAND WAILEA.

Olivine at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. PRNEWSFOTO/GRAND WAILEA.

Teva Unveils Misa Hylton Capsule Collection with Macy’s

GOLETA, Calif., PRNewswire -- Teva®, a division of Deckers Brands (NYSE: DECK), announces the launch of its collaboration with fashion architect, Misa Hylton. The Teva x Misa Hylton capsule collection celebrates Hylton’s signature style, delivering one-ofa-kind takes on two fashion-forward Teva sandal silhouettes: the Flatform Universal and Hurricane XLT2 Gladiator.

Misa Hylton, a renowned fashion icon, delivers a collection that features luxe details to add a fun pop to your summer attire, including vibrant graphics and unique metal hardware on Teva’s signature strapping system. Known for creating legendary moments in music and fashion for iconic hip hop and R&B artists, Hylton has been shaping style for decades. The Teva x Misa Hylton capsule collection highlights the designer’s bold and colorful aesthetic. The limited-edition Flatform Universal ($80) features straps based on graphic sketches, mixed with rich colored abstract paints, and premium gold metal hardware, while the new evolution of the Hurricane XLT2 Gladiator ($135) is accented in peach blossom tones, soft suede details, and pops of luxe gold metal.

Unique to this collaboration, Hylton draws upon her Japanese heritage as inspiration for both iconic designs. The combination of color and gold hardware take on the classic Teva silhouettes, inspired by Misa’s passion for jewelry while adding a touch of luxury.

“I have a deep appreciation for bold and vibrant prints, as well as Japanese graffiti, which not only celebrate my heritage but also reflect my passion for Hip Hop style and culture,” says Misa Hylton. “When designing for

the Teva x Misa Hylton collaboration, I wanted to infuse these elements to create a timeless collector’s item - a small piece of my world - that can be dressed up or down, offering versatility and flexibility, while remaining unique and original.”

“We are excited to partner with Teva for this limited-edition collaboration with Misa Hylton. Misa’s style is one-of-a-kind and she has created a versatile collection, providing our Macy’s customers with even more ways to own their style,” remarks Christopher Steinmann, VP, Center Core at Macy’s.

In addition to her revolutionary fashion contributions, Hylton founded the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy, which aims to educate and empower the next generation of fashion creatives. She is also a recipient of the Gucci Changemakers Grant and a global creative partner for MCM. Hylton’s impact on the fashion industry has been celebrated in the 2019 documentary The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion.

“What we choose to wear and the combination of how we wear these items together weaves a subtle story about who we are as an individual,” says Anders Bergstrom, Vice President, Global GM of Teva Footwear at Deckers Brands. “Through our collaboration with Misa Hylton, we want our consumers to own and celebrate their individual style without having to sacrifice comfort for fashion, while still creating a collection that empowers you to take on all your everyday adventures.”

The Teva x Misa Hylton collaboration is available exclusively at Macy’s, Macys.com and Teva.com.

Teva

The Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings Pays Tribute to a Legend of Jordan Brand

(Black PR Wire) Basketball culture has the power to move the world forward. For Jordan Brand, no one has embodied the potential of the game quite like Howard “H” White – the inimitable legend and mentor who has helped Air Jordan (and countless others around the world) take flight. He’s now Vice President of Jordan Brand Affairs, as well as a co-creator of Jordan Brand Wings. To honor H’s impact on the brand and the global community of basketball, Jordan Brand is releasing the limited-edition Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings inspired by his storied career.

The Air Jordan 2 — H’s favorite Air Jordan silhouette — has been crafted to the original 1987 design specs, including the shoe’s shape and fit. Inspired by H’s time at Virginia’s Kecoughtan High School, the shoe’s coloring features white, green and black, commemorating the team where “H” first picked up a basketball (later becoming an All-American and an NBA draft pick). The shoe’s upper quarter panel includes a handsketched wings graphic designed by Israel Mateo, Jordan Brand Special Projects Footwear Designer. The lower quarter panel and upper are made with premium leather. The heel counter is constructed with a translucent finish featuring a gold foil “H”

logo, a nod to H’s iconic college jersey and setting a gold standard for oneself. The lace tips contain “Power” and “Belief” on each respective tip, both directly inspired by what “H” has brought to Jordan Brand.

Jordan Brand Wings exists thanks to H’s vision. It was his commitment to inspiring the next generation that laid some of the earliest foundations for the brand’s community programming, including Jordan Brand Wings. In 2015, alongside a small group of teammates, “H” co-created the Jordan Brand Wings initiative to help youth define greatness on their own terms through higher education, and access to guidance, mentorship and opportunity. A Wings shoe is released annually to help recognize the achievements of the students in the Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program.

Coinciding with the launch of the Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings this year is the welcome of the Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Class of 2027, which celebrates 38 driven, committed students across LA, NYC, Portland, Chicago, Philadelphia and Charlotte, making up the largest cohort of North America Wings Scholars to date.

Jordan Brand/BlackPRWire

LISC CHICAGO

ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE 29TH ANNUAL CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AWARDS RECOGNIZING TOP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND ARCHITECTURE ACHIEVEMENTS

“Communities Lead, Communities Succeed,” Featured an Address by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Showcased the Creativity of those Shaping Chicago’s Neighborhoods CHICAGO—LISC Chicago announced the winners of the 29th annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDA) on June 22 in Chicago, where top community development projects, architectural achievements and individuals from across the city were honored. The ceremony started with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s keynote speech, followed by the awards ceremony where winners accepted their awards alongside a network of supporters. This year’s theme, “Communities Lead, Communities Succeed” reflects power that comes when communities across Chicago set their own neighborhood vision and lead on practices and investment to advance their shared goals.

“The CNDAs are centered around lifting up the essential role community, public, and private partnerships have in building communities in Chicago-area neighborhoods,” said Meghan Harte, Senior Executive Director of LISC Chicago. “This year’s CNDA theme recognizes that ‘when communities lead, communities succeed’ and if we stop and listen to the members of a community, we quickly realize that they are the experts. They have been dedicated to the work in their

own communities for decades and have demonstrated that they’re there to stay. That’s why supporting local vision and community-led efforts is the best way to build wealth and resiliency in our neighborhoods. The award winners in each category tonight represent the leadership, vision, passion and dedication of so many partners. We are honored to celebrate them.”

The 29th Annual CNDA winners include:

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Non-Profit Real Estate Development Award: Full Circle Communities for 5150 Northwest Highway Apartments

The For-Profit Real Estate Development Award: E.G. Woode L3C for E.G. Woode Alpha

The Chicago Community Trust Outstanding Community Plan Award: Palenque LSNA for the Here to Stay, Hermosa and Logan Square West Quality-of-Life Plan

The Polk Bros. Foundation Affordable Rental Housing Preservation Award: Preservation of Affordable Housing Inc. for South Chicago Salud Center and Senior Housing The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Healthy Community Award: New Life Centers for Chicagoland for Pan De Vida Fresh Market The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foun-

dation Creative Places Award: National Museum of Mexican Art for Jardin Malinalli The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design: First Place: MKB Architects for the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub Second Place: LBBA for Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments Third Place: JGMA for Richard J. Daley College’s Manufacturing, Technology & Engineering Center

The CIBC Emerging Leadership Award: Felicia Slaton-Young, Executive Director of the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award: Katherine Darnstadt of Latent Design Emmanuel Garcia of Wheeler Kearns

Architects Fabiola Yep of Weeler Kearns

Architects The Richard M. Daley Friend of the Neighborhood Award: George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

The Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards were established in 1994 to show appreciation and acknowledge community developers and for-profit organizations behind Chicago’s communities and outstanding new developments. In its 29th year, CNDA is the largest and most venerated celebration of the creativity and accomplishments that transform neighborhoods across the

city.

This year’s sponsors include Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, Associated Bank, Bank of America, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, BMO Harris Bank, Brinshore Development, Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago Community Loan Fund, Chicago Community Trust, CIBC, Clayco, Community Investment Corporation, Cubs Charities, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Fifth Third, Illinois Housing Council, Illinois Housing Development Authority, JPMorgan Chase, LBBA, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, National Equity Fund, North Lawndale Employment Network, Old National Bank, Pierce Family Foundation, PNC Bank, Polk Bros Foundation, Preservation of Affordable Housing, RBC Community Investments, SB Friedman Development Advisors, SelfHelp Federal Credit Union, Site Design Group, Southwest Organizing Project, State Farm, STIFEL, Teska Associates, The Community Builders, The Habitat Company, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Michaels Organization, The Pritzker Traubert Foundation, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, US Bank, Wight & Company.

Learn more about this year’s winners via the program guide at www. lisc-cnda.org.

Reps. Davis, Pascrell, Schneider, Blumenauer, Moore, and Evans Lead Bill to Create Guaranteed Annual Funding for Gun Violence Prevention

Washington, D.C.- On June 22, 2022, Reps. Danny K. Davis (DIL), Bill Pascrell, Jr., (D-NJ), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Dwight Evans (D-PA) recognized June as Gun Violence Prevention Month by introducing The Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act - legislation to create guaranteed annual funding for gun violence prevention. The bill would increase the federal excise tax on guns and ammunition by just half a percent and apply the federal excise firearms tax to assault-weapon frames and receivers which currently are not taxed if sold separately. The bill would direct the estimated $20 to $36 million in new revenue to four programs designed to make communities safer: community-based violence prevention grants; gun violence research; hate crimes prevention and enforcement; and forensic examiner training to improve gun crime clearance rates.

“The gun violence crisis in America inflicts epidemic harm on individuals, families, and communities, and the federal government must substantially invest in gun violence prevention,” said Rep. Davis. “Not one penny of current federal excise taxes on guns and ammunition goes to gun violence prevention. Further, the federal gun tax has remained the same for over 100 years, and the ammunition tax is the same as it was during World War II. The Gun Violence, Prevention and Safe Communities Act, is an important part of comprehensive gun violence prevention because it creates guaranteed annual funding to stop gun violence via a small increase of 0.5% in existing excise gun and ammunition taxes. This bill also closes a major loophole in tax law that allows many assault-type weapons to evade taxes altogether. This bill is important in ensuring federal investment every year to make our communities safer. We must do more to help Chicago and communities across the nation.”

“Gun violence continues to threaten communities from coast to coast and Congress has a responsibility to stem the crisis,” said Rep. Pascrell, co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus. “After decades of inaction, raising the tax on firearms would provide an offset to the massive cost to society of gun violence – exactly as taxes on alcohol and tobacco have successfully done. At the same time, this legislation will provide critical resources to our badly strapped state and local police forces, community

anti-violence programs, and gun violence research. This bill would be a down payment on safeguarding our children, our communities, and our future. It is the type of solution the American people demand.”

“This summer, my community was devastated by gun violence when a deranged individual used an assault rifle to open fire on a joyful July 4th parade in Highland Park, murdering 7 and wounding many others,” said Congressman Schneider. “These weapons of war should be off our streets altogether. And beyond robbing us of our loved ones, many assault-style weapons regularly evade taxes entirely. This bill will close this undeserved tax loophole and make sure that assault weapons are taxed the same way as other firearms. It will also generate much-needed funding for gun violence prevention efforts, a critical step to addressing the gun violence epidemic in my community and in communities across the country.”

“When active shooter drills become as common as fire drills and earthquake drills in our children’s schools, we can no longer deny that gun violence in America is a crisis,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “While there is no single solution to ending gun violence, there are common sense solutions that can dramatically reduce gun violence and critically, save lives. This legislation to create annual funding certainty for gun violence prevention programs is a critical, common sense step we can take now to address the unrelenting trauma of gun violence in our communities.”

“The threat of gun violence is an issue that my constituents and millions of Americans often confront every day,” said Rep. Moore. “We can and must use every tool available to help end gun violence, including fixing discrepancies in our tax laws and empowering our communities with more funds for programs aimed at reducing violence. That’s why I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleagues in championing this important legislative initiative.”

“Guaranteed annual funding for gun violence prevention – estimated at $20 million to 38 million per year – would be an important tool in the toolbox to save lives, and I’m proud to support it,” said Rep. Evans.

Brady: United Against Gun Violence: “Over 400 million firearms have been sold in the United States, yet, unconscionably, no portion of the government funds

generated by gun sales or dealer licensing have been directed to programs which address and prevent gun violence in America. By modestly increasing those funding streams and directing those resources to research, crime gun intelligence, and violence intervention and prevention programs we can better protect our communities. Brady is grateful to Rep. Davis for re-introducing this life-saving legislation, which will ensure federal funding for critical gun violence prevention programs. – Kris Brown, President of Brady

“Investing tax dollars from gun sales in life-saving gun violence prevention measures is a common-sense way to keep our communities safe,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Representative Davis and his colleagues for sponsoring this update to our nation’s tax policy, which will support programs and organizations focused on addressing America’s gun violence crisis.”

“Over one million Americans have been shot since my neighbor used an AR15 to hunt and kill 26 children and educators in Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

Gun violence is a public health crisis with an annual taxpayer price tag of $280 Billion. It’s time for gun owners to help fund the hefty cost of gun violence in the U.S. and we urge Congress to swiftly pass the Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act and send it to the President’s desk.” —Po Murray, Chairwoman or Newtown Action Alliance. Violence Policy Center: “The need to invest federal resources in gun violence prevention has never been more urgent as we are experiencing unprecedented levels of gun death and injury. The Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act will ensure that assault weapon manufacturers are fairly taxed and that those funds will be used to reduce gun violence,” said Violence Policy Center Government Affairs Director Kristen Rand.

“The Violence Policy Center applauds Representatives Davis and Pascrell for their leadership on this innovative strategy to provide dedicated funding for gun violence prevention.”

This legislation is supported by: Brady: United Against Gun Violence; Everytown for Gun Safety; Giffords; Newtown Action Alliance; and the Violence Policy Center.

SFJAZZ Appoints Terence Blanchard Executive Artistic Director

SAN FRANCISCO, PRNewswire -- SFJAZZ announces the appointment of Seven-Time Grammy Winner and Two-Time Academy Award Nominee Terence Blanchard as Executive Artistic Director. This new position will lead the organization’s artistic programming and guide its overall creative direction. Blanchard’s appointment comes as SFJAZZ Founder Randall Kline prepares to step down this year from the organization he founded in 1983.

This year, SFJAZZ is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and the 10th Birthday of the award-winning SFJAZZ Center. Blanchard joins SFJAZZ as it presents the 40th San Francisco Jazz Festival and the 20232024 season beginning September 7.

Blanchard is a renowned composer, bandleader, and trumpet player who has been a consistent artistic force for making powerful musical statements for over 40 years. From his stint with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers to writing scores for Spike Lee and other films, he is unique in the jazz world as an artist whose creative endeavors go far beyond the genre into film scoring, crafting television series soundscapes, and conceiving grand operas that have been recognized at the highest levels of art appreciation. A recipient of a 2018 USA Artist Fellowship and a 2023 Peabody Medal, Blanchard is also a passionate educational mentor, having held positions at the Berklee College of Music, The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and as Chair of Jazz Studies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, amongst many others. Additionally, Blanchard has been at the forefront of giving voice in his works to socio-cultural issues and racial injustices of our time.

Blanchard has had a long relationship with SFJAZZ and has performed numerous times at the SFJAZZ Center and for the organization. From 2014-2016, he was a SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director and, in 2016, presented his opera Champion: An Opera in Jazz. Most recently, in August 2022, his

Documentary Puts the Spotlight on Land Ownership Challenges Facing Black Farmers

MOLINE, Ill., PRNewswire -- Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) and Al Roker Entertainment announced a new documentary focused on the legacy of Black farming in America and the devastating impact of heirs’ property – property passed to family members by inheritance, usually without a will or proper estate planning. Without a clear title, Black farmers are unable to qualify for government assistance, equipment financing or agricultural programs designed to optimize their land. In 2020, John Deere created the LEAP Coalition in partnership with the National Black Growers Council and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide resources for farmers and landowners to resolve heirs’ property issues.

“This film serves as an important platform for Black farmers to delve into their history while also discussing impactful ways to sustain agriculture and places to go for help with legislation and available grants,” said Al Roker, executive producer. “The organizations featured in the film are creating change and it’s one of the reasons our company was so interested in getting involved with this important work.”

Created in partnership with Emmy-nominated director Eternal Polk, the documentary, Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land, addresses how landowners are reclaiming their agricultural rights and their paths to generational wealth. The film will debut at the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 15, 2023, and appear in screenings across the country this summer.

“Documentaries can offer a lens into history and shed light on a forgotten or untold story. It’s more than just a form of storytelling, it’s a way to offer new viewpoints on an issue, create lasting dialogue, and drive change,” said Gaining Ground director Eternal Polk. “With Deere’s support, we were honored to help bring this important story to life. This documentary provides resources to those who are dealing with heirs’ property and shows others how they can get involved to support this cause.”

Black land ownership peaked in 1910 at 16 to 19 million acres, which was about 14 percent of total arable land in the United States. A century later, 90 percent of Black-owned land has been lost, and heirs’ property has been the leading cause for that decline. The documentary shines a spotlight on the challenges Black farmers and landowners’ must navigate to preserve their land for future generations. The film additionally showcases subject matter experts and practitioners’ who are actively working to address these issues.

E-Collective with Turtle Island Quartet performed at the SFJAZZ Center.

As Executive Artistic Director, Blanchard will be the artistic leader of the organization and will help formulate and implement artistic programming across diverse disciplines and genres. He will work closely with the teams at SFJAZZ to curate year-round concert programming, expand the SFJAZZ ‘At Home’ digital platform, and further develop community engagement and educational offerings. Blanchard’s appointment comes after a national search, conducted by Arts Consulting Group.

Said Blanchard, “I am honored and excited to become a part of such an amazing and historic institution. SFJAZZ has meant so much to the development of America’s Greatest artform. I am looking forward to collaborating with the staff while also bringing my own ideas about how to move our music forward and continue the SFJAZZ mission to explore the full spectrum of jazz—from its origins to its diverse and evolving expressions around the world today. I cannot wait to continue this journey.”

“For farmers, land provides more than a livelihood, it provides a legacy. For far too long, Black farmers have had to deal with often coercive constraints, barriers and systems that result in involuntary loss of land, economic value and wealth. This documentary provides an opportunity for folks to tell their stories, highlight injustice and hopefully serve as a catalyst for concerted action to address this little known but important and pervasive issue” said Marc Howze, Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman, Deere and Company. “The message of this documentary is clear: We need to do more to help Black farmers and landowners unlock the tremendous value in the land they already own to help us feed, clothe and shelter a growing population while pursuing opportunities to build wealth and provide a legacy for future generations.”

John Deere created the LEAP Coalition in 2020 in partnership with the National Black Growers Council and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The LEAP Coalition provides legal, educational and other resources to help farmers and landowning families gain clear title of their land. It works to unlock economic value for farmers, while also eliminating systemic barriers to wealth building faced by Black farmers and other historically disadvantaged communities.

To learn more about the LEAP Coalition, to help Black farmers, and provide support to support LEAP coalition partners visit: https://www.deere.com/gainingground.

To learn more about the documentary, visit: https://gaininggroundthefilm.com/. Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and tillage solution, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways we help meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial.

For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news/.

Formed in 1994, Al Roker Entertainment (ARE) is an industry-leading producer of original, award-winning TV programs and digital content. Led by 14time Emmy winning TV personality and trusted media authority Al Roker, ARE partners with a creative consortium of producers, directors, writers, agencies, and talent to ideate, produce, activate, and amplify original content globally, using a variety of broadcast, cable, OTT, social, and streaming platforms. ARE works with brands, non-profits, ad agencies, and PR companies to generate and inspire audiences through social impact branded entertainment storytelling.

SFJAZZ Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard at SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, CA. PHOTO CREDIT SCOTT CHERNIS

Celebrated artivist Nikkolas Smith illustrates reality of patients living with sickle cell disease

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire

-- Celebrated artist Nikkolas Smith revealed exclusive artwork today illustrating the important role blood donations play for people living with sickle cell disease, the most common — yet often invisible to the public eye — genetic blood disorder in the U.S., which predominantly affects those in the Black community.

The digital portrait commissioned by the American Red Cross, entitled “Transfusion,” is a call to raise broader awareness about sickle cell disease and the important role donors who are Black play in providing a compatible blood match. One in three African Americans are a match for people with sickle cell disease.

Smith sat down with four sickle cell warriors of various ages — Tiereny Bell, Dr. Rubin Beaufort, Dreylan Holmes and Erica Hunter — to capture and represent their lived experiences in “Transfusion.” From 12-year-old Dreylan Holmes’ misunderstood experience at school leaving him isolated from friends to Tiereny Bell’s excruciating pain limiting her work schedule as an epidemiologist, warriors’ experiences are vast and common, yet widely still underrepresented in everyday conversation.

Entitled “Transfusion,” this digital portrait -- commissioned by the American Red Cross and created by celebrated artivist Nikkolas Smith -- is a call to raise broader awareness about sickle cell disease and the important role donors who are Black play in providing a compatible blood match. One in three African Americans are a match for people with sickle cell disease. PRNEWSFOTO/AMERICAN RED CROSS.

“People will sometimes say to me, you don’t look sick,” said Bell. “And I respond, well, what does sick look like?”

WHY SICKLE CELL DISEASE?

An estimated 100,000 people across the U.S. — the majority of whom are of African descent — have sickle cell disease and may require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease. Blood transfusions are essential in managing the very real pain and long-term health of those with sickle cell disease, which distorts soft and round red blood cells and turns them hard and crescent-shaped, both of which are depicted in Smith’s artwork. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia, and even strokes.

“What stood out to me the most when speaking with these incredibly brave sickle cell warriors is how much constant pain they endure due to the malfunctioning cells in their body, but also the level of determination they have to maintain in order to push through until their next blood transfusion,” Smith said.

HOW BLOOD DONORS HELP

Unfortunately, frequent transfusions can make finding compatible blood types more difficult when patients develop an immune response against blood from donors that is

not closely matched to the blood of the recipient.

“Sickle cell disease can be inherited by anyone of any race and ethnicity, but in the U.S., the great majority of individuals who have the disease are of African descent,” said Dr. Yvette Miller, executive medical director of the Red Cross. “Nikkolas’ art reinforces that donating blood helps sickle cell warriors stay in the fight, while inspiring each of us to roll up a sleeve so they don’t have to fight alone.”

Dr. Rubin Beaufort, a retired mechanical engineer, has received more than 240 blood transfusions to date and still endures high levels of pain regularly. “We’re facing this every single day, not just once in a while,” he shared, emphasizing the ongoing need for blood. Forty-one-yearold microbiologist Erica Hunter, who was forced to retire from her job early due to complications of the disease, has received more than 50 blood transfusions to date.

“I was so moved to learn how [sickle cell warriors’] health greatly improves after every generous blood donation and transfusion,” Smith reflected. “My hope is that we can exponentially increase the number of lifesaving blood donations and transfusions this year.”

Smith’s art is part of the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, which seeks to address health disparities associated with sickle cell disease by increasing much-needed blood donations from individuals who are Black through community partnerships and helping to ensure closely matched blood products are available for patients.

Donating blood is simple, and summer months can be a challenging time to maintain a sufficient blood supply. Individuals of all blood types are urged to make an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767).

Advancing Health Equity: Deloitte Launches ‘Illustrate Change’ Medical Illustration Library

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Deloitte is proud to announce the launch of “Illustrate Change,” a project that seeks to build momentum around representation in medical illustrations and reduce health disparities among people of color, in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson. With its launch, Illustrate Change will immediately make available 25 diverse medical illustrations. The illustrations showcase the work and unique vision of Chidiebere Ibe. Ibe’s impactful Black fetus-in-womb illustration sparked a global conversation about representation in medical images in 2022. His work, alongside that of many other noteworthy medical illustrators, inspired this collaborative effort. Illustrate Change aims to build the largest library of diverse medical illustrations and demonstrates a commitment to address the lack of representation in medical imagery.

“The launch of Illustrate Change marks a step forward toward a more representative medical education system. Illustrations are an important visual tool used in both medical and patient education,” said Chidiebere Ibe, chief medical Illustrator of Illustrate Change. “I’m proud my illustrations will play a vital role in continuing to raise awareness of gaps in the representation of medical images. Closing these gaps helps avoid implicit bias within healthcare settings and increases awareness of how conditions present on different skin tones, which could have very critical implications for health outcomes. I hope these images inspire future generations of medical illustrators.”

Currently, less than 5% of medical images show dark skin. Only 8% of medical illustrators identify as people of color. The Illustrate Change digital library, made possi-

ble by a grant from the Johnson & Johnson ‘Our Race to Health Equity’ commitment, will house a collection of diverse medical illustrations across a range of health conditions. The library will continue to grow and evolve, reflecting a more representative patient population. The initial 25 images will represent 23 conditions across dermatology, maternal health, eye disease, oncology, general health, orthopedics, and hematology.

The Deloitte Health Equity Institute, in collaboration with Deloitte Digital, played a crucial role in helping to bring Illustrate Change to life. Inspired by the power of illustrations such as Chidiebere Ibe’s Black fetus in-womb, the Deloitte Digital team saw the need for a digital library that would increase diversity in the world of medical illustrations. Driven by the movement, the team connected the Deloitte Health Equity Institute and Johnson & Johnson with the proposal and led the development of the digital library. Healthcare leaders within the Deloitte Health Equity Institute shaped the strategic direction of the program, led cross-sector collaboration, and facilitated the medical review process alongside Johnson & Johnson.

“Illustrate Change is essential in addressing health disparities and achieving health equity. By increasing diversity in medical illustrations, we can help improve medical education, reduce bias, and ultimately provide better, safer, and higher quality care for everyone,” said Dr. Jay Bhatt, managing director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions and Deloitte Health Equity Institute. “Deloitte is proud to be part of this much needed movement and to contribute our unique expertise across creativity, healthcare, and digital innovation.”

To further support the mission of Illustrate Change,

Johnson & Johnson has engaged the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) to offer the AMI Diversity Fellowship. This fellowship program will nurture the training and education of 10 medical artists, encouraging them to create 100 new medical illustrations featuring patients of color over the next year.

“Nurturing the training and education of medical artists from diverse backgrounds will naturally result in healthcare visuals that more accurately reflect the diverse patient population,” said Jill Gregory, president of the Association of Medical Illustrators. “Over time the Fellowship will endeavor to bring greater visibility to issues of health equity and increase the pipeline of medical and scientific illustrators from under-represented communities of color. This fellowship can not only amplify the voices of underrepresented communities but also contribute to the promotion of health equity and improved patient care.”

The Deloitte Health Equity Institute was established because of the stark inequities illuminated by COVID-19 and businesses had to lean in with other stakeholders to advance health equity as a moral and economic imperative. DHEI is addressing disparities in the drivers of health, racism/bias, and structural flaws in the health system. DHEI is focused on investing in programs to directly improve people’s lives, drive new approaches and tools to advance health equity, and activate key decision makers to help ensure that our health ecosystem is advancing health equity as an imperative. By advancing health equity, Deloitte aims to help everyone achieve their full potential in health and well-being, fostering a more equitable society.

AC

REALESTATE

SAFETY

Furry Friends Can Cause Distracted Driving. Here’s How to Stay Safe

(StatePoint) As barbecue season heats up, you may be wondering how to square your love for T-bone steaks and spareribs with your concern for the environment. The good news? Science is delivering new, game-changing solutions to tackle the environmental footprint of the beef and livestock industries.

The Problem

Approximately 9 million dairy cows, 90 million beef cattle, 60 million swine and billions of poultry in the United States produce more than 100 times more organic waste than humans; but where human waste makes its way to a septic tank or sewage treatment plant, livestock waste is usually spread untreated on the ground as fertilizer.

While this practice has short-term agricultural benefits, it’s ultimately a major contributor to a number of environmental and health issues.

Phosphorous, nitrogen (mostly as ammonia), pathogens and bacteria from manure run off the soil and pollute waterways. This nutrient runoff fuels increasingly toxic algae blooms in fresh, estuary and coastal salt waters, creating areas where most aquatic species can’t survive. What’s more, the highly mobile and volatile nitrogen from ammonia in animal waste can become airborne, a difficult and expensive to control problem that poses significant health risks to humans.

Finally, the 1.5 billion tons of manure generated in the United States annually also plays a major role in climate change. Manure emits carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, all of which are potent greenhouse gases.

New Solutions

An advanced livestock waste collection, treatment and recycling system from Bion Environmental Technologies Inc. is transforming manure from a liability to an asset. It starts with an innovative barn design that houses the livestock, collects waste, and feeds the treatment system on

a continual basis. This patented technology not only provides comprehensive waste treatment that neutralizes pathogens, bacteria and ammonia and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, but also produces superior organic, and climate- and watersmart, fertilizers with a low carbon footprint, as well as generates clean water and renewable natural gas.

Typical beef production uses an extraordinary amount of water, particularly from crops for feed. With Bion, 30% of the waste stream is processed into recycled, clean water. And, thanks to precise application of organic and climate-smart fertilizers produced by the system, the resulting soil is healthier with a better balance of nutrients. In short, more abundant crops are produced, less water is used and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.

Along with environmental stewardship and resource efficiency at the forefront of the technology’s design, experts have been retained to ensure that animal accommodations, hygiene, care and feeding are all optimized for animal health and welfare. To learn more, visit bionenviro.com.

“Today’s consumers want sustainable, transparent and ‘better for you’food,” says Bill O’Neill, Bion’s CEO. “Through innovation, we are bringing real beef to tables that is both sustainable and ethical.”

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