Citizen Suburban Times Weekly 9-25-2024 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

New state laws taking effect Jan. 1

Contractor’s unsecured databases exposed sensitive voter data in over a dozen Illinois counties

Minimum wage hike, pets in public housing among new changes

Continued from page 1

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.

BY ANDREW ADAMS CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS AADAMS@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM

Experts say oversight could affect personal data security but not election integrity

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.

Around 4.6 million records associated with Illinoisans in over a dozen counties – including voting records, registrations and death certificates – were temporarily available on the open internet, according to a security researcher who identified the vulnerability in July.

The documents were available through an unsecured cloud storage platform. They included Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses and voter registration history.

Election security experts said the breach is unlikely to affect the upcoming election but could make affected individuals susceptible to identity theft.

The researcher, Jeremiah Fowler, has also identified similar data vulnerabilities which exposed thousands of rail passengers’ travel details in the United Kingdom and over 4 million student records in the U.S., among others.

Other new laws include:

“It’s probably some of the most sensitive voter data I’ve seen,” Fowler told Capitol News Illinois. “And I’ve been doing this around 10 years.”

August, two weeks after being initially notified.

The law allowing public housing

Darrell Garth

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.

Fowler identified 15 unsecure databases before contacting several county clerks and eventually a technology vendor that is contracted to provide services for those counties.

Fowler told Capitol News Illinois that the list of counties affected include Alexander, Boone, Champaign, DeKalb, Effingham, Gallatin, Hamilton, Henry, Jefferson, Ogle, Pike, Sangamon, St. Clair, Williamson and Winnebago.

He traced the issue to Platinum Technology Resource, an elections technology company based in Batavia. It is unclear if anyone other than Fowler accessed the information, although Platinum has denied that any voter registration forms were “leaked or stolen.”

“We have evidence of a claim the file storage containing voter registration documents may have been scanned,” the company wrote in a message obtained by Capitol News Illinois. “The containers are securely segregated from the overall system, which we can assure you has not been scanned or accessed.”

In its message to affected counties, the company also said it “used this opportunity to deploy new and additional safeguards around voter registration documents,” although it did not describe those safeguards.

In an email to Capitol News Illinois, Bennett said that upon being notified of the database misconfiguration, Platinum and Magenium took “immediate steps to quickly investigate and remedy” it.

Bennett declined to comment on what proactive steps the company has taken to secure other databases, noting that doing so “may pose a risk and potentially compromise” the security of its clients.

Several county clerks said they had received assurances from Platinum that the issue had been resolved shortly after the situation was made public.

“We always take any type of accusation seriously,” Winnebago County Clerk Lori Gummow said in an August interview.

Gummow also noted that the Winnebago County state’s attorney and county board members were aware of the situation and that the company assured her that it has “high confidence” that Winnebago County records had not been accessed.

Darrell President / Publisher

President / Publisher

Darrell

Garth President / Publisher

Janice Garth

Janice

Sales Manager/General Manager

Garth Sales Manager/ General Manager

Sales Manager/General Manager

Continued from page 1 Gov. JB Pritzker is

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.

Capitol News Illinois contacted county clerks in all of the counties Fowler identified. All but one, Alexander County, responded and indicated they had been in communication with Platinum about the issue. One other county, Henry, denied that they were affected by the incident.

St. Clair County was also named in a separate report from Cybernews, a cybersecurity news and research company, that alleges 470,000 records were exposed in a similar incident earlier this year.

That report said the exposed data included online voter applications and change-of-address forms that included Social Security numbers, dates of birth, names, current and former addresses, driver’s license numbers, contact information, and more.

Other county clerks, including those in DeKalb and Williamson, referred the situation to their local state’s attorney.

Some county clerks expressed concern that this would provide reason for doubt among voters, some of whom are already suspicious of election officials.

“I can guarantee our elections are run correctly,” Gallatin County Clerk Deanna Bryant said. “But not everyone believes that. We don’t need more scrutiny.”

Independent election security experts said the issue was concerning, but didn’t appear to pose a threat to this year’s election.

“This is a serious issue – potentially, we don’t know all the details of it – relating to identity theft and the security of personal data,” David Becker, head of the Center for Election Innovation & Research said at a September media briefing. “This does not appear to be an issue that impacts election administration.”

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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.

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.

When asked about the Cybernews report, St. Clair County Clerk Thomas Holbrook referred Capitol News Illinois to Platinum, but didn’t comment further on the issue. Platinum Chief Operating Officer Jay Bennett said the company “has no knowledge or involvement” of the March incident.

Platinum’s website indicates it currently contracts with 20 election authorities around Illinois. A Capitol News Illinois review of 12 of its contracts showed they had a cumulative value of more than $1.7 million of annual license fees ranging from about $4,500 to $58,000.

Some counties also contract with Platinum for election night support and other services. In St. Clair County, these services cost more than $130,000 per election.

Fowler said he reported the vulnerability to Platinum on July 18 but did not receive a response. Bennett said Platinum was unable to reach Fowler after he reported the incident.

Fowler then reported the issue to Magenium, Platinum’s IT services provider, on July 19. He then spoke to an individual at Magenium, who confirmed the databases were secure, before he published a report with his findings on Aug. 2.

to the appropriate school support personnel.

This is in line with guidance from the Association for Computing Machinery’s Committee on Professional Ethics, which advises those who identify vulnerabilities within computer systems to notify those responsible for maintaining those systems before making their findings public.

Fowler noted in an interview that the information that was publicly available “would have given all the information to commit identity theft.” He also shared concerns that hackers in other countries could use this type of information for nefarious purposes.

The Illinois attorney general advises those who suspect that they might be the victim of identity theft to report any fraudulent charges to creditors, place a fraud alert on your credit reports, file a police report and consider freezing your credit altogether. The AG’s office also maintains an identity theft hotline for victims at 1-866999-5630.

Consumers can also order free personal reports from the major consumer credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – by visiting their websites individually or by visiting annualcreditreport.com.

Other county clerks in Illinois said this reflects the changing nature of election oversight.

“I never would have imagined being a cyber expert and that’s what elections officials have to be,” Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray said.

Illinois election officials suffered a serious data breach in 2016 after Russian agents targeted the Illinois Board of Elections and accessed 76,000 voter records.

Official flags: HB605 requires state agencies and institutions to purchase Illinois and American flags that are made in the United States.

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

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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

“At the end of the day, it’s not about naming and shaming contractors,” Fowler said. “Every company does the best they can. It’s about identifying, strengthening the system and learning from it.”

A county clerk alerted the Illinois State Board of Elections of the situation, according to board spokesperson Matt Dietrich. The board, which does not contract with Platinum, alerted county clerks of the situation on July 19.

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.

In response to that breach, the state launched the “Cyber Navigator Program” in 2018 to provide cybersecurity training to election authorities around the state. The program has since expanded to offer services to other local units of local government.

Platinum distributed a notification to impacted counties in early

Lemonade stands: SB119 prohib-

No state-level data breaches have occurred since then, according to Dietrich.

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. 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.

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.

Dream Exchange Founder Address

Black Business Leaders

in Exclusive Fireside Chat at The Heritage Club

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Dream Exchange, the first minority-controlled stock exchange, in formation, is proud to announce an exclusive fireside chat that featured its Founder and CEO, Joe Cecala, and Managing Member of DX Capital Partners, LLC, Dwain Kyles. The event took place at The Heritage Club in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 14th, 2024, bringing together a distinguished audience of black investors, local business owners, corporate C-suite executives, and entrepreneurs.

Attendees had a unique opportunity to engage with the Dream Exchange Founder and gain insights into the future of minority entrepreneurship and access to capital. The event was co-hosted by Corey Johnson, an executive for Procter & Gamble, and Solomon Wilcots, a former NFL player turned National Television broadcaster.

The fireside chat delved into critical issues surrounding access to capital for minority-owned businesses. The discussion also touched on Dream Exchange’s mission and the implications of the Main Street Growth Act (“MSGA”). The MSGA will support the growth of small-cap businesses by offering a groundbreaking solution through the establishment of “venture exchanges” for the trading of early-stage enterprises.

Corey Johnson, an executive at Procter & Gamble, remarked on the importance of the conversation: “In today’s economy, access to capital is the lifeblood of innovation and growth. The Dream Exchange is paving the way for a new era of financial empowerment for black businesses, and I’m honored to be part of this crucial discussion.”

Dream Exchange Founder and CEO, Joe Cecala stated, “This fireside chat is more than just a conversation—it’s a pivotal moment in our journey, where we’re sharing our vision with some of the brightest minds in the business community. By creating opportunities like never before, we’re empowering a new generation of innovators and leaders to build the future they envision.”

Dwain Kyles, Managing Member of DX Capital LLC emphasized the significance of the event: “This gathering was not just a conversation; it’s a movement. We are committed to changing the financial landscape for minority entrepreneurs by creating platforms that provide access to capital and resources that were previously out of reach.”

The Dream Exchange is preparing its application and operations to become the first minority-controlled company to operate a licensed stock exchange in the history of the United States. In addition, Dream Exchange is championing the creation of a new type of stock exchange called a venture exchange, which will list and trade the securities of smaller, early-stage companies. Dream Exchange’s mission is to create equal access to a marketplace that instills ethics, humanity, and fairness into finance.

“PAINT

THE POLLS” INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES ROBUST SCHEDULE OF VIRTUAL EVENTS LEADING UP TO U.S. ELECTION DAY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The Sundial Group of Companies — which includes ESSENCE, the Global Black Economic Forum, Girls United, AfroPunk, BeautyCon, Refinery29, and New Voices Foundation — announced a robust schedule of virtual events for the next two months leading up to Election Day under its voter education town hall series titled “Paint the Polls Black.” Now that the conventions have concluded, the collective work to educate, register, mobilize and protect the community’s freedom to vote takes center stage. The Paint the Polls initiative will host a series of virtual town halls on issues that range from helping voters understand how the key policy issues impact their daily lives to ensuring that voters are prepared to confront any potential challenges when casting a vote. The inaugural Paint the Polls 2024 event attracted more than 200,000 people and provided useful information to help voters navigate this election.

bia, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands offer early in-person voting for all voters. We will host a town hall on what you need to know about early voting and its benefits.

October 21 — Election Protection. If you show up at the polls and are told you are not registered or confront other obstacles in voting, what can you do? This town hall walks you through how to report irregularities, how to find all of the resources to help you protect your right to vote and how to become a poll worker.

“We believe that our brands hold a responsibility to educate our audiences thoroughly because wielding our power at the ballot box is among our most precious rights. We do not make assumptions about people’s level of awareness on local, regional, and national issues; we meet people where they are,” said Alphonso David, President & CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. “Despite the barriers voters may face during the 2024 election cycle, we are committed to providing tools that empower our audience to make informed decisions that reflect their personal goals and values.”

Paint the Polls events will bring voting and election experts, public officials, and artists to discuss the issues that directly impact our communities and provide voters with the resources they need. Events begin at 8pm ET and are live streamed across multiple platforms including Streamyard, the Global Black Economic Forum’s YouTube and social media accounts and ESSENCE’s YouTube and website at www.essence.com.

Scheduled Paint the Polls Town Halls

September 30 — Battleground States. We often hear that elections will be decided by the battleground states, often 4 to 5 states. We are going to those battleground states to hear from our community about how we mobilize to protect the rights of marginalized people.

October 7 — The Group Chat. Registering to vote is obviously important, but what if you also pledged to convince at least 5 people you know to also do the same? Now that is extending our community to seize back our power. Join us in a campaign to encourage every person you know to register to vote. And for the kicker, there may be a surprise gift in it for you.

October 14 — Early Voting. Forty-seven states and the District of Colum-

November 4—Get Out the Vote. On the eve of Election Day, we will host multiple virtual events to provide information and resources to voters and hear from them about their plans to vote. This robust schedule builds on the inaugural Paint the Polls virtual event that attracted more than 200,000 people and provided information, addressed misinformation and informed the public about registering for one of the most consequential elections in our lifetimes. Participants included world-renowned DJ D-Nice who started the event with a special pre-show DJ set; award-winning White House Correspondent and event co-moderator Ebony McMorris who spoke to the importance of access to affordable healthcare for Black women and families; Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Congresswoman Shontel Brown who paid tribute to the legacy of the U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee and addressed the political attacks on Black women in the media and the issues that will be on the ballot for Black women in the upcoming election, including the anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement and reproductive justice ; Author and Political Commentator Bakari Sellers who emphasized why Black men should reach out to other Black men across their network to ensure they’re engaged in the upcoming election; Award-winning media Personality Van Lathan who provided background information on voter turnout in his hometown, Baton Rouge, and how leaders in the area can engage the community to increase civic engagement on a local, regional, and national level; and NAACPAward Nominated Content Creator Lynae Vanee shared tools for Black voters who are interested in mobilizing other voters online and offline, including community volunteer opportunities, to protect the voting process.

The stakes are high, and Paint the Polls is tailored to ensure that the public has the information, resources, and support to exercise their right to vote and protect our future.

For more information on the initiative, please visit https://www.essence. com/paintthepollsblack/. For more information about the Global Black Economic Forum, please visit www.gbef.com.

Pictured above: Corey Johnson (left), Joe Cecala (center), and Dwain Kyles (right). Dream Exchange

The World’s First Museum of Candy is Opening Soon In Dubai

DUBAI, UAE, PRNewswire -- There’s a new destination for candy lovers, and the attractions include free-flowing candy, a unique candy station, and a pool full of gummy goodness!

Dubai is set to become home to the world’s first-ever Museum of Candy, opening soon in the heart of the city.

The Museum promises to be a delightful addition to Dubai’s vibrant attractions. This interactive, sprawling space is dedicated to all things candy, offering a perfect blend of facts and fun for visitors of all ages.

Visitors can expect a 60-90 minute experience, exploring over 15 uniquely themed rooms, each dedicated to a different type of candy. From candy canes and gummy bears to lollipops, cotton candy, macarons, ice cream, and more, there’s something to satisfy every sweet craving.

Highlights of the Museum include an array of candy stations, where visitors can try uniquely crafted candies that are a rare find anywhere else, a Cotton Candy Bath, and a Gummy Bear Pool to dive into. There are a bunch of immersive candy-themed experiences that await residents and tourists alike. The fun and educational facts across the Museum are a great way to learn about the history and science of candies you love, while the games, interactive screens, and Instagrammable corners make for a delightful

experience and a memorable time. An interesting addition to the attraction is the Sugar Rush Room, where visitors can write out sweet messages, ask questions, and get creative.

Guests can end their visit by indulging in unique candy milkshakes, ice cream, coffee, and other delights at the Museum’s cafe, and can also shop from a range of candies to munch on later.

The Museum of Candy is designed to channel your inner child with its bright tones and delightful elements. Each room is carefully curated to provide an unforgettable experience, ensuring that visitors of all ages have a great time.

“Dubai has always been home to brilliant ideas and tourist attractions backed by technology, science, and innovation,” says the team behind the Museum of Candy. “We simply wanted to add to the region’s landscape with a pop of colour and a whole lot of sweetness. We want everyone to stop by for some delightful moments, enjoy our slide of sweetness, engage in interactive experiences, and relive their childhood, while having a great time!”

The new and delightful destination is likely to open by the beginning of September this year, so get ready to embark on a whimsical journey through the enchanting world of candy.

Tickets, timings, and other information will soon be available on the official website: https://themuseumofcandy.com.

Museum of Candy

Old Navy Celebrates 30 Years of Inviting Everyone to Play with Style

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- For 30 years, Old Navy has been woven into the fabric of America, uniting generations with iconic products and memorable fashion moments. In celebration of the brand’s anniversary, we’re inviting everyone to come play with style by bringing back and modernizing some of our greatest hits from the ‘90s, reconnecting with longtime fans, and welcoming new tastemakers into the brand.

Old Navy has cemented itself as an iconic American brand, famous for the democratization of fashion and an irreverent take on style, inviting everyone from Carrie Donovan to RuPaul into the brand over its 30-year history. Today, Old Navy is one of North America’s largest apparel brands, with more than 1,200 company-owned and franchise stores.

“To mark our 30th year, we’re celebrating our heritage while creating new history and reasserting our place in culture,” said Haio Barbeito, CEO of Old Navy. “It’s such an iconic American brand, that it’s hard to find someone who has not bought something from Old Navy. As we head into our next chapter, we’re focused on inviting customers to play with style by delivering amazing experiences and products that meet them where they are.”

“At Old Navy it’s not just about the fashion, but the joy we experience in it,” said Zac Posen, Chief Creative Officer, Old Navy. “If we look back at the ‘90s, it was a moment of moving from possibilities to reality, the juxtaposition of pop culture meeting indie culture, meeting hip hop. It was a time that allowed people to express themselves and their self identity – and that’s what the

team has re-created with the ‘94 Reissue collection. Come play and reimagine style with us.”

Timed to its 30th anniversary celebration, the brand is unlocking core memories and reconnecting with longtime fans, as well as welcoming new friends into the brand by:

LAUNCHING A LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION that brings it back to 1994.

From deep in the vault: the ‘94 Reissue is a feel-good, limited-edition collection that brings NOWstalgia to life by modernizing Old Navy’s iconic ‘90s designs while staying true to the brand’s heritage as an iconic American retailer.

The nostalgic collection revives Old Navy’s most iconic pieces from the brand’s golden era: from baby tees, baggy jeans and cargos, to matching tracksuits, bucket hats and the beloved Performance Fleece.

The collection, which launched on Friday, Sept. 13, offers nearly 200 styles for the entire family (across men’s, women’s, kids, toddler, and baby) and will be available on www.oldnavy.com and select Old Navy stores.

REINVIGORATING THE BRAND WITH THE “ONCE MORE ‘94” CAMPAIGN

A feel-good celebration across all consumer touch points including in-store, and out of home placements in New York City, digital media, social, and Old Navy brand channels. Additionally, a limited-edition, ‘90s-inspired “zine” will be available both digitally at OldNavy.com, and printed in stores for consumers to further experience the collection.

For more details, follow along @oldnavy.

Mother-Son Duo Elevates Black Excellence with Launch of Maneuver Men’s Grooming at Holt Renfrew

TORONTO, PRNewswire

-- The dynamic mother-son duo behind Maneuver Men is proud to announce the launch of their luxury men’s grooming product line at three of Holt Renfrew’s flagship locations: The Yorkdale Mall, Square One Mall, and Bloor Street. This milestone represents a significant achievement for Maneuver, offering an exclusive opportunity for customers to experience a premium self-care regimen that promotes both well-being and confidence. Maneuver launched in Holt Renfrew on September 1st, 2024.

Maneuver Men’s Grooming was born out of deeply personal experiences, particularly the journey of co-founder Udrea Russell, who, alongside his mother Sharon Russell, sought to address a common yet overlooked issue: razor bumps. As a man with curly hair, Udrea faced challenges with painful ingrown hairs, especially during his time as a firefighter, where a clean-shaven

look was essential. Realizing the lack of effective grooming solutions tailored for men with similar hair and skin concerns, this mother-son team was inspired to create a brand that caters to these unique needs.

Maneuver Men is more than just a luxury brand; it is a movement dedicated to empowering men of color. The brand’s mission is to help men feel confident and comfortable in their skin, whether they’re clean-shaven or sporting a beard. This launch at Holt Renfrew marks not only a business achievement but also the realization of Udrea and Sharon’s vision to uplift and empower the community through high-quality grooming products specifically designed for men of color.

Udrea and Sharon Russell’s entrepreneurial journey is characterized by their commitment to creating spaces for authentic connection and personal growth. Their vision goes beyond grooming products to building a community where young men can find mentorship, forge lasting friendships, and access valuable resources. To further

this mission, they plan to host workshops, seminars, and events focused on grooming, self-care, and personal development, ensuring that Maneuver Men become a cornerstone of holistic growth and empowerment within the Black community.

With a continued focus on celebrating Black entrepreneurs and their invaluable contributions, this launch invites everyone to experience the luxury of Maneuver Men. Discover their top-selling products, including the Maneuver Shave Butter for a smooth, irritation-free shave, the Hydrating Beard Oil for nourishment and shine, and the Premium Beard Balm to keep your beard looking its best. These expertly crafted products are designed to elevate your grooming routine and help you put your best face forward every day.

Maneuver Men’s Grooming is a Black-founded and owned luxury men’s health and beauty products leader dedicated to mental health and wellness in the black communities. Maneuver seeks to decolonize the beauty industry by incorporating diverse perspectives, promoting cultural inclusivity, and centering Black voices and histories. Maneuver showcases the unique and valuable contributions of designers and artisans while amplifying the voices of Black men and women.

Maneuver Men’s Grooming

Old Navy

New Moor’s Kölsch & Promotes Culture

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Moor’s Brewing Company, the fastest-growing Black owned beer company in the United States, has proudly launched its latest beer style, Moor’s Kölsch, following three years of perfecting the craft. Every can in their portfolio epitomizes the company’s journey and the owner’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. The brand has meticulously crafted its beers to deliver the perfect finish, aiming to offer more than just beer but a piece of historic culture with every sip.

The founders decided to launch Moor’s Kölsch because it is a style of beer that’s not as popular to their target market by name but they were confident it would be received well because of the taste. Moor’s Kölsch is subtly aromatic, reminiscent of unripened stone fruit, and distinct, finishing as cleanly as it begins with bright, herbaceous notes. The new beer style adds to their collection of six distinctive beer styles, including Ale’s Session and India, Imperial Porter, Helles Lager, and Moor’s Pilsener, providing diverse choices for any beer enthusiast.

“Each brew tells a story, reflecting the richness and resilience of a community that has long been underrepresented in the craft beer scene. With every sip, Moor’s Brewing Company challenges norms, embraces heritage, and brings a bold new flavor to the world,” explains Jamhal Johnson, CFO of Moor’s Brewing Company and Co-Founder. “Moor’s Brewing Company symbolizes the infusion of representation and culture into the beer industry. It’s an audacious journey to carve out a space for African American voices and traditions within the global beer landscape, making history while inspiring legacies.”

“Each brew tells a story, reflecting the richness and resilience of a community that has long been underrepresented in the craft beer scene. With every sip, Moor’s Brewing Company challenges norms, embraces heritage, and brings a bold new flavor to the world,” explains Jamhal Johnson, CFO of Moor’s Brewing Company and Co-Found-er. “Moor’s Brewing Company symbolizes the infusion of representation and culture into the beer industry It’s an audacious journey to carve out a space for African American voices and traditions within the global beer landscape, making history while inspiring legacies.”

example

With Columnist Bren Sheriff

Moor’s Brewing Company Launches New Moor’s Kölsch & Promotes Culture

As the Democratic National Convention unfolded in Chicago, Moor’s Brewing Company celebrated the city’s rich history and journey, expanding its reach from Chicago and beyond during the Historic Week. The company’s involvement in events celebrating the DNC being in their home base of Chicago extended beyond a special promotion. With sponsorships of critical events such as Black Votes Matter and Raise the Wage Concert at Joe’s on Weed Street, and the Black Political Excellence Honors at WNDR Museum. Moor’s sponsored a special promotion of their beer at multiple Blackowned establishments in the city to expand its presence and cultivate a loyal customer base.

Moor’s Brewing Company is a trailblaz-ing beer brand owned by three Black men and childhood friends Anthony Bell, Jamhal Johnson,and Damon Patton that pays homage to the rich history of African ancestry and the craftsmanship of the Original Craftsmen. Their brews reflect the company’s dedication to quality and storytelling, resonating with a growing community of faithful ambassadors who share the brand’s vision.

lishments in the city to expand its presence and cultivate a loyal customer base.

The illustrations presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, or any other licensed professional advice. You should consult the licensed professional of your choice for advice regarding your individual situation.

Get Your House In Order

The brand creates new flavors every year on Juneteenth for the company’s anniversary. In 2020 they launched their new business with one flavor and added two before the end of their first year in business. In addition to releasing new flavors, they are proud to collaborate with other like-minded organizations to create special limited edition cans for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Influencers, and special events and promotions.

Moor’s Brewing Company is a trailblazing beer brand owned by three Black men and childhood friends Anthony Bell, Jamhal Johnson, and Damon Patton that pays homage to the rich history of African ancestry and the craftsmanship of the Original Craftsmen. Their brews reflect the company’s dedication to quality and storytelling, resonating with a growing community of faithful ambassadors who share the brand’s vision.

The new beer and other flavors are available at Whole Foods, Binny’s, Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, and select retailers throughout Chicago. The beer is available at Whole Foods in New York and Total Wine in New Jersey.

Moor’s Brewing Company, a groundbreaking African American-owned craft beer enterprise, emerged, onto the scene in Chicago on June 19, 2021, a date of great historical significance - Juneteenth. In just 3 short years of operation, Moor’s Beer has achieved some early success, aiming to forge an indelible mark on the beer industry.

This innovative company has swiftly expanded its reach, gaining wide distribution in both the Windy City and the iconic streets of New York City and New Jersey. With a presence in over 500+ retailers and prestigious venues, Moor’s Beer is raising the standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beer-loving community; where

This innovative company has swiftly expanded its reach, gaining wide distribution in both the Windy City and the iconic streets of New York City and New Jersey With a presence in over 500+ retailers and prestigious venues, Moor’s Beer is raising the standards of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beer-loving community; where less than 1% is African American-owned. Notable outlets where you can find their exceptional brews include renowned establishments such as Whole Foods, Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Binny’s Beverage Depot, Kenwood Liquors, Kimbark Liquors, Four Seasons Chicago, and the Total Wine & More in both New Jersey and New York City.

“Get your house in order,” is a phase often heard but seldom heeded. As a financial services professional of long standing, it is my goal to make known the required tasks needed to help individuals, families, and businesses to get and keep their “HOUSES” (affairs) in order. I will provide scenarios weekly that illustrate problems encountered by families and businesses that resulted from their lack of knowledge, planning, and/or understanding of what to do to protect assets.

I will also conduct interviews with licensed Estate and Succession professionals. These professionals will provide information intended to de-mystify the process of protecting and passing on assets from generation to generation.

Additionally, every week this column will end with a short quiz to help you to better understand your need to “GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER.” The answers to the weekly quiz will be in the following week’s column.

Again, the scenarios and professional interviews are only informational and not intended as advice for you. If you find any similarities in your life, I advise you to seek professional advice to get your “HOUSE” in order.

QUIZ

-Is a wife automatically entitled to inherit all assets of her husband?

-Is a husband automatically entitled to inherit all assets of his wife?

-Should a single/divorced/widowed mother list her minor children as beneficiaries on her life insurance?

-What are the two main objectives of Estate Planning?

-What is the best age to make an estate plan?

See the answers to this QUIZ in next week’s column.

Bye for now, Bren

Bren Sheriff

ENTERTAINMENT

Jacky ClarkChisholm Premieres

New Music Video ‘Greatest Part of Me’

Los Angeles, Calif.

– Jacky Clark-Chisholm premieres her new music video and single, ‘Greatest Part of Me,’ from her acclaimed solo album ‘Jacky?’. Chisholm, a 4x Grammy® Award winner (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), NAACP Image Award, Stellar Award, and Dove Award-winning artist, steps fully into her solo spotlight with this release, marking her second solo album in a career spanning five decades as a member of the legendary gospel group, The Clark Sisters.

The music video for this track highlights Jacky’s timeless beauty through breathtaking visuals, capturing serene moments of reflection and heartfelt worship. With each note, Jacky gracefully conveys her deep devotion to God, creating an auditory and visual experience filled with grace, faith, and spiritual elegance. Reflecting on her new project, Jacky says, “My first solo project, ‘Expectancy,’ offered listeners a chance to reflect on God from their perspective. With ‘Jacky?,’ I’m revealing a side of me that people may not expect. This album has been years in the making, and its release feels divinely timed because the world needs messages of hope, joy, and resilience more than ever. This project is about both the music and the message.” Jacky maintains a busy schedule and is currently touring with Kirk Franklin’s 2024 Reunion Tour alongside her sisters and niece Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, and Marvin Sapp.

To bring this project to life, Clark-Chisholm collaborated with friends, including life artist B.Slade (‘Jacky?’ Executive Producer), a 2x Emmy® Award-winning performer, Emmy®-nominated composer, Ovation® Award-winning, STELLAR® Award-Winning, GMA Dove® Award-winning, and 8x Grammy®-nominated, multi-platinum-selling singer, songwriter, actor, producer, and entertainer. Antun Foster, B.Slade’s producing partner, serves as ‘Jacky?’ Executive Producer and Creative Director. Foster is a 2x BMI Award-winning Songwriter and Publisher of the Year and a 2x STEL-

LAR® Award-winning writer, musician, producer, and creative director. Foster previously penned the Vickie Winans’ smash hit, *“Shake Yourself Loose,”* and served as musical director for the ‘Finally Karen’ tour. Jacky shared, “Working alongside B.Slade and Antun Foster has been an incredible journey of musical and personal discovery.”

‘Greatest Part of Me’ is a soul-stirring, reflective anthem written and produced by B.Slade and co-produced by Calvin Baxter. Antun Foster produced and directed the music video with B.Slade. They tapped Emmy®-nominated producer Norman Lee as Assistant Director and Glen Jones as cinemaphotographer for the project.

The ‘Jacky?’ LP comprises 14 tracks, each a testament to Jacky’s enduring spirit, rich vocal texture, and musical versatility. These elements reflect her multi-decade journey—from delivering pristine harmonies with The Clark Sisters to establishing her solo mark. Jacky proclaims, “‘Jacky?’ is more than just an album or a collection of songs. It’s a chapter of my life. Every song tells how I survived struggles, personal trials and heartaches, and found my voice and strength through unwavering faith.”

The ‘Greatest Part of Me’ music video is available on multiple platforms (https://album.link/Jacky), and the album ‘Jacky?’ is available on all major streaming platforms. Released under Jacky Clark-Chisholm’s Minor Prophet Productions label imprint, the album is distributed by B.Slade’s Peerless Music Group.

RON BASS UNVEILS NEW ART EXHIBIT AT JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S TERMINAL 7

JAMAICA, N.Y., PRNewswire -- The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company that manages John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 7 and is currently building the airport’s new state-of-the art $4.2 billion Terminal 6, announced today the installation of a new public artwork exhibit by renowned Brooklyn artist Ron Bass in Terminal 7 that will elevate the travel experience for passengers by contributing to a uniquely New York sense of place.

The four wall murals in the departures and arrivals areas represent the first major art exhibition at the terminal, which is home to 13 domestic and international airlines serving some 2,000 passengers per day. Bass’ art exhibit at Terminal 7, selected by JMP, will be on view for a limited period until 2026, when the 54-year-old terminal is expected to be decommissioned to make space for the second construction phase of Terminal 6. The new Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK airport into a world-class gateway. The historic project includes two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and a new, simplified roadway network.

Ron Bass is celebrated for his eclectic and dynamic style that seamlessly blends elements of pop culture, street art and fashion. A native New Yorker, Bass is deeply influenced by the city’s rich artistic heritage and diverse cultural landscape. Over the years, Bass has made significant contributions to the art scene in New York City though the exhibit at Terminal 7 is his first in an airport setting. Creating an authentic sense of place is a hallmark of both Vantage Group, which leads the JFK Millennium Partners consortium, and the Port Authority as part of its transformation of the region’s airports into world-class facilities. Recently, the Port Authority and JMP also announced the selection of 18 artists, including 10 from New York City, who will create the sculptures, suspended installations, wall works, and glass mosaic floor medallions at the new Terminal 6.

Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Whether at our existing terminals or soon at the new terminals that are currently under construction, we are elevating the passenger experience with stunning works of public art that enhance the journey from curb to gate.”

“We are constantly looking at how we can further improve the passenger experience at Terminal 7 and reinvigorate the space. Our aim was to ensure that travelers and employees alike felt New York’s vibrant, uplifting spirit as soon as they entered our building – and we knew that Ron Bass was the perfect artist to do this,” said Karen Ali, Chief Operating Officer at JFK Millennium Partners.

Passengers are invited to interact with the murals and to take a moment to connect with the artistic pulse of New York City before embarking on their journeys at these locations in Terminal 7:

“Dear NY” – Arrivals

“Unified” – by gates 7/8

“I (really) LOVE NY” – by the Currency Exchange near gates 5/6

“Destination: New Heights” – gate 9

“Across the region, the Port Authority is transforming its airports with new award- winning, world-class terminals that are filled with inspiring works of art,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As we have done at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A and at the new LaGuardia Airport, we will transform JFK International Airport into a great global gateway with terminals that incorporate inspirational public art, operational excellence, 21st century technology and worldclass functionality.”

“New York is the cultural capital of the nation, so there is no better way to create a unique sense of place at the nation’s busiest international gateway than by including original, inspiring works of public art at Kennedy Airport,” said Port Authority

“This is a huge honor for me to partner with JFK Millennium Partners at Terminal 7. It’s my hometown -- my foundation,” said artist Ron Bass. “I wanted to create a free- flowing and abstract New York story. A story that is vibrant, engaging, fun, and representative of the diverse cultures, art, sound, taste, and feel of my beloved city. I’m approaching this body of work as a first line of defense for the many travelers arriving to visit NYC, as well as paying homage to all the employees and staff, residents, and natives returning home. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the word ‘LOVE’ will be present physically and emotionally, and that is my gift to everyone who comes across this four-piece collection.”

Terminal 7 is currently home to Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, ANA, Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, Frontier, HiSky, Icelandair, Kuwait Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Norse and Sun Country Airlines. Public art is one of the cornerstones of the Port Authority’s strategy for developing new, airport terminals, as demonstrated at the publicly acclaimed and award-winning LaGuardia Airport and Newark-Liberty Airport’s new Terminal A, where art contributes to the world-class passenger experience.

For further information, visit https:// www.anewjfk.com/jmp-terminal6/

The Purple Agency

Ron Bass unveils “Unified” - part of his new four-piece art collection at JFK Terminal 7

American Liver Foundation

Hosts National Legacy Gala Honoring Leaders in Liver Health

FAIRFIELD, N.J., PRNewswire -- The American Liver Foundation’s (ALF) National Legacy Gala will host patients and families, thoughts leaders, leading medical professionals, business visionaries and organizational partners celebrating those who have made a significant impact on the liver community, Monday, October 7, 2024 at Gotham Hall in New York City all to raise awareness and funds for those affected by liver disease.

Al B. Sure!, Mount Vernon, NY native, legendary multi-platinum R&B singer, songwriter, producer, and proud recipient of a successful liver transplant will receive the Transplant Trailblazer Award recognizing his role in advancing health equity in transplantation as the founder of The Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC).

equity for marginalized communities. Serving as the Executive Chairman of the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition, Al B! has been a dedicated advocate and has championed efforts to expand coverage for critical non-invasive blood tests, detecting early signs of organ rejection without biopsies. Supported by HEiTC Sr. Advisor Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton and congressional leaders like Senator Kirstin Gillibrand, Chairman Steven Horsford, and Congresswoman Yvette Clark, Al B! made history for the transplant community on Capitol Hill.

with chronic liver disease, affecting millions worldwide. Dr. Friedman has also mentored more than 90 postdoctoral fellows and students – many of whom remain in academic liver research thanks to their revered mentor and role model. With new anti-fibrotic therapies for liver disease reaching clinical trials, Dr. Friedman’s passionate work has sparked an entire field of young researchers to realize the potential of translational and therapeutic possibilities. Dr. Friedman serves as the Fishberg Professor of Medicine, Director, Institute for Liver Research, Dean for Collaborative Research and Partnerships, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“This year’s National Legacy Gala will honor a one of the culture’s most celebrated recording artists turned transplantation activist, a nationally and internationally recognized physician leader and mentor in liver disease research, and a family who turned their personal tragedy into a clarion call to help others facing the same challeng es,” said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO, American Liver Founda tion and caregiver to a transplant recipient. “This will surely be an evening to remember, and we are grateful to our esteemed award recipients.”

The evening at Gotham Hall in New York City will in clude a cocktail reception, silent auction and dinner fea turing a presentation to our award recipients who have made outstanding contributions to the liver community in the fields of biotechnology, medical innovation, and philanthropy. The 2024 Award Recipients include:

Transplant Trailblazer Award—Al B. Sure! –When the miraculous “gift from a donor” in the form of a liver transplant saved his life in 2022, R&B legend, and social justice ambassador Al B. Sure! committed to breaking down barri ers in transplantation and advancing health

Leadership Award—Scott Friedman, MD - Over his 40-year career, Scott Friedman, MD has been recognized nationally and internationally for his exemplary work in the research field, performing pioneering research into the underlying causes of scarring, or fibrosis associated

Spirit of Giving Family Award, The McMahon Family – The McMahon family’s commitment to the fight against liver disease is deeply personal, as Joseph’s son Aidan passed away at just 13 months old in 2002 due to Biliary Atresia (BA). In honor of his son’s memory, Joseph and his brothers Michael and Tommy McMahon established the Lee & Aidan McMahon Foundation, which provides meaningful support to charities that resonate with their family’s experiences. The family foundation supports vital research and initiatives aimed at combating biliary atresia and other liver diseases and has inspired thousands over the last 20 years to raise $1.4 million for American Liver Foundation and Hospice Care Network.

In addition to our award recipients, the evening will also feature National LIVEr Champion, Quintin Gazi. Quintin excelled in school and dreamt of becoming a doctor since elementary school. Unfortunately, a sudden illness led to the discovery of a rare liver disease and rather than preparing for college, Quintin must instead prepare for a lifesaving liver transplant. Quintin will share his heartfelt struggle with liver disease and his determination to overcome challenges no teenager should have to face.

For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).

The Reunion Project and National Working Positive Coalition Present: “Long-Term Survivors: Sharing Wisdom & Shaping Legacies”

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- The Reunion Project, in collaboration with the National Working Positive Coalition (NWPC), the Chicago Department of Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, and the Third Coast CFAR, is pleased to announce the release of its comprehensive report on the recent town hall forum, “Long-Term Survivors: Sharing Wisdom & Shaping Legacies,” held on May 17-18 in Chicago.

The forum marked a significant homecoming for The Reunion Project, returning to its roots in Chicago, where the initiative first launched in 2015. This pivotal event brought together HIV long-term survivors (LTS), older adults living with HIV, and key stakeholders from across the region to share insights, network, and collaborate on improving the quality of life for this resilient community.

Highlights from the Report:

Health Equity as a Foundation: The forum underscored the critical need for health equity, defined as the attainment of the highest levels of health for everyone. Discussions revealed that systems and services must address disparities in access and outcomes, combat stigma, and be grounded in intersectionality.

Core Values Identified: The forum emphasized three essential characteristics for effective support systems:

Wellness: A comprehensive approach to well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health.

Wholeness: An integrated approach to care that addresses the entirety of an individual’s needs, promoting holistic support.

Personalization: Tailoring services to meet each individual’s unique needs and experiences, avoiding a one-size-fits-all model.

Findings and Recommendations: The forum highlighted the necessity of trauma-informed care and the importance of creating supportive environments where individuals feel valued and heard. The discussions also called for removing barriers to access and ensuring services are as accessible and comprehensive as possible.

Jeff Berry, Executive Director of The Reunion Project, shared:

“When Dave Kern and I envisioned this forum, we anticipated a meaningful reconnection to our origins in Chicago. What emerged was a powerful affirmation of the need to center our efforts around health equity and personalized support. The insights from this gathering will guide our future initiatives and collaborations.”

Key Contributions: Featured Speakers: Dr. Maya Green, Chief Health Equity Officer at Onyx Medical Wellness, and Adrian

Shanker, HHS Senior Advisor on LGBTQI+ Health Equity, provided critical perspectives on HIV and aging.

Additional Support: The forum was made possible by the Chicago Department of Public Health and Third Coast Center for AIDS Research, with additional support from Gilead Sciences and ViiV Healthcare, along with a diverse local planning committee and contributors.

The full report, “Long-Term Survivors: Sharing Wisdom & Shaping Legacies,” is available for download on The Reunion Project’s website. The report details the discussions, findings, and actionable steps that emerged from this impactful event.

Founded in 2015, The Reunion Project is dedicated to supporting individuals who have lived through the initial phases of the AIDS epidemic and are now longterm survivors of HIV. The project fosters community, resilience, and shared experiences, aiming to address the unique needs of this group and advocate for systemic changes.

The NWPC is committed to facilitating systems change to help individuals living with or at higher vulnerability to HIV engage in meaningful employment that aligns with their self-determined goals.

For more information go to reunionproject.net or email info@reunionproject.net.

Global Recording Artist, Songwriter, Producer and Health Equity Leader Al B. Sure! to receive Transplant Trailblazer Award from American Liver Foundation at their National Legacy Gala. PRNewsfoto/American Liver Foundation

Connecting Consumers With Competent, Ethical Financial Planning Advice

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