South Suburban Citizen 8-16-2023

Natalie E. Norfus is the founder and managing owner of The Norfus Firm. She also is the co-host of the “What’s the DEIL” podcast.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE NORFUS FIRM.

CHICAGO’S LA RABIDA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AWARDED IN NATION’S MOST BEAUTIFUL HOSPITAL CONTEST

National healthcare staffing firm Soliant recognizes 20 U.S. hospitals for their commitment to growing and improving their campuses and outpatient facilities

ATLANTA, GA.— La Rabida Children’s Hospital, located in Chicago, IL, received national recognition as the 18th most beautiful hospital in the nation, with 5,240 votes in the “Most Beautiful Hospitals in the U.S.” contest.

La Rabida Children’s Hospital was one of 50 hospitals nationwide considered in the “Most Beautiful Hospitals in the U.S.” contest, which is sponsored by top national healthcare staffing firm Soliant.

The hospital was nominated for its external beauty, matched by the warmth and whimsy of design inside its walls. Also known as the “Gem on the Lake,” La Rabida Children’s Hospital has become a beacon of hope for children with complex medical conditions, developmental disabilities, or those exposed to trauma or abuse.

“Hospital beauty is more than just its physical design and appearance – it is the healthcare staff who create the heart and soul of the hospital through genuine connections with patients,” said Soliant CEO David Alexander. “This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase hospitals for their nurturing staff, comforting aesthetics and innovative designs, which contribute to the overall well-being of patients.”

The annual contest seeks to discover hospitals in the U.S. that are not only beautiful but have unique designs and elements such as soothing art, gardens, or supportive staff that know that laughter is sometimes the best medicine. Beauty starts from within and radiates through the hospital when patients are treated like family, and Soliant wants to recognize those special hospitals. Community members, staff, and patients were given the opportunity to vote for hospitals they feel best represent these qualities.

To learn more about the top 20 winning hospitals, please visit https://www.soliant.com/ blog/most-beautiful-hospitals-2023/

KARI K. STEELE APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF THE PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION

Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kari K. Steele to its esteemed board. With her extensive experience in land use and commitment to community development, Steele brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspective to the PBC.

Steele’s appointment marks a significant milestone in advancing the PBC’s mission of creating exceptional public spaces and infrastructure for the city’s residents. Her expertise in strategic development and community engagement will contribute to the ongoing efforts to transform Chicago’s built environment into one that is inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of the City’s diverse needs.

As President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Board of Commissioners, Steele has demonstrated her dedication to enhancing urban landscapes and promoting equitable access to quality facilities.

As an environmentalist, her comprehensive understanding of green and grey infrastructure principles, coupled with her passion for fostering vibrant communities, will undoubtedly strengthen the PBC’s ability to deliver innovative projects that meet the evolving needs of Chicagoans.

As a chemist, environmentalist, licensed real estate broker and community leader, Steele’s appointment is a testament to the PBC’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. By welcoming individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, the PBC aims to ensure that its decision-making processes align with the needs and aspirations of all Chicago residents.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Thought Leader talks about ‘What’s the DEIL’

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Norfus believes that diversity, equity and inclusion was always part of her life’s journey; having a Black, Christian father whose family came from the South and a Jewish mother whose family came to America during the Holocaust.

Growing up, Norfus was always fascinated by the different layers of her identity, with her dad going to church and her mother going to Synagogue. She knew she wanted to be very involved in learning about different governments and cultures. In college, she studied International Relations.

Norfus has been an employment lawyer for almost 20 years, advising companies on their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. She went to Burger King in 2013 as an employment lawyer and she realized her employment lawyer skills were transferable to the people parts of DEI. There, she was able to expand her knowledge and her approach in that role with Burger King.

When Norfus started The Norfus Firm in 2019, it was important for her to not have limits. She needed to be able to go somewhere with her skillset. She also wanted to be present with her son, who was booking acting jobs.

Norfus and Shantè S. Gordon, DEI Strategy Consultant & Mindfulness Coach at The Norfus Firm, are the hosts of the “What’s the DEIL” podcast. DEIL stands for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Leadership. The podcast was launched because data showed that the projects they engaged in were going to be made or broken by senior leader involvement. What they were running into were leaders who were unsure of what they were supposed to be doing

when it came to DEI. They were scared to say or do the wrong things, so they ended up doing nothing.

“We thought the podcast would be helpful to speak to those senior leaders about what their role is in this work, and it doesn’t require them to know every single thing there is to know. That it’s important to be OK with making mistakes; it’s how you recover from the mistakes,” she said, adding that the podcast also covers what leaders should be doing on a daily basis without needing to be told to do it.

The podcast focuses on real life issues the co-hosts know leaders are facing and giving them ways to think about those issues, how to handle the issues and how to move forward. Norfus hopes people will get confidence to seek the skills it takes to do DEI work from listening to the podcast. She also hopes they will hear something that triggers that confidence.

The goal is to demystify what it means to build relationships and strong people practices so that everyone feels they belong, they feel valued, and they know what it takes to be successful. “The goal is to get these leaders in a place where they’re seeing there are inequities, there are people who aren’t given a fair shot and what is my role in trying to rectify that,” she added.

Norfus enjoys talking to people, who on the surface, are different than her and have had different life experiences. It helps her expand her own mindset. The more she can understand different perspectives and what motivates people, the better she can help find better solutions for their companies.

For more information about the Norfus Firm, visit thenorfusfirm.com.orfus Firm, visit thenorfusfirm.com.

Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Establishing Full Day Kindergarten

SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker signed HB2396, requiring each school board to establish a kindergarten program with full day attendance, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Under this bill, every district must also establish a halfday program that is developmentally appropriate and provides opportunities for play-based learning.

“Full day kindergarten is an essential step towards getting young Illinoisans off to the best possible start in their education, which has long-lasting positive effects on reading, math, and social skills,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From Smart Start to school funding to early childhood, we’re investing heavily in our state’s youngest residents because we know that every investment we make now is paid back multiple times over by engaged and educated citizens.”

“Children across our state deserve the opportunity to reach their full academic potential, starting from their first moments in the classroom,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Our administration is committed to the building blocks that uplift every child from cradle to career, and fostering their growth by providing full-day kindergarten programs is a major step in equipping the next generation with the tools needed for a bright future.”

According to the National Education Association, children in full-day classes show greater reading and mathematics achievements than those in half day classes. Research also

indicates that children’s early reading skills are enhanced with the additional instruction time provided by full day kindergarten programs. Alongside academic gains, full day kindergarten offers several social and emotional benefits to students.

Districts that currently do not offer a full-day program can apply for a waiver to extend the implementation date up to two years past the 2027-2028 school years if they meet certain criteria.

HB2396 also establishes the Full Day Kindergarten Task Force, which will conduct a statewide audit to inform the planning and implementation of full day kindergarten programs. Members will be appointed by October 1, 2023, and will be issuing an interim report on November 15, 2024 and a final report no later than January 31, 2025.

The task force will study the current state of full-day kindergarten in Illinois, including district capacity to provide for full day kindergarten in the districts that do not currently offer full day and associated capital costs that may be needed for building expansion.

“Developmentally appropriate, high-quality, play-based kindergarten lays the foundation for a child to grow academically and develop essential social-emotional skills,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “Universal access to full-day kindergarten brings us closer to ensuring all Illinois students receive the early learning opportunities they need to

Natalie E. Norfus, founder and managing owner of The Norfus Firm, and Shantè S. Gordon, DEI Strategy Consultant & Mindfulness Coach at The Norfus Firm, are the hosts of the “What’s the DEIL” podcast. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE NORFUS FIRM.

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Establishing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 0780 to establish and administer a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County beginning January 1, 2024, through January 1, 2027. The Illinois Department on Aging worked in close coordination with Leader Natalie Manley to establish this legislation that amends the Illinois Act on Aging. It will require an intake coordinator for Will County to be responsible for connecting grandparents raising grandchildren to relevant resources and services provided by state agencies.

“As Governor, I’ve made it my mission to help make Illinois the best state in the nation to raise a family,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “And that means supporting parents, guardians or grandparents — and our youngest Illinoisans. Through

this pilot program in Will County, we will connect grandparents raising grandchildren to relevant resources and services provided by state agencies, while creating a public awareness campaign to keep all Illinois grandparents in the know.”

“In Illinois, we recognize that our children are set up for success when their support system is equipped with the resources and services to thrive,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program will be an essential tool for our elders to connect to the assistance that will help them lift up their grandchildren for greatness.”

In Illinois, nearly 264,000 children under the age of 18 are living in a home where a relative is the head of the household, and more than 70,000 grandparents across the state are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

The pilot program advances the reach and impact of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program that works to locate, assist and promote awareness of older caregivers who are currently raising their family’s children.

The pilot includes raising awareness about the following programs:

The Extended Family Support Program administered by the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS)

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program administered by the Illinois Departments on Aging (IDoA)

The Child Only Grants assistance component of TANF program administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS)

The Children Health Insurance Program administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)

be due by January 1, 2025, and continue through the termination of the pilot program.

“Raising a child can be difficult for anyone, and with the many unique issues facing older adults, it can be overwhelming to deal with the hardships that come with raising children,” said State Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet). “There are many resources that the state provides grandparents to help alleviate some of the burden that they are facing, and the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program will ensure that seniors are connected to these resources and can take full advantage of them.”

“Grandparents often take on the role of raising their grandchildren,” said State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We’re streamlining the process so they have a direct, local contact to connect with about the resources available. This is a way to address the needs of caretakers while also helping our youth succeed on a path towards a bright future.”

“Raising a child can be hard, especially if you are a senior citizen,” said Romeoville Mayor John Noak. “I’m very happy to see it will now be easier than ever for these parenting seniors to get the assistance they need. When it comes to raising a child, every bit helps.”

ILLINOIS TARGETS SNAP BENEFIT FRAUD, THANKS TO SENATOR HUNTER SPRINGFIELD

— Under a new law championed by State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Human Services will collect data on the frequency of stolen SNAP benefits. This comes in response to widespread reports of identity fraud leaving Illinois residents without needed funds to purchase groceries and other necessities.

“SNAP benefits are a lifeline for many Illinois families, and it’s important that we do everything we can to ensure these benefits reach those who need them most,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This new law will help us do that by shining a light on the scope of the problem and helping us develop more effective solutions.”

Under the new law, IDHS will have the authority to track how often benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are stolen from their rightful recipients. SNAP participants receive monthly benefits for groceries deposited onto EBT cards, and in recent months, card skimming has increased significantly in many states. IDHS began collecting data on card skimming and other fraud methods in December 2022, making it unclear how much theft had previously occurred. IDHS will be required to report its findings to the General Assembly annually beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.

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The legislation also includes: The creation of a public awareness campaign on services and resources offered by each agency.

A requirement for the IDoA to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on the number of families who received referral, specific services received, and other related information from the intake coordinator during the prior calendar year. The first report will

“This new law will make it so much easier for grandparents raising grandchildren to access the services and resources they need, without spending hours browsing government websites,” said IDoA Director Paula Basta. “Caregivers will be able to talk with a real person who’s an expert at navigating state agencies, meaning families get connected with resources quickly and efficiently. This pilot program will have multigenerational benefits, and the Department on Aging is excited to help it get off the ground in Will County.”

“This program will be a vital lifeline, connecting dedicated grandparents with essential resources they need to provide a loving and stable home for their grandchildren,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Governor Pritzker and Leader Manley for signing this bill and establishing Will County as the pilot for this much-needed program.”

GOV. PRITZKER... Continued From Page 2

thrive. Today we are taking another critical step toward making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family.”

“Prioritizing early childhood education will help ensure that our kids get the start they deserve while alleviating the burden of full-time care on working parents,” said State Representative Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights). “Getting substantive, consistent full-day kindergarten can be the foundation for our kids looking to build good educational experiences

and ultimately steady, well-paying careers. I have no doubt the measure codified into law today will bring Illinois a step closer to ensuring that foundation is a reality for every Illinois kid.”

“Kindergarten is pivotal for children’s learning journey,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “Full-day kindergarten classes across the state will ensure equal access to early learning opportunities for all our families.”

Last year, Congress passed legislation to replace SNAP benefits stolen between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2024. House Bill 2214 serves as a starting point for Illinois to gain a clearer understanding of the scope and frequency of SNAP benefit fraud in the state, allowing for more effective measures to be put in place to combat this issue.

“Every dollar allocated for SNAP assistance needs to reach those who need it, and this law is a step forward in our fight against fraud,” Hunter added.

House Bill 2214 was signed by the governor on Friday.

SENATOR SIMS PROTECTS RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS FOR INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. worked to protect the freedoms of incarcerated individuals by enshrining into law their rights to freely practice their religion.

“When someone commits a crime, they do not cease to be human,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Religious freedom is a fundamental aspect of humanity.”

House Bill 3055 — known as the Faith Behind Bars Act — ensures incarcerated individuals in Illinois remain the right to freely practice their religion while in state correctional facilities.

Under the law, correctional facilities will be required to provide people with religious readings and other religious materials that may be necessary for them to freely practice. It also requires correctional facilities to allow individuals a proper place to pray and adhere to people’s religious dietary restrictions.

“Religion plays an important role in easing a prisoner’s transition back into the community upon release,” said Sims. “Incarcerated individuals deserve to be able to turn to their faith during a time they need it most.”

House Bill 3055 was signed into law Friday.

Black Executives Support Small Businesses Through SCORE

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- Black business owners are more likely to seek –but less likely to receive – outside funding than white business owners, according to a survey by SCORE, mentors to America’s small businesses. To help improve this disparity in resources, Black executives can bring their valuable insights and perspectives to the table as business mentors. This National Black Business Month, SCORE encourages Black executives to consider volunteering their time and expertise to support entrepreneurs and build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Helping small businesses succeed

Useful, actionable advice from a mentor can go a long way in assisting an entrepreneur on their business journey. As a co-owner of My College Tours, SCORE client Olu Abney described the impact his mentor had on his business perspective. “We don’t look to just have clients, we look to build long-lasting relationships,” said Abney. “SCORE was essential in helping us realize this.”

SCORE relies on the expertise and knowledge of experienced business professionals – including Black executives – to support aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to economic growth and diversity. “Just look at the number of businesses started by people of color, and especially women of color. There is a movement that your talent can be poured back into,” said SCORE North Metro

Atlanta mentor Marvy Moore. “Whatever you bring to the table, added with the resources from SCORE, you can be a tremendous resource to small businesses.”

How to get involved

SCORE offers several ways for Black executives to volunteer their time and expertise:

Mentor: Black executives can serve as mentors, offering guidance and sharing their industry-specific knowledge with entrepreneurs. This one-on-one mentorship

can be conducted in person, over the phone or through virtual platforms, ensuring flexibility for both mentors and mentees.

Workshop Facilitator: SCORE conducts workshops and seminars to educate entrepreneurs on various business topics. Black executives can contribute by leading workshops on subjects where they possess expertise, such as leadership, marketing, finance or strategic planning.

Subject Matter Expert: Black executives can volunteer to provide specialized knowledge on specific industry sectors, such as technology, healthcare or retail, and assist SCORE in developing resources and content tailored to these areas.

Ready to get started?

For Black executives interested in volunteering with SCORE, visit www.score. org/volunteer to learn more and apply online. SCORE can offer a skills assessment to match volunteers’ expertise with the needs of entrepreneurs seeking mentoring or workshop facilitation. SCORE also understands the importance of flexibility and can accommodate various levels of availability.

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.

TARTE COSMETICS ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL ‘SHAPE YOUR FUTURE™’ SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- tarte cosmetics, a leading beauty brand known for its commitment to giving back and empowering entrepreneurs, proudly announces the Second Annual Shape Your Future™ Small Business Awards. The program will grant $300,000 to Black female entrepreneurs starting in National Black Business Month in August.

For over two decades, tarte’s mission has been rooted in empowering and supporting others. With this announcement, tarte is doubling down on those efforts to directly support the larger entrepreneurial community.

Acknowledging that less than 1% of venture-backed capital currently reaches Black-owned businesses,* and only 0.34% of total capital spent in the US is directed to Black female startup founders,** tarte recognized the importance of dedicated financial support and growth resources, driving the brand’s commitment to support Black female entrepreneurs now and into the future.

The Shape Your Future™ Awards, a cornerstone of tarte’s commitment to giving back, will empower and create pathways to accelerate the advancement of Black female-owned businesses. The $300,000 in awards will be funded equally, with tarte contributing $150,000 and tarte Founder and CEO Maureen Kelly personally pledging an additional $150,000. Kelly’s own experience building tarte from the ground up fuels her desire to pay it forward.

“I’m grateful to everyone who helped me along the way, and that’s why lifting up other entrepreneurs is so important to me,” says Maureen Kelly, Founder and CEO of tarte cosmetics. “Supporting Black small business owners is one way to help shape a more inclusive, equitable and thriving business landscape.”

The program will offer two tiers of funding for appli-

cants, 6 awards of $25,000 and 15 awards of $10,000 each, tailored to the unique needs and sizes of the selected small businesses. Beyond the monetary award, each recipient will receive ongoing, exclusive mentorship with key tarte executives across departments including, finance, legal, supply chain, public relations, social media, and marketing to help grow and scale their businesses.

Taking this commitment one step further, award recipients will be the first to experience a new program with the brand, tarte labs™. This innovative resource and incubation center will provide entrepreneurs, creators and artists access to necessary tools to elevate their enterprises. tarte labs™ will operate out of the brand’s New York City headquarters and offer support including studio and content creation space, media templates, contract and legal document guidance, and more. These initiatives, in addition to hiring DEI agency, Black Beauty Roster (BBR), are part of tarte’s ongoing dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This program is one of many that tarte has executed over the years, having always put giving back at the forefront of the business. In addition to monetary contributions and millions of in-kind donations through various charitable partners, tarte engages in the community through education initiatives including tartelette U, the brand’s firstof-its-kind college mentorship program and an on-going tradition of clearing teachers’ wishlists through tarte loves teachers.

Applications for the Shape Your Future™ $300,000 Small Business Awards will open August 1st, and details will be released on @tartecosmetics social channels.

* Marlize van Romburgh, Gené Teare. “Funding to Black Startup Founders Quadrupled in Past Year, but Remains Elusive.” Crunchbase News, 17 Aug. 2021, news.crunchbase.

com/venture/something-ventured-funding-to-black-startup-founders-quadrupled-in-past-year-but-remains-elusive/.

**Verma, Pranshu, and Hannah Green. “In Massachusetts, Biased Decisions Leave Black Startup Founders with Less Capital - The Boston Globe.” BostonGlobe.Com, 31 Jan. 2022, www.bostonglob...ture-capital/.

tarte™ is the pioneer of high-performance naturals™ & one of the fastest growing cosmetic companies in the U.S. Nearly 25 years ago, founder & CEO Maureen Kelly set out to create a cruelty-free line of easy-to-use, life-proof products packed with good-for-you ingredients that deliver real results without compromise. tartelettes around the world – including beauty editors, makeup artists, content creators & celebrities alike – obsess over the full assortment of award-winning, highly-pigmented, & longwearing cosmetics. Each item is developed without the icky, bad stuff (like parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, & more) & with the best naturally-derived ingredients Mother Nature has to offer. The brand is 85% vegan & proud to be the #1 concealer brand in the US. tarte™ is committed to sharing its passion for skinvigorating™ ingredients with the world: it has in-store presence in over 20 countries & online at tarte.com, shipping to over 50 countries worldwide!

But tarte™ doesn’t stop there. Giving back has always been a part of the brand’s DNA. tarte is committed to lifting up others, having cleared thousands of teacher wishlists & mentoring future leaders & entrepreneurs through the tartelette U & internship programs & the shape your future™ small business awards. In 2017, tarte™ founded heart to tarte™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to help support causes like female empowerment, underserved communities, environmental conservancy, animal rescue, disaster relief & health & wellness initiatives. tarte also sustainably sources ingredients directly from cooperatives, & in 2019 helped fund the creation of an all-female maracuja cooperative in the Rainforest.

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. (PRNEWSFOTO/SCORE)

Snoop Dogg Drops First Footwear Collab With Skechers

LOS ANGELES -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Entertainment icon Snoop Dogg sets his eyes on conquering the footwear world by bringing his style to Skechers as part of a multi-year partnership. With the first styles dropping today, the Skechers x Snoop Dogg collection fuses the innovative comfort of Skechers with Snoop’s unique design vision in a range of versatile and street-ready sneakers that adapt to any lifestyle.

“The excellent team at Skechers took my ideas and my flavor and we created this collection for all walks of life,” said Snoop. “Step yo shoe game up with my style and swag in every pair—with Skechers you’ll be comfortable wherever you go. Wear them with a suit to a wedding or on the court with shorts, you’ll look fly either way because these shoes are for everyone.”

Gap Partners with LoveShackFancy on a LimitedEdition Collection for Every Generation

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Gap and LoveShackFancy announce a limited-edition, multi-category capsule collection of women’s, men’s, kids, and baby apparel and accessories for every generation. The collaboration shines at the intersection of culture and romanticism, merging Gap’s iconic styles with LoveShackFancy’s vintage-inspired florals and feminine silhouettes.

The 76-piece collection brings a fresh take to classic denim, pastels and logo, incorporating neutral tones, floral prints, whimsical textures and fabrics showcasing a romantic and nostalgic twist to Gap’s signature arch logo typeface. The limited-edition capsule also includes shared styles and prints across men, women, kids, and baby for family matching moments. The entire assortment spans across multiple product categories including jeans, skirts, dresses, pants, hoodies, outerwear, button-downs, and accessories, with prices ranging from $13 to $248.

“Collaborations and partnerships give us the opportunity to reinvent and reimagine Gap’s product icons, to remix the classic Gap logo that our customers love,” said Mark Breitbard, Gap’s Global President and CEO. “The collection is unique and unexpected, and I’m excited for customers around the world across every generation to experience a little piece of the magic created with LoveShackFancy.”

To showcase the collection and each

brand’s heritage, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Ciara serves as the face of the campaign alongside two of her children, Future and Sienna, capturing the beautiful bond between mother and child. Shot by fashion photographer Zoey Grossman, each portrait enhances one’s unique individual style and the power of confident femininity. Bridging the generational gap, the cast is rounded out with the next generation of changemakers, artists, and dancers, infusing movement into every frame to showcase the distinct structures and outlines of the collection.

“Re-imagining iconic Gap classics for all generations through our LoveShackFancy lens has been a dream,” said Rebecca Hessel Cohen Founder and Creative Director of LoveShackFancy. “Each piece is the perfect mix of nostalgia and freshness that you’ll live in forever and won’t find anywhere else. I couldn’t be more excited for this collection to bring some of our magical world to even more people around the world for them to fall in love with.”

The Gap x LoveShackFancy collection will be available to shop on Gap.com, LoveShackFancy.com, in select US LoveShackFancy stores, and in select global Gap stores. For more on the Gap x LoveShackFancy collaboration, follow along with @gap and @loveshackfancy.

“We were already working with Snoop on the co-branded collection prior to his incredible award-winning Skechers x Snoop Dogg Super Bowl commercial earlier this year,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “Snoop combined his eye for style and laid-back sensibility with the signature comfort of Skechers, resulting in an authentic collaboration and partnership.”

The initial OG and Remix Capsule of unisex styles from Skechers x Snoop Dogg is available now at skechers.com and Skechers retail stores in the United States, and is rolling out to specialty stores, as well as Skechers stores and websites around the globe. Two additional limited-edition capsules are scheduled to launch in the coming weeks, including a collectors’ capsule featuring Snoop’s iconic NFT character Dr. Bombay. These initial capsules are just the start, with more exciting designs to follow later this year and beyond.

An Entertainment Industry Mogul, Snoop Dogg has reigned for nearly three decades as an unparalleled force who has raised the bar as a globally recognized innovator. Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, DJ, media personality, businessman and icon. In addition to his extensive work in music, Snoop Dogg is a serial entrepreneur with endeavors in Web 3.0, tech, entertainment, lifestyle, global consumer brands, food/beverage and cannabis industries.

Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (NYSE:SKX), a Fortune 500® company based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Collections from The Comfort Technology Company™ are available in over 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through digital stores and over 4,500 Company- and third-party-owned physical retail stores. The Company manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Ciara for Gap x LoveShackFancy. Gap

Education, Labor Departments Announce New Efforts to Advance Teacher Preparation Programs and Expand Registered Apprenticeships for Educators

The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor today announced a series of new efforts to expand Registered Apprenticeships for educators and invest in teacher preparation programs. These efforts advance a key focus area of the Department of Education’s Raise the Bar: Lead the World initiative to boldly improve learning conditions by eliminating educator shortages and build on a joint letter sent by the Secretaries of Education and Labor last summer, which called on state education and workforce leaders to take action to address educator shortages. Today’s announcement includes:

New National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards (NGS) for Registered Apprenticeships for K-12 teachers developed by The Pathways Alliance;

More than $27 million from the Department of Education to support educator preparation programs;

More than $65 million from the Department of Labor to develop and scale Registered Apprenticeship programs in critical sectors across 45 states—with 35 targeting education;

The Department of Labor is announcing a new industry intermediary to launch, promote and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs for K-12 educators; and

A policy brief authored by the Department of Education that highlights how states are taking strategic steps outlined by the Biden-Harris Administration to support the effective recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers.

“Teacher apprenticeships are a key strategy in our plan to Raise the Bar in education and improve learning conditions in our schools by ending the educator shortage and providing all students with great teachers who are prepared to succeed in the classroom from day one,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Providing opportunities for future teachers to earn while they learn has created an affordable and exciting pathway into the teaching profession that can help states build a talented and diverse pipeline of educators at a moment when doing so has never mattered more. I’m thrilled that in just one year, the Biden-Harris Administration has helped grow the number of states with Registered Apprenticeship programs for teachers from two to 21, and look forward to these new guidelines helping get all 50 states get onboard.”

“The Department of Labor’s investments will enable states to strengthen educator pipelines and create pathways to opportunity through a proven earn-as-you-learn model of Registered Apprenticeships,” said Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “This important partnership with the U.S. Department of Education advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to building a highly-skilled, diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities that teachers serve.”

“We are grateful to the Departments of Labor and Education and all of our partner organizations for their leader-

ship and partnership in developing these apprenticeship standards,” said Erin Mote from The Pathways Alliance. “More than just guidelines, these standards represent our collective commitment to nurturing a preparation pipeline that supports broad access to high-quality preparation and champions diversity and inclusivity for educators.”

National Guidelines for K-12 Teacher Registered Apprenticeships:

The newly released National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards (NGS) for Registered Apprenticeships for K-12 teachers was developed by The Pathways Alliance and approved by the Department of Labor. The NGS can guide states, school districts, and other apprenticeship sponsors to align their programs to quality standards for K-12 teachers. It also provides a framework that partners can use to develop state specific program standards and provide for expedited development and approval of new apprenticeship programs.

The Pathways Alliance NGS working group included the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Learning Policy Institute, National Association of Workforce Boards, National Center for Grow Your Own, National Center for Teacher Residencies, Arizona State University, Cooperative Educational Service Agency 6, Deans for Impact, InnovateEDU, Inspire Texas, Prepared To Teach, Substantial, and TeachMe Education.

Your

When you play, Illinois wins

play helped generate $775 million for education last year

“The Department of Labor’s investments will enable states to strengthen educator pipelines and create pathways to opportunity through a proven earn-as-youlearn model of Registered Apprenticeships,” said Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su.

Rep. Robin Kelly Highlights

Agricultural, Nutrition Assistance Priorities on District Farm Tour

KANKAKEE, IL – As Members of Congress returned home for the August district work period, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) embarked on a comprehensive tour of farms, businesses, and health care facilities in the rural areas of her district.

Congresswoman Kelly heard directly from farmers about what they need from the upcoming Farm Bill in order to thrive. Congresswoman Kelly’s visit emphasized the need for continued support for small farms, as well as nutrition assistance programs like SNAP.

The tour began with a visit to Cow Creek Farm in Paxton. The family farm, spanning five generations, grows a diversified range of crops and recently founded Silver Tree Beers & Spirits, utilizing homegrown crops to produce spirits. The farm emphasizes an organic and environmentally sustainable operation.

The Congresswoman also visited Gibson Area Hospital & Health Systems and Slagel Family Farm in Fairbury. Throughout the tour, Congresswoman Kelly engaged with various stakeholders and farmers, recognizing the significance of their contributions to the local economy, and emphasizing her commitment to understanding their needs.

The day ended at O’Connor Farm in Kankakee, where Congresswoman Kelly hosted a “Barn Hall” to hear directly from farmers and stakeholders from across her district.

“I want to hear directly from farmers about what their needs are,” Congresswoman Kelly said. “Members of Congress don’t have all the answers, we rely on the people who are working on the ground to shape our priorities. Conversations like these help me fight for what my constituents really need when I go back to Washington.”

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STUDENTS RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM SOON!

13th Annual Take Flight College Send-Off bids farewell to 180 CHA students heading to college

CHICAGO (Aug. 8, 2023) - About 180 public housing students preparing to embark on college life celebrated with a giant trunk party Wednesday at the Chicago Housing Authority’s 13th annual Take Flight College Send-Off at the United Center.

Schools from as close as University of Illinois Chicago to the University of Southern California were represented The trunk party was made possible thanks to the generous support of Molina Healthcare, AT&T and the Chicago Bulls. It was hosted by Springboard to Success, the nonprofit partner of CHA.

“Many of you are receiving financial aid to help you pay for tuition, but we also understand that financial aid doesn’t cover everything, and that there are a lot of out-of-pocket expenses that come with going off to college,” said CHA CEO Tracey Scott, who was the emcee “That’s why we started Take Flight 13 years ago – to meet a critical need by providing students with dorm room necessities like linens, towels, lamps and pillows.”

The growth of Take Flight over the years has been due in large part to CHA’s nonprofit

partner Springboard to Success and its fundraising efforts. CEO Scott thanked S2S for that support.

Meanwhile, soon-to-be freshmen wrote their goals on the Affirmation Board, took photos in graduation cutouts and pinned the local and national map where their college is

located.

One of the attendees was Demarion Brown, who will be attending UIC this Fall. As a senior at Johnson College Prep last year, he noticed a bump on his thigh. Before he knew it, he was undergoing tests. Surgery was needed to remove a cancerous tumor.

Brown still has a way to go before he gets the all clear from doctors, but he was happy to be at Thursday’s event. He is interested in entrepreneurship

“I’m doing ok,” he said. “I’m just waiting to get these surgeries over with. But my summer job helps me stay motivate and humble. And I’m excited to meet new people and make new friends in college.”

Meanwhile, Brown’s mother, Charlene, has faith that Demarion will overcome this health crisis.

“After all this, he remains humble and never complains – he just goes about his day,” she said “I am so proud.”

Demarion, who last year was awarded a Chicago Hope scholarship that removes financial barriers for CPS students to receive awards that cover tuition, room and board and books and fees, was especially excited about being in the United Center Thursday. He describes himself as a “sports head” and hopes to own his own sports business one day.

SPELMAN ALUMNAE LAUNCH ‘WOMEN FOR GOLDEN FUTURES’ INITIATIVE TO RAISE FUNDS TO AID AND UPLIFT NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS AND GAMECHANGERS

Classof1974graduateleadersmarktheirupcoming50thanniversarybycommittingtoraise$1millionfortheirreveredinstitution,specificallytoaddressthemosturgentstudentneeds

ATLANTA, GA – Taking a major step beyond merely reuniting for their 50th anniversary since walking across the stage as graduates of Spelman College, leaders of the class of 1974 have opted to give back to the storied institution and its current students in a big way, having developed and launched the national “Women for Golden Futures” (WFGF) fundraising initiative.

With their set goal to raise $1 million dollars annually in philanthropic donations within the next year, the purpose-driven impact group is rallying alumnae friends of Spelman, Black female entrepreneurs and those who simply want to make a difference, to unite and generously share their success with deserving current students by investing in, affirming and supporting the nation’s young Black women who’ll go forth and positively transform the world.

The funds raised through the campaign will go directly to the college and will be used specifically for the Women for Golden Futures Scholarship and the Student Support Fund for those deserving young women whose education and futures are at risk due to a shortage in fiscal resources.

“This is a unique effort that welcomes supporters to contribute to helping fulfill the dreams and aspirations of our nation’s coming generations of Black women leaders,” says Mildred Whittier, WFGF campaign spokesperson. “Anyone is invited to partner with us. One may not necessarily be an alumna of Spelman College, but all of us have a keen awareness of the need, as well as the critical

importance of uplifting our young Black women— especially in times like these,” she added.

“Our heartfelt intent is to help anchor our young women by providing financial assistance to cover vital costs like housing, food insecurity, technology equipment, books, medical attention, childcare, transportation, school fees and more,” Whittier relates further. “While the College certainly works hard to secure funding for emergency student assistance, we want to step up and do our part to fill the gap, and make sure that that funding is never depleted so they can stay in the classroom and continue their educational journeys. If not us, then whom?”

For more information and to give to the “Women for Golden Futures” campaign, visit: www.womenforgoldenfutures.org. Specify Women for Golden Futures as the donor designation. Or, to contribute by mail, make all checks payable to:

Spelman College

Designate in Memo: Women for Golden Futures

Mail to: Office of Annual Giving, Spelman College

ATTN: WFGF 350 Spelman Lane SW, Box 1551 Atlanta, GA 30314

Spelman College is a tax-exempt organization as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and gifts to the College are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Studentsreceivetheirlaptopsandotherdormroomnecessitiesatthe13thannualTakeFlightCollegeSendOffattheUnitedCenter,Aug.3,2023.PhotoprovidedbyCHACommunicationsOffice.

Mildred Whittier

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LEXUS HEATS UP THE SUMMER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BEYONCÉ’S RENAISSANCE

WORLD TOUR AND BEYGOOD FOUNDATION

(Black PR Wire) PLANO, Texas – Lexus is hitting the road with Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR alongside her BeyGOOD Foundation as the exclusive automotive partner of the U.S. leg of the tour. The leading luxury car brand will support the mega superstar’s nonprofit with a donation to help small, minority-owned businesses.

Lexus will join BeyGOOD Foundation and its Black Parade Route to help small business owners impacted by economic inequities through a variety of grant opportunities and/ or sustainability support services. Lexus’ donation expands the BeyGOOD commitment by providing an additional $10,000 each to two grant recipients in all tour cities.

“Lexus is honored to be part of Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR and contribute to BeyGOOD Foundation’s mission focused on economic equity,” said Mia Phillips, senior manager, advertising and media for Lexus. “We are confident this collaboration will make a significant impact on entrepreneurs in every city we touch.”

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s BeyGOOD Foundation launched the Black Parade Route in 2020 as an initiative to amplify and promote Blackowned and small businesses. Carter committed $1 million to support small businesses in 10 cities in the U.S. as well as regions in the United Kingdom. Throughout the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, the business impact luncheons will be held to celebrate grant recipients in Chicago, New York, Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, and New Orleans.

“Delighted that Lexus has committed support for small business owners nationally, through BeyGOOD’s Black Parade Route,” said Ivy McGregor, executive director

at BeyGOOD Foundation. “This alignment supports entrepreneurs, families, and communities at large. We believe everyone has the right to economic equity.”

To pay homage to the tour sponsorship and extend the rich, futuristic feel of the tour elements, Lexus crafted a one-of-a-kind LC 500 that includes a premium chrome-

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With seven models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

www.facebook.com/lexus

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www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles

www.instagram.com/lexususa

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wrapped exterior and jewel accents on the mirrors, headlamp surrounds, wheel center caps and license plate frame. The vehicle will accompany the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR in various cities and will be showcased at an interactive in-venue Lexus display that allows concertgoers to engage with the brand via a photobooth that includes virtual iconography from the tour set and an entertaining karaoke booth.

The RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR U.S. started in Philadelphia July 12, and culminates in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 1.

Founded in 2013 by Beyoncé, during the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, the BeyGOOD initiative has been a philanthropic initiative that is the extension of Beyoncé’s charitable heart. Now a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity, BeyGOOD Foundation continues the mission of economic equity and education. To date BeyGOOD has been instrumental in programs that help in the areas of education, health, housing, water scarcity, disaster relief and more. The efforts are global, including South Africa, Haiti, Burundi, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean and throughout the United States. BeyGOOD Foundation is built on the belief that we are all in this together and each and every one of us can make a difference by giving back.

SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS’ REVOLT ANNOUNCES REVOLT WORLD

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- REVOLT, America’s fastest-growing Black-owned multimedia empire, is thrilled to announce a first-of-its-kind event that reimagines the intersection of culture and creativity, REVOLT WORLD. Set to take place in Atlanta from Friday, September 22nd – Sunday, September 24th at Pangaea Studios, REVOLT WORLD presented by Walmart will include exciting performances and discussions from cultural leaders aimed to empower the Black community.

This year, We Are Hip Hop will not only represent the theme but also serve as a unifying declaration that personifies REVOLT’s position as a cultural authority and leading multimedia network. This theme also pays homage to the global impact of Hip Hop, with a celebration of its 50th anniversary.

“We are excited to introduce this first-of-its-kind event in REVOLT WORLD that reimagines and builds on the success of our annual Summit to deliver an immersive experience that showcases the expansive impact of REVOLT and the global influence of Hip Hop across every category of contemporary culture,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of REVOLT and 50 years of Hip Hop, REVOLT World will continue carrying out our mission of becoming the biggest driver of culture globally and creating spaces that are transformative to our audience.”

REVOLT WORLD will mark a historic milestone for the company as it celebrates its 10th anniversary and brings together influential changemakers to explore the

depths of Black culture and creativity on a global scale. In addition to a full slate of programming and experiences, the REVOLT World campus will consist of several curated spaces for attendees including a gaming house, wellness space, creator studio, podcast village, insights lab, and career center.

In addition to delivering impactful content, REVOLT’s core mission has always been to serve as a catalyst for the Black community. Carrying out this commitment, REVOLT WORLD will empower emerging Black leaders with access to unparalleled tools, knowledge, and life-changing opportunities. Specially curated to create lasting impacts, REVOLT WORLD will go beyond the role of a traditional event to provide attendees with unparalleled pathways to success. As the presenting sponsor, Walmart is working alongside REVOLT to support rising Black changemakers in their journeys.

“At Walmart, we believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential, and we are honored to partner with REVOLT in empowering the next generation of Black creators and culture builders,” said Allison Rand, Associate Director of Brand Experiences and Talent Partnerships at Walmart. “By supporting REVOLT WORLD, we have the privilege of investing in these individuals who are paving the way for a brighter future, where innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship can flourish.”

During the three-day experience, attendees will immerse themselves in the world of Hip Hop through

REVOLT’s lens while engaging in impactful networking opportunities and activations. Attendees will additionally be able to explore interactive touchpoints such as panels and conversations, day parties, an introduction to the company’s commerce experience, REVOLT World Market, the Short & Fresh Film Festival, and more.

REVOLT WORLD will be supported by notable sponsors such as Walmart and PepsiCo who will assist in bringing exciting, curated activations and offerings to life for event attendees.

For more information about REVOLT WORLD and updates on the talent lineup, activations, programming, and presale tickets, please visit https://www. revolt.tv/.

REVOLT is the leading Black-owned and operated multimedia platform servicing content 24/7 across digital, linear, and live media channels. The platform produces rich content and original material with the biggest names in Hip-Hop, along with reports of breaking news, current events, trends, and announcements within the Black cultural movement and HipHop world. REVOLT takes pride in its diversity, both in its mindset and its company makeup, further instilling its dedication to culture within its staff and audiences. Founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2013, REVOLT attracts over 50 million millennials and Gen Z audiences through their disruptive, authentic material across all platforms. In 2021, REVOLT launched a brand new digital mobile app where users can view extended releases, live updates from relevant news, exclusive specials and much more.

For more information on REVOLT’s linear content, please visit https://www.revolt.tv/ and visit www. revolt.tv/providers for local broadcast listings.

BlackPRWire

Dial Up Flavor with Summer Favorites

(Family Features) Turn up the heat this summer and spice your way to delicious warm-weather recipes by using subtle ingredients that bring out bold flavors in your favorite foods. Adding a taste-enhancing option to your repertoire – Tajín Fruity Chamoy Sauce – can make your summer get-togethers the talk of the neighborhood.

Cool off while enjoying mildly spicy dishes. Made with 100% natural chiles, lime juice, sea salt and a hint of apricot, Tajín Fruity Chamoy Sauce offers a unique sweetand-spicy flavor without too much heat. Perfect for drizzling over fresh fruits and veggies like mango, pineapple, watermelon and more, it’s also commonly used to bring fruity, subtle spice to a wide variety of recipes including beverages and snacks, like smoothies, mangonadas, ice pops and cold drinks.

For example, in this Savory Mango Chamoy Daiquiri, the apricots create a fruity, tangy flavor that’s a nice, refreshing twist on a traditional drink.

Bringing a touch of heat to summer cookouts can be a breeze with mild hot sauces added to dishes like these Spiced Pork Ribs, which can be created start-to-finish in the oven or taken outside to sear on the grill. Just a handful of ingredients are required to season the ribs to spicy perfection before wrapping them in foil and letting your oven do the work.

The key ingredient for the right touch of subtle heat without being overwhelming is Tajín Mild Hot Sauce, a unique, flavorful addition to your cabinet that pairs well with savory snacks like tortilla chips, chicken wings, pizza and even micheladas. The lime is what makes it different from other hot sauces.

Made with 100% natural mild chiles, lime juice and sea salt without added sugars or coloring, it can be enjoyed by the whole family as a versatile way to enhance favorite foods with a mild but wild flavor.

Both recipes can be easily enhanced with a simple concept: just pair Tajín Clásico seasoning with either or both of the sauces to create unique flavor combinations, a tasty “mix it” tactic to add to your warm-weather menu and make it uniquely yours. Find more recipes that crank up the heat this summer by visiting Tajín.com/us.

Savory Mango Chamoy Daquiri

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

Rim Glass:

2 tablespoons Tajín Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce

2 tablespoons Tajín Clásico Seasoning

Drink:

4 tablespoons Tajín Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce, divided

1 cup frozen mango cubes, plus additional for garnish, divided

1/3 cup natural syrup

3 ice cubes

1/3 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon Tajín Clásico Seasoning, for garnish

To rim glass: Rim glass in chamoy hot sauce then seasoning.

To make drink: Blend 3 tablespoons chamoy hot sauce, mango cubes, syrup, ice cubes and orange juice.

In glass, pour remaining chamoy hot sauce. To serve, garnish with additional mango cubes and sprinkle with seasoning.

Spiced Pork Ribs

Total time: 3 hours, 10 minutes

Servings: 6

2 racks (about 4 pounds) baby back ribs

1/4 cup Tajín Clásíco Seasoning

1/4 cup Tajín Mild Hot Sauce, plus additional for serving, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons brown sugar lime wedges, for serving mashed potatoes or steamed rice, for serving (optional)

Rub ribs with seasoning. Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 300 F. Combine hot sauce, oil and brown sugar; brush over both rib racks. Line baking sheet with double layer of aluminum foil with

enough overhang to wrap foil around ribs.

Lay ribs, bone side down, on foil-lined baking sheet. Wrap foil around ribs and seal. Place on baking sheet. Fill large baking dish or roasting pan with 2 inches of boiling water. Place on lower oven rack to keep ribs moist as they bake. Place ribs on middle oven rack. Bake 2 1/2-3 hours, or until meat is tender and just starting to fall off bone.

Preheat broiler. Unwrap ribs and place on foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 4-6 minutes on middle oven rack, or until lightly charred and caramelized. Serve with lime wedges and additional hot sauce.

Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed white rice, if desired.

Award-Winning Pilates and Wellness Brand Lindywell Launches on Amazon

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.,

PRNewswire -- Lindywell, the online wellness platform with Pilates at its core and a focus on the mind-body connection through breathwork, announced that their popular Pilates products have launched on Amazon. com, providing an easy way for customers to shop their favorite gear. Visit https://www.amazon. com/Lindywell to shop.

Awarded “Best Pilates App” by Women’s Health and a Health Fitness Award “App and Virtual Fitness” winner, Lindywell continues to lead the movement towards more mindful wellness, including the brand’s strategic decision to bring its “Remember to Breathe” product line to the masses. There has been a groundswell shift across the fitness industry towards overall wellbeing, with consumers focused on exercise to support physical and mental health rather than body changes. In fact, 78% of exercisers said that mental and emotional well-being was the number one reason for exercising.*

“We are incredibly excited to launch in the world’s best-in-class e-commerce retailer,” said Robin Long, CEO and Founder of Lindywell. “It has always been our mission to make Lindywell’s Grace Over Guilt approach accessible to everyone, and the launch of our products on Amazon

further allows us to achieve that goal.”

Lindywell’s launch includes a dedicated brand store and four of Lindywell’s best-selling equipment in Lindywell’s signature color palette. The eco-friendly products were sourced and carefully created by Robin to ensure that they met the highest standards and perfectly represent the brand’s philosophy of breaking free from diet and exercise norms and encourage confidence and a Grace Over Guilt approach to living your best life.

Lindywell products available at launch include:

Pilates Mat: The Lindywell Pilates Powerhouse Mat is the foundation of your workout. This 10mm nontoxic mat is thicker than traditional mats to provide support for your spine and comfort during your workout. The extra thickness offers the perfect balance of support and stability so you feel grounded as you move, breathe and stretch. Measuring 6 feet long & 26 inches wide, it’s longer and wider than typical mats –providing adequate space to move through your workouts. Made from fully recyclable materials and free from latex, bisphenol-A (BPA), PVC, lead, phthalates, dioxins, and other problematic chemicals.

Resistance Bands: Our Lindywell bands are the perfect

tool to help you tone your arms, legs, hips and glutes. Our color-coded fabric resistance bands are durable, snap proof, and extra comfortable. Perfect for every fitness level, each set comes with three levels so you can customize the intensity of your workouts. All made with eco-friendly materials.

Hand Weights: At 2.2 LB each, our no-slip capsule hand weights are designed for style and comfort. Unlike traditional hand weights, our capsules have a sleek and smooth design customized for your grip. Perfect for fine-toning and Pilates! Made from recycled stainless steel wrapped in baby-soft silicone.

Water Bottles: Keep your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot throughout the day with your Lindywell powder coated water bottle. It’s the perfect way to keep your energy up by staying hydrated while calming your mind as you “remember to breathe.” The water bottles are sweatproof and smooth to the touch. The stainless steel, BPA free water bottle is free of lead, ultra-trace metals, major anions, full range of organic compounds (hydrocarbons, PAH, pesticides, volatiles, PCB, etc.)

Lindywell plans to add more product offerings to its Amazon storefront in the coming months to further equip shoppers with all the tools needed to upgrade workouts and create personal Pilates studios at home.

Centered around a “Grace over Guilt” approach, Lindywell provides programs, tools and coaching to help a global community of millions of women in over 169 countries shift their approach to mental and physical health. Through intentional and effective Pilates workouts, self-care resources, and guided breathwork experiences, Lindywell helps its community members overcome negative habitual thinking, while revitalizing their overall strength and health. You can try the hundreds of Pilates and breathwork classes on the Lindywell app which is available to download in the App Store and Google Play.

Lupus Research Alliance Awards $3 Million to Advance Pediatric Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis and Treatment

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is pleased to announce that the 2023 Global Team Science Award (GTSA) has been granted to an exceptional multidisciplinary research team of experts in immunology, pediatric rheumatology and nephrology, genetics, and data analysis to identify drivers of lupus nephritis in children with the aim of improving its diagnosis and treatment. The 2023 GTSA project will be headed by corresponding investigator Elena Hsieh, M.D., Associate Professor of Immunology & Microbiology and Pediatrics at the University of Colorado, Anschutz School of Medicine.

Established in 2020, the GTSA provides $3 million over three years to a highly synergistic, collaborative research team to catalyze groundbreaking discoveries and revolutionize our understanding of the development, progression and treatment of lupus. Made possible by a generous grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the GTSA encourages collaborative teams to apply cutting-edge technologies to shift the paradigm in our understanding of lupus heterogeneity — how the disease affects each person differently — to accelerate the development of novel therapies.

“We are delighted to award the 2023 Global Team Science Award as part of our strategic plan for research to scientists who will apply innovative technologies to investigate immune cell abnormalities and changes in the genetic code of patients with pediatric lupus nephritis,” noted Teodora Staeva, Ph.D., LRA Chief Scientific Officer. “Selected from many compelling proposals, this project will explore the heterogeneity of lupus and help inform the acceleration of personalized treatments for lupus nephritis.”

Identifying Genetic and Immunological Determinants of Childhood Lupus Nephritis

The 2023 GTSA team aims to improve the ability of

kidney biopsies to predict response to treatment and disease progression, enabling better classification of childhood-onset lupus nephritis and the development of precision medicine. The team will study tissue samples from kidney biopsies from an international group of 300-400 pediatric lupus nephritis patients in five countries, including those in highrisk racial/ethnic groups such as those of African, Hispanic, Native American and Asian racial/ethnic origins who typically have a higher frequency of kidney involvement and more severe disease activity.

The team will use cutting-edge imaging techniques to characterize molecular, cellular and structural changes in patients’ kidney biopsies and identify associations between these changes and the patients’ disease course, including their response to treatment. Patients will then be grouped into distinct “buckets” based on the changes observed in their kidney biopsies, clinical presentation and clinical laboratory measures, including response to treatment, as well as alterations in their genetic makeup. Grouping patients based on their clinical characteristics will help identify treatments that work best for each group.

Dr. Hsieh commented, “This study could revolutionize the current diagnosis and treatment approach to pediatric lupus nephritis. The current gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring lupus nephritis, kidney tissue biopsy, is not sensitive enough to characterize structural changes in the kidney or predict how a patient will respond to treatment. By identifying drivers of lupus nephritis, the study can shift the diagnosis and treatment strategy from a trial-and-error approach to one guided by underlying immune system and

genetic characteristics.”

As an expert in clinical and basic immunology, Dr. Hsieh will lead the team and oversee the group of patients from Children’s Hospital Colorado. Co-principal investigators comprising the multidisciplinary research team include:

Jean-Laurent Casanova, M.D., Ph.D., Levy Family Professor, Rockefeller University. As a pediatric immunologist, Dr. Casanova will use his expertise in genetic causes of immune disease to identify genetic alterations in patients with pediatric lupus nephritis patients using a technique called whole exome sequencing. Debashis Ghosh, Ph.D., Professor, University of Colorado, Anschutz School of Medicine. A biostatistician, Dr. Ghosh will use his biostatistics and informatics analytical expertise to lead data analysis and integration.

Jeffrey B. Hodgin, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine. As a renal pathologist, Dr. Hodgin will use his expertise in assessing biopsies to lead the pathological evaluation and scoring of the contributed kidney samples.

Shaun W. Jackson, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine. As a pediatric rheumatologist and nephrologist, Dr. Jackson will use his expertise in pediatric kidney disease and tissue molecular analysis to co-lead the immunological and kidney imaging studies.

Tiphanie P. Vogel, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine. As a pediatric and adult rheumatologist, Dr. Vogel will use her expertise in lupus and specifically genetic causes of immune disease and co-lead the clinical, immunological, and genetic studies.

Lindywell’s “Remember to Beathe” Product Line. PRNewsfoto/Lindywell

DOGS PETS LIVESTOCK

below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 25-32101-058-0000. Commonly known as 12724 S. Laflin Street, Calumet Park, IL 60827. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff's Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 Lucerne Drive, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130. (440) 572-1512. ILF2209021 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3226806

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, -v.HENRIETTA HODGE A/K/A HENRIETTA BARNER A/K/A HENRIETTA JO BARNER Defendants 20 CH 01352 12509 SOUTH JUSTINE STREET CALUMET PARK, IL 60827

to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-3469088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney

File No. 20-03519IL Attorney Code. 61256

Case Number: 20 CH 01352 TJSC#: 43-2957

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 20 CH 01352 I3227165

PUBLIC NOTICE 30 DAY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO JOSEPH SANFORD OF 6840 S CHAPPEL CHICAGO, IL 60649 THAT IF A 1990 LINCOLN MARK VIII VIN# 1LNCM93E2LY717109 IS NOT PICKED UP FROM KAR KARE SERVICE AT 7455 S. EXCHANGE AVE. CHICAGO, IL. 60649 BY SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 A SALE WILL BE HELD PERSUANT TO IL SEC OFSTATE CHAPTER 770/45/1 ET SEQ. & CHAPTER 770/90/1 ET SEQ. THAT ENFORCES A MECHANICAL LIEN OR UNPAID LABOR, SERVICES, AND STORAGE FEES. THE VEHICLE WILL BE SOLD FOR THE UNPAID CHARGES OF $13,958.

what goes on in the classroom, you can facilitate their study time at home by setting up an A+ workstation. Here’s how:

1. Choose a location: Select a location that’s well-lit, preferably with some natural light, and away from noise and distractions. Whether it’s your child’s bedroom or a corner of the dining area, the area should be large enough for all their supplies and tech to stay organized.

2. Use color wisely: Research has shown that certain colors have the power to boost productivity and creativity or promote a sense of calm. Decorating the space with care could potentially help your student weather crunch periods with ease. You may also opt to color code binders, dividers and other supplies by coursework so that your child can quickly identify the items they need.

3. Update tech: Equip the workstation with the latest technology and educational tools. For easy essay composition, your child’s suite of devices should include a tablet or laptop and a printer. To get your student prepped for math and science classes, be sure to supply them with a graphing calculator featuring the latest capabilities. The fx9750GIII, for example, is not only stylishly available in trending colors, it’s capable of programming in CASIO Basic and MicroPython. Python files are easily stored and transferred via USB to a computer. With graph and statistical functions, exam compatibility mode and a suite educational resources, your student will be well prepared to take on all their STEM coursework and test prep.

4. Prevent clutter: Clutter can pile up all too easily, making it difficult to find notes and assignments. Keep the mess to a minimum with the addition of a few organizational tools. Hang a corkboard to post reminders and to-do lists. Add wall shelving or a sorting tray to keep papers filed by subject area or due date, and use small baskets or cups to collect erasers, paper clips and other small supplies. Finally, be sure the workstation has its own waste bin, so that items that are no longer needed can be efficiently tossed or recycled.

Must-Have Items for Your High Schooler's Backto-School Shopping List

(StatePoint) Setting your high schooler up for a successful school year all starts with having the right educational tools and personal supplies. Here are the must-have items to add to your cart this back-toschool shopping season:

Association (AMA).

In an effort to promote a safer, healthier school year for everyone, the AMA is sharing these vaccine facts and insights:

• Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. Routine childhood immunization is highly effective at preventing disease over a lifetime, reducing the incidence of all targeted diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio and chickenpox. For the U.S. population in 2019, vaccines prevented more than 24 million cases of disease.

• The benefits of vaccines can be quantified. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination of children born between 1994 and 2021 will prevent 472 million illnesses, almost 30 million hospitalizations and more than 1 million deaths, saving nearly $2.2 trillion in total societal costs, including $479 billion in direct costs.

A Tablet or eReader If you remember your own high school years as being defined by lugging heavy textbooks around campus all day and then home with you each night, consider sending your teen back to school with an e-reader or tablet. This slim, backsaving technology makes it possible for students to access the educational content of all their many courses in one place. What’s more, some studies suggest electronic devices facilitate learning better than physical textbooks. Look for options that offer annotation and note-taking capabilities, as well as a full-color display, so that textbook diagrams and images can be fully understood.

(StatePoint) Want to help guarantee your child’s academic success? While you can’t control

5. Consider ergonomics: Eliminate distractions by making sure the workstation is ergonomic-friendly and comfy. If your child sits at a desk, ensure their computer monitor is at eye level and that their feet touch the floor. Adjustable laptop tables can transform a makeshift work area on the couch or bed into a comfortable workstation. By setting up a dedicated homework area designed for productivity, you can help your student make the grade.

How to Help Keep Your Child Safe and Healthy This School Year

(StatePoint) As students return to classrooms, doctors say that it’s important to ensure that children are up-to-date with routine childhood vaccinations.

“The evidence around vaccinations is abundantly clear; they’re safe, effective and will help protect you, your loved ones and your community from preventable diseases. If you have questions about vaccines, their safety, or effectiveness, please speak to your physician. We are here for you, eager to answer your questions, and ensure your family is protected,” says Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H., president of the American Medical

• Vaccination rates have fallen. Even before the rise in vaccine misinformation and disinformation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy was increasing, elevating the risk of community outbreaks, which put under-and unvaccinated children at risk for serious illnesses, like measles. According to a mid-January 2023 report from the CDC, vaccination coverage decreased in most states for all vaccines among kindergarteners for the 2021-22 school year when compared with the previous school year, which was already below pre-pandemic levels.

• Speak to your child’s physician. With increased misinformation around vaccinations, it is critical that you seek out reliable, evidence-based sources for information. These sources may begin with websites like getvaccineanswers.org, but they should also include your child’s physician.

Physicians can also answer questions on the new monoclonal antibody therapy, nirsevimab, available for infants and children under the age of 19 months, for the prevention of RSV disease.

• Don’t let cost be a barrier.

Programs like Vaccines for Children (VFC) are federally funded to provide no-cost vaccinations to children whose families otherwise could not afford them. Parents can learn more by contacting their state or local health department.

“Make an annual well-child visit and immunizations a part of your household’s back-to-school routine,” says Dr. Ehrenfeld. “Doing so will protect you and your family from a number of preventable illnesses. It’s something I do for my own children, and I urge you to do so, too.”

A Graphing Calculator In high school STEM classes such as trigonometry, calculus and physics, students need to go beyond simply arriving at the correct answer. They must also understand the theory and foundation behind the mathematical principles they are studying. That’s where a highlyfunctional graphing calculator can come into play. Designed for high school students and beyond, Casio’s affordable fx9750GIII graphing calculator builds on the cutting-edge capabilities of its predecessors, offering a more seamless learning experience, an enhanced natural display and an improved keypad for fractions, standard-to-decimal conversion and scientific notation. Expanded menu options include Exam Mode, to comply with major standardized test-taking rules, as well as a Python Add-In, giving students the ability to create, save, edit and run Python files, as well as import and export these files with streamlined computer connectivity.

Personal Items

Send your teenager to school with some basic personal supplies that they can leave in their locker. Having access to these items between classes will help them feel their best throughout the day and eliminate distractions, so they can better concentrate on learning. A stick of deodorant is especially useful for students enrolled in physical education or who are involved in sports. Also include a bottle of hand sanitizer to help fight infections, particularly as cold and flu season draws near, feminine hygiene products, dental floss and tissues. An extra layer is also always helpful in both cooler weather and during the warmer months when the air conditioning may be running at full force.

In high school, the coursework becomes much more challenging and the social terrain much more complex. However, with the latest tech tools and a stash of personal supplies, your teenager can navigate both arenas with less stress.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) netrun78 / iStock via Getty Images Plus

American Medical Association President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., and his son Ethan.

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