South Suburban Citizen 12-13-2023 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

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SOUTH SUBURBAN

WEEK OF DECEMBER 13, 2023

WEEKLY

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The Balloon Queens designed this sneaker for an event. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE BALLOON QUEENS

BUSINESS COQUAL RELEASES NEW FINDINGS FROM ITS BLACK EQUITY INDEX P4 FREE | VOL 43 | ISSUE 04

Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois’ Statewide Launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library P3

Tiasha Echols and Saundra Woods are known as The Balloon Queens. They create beautiful balloon designs for events. They are headed to London for the Big Balloon Build this month. Photo provided by The Balloon Queens. Tiasha Echols and Saundra Woods are known as The Balloon Queens. They create beautiful balloon designs for events. They are headed to London for the Big Balloon Build this month. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE BALLOON QUEENS.

THE BALLOON QUEENS

CREATE COLORFUL BALLOON DESIGNS

Saundra Woods and Tiasha Echols launched The Balloon Queens, LLC, in 2019, bringing together their love of creating balloon designs for events. P2

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Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Senator Durbin Lead Congressional Support for ATF Proposed Rule to Expand Background Checks P5

NEWS

briefly GOV. PRITZKER CELEBRATES OPENING OF META’S DEKALB DATA CENTER The campus builds on Illinois’ thriving data center ecosystem CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker joined local elected officials, Meta leadership, and business and academic leaders to celebrate the opening of Meta’s Data Center in Dekalb. The data center is now fully operational and is supported by 100% renewable energy. “As Illinois grows its status as a technology hub of the future, this data center is bringing investment and vitality to a newly thriving community,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re thrilled that Meta is committed not just to continuing to build a successfully company, but also to lifting up the people of this entire region.” Meta also announced a partnership with Northern Illinois University to support the NIU Barb City STEAM Studio that is designed to increase college and career readiness for DeKalb High School students. The new program will support students interested in engineering, robotics, and other STEM fields with the goal of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. The DeKalb Data Center is now serving traffic, interfacing, and connecting with a global infrastructure of data and technology hubs connecting people across the world. Its construction created over 1,200 skilled trade jobs that contributed to the 2.3 million square foot campus. The fully operational facility will support over 200 good-paying jobs in the DeKalb community and represents an investment of more than $1 billion in the state of Illinois. Meta also has upcoming projects in DeWitt and Morgan counties, and the three data centers will cumulatively add 300 megawatts of renewable energy to Illinois. The new campus builds on Illinois’ thriving data center industry, supported by the Pritzker administration’s data center incentives. Currently, four of the largest data center campuses in the nation are being built in Illinois, creating thousands of jobs and investing billions in the state.

REP. ROBIN KELLY CELEBRATES $45,000 AMERICORPS AWARD FOR GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY University Park, Ill. – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) celebrated a $45,180 federal grant awarded to Governors State University to support a new AmeriCorps VISTA project. Governors State University’s VISTA project will double the current capacity of the Jaguar Jumps program, which serves students with disabilities, and provide wrap-around services to 650 veterans. In addition to these funds, AmeriCorps will also provide education scholarships to AmeriCorps VISTA members to support college tuition, vocational training, and student loan repayment. The People’s Music School to Perform “Winter Spectacular,” a Heartwarming Holiday Concert at Historic Riviera Theatre in Uptown The People’s Music School, Chicago’s largest 100% free music school serving black and brown communities, believes in the power of music to spark joy and change lives. This holiday season, you can experience a heartwarming day of musical magic at the Winter Spectacular, a holiday concert presented by The People’s Music School. On Sunday, December 17, at 10 a.m. nearly 300 K-12 students will gather at the historic Riviera Theatre in Uptown to perform in The People’s Music School’s Winter Spectacular. The two-part concert will feature a wide range of musical performances, from jazz standards and string ensembles, to holiday tunes and choral pieces. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Event details can be found at peoplesmusicschool.org/winterspectacular. The People’s Music School provides widespread access to these benefits with their 100% tuition-free model, allowing students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it to gain an intensive music education.

South Suburban | Week of December 13, 2023

SOUTH SUBURBAN

The Balloon Queens create colorful balloon designs

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Woods had to take a four-hour practical exam and score 80% or higher. Both Woods and Echols are committed to educating themselves and expanding their knowledge Woods has been working in the balloon industry on new techniques and skills associated with balloon for more than 20 years and Echols has been working décor. in the balloon industry for almost five years. Now, they The amount of time it takes to are headed to London to particicreate balloon décor depends on pate in The Big Balloon Build this the project. For balloon columns month. it can take an hour to an hour and The theme of this year’s Big a half. For something more extenBalloon Build is Christmas in sive, like a football helmet, it can London. Woods and Echols partake 12 to 16 hours. Woods favorticipated in the Big Balloon Build ite project is the football helmet last year stateside in Kansas City. and Echols favorite project is the They will be one of 75 balloon sneaker. artists from all over the world Being able to collaborate with creating an immersive balloon other balloon designers and talk experience that will raise funds about their business has benefor a local charity. Woods and fitted them. They look forward to Echols are into giving back. being able to network with other “Just to do something this creatives. They understand their massive, knowing the proceeds business is luxury décor. are going to help some children The Balloon Queens have or the people in that organization created balloon décor for the City in London is awesome. Also, of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, working with so many profesThe Stellar Awards, Juan and Only sional, amazing balloon designEvents, Soul Children of Chicago, ers from all over the world, is as well as celebrities. epic,” Echols said. The Balloon Queens have been Through balloon décor, The The Balloon Queens created this holiday themed working with schools on an educaBalloon Queens have been able balloon design for an event. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE tional program called The Elements to build relationships with other BALLOON QUEENS. of Design, where they share their artists all over the world. Echols talents and creativity weekly with will be a team lead on the Big Balloon Build in London. It will be her first time travelling to those students. Their goal is to create global leaders in the balloon décor industry. London to create balloon décor. The Balloon Queens is located at 503 W. Taft Drive, “I never imagined in a million years that balloons in South Holland. For more information about The would give me an opportunity to travel and do what we Balloon Queens, visit www.theballoonqueens.com, For love to do,” Echols said. more information about The Balloon Queens, visit www. Woods has been named a Certified Balloon Artist theballoonqueens.com, or call 773-681-9995. from Qualatex Balloon Network. For that certification, BY TIA CAROL JONES

Alzheimer’s Association Extends Caregiver Award Nomination Deadline ILLINOIS – In response to overwhelming demand, the Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce the extension of the Caregiver Award nomination period until Dec. 15. This extension provides an additional opportunity for communities to recognize and celebrate the remarkable caregivers who tirelessly support individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. To honor these outstanding caregivers, we are delighted to announce the Caregiver Awards, which will recognize two distinct categories of caregivers: Family & Friend Caregiver: This category is dedicated to individuals who provide care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia within their family or as a friend. Professional Caregiver: This category is open to individuals who work in professional roles to care for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including healthcare professionals, caregivers in healthcare facilities, and other related positions. The Caregiver Award aims to spotlight the selflessness and compassion demonstrated by caregivers across

Illinois. For more information or nominations can be submitted online at https://bit.ly/3QnQAxq. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter will formally present the awards at the “Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon,” a special event taking place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Four Seasons in Chicago. This luncheon will not only include the award ceremony but also feature an inspiring program dedicated to honoring caregivers and community leaders who support Alzheimer’s patients and their families. “This extension aligns with our commitment to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of caregivers. They are the unsung heroes, and this extension allows us to cast a brighter spotlight on their exceptional efforts,” said Katie Lane, Director of Grants & Strategic Partnerships at the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Nominees for the Caregiver Award should exemplify qualities such as patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Individuals, families, and organizations are encouraged to participate in this initiative

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South Suburban | Week of December 13, 2023

SOUTH SUBURBAN

NEWS

Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois’ Statewide Launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Dollywood Foundation Executive Director Nora Briggs, United Way of McLean County President and CEO David Taylor, local officials, parents, and community members at the Bloomington Public Library for the statewide launch of Illinois’ partnership with The Dollywood Foundation to provide Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This book gifting program mails free, high-quality, and age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of the family’s income. Governor Pritzker’s FY24 budget allocates $1.6 million to the program to support early childhood learning in Illinois and instill lifelong reading practice. “Today, I couldn’t be prouder to announce that Illinois is beginning its journey to provide every child under

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the age of five an opportunity to sign up and have a free book delivered to their house every month,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Research shows that early literacy makes a big difference for our youngest learners when it comes to developing language and social skills. It’s one of the many reasons my administration allocated funding in FY24’s historic budget to make this partnership possible -furthering our transformative early childhood education goals.” “I am so excited to announce that Illinois is expanding my Imagination Library statewide,” said Dolly Parton. “Thank you to Governor JB Pritzker and all our local program partners across Illinois who worked so hard to make this dream a reality.” The Imagination Library Program is supported by The Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton in 1988. Since launching in 1995, the Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world, with the mission of inspiring a love of reading in children from birth to age five. Inspired by Dolly’s father’s inability to read, the Imagination Library Program was launched in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee. The program’s significant impact led to its international expansion and has gifted over 220 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. On a monthly basis, the Imagination Library mails over 2.8 million books. The program is currently active in areas across forty counties in Illinois with over 30,000 children currently receiving books and with this expansion, is expected to fully cover the entire state. To ensure that all children can participate, new local program partners are needed, and existing Imagination Library programs are encouraged to grow capacity to register additional children. Research has shown that the first five years of life are critical for young children, with around 90% of brain development occurring during those years. Daily readings by parents

or caregivers provide the greatest opportunity to prepare their child for school, and literacy is a long term major social determinant of health and economic impact. Children receiving books through the Imagination Library see increased readiness for kindergarten and higher academic achievement. “I’m thrilled Dolly Parton’s Imaginary Library is expanding, bringing the love of reading to children across Illinois,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Advocates like Dolly Parton have helped get our children excited about reading, learning, and discovery, and I’m grateful Illinois can partner with such a strong voice. I am firmly committed to supporting early childhood education—and how magical it is that we get to send free books to kids right at home?” “Every child should have access to books at home,” said Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois State Superintendent of Education. “The Dolly Parton Imagination Library and State of Illinois are removing barriers to early literacy by providing free books to our youngest readers.” “Today’s students who don’t have opportunities to become strong readers are tomorrow’s adults— adults who desperately need literacy to sign a lease agreement, fill out a job application, manage their own health care, support their children’s education, and participate in our democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “The Dolly Parton Imagine Library is a critical program that gives young students the tools they need to succeed—both now and throughout life.” To learn more about becoming a local program partner, contact Pam Hunsaker at Phunsaker@imaginationlibrary.com. To check to see if a program is available in your area, visit the ‘find my program’ page on www.imaginationlibrary.com. You can enroll your child or sign up to be notified when a program comes to your community. Visit back often as we expand across the state.

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

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ALZHEIMER’S to honor those making a significant impact on the lives of affected individuals. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease

Continued From Page 2 through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit alz.org or call 800.2723900.

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POLITICAL AFFAIRS

TREASURER PAPPAS URGES OWNERS TO PAY LATE PROPERTY TAXES TO AVOID UPCOMING TAX SALE AS 22,884 OWE LESS THAN $1,000 Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas urges property owners who have not paid property taxes that were due in 2022 to act quickly to avoid the Annual Tax Sale. To find out if your property is on the Annual Tax Sale list: • Go to cookcountytreasurer.com • Use the purple box on the home page labeled “Your Property Tax Overview” and search using an address or Property Index Number (PIN) • A banner with an urgent warning will appear if your property is on the Annual Tax Sale list. You may also use the website to correct your mailing address. Each year the U.S. Postal Service returns thousands of certified notices sent to owners of properties on the Annual Tax Sale list because property owners have not kept their mailing addresses up to date. The Annual Tax Sale will occur Jan. 9-12, 2024, for properties with unpaid 2021 property taxes due in 2022. The Annual Tax Sale occurs 13 months after the due date. Owners of 52,401 properties owe more than $236 million in taxes that were due in 2022. Nearly 30,000 owe more than $1,000 while 22,884 owe less than $1,000, including owners of 15,944 properties in Chicago and 6,940 parcels in suburban Cook County. The Treasurer’s Office is mailing certified notices alerting property owners their unpaid taxes are to be offered for sale, which would put a lien against their properties. It is the first step in a process that can end with a property owner losing their home, business or land. Besides the mailings, the Treasurer’s Office will publish lists of properties with delinquencies tax lists in local newspapers. Payment can be made in five ways: Online for free at cookcountytreasurer.com In person at any Chase Bank location in Illinois. In person at any of more than 100 community banks where you have an account By mail In person at the Treasurer’s Office Homeowners also can use the website to make sure they are receiving exemptions for which they qualify. Examples include the Homeowner, Senior Citizen and Senior Freeze exemptions. Investors buy delinquent tax debt during the Annual Tax Sale. The Annual Tax Sale does not involve the sale of actual properties. By law, the Treasurer’s Office cannot and does not give legal advice related to tax sales. You are strongly advised to seek an attorney’s advice relating to any sale of your taxes. If your taxes are sold your options include redeeming your taxes, seeking a Sale-in-Error Declaration or filing a statutory “Redemption Under Protest.” Visit cookcountytreasurer.com for more information about property taxes sold at the Annual Tax Sale.

BUSINESS

South Suburban | Week of December 13, 2023

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It’s always the right time to plan for retirement CONTENT SPONSORED BY JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or plan to stop working in a few years, it’s never too early – or too late – to save for retirement. Ideally, retirement planning and saving should start as soon as you get your first paycheck, but it’s easy to focus on more pressing expenses in your 20s, 30s and 40s, like paying for a house or raising children. By your 50s or 60s, however, you might feel you haven’t saved enough to avoid worrying about financial security in retirement. There’s always time to make changes. Consider these options to protect your assets, build credit, and maintain and grow your investments for a financially worry-free future. Start with the basics No matter your age or current financial status, the following steps are the foundation of most retirement plans. • Begin with a 401(k). If available, consider joining your employer’s retirement plan, like a 401(k). You can set up automatic deposits each pay period, and many employers will match your financial contributions, giving you more funds for the future. • Consider opening an IRA. Find out if you’re eligible for an individual retirement account (IRA) and consider contributing what you can. You can have an IRA in addition to an employer-based plan. • Put your money to work. A general investment account has the potential to grow your savings even more.

Play catch up Understanding your current financial picture and planning for benefits, like Social Security and pensions, are important steps to figuring out how much income you may have in retirement. If you’re nearing your projected retirement date and you don’t think you have enough saved to maintain your current or desired lifestyle, here are a few considerations to help get you in a better position. • Make catch-up contributions. Many tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts, like IRAs and 401(k)s, allow catch-up contributions for people 50 and over. That means you can contribute more than the government-set maximum each year, up to a certain amount, to make up for what you didn’t contribute in the past. • Make sure you have adequate insurance. In ad-

dition to making sure your life insurance is current, look into long-term care and disability insurance before you retire to save money on future health care costs. • Consider your home equity as part of the equation. If you plan to remain in your home, a home equity line of credit may be another option to fund certain expenses in retirement. If you choose to downsize to a smaller home, it may free up cash in your home’s equity for you to use. • Tap other sources of income and equity. Do you have taxable brokerage accounts or other general savings? Include these funding sources, if you have them, when projecting how much you’ll have in retirement. • Keep working. A growing number of people are working in semi-retirement and developing portfolios that produce passive income. Some might continue working full-time for longer than planned to build more savings. If you can generate enough income and are able to wait until age 70 to claim Social Security, it may allow you to maximize benefits over your lifetime. Make a plan No matter your current financial situation, set aside some time to review your options. There are many helpful tools, including articles, calculators and financial advice from professionals, to help you craft a roadmap to transition to your years in retirement. Planning for your unique situation may help you get closer to where you want to be in retirement, even if you don’t feel that you’re there yet. For more information and online retirement articles, tools and calculators, visit chase.com/retirement.

COQUAL RELEASES NEW FINDINGS FROM ITS BLACK EQUITY INDEX NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Coqual, a leading global think tank, today released a new white paper with the results of its second annual Black Equity Index (BEI), a benchmarking tool created for companies to drive measurable change, track true progress, and demonstrate their commitment to racial equity in the workplace. Coqual finds most (86%) companies that participated in the BEI are concerned about the outcome of the US Supreme Court Affirmative Action case, and its implications for workplaces. Compared with last year, companies’ involvement in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion conversation is diminishing from the public eye—with its risk of public and legal scrutiny—and some are shrinking their investment in DE&I teams. “Despite the recent attacks on DE&I initiatives nationwide, companies have maintained ongoing efforts to improve equity in the workplace,” said Coqual CEO Lanaya Irvin. “Participating PRNewsFoto companies are committed to driving racial equity, transparency, and are dedicated to making meaningful strides in the workplace.” Established in 2022, the BEI harnesses the power of data to create opportunity for Black professionals and measures an organization’s efforts in six domains: accountability, advancement, representation, investment, sustainability, and public engagement. Informed by Coqual’s decades of research and DE&I expertise, the white paper presents actions within each domain that companies can take in the complex pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. More than 40 companies participated in Coqual’s second annual BEI survey, representing a diverse group of the corporate sector — both small and large public and private companies from industries such as healthcare, tech, banking, and retail. The number of participating companies nearly doubled from the BEI’s inaugural year, indicating that corporate America is working hard to improve their DE&I efforts. BEI KEY DATA & FINDINGS: Representation: Building Black representation at every level of an organization is critical to moving DE&I efforts forward. Representation continues to lag and ranks as one of two BEI domains most in need of improvement.

Fewer than 2 in 5 BEI participating companies have 10% or greater Black representation in their workforce. Only 7% of people managers—and only 3% of executives—are Black. Black professionals are more likely to be represented in HR and support functions. On average, 13% of support professionals and 12% of HR employees are Black. Half of BEI participating companies have surpassed 10% Black representation at the Board of Directors’ level. Yet one in eight companies (13%) still do not have a single Black board member. Accountability: Companies PRNewsfoto/Coqual must hold their leaders accountable for the state of DE&I as they do for other business priorities. Transparency is transformative— and Coqual finds opportunities within the accountability domain for companies to be more vocal about the great equity work they are already undertaking. Nearly 7 in 10 (67%) participating companies include a DE&I-related focus in C-suite performance evaluations. Fewer companies (58%) hold leaders to this level of accountability by considering workforce diversity in performance evaluations. Even fewer still (44%) tie C-suite pay to progress on diversity metrics. Investment: Companies must back their commitments with tangible resources. Deepening and sustaining investment in DE&I is integral to rooting out inequity and ensuring that inclusion is a top priority throughout the organization. Nearly all respondents (81%) have an organization-wide DE&I task force, council, or working group that is separate from their DE&I team. Of companies that provide anti-bias training, 5 out of 10 companies (55%) make it mandatory for senior leaders. Coqual’s 2023 BEI results indicate great progress, as well as great opportunity for increased investment. This is not the time to slow down. Coqual suggests the following data-based actions for leaders to use moving forward. As always, Coqual’s corporate guidance is backed by decades of intersectional, deep-dive research and advisory work and thought leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recommendations include: Study and champion sponsorship. Get clear on the critical distinctions between mentorship and sponsorship,

and work towards building a culture of sponsorship. Sponsorship programs should be monitored for effectiveness and refined accordingly. Recruit from the top down. Pay attention to your board, your executives, your people managers, and other key positions of power within your organization. If Black professionals are concentrated at entry level, and siloed in certain positions, the work is not done. Disaggregate, always. While overall representation numbers may seem positive, Black professionals may be overconcentrated in certain roles and lack access to others, as our BEI results show. Companies should aspire to reflect the regions in which they operate, and in certain parts of the country, Black representation far exceeds 14%. Get high-tech. BEI companies share that they are tapping into technology to help make their recruitment and hiring processes more equitable. Leverage the growing body of technology built to help the mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion—but of course, vet it critically and thoroughly. Connect with Black youth. In addition to college recruitment, invest in and improve representation long-term by partnering with schools, and grassroots and nonprofit programs that serve Black youth. Companies can sign on to learn more and participate by emailing BEI@coqual.org Methodology: The 2023 Black Equity Index is an annual survey that captures information on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts focused on Black professionals. This computer-assisted survey was fielded online between February and May of 2023. A total of 43 companies submitted completed forms. All information was provided by representatives from respective companies and relied on voluntary, self-report data. Activities associated with instrumentation, fielding, and analysis were conducted by Coqual, an independent, nonprofit research organization. Additionally, each company that submitted a completed interview received an individual company scorecard documenting their standing across each of the six BEI domains. Weighted calculations of domain totals were applied for a maximum index score of 180. Response items that were left blank were treated as missing or non-applicable. The findings presented here are descriptive in nature and do not attempt to make any inferences about the programming impact of participating companies, or their related outcomes.

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Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Senator Durbin Lead Congressional Support for ATF Proposed Rule to Expand Background Checks WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led letters signed by over 160 Members of Congress in support of a proposed rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) titled “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms.” This proposal utilizes provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), passed in 2022 and signed into law by President Biden, to expand background check requirements for gun sellers not previously classified as a Federal firearm licensee (FFL). The proposed rule will expand the definition of “engaged in the business” of dealing firearms to anyone who sells firearms to earn a profit, requiring them to register as an FFL and perform background checks. By doing so, this rule will close potential loopholes that allow individuals to avoid background checks. The initiative aligns with the overarching goal of the BSCA, to prevent gun violence and create safer communities. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a historic step forward to prevent gun violence and make our communities safer for everyone. The proposed ATF rule to clarify and strengthen background check requirements honors the spirit of the BSCA and will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “I am proud to lead my colleagues in support of the rule and reflect our unwavering commitment to public safety. I will continue to support robust efforts to strengthen gun violence prevention laws and invest in communities.” “Too many families have mourned the loss of a loved one – children, parents, friends – because of the rampant gun violence in this country. We must implement further gun violence prevention measures, including ensuring that everyone who purchases a gun passes a background check. Under existing law, certain gun sellers can evade the requirement to perform background checks, potentially allowing firearms to fall into the wrong hands,” said Durbin. “I’m joining my colleagues in support of ATF’s proposed rule to close that loophole and require gun dealers to do their due diligence and conduct background checks on their buyers.” “For the first time in three decades, Congress came together to address the American crisis of gun violence by passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” McBath said. “With this proposed rule, we have the opportunity to take another step towards strengthening our background check system and closing dangerous loopholes that put our communities at risk. I thank my colleagues for their support. Together, we continue to speak up to save lives.” “Closing loopholes that gun sellers use to avoid background checks is an essential step towards ensuring that people who are a danger to themselves or others are not able to purchase firearms. I’m proud to work with gun violence prevention leaders like Robin Kelly and other members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force on moving towards universal background checks. This rule will help us save lives and keep our communities safe from the scourge of gun violence, and I look forward to a continued partnership with ATF to close loopholes and crack down on bad actors seeking to exploit our laws,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was an urgent response to the gun violence epidemic that continues to shatter families and communities — and it’s critical we seize this historic legislation, which is a necessary first step in gun safety reform, to help save lives,” Rep. Dean said. “The ATF’s proposed rule builds on our legislation to close potential loopholes in firearm sales. I’m grateful for Congresswoman Robin Kelly for leading congressional support of this ATF rule.” “America’s current background check system is riddled with loopholes, to the point where it’s like having two security lines at the airport—one where people are required to be screened, and one where people can stroll through carrying whatever guns they want. You can guess which line the criminals prefer. Closing the online and gun show loopholes will keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous people and save lives. We thank Representative Kelly and Senator Durbin and all of the signatories to this comment, and we urge the Administration to urgently finalize their proposed rule as written,” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety.

South Suburban | Week of December 13, 2023 | 5

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Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Gold Star Tree Lighting Ceremony SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker joined active duty military members, veterans, and Gold Star families at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for the Gold Star Tree Lighting ceremony. “The State of Illinois stands with our Gold Star families today and every day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In both joyous and sorrowful moments, we commemorate, remember, and celebrate alongside these families. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice and proud to honor the memory of our state’s fallen heroes. It’s this legacy of giving that marks the holiday season.” The ceremony pays tribute to Illinois’ veterans, fallen heroes, and their families. Governor Pritzker joined the families in decorating and lighting a tree as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance. The Gold Star families in attendance at the ceremony were able to place a commemorative ornament on the tree in honor of their loved ones. “Today we speak the names and honor the sacrifices of our fallen servicemen and women, and our military families,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Their light is truly never gone because it lives on in these families. May we always remember those who gave their lives in service to our county and hold their families in hearts during this holiday season.”

Biden-Harris Administration Prepares for Third Student Debt Relief Negotiation Session The U.S. Department of Education releases updated proposed regulatory text that would provide much-needed debt relief to student borrowers across the country The Biden-Harris Administration today took another step in its continued efforts to provide financial relief to significant numbers of student loan borrowers with the release of an updated copy of proposed regulatory text. The proposals build on the Biden-Harris Administration’s actions to date to provide student loan borrowers with much-needed breathing room. Already the Administration has approved a total of $127 billion in student debt relief for 3.6 million borrowers through a variety of actions. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) will discuss the proposed text released today with its committee of non-Federal negotiators December 11 and 12. This meeting is the next required public step before the Department is able to start working on draft rules, which will be released for public comment next year. In addition, the Department continues to consider relief options for borrowers experiencing financial hardship that the current loan system does not address, and will be dedicating time to this topic in the upcoming negotiating session. “The Biden-Harris Administration has already secured a total of $127 billion in debt relief for 3.6 million borrowers through a variety of actions, but we know there are so many hardworking Americans and families out there who still need help,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Student loans are supposed to be a bridge to a better life, not a life sentence of endless debt. This rulemaking process is about standing up for borrowers who’ve been failed by the country’s broken student loan system and creating new regulations that will reduce the burden of student debt in this country.” The proposed regulatory text released today provides more information on ideas discussed in early November around separate types of debt relief. The updated text reflects suggestions from negotiators and continued review by the Department. The text proposes to provide relief in the following circumstances: Borrowers whose balances are greater than what they owed upon entering repayment. Many borrowers see interest charges grow faster than they can make payments. The Department has addressed these problems going forward through the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan and new policies limiting interest capitalization. One of the Department’s proposals Continue on page 7

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BIDEN-HARRIS... Continued From Page 6 would provide up to $10,000 of relief to all borrowers cially harm students, such as misconduct affecting education more affordable. This includes approving who have experienced balance growth due to interstudent eligibility. This would also apply to programs a total of $127 billion in relief for nearly 3.6 million est. Two additional proposals would provide even or institutions that close prior to the finalization of borrowers, through a variety of actions, including: more interest relief to lower-income borrowers and to such efforts or determinations. Nearly $42 billion for almost 855,000 borrowers borrowers enrolled in SAVE. Next week, the Department and the non-Federal who are eligible for forgiveness through IDR by fixBorrowers whose loans first entered repayment negotiators will discuss these ideas. At the end of ing historical inaccuracies in the count of payments many years ago. The Department updated this prothe two-day session the committee will determine that qualify toward forgiveness. posed text to provide one-time relief 20 years after whether it is able to reach consensus on each of Almost $51 billion for 715,000 public servants entering repayment for borrowers with only underthese ideas individually. Consensus means there is through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) graduate loans. All other borrowers would receive no dissent on a given idea. Following this meeting programs, including the limited PSLF waiver and forgiveness on loans that entered repayment 25 years the Department will work on draft rules that will be Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF). ago, the same timeline as proposed by the Departreleased for public comment next year. The Depart$11.7 billion for almost 513,000 borrowers with a ment at the second session. ment will use any regulatory text that reaches contotal and permanent disability. Borrowers who are eligible for forgiveness under sensus in its draft rules. $22.5 billion for more than 1.3 million borrowers income-driven repayment plans or discharge opWhile the Department is not providing proposed who were cheated by their schools, saw their instiportunities such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness regulatory text related to defining hardship for bortutions precipitously close, or are covered by related but have not yet applied for such relief. The proposal rowers, the Department will consider ways to pursue court settlements. would provide borrowers with the benefits they have relief for this category of borrowers and has dedicatThe Biden-Harris Administration remains earned. The Department simplified this language ed time to address this issue during the December committed to making college more affordable and from the prior session. session. also ensuring student debt is not a roadblock to Borrowers who attended programs or instituA copy of the proposed regulatory text is availattaining a college degree or credential and plantions that failed to deliver sufficient financial value. able at tinyurl.com/bdhnnpvf. Updates on the ning for the future. The Administration launched This policy would provide relief to borrowers who are student debt relief rulemaking process will be posted the most affordable student loan repayment plan left repaying loans where the Department has taken at tinyurl.com/38vxpxus. This includes transcripts ever—the SAVE Plan—earlier this year, has made action to terminate future borrowing at an instituand archived videos of the first and second sessions, the largest increase to Pell Grants in a decade, and tion or program because the institution or program is which took place in October and November. Members has charted a course to double the maximum Pell leaving students with unaffordable debts, or where of the public who wish to view the upcoming session Grant and make community college free to ensuch actions are cut off by closure. The Department or provide public testimony can also find a link on hance college affordability and reduce unnecessary clarified and expanded this proposed language from that page where they can register to do so. There will student debt. The Administration is also holding the prior session. In addition to including situations only be public comment on the first day. institutions accountable for unaffordable debts and where a program or institution failed accountabilContinuing to provide debt relief and support recently issued final regulations that set standards ity measures based on their cohort default rates or borrowers for graduate earnings and debt outcomes for career debt-to-earnings rates, the Department is proposing Today’s announcement builds on the work the programs, while enhancing transparency for all proto include situations where institutions or programs Biden-Harris Administration has already done to grams to give students the information they need to lose access to Federal aid due to actions that finanimprove the student loan program and make higher make informed choices. T:10.75"

T:6.5"

May your days be joyful and bright. At ComEd we’re hard at work to keep your holidays shining bright. For us, illuminating your traditions—big, small, new and old—is the gift that keeps on giving. Seasonal magic and nation-leading* reliability powered by ComEd. Find some twinkling Chicagoland traditions for your family to enjoy at ComEd.com/Holiday Happy Holidays from ComEd. © Commonwealth Edison Company, 2023 *PA Consulting 2023 Reliability One® Outstanding System Reliability Award

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South Suburban| Week of December 13, 2023

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COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER DENNIS DEER & STROGER HOSPITAL LAUNCH ENORMOUS BLOOD DRIVE “WE MUST DEFEAT THE BAD NARRATIVE THAT BLACK AND BROWN INDIVIDUALS DON’T DONATE BLOOD” Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer (2nd District) was joined by Stroger Hospital Executive Donnica Austin-Cathey, Stroger Hospital Physicians, Vitalant Blood Organization Executive Tammy Winchester, Community Activists, and Civic leaders in launching an all-new Cook County Blood Drive. Commissioner Deer, who also serves as the County Board’s Chairman of the Cook County Health Board of Directors, is spearheading this effort all while strongly advocating for more African American and Hispanic donors. “The obvious low numbers in black and brown donors are of great concern throughout the industry of medicine. In the United States, blood donation rates of African American are 25-50% of that of white individuals. Significant improvements in African American donor recruitment are needed to adequately meet the demand of African American patients as well as the entire population. “said Commissioner Deer. Stroger Hospital is joining Commissioner Deer in calling upon the local community to rally behind a critical cause as it host this necessary blood drive. The hospital has joined the Vitalant Organization to ensure a robust response to the ongoing need for blood donations, particularly as we approach the busy holiday period. Those interested in securing a slot for donations are being encouraged to schedule an appointment by contacting Vitalant at 877.258.4825 or by visiting vitalant.org and utilizing the group code ORD0Q428. While appointments are highly recommended, walk-ins are equally welcome to take part in this life-saving event. Preparation is key for donors to maximize the

effectiveness of their contribution. It is advised that potential donors eat well, maintain hydration, and carry a valid form of identification when arriving for their donation session. This simple yet impactful act can make an immense difference in someone’s life, serving as a lifeline during emergencies and surgeries and for individuals battling various medical conditions. In a gesture of appreciation for those who generously give their time and blood, Stroger Hospital is expressing gratitude by offering a special incentive. Donors will receive a token of thanks in the form of a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card or the option to select a gift card from other reputable retailers through our donor rewards store. To qualify for this incentive, donors must have an account and be opted into the recognition program, earning redeemable points towards the selected gift card. Commissioner Dennis Deer hopes this will provide some level of support to those in need and will help generate more people to attend this important event. Commissioner Deer adds, “The life of the body is in the blood. Blood donations not only improve lives but save lives. I am the recipient of a double lung transplant, and it is certainly God’s grace and the blood donated that gave me a second chance. I encourage everyone to please donate,” says Cook Commissioner Dennis Deer of the 2nd District.” Detailed information is available at vitalant. org or through a direct call to 877-258-4825 for those considering participation or with eligibility queries.

Left to Right Stroger Hospital Physician James Dennis, Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, Vitalant Blood Organization Executive Tammy Winchester, Stroger Hospital Executive Donnica Austin-Cathey

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION OPPOSING BROAD LIFETIME VOTER DISENFRANCHISEMENT FOR PEOPLE CONVICTED OF FELONIES Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, co-led a collation of 22 state attorneys general in calling for an end to Mississippi’s regime of largescale, permanent felon voter disenfranchisement. Raoul and the attorneys general filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. A panel of 5th Circuit judges previously ruled that Mississippi’s system constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and entered an order instructing the district court to issue an injunction stopping Mississippi from enforcing the provision. However, the 5th Circuit vacated that ruling and decided to have the full court hear the case. “The vast majority of states have come to recognize that restoring voting rights helps convicted people fully reintegrate into their communities after they have served their debt to society,” Raoul said. “Restoring this fundamental right fosters civic participation and improves public safety.”

Mississippi’s state constitution bars people convicted of a wide range of felonies from voting. During the 2022 election cycle, more than 220,000 Mississippians who had completed their sentences or who were on probation or supervised release were barred from voting under the state’s system. The constitution also includes a process for those convicted of felonies to regain the right to vote, through either a gubernatorial pardon or a two-thirds vote by both houses of the state legislature. However, this bar for re-enfranchisement is practically unattainable, usually resulting in fewer than five people regaining the right to vote in any given year. In their brief, Raoul and the attorneys general argue that Mississippi’s approach, which has remained largely untouched since 1890, is out of step with the rest of the country. The brief notes that 39 states and the District of Columbia have reached a consensus that people convicted of felonies should be able to vote after serving their sentences and that restoring this right has public

safety benefits. Over the past 25 years, states have restored voting rights to more than 1 million people by reforming their felon disenfranchisement laws. Raoul and the coalition maintain that restoring voting rights is particularly important given the disparate impact of felon disenfranchisement laws on minority communities. Mississippi’s disenfranchisement system was enacted during the Reconstruction era in response to the expansion of Black suffrage and with the express purpose of ensuring that the government would remain “under the control of the white people of the State.” As of the November 2022 election, nearly 16% of the Black voting-age population of the state was disenfranchised. Joining Attorneys General Raoul, Schwalb and Tong in filing the brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

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10 ON ON THE THE MOVE MOVE

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DuSable Museum Women's Board Glitz "Black Diamonds And Pearls" Event Highlights Photos by Carolyn Griffin Palmer

Trinity Creeks Homeowners Association in Matteson Celebrated Their 2nd Annual Christmas Party

Photos by Carolyn Griffin Palmer

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Classifieds REAL ESTATE

AC 11-29-2023 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, F/K/A, THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-3 Plaintiff, -v.- MARK DILLARD, RENETTA DILLARD Defendants 2021 CH 00494 12816 S. RACINE AVENUE CALUMET PARK, IL 60827 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 21, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 28, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 12816 S. RACINE AVENUE, CALUMET PARK, IL 60827 Property Index No. 25-32115-048-0000 The real estate is improved with a townhouse. The judgment amount was $201,207.74. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 21 8357. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 21 8357 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2021 CH 00494 TJSC#: 43-4232 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 # 2021 CH 00494 I3233359 ___________________________________

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Common Homebuying and Renting Scams and How to Avoid Them (StatePoint) In difficult economic times, fraudulent housing schemes become more prevalent, impacting homeowners and renters alike. To help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud, Freddie Mac is sharing the following insights and tips about the most common tactics and scams.

require advance payments or use high-pressure sales tactics.

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

Report Scams Immediately If you believe you’ve been a victim of a scam, take the following actions:

Predatory Lending

• If a criminal has your identification information, call your creditors to cancel your credit cards. Review your transactions to make sure you recognize them. You can also request that creditors receive your written consent before changing your mailing address or sending a replacement credit card. Your creditors may advise additional precautions.

Previous financial disasters have led to more robust consumer protection laws. Nevertheless, you should remain vigilant about predatory lending. Look for warning signs, such as pressure tactics, incomplete, confusing or contradictory loan terms, and high rates and fees, including penalties for paying your loan off early. Additionally, lenders should not suggest you take out more credit than you need or suggest a monthly loan payment that does not cover the interest due on your loan. It’s important to work with someone you trust. If you’re hesitant to move forward with a lender, consult a HUD-certified housing counselor or lawyer to gain a better understanding of the loan terms.

• Contact the credit bureaus to freeze your credit reports so that there’s no activity on your reports unless you approve it. • Report the scam to one or more of the following entities: the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, HUD’s Office of the Inspector General Hotline, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Fraudsters often target those in distress. During times of financial hardship, be especially aware of foreclosure rescue fraud, where someone falsely promises to be able to save your home from foreclosure. Common elements of this scheme include the fraudster requiring you to sign over the title to your home, asking you to sign unfamiliar documents or share personal information, and charging you rent to stay in your home. They may also offer to pay your delinquent mortgage by purchasing your home with the promise that you can repurchase it when your financial situation improves. If you’re struggling with mortgage payments, don’t deal with unknown entities. Directly contact your loan servicer, a HUD-certified housing counselor or a Housing Finance Agency for legitimate options to help avoid foreclosure. Fraudulent Leases and Units

To access Freddie Mac’s collection of fraud prevention resources, visit myhome.freddiemac.com. Millions of Americans have lost money due to fraudulent rental listings. You can avoid becoming a victim of this scam by always seeing a unit in person or over video conference before renting it, and by never paying a security deposit until you have signed a lease. Be sure to read your lease thoroughly before you sign it, asking questions about any concerning details early in the process. When rental unit hunting, be wary of red flags such as prices that are too good to be true, listings riddled with grammatical errors and property managers asking for personal information before you’ve seen a unit. Moving Fraud Typically, moving fraud occurs when scammers who

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

773.543.1783 eelie@kalerealty.com elizabethelie.kalerealty.com 2447 N. Ashland Chicago, IL 60614 @SoldbyLizzieG

act like legitimate movers provide a low estimate and, once you move, demand a higher price and withhold your belongings until you pay. To avoid this scam, research the company to ensure it is legitimate, insured and has good reviews. You should also know that reputable moving companies never

Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer or seasoned renter, a scam could potentially impact you. Familiarizing yourself with common tactics can help you identify a scam before it’s too late.

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