Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S
Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Aug. 5, 2020
| Vol. 51 | No. 32 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com
CHICAGO WEEKEND
Health & Hygiene Ranked Eighth Out of 15 Industries Studied Page 2
As The Death Toll Increases and Polls in Free Fall, Trump Seeks a Culture War Page 3
Remote Work to Drive Home Purchase Decisions in the Next Six Months Page 4
Durbin Speaks With FDA Commissioner About COVID-19 Vaccine Development Page 6
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle addresses the crowd at the Let Our Kids Live event, which was hosted by the Austin Peoples Action Center. Photo courtesy of Let Our Kids Live
GROUPS UNITE TO DECRY GUN VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN
Recent shootings and killings of young children have prompted organizations to host an event to bring awareness to gun violence throughout the city. PAGE 2
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2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 5, 2020
NEWS briefly EDUCATION ESA FOUNDATION OPENS DOORS FOR WOMEN, MINORITIES AND LGBTQI+ STUDENTS Driven by its steadfast commitment to diversifying the video game industry, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation recently announced scholarship awards to women, minority and LGBTQI+ college students earning a computer science or video game arts and science-related degree. Scholars receive financial and non-monetary support, including access to influential industry figures and mentors. The ESA Foundation established its scholarship fund in 2007 to empower and equip future video game creators who aspire to help shape a more diverse and inclusive world by developing games with richer narratives that give a voice to often muted or overlooked communities. While more than 220,000 Americans work in the rapidly growing video game industry, game developers are mostly Caucasian (69%1), heterosexual (79%2) and male (71%3), according to 2019 data from the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). Seeking to challenge the status quo, the ESA Foundation established a scholarship program 13 years ago.
HEALTH
HEALTH & HYGIENE RANKED EIGHTH OUT OF 15 INDUSTRIES STUDIED The health & hygiene industry retained its 2019 spot and ranked eighth out of the 15 industries studied in MBLM’s Brand Intimacy 2020 Study, which is the largest study of brands based on emotions. MBLM (pronounced Emblem), the agency using emotional science to build more intimate brands during these unprecedented times, announced the health & hygiene findings of its annual study and also further examined how the pandemic is impacting brands in the industry. Additionally, the agency explored how leader Dove is communicating about important racial justice and social issues. Brand Intimacy is defined as the emotional science that measures the bonds we form with the brands we use and love, and has become more important as brands adjust the ways they connect with consumers today. MBLM’s study, now in its 10th year, revealed that Dove ranked #1 in the health & hygiene industry followed by Olay and Head & Shoulders. The remaining brands in the top 10 for the industry were Ivory, Colgate, Scope, Pantene, Crest, Nivea and Listerine. Additionally, top intimate brands in the U.S. continued to significantly outperform the top brands in the Fortune 500 and S&P indices in both revenue and profit over the past 10 years, according to the study. To view the health & hygiene industry findings, visit https:// mblm.com/lab
LAW & POLITICS
CONGRESSWOMAN KELLY INTRODUCES STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL EMPOWERMENT ACT Congresswoman Robin Kelly has introduced the State Attorneys General Empowerment Act (H.R. 7536), legislation to expand the power of state Attorneys General to investigate and resolve unconstitutional patterns and practices by law enforcement agencies within their states. “Unconstitutional patterns and practices by law enforcement unfairly strip citizens of their rights and erode police-community trust, a critical element to ensuring public safety,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “Tragically, this Administration, particularly under AGs Sessions and Barr, has turned a blind eye to significant abuses by police departments. By refusing to do their jobs, they have hurt our communities and left unconstitutional, unfair and unjust practices unchecked. This is wrong! If the federal government, under President Trump or any President, refuses to step up, our state Attorneys General, the top elected law official in each state, should be empowered to conduct their own critical investigations and take necessary steps to correct these practices,” Kelly said.
Groups unite to decry gun violence against children Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES
Recent shootings and killings of young children have prompted organizations to host an event to bring awareness to gun violence throughout the city. The Let Our Kids Live event was hosted by the Austin Peoples Action Center, with the goal of bringing people together who are ready to take action and make positive changes. Counting on Chicago Coalition, Hustle Mommies and Vision of Restoration, also sponsored the event. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Illinois State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Illinois State Representative LaShawn K. Ford, Former NBA Player Stephen Jackson, as well as George Floyd’s brother, Philonise “Po” Floyd attended the event. Cynthia Williams is the CEO of Austin Peoples Action Center. Williams said the Let Our Kids Live event was a collective effort that began with news about the senseless killing of children. “It was a response to community violence, and it was a result of burying baby after baby after baby. And, we just wanted to put a message out there that our babies are hands-off, our women are hands-off, our children are hands off and the killing has to stop,” she said. Williams said Austin Peoples Action Center started a Go Fund Me page for each of the families that lost young children to gun violence. She said it led to the organization learning more about the families that experienced the loss. Williams added the organization has raised money to help those families, and in some cases, to assist them if they needed to relocate. She said other people heard about the work Austin Peoples Action Center was doing and wanted to support them. “Cook County Board president Toni Preckwinkle heard about us and joined forces
Philonise “Po” Floyd, brother of George Floyd, (center) and 95.1 FM’s Ramonski Luv (right) are joined by community activists at the Let Our Kids Live event, which was hosted by the Austin Peoples Action Center. Photo courtesy of Let Our Kids Live
with us, in terms of speaking out against the violence,” she said. “Another friend of ours, Shabazz, also heard about our work and offered to bring Stephen Jackson and George Floyd’s brother, Po, to speak out about violence in our community.” Williams said the impact on families that lose children to gun violence is indescribable. She said it is a grieving process those families will never be able to forget. “It’s unimaginable, unthinkable that your baby, your child, has been shot, has been killed in such a violent, horrific way. There’s no way to describe the pain from their parent,” she said. Williams said the prevailing messages from the Let Our Kids Live event were “peace be still” and “stop the
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killing.” “I felt the spirit, at least in our community, where everybody got the message that you are a part of the solution,” she said. “Every last one of us is part of the solution and I think, it was just a united front that was the spirit at the event.” Williams said when she looked around and saw elected officials, law enforcement, clergy and community leaders and residents, it made her feel good. “It was [a] reunion of peace, of community peace, it was just a big family reunion,” she said. Williams said the fight against gun violence has to continue. To continue that message, Austin Peoples Action Center has hired some street-involved youth to work for them to keep them off the
streets. Williams said after the event, it was the first time she slept through the night and for a minute, there was peace. She also said, there were street-involved people at the event, and there was not an incident. “I would hope our message of let our babies live, let our kids live, Black Lives Matter, that message stays with all of us and it starts with us. So, I’m hoping that it’s a message of peace throughout our community that each one of us that was there takes that message to their peers,” she said. “They know who’s doing the shooting, they know who’s doing the gang banging, they know who’s out there doing wrong. We’re hoping to make ‘good trouble’ in our communities.”
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 5, 2020
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NEWS
As The Death Toll Increases and Polls in Free Fall, Trump Seeks a Culture War BY LAUREN VICTORIA BURKE NNPA Newswire Contributor
With less than 100 days left until Election Day, President Donald Trump has increased his references to uncertainty around the election results. Trump responded, “I have to see” after journalist Chris Wallace asked him if he would respect the results of the 2020 election. Trump has disparaged mail-in voting at a time when it looks as if in person voting may not be possible because of COVID-19. “He’s gonna run a racially-tinged campaign unlike anything we have seen before, like George Wallace,” said Stuart Stevens of The Lincoln Project on July 26 during a television appearance. “He’s always over promised and under-delivered. That’s what he’s done his entire life,” Stevens added. Trump’s poll numbers indicate he will have an uphill battle defeating Joe Biden. In 2016, Hillary Clinton lost the electoral college but won the popular vote over Trump by 2.8 million votes. Trump’s poll numbers in vital battleground states are in freefall and he continues to ratchet up conflict in the U.S. in what appears to be an attempt to bring out Republican base voters. A Fox News poll from July 23 showed Biden was ahead of Trump in Michigan 49% – 40%, in Pennsylvania 50% to 39% and in Minnesota 51% to 38%. On July 26, with 100 days until the election, President Trump was behind
“HE’S GONNA RUN A RACIALLYTINGED CAMPAIGN UNLIKE ANYTHING WE HAVE SEEN BEFORE, LIKE GEORGE WALLACE,” SAID STUART STEVENS OF THE LINCOLN PROJECT ON JULY 26 DURING A TELEVISION APPEARANCE. “HE’S ALWAYS OVER PROMISED AND UNDER-DELIVERED. THAT’S WHAT HE’S DONE HIS ENTIRE LIFE,” STEVENS ADDED. in CNN’s polls conducted in Arizona, Florida and Michigan. In a tumultuous year dominated by a deadly pandemic that has taken the lives of over 150,000 people and created massive job loss and economic uncertainty, Trump is slowly creating an environment of hostility and suspicion around the coming election. States are now grappling with the question of in-person voting vs. mail in ballots. Recent primary day controversies in Georgia and Kentucky have alarmed voting rights advocates. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail. com and on twitter at @LVBurke
Over 200 Drivers and Monitors Secure Wage and Benefit Increases With over 95 percent of drivers and monitors voting in favor of ratification, Drivers and monitors employed by First Student of Maywood, IL have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 777. The 220 drivers and monitors provide student transportation for Maywood and Chicago Public Schools. “This is a fantastic group of people and even with the uncertainty surrounding this upcoming school year, I’m thrilled that we were able to negotiate such a great contract,” said Jim Glimco, President of Local 777. “Some members from the Maywood yard go to the same church as Local 777 Vice President Major Rose and they told him that they thought it was great!” The First Student Maywood drivers and monitors expressed their jubilation in a statement regarding the new agreement: “Maywood First Student drivers and monitors are grateful to have
a union that is willing to fight on our behalf beyond collecting dues. Through the Teamsters, we were able to obtain a contract with extra benefits including a newly installed retirement plan, vision coverage and more paid holidays. We are looking forward to brighter days ahead with Teamsters Local 777.” Founded in 1937, Teamsters Local 777 has been advocating on behalf of passenger transportation workers throughout the Chicago area since its inception. For more information, go to https://www.teamsters777.org/
Study Explores the Changing Diversity of Law Students Since the Great Recession
Enrollment in law school has declined by 25% over the past decade; there are now more women than men pursuing law.
Enrollment in law school has declined by 25% over the past decade; there are now more women than men pursuing law; and Asian Americans, once the fastest-growing group in law schools, have experienced the steepest decline in recent years. These are among the findings of a recent American Bar Foundation (ABF)-sponsored study of law student demographics, titled Who’s Going to Law School? Trends in Law School Enrollment Since the Great Recession. The study, authored by Miranda Li, Phillip Yao, and California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, provides a comprehensive analysis of recent U.S. law school enrollment trends since the economic downturn and financial crisis of the late 2000s. “The study provides a fresh and thorough empirical foundation for discussions of diversity in the legal profession,” said Justice Liu, “and it lays the groundwork for examining future trends in enrollment and diversity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.” The study examines enrollment data by gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality from 1999 to 2019, and pays particular attention to Asian Americans, building on a 2017 report, A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law(Portrait Project 1.0), also coauthored by Justice Liu.
The new study’s findings include the following: l Total enrollment in law school has declined by almost 25% since the recession. Despite a recent increase, enrollment seems unlikely to rebound to the pre-recession levels. l Women have outnumbered men in law school since 2016, and the recent uptick in total enrollment is entirely attributable to more women pursuing law. l Since the Great Recession, Asian Americans and Whites have comprised a smaller share of enrollment in law schools. Asian American enrollment in particular has declined more steeply than any other group since the Great Recession. After rising for four decades, the number of Asian American lawyers is projected to stagnate beginning in 2030. l African Americans and Hispanics have also comprised a larger share of enrollment since the Great Recession. However, women, African American students, and Hispanic students are disproportionately enrolled in lower-ranked schools with lower rates of bar passage and post-graduation employment. As a result, it is unclear to what extent the changing diversity of law students will translate into greater diversity in the legal profession. l The number and percentage of
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multiracial students and international students in the J.D. program have grown. These trends have particular salience for Asians and Asian Americans, and they present increasingly serious challenges for collecting and reporting demographic data. “The demographics of law students have changed significantly over the past decade, and understanding these changes is essential to building a more diverse and inclusive legal profession,” said Justice Liu. “We may see more big changes over the next decade, depending on the depth and duration of the economic slowdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.” “As a part of the ABF’s Portrait Project 2.0 research program, this scholarship helps to shed critical light on the shifting general demographics of law students and Asian American enrollment trends in particular,” said Ajay K. Mehrotra, executive director of the American Bar Foundation. “Asian Americans are often an invisible minority in contemporary discourse on diversity, and this study provides a deeper exploration of the empirical reasons for the current challenges faced by the Asian American legal community.” A full draft of the study is available at https://ssrn.com/abstract=3559213.
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BUSINESS
50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned and -Led Companies Honored The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), in collaboration with American Express, recently released the 13th annual ranking of the 50 FastestGrowing Women-Owned/Led Companies. The companies on this year’s 50 Fastest list span a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consulting. From January to December of 2019, the 50 Fastest generated a combined $3.8 billion in revenue and collectively employed more than 17,000 people. The top three awardees are: TKT & Associates, Inc. is the fastest growing woman-owned business, moving up from the number two spot last year. Founded in 2006 by the late Tierra Kavanaugh, the Louisville-based company saw its revenue flourish ($134,763,762 in 2019) and employment more than double from 51 employees in 2017 to 260 in 2019. With Tierra’s passing this year, WPO and American Express wanted to honor her tenacity, determination, and tremendous success in becoming the fastest growing woman-owned business.
Enspire Energy, an energy marketing company based in Virginia is the second fastest growing women-owned business. Run by Mary Hensley and Julie Hashagen, the company credits its success to vast industry experience and knowledge as they continue to see tremendous business growth. Lifestyle brand Modere, a newcomer to the list, is the third fastest-growing company in the 2020 rankings. Led by Asma Ishaq, the
business saw impressive revenue and hiring growth. Modere has made a lasting impact in the health and wellness space by creating unique opportunities for emerging product categories. “The 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned/Led Companies are a trailblazing group of women who are leading some of the most successful businesses around the globe. At American Express, we are committed to supporting and
backing the growth of womenowned and -led companies and are delighted to recognize these leaders for their success,” said Jessica Ling, vice president and general manager, marketing strategy, content and experiences at American Express. “Not only do women-owned businesses fuel the economy with trillions of dollars in revenue and the millions of jobs they provide, many have also pivoted their offerings and business strategies to provide
essential services and accommodate their employees, which has proven to be vital for navigating the pandemic.” “At a time when bright spots are few and far between, we are thrilled to celebrate the business accomplishments of these 50 inimitable leaders,” said Camille Burns, CEO of the Women Presidents’ Organization. “American Express has made it possible to acknowledge the impressive influence women-owned and -led companies have in job creation and growing the global economy.” All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula, combining percentage and absolute growth. To qualify for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately held, woman-owned or -led, and have reached annual revenues of at least $500,000 as of 2015 and every subsequent year. Applicants are not required to be WPO members. The 50 Fastest companies were honored during the digital WPO Annual Conference, which was held on July 22- 23, 2020.
Remote Work to Drive Home Purchase Decisions in the Next Six Months Many families quickly adjusted their current living space to accommodate working from home, but those who expect the change to be permanent are likely to pull the trigger on a new home purchase in the next six months, according to a realtor.com® HarrisX survey of active home shoppers released recently. Of the 2,000 home shoppers surveyed in June who plan to purchase a home in the next year, 63 percent of those currently working from home indicated their decision to buy a new house was a result of their ability to work remotely. Nearly 40 percent of those who said remote work was fueling their search, expected to purchase a home within four to six months, and 13 percent said changes related to COVID prompted their desire to purchase a new home. Having a home office is very important for people who work remotely, but not at the exclusion of more conventional features. Over 20 percent of respondents who are buying because of remote work say that having a home office is important to them and a home office was the most chosen new home feature. Similar to overall home buyers, the five next most
popular features were a garage, a quiet location, an updated kitchen, a large backyard, and an open floor plan. “The ability to work remotely is expanding home shoppers’ geographic options and driving their motivation to buy, even if it means a longer commute, at least in the short term,” said realtor.com® Senior Economist George Ratiu. “Although it’s too early to tell what long-term impact the COVID-era of remote work will have on housing, it’s clear that the pandemic is shaping how people live and work under the same roof.” Today’s remote work snapshot According to the data, nearly 40 percent of currently employed respondents are currently working from home as a result of COVID. Thirty-five percent of respondents were remote employees before COVID happened and 28 percent are still going into their place of employment. When given the choice of working remotely or in an office setting, 52 percent of remote workers indicated they prefer to work from home. Interestingly, 39 percent prefer to work
in an office setting and 9 percent said it makes no difference to them. Accommodating remote work at home With entire families at home, finding a quiet place for work or school has been challenging for many. Fifty percent of respondents do the majority of their work in a home office. Fifteen percent work in their bedroom, 13 percent in the living room, 12 percent at the kitchen table and 7 percent move from room to room depending on where their family is. In order to accommodate work from home, 45 percent of respondents converted a room in their home to an office. Thirty-six percent created a home office space and 28 percent updated their existing office space with a new monitor, chair, etc. Only 7 percent have not made any accommodations or already had a good office set up at home. Majority of respondents anticipate some aspect of remote work in the future With many companies and schools pushing back return dates, especially as new COVID outbreaks continue to increase across certain
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regions of the country, 53 percent anticipated that they will be working in an office full-time. Approximately one in five, 22 percent, of those surveyed expect a mix of in-office and remote work, while 14 percent responded they don’t anticipate ever returning to the office. Flexibility also seemed an option among survey respondents, with 63 percent indicating that their employer will be open to remote work in some capacity. Of these respondents, 40 percent stated that their employer permitted a mix of office and remote work and 16 percent said their employer permitted remote work entirely. Only 37 percent indicated they are required to be in the office full time. Of those stating that they will resume going into the office either full or part time, 40 percent anticipated it would be within the next three months, while 46 percent thought it would be within the next three to six months. Thirteen percent thought they would return in 2021 and 2 percent said never. For more information about realtor.com’s remote work survey, please visit: https://www. realtor.com/research/home-buying-2020remote-work-post-covid
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 5, 2020
NEWS
Eight Quick Tips for Saving Money StatePoint - Saving money is a top priority for many Americans, but it becomes even more important during times of economic turmoil. Luckily, there are many simple steps you can take to eliminate wasteful spending in your daily life. Here are eight easy strategies to start saving more money now: 1. Track your personal expenses in a notebook or spreadsheet for 30 days. Doing this is as easy as writing down what, where, when and how much you spend on every transaction. It is only after you know what you are spending your money on that you can wisely choose where to reduce or cut. 2. Ask for discounts and use coupons when shopping for essentials. When possible, select non-branded products, which are often found at a lower price than name brand goods. But be savvy and check for a trial price or return/refund guarantee. 3. Make major purchases using credit cards that offer product assurance guarantees and make filing disputes easy. If a product is defective or damaged, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced for free. 4. Check your bank and credit card statements or online account information for any automatic charges you are paying for services that you no longer use. A $5 charge per month for a service that you don’t need is equivalent to throwing away $60 every year. 5. Contact service providers to confirm there are no other contract options that offer lower month-
ly service charges. Many companies offer varying service levels and contracts at different prices, but they won’t tell you about them unless you ask. For instance, you could avoid a $190 cable bill by paying only for the channels you most frequently watch. 6. Learn to say “no,” at least sometimes, to your kids and grandkids. Spending money, mobile phone plans, car insurance, gas money and car payments are a few things you may be supplementing for a child or grandchild that you might consider cutting out or at least reducing. 7. Set up different checking accounts for your non-discretionary and discretionary spending. Arrange for monthly bills to be paid from the first account by a bill-pay service or electronic fund transfer. Conversely, use a debit card for personal spending. With two separate accounts, you can better manage and monitor your discretionary spending. 8. Consider creating a separate savings account at a different financial institution from where you have your checking account(s) so it is harder to transfer money. You can set up a direct deposit or auto-draft from your paycheck to do this each month without any effort on your end. A Certified Financial Planner professional can also help you audit and discover expenses that can be reduced or eliminated. To find a CFP professional near you, visit letsmakeaplan.org. These simple steps may seem small, but they can add up to big savings for you and your family.
Simple steps may seem small, but they can add up to big savings for you and your family.
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NEWS Durbin Speaks With FDA Commissioner About COVID-19 Vaccine Development U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) recently spoke by phone with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn about the research and approval process for COVID-19 vaccine candidates under Operation Warp Speed. On the call, Durbin pressed Hahn about maintaining the integrity of the FDA’s safety and efficacy standard, and not cutting corners or permitting political interference in the effort to quickly develop a vaccine—especially given the controversy surrounding President Trump’s promotion of hydroxychloroquine and FDA’s issuance and subsequent revocation of an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the drug. Commissioner Hahn and Dr. Peter Marks, director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, discussed the agency’s projected timeline and oversight standards.
Through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Department of Defense (DOD), the federal government has invested nearly $10 billion in funding for vaccine research and mass production to prepare for the future distribution of an approved vaccine. “When it comes to producing a vaccine that will protect us from COVID-19, we must assure the American people that the research and approval process is driven by scientific integrity, not political motivations or anti-science behavior,” said Durbin. “I appreciate Dr. Hahn’s commitment to making science-based decisions, and I hope that we can quickly develop a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine without cutting corners. This will help build confidence for the American people and halt the spread of this virus.”
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Photo credit: The Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
COMMENTARY
Yes, kids can get COVID-19 – 3 pediatricians explain what’s known about coronavirus and children BY KATHRYN MOFFEMARTIN WEISSE AND SHIPRA GUPTA
We are three pediatric infectious disease specialists who live and work in West Virginia. The West Virginia University health system serves 400,000 children and according to our internal data, to date, 2,520 children up to 17 years of age have been tested for the coronavirus. Sixty-seven of them tested positive and one became sick enough to be admitted to the hospital. We are asked almost daily about children and COVID-19: Do they get COVID-19? Should they attend day care or school, play sports, see friends and attend summer camps? What are the risks to themselves and to others? Based on current research and our own experiences, it would seem that kids 17 years old and younger face little risk from the coronavirus. Nearly all children have asymptomatic, very mild or mild disease, but a small percentage of children do get very sick. Additionally, there is evidence that children can spread the virus to others, and with huge outbreaks occurring all across the U.S, these realities raise serious concerns about school reopenings and how children should navigate the pandemic world. Children at risk When considering the role of children in this pandemic, the first
question to ask is whether they can get infected, and if so, how often. Of the 149,082 reported cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. as of late April, only 2,572 – 1.7% – were children, despite children making up 22% of the U.S population. But current research shows that children are physiologically just as likely to become infected with SARSCoV-2 as adults. This discrepancy between case numbers and biological susceptibility may be due to the fact that children generally generally have minimal to mild symptoms when infected with the coronavirus and are therefore less likely to get tested. It also may be that children in general have had less exposure to the virus compared to adults. Kids aren’t going to work, they are probably going out to stores less than adults, and in the states that had relaxed quarantine measures, they aren’t going out to bars or gyms. Even though children are less likely to get sick from the coronavirus, they are definitely not immune. Data shows that children less than one year old and those with underlying conditions are the most likely to be hospitalized. These kids usually experience the respiratory distress commonly associated of COVID-19 and often need oxygen and intensive care support. As of July 11, 36 kids 14
or younger had died from the virus. In addition to the typical COVID-19 cases, recently there have been some frightening reports of children’s immune systems going haywire after they are exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Notable are reports of Kawasaki disease. Normally, Kawasaki disease affects toddlers and preschool children, causing prolonged high fever, rash, eye redness, mouth swelling and swelling of arteries in the heart. The vast majority of children that get Kawasaki disease survive when given treatments that bring down the swelling, but sadly, a few children have died from it, after exposure to the coronavirus led to the disease. Physicians don’t know what causes Kawasaki disease normally or why a coronavirus infection could trigger it. In the past few months, there have also been reports of some children, after becoming infected with the coronavirus, experiencing fever and rash along with a life-threatening blood pressure drop and sudden severe heart failure. The children and teenagers with this COVID19-related shock syndrome – now named multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C – are older than those doctors usually www.citizennewspapergroup.com
see with Kawasaki disease. Experts think these two illness are not the same, despite having similar features and similar treatments. Children as spreaders So if kids can catch the coronavirus, the next important question is: How easily can they spread it? Since children have milder symptoms, some experts think that children are probably not the drivers of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, recent research has shown that most kids who catch the coronavirus get it from their parents, not other children. Small children may have weaker coughs and therefore would release fewer infectious virus particles into their environment. A recent study from South Korea found that while young children seem less able to spread the disease compared to adults, children 10 to 19 years old spread the virus at least as well as the adults do. The lack of evidence that children are major sources of transmission may simply be because the pathway of infection was interrupted due to the nationwide school closures in the spring. As children resume more of their normal daily activities – like school, sports and day care – we just might find the answer to how easily children spread this dangerous virus. So what now? The evidence clearly shows that
all people, regardless of age, can get infected by SARS-CoV-2. While research shows that kids are more resistant to severe illness from the coronavirus, they are still at risk and can spread the virus even if they themselves are not sick. Given all this information, a question naturally arises: Should schools reopen in the coming weeks? In places where transmission rates are low, reopening schools could be a viable option. But at the present time, in the U.S., new case numbers are surging in most states. This requires a more nuanced approach than a full-scale reopening of schools. Since young children face low risk of getting seriously ill, are less likely to spread the disease and benefit greatly from in-person interactions, we believe in-school learning should be considered. Opening schools for elementary school children, and coming up with increasingly online options for the older grades, could be one way to approach this thorny problem. Kathryn Moffett-Bradford is a Professor of Pediatrics and the Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at West Virginia University. Martin Weisse is a Professor of Pediatrics at West Virginia University. Shipra Gupta is an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at West Virginia University.
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 5, 2020
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RENTAL Newly Decorated 4 room, 2Br apt. 5200 block S Racine, $675/mo., stove and refrigerator Ask for Mr. Lambert 773-370-7744 _________________________________ STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL ACROSS 1. *Egg-like curve in math class 5. a.k.a. stand-up paddleboard 8. Not in good health 11. Flick part 12. *Roll ____ 13. Aerosol can emanation 15. On the mountain peak, e.g. 16. Arm bone 17. Grind down 18. *Proud jacket owner 20. Trident part 21. "Walking ____ ____" 22. Blazer or Explorer 23. Unit of money in Norway, pl. 26. Semiconductor additives 30. Farm layer 31. Agave alcoholic drink 34. Amos or Spelling 35. Analyze 37. Geisha's sash 38. South Korean metropolis 39. Capital of Ukraine 40. T.S. Eliot's "Old ____'s Book of Practical Cats" 42. Get firm 43. Temporary 45. Table linens 47. Where bugs are snug? 48. Nostradamus and such 50. Type of rich soil 52. *Where one graduated 56. Boatload 57. *Chemistry classrooms 58. Lake in Scotland 59. Arabian chieftain 60. Corset rod 61. Encore! 62. Former Chinese leader 63. "____ the ramparts..." 64. Arctic jaeger DOWN 1. *Type of spoken test 2. *Class president candidate wants it
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WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-598-1758 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com _______________________________________ _
3. Loads, two words 4. Greek money 5. Game ragout 6. Of #16 Across 7. Architect's drawing 8. Used to eliminate wrinkles 9. Serve soup, e.g. 10. Sodium solution 12. Arrow poison 13. Establish, two words 14. *As opposed to public 19. Hostile force 22. "La" precursor 23. Shade of Dockers 24. Pine juice 25. Beginning of illness 26. *Valedictorian's spot 27. Gallows' rope 28. Comparative form of "true" 29. Muddy or sandy 32. *2020 classroom venue? 33. NCIS network 36. *GPA, technically 38. Ingratiating behavior 40. George Orwell's Napoleon 41. On pins and needles 44. Grapevine news 46. Part of Old Testament 48. *Olden day notebook 49. Imprison 50. Dharma teacher 51. Three-layer cookie 52. "The Sun ____ Rises" 53. Pippin's last name, "The Hobbit" 54. Boring hue? 55. Actress Perlman 56. Eric Stonestreet on "Modern Family"
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Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, 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 information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.
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8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Aug. 5, 2020
Taking action on our commitment to Chicago We know we must do more to address the very real consequences of systemic racism that exist in society today. The impact on communities across the country is clear, including where our teammates live and serve our clients. To drive progress, Bank of America has committed to invest $1 billion over four years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, building on work we’ve had underway for many years. We’re partnering with community and corporate leaders to create sustainable change. Our actions will help address critical issues and long-term gaps, including: •
connecting workers to new skills and enhanced job readiness
•
increasing medical response capacity and access to health care
•
powering minority-owned small businesses through access to capital
•
helping people find a place to call home they can both love and afford
We know there’s a lot of work to be done, but we promise to keep listening as we work together on this shared mission.
Paul Lambert Chicago Market President
Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender
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