Local and state officials continue to fight the ongoing opioid pandemic whether it’s through Narcan distribution or events designed to get the word out about treatment for addicts. In some areas, legal action is being taken. Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 11 attorneys general, filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case supporting states’ rights to enact public health policies that can prevent opioid overdose deaths and treat those suffering from opioid use disorder.
Opioid battle continues in Will County region
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Technological advances, a silver lining for schools
Throughout the nation and here at home, school districts had to turn to the virtual world to bring classrooms to students during the COVID pandemic that raged on for more than 15 months. That meant students had to log in to computers and iPads from home to receive lessons from their teachers. It took some time to get the technology working properly for most school districts and some did not do so well. Much of the success was tied to how advanced each district was technologically and, unfortunately, whether the students could afford the technology, which involved internet access and a device.
Posted inBlack Experience, Black History, Commentary, Community, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Economy, Featured, Health, Lifestyle, National, News, NNPA, NNPA Newswire, Op-Ed, Politics
OP-ED: Medicare Restrictions on Obesity Care Perpetuate Harmful Stigmas
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Not only does obesity impact 1-in-3 Americans, it also takes a disproportionate toll on communities of color since almost half of Black Americans are living with obesity. Obesity is also a leading risk factor for COVID-19; 78% of people who were hospitalized, placed on a ventilator, or died from the pandemic were overweight or living with obesity. And we know that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts Black and Latino communities, who are nearly three times as likely to be hospitalized for severe cases of COVID-19 than whites.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Residents asked to weigh in on new Will County Board District Map
The Will County Board is seeking public input on the proposed county board district maps which must be redrawn every ten years following the federal census. Two draft maps are available for public review ahead of the October 21st County Board meeting where a final map will be approved. One map was recommended by the Board reapportionment committee and the other was presented by County Executive Bertino-Tarrant.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
D. 202, JJC, and Plainfield Library team up for family literacy
District 202 in Plainfield, Joliet Junior College and the Plainfield Public Library will co-host a special event to promote family literacy on Friday, October 1, 2021, featuring nationally-renowned “story performer” Chris Fascione.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Area residents push back on proposed roadway project
The noise, pollution and the quality of life has some members of the Bass and Gill Club along with many Will County residents asking the Village of Plainfield to stop a proposed roadway project in its tracks. Steve Schmidt of the hunting and fishing club at 23011 E. Main St. said the 143rd Street roadway extension would not help curtail traffic in the area. “The path you have chosen … is an engineering difficulty,” he said. “The plan is going to be difficult.”
Posted inTimes Weekly News
IL Attorney General lays framework for Joliet Police Department investigation
Lawyers from the Illinois Attorney General’s office encouraged Joliet residents to come forward to provide information that may be helpful in its civil investigation of the Joliet Police Department, which began Sept. 8. During a recent town hall meeting, attorneys part of the investigation examining whether JPD has a practice or pattern of civil rights violations, introduced themselves, gave an overview of what they will be working on and answered questions.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Pritzker appoints Will County CED VP to Enterprise Zone Board
Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: ENTERPRISE ZONE BOARD Doug Pryor will serve as a Member on the Enterprise Zone Board.
Posted inNews
Black, brown people may be hardest hit as Pandemic Unemployment ends
Federal unemployment programs, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, came to an end on Sept. 4. All those on unemployment will now receive $300 less in weekly benefits and experts said it will likely hurt Black and brown workers the hardest. Enhanced UI benefits disproportionately support Black and brown workers who have historically been left behind in […]
Posted inBusiness
Black Star Network: Roland Martin announces new Black TV Network
Network: Roland Martin announces new Black TV Network By Lauren Victoria Burke On the evening of September 2, journalist Roland Martin, the host of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, announced an over-the-top media (or OTT) network that will broadcast directly to viewers free via the internet and a phone app. The new Black owned network, Black Star Network (curated […]
