Latest news with #PlannedParenthoodofIllinois
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Daywatch: County explores Planned Parenthood partnership in Englewood
Good morning, Chicago. With Englewood's Planned Parenthood clinic set to shut its doors late next month, Cook County officials hope to figure out how to save the South Side center, which serves thousands of patients seeking reproductive care. Citing a 'financial shortfall,' Planned Parenthood of Illinois announced in January that it would close four clinics across the state. Besides Englewood, clinics in Ottawa, Bloomington and Decatur are on the closure list. Illinois, already a haven for reproductive care, saw an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The increase in patients, 'coupled with low reimbursement rates from insurers and rising costs of providing care,' helped contribute to the organization's shortfall, Planned Parenthood said in a previous statement. Read the full story from the Tribune's A.D. Quig. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day. Today's eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History A federal judge ordered the administration late Thursday to temporarily lift its freeze and allow funding from U.S. aid and development programs to flow for the time being. But uncertainty remains for organizations whose missions rely on government dollars to carry out projects that benefit populations in developing nations while also supporting jobs and the broader economy at home. Trump administration cuts reach FDA employees in food safety, medical devices and tobacco products While former House Speaker Michael Madigan stands as a convicted felon, the verdict was far from the slam dunk often expected — however unfairly — when it comes to major federal political corruption cases in Chicago. Madigan case showcases pitfalls of Illinois political culture Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan's conviction could give Illinois GOP a path to relevancy, but it's still strewn with obstacles The Chicago area will see bitterly cold weather this week with single-digit temperatures and subzero wind chills, according to the National Weather Service. Monday and Tuesday may see high temperatures in the low teens, with a potential for a low between zero and minus 10 Monday night. 'Life-threatening cold' expected as polar vortex stretches across US after deadly weekend flooding The Trump administration's surprise federal funding freeze met widespread condemnation in Illinois, as state leaders scrambled to fight the spending pause that spurred chaos and confusion prior to being temporarily blocked by a federal judge minutes before it was set to go into effect Jan. 28. Yet just over the border in Indiana, the top state official praised the austerity measure, which was designed to root out progressive agendas, promote efficiency and end 'wokeness' through federal spending nationwide. House bill could take a toll on motorists on Indiana highways Indiana would like to redraw border with Illinois The future of the federal government's footprint in Chicago is uncertain as the Trump administration embarks on a plan to shed up to half of all government office space across the nation, while also shrinking the federal workforce. The federal government owns 19 properties in Chicago, including the John C. Kluczynski Federal Building and the 28-story Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building. It also leases more than 2 million square feet of space throughout the entire metro area. Celebrity video messaging website Cameo is offering its Chicago-area employees a $10,000 raise to return from their scattered spare bedrooms and coffee shops to the company's Fulton Market office full-time beginning today. Those who opt out, however, may need to find a new job. Chicago is building what climate scientists say could be the country's best system for monitoring tailpipe pollution from diesel trucks. The city expects the monitors to go online early next year. But by then, Chicago won't have enough money to keep paying members of a community advisory panel to help operate the monitors and publish the results. Earning back the trust of Chicago White Sox fans won't be easy after last year's record-setting 121-loss season, writes Paul Sullivan. The evidence is everywhere. SoxFest was downsized to a South Side theater, and the Sox still couldn't fill that small venue. Fans booed when director of player personnel Gene Watson told them the front office would one day be recognized as 'the best' in baseball, knowing it was way too soon to boast. White Sox pitching prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith making most of 1st big-league camp Bobby Jenks, former White Sox All-Star closer, undergoing treatment for stomach cancer In 1964, the Rolling Stones took a break from their first American tour to record several songs at Chess Records at 2120 S. Michigan Ave. It was where Chicago's Black blues performers made the records that were revered by the British group, which took its name from a Muddy Waters song, 'Rollin' Stone.' Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter duetted on Simon's 'Homeward Bound' to open the show, five-decade 'Saturday Night Live' luminary Steve Martin delivered the monologue, and Paul McCartney gave an epic closing to a 50th anniversary special celebrating the sketch institution that was overflowing with famous former cast members, superstar hosts and legendary guests. Chicago Black Restaurant Week, which runs Feb. 9 to 23, brings attention to Black-owned restaurants in the city. Founded by Lauran Smith in 2015, CBRW is celebrating its 10th season and comes shortly after the more well-known Chicago Restaurant Week. For diners, CBRW offers more flexibility and various price points; for restaurateurs, it's another opportunity to tell their story, to refine their customer bases and menus and to connect with other Black-owned businesses.
Chicago Tribune
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Daywatch: County explores Planned Parenthood partnership in Englewood
Good morning, Chicago. With Englewood's Planned Parenthood clinic set to shut its doors late next month, Cook County officials hope to figure out how to save the South Side center, which serves thousands of patients seeking reproductive care. Citing a 'financial shortfall,' Planned Parenthood of Illinois announced in January that it would close four clinics across the state. Besides Englewood, clinics in Ottawa, Bloomington and Decatur are on the closure list. Illinois, already a haven for reproductive care, saw an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The increase in patients, 'coupled with low reimbursement rates from insurers and rising costs of providing care,' helped contribute to the organization's shortfall, Planned Parenthood said in a previous statement. Read the full story from the Tribune's A.D. Quig. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day. President Donald Trump's moves to end foreign aid agency hit close to home in Illinois A federal judge ordered the administration late Thursday to temporarily lift its freeze and allow funding from U.S. aid and development programs to flow for the time being. But uncertainty remains for organizations whose missions rely on government dollars to carry out projects that benefit populations in developing nations while also supporting jobs and the broader economy at home. Mixed verdict in Madigan case reflects a new, harder reality for federal prosecutors While former House Speaker Michael Madigan stands as a convicted felon, the verdict was far from the slam dunk often expected — however unfairly — when it comes to major federal political corruption cases in Chicago. Frigid temperatures expected this week with subzero wind chills The Chicago area will see bitterly cold weather this week with single-digit temperatures and subzero wind chills, according to the National Weather Service. Monday and Tuesday may see high temperatures in the low teens, with a potential for a low between zero and minus 10 Monday night. 'Whole different level.' The Illinois-Indiana political divide widens amid Trump 2.0, from immigration to DEI to LGBTQ rights. The Trump administration's surprise federal funding freeze met widespread condemnation in Illinois, as state leaders scrambled to fight the spending pause that spurred chaos and confusion prior to being temporarily blocked by a federal judge minutes before it was set to go into effect Jan. 28. Yet just over the border in Indiana, the top state official praised the austerity measure, which was designed to root out progressive agendas, promote efficiency and end 'wokeness' through federal spending nationwide. Indiana would like to redraw border with Illinois Federal plan to reduce government office space could be a blow to Chicago, where selling properties wouldn't be easy The future of the federal government's footprint in Chicago is uncertain as the Trump administration embarks on a plan to shed up to half of all government office space across the nation, while also shrinking the federal workforce. The federal government owns 19 properties in Chicago, including the John C. Kluczynski Federal Building and the 28-story Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building. It also leases more than 2 million square feet of space throughout the entire metro area. Cameo giving all Chicago employees $10,000 raises to return to the office Celebrity video messaging website Cameo is offering its Chicago-area employees a $10,000 raise to return from their scattered spare bedrooms and coffee shops to the company's Fulton Market office full-time beginning today. Those who opt out, however, may need to find a new job. Activists anxiously await air monitors, hope Chicago isn't backsliding on pollution promises Chicago is building what climate scientists say could be the country's best system for monitoring tailpipe pollution from diesel trucks. The city expects the monitors to go online early next year. But by then, Chicago won't have enough money to keep paying members of a community advisory panel to help operate the monitors and publish the results. Column: It won't be easy, but the Chicago White Sox hope to earn back their fans' trust day by day Earning back the trust of Chicago White Sox fans won't be easy after last year's record-setting 121-loss season, writes Paul Sullivan. The evidence is everywhere. SoxFest was downsized to a South Side theater, and the Sox still couldn't fill that small venue. Fans booed when director of player personnel Gene Watson told them the front office would one day be recognized as 'the best' in baseball, knowing it was way too soon to boast. White Sox pitching prospects Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith making most of 1st big-league camp Bobby Jenks, former White Sox All-Star closer, undergoing treatment for stomach cancer Chess Records, Muddy Waters and the birth of urban blues music In 1964, the Rolling Stones took a break from their first American tour to record several songs at Chess Records at 2120 S. Michigan Ave. It was where Chicago's Black blues performers made the records that were revered by the British group, which took its name from a Muddy Waters song, 'Rollin' Stone.' 'Saturday Night Live' celebrates 50 years with comedy, music and show's many, many famous friends Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter duetted on Simon's 'Homeward Bound' to open the show, five-decade 'Saturday Night Live' luminary Steve Martin delivered the monologue, and Paul McCartney gave an epic closing to a 50th anniversary special celebrating the sketch institution that was overflowing with famous former cast members, superstar hosts and legendary guests. Chicago Black Restaurant Week marks 10 years of celebrating Black-owned businesses Chicago Black Restaurant Week, which runs Feb. 9 to 23, brings attention to Black-owned restaurants in the city. Founded by Lauran Smith in 2015, CBRW is celebrating its 10th season and comes shortly after the more well-known Chicago Restaurant Week. For diners, CBRW offers more flexibility and various price points; for restaurateurs, it's another opportunity to tell their story, to refine their customer bases and menus and to connect with other Black-owned businesses.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cook County explores Planned Parenthood partnership in Englewood
With Englewood's Planned Parenthood clinic set to shut its doors late next month, Cook County officials hope to figure out how to save the South Side center, which serves thousands of patients seeking reproductive care. 'It is, we believe, a deeply needed service, especially in that area, and we are going to see what we can figure out,' Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis told reporters earlier this month. Citing a 'financial shortfall,' Planned Parenthood of Illinois announced in January that it would close four clinics across the state. Besides Englewood, clinics in Ottawa, Bloomington and Decatur are on the closure list. Illinois, already a haven for reproductive care, saw an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The increase in patients, 'coupled with low reimbursement rates from insurers and rising costs of providing care,' helped contribute to the organization's shortfall, Planned Parenthood said in a previous statement. A partnership with the county could help maintain care for thousands of Englewood patients while potentially bringing new patients into Cook County Health and its Medicaid managed care insurance program, CountyCare. The need is especially acute in Englewood, where HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, infant mortality and the teen birth rate are higher than the city average. But at this stage, officials with the county and Planned Parenthood aren't sure what form a partnership would take: a direct grant, merger, or the county overseeing operations. A follow-up meeting with leaders from both organizations is planned after the Presidents Day holiday. It's also unclear whether Planned Parenthood would maintain the same location. CCH already operates its own Englewood Health Center roughly two miles north of the Planned Parenthood clinic. That center offers primary care, reproductive health services like birth control prescriptions, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment and family planning education. Planned Parenthood's Cristina Villareal told the Tribune 'we're still in early conversations and looking at all options. I think there's the immediate need of wanting to keep staff in place and stay open, and then I think there's an opportunity to really partner in new ways in the future and create this model that's different… we also know that we need to kind of move quickly.' 'We have not done anything like this before; we're looking to see if there are other models like this,' Villareal said. 'It's different, but the times are different. This is a unique time with so many insecurities on a national level, with a higher, increased cost of health centers. And so it's a perfect time to be innovative and creative and try something new.' Among those insecurities: potential cancellation of the FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. President Donald Trump has already signed orders ending funding for international aid organizations that 'perform or actively promote' abortion and taxpayer funding for American programs that promote elective abortions. House Republicans also are exploring significant cuts to Medicaid, potentially booting millions off of government health insurance coverage for low-income and disabled people. 'We're all going to have to learn to do things differently in a world where there might be less funding available for the health care safety net, so we all have to be better and smarter,' said Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, who encouraged CCH to step in. 'If you're a government that relies on federal funding, you have to be looking two steps ahead,' Gainer said. 'The county health system has access to new patients, we don't lose the really important care happening that was incredibly trusted at Planned Parenthood,' and the county can offer additional health care to Planned Parenthood patients and their families. The Englewood clinic dates back 20 years and sees about 4,000 patients a year. It connects pregnant patients to prenatal care, teaches sex education and recently held a community baby shower for expectant parents. The clinic provides 6,000 annual STI tests, about 1,500 birth control visits and gives out free condoms. Planned Parenthood does not disclose abortion numbers for specific clinics, but the Englewood clinic does provide medical abortions, more commonly known as the abortion pill, officials said. Other Planned Parenthood-operated clinics are miles away in the Loop, on the Near North Side and in Far South Side Roseland. When PPIL announced the closures, it said it planned to expand its telehealth offerings to help fill the gap, particularly to offer the abortion pill. Cook County Health offers the abortion pill through the 10th week of pregnancy and surgical abortion procedures at Stroger Hospital through 13 weeks and six days. Villareal estimates it would cost $1.5 million a year to keep open the Englewood location, which the organization hopes to maintain for three years 'to figure out a longer solution.' Cook County Commissioner Michael Scott, whose district includes Englewood, said he's 'very interested in making sure' the clinic stays open. 'In communities of color, we know that there's great health disparities, so anything that resembles health and service within that community is needed.' Only 26% of people living in the neighborhood have employment-based health insurance, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health, compared to 55% citywide. Roughly 50% are covered by Medicaid. Just under 54% of Englewood mothers received early and adequate prenatal care, compared to about 70% citywide. The Planned Parenthood clinic also provides care to sex workers, 'and making sure that they have opportunities to make sure they're being healthy in the work that they do I think is really important.' Scott said. Though there isn't a concrete plan for the partnership, it appears to have broad support, in part because 'it really jibes with the commitment not only of Cook County Health but my colleagues on the board and the president's office to invest in communities which have traditionally been disinvested,' said Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, who is also vice chair of the CCH Board and chair of the county's Health and Hospitals Committee. 'I don't know if a deal will be submitted by March, but I do know there will be meetings and discussion much before (then). We'll see where that leads… The urgency of this is not lost on Cook County Health.'
Chicago Tribune
17-02-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Cook County explores Planned Parenthood partnership in Englewood
With Englewood's Planned Parenthood clinic set to shut its doors late next month, Cook County officials hope to figure out how to save the South Side center, which serves thousands of patients seeking reproductive care. 'It is, we believe, a deeply needed service, especially in that area, and we are going to see what we can figure out,' Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis told reporters earlier this month. Citing a 'financial shortfall,' Planned Parenthood of Illinois announced in January that it would close four clinics across the state. Besides Englewood, clinics in Ottawa, Bloomington and Decatur are on the closure list. Illinois, already a haven for reproductive care, saw an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The increase in patients, 'coupled with low reimbursement rates from insurers and rising costs of providing care,' helped contribute to the organization's shortfall, Planned Parenthood said in a previous statement. A partnership with the county could help maintain care for thousands of Englewood patients while potentially bringing new patients into Cook County Health and its Medicaid managed care insurance program, CountyCare. The need is especially acute in Englewood, where HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, infant mortality and the teen birth rate are higher than the city average. But at this stage, officials with the county and Planned Parenthood aren't sure what form a partnership would take: a direct grant, merger, or the county overseeing operations. A follow-up meeting with leaders from both organizations is planned after the Presidents Day holiday. It's also unclear whether Planned Parenthood would maintain the same location. CCH already operates its own Englewood Health Center roughly two miles north of the Planned Parenthood clinic. That center offers primary care, reproductive health services like birth control prescriptions, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment and family planning education. Planned Parenthood's Cristina Villareal told the Tribune 'we're still in early conversations and looking at all options. I think there's the immediate need of wanting to keep staff in place and stay open, and then I think there's an opportunity to really partner in new ways in the future and create this model that's different… we also know that we need to kind of move quickly.' 'We have not done anything like this before; we're looking to see if there are other models like this,' Villareal said. 'It's different, but the times are different. This is a unique time with so many insecurities on a national level, with a higher, increased cost of health centers. And so it's a perfect time to be innovative and creative and try something new.' Among those insecurities: potential cancellation of the FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. President Donald Trump has already signed orders ending funding for international aid organizations that 'perform or actively promote' abortion and taxpayer funding for American programs that promote elective abortions. House Republicans also are exploring significant cuts to Medicaid, potentially booting millions off of government health insurance coverage for low-income and disabled people. 'We're all going to have to learn to do things differently in a world where there might be less funding available for the health care safety net, so we all have to be better and smarter,' said Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, who encouraged CCH to step in. 'If you're a government that relies on federal funding, you have to be looking two steps ahead,' Gainer said. 'The county health system has access to new patients, we don't lose the really important care happening that was incredibly trusted at Planned Parenthood,' and the county can offer additional health care to Planned Parenthood patients and their families. The Englewood clinic dates back 20 years and sees about 4,000 patients a year. It connects pregnant patients to prenatal care, teaches sex education and recently held a community baby shower for expectant parents. The clinic provides 6,000 annual STI tests, about 1,500 birth control visits and gives out free condoms. Planned Parenthood does not disclose abortion numbers for specific clinics, but the Englewood clinic does provide medical abortions, more commonly known as the abortion pill, officials said. Other Planned Parenthood-operated clinics are miles away in the Loop, on the Near North Side and in Far South Side Roseland. When PPIL announced the closures, it said it planned to expand its telehealth offerings to help fill the gap, particularly to offer the abortion pill. Cook County Health offers the abortion pill through the 10th week of pregnancy and surgical abortion procedures at Stroger Hospital through 13 weeks and six days. Villareal estimates it would cost $1.5 million a year to keep open the Englewood location, which the organization hopes to maintain for three years 'to figure out a longer solution.' Cook County Commissioner Michael Scott, whose district includes Englewood, said he's 'very interested in making sure' the clinic stays open. 'In communities of color, we know that there's great health disparities, so anything that resembles health and service within that community is needed.' Only 26% of people living in the neighborhood have employment-based health insurance, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health, compared to 55% citywide. Roughly 50% are covered by Medicaid. Just under 54% of Englewood mothers received early and adequate prenatal care, compared to about 70% citywide. The Planned Parenthood clinic also provides care to sex workers, 'and making sure that they have opportunities to make sure they're being healthy in the work that they do I think is really important.' Scott said. Though there isn't a concrete plan for the partnership, it appears to have broad support, in part because 'it really jibes with the commitment not only of Cook County Health but my colleagues on the board and the president's office to invest in communities which have traditionally been disinvested,' said Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, who is also vice chair of the CCH Board and chair of the county's Health and Hospitals Committee. 'I don't know if a deal will be submitted by March, but I do know there will be meetings and discussion much before (then). We'll see where that leads… The urgency of this is not lost on Cook County Health.'
