When it comes to gerrymandering, Illinois flunks big time

by Mark Richardson
Illinois News Connection

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CHICAGO - A national watchdog group studied how all 50 states handle the biennial process of redrawing their congressional district lines - and has given Illinois a failing grade.

Common Cause issued its report this week, analyzing how effective each state has been in drawing fair, independent and balanced district maps. Only two states - California and Massachusetts - earned an "A" while 17 states were in the "D" or "F" category.

Dan Vicuña, national redistricting director for Common Cause, said there was a consistent thread among the states that rated poorly.

"The states that rank near the bottom shared some things in common," he said, "which include a lack of transparency and an unwillingness to give the public much, or any, notice about when meetings would take place; having redistricting hearings for the public during traditional working hours."

The report said Illinois was a "nearly perfect model" for everything that can go wrong with redistricting. The state Legislature scheduled hearings in places and at times when many people could not attend. The report said the result was heavily gerrymandered in favor of Democrats, which drew lawsuits from a half-dozen civil-rights groups.

To improve the process, Vicuña said, Illinois needs to develop a nonpartisan system or commission with broad representation to draw up districts, hold well-advertised hearings in public places after work hours, increase language assistance and improve access for people with disabilities.

"States that find a different path and take that power away and create citizen commissions, create bipartisan, multi-partisan processes for drawing districts - keeping political insiders boxed out of the process, and making redistricting community-centered - has resulted in great success," he said.

Vicuña said Illinois lawmakers drew congressional and state legislative districts through the legislative process, using it in this cycle to protect a Democratic supermajority. Reformers have twice put ballot initiatives in front of voters to create independent, citizen redistricting commissions in the last decade, winning both times. However, both laws were subsequently struck down by the IllWhinois Supreme Court.

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Prep Sports Notebook | Urbana drops home opener

URBANA - The Urbana girls' basketball team opened their 2023-24 campaign with a loss at home on Tuesday. While playing a defensively solid game, the Tigers' offensive effort fell short in the 35-14 loss.

Aziyaha Davis led UHS' scoring effort with six points, four produced in the final quarter of the game. Zion Reid and Janae Hall came off the bench to hit a field goal and sink one free throw to finish with three points apiece.

The Tiger varsity squad is back in action tonight, hosting McArthur at 7pm.

Aziyaha Davis dribbles around senior Diamond Landfair during first half action of their Big 12 Conference game on December 8, 2022. The senior started the season as the Tigers' leading scorer. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Rockets open season with win over PBL

Back again at the Lady Falcon/Bunnie Tip Off, the Unity girls' basketball team notched tipped off the season with a 51-27 win over Paxton-Buckley-Loda.

Raegen Stringer led the Rockets with 18 points and six steals. Addison Ray contributed another 13 points in the rout. Ray and Meredith Reed had six rebounds apiece in Unity's total haul of 32.

UHS was up 24-9 at the half and kept the foot of the gas, adding another 27 points in the second half.

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Two area players earn All-State recognition

Brock Suding after the Unity's homecoming game against Rantoul in 2022.

St. Joseph-Ogden's Logan Smith and Unity's Brock Suding were named All-State players by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association earlier this week.

Suding, a 6-foot, 195-pound linebacker was key in Rockets' postseason run. Averaging 13 tackles per game, he led Unity to 9-3 and was the anchor on a defense that allowed opponents just 259 points in 12 games. The senior also saw playing time as a running back, carrying the ball 13 times for 72 yards.

Smith, the Illini Praire Conference's most explosive signal caller, threw the ball 269 time for 2,686 yards, topping his 2022-23 stat of 2,582 yards. In addition to the two-year starter's 5,268 total passing yards, he also amassed 796 rushing yards in his 22 varsity appearances. The senior ran in 20 touchdowns and passed for 29 this season.

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Attention Coaches: Help us keep area fans informed! Email us your team's game and match results for the Prep Sports Notebook. Please send us a clear photo of the scorebook and other stats or information to us at sports@oursentinel.com.

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Innovation is the key to improving health in rural areas

by The American Heart Association

Dallas, TX - Cardiovascular mortality is on the rise in rural areas of the United States, where more than 60 million Americans live, according to an American Heart Association presidential advisory. Understanding and addressing the unique health needs of people in rural America is critical to the Association’s pursuit of a world of longer, healthier lives.

Today — on National Rural Health Day — the Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announces two new collaborative efforts to help close the gap between rural and urban hospital care and bring equitable care to all, regardless of where you live.

“Addressing the unique health needs of people in rural America is critical to achieving the American Heart Association’s 2024 impact goal for equitably increasing healthy life expectancy nationwide,” said Karen Joynt-Maddox, M.D., MPH, American Heart Association volunteer, associate professor at the Washington University School of Medicine and co-director of the Washington University in St. Louis Center for

Advancing Health Services, Policy & Economics Research. “Innovative collaborations like these are key to improving rural health across the nation.”

Sharing clinical educational resources

The American Heart Association is collaborating with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) to highlight and share cardiovascular and stroke clinical educational resources such as model practices, collaborative learnings and rural quality research findings with NRHA membership.

Through this collaboration, the American Heart Association will submit content for NRHA’s magazine Rural Horizons, weekly e-newsletter NRHA Today and Journal of Rural Health, as well as participate in NRHA’s 2024 Annual Rural Health Conference and 2024 Rural Health Clinic and Critical Access Hospital Conference.

“NRHA is excited to partner with the American Heart Association to share resources and education to help reduce rural cardiovascular health disparities,” said NRHA CEO Alan Morgan.

Harmonizing quality data for analysis and validation

The American Heart Association and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) are collaborating on efforts to resolve outcomes gaps and identify model practices for hospitals and health systems in the rural setting. This effort will identify sites participating in both organizations’ respective quality programs and cross-promote their data registries, as well as explore data harmonization and opportunities for shared data analysis and validation.

The Association and ACEP share common priorities in addressing outcomes gaps in rural areas and building the knowledge base needed for evidence-based clinical practice. Reaching clinicians and providers and other key constituents with important messages is foundational to these efforts.

ACEP’s E-QUAL stroke initiative strives to make stroke quality improvement strategies accessible for emergency departments of all shapes and sizes. The E-QUAL data submission activities have been designed to allow hospitals who are already participating in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® programs to seamlessly meet all E-QUAL reporting requirements.

“Through ACEP’s E-QUAL stroke initiative, we strive to make stroke quality improvement strategies accessible for emergency departments of all shapes and sizes,” said Kori Zachrison, M.D., MSc, E-QUAL Stroke Initiative co-lead. “While many rural EDs may be working with fewer resources at their disposal, they remain the anchor of the community’s stroke chain of survival. We’re thrilled to work side-by-side with the AHA in investing in these communities.”

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Lack of representation significant barrier for optimal health in Hispanic Latino community

by The American Heart Association

Dallas, TX - Disparities in health care persist, with Hispanic and Black adults reporting less satisfaction with their interactions with physicians, leading to poorer quality of care and health outcomes.^[1],[2],[3] While 19% of people in the U.S. identify as Hispanic, fewer than 7% of physicians do.^[4]

This lack of representation in the delivery of health care has been shown to exacerbate health disparities among underrepresented groups and is a significant barrier to the Hispanic Latino community achieving optimal health.^[5] In response to this challenge, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, has established the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative (NHLCC). This initiative specifically unites Hispanic Latino volunteers, professional staff and allied supporters committed to bridging the gap in health care disparities and ensuring that equitable health is a reality for everyone everywhere.

The group launched its second cohort of the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative Scholars Program during the American Heart Association’s annual Scientific Sessions the world’s preeminent scientific meeting focused on cardiovascular disease. This NHLCC mentorship and professional development program aims to leverage the global gathering of scientific thought leadership to cultivate the next generation of Hispanic Latino researchers and health care leaders, in turn actively addressing longstanding systemic inequities in health care.

“The important of representation within health care and research cannot be overstated. As the American Heart Association strives for equity in cardiovascular health outcomes, we are excited to support the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative to uplift the voices and experiences of the Hispanic Latino community, in an effort to eliminate health disparities and improve health and well-being,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention, and the executive staff sponsor of the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative.

Scientific Sessions 2023 also featured the inaugural NHLCC Symposium. The symposium, Scientific Sessions’ first ever session dedicated solely to Hispanic Latino health, focused on leading community figures in medicine, clinical research and the social sciences. The session enabled meaningful dialogue about the state of Hispanic Latino health and health care in the United States, while examining emerging trends and identifying strategies for cultivating the next generation of Hispanic Latino health care leaders.

Scientific studies confirm that diversity among nurses, physicians and health care teams enhances overall patient outcomes and dismantles cultural barriers.^[6]  Specific research conducted by Penn State University emphasizes the significance of addressing implicit biases within health systems and diversifying the physician workforce to better meet patients' preferences.^{[7] ,[8]}

Home & Garden |Renovating for comfort: Creating cozy spaces in your home

Karl Solano/PEXELS

SNS - Creating cozy spaces in your home transforms it into a sanctuary of comfort. Warm, inviting areas make a house truly feel like a home in Champaign-Urbana. It’s essential for both your mental and physical well-being.

Here are some great ideas to help guide you through renovating your place with coziness in mind. From understanding what comfort means to practical tips on furniture arrangement, learn how to assess your current place and plan effective renovation and turn your home this winter into the coziest of havens and make you home the place friends and family love to gather.

Understanding Comfort and Coziness

Creating a cozy space goes beyond aesthetics; it evokes feelings of warmth, safety, and ease. Comfort and coziness in home design are crucial in how we experience our living place. A cozy room invites you to relax, unwind, and feel at ease, providing a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

On the other hand, comfort is about meeting our physical needs and ensuring our surroundings serve us well. These two elements create an environment that supports our well-being and promotes relaxation. When our homes cater to our needs and appeal to our senses, they contribute significantly to our happiness and contentment.

Assessing Your Space

Starting with a fresh perspective, look around your home. Ask yourself: Does it evoke comfort? Think about the areas that feel cold or unwelcoming. An inviting place often stems from its functionality. Consider if every piece of furniture serves a purpose. Could a corner benefit from a cozy reading chair? Or perhaps a barren wall from some soft lighting?

Next, take note of elements that may disrupt comfort. Harsh lighting or clashing colors can easily turn a place from cozy to chaotic. Also, reflect on the textures present. Soft, warm materials can elevate a room's coziness factor instantly.

Finally, sketch a rough layout of your rooms. Think about flow. The way spaces connect can either enhance or diminish a sense of comfort. Be open to rearranging. Sometimes, moving a piece of furniture can transform the whole vibe of a room.

Planning Your Renovation

Planning your renovation demands a well-thought-out strategy, particularly if creating cozy spaces in your home is the goal. Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Consider the feelings you wish to evoke and the activities that will take place in each room. Draft a detailed plan that outlines every aspect of the project, from design concepts to materials and finishes.

Setting a realistic budget is crucial. Research costs thoroughly and allocate funds wisely to avoid financial stress. Remember to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Equally important is establishing a realistic timeline. Plan each renovation phase meticulously, allowing extra time for potential delays.

Choosing materials and finishes that contribute to a cozy atmosphere is essential. Opt for warm colors and soft textures that invite relaxation. Pay attention to lighting; soft, layered lighting creates a welcoming ambiance. Flooring also plays a significant role; consider plush carpets or warm wood tones for added comfort.

Your plan should also reflect a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Ensure that every element you choose serves a purpose while also contributing to the overall coziness of the space.

Utilizing Space Effectively

Maximizing the potential of every nook and cranny is crucial in creating a comfortable, cozy place. Start with a smart layout, arranging furniture to make rooms feel open yet inviting. Incorporate multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with storage or sofa beds, to save space and add utility.

For effective storage solutions, US Moving Experts have a few tips. They suggest using vertical space with shelves and hooks, keeping floors clutter-free. Utilize under-bed storage and choose furniture with built-in storage. That keeps belongings organized while maintaining a tidy, cozy atmosphere. Avoid crowding rooms with too much furniture. Instead, opt for pieces that provide comfort and serve multiple purposes. Embrace natural light and use mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space. A cozy place is not necessarily a small one.

Incorporating Comforting Elements

Creating a cozy and welcoming place involves integrating comforting elements throughout your home. Start by selecting plush furnishings that invite relaxation.

Think soft sofas, overstuffed chairs, and cushioned benches. Incorporate soft textiles like fluffy throws and plush pillows for added warmth. Opt for warm colors in your décor to enhance the sense of coziness. Shades of red, orange, and yellow evoke feelings of warmth and comfort.

Lighting plays a crucial role as well; choose soft, ambient lighting over harsh, bright lights. Candles and string lights can add a gentle glow, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Integrate natural elements like wood and stone for warmth and grounding.

Don’t overlook the power of scent; fragrant candles or essential oil diffusers can contribute significantly to a cozy ambiance.

Personalize your space with meaningful décor, such as family photos or treasured mementos, to make it your own. Photos and paintings from local artists are always a sure hit. Have kids that play sports? Mounting and framing 16x20 or larger, high-quality action photos of your sports prodigy or grandchild will give your room a since of pride. These elements will transform your space, making it the perfect retreat for relaxation and comfort.

Ready for Creating Cozy Spaces in Your Home?

Focusing on comfort significantly enhances cozy spaces in your home. Understand, plan, and implement the right elements for transformation. Cozy furnishings, warm colors, and effective space use are key. Your home should be a sanctuary of comfort and warmth. Start now and enjoy a cozier, more comfortable home.

Creating a cozy and welcoming place involves integrating comforting elements throughout your home. Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Cozy furnishings, warm colors, and effective space use are key.

Photo: Donald Tong/PEXELS

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Guest Commentary | An attitude of thanksgiving is a good way to live

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Here are some tips for Thanksgiving. Be Thankful. Thanksgiving season is a good time to say thanks but we need to make it a lifestyle.

An attitude of thanksgiving is a good way to live. When you are daily thankful for your food, shelter, and the simplest things it elevates your sense of well-being. We devalue our well-being when we spend all of our time looking at what others seem to have. Others may seem to have such great lives that we start missing our own blessings.

The greatest blessings in life are: the ability to walk across the floor; take yourself to the bathroom; enjoy a car ride; feed yourself; have meaningful conversations with other people; enjoy whatever income you have; walk through the grocery store; go to church or enjoy watching television.

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Be wise. Don’t kill yourself eating.

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Too often we get depressed and bogged down with worries and cares that aren’t worth worrying about.

Give thanks today for everything and anything. Say thank you often. They are good words to say. Teach your children and grandchildren to say thank you and to say it often.

Be helpful. Thank all the cooks several times. Help out in any way you can. Cleaning up is a big job. Be active in clearing the table and offering to wash dishes and put stuff away. An ounce of effort goes a long way. Don’t eat two plates of food and then go into a hypnotic state staring at the football game. Don’t leave all the mess for the person who spent days cooking your meal.

Be wise. Don’t kill yourself eating. If you gain ten pounds in November and December then it will take you two to three months to lose the weight, if you are lucky. It’s tough to lose a pound a week. Do you want to be fat all the way into April? If you can’t wear your clothes now then adding ten more pounds will not do anything to enhance your mood and sense of well-being.

Be safe. Millions of people are traveling. If you have to travel don’t push it. Slow down and enjoy the drive. Leave an hour early and take your time. If you don’t have to go anywhere then be glad and relax.

When Jesus healed ten men with leprosy as described in Luke 17: 11-19, only one of the healed men returned to Jesus to say thanks.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? But only this one has returned to say thank you? Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

This scripture demonstrates the power of a thankful spirit. This man’s life was changed even more because he was thankful. It’s easy to see ungratefulness all around us. The vast majority of those healed were ungrateful. Let’s not live like the majority. Let’s be like the winner of this story. He was the person who gave thanks.

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He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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Okonkwo misses cut to advance at Urbana challenger

URBANA - Oliver Okonkwo hits a monster forehand shot during his match against Hunter Heck at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger held at Atkins Tennis Center. After winning their first match on Sunday, the two current University of Illinois teammates battled for spot into the round of 32 at this year's professional tennis tournament in Urbana. Okonkwo, a graduate student at the Illinois who is currently 7-3 in collegiate play, fell 7-6(2), 6-2 to Heck.

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Kirchheimer defeats Karlovskiy, advances to round of 16 at Urbana challenger

URBANA - Strong Kirchheimer stretches out as he goes for a shot into the ad court during his first-round match against Evgeny Karlovskiy at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger earlier today. After taking the first set, 7-5, Kirchheimer, ATP ranked at 401, advanced to the next round after Karlovskiy retired the match down one game, 5-4. He will play the winner of Tuesday's match between Ethan Quinn and #3 seed Emilio Nava.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

SJO volleyball head coach inducted into Hall of Fame

Normal - St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball head coach Abby McDonald was honored this past Saturday during the year's IHSA Volleyball State Finals with her induction into the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

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Having won more than 400 matches during her coaching career, St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Abby McDonald has become a member of the IVCA Hall of Fame. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Under her leadership, the SJO volleyball program collects 20-win seasons like Halloween candy. Earlier this season McDonald earned her 400th career coach win. A mere 1,432 days earlier, the Spartans celebrated her 300th coaching victory in 2019.

McDonald, a second-grade teacher by trade, took over the head coaching position at St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 2008. Since then, the Spartans have won nine IHSA regional titles, two sectional, and two supersectional titles. In 2016, finished as runner-up in the IHSA Class 2A state tournament and she led the program back again in 2019, when the finish third in the state.

The veteran coach has amassed 417 wins against just 95 losses and looks to continue to build on her coaching legacy.

McDonald knows volleyball.

She graduated from Hoopeston Area High School in 2001. She was a three-sport athlete earning ten varsity levels. After a two-year stint at Danville Community College where she was team captain, All-Conference, and the team's MVP, she also ranked in the top 10 in the nation for assists per game. After two years, McDonald transfered to University of Illinois-Springfield where she quickly found herself back in her leadership role as a team captain and starter for the Prairie Stars.

State Champions! Once again Unity cross-country program captures Class 1A title

Unity's Emily Decker runs in the Class 1A championship race at the IHSA State Cross Country State Finals on Saturday. Decker was the third Rocket to cross the finish line, finishing her race in 18 minutes and 22.60 seconds.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Class 1A Final Standings

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 1. Unity 109
 2. Anna-Jonesboro 157
 3. Peoria Notre Dame 224
 4. Eureka 231
 5. Knoxville 270
 6. Chicago Christian 274
 7. Shelbyville 278
 8. Father McGivney 319
 9. Williamsville 331
10. Herscher 347

Peoria - Two weeks ago, the Unity girls cross country program cemented their place in prep sports history as a downstate running dynasty. The Rockets tallied 109 points, 48 points less than their nearest competitor to bring home the Class 1A state title for a third consecutive season.

Led by sophomore Mackenzie Pound and Erica Woodward, who finished their individual race under the 18 minute mark, Unity's three-peat performance moved the school to #5 on the IHSA's list for most-consecutive title wins.

Pound was the tenth runner in the small school race to cross the finish line at 17:36.87. Woodard, a senior, also earned All-State status, crossed over at 17:45.26.

Unity's #3 runner, Emily Decker, finished 30th behind Clinton senior MaKayla Koeppel (18:18.41) and Christ Our Rock Lutheran's Sarah McKowen, senior, at 18:20.41. Earning her third team medal, Decker turned in a time of 18:22.60.

Running neck and neck to the finish line, Ashlyn Denny held off Princeville's Bethany Sennett, who finished six-hundreth of second ahead of her stopping her race clock 18 minute, 53.38 second.

Almost a second and half later, Rocket senior Olivia Shike closed out her prep cross country career at 18:54.89 to close out the top five runners to cross the finish line.

Over the past nine season, except for a two-year hiccup from 2018 to 2019, the Class 1A state championship trophy was brought home by either Unity or St. Joseph-Ogden. Unity now ranks second in program state title victories, behind Winnebago's 13 state title, with five. Surpassing St. Teresa's four titles, Unity has won four previous state championships in 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2022. The Rockets also were runner-up back in the one class system in 1988 and again in the three-class championships in 2016.

This championship squad included:
10. Mackenzie Pound 17:36.87
14. Erica Woodard 17:45.26
30. Emily Decker 18:22.60
52. Ashlyn Denney 18:53.38
55. Olivia Shike 18:54.89
63. Camryn Reedy 19:00.12
73. Reagen Stringer 19:07.77

Local union to host ribbon-cutting ceremony at new training facility in Savoy

SAVOY - UA Local 149 will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow at their new training center for area plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians.

Elected officials and union leaders from across Illinois will be in attendance at the grand opening event starting at 4:30pm at the UA Local 149 Training Center, located at 1005 N. Dunlap Ave. in Savoy. In addition to presentations made by state and local officials, as well as Local 149 leadership, several Champaign-area business leaders will also be recognized at the event as part of a celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.

Local 149 apprentices spend five years learning as they are earning, spending 240 hours in class and 1,700 hours on the job each year, working for local contractors. They make $22.66 an hour on day one, with guaranteed hourly raises each year to $42.80 in their fifth year, after which their total hourly package is $73.60 as journeymen.

The grand opening will also feature demonstrations by apprentices on the new equipment and tours of the new facility.

On Wednesday from 9am to 12 pm, there will be an open house to welcome interested applicants to tour the facility and apply to join Local 149, which represents more than 600 workers across East Central Illinois.

Those who apply are invited to take an entrance exam and in-person interviews before possibly being offered a position in the union.

Education leaders seek more funding for Black community colleges

by Mark Richardson
Illinois News Connection

Chicago - Historical and predominantly Black community colleges often get overlooked when it comes to funding for higher education. However, leaders nationwide are seeking ways to improve support for these institutions.

Complete College of America and Lumina Foundation organized a webinar recently to discuss the needs of these colleges and their crucial role in promoting equal opportunities for Black students.

Brandon Nichols, senior vice president for academic affairs at Olive-Harvey College, a historically Black community college, emphasized the need for funding to provide wraparound services to under-resourced students.

"One of the things that we noticed was the food insecurities," he said. "So we actually have a pantry that is now on site for our students to have access to. And we know that our students come to school hungry, may not have had the resources or access to be able to go to the grocery store that impacts the level of success in the classroom."

Olive-Harvey College is part of the Chicago State University system, with more than 7,000 students enrolled in scientific, technical and liberal-arts courses. Nichols said because it is the only group of Historically Black Colleges in Illinois, they feel a special responsibility to offer support to their students.

Nichols pointed out that funding is crucial in supporting what he calls the school's "stranded workforce" - individuals striving for a degree but held back by financial obstacles or other responsibilities. He said a majority of students come from a low-income background, which makes college necessities such as books, laptops, child care and even food sometimes hard to afford.

"We want to make sure that we give our students the resources they need to be the most successful," he said. "Next aspect is that we want to make sure that our students and our community also reflect the faculty that we have that are teaching our courses. We're very intentional to ensure that we have faculty that reflect our students."

Advocates from other states also highlighted the essential resources that historically Black colleges offer to support first-generation students and emphasize the need for impactful research that reflects their community influence.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.

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Protect yourself and family from holiday season scams

Jonathan Hammond /Pixabay

Statepoint Media - In today’s hyper-connected digital universe, cyber criminals have more information than ever before, with the ability to reach you through unsecure public Wi-Fi, your email inbox, via text message, and more.

According to a Scam and Robocall Report from T-Mobile, Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022. Lucky for you, there are several ways to protect and safeguard your personal information to help prevent scammers from scammin’ this holiday season.

1. Avoid Public USB Ports: Traveling by plane this holiday season? The FCC warns that cyber criminals can download malware to public USB charging ports to gain access to your information. Prevent this by using an AC power outlet instead.

2. Beware of Charity Scams: It’s the season of giving, but the FCC warns many cyber criminals take advantage by creating fake charities staged as real nonprofit organizations to gain access to your payment information. Woof. To prevent this, don’t click on suspicious email or text links and verify the organization is registered at the National Association of State Charity Officials or Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance before donating this holiday season.

3. Screen Your Calls: Scammers are continuously upping their game, with total robocall attempts up 75% from 2021 to 2022. Detecting whether an incoming call is a potential scam isn’t always easy, but T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app makes it simple. Free to all T-Mobile customers, Scam Shield enhances your scam-blocking protections so you can say goodbye to scam calls. In 2022 alone, Scam Shield identified or blocked 41.5 billion scam calls in the T-Mobile network. That’s a whopping 1,317 calls identified or blocked every second. With Scam Shield, when the network detects a potential scam call, it is flagged and displayed as “Scam Likely” on your device. Customers who want even more protection can download the Scam Shield app or dial #662# from their T-Mobile smartphone to enable Scam Block, which automatically blocks any calls that match the database of scam calls. Take that, tricksters. To learn more, visit t-mobile.com/scamshield.

4. Shop Smarter Online: According to Statista, 57% of holiday shoppers plan to use their smartphone to make holiday purchases this year, and scammers are onto them, ramping up activity during the two weeks before Christmas. To minimize any cyber Grinches trying to steal your personal info, monitor your financial accounts regularly for suspicious charges and sign up for your bank or credit card company’s text or email notifications to stay on top of fraudulent activity.

5. Use Secure Tools: Safeguard your online accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires users to enter two different kinds of information to log in, like a password and one-time PIN code. It’s like having a digital bouncer to make sure only you get into your accounts. Another protection is a password manager, giving you the ability to securely store passwords across multiple platforms and websites. The tool also provides an autofill password function and a new password generator.

To learn more about the industry’s top fraud trends and how to stay protected from scammers year-round, check out T-Mobile’s Scam Shield Report found at t-mobile.com/news.

While cyber threats are on the rise, you can sleigh scams by staying vigilant and incorporating these best practices into your life this holiday season.

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More Sentinel articles
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Young people should trust their gut when it comes to stomach pain

For years, colon cancer was believed by many to be an "old person’s disease." However, a study revealed that young patients ages 20 to 29 have recently seen the highest spike in rates of diagnosed colon cancer cases.

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Traveling with your pet? 6 things you will want to remember

Pet parents increasingly want to take their furry family members with them wherever they can. This has led to an uptick in pet travel, whether around town, on business, or across the country. In response to this demand, more hotels are taking steps to accommodate four-legged guests.

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Fighting Illini Women's 15K tournament schedule released

URBANA - Atkins Tennis Center announced the schedule for the Fighting Illini Women’s 15K Futures tennis tournament starting this Sunday. The event, which offers free admission to the general public, will run Sunday, November 5th through Saturday, November 11th.

The competition begins on Sunday at 10am with the qualifying draw of 32 women vying for a spot into the main draw, which will commence on Monday after the conclusion of the qualifying matches. In addition competing for WTA and ITF rating points, the top finishers share a total purse $15,000.

Last year's doubles champions, Megan Heuser and Kate Duong, are back looking to repeat finish. The field of competition will feature rising international players from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, China, and other countries around the globe.

The brackets for the qualifying round are expected to released on Saturday.

Tournament Schedule:

Sunday, November 5th: Qualifying draw of 32 players will begin at 10 a.m
Monday, November 6th: Qualifying draw finishes. Main draw matches to follow, 10 a.m. start
Tuesday, November 7th: Main draw match play will resume with a 10 a.m. start
Wednesday, November 8th: Main draw match play will resume with a 10 a.m. start
Thursday, November 9th: Doubles semi-finals and Singles quarter finals 10 a.m. start
Friday, November 10th: Doubles final and Singles semi-finals, 10 a.m. start
Saturday, November 11th: Singles final at 10 a.m.

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