“As an arbitrator, Mr. Hicks has greatly assisted individuals and businesses come to fair and equitable agreements,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. 

Gary Hicks has served as a volunteer arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau since 2000.  He is the first two-time recipient of the Daniel D. Calibraro Arbitrator of the Year Award, previously having received it in 2002.

For the last 26 years, Mr. Hicks has been employed as a law clerk to Judge George W. Lindberg, first in Crystal Lake, IL and more recently in Chicago since Judge Lindberg’s 1989 appointment to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Evanston, IL – The Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University continues its 30th anniversary season with “The State(s) of America: The Regina Taylor Project” (March 4 to 6). The one-weekend-only festival of original works by Northwestern faculty and students is curated by Hollywood actress and visiting artist Regina Taylor.

In early March, the final four performances of “Danceworks 2011” (Feb. 25 to March 6), will showcase the choreography of Northwestern’s dance faculty.

On March 4 and 5, the department of performance studies will present three solo performances of “Appointment in Samarra,” an adaptation of John O’Hara’s 1934 novel. On March 12, two graduate students will give solo performances of their original works.

All events are open to the public and will take place on the Evanston campus. Ticket information follows each performance listing. Specific venues and single-ticket prices are listed below. Single or group tickets may be purchased through the TIC Box Office at (847) 491-7282 or online at www.tic.northwestern.edu.

For the first time, TIC is offering $10 single-ticket prices to Thursday night season performances to U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families (with a valid military ID), as well as $10 ticket discounts for Northwestern alumni who have graduated within the past two years (with a valid WildCARD ID).

MARCH 2011 Identity. Unemployment. Communication. Dreams. Race. Politics. Technology. From plays and video shorts to graphic narratives and songs, celebrated actress Regina Taylor has partnered with Northwestern students and faculty members to create a fearless, one-weekend-only festival of original works. Through four different performances presented in three venues, more than 50 Northwestern community members have joined in a personal and provocative look at American society today. Performances include: “ID,” 8 p.m. Friday, March 4; 11 p.m. Saturday, March 5; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at the Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive. The play explores the constructs of identity and issues of race, gender and sexuality. Tickets are $5 to $15; “Dreams,” 11 p.m. Friday, March 4; 8 p.m. Saturday, March 5; and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at the Barber Theater. The play explores the American Dream and how the dreamscape is shifting in response to the realities of today. Tickets are $5 to $15; “Eyes on the World,” 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 4, and 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Annie May Swift Hall, 1920 Campus Drive. This short film series is a moving exploration of America at its crossroads, colliding headlong with the past, present and future. General admission is $5; and “Becoming,” 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 4, and 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Hal and Martha Hyer Wallis Theater, 1949 Campus Drive. This play navigates the complex and unknown future of today’s youth. Tickets are $5 to $15. For more information, visit www.communication.northwestern.edu/tic/performances/states/.

THEATRE

“The State(s) of America: The Regina Taylor Project,” curated by Regina Taylor, Friday, March 4, through Sunday, March 6.

“State(s) of America” Lunch and Symposium, noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6, Hal and Martha Hyer Wallis Theater. Northwestern Associate Professor Harvey Young will lead a discussion with guest artist Regina Taylor and Theatre and Interpretation Center Artistic Director Henry Godinez. The $5 general admission includes a light lunch.

Two kinds of passes are available, The Festival Flex Pass allows a choice of admission date to the four festival events (not including the lunch or symposium) and is $30 for the general public; $25 for seniors 65 and older, Northwestern faculty and staff and area educators and administrators; and $15 for full-time students. The Sunday All-Day Pass includes admission to the four festival events taking place on Sunday as well as the lunch and symposium and is $35 for the general public; $30 for seniors 65 and older, Northwestern faculty and staff and area educators and administrators; and $20 for full-time students. Passes and single tickets may be purchased through the TIC Box Office at (847) 491-7282 or online at www.tic.northwestern.edu.

PERFORMANCE STUDIES Adapted from John O’Hara’s 1934 novel, “Appointment in Samarra” examines the last three days in the life of Julian English, who pays a dear price for following his impulses at a Christmas party. The novel explores small town life and its petty prejudices and rules. Admission is free.

“Appointment in Samarra,” by John O’Hara, adapted and directed by undergraduate student Jeremy Fessler, 8 p.m. Friday, March 4; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 5, Annie May Swift Hall, Alvina Krause Studio, 1920 Campus Drive, Evanston campus.

Performance Studies Recitals, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12, Hal and Martha Hyer Wallis Theater, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston campus. Solo presentations created and performed by performance studies graduate students Soo Ryon Yoon and Rhaisa Williams. Admission is free.

DANCE Featuring the original works of Northwestern’s renowned faculty choreographers and performances by up-and-coming student dancers, “Danceworks 2011” celebrates modern, classic jazz, contemporary, Jump Rhythm tap and classic ethnic dance. Under the artistic direction of Northwestern faculty member Annie Beserra, the works featured center on themes of community, connection and celebration. It features the choreography of Beserra, Joel Hall, Kristina Kasper, Munjuli Rahman, Molly Shanahan, Joel Valentin-Martinez and Laura Wade. A post-show discussion with the creative team will follow the Feb. 27 matinee and the March 3 evening performance. A “Danceworks” blog at http://danceworks2011.tumblr.com/ encourages a dynamic exchange between the artists and audience. Tickets are $20 for the general public; $18 for seniors 65 and older, Northwestern faculty and staff and area educators and administrators; and $10 for full-time students. Danceworks 2011 tickets can be purchased through the TIC Box Office at (847) 491-7282 or online at www.tic.northwestern.edu.

“Danceworks 2011,” 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27; 8 p.m. Thursday, March 3; 8 p.m. Friday, March 4; 8 p.m. Saturday, March 5; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6, Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus.

Chicago, IL – This week, a federal district judge in the District of Columbia became the third federal judge to affirm constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, making the national score card 3-2 rulings in favor.

Judge Gladys Kessler dismissed the challenge to the individual mandate clause filed by five individuals representing the American Center for Law and Justice, a conservative legal group.  The group argued that it is unconstitutional to require individuals to purchase health insurance and also claimed that the mandate is in conflict with their religious freedoms.

In her 64-page opinion, Judge Kessler “didn’t mince words,” writes Jonathan Cohn, health care writer and editor of the New Republic. The judge stated that the claim the law regulates “inactivity” is nothing more than semantics, saying:

The Affordable Care Act has already made a difference in the lives of millions of Illinoisans.  Over 2.5 million state residents under the age of 65 who have pre-existing conditions will now be able to get health insurance. All of Illinois’s 1,770,000 seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare will no longer have to pay for preventive services, and many will have more help paying for prescriptions. In total, 1,163,000 uninsured Illinoisans will gain insurance coverage.  

Agreement resolves fraud claims that cost Illinois, Federal Government millions

Chicago, IL — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced a $25 million agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois settling allegations the company denied coverage of nursing care needed for sick children and other fragile patients and fraudulently shifted the cost of this expensive care to the state and federal Medicaid program.

The settlement reached by Madigan and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald resolves their investigation into Blue Cross Blue Shield, a division of Health Care Service Corporation, denying patient claims for in-home, skilled nursing care for complex medical needs.

The Attorney General and Fitzgerald alleged BCBS denied patient claims based on internal, undisclosed guidelines that were more restrictive than the language provided to patients in plan policy materials. As the result of the denials, the cost of the care that should have been covered was shifted to the state and federal Medicaid program, costing it nearly $12 million.

“Blue Cross Blue Shield’s inappropriate denial of legitimate claims placed an undue burden on the state’s finances,” Attorney General Madigan said. “My office is committed to holding health care insurers accountable on behalf of the people of Illinois for this type of deception and fraud.”                    

Madigan and Fitzgerald also alleged instances where BCBS fraudulently contended patients weren’t covered for this care during claims review processes sought after patient denials.

Under the agreement, BCBS will pay $14.25 million to Illinois and $9.5 million to the U.S. Treasury to help fund and reimburse Medicaid programs. The company will also pay $1.25 million that will go to Illinois consumers who were denied by BCBS but did not receive Medicaid coverage.

Handling this case for Madigan’s Office were Public Interest Division Chief Paul Gaynor, Special Litigation Bureau Chief Carl Bergetz, Health Care Bureau Chief Raymond Threlkeld and Assistant Attorneys General Dalila Bentley and Judith Parker.

Rev. Jackson delivers commencement address at Virginia College of Birmingham.

Birmingham, AL (BlackNews.com) — In a commencement address at Virginia College, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson espoused the value of postsecondary education, applauding 387 graduates of the career school that specializes in preparing students for careers in health services, business, information technology, personal care, culinary arts, interior design and other fields.

The winter commencement on Sunday, February 20, was one of two held annually at Virginia College of Birmingham. The career school, which has been serving Birmingham students and employers for nearly 30 years, offers more than 24 academic programs that prepare graduates for jobs in the greatest demand among employers.

“This graduation today is cause for another family celebration, enhanced by the fact that 150 of you have already been placed in jobs,” Rev. Jackson told the graduates, their friends and relatives, and the school’s staff and faculty. “Put your hands together. That’s a big deal. These jobs range from culinary and pastry arts to medical assistance, business administration, master’s degrees, accounting specialists and cosmetology…The range of skills for which you have developed is coming into a growing market.”

“I congratulate you because of your passion for education,” he said. “Many of you finished high school long ago and just wouldn’t give up. Strong minds bring strong change. The great tradition of Tuskegee, the spirit of self-reliance and skill development – Booker Washington argued that you should not starve on the farm because you have a dysfunctional education.”

Tom Moore, CEO of Education Corporation of America, which operates Virginia College campuses around the country, as well as other accredited learning institutions, said he was honored to have Rev. Jackson deliver the commencement address. “He has been a strong and vocal supporter of the kind of practical educational alternatives we provide our students. His appreciation of the diversity of our student body and the catalyst we play in their career development is an important message for our students and this entire community.”

Further, Moore expressed his appreciation for Rev. Jackson’s strong support for career colleges as they seek to amend or stop a series of regulatory changes proposed by the US Department of Education that would make it difficult for some for-profit educational institutions to continue operating.

In his address, Rev. Jackson noted that his mother attended an alternative school to learn a trade when he was a child. “My mom went back to school after 10 years of my birth to become a beautician,” he said. “She just wouldn’t – she just wouldn’t give up.”

Rev. Jackson also recalled the economic struggles that other members of his family overcame, some with the help of alternative education. He said one aunt had five children before she was 20 years old, but had a dream of a college education for herself and her children. She worked at a Veterans Hospital at night and sent all five children to college. At age 53, he said she got her GED, earned a community college associate degree four years later, and then proceeded to get her bachelors and master’s degrees.

Proudly pointing out her accomplishments, Rev. Jackson told the graduates it’s about “learning to use what you got – some beautician, some chef, some computer specialist, using what you got. And don’t cry about what you do not have.”

The civil rights leader, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., also talked about the social progress in America and the unification that is needed for the nation to continue moving forward.

“It is such a joy to be with you and family today,” Rev. Jackson said. “Congratulations on this graduation day, the end of one journey, the beginning of another. To look at your faces here today, black and white, male and female, Dr. King would rejoice in looking at this graduation in Birmingham, once a steel and coal industry, then the barbaric division and the violence, and now a kind of calm after the storm. We have learned to survive apart, survive as black, survive as white, survive as brown. Now we have a more difficult challenge than surviving apart: learning to live together. We need each other.

“Today, beyond this college experience, you must fight for an even playing field, public rules and clear goals to make this a better state and a better nation.”

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) — BlackStudents.com, a popular online resource for African American high school and college students, has published their annual listing of 2011 scholarship opportunities. The scholarships vary in criteria, award amounts, and deadline dates, but are available from over 100 different companies, organizations, and foundations. Combined, the scholarships amount to more than $5 million in funding for minority students. Majors that qualify include science, technology, engineering, communications, journalism, nursing, education (teaching), and more. The money can be used for tuition, books, and residence at most universities, colleges, and even private schools in the United States.

 The published listing includes the following programs: Best Buy Scholarship, Burger King Scholars Program, CIA Undergraduate Scholarship, Dell Scholars Program, Gates Millenium Scholarship, HBCU Study Abroad Scholarship, Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship, National Black Police Association Scholarships, Thurgood Marshall Fund, Tylenol Scholarship, United Negro College Fund, Vanguard Minority Scholarship Fund, Xerox Minority Technical Scholarship, and many more. To see the complete listing of scholarship opportunities and their related application details, visit www.BlackStudents.com

New America Media’s Sandy Close will be presented the George Polk Career Award

The New York Times and the independent non-profit news organization ProPublica each earned two Polk Awards, while the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was honored with a Polk Award for the third-straight year. Judges twice awarded the collaborative efforts of multiple news organizations. ProPublica, The Times-Picayune of New Orleans and PBS’ “Frontline” won the George Polk Award for Television Reporting, while ProPublica and National Public Radio joined forces to produce work that garnered them the Polk Award for Radio Reporting.

The George Polk Career Award will be presented to Sandy Close, executive director of New America Media, an alternative news source that supports thousands of ethnic media outlets. For 37 years, Ms. Close has guided the pioneering efforts of New America Media, formerly known as the Pacific News Service. She has mentored many journalists who now work in the mainstream press, including A.C. Thompson, one of this year’s winners of the Polk Award for Television Reporting. In 1995, Ms. Close received a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Award” fellowship; and in 1997, she co-produced the Academy Award-winning short documentary, “Breathing Lessons.” Perhaps her proudest moment in journalism came in 2007, when she organized the Chauncey Bailey Project, a team of reporters whose investigative work led Oakland police to arrest those responsible for killing Mr. Bailey, who was a Polk Award-winning journalist.

The 2010 George Polk Awards will be presented at a luncheon at The Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Associated Press correspondent and former CBS News reporter Kimberly Dozier, who was seriously injured in a 2006 car bombing in Iraq that killed two of her colleagues, will be the citation reader. The program also will include a special presentation to Wilbert Rideau, a former death row inmate who earned the 1979 George Polk Award for Special Interest Reporting while working as the editor of his Louisiana prison’s magazine. The annual George Polk Seminar will take place the preceding evening, Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at the Kumble Theater for Performing Arts on Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus.

The George Polk Awards in Journalism are conferred annually to honor special achievement in journalism, with a premium placed on investigative and enterprise reporting. Ranked among America’s most coveted journalism honors, the George Polk Awards have been administered by Long Island University since 1949. They memorialize CBS correspondent George W. Polk, who was slain covering the civil war in Greece in 1948. A committee of jurors made up of University faculty members and alumni select the winners from entries submitted by journalists and news organizations as well as nominations made by a panel of journalists and editors, including a number of former winners.

For tickets to the George Polk Awards Luncheon, contact Long Island University’s Office of Special Events at 516-299-3298 or e-mail.