Wednesday, March 27
State Representative Hosts Community Healing Fair On The South Side
Illinois State Representative Sonya Harper (6th) recently hosted an inaugural Community Healing Fair in collaboration with several community partners throughout her district that includes parts of Englewood and West Englewood. The Community Healing Fair was held at The Port Ministries, 5017 S. Hermitage, and included several healing workshops and a youth panel discussion.
South Side Resident Creates Natural Cosmetic Line After Struggling With Sensitive Skin
For years, Tracy Allen, founder and chief executive officer of Freedom Naturally Beautiful Cosmetics, struggled with her sensitive skin and was unable to find a makeup line that didn’t cause breakouts and inflammation on her face.
SOUTH SIDE BALLET SCHOOL GIVES DANCERS OF COLOR A WELL ROUNDED EXPERIENCES
Back in 2012 when Kristi Andarcia founded the Kenwood School of Ballet, 1100 E. Hyde Park Blvd., she was in the middle of completing a masters degree in occupational therapy. Motivated by her love of teaching ballet and seeing a great need for affordable dance classes on the south side of Chicago, she decided to put her education on hold and open a dance studio.
Legendary songstress Dionne Warwick announces, ‘She’s Back,’ first new album in five years
Legendary Grammy Award winner DIONNE WARWICK will release her first new album in 5 years, “SHE’S BACK,” on May 10th. Produced by her son Damon Elliot, the album will be released via his Kind Music and Entertainment One (eOne).
SOUTH SIDE TEEN NAMED YOUTH OF THE YEAR BY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF CHICAGO
One Chicago teen, Joshua Houston from Beverly, was recently awarded the title of Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago. The Youth of the Year award is the highest local honor and recognizes a student’s outstanding leadership skills, commitment to service, and academic standing.
6-Year-Old Philanthropist Receives Congressional Recognition for Anti-Bullying Work
While most kindergartners spend their free time on play dates, one kindergarten philanthropist, Cavanaugh Bell is on a mission to spread positivity and change the world with his organization, Cool & Dope.
Synchrony Car Care Credit Card Expands Acceptance Categories to Cover Even More Auto-Related Needs
Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a consumer financial services company, recently announced that Synchrony Car CareTM has increased its acceptance network of merchants more than tenfold to include more auto-related categories and locations. Cardholders will now have the ability to use this all-none solution at more than 500,000 locations across 25 categories including gas, auto parts and service, car washes, parking, ride sharing and more.
Outerknown Launches Women’s Collection
Outerknown, the sustainable lifestyle brand founded by Kelly Slater and John Moore, moves into spring 2019 with the launch of its first-ever women’s collection. In 2015, professional surfer Kelly Slater and creative director John Moore set out to create a brand that would disrupt the fashion landscape by making a true connection between sustainability and style.
Dozens Of New Jobs Coming To The West Side Thanks To New Construction
A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held to kick off the construction of a $5.4 million electrical equipment production facility just south of Interstate 290 in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. The new manufacturing facility will be owned and operated by the Will Group and will create 60 temporary construction jobs along with 48 permanent jobs in the community.
Former model making plans to expand restaurant
It’s been a little over a year since Nichelle Benford, a former model and ex-offender, opened a West Side restaurant and now she plans to open a second location possibly on the South Side.
Proposed cannabis farm aided by consulting firm
A startup business was able to secure $144 million in funding for a proposed hemp farm in the south suburbs thanks to a Homewood-Flossmoor entrepreneur and his Chicago consulting firm.
Monday, March 25
ILLINOIS LOTTERY LAUNCHES PLAYER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
Lottery seeks to encourage smart and responsible play
The campaign is comprised of social media posts, in-store messaging and paid advertising that drive players to new online content housed on the Lottery’s website, which features information about how games work, common myths about playing the lottery and practical tips for how to be smart when playing.
Wednesday, March 20
Bankers Life Study: Boomers are More Prepared for Death Than Life - And It’s Not Getting Better
Today’s baby boomers are more financially prepared for death than life, according to the latest research from the Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement®. The new study by the national insurance provider revealed that 81% of middle-income boomers have made at least one formal preparation for when they pass away, while only 32% have a plan for how they will receive care in retirement, should they need it.
MGM Resorts Celebrates Women’s History Month with Lioness Logo Transformation
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) temporarily transforms the company’s iconic Leo the lion logo into Leona the lioness to recognize Women’s History Month, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women all over the world throughout the month of March.
Local Entrepreneur Provides College Prep Services For Parents
Preparing for college is a difficult task for both parents and students. Tom Lewis, chief executive officer and founder of the Oink Group, said he knew from the young age of 13 that he wanted to be an entrepreneur and focus on helping parents prepare themselves to send their children to college.
AARP Launches ‘Stop Rx Greed’ Campaign Targeting High Prescription Drug Prices
AARP recently announced the launch of ‘Stop Rx Greed,’ a nationwide campaign aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. The goal of AARP’s sustained campaign is to help drive down drug prices for all Americans by advocating for a variety of legislative, executive, and regulatory actions at both the federal and state level.
FREE PROM DRESS GIVEAWAY FOR SOUTH SUBURBAN TEENS
Attending prom in high school is oftentimes referred to as a right of passage for teenagers, but for many struggling families, prom season can come with a great deal of financial stress.
DURING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL ENCOURAGES EMPLOYERS TO LOOK AT INJURY RATES AMONG WOMEN IN THEIR WORKPLACES
National Safety Council analysis indicates that women are disproportionately impacted by certain safety issues – most notably nonfatal workplace violence, with 70 percent of all assault-related injuries involving days away from work occurring to females.
Despite Protests, City Council Approves Joint Public Safety Training Academy Project
After months of back and forth discussions, Chicago’s City Council recently voted to approve the $95 million Joint Public Safety Training Academy project which has been slated for construction in the city’s West Garfield Park neighborhood.
TransFORM Body Treatment wins 2019 NewBeauty Award
ALASTIN Skincare®, Inc., a specialty aesthetics company dedicated to developing and marketing innovative, clinically-tested physician-dispensed skin care products with patented TriHex Technology®, recently announced that the TransFORM Body Treatment has been awarded a 2019 NewBeauty Award in the innovations category.
34th Chicago Gospel Music Festival May 31 & June 1, 2019
Celebrating the great influence of the music genre born in this city more than 80 years ago, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival will present the top gospel artists in the country.
COMMUNITY TASK FORCES GIVE UPDATES ON PROGRESS AT QUALITY OF LIFE PLANNING MEETING
Teamwork Englewood, a local nonprofit organization, recently held a quarterly meeting to give residents and community stakeholders an update on the work that is being done in the neighborhood as a result of the Englewood Quality of Life Plan.
South Side Principal Brings School From The Verge Of Closing To A Level 1+ Rating
At one point, Esmond Elementary in the Morgan Park neighborhood was under-performing and on the verge of being closed permanently. Where many educators would have looked at Esmond as a lost cause, Dr. Angela Tucker saw the school as an exciting and challenging opportunity when she signed the contract to take over as Principal in 2005.
Friday, March 15
Proposal would require Illinois high schools to provide path to associate degree
Republican Senate leader, school management groups will negotiate further details
A state senator wants to give all Illinois high school students the opportunity to walk across the graduation stage with an associate degree to complement their diploma. Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady, a Bloomington Republican, told the Senate Education Committee this week he is still fine-tuning the proposal, Senate Bill 2046, but the general premise is to quicken the pace at which young adults can enter the workforce. “What some states have done, is they have offered or mandated high schools to provide an equivalent that would give people three choices: traditional education, or leave high school with an associate degree with either a path to a vocation or a path to a baccalaureate degree where they would be able to enter college as a junior,” Brady told Capitol News Illinois on Thursday.
Wednesday, March 13
New entertainment complex coming to South Shore
The resurrection of South Shore continues with new developments from a full-service grocery store set to open later this year to an upcoming project that will include a movie theatre.
Global Corporation Launches Small Business Grant Competition
For the seventh year in a row, FedEx is hosting a Small Business Grant Contest that is open to small businesses across the United States. This year, the company is offering 10 winning businesses a chance at winning grants and FedEx Office services from a collective prize pool of $220,500.
Majority of Primary Care Providers Recognize Importance of Family Caregivers in Patient Outcomes
Primary care providers agree, almost unanimously, that family caregivers play a vital role in patient care and in better patient outcomes, according to a new survey by AARP Research. However, providers say that time constraints and not knowing who or if there is a family caregiver, prevent them from working with family caregivers for more of their patients.
WEST SIDE HEALTH COLLABORATIVE HOSTS COMMUNITY FORUM TO SHARE THEIR 2019 VISION
West Side United, a community healthcare collaborative, recently hosted the Many Voices, One West Side event at Malcolm X College. Community residents and stakeholders were invited to attend the free event and learn about West Side United’s 2018 accomplishments and give their input on the organization’s 2019 goals.
Scholastic News Kids Press Corps Seeking Aspiring Journalists to Cover “News for Kids, by Kids”
The application period for the award-winning Scholastic News Kids Press Corps is now open for the 2019–2020 school year. Students ages 10–14 with a passion for telling great stories and discussing the issues that matter most to kids are encouraged to apply.
GoZone WiFi Strengthens Channel Presence with New VP Hire and Reseller Program Launch
GoZone WiFi (GoZone)recently announced the hire of industry and channel veteran Wayne Newton as the company’s new VP of Channel Partnerships, further solidifying the company’s position as the leading US -based WiFi analytics, marketing and advertising provider.
Coach Introduces ‘Words Matter’
Coach recently announced the release of “Words Matter,” a Short Film directed by Spike Lee, starring global face of Coach menswear, actor/producer Michael B. Jordan.
8th Ward Alderman Shares Information About Responsibilities and Challenges
Michelle Harris is Alderman of Chicago’s 8th Ward which includes parts of South Shore, Chatham, Calumet Heights, Pullman, Avalon Park, Burnside and South Chicago with about 51,000 residents living in the ward, according to Alderman Harris’s website.
SEVENTH ANNUAL APRIL FOOD DAY RESTOCKS SOUTH SUBURBAN FOOD PANTRIES FOR SUMMER
The seventh annual April Food Day food drive in Chicago’s south suburbs is taking place now and will run through April 18. The food drive is hosted by the United Way of Metro Chicago’s South-Southwest Suburban Regional Office and includes several leading partners from the Chicago Southland hospitality industry..
Tips for Dealing With Damaged Hair
StatePoint - Heat tools, color processing and even the simple act of brushing, can cause hair to lose its strength. Indeed, eight out of 10 women in the U.S. experience some form of damaged hair, according to an IPSOS Brand Health Study. But there’s good news, say experts.
Election in University Park for Mayor Slated For April 2
Vivian Covington has been the Mayor of the Village of University Park since 2011 and is once again running for reelection to keep her job which she loves.
NEWLY OPENED GROCERY STORES BRINGS JOBS AND FRESH FOOD OPTIONS TO THE SOUTH SIDE
For over 40 years, Woodlawn residents have lived without their own full-service grocery but a recent grand opening ceremony for the newly constructed Jewel-Osco at the corner of 61st Street and Cottage Grove Avenue brought an end to that inequity.
Wednesday, March 6
Upcoming Brunch Fundraiser Brings Awareness to Domestic Violence
The Better Brother and Sister Growth Network will host it’s seventh annual Domestic Violence Brunch Fundraiser at the Party Palace, 555 E. 75th St., from 9 a.m to 12 p.m. on March 16.
First Group Of Employees Hired To Build New Railcars For Chicago Transit Authority
A press conference was recently held to celebrate the hiring of over 70 employees at the new CRRC Sifang America manufacturing facility in Hegewisch. These employees will be tasked with building new railcars for the Chicago Transit Authority
Illinois Commitment Means Some Students Will Qualify For Free College Tuition
A public forum was recently held at Kenwood Academy, 5015 S. Blackstone Ave., to discuss the recently announced Illinois Commitment financial aid package that will allow qualifying Illinois students to receive free tuition to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Sorority donates $1.6M to black colleges and universities
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. recently donated $1.6 million to 32 historically black colleges and universities including Chicago State University, and plans to raise millions more over the next four years.
Over 50 High School Students Practice Professional Networking In Downtown Chicago
Juniors and seniors from Chicago Public High Schools across the city recently traveled to the Loop for a day of professional networking, resume building, and mock interviewing.
Local Couple Presents Natural Hair Care Line To Investors On Shark Tank
Kim and Tim Lewis are high school sweethearts, parents and co-founders of CurlMix, a clean beauty brand for curly hair. The pair recently had an opportunity to pitch CurlMix to a panel of big name investors on the mid-season premiere of ABC’s Shark Tank.
Supreme Court Tosses Civil Case Against Cosby
The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined review of a case brought by Bill Cosby’s accuser Kathrine McKee (McKee v. Cosby), who alleged being defamed when Cosby’s attorney characterized her story of being raped four decades ago as a fabricated lie.
SUPREME COURT RULING COULD BE A TURNING POINT FOR FINES AND FEES IN CHICAGO
A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Timbs v. Indiana stated for the first time that the excessive fines clause found in the U.S. Constitution Eighth Amendment can be applied to state and local governments. This new precedent limits the power states and municipalities have to impose excessive fines on citizens and seize private property.
Graduation Day Announced for Chicago’s Inaugural IT-Ready Class
Creating IT Futures, CompTIA’s tech workforce charity, recently announced that April 5, 2019, will be graduation day for students currently enrolled in Chicago’s first permanent IT-Ready career program.
Duckworth Discusses Public Service and Global Conflict at University of Chicago Institute of Politics Event
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined former Chief Strategist to President Obama David Axelrod at the University of Chicago recently to discuss her commitment to public service, the role of the American military around the world, improving public service opportunities for young adults and the importance of women in the leadership roles throughout our workforce. The event was hosted by the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics (IOP) and the Pearson Institute.
Village Naturals Therapy™ Debuts New Chronic Pain & Fatigue Soak and Body Wash
Soothe sore muscles and regain energy courtesy of the new Chronic Pain & Fatigue line from Village Naturals Therapy, a Proud Sponsor of the National Fibromyalgia Association.
Snoop Dogg To Headline Illinois State Fair
Rap icon Snoop Dogg is coming to the 2019 Illinois State Fair! Snoop Dogg and Friends will perform Friday, August 16 on the Grandstand stage.
Chicago donuts made the old fashioned way
After briefly working at two other donut shops, Buritt Bulloch opened up his own shop, and now nearly 50 years later, he still makes his famous donuts the old fashioned way. At age 80, “Mr. B” as family, friends and customers call him, works six-days and 60 hours a week at Old Fashioned Donuts, 11248 S. Michigan Ave., which he started Nov. 4, 1972.