News from December 2022


Chicago mayor on Black Shop Friday: 'This inspiring partnership allows Chicagoans to discover the hundreds of Black-owned businesses in our city'

Chicago launched Black Shop Friday to encourage citizens to shop at local Black-owned businesses the day after Thanksgiving.


Chicago Park District CEO on pilot program: 'We welcome the traditional ... and encourage new experiential concepts'

The Chicago Park District announces opportunities for concession operations in city parks.


City Colleges of Chicago chancellor on enrollment jump: 'We’ve been strategic about expanding access to our colleges by developing new opportunities'

The enrollment at City Colleges of Chicago is up 6.9% year over year, outpacing the Illinois community college average of 1.5% and the national average, according to a report released by the Illinois Community College Board.


Chicago Ridge school board reviews current building renovation, construction projects: 'I'd like to know if it's worth it'

The Chicago Ridge School District board recently discussed current building renovation and construction projects.


Chicago Ridge Schools business manager on tax levy: 'We're asking the board to approve the tentative levy at 5% over last year's extension'

Katheryn Picciolini, business manager of Chicago Ridge Schools, discussed the tentative 2022 tax levy with the school board at a recent meeting.


Tinley Park welcomes new firefighter to department: 'He brings us all his knowledge and has done a fantastic job'

Officials with the Village of Tinley Park welcomed a new firefighter, recognized IT employees and celebrated a promotion during a recent board meeting on Nov. 15.


Pluymert on Classic Collectibles: ‘Dream of mine since I was a little kid’

The Village of Tinley Park featured one of its local business owners at their board meeting on Nov. 1.


'We’ve bought cars, we’ve paid mortgages, so many medical bills': Tinley Park police sergeant on nonprofit organization

The Village of Tinley Park's Board of Trustees took time to highlight several organizations in the village, including one aimed at helping families during the holiday season.


'You've really shown your true colors': Village clerk, trustee butt heads during Tinley Park Board meeting

The drama surrounding Tinley Park Trustee Diane Galante has continued after Galante and Village Clerk Nancy O'Connor butted heads during a board meeting last month.


Hardiman: 'Too many crimes are being committed'

No one escapes the ravages of violent crime in the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago.


Chicago’s 'Mr. Ceasefire' came by his nickname the hard way

In 2003, Tio Hardiman talked his way out of a potentially deadly conflict when five gang members confronted him on the Southside.


Chicago native on child support, city policies: 'They'll take everything you have if they can'

Child support enforcement can have a negative effect on Black, low-income, non-custodial fathers and their children, according to a 2016 report from the Urban Institute.


Tinley Park police chief on promoted employee at recent board meeting: 'We're happy to bring her onboard full time'

The Tinley Park Village Board of Trustees approved two promotions and the hiring of a new maintenance technician during a board meeting on Nov. 1.


The Quarry owner: 'We are bringing together music, food, beer and families'

Ryan DeYoung believes in good music, quality food and the power of entrepreneurship.


Uber drivers, education and commerce are integral to Calumet Country Club redevelopment plans

Calumet Country Club's redevelopment plan will require a free flow of transportation including app drivers


Violence Interrupters plans '24-hour boots on the ground' over holidays

The holidays bring with them the risk of heightened violence, and for Tio Hardiman, the executive director of Violence Interrupters, that means “24-hour boots on the ground.”


Midlothian council requests volunteers for community events: 'Email me, call me, let me know your ideas'

Midlothian Village Council heard an update from the Events Committee during a recent meeting, with Trustee Kathleen Johnson pointing out that the panel homes to stage four to six events throughout the year.


Midlothian Village Council debates removing minimum water usage for residents: 'It’s hard to conserve when you know you have to pay the bill anyways'

Midlothian Village Council during its recent meeting discussed eliminating of the minimum water usage for all residents.


Uber driver on ticket debt: 'I got shut down for a whole week unnecessarily'

Toby Mitchell learned in early September that she had been deactivated as an Uber driver due to traffic violations.


'Mr. Ceasefire' no fan of aggressive ticketing policies, overnight winter parking ban

Tio Hardiman, known on the streets as "Mr. Ceasefire," spends his days, and many nights, stemming gang violence in some of the city’s toughest neighborhoods.