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Windy City Times seeks nominations for 30 Under 30 Awards
--From a press release
CHICAGOAfter a four-year hiatus, Windy City Times has revived its 30 Under 30 Awards. Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBTQ+ individuals (and allies). Nominees should be 30 years or younger as ...
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Chicago's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council sets a new course
Chicago's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council held its first meeting of the calendar year on Feb. 28 at City Hall in the Loop under the leadership of the recently appointed chair Jin-Soo Huh. The LGBTQ+ Advisory Council is ...
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Jamie Barton brings nuances of identity to her Lyric Opera 'Aida' performance
Chicago's Lyric Opera is currently featuring a production of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida starring Michelle Bradley as Aida, Jamie Barton as Amneris and Russell Thomas as Radamès. The opera runs through April 7, 2024, with Francesca Zambello ...
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SAVOR Gemini Grill opens, 'Rick Bayless Day' and more
—And I quote: I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal."—Groucho Marx —Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so ...
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Red Stars start season with 2-0 win
On March 16, the Chicago Red Stars kicked off their 2024 campaign with a 2-0 road win over Utah Royals FC in the Royals' inaugural match back in the National Women's Soccer League. Ally Schlegel and ...
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SPORTS Red Stars prepare to kick off NWSL season against Utah Royals
It's been a busy winter for the Red Stars, and it's time to put their work to the test. Following a last place finish in the 2023 NWSL season, Chicago has had an active offseason transforming ...
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SAVOR REVIEW La Grande Boucherie
Just a few months ago, The Group NYCa hospitality consortium based in you-know-whereopened the Italian restaurant Olio e Piu in Chicago's River North neighborhood. You can read my review of ...
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One Roof Chicago launches youth-focused workforce development program
One Roof Chicago (ORC) is set to launch its first training, education and job placement program for LGBTQ+ young adults in late spring. This Community Health Workers and Elder Care program is a part of ORC's ...
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PASSAGES Dorothy Elizabeth McGroarty
Dorothy Elizabeth McGroarty, 82, of The Breakers at Edgewater Beach, and a former resident of Andersonville, passed away Feb. 16 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, Dorothy was raised on Chicago's South and ...
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PASSAGES Bryan Dean Wilson
Bryan Dean Wilson, 64, of Chicago, passed away March 11. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bryan graduated from Washington High school in Cedar Rapids before earning his B.S. in Biology from Mount Mercy University, also in ...
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Howard Brown experts discuss advocacy and allyship for Chicago's trans community
By Alec Karam
Howard Brown Health's Trans & Gender Diverse People's Rights & Patient Care panel convened March 12 to discuss both resources forand opportunities to provide allyship tothe city's trans and gender diverse communities. The event hos ...
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Chicago History Museum announces "Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s - 70s exhibition
--From a press release
CHICAGO (March 14, 2024) — The Chicago History Museum is thrilled to announce its upcoming exhibition, "Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s—70s." Set to open on Saturday, May 18, 2024, this exhibition is ...
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Chicago Red Stars release 2024 roster
CHICAGO (March 13, 2024) — The Chicago Red Stars announced today their final roster ahead of the 2024 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season. The club's roster is bolstered by an array of experience brought not ...
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House-music festival on Aug. 30-Sept. 1; icons, Idris Elba to be part of it
The ARC Music Festivalan event celebrating house musicwill take place Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Chicago's Union Park, per WGN-TV. This will mark the fourth year that the festival will celebrate the genre at Union Parkless than ...
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Howard Brown Health faces October trial if settlement isn't reached with union
Howard Brown Health could go to trial over unfair labor practice allegations if the LGBTQ+ health center doesn't reach a settlement with its agreement soon. Chicago's regional director of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed ...
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PASSAGES: Former Chicago Commission on Human Relations chair Clarence Wood
LGBTQ ally and former Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) Chair and Commissioner Clarence N. Wood died March 5. He was 83. Wood was born April 14, 1940, in Alabama. While primarily raised in Alabama, Wood ...
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No 'explanations' needed: Affinity remains a haven for Chicago's Black queer community
Back in 2007, Anna DeShawn came out while she was studying for her undergraduate degree. At around the same time, she searched online for "Black lesbians in Chicago." Her search led her to Affinity Community Services, ...
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Chicago Red Stars release midfielder Jill Aguilera
--From a press release
CHICAGO (March 11, 2024) — The Chicago Red Stars today announced the release of midfielder, Jill Aguilera. "I want to thank Jill for her time with the Red Stars," said general manager, Richard Feuz. "Over her ...
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"X" gender marker now available on Illinois driver's licenses and state ID cards
After several years of preparation, the Illinois Secretary of State's office is has been making the X gender designation available for non-binary residents and others not utilizing the M or F designations, since the beginning of ...
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Center on Halsted's signature Human First Gala to return
--From a press release
CHICAGO, IL — Center on Halsted's signature Human First Gala will be held on Saturday, April 20 at The Geraghty. The gala brings together LGBTQ+ community members and allies for an evening of celebration to recognize ...
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Chicagoan continues fight against alleged transphobia at Orangetheory
After allegedly dealing with transphobia at a Chicago Orangetheory beginning in 2018, Jes Favers du Shine is still holding out hope for the organization to take measures addressing those issues.� In 2020, Windy City Times reported ...
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Pro-choice activists protest crisis pregnancy center on International Women's Day
The rainy weather on March 8 didn't deter a passionate group of pro-choice protesters from gathering in Old Town on International Women's Day. Following the opening of Women's Care Centera crisis pregnancy centerdirectly next to Pl ...
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Center on Halsted celebrates Dreams of Drag
On March 9, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., in partnership with the Ralla Klepak Foundation, presented the Dreams of Drag Spring Cohort Class of 2024. The event featured performances from a class of new ...
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SAVOR Eldridge Williams talks new concepts, Beyonce, making history
One restaurant would be enough for most people to handle. However, this year Eldridge Williams is opening two new conceptsincluding one that will be the first Black-owned country-and-western bar in the Midwest. Williams, an ally of ...
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COBRAH slithers into Chicago and brings Feminine Energy
COBRAH snaked her way into Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., for two nights March 7 and 8 for her Succubus Tour. This Swedish-born talent has a way with naughty words and ...
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ELECTIONS 2024 Precious Brady-Davis says climate change is top issue as she runs to finish appointed MWRD term
Precious Brady-Davis, commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), is one of several candidates running to fill three seats on the board in the March 19 election. Brady-Davis was appointed to the role last summer ...
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ELECTIONS 2024 MWRD's Marcelino Garcia discusses flooding, land use and LGBTQ+ inclusion
Marcelina Garcia, commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), is one of several candidates in the running to fill three seats on the board in the March 19 election. Garcia, who chair's the MWRD's Finance ...
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Pride 365 event emphasizes year-round support for LGBTQ+ employees
Queer employees are queer all year-round. The need for employers to accordingly support and uplift them year-round was the core message at Howard Brown Health and Citywide Pride's Pride 365 "Out of Office to Out in ...
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Affinity Community Services' Latonya Maley announces departure
Latonya Maley, executive director of Affinity Community Services, announced March 6 that she would be stepping down from her post. The announcement came from a statement with Affinity board members. Maley said that, "It has been ...
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SAVOR Let's Talk Womxn's 'More Than March'; Adobo Grill's tequila dinner
I was fortunate enough to be invited to a culinary event that celebrates the achievement of womenand, fittingly, it happened during Women's History Month. On March 1, Let's Talk Womxn Chicago held its annual "More Than ...
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Chicago Red Stars sign midfielder Leilanni Nesbeth
Press release
CHICAGO (March 6, 2024) — The Chicago Red Stars announced the signing of draftee and midfielder Leilanni Nesbeth. Nesbeth, Chicago's first-round and tenth overall draft pick in the 2024 National ...
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Queer Eye's Jai Rodriguez is set to slay at The Big Gay Cabaret
Out and proud performer Jai Rodriguez is set to play at The Big Gay Cabaret this March for three days. Presented by RuPaul Drag Racer Ginger Minj, this monthly series highlights the wide world of cabaret ...
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Illinois's first openly gay elected official voices support for Cunningham
Judge Thomas Chiola, who served in the Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County from 1994-2009, has officially endorsed Justice Joy Cunningham for reelection to the Illinois Supreme Court. Chiola is the first gay man to be ...
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THEATER 'R & J' puts a female, queer spin on Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet is the theatrical gift that keeps on giving. It's been reworked for the masses numerous times, whether in direct adaptations or musicals such as West Side Story. Shakespeare's plotline points have even inspired ...
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Andersonville Midsommarfest returns June 7-9
From a press release: The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce the return of Andersonville Midsommarfest, one of Chicago's oldest and most beloved summer street festivals. Now in its 58th year, the annual ...
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'Drag deity' Luc Ami hosts spring cleaning drag swap
Self-proclaimed alien drag deity Lúc Ami will be hosting a drag swap this Friday, March 8, from 5-9 p.m. at The Understudy in Andersonville, 5531 N. Clark St. The all-ages event will serve as an opportunity ...
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Center on Halsted hosts 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show
On the evening of Feb. 29, Center on Halsted held its 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show in front of a packed audience at the Hoover-Leppen Theater. The event brought together participants of the Center's youth and senior ...
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PASSAGES Charles R. Tobin
Charles R. Tobin, 81, peacefully passed away on Dec. 23, 2023, in the company of his husband, after living with Lewey body dementia for several years. Charlie was born and raised in the Fernwood neighborhood on ...
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THEATER When growth is paramount: Jim Corti helps fuel Aurora theater expansion
Out actor/director/choreographer Jim Corti made his Broadway debut in 1974, in the ensemble of Leonard Bernstein's musical Candide. Director Harold Prince's acclaimed Tony Award-winning revival is often cited as a ...
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Appeals court allows Ind. ban on gender-affirming care for minors
On Feb. 27, a federal appeals court in Chicago allowed Indiana's ban on gender-affirming care to go into effect, removing a temporary injunction that U.S. District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon issued last year, ABC News ...
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ELECTIONS 2024 Mike Simmons discusses LGBTQ+ health disparities, child tax credit
State Senator Mike Simmons is running unopposed in the March 19 election. Simmons began representing the 7th District after the former state senator, Heather Steans, retired. He's lived in the area his entire life. ...
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Advocates call for increased HIV funding amid state's 'disappointing' pattern of flat funding
Governor JB Pritzker's proposed 2025 budget has no increase in HIV funding, continuing a years-long pattern of flat spending toward tackling the epidemic in Illinois. Pritzker outlined his $52.7 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year ...
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Chicago Red Stars announce partnership with Wintrust
Press release
CHICAGO (Feb. 27, 2024) — The Chicago Red Stars and Wintrust Financial Corporation announced a partnership that will see Wintrust become the club's new front-of-jersey partner and community outreach investment ...
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State Rep. Kelly Cassidy attacked on social media, allegedly by backers of Burke
Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidya supporter of Cook County state's attorney Democratic candidate Clayton Harris IIIposted on social media that a backer of Eileen O'Neill Burke, who's running against Harris ...
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'Always Olivia' celebrates Olivia Newton-John at Raue Center
From a press release: Always Olivia, a tribute to one of the most celebrated and beloved pop culture icons of all time, the late Olivia Newton-John comes to Raue Center in Crystal Lake on Saturday, May ...
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ELECTIONS 2024 Raymond Lopez talks congressional run, Chuy Garcia, migrant crisis
Chicago Ald. Raymond Lopez has been a member of City Council since 2015, representing the 15th Ward and making history as one of the city's first LGBTQ+ Latine alderman. Now, he is setting his sights on ...
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Asians and Friends welcomes the Year of the Dragon
On the evening of Feb. 25, Asians and Friends kicked off the Lunar New Year with their annual dinner and celebration at Pho Viet Vietnamese Restaurant. This year's event was focused on this being the Year ...
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PASSAGES Trailblazing judge and attorney Patricia M. Logue passes away
The Honorable Patricia Logue ("Pat" to her friends, Trish" to her family) was a brilliant lawyer, a trailblazing jurist and a hero to the LGBTQ community. Pat's legacy includes numerous landmark cases she litigated over her ...
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ELECTIONS 2024 Kelly Cassidy discusses reproductive health, LGBTQ+ rights ahead of March primary
By Kayleigh Padar State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, running unopposed in the March 19 primary election so as to continue representing the 14th District, was first elected in 2011. During her tenure in Springfield, she has ...
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SAVOR James Beard contest, a new Publican opens and a PAWS event
Contest: You have a chance to be in on all the action during the chef-studded James Beard Award weekend of June 8 in Chicago. Among other things, the grand prize winner will get a three-stay in ...
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SAVOR Green City Market; Sofitel's 'Un-Tea' time
For those who wonder about the lack of a farmers' market in Chicago during the winter months, I point you toward Green City Market (GCM) Avondale, taking place on Saturdays at 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through March ...
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ELECTIONS 2024 Illinois' first openly gay congressman isn't done yet: A conversation with Eric Sorensen
A Rockford-born meteorologist, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorenson didn't plan on being a politician. But after seeing how his work in broadcasting impacted his viewers in both the Rockford and the Quad Cities areas, he wanted to ...
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Samuel Savoir-Faire Williams's violin stylings help COH mark Black History Month
As part of its celebration of Black History Month, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., presented a solo jazz performance by violinist Samuel Savoir-Faire Williams on Feb. 21. The two-hour long performance presented a showcase ...
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Howard Brown Health Names Robin Gay, DMD as Interim President and CEO
--From a press release
Howard Brown Health's Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Robin Gay, DMD as Interim President and CEO. Dr. Gay, who most recently served as Chief Dental Officer, assumes the role formerly held by outgoing ...
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Chicago Bears hire first woman assistant coach
The Chicago Bears are hiring Jennifer King as an offensive assistant, according to The Chicago Sun-Times and other media outlets. She will be an assistant running backs coach. Kingwho will become the first female assistant coach ...
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Theater Review: Billy Elliot, The Musical
Book and Lyrics: Lee Hall; Music: Elton John. At: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora Tickets: 630-896-6666 or Paramountaurora.com; $28-$79. Runs through March 24 Billy Elliot: The Musical may nearly be two decades old, but ...
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ELECTIONS 2024: JUDICIAL 7th Sub-Circuit Candidate Deidre Baumann (Solganick Vacancy), why she's running, strategy
Baumann & Shuldiner civil litigation practice owner Deidre Baumann is running in the March 19 primary for Circuit Court Judge in the 7th Judicial Sub-Circuit against the current appointed 7th Sub-Circuit Judge Owens J. Shelby. Shelby's ...
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ELECTIONS 2024 Eileen O'Neill Burke talks state's attorney run, judgeship, GOP ties
The Democratic primary in the race to succeed outgoing Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx involves two candidates with extensive backgrounds concerning law and government. Eileen O'Neill Burke is a lifelong Democrat and fourth-generation Chicag ...
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Center on Halsted to host trans youth & family summit
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., has announced that its Trans Youth & Family Summit 2024 will take place March 16. This year marks the sixth annual event, which partners between Youth Services' Pride Youth ...
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As Chicago prepares to host DNC, former delegates reflect on LGBTQ+ inclusion at previous conventions
When Mark Ishaug, now the CEO of the mental health advocacy Thresholds, was a delegate at the 1996 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, representing the larger LGBTQ+ community was "critical," he said. The convention, where ...
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REFLECTIONS: An Evening of original music with the Jeannie Tanner Quartet
--From a press release
REFLECTIONS will be a night of feel-good, upbeat original music written by Jeannie Tanner. Songs range from jazz, to pop, to soulful R&B. Jeannie's music can be heard in many television shows and movies, with recordings ...
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Bring Chicago Home Campaign releases open endorsement letter from 100+ faith leaders
--From a press release
CHICAGO — With just over a month before the March 19th primary election, prominent Chicago faith leaders will today release a letter—signed by over 100 religious leaders—endorsing the Bring Chicago Home campaign to restructure the Real ...
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'West Side Story' gets a sex-positive spin with new burlesque show
In partial observance of National Condom Day, which was Feb. 14, Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) presented A West Side Story Burlesque at the Harris Theater for two hour-long performances on Feb. 17. The show, ...
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SAVOR A new Sushi By Bou, a seafood boil class and James Beard scholarships
Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so much to the people who've already subscribed. The latest entry (Feb. 17) features Beyonce, Zendaya and my Oscar predictions. Subscribe ...
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Connections for the Homeless purchases Evanston hotel
Connections for the Homeless in Evanston hosted an open house at the Margarita Inn, formerly a boutique hotel, February 13, to celebrate its purchase for use as a hotel-based interim shelter. The Margarita Inn will give ...
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ELECTIONS 2024 Clayton Harris III talks state's attorney run, Kim Foxx, Blagojevich
The Democratic primary in the race to succeed outgoing Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx involves two candidates with extensive backgrounds concerning law and government. Clayton Harris III is an experienced prosecutor and government leader who ...
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Second Glance Productions hosts LGBTQupid Soiree
In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chicago based film and media production company Second Glance hosted The LBGTQupid Soiree. The event, which was focused on spinning attitudes on this particular day, was presented at The iO ...
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ELECTIONS 2024: JUDICIAL IL Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham discusses running for a full 10-year term
Current Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham is running for a full 10-year term this year, following her appointment on Dec. 1, 2022 to the First District seat. Cunningham's appointment was the result of Chief Justice ...
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ELECTIONS 2024: JUDICIAL IL Supreme Court candidate Jesse G. Reyes on why he's running, judicial diversity
Current First District, Fourth Division Illinois Appellate Court Justice Jesse G. Reyes is running for Illinois Supreme Court Justice. Reyes is running against current Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham in the March 19 primary. Cunningham ...
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Lakeside Pride Wilde Cabaret Valentine's Day Feb. 17
--From a press release
Lakeside Pride Wilde Cabaret puts their own spin on Valentine's Day with a show celebrating things done and sacrificed for love - not just romantic love, but love for pets, friends, family and art. Join the ...
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Illinois Poor People's Campaign: National call for moral revival demands action against poverty
--From a press release
Springfield, IL — The Illinois chapter of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival (ILPPC) will convene a critical press conference at the state capitol, alongside 32 other states across the nation on ...
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Wic Whitney spills the Afternoon Tea
Born in Arkansas and now based in Chicago, queer performer Wic Whitney is a storyteller with a great deal to say, preaching his Southern soul message through unique vocal stylings as a rapper and singer. This ...
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Six Chicago Red Stars called for international play
CHICAGO (Feb. 15, 2024) — Six Chicago Red StarsJill Aguilera, Julia Bianchi, Sam Fisher, Natalia Kuikka, Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swansonhave been called up to represent their respective countries during ...
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VIEWS Mike Johnson: The smiling face of Christian tyranny
Mike Johnson wants to rewrite the constitution to make the United States a Christian nation. James Michael Johnson, Republican from Louisiana's Fourth District, is the 56th speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He was ...
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CGMC presents Lipstick & Lyrics: Forty & Foxy, A Glamorous Feast for the Senses
--From a press release
CHICAGO, February 13, 2024 — The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus proudly presents Lipstick & Lyrics: Forty & Foxy, a dazzling, live-singing drag show that celebrates the sensuality and empowerment of middle age. Get ready to unleash ...
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