When it came to making her way in the art world, Tacarra “Spifster” Sutton started out small – like, pinky-nail small. But today, Sutton’s intricate nail art, uniquely designed on the spot for each client, is a big deal.

A new study and a new lawsuit on the link between hair straighteners and uterine cancer. Inside a call center helping to transform Chatham. And meet artist, architect and now-genius Amanda Williams.

The ambitious plan included a community center, a technology hub, partnerships to offer free tuition and provisions for contracting with Chatham’s small service businesses.

A study from the National Institutes of Health last month showed women who use chemical hair relaxers or straighteners may have a higher risk of the cancer.

Commissioner Nancy Andrade said during a budget committee hearing on Oct. 20 that Black people are one of the most frequently targeted groups for hate crimes. 

Just Us is the program created by SkyART to create a safe space for youth ages 14 to 21 in the juvenile justice system. Instead of talk therapy, they’re utilizing art therapy.

A rise in anti-Black hate crimes in Chicago. In a follow-up to our Permanent Punishment series: the right to vote for people with criminal records. And art therapy for young people who’ve been incarcerated. 

A new report from the Chicago Department of Public Health says not only are fewer people being diagnosed, but more people who are already living with HIV-AIDS are reaching viral suppression. 

The amenities were created with the goal to ensure the park is utilized by all ages, especially those residing in Roseland, Morgan Park and West Pullman.

HIV rates in Chicago reach historic lows — but disparities persist. What do Rihanna, Jesse Jackson and RuPaul have in common? They’re all in the next season of the Making podcast. Plus, a new park in Roseland.

The annual Black Harvest Film Festival kicks off its 28th year of celebrating Black filmmaking on Nov. 4, with a schedule packed with screenings of independent feature films, screenings of anniversary and restored films, and special events. 

The podcast’s latest season offers the same level of legends’ stories but in a new format. This season, each weekly episode covers the “making” years of a different figure via interviews with three people who had personal or professional relationships with the subject.

The impact of the federal student loan debt relief program on Black borrowers. Support for families impacted by the building explosion in Austin. And how you can catch the film “Punch 9 for Harold Washington.”

In many ways, the story of Mayor Harold Washington’s rise to City Hall is distinctly Chicagoan. But the makers of the documentary “Punch 9 for Harold Washington,” say his election had reverberations far beyond the city’s borders.

A building explosion in the Austin community last month left one person dead, several injured and more families without a place to live. Neighboring organization Circle Urban Ministries is planning a concert to raise funds for those families as they work to rebuild.

Pending the outcome of several lawsuits, borrowers can qualify to have up to $10,000 forgiven if their loan is held by the Department of Education, and they make less than $125,000 individually or $250,000 for a family.