Chicago Police are sending five detectives and one sergeant to work with Boston Police at the request of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis.  The Chicago police delegation will help out in the bombing investigation and investigation into bombing suspects: Chechen brothers, 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev and 19-year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

The two bombing suspects were in a police shoot out this morning in the Boston area with Tamerlan losing his life and Dzhokhar on the loose in Boston,  A massive manhunt is underway at this time for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

CLICK HERE to read more of this article.

The “Bully Bandit” started his crime back back in November of 2012 at a West Town neighborhood, Community Bank branch.  Since then 10 other bank robberies are being attributed to him including his most recent robbery of $2,000 from a Chase Bank this past Saturday in the Logan Square neighborhood. 

The majority of the “Bully Bandits” bank targets have been Chase Bank branches. Although he has not displayed a weapon during any of his heists, according to FBI witnesses, he keeps one hand in a clothing pocket, implying that he has a concealed weapon.

CLICK HERE to read more of this article.

The 28-year-old Rivera, a successful make-up artist, previously came out with the “Sin” line of cosmetics.

“It’s a sin to be without it, it’s a unique perfume,” Rivera told Efe.

The entrepreneur, who was born and raised in Chicago, said his business was growing, entering new markets in the United States and Mexico, including Jalisco and Durango states, where his parents are from.

Rivera, who has a degree in business and textiles, said he was aware that he was taking on some of the big guns in the fragrance business, such as Antonio Banderas, Paloma Picasso and Carolina Herrera.

“But my perfume is unique. When people smell it, they cannot describe it,” Rivera said, referring to his work with an expert on mixing fragrances.

CLICK HERE to read more of this article.

The public art will be on exhibit in Pilsen, Little Village and Back of the Yards. On the lower southwest side, Pilsen has been the traditional port of entry for Mexican immigrants for nearly 50 years. Further southwest is Little Village or “La Villita,” the city’s largest Mexican-American neighborhoods. according to CMW.

At the center of the exhibit are 100 fiberglass and resin Buddha sculptures designed by lead artist Indira Johnson that are being installed in 10 Chicago neighborhoods. Johnson’s peaceful Buddha “emerging” out of the ground materializes in urban neighborhoods to create conversations on peace, art and social issues.

Each of these neighborhoods will receive 10 Buddha sculptures

ElevArte Community Studio will be providing free arts programming around this public art exhibit to create dialogue on peace with the community.

For information on where the Buddha’s are located go to]http://www.elevartestudio.org”] http://www.elevartestudio.org[/url].

Allison Mendez, 32, of Melrose Park, Ill., was arrested Feb. 13 and charged in a criminal complaint with selling false identification documents.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, between May 2012 and Jan. 2013 Mendez allegedly sold nine sets of false identification documents on six occasions. A set included a counterfeit U.S. permanent resident card (green card) and a counterfeit social security card.

During the course of the investigation, cooperating witnesses posing as customers allegedly placed orders for false documents with Mendez by sending her a text message with the photograph and the biographical information they wanted to appear on the documents. Mendez then delivered the completed documents to customers, charging between $80 and $110 for a set of counterfeit cards, according to the complaint.

The complaint also alleges that during a recorded conversation with a cooperating witness, Mendez stated she had been in the counterfeit document business for about 15 years and that her software program could make social security cards, insurance cards, green cards and drivers’ licenses.

If convicted, Mendez faces up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. As an illegal alien from Nicaragua, Mendez will be placed into deportation proceedings upon conclusion of her criminal case.

Seasonal program provides residents with an environmentally-friendly tree disposal option

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), in partnership with the Chicago Park District, invites residents to recycle their Christmas trees, January 5-18, 2013, to help keep alleys clear, and reduce the amount of materials deposited in landfills.

“Recycling Christmas trees is an easy way for residents to make a big impact on the environment,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.  “Each year, we are able to recycle thousands of Christmas trees to divert more waste away from landfills and reuse the materials in an environmentally-friendly way.”

Trees dropped off at any of the 23 locations will be ground into fragrant mulch by DSS and Chicago Park District forestry crews.  The resulting mulch will be made available to residents at no cost at the same Christmas tree drop-off locations beginning Friday, January 11.

Ornaments, lights, and garland should all be removed before placing the tree in the Christmas tree corral.  The City is not able to accept decorations, tree lights, wreaths, garland, or household recyclable materials at these locations.

Since the program began 24 years ago, more than 157,700 trees have been kept out of landfills.  More than 14,300 trees were recycled last year alone.

For additional information on the program call 311 or visit:  http://www.cityofchicago.org/dss

North Side

  Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell St.
  Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.
  Lincoln Park, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Ave.
  Margate Park, 4921 N. Marine Dr.
  North Park Village, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.
  Norwood Park, 5801 N. Natoma Ave.
  Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.
  Riis Park, 6201 W. Wrightwood Ave.
  Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.

West Side/Central

  Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave.
  Grant Park, 900 S. Columbus Drive
  Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1369 N. Sacramento Ave.
  Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen St.

South Side

  Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave.
  Forestry Site, 900 E. 103rd St.
  Jackson Park, 6300 S. Cornell Ave.
  Kennedy Park, 2427 W. 113th St.
  Lake Meadows Park, 6700 S. Kedzie Ave., near the golf course
  Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St.
  McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road
  Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L
  Wentworth Park, 5701 S. Narragansett Ave.

“I am pleased that the USHCC selected Chicago as the host for their national convention in 2013,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.  “The USHCC promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of millions of Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States. As we build a 21st century economy, we must work together in new ways to attract and create business in Chicago and across the country. Chicago’s economic success has continually been strengthened by supporting the expansion of immigrant and Hispanic-owned business and the USHCC Convention will serve as a springboard for collaboration in building the economic opportunities of the future.”

Following a competitive selection process, the USHCC unanimously selected Chicago as the next location for the chamber’s 34th Annual National Convention.  The USHCC Convention is known as the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America,  attracting business associations, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, chamber leaders and members, Hispanic business enterprises (HBE’s), and policymakers from across the United States. Approximately 7,000 attendees are expected in Chicago for the program.

“Chicago was a natural choice for the 2013 National Convention. Under the leadership of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago has established itself as a leading home for small businesses and the Hispanic community,” said Javier Palomarez, USHCC President and CEO. “The Mayor’s record on job creation and sustainable development, coupled with his enthusiasm for working with our members, helped make the decision to select Chicago much easier.  He understands that minority enterprises play a crucial role in America’s business future. As we continue our Convention planning process, we hope to engage with a wide variety of Chicago’s business leaders to ensure the event is a complete success.”

During his first 18 months in office, Mayor Emanuel has undertaken a series of initiatives to achieve his goal of improving services for small businesses and the immigrant business community.  Mayor Emanuel established the Office of New Americans (ONA) affirming and strengthening Chicago’s support for immigrant communities, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Mayor Emanuel and ONA have started the New Americans Small Business Series.

The New Americans Small Business Series is a series of quarterly events that will foster small business growth in immigrant communities throughout Chicago by creating temporary one-stop-shops in community settings. Immigrants in Chicago are 30 percent more likely to open up a small business and the one-stop-shops will ease the process by providing technical advice on how to start a small business, navigate the licensing process, comply with tax laws, interact with chambers of commerce, and access capital.

For the past two years, the USHCC Annual National Convention has had record-breaking attendance, featuring signature events such as the Ultimate Latina Luncheon, Million Dollar Club Breakfast, HBE Elite Luncheon, CEO Circle and Business Matchmaking, among others.

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Provides Companies with More Opportunities to Perform

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is pleased to announce a new, streamlined process, making it more accessible for Chicago’s theater and dance companies to take advantage of performance space and opportunity to workshop their programs.

While the Storefront Theater, located across the street from the Chicago Cultural Center at 72 E. Randolph, has afforded these opportunities before, the program is now expanded to include new performances spaces.  Additionally, it allows for theater and dance companies to utilize space according to their needs, whether those needs are a few days or a six week run.

“The City of Chicago is fortunate to have a rich theater and dance community,” said Michelle T. Boone, DCASE Commissioner.  “What we hope to provide is a nurturing element for those budding productions as well as bringing original and exciting artistic pieces to new audiences.”

The process to take advantage of this opportunity will also be streamlined into one application, no matter the size of the company, whether it’s theater or dance or whether or not it’s a fully realized performance or a new works in development for a future production.  One application will be available to companies seeking to be part of the Chicago Cultural Center Presents (fully realized performances) and In the Works (plays in development).  Deadline is January 15, 2013 for projects that will be ready for performance, September 2013-August 2014.  Projects that are in need of development space for March 2013-December 2013 will also have a January 15, 2013 deadline.

Applications are now available on line at http://www.chicagoculturalcenter.org.

The performance schedule for 2013 includes 16 dance and theater companies utilizing space in the Storefront Theater, on stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and in newly renovated dance studios at the Chicago Cultural Center, will be available in mid-December.

New Plan, Developed over Months of Community Conversations, Outlines 27 Distinct Initiatives That Can Create Thousands of Jobs and Boost the Ability of Chicago’s 560,000 Foreign-Born Residents to Fully Contribute to the City’s Growth

Today, Mayor Emanuel released the Chicago New Americans Plan, which outlines 27 initiatives to build a thriving, diverse and welcoming city over the next three years. The plan, which is the first of its kind in the nation, highlights the potential economic impact when the City supports the creation and expansion of immigrant-owned businesses; develops, attracts, and retains talent and expertise from other countries; and aims to bolster the City’s status as a vibrant and welcoming international city.

“With residents from over 140 countries and more than 100 languages spoken in our city, Chicago is a city of immigrants,” said Mayor Emanuel. “These immigrants are small business owners, teachers, parents, clergymen, elected officials, and leaders in our communities. This is why I am committed to making Chicago the most immigrant friendly city in the nation. I thank the ONA Advisory Committee for assisting us in developing a plan that will ensure Chicago continues to thrive and grow and attract the world’s leading human capital to compete in the 21st century global economy and beyond.”

By implementing the initiatives listed in the Chicago New Initiatives Plan, the plan proposes to create thousands of jobs by increasing the growth of immigrant small and medium sized businesses and by doubling the exports of immigrants businesses. The plan also states that making early childhood options and summer enrichment opportunities more available to immigrant parents will increase savings later; for each dollar spent on early-childhood education, seven dollars in savings are coming.

In July 2011, Mayor Rahm Emanuel created the Office of New Americans and set the goal for Chicago to become the world’s most immigrant-friendly city. Just months later, the Mayor convened an advisory committee comprised of 50 leaders representing Chicago’s business, academic, civic and philanthropic communities. The goal of the advisory committee was to identify challenges unique to immigrants, recommend initiatives to be implemented over the next three years, and develop a detailed implementation plan for the Office of New Americans and its partners.

The Chicago New Americans Plan recommends a broad array of new programs and initiatives, which are designed to improve the day-to-day lives of immigrants while promoting Chicago’s economic growth and cultural vitality.

The plan’s 27 initiatives are grouped into three categories: Our Growth, Our Youth, and Our Communities. The three categories are divided into eight subgroups which will focus on economic opportunities, human capital, education, public safety, health, city services, civic engagement and ensuring that Chicago remains a place where diversity is welcomed and celebrated.

“The Chicago New Americans Plan is an economic improvement and community development tool that will be a national model for creating a city that welcomes and incorporates the immigrant community into all city services and programs,” said Celena Roldan, Executive Director, Erie Neighborhood House. “Historically serving immigrants since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House is committed to empowering the immigrant community through the Mayor’s New American Plan and applauds his efforts to make Chicago the most immigrant friendly city in the country.”

“As one of the most rapidly growing immigrant groups in the Chicago area, South Asian Americans appreciates having a voice as the city considers how to make the city more inclusive and leverage the great potential of all immigrant groups,” said Ami Gandhi, South Asian American Policy & Research Institute (SAAPRI).

“Our humanity is enhanced by our differences; we build Chicago knowing that our diversity represents our strength and our best selves,” said Jerry Doyle, Vice Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology. “The Mayor’s announcement today reminds us all that we are ONE Chicago; that as we welcome, embrace, and celebrate New Americans we draw upon and renew the long-standing tradition of Chicago as a city of immigrants upon whose shoulders we have launched the dreams of millions; a city whose voice and achievements serve as a beacon for all to aspire to - including ourselves.”

To make Chicago the world’s most immigrant-friendly city, the City will effectively manage the implementation and success of this plan. The Office of New Americans will utilize a multi-tiered scorecard to measure initiative implementation and results. The scorecard will also evaluate the extent to which the initiatives together are improving economic, civic, and cultural vitality for Chicago.

The ONA collaborated with Civic Consulting Alliance, A.T. Kearney, and Downtown Partners Chicago, all of whom provided their support on a pro-bono basis, in the development of the plan.

The Chicago New Americans Plan was unveiled at the Erie Neighborhood House, a place historically serving immigrants since 1870. The Chicago New Americans Plan and a full list of initiatives are available at http://www.cityofchicago.org/newamericans.