CNW September 27, 2023

Black Cannabis Week

Chicago News Weekly

Cheryl Mainor Norman President & Publisher

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-In-Chief

Terri Winston Vice

President

Darnell Pulphus

Art Director

Editors

Donna Hodge

Food Editor

Dr. Mila K. Marshall

Cannabis Corner Editor

Staff Writers

Dr. Sharice Braford

Liz Lampkin

Marti Worell

Wanda Wright

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Melanie Mainor

Eric Grant

Marketing Consultant

Danny Love

Cover Artwork by Darnell

Pulphus

“Sanctuary City or Toilet Bowl”

For more than a year now, as money and resources dwindle, Chicago has been struggling with the inflow of Latin American migrants as well as the flood of Ukrainians whose numbers roughly match the migrations of Latinos. More than 15,000 migrants have been delivered to the city to date, and more on the way, creating a humanitarian crisis which is wrenching the city’s social safety net.

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Outside of Venezuela, Latinos who migrate to the U.S. come precisely from those countries that were most dominated or controlled by the United Sates in the late 19th century: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, and South El Salvador. America has history with all these countries where we invested, controlled their resources, and pillaged their wealth, while increasing the comforts and wellbeing of America not to mention our interference in its politics and military business. It goes without saying that America also sought to create a cheap labor force by recruiting Mexicans, Caribbeans and Central Americans. So, Chicago’s migrant problem is definitely tied to America’s foreign policy. And we’re paying for it in a big way.

The national government is feeling guilt and attempting to soothe its conscience. The immigrants previously mentioned aren’t new but the growth of those from Venezuela is the fastest growing group that has only happened over the last three years. Most of us do not realize the economic war we are engaged in against Venezuela and have been now for several years. There were sanctions that increased under Trump resulting in causing an economic collapse of the country. War is one thing but weaponizing foreign policy as a tool causes more economic and humanitarian destruction than economic sanctions.

This is huge. Beginning with President George W. Bush, and continuing through Obama, Trump and now Biden, a long series of escalating and worsening sanctions have crippled Venezuela’s economy. Under Trump’s leadership America literally froze all Citgo Petroleum, a Venezuelan owned company’s assets, a ma-

jor petroleum player in the U.S. So, the $24 billion in oil revenues in the U.S became useless to Venezuela, because none of it can go to its owner—Venezuela. All this because the U.S. does not like its Nicolas Maduro Moros, who assumed the Presidency of the country following the announcement of Hugo Chavez’s death in 2013. Since then, he has rewritten the constitution and is considered an autocrat and a dictator. Under his rule more than 9000 people have been subjected to extrajudicial killings, and 7 million have been forced to flee the country and here we are. GULITY!

No, we’re not responsible for the Maduro’s actions, but we are responsible for the need of people to leave their country. Are you seeing the picture and where we’re going here? Foreign policy has a direct impact on this migrant issue. Just look at what’s going on with the Ukrainians who have sought refuge from the war. Where do the majority go? Why to America of course and so it’s been for people all over the world. They love to hate us, but they want to be us.

There is much wrong with the U.S. and yet it offers the greatest opportunity to go from rags to riches. This reality attracts many. For Black people we know this better than most. We are the most disrespected race group in the country and yet we have risen against the odds to triumph and break barriers that no other race besides whites have achieved in America from becoming CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to holding the Office of United States President, to becoming billionaires. We lead the pack on that and other outsider groups that want to succeed follow our lead. Our organized civil rights and Black Power movements provided a road map that others have borrowed from and achieve social political progress doing so.

Back to Chicago. As oppressed Black

communities on the a south and west sides struggle to improve their quality of life for their residents and transformation of their communities into functioning residential spaces where people can work, succeed, and thrive; its heart breaking when they look around and see the appearance of heartfelt gestures that grant the migrant population $51 million dollars, work permits, and housing while they continue to see little done in that way to help them. Naturally, some of the Black alderpersons would not vote in favor of more favors for the Migrants. That recent vote doesn’t even include what’s already been spent in the wake of bankrupting the city. To a young Black male, it’s hard to swallow when he can’t figure out how he’s going to provide for a family he wants in the future now.

Of course, it’s not all the migrants but there are some bad seeds enough that they have acted unruly, participated in criminal activities for which the Black community was wrongfully accused. This is crazy, because Blacks have enough of its own issues with angry youth who have no idea really, why they’re so angry, dissatisfied, or unhappy, but they are, and they have acted out terribly in reaction to what they deem unfair. Their misdirected anger is ours to deal with, but can we get some compassion and real passion towards the need and the desire to reimagine our communities as places we want to live again?

Instead, what we are currently witnessing is our city of sanctuary becoming a toilet bowel full of excrement.

Kai EL’ Zabar Editor-in-Chief

photo credit: Dot Ward

Delivering Climate Resilience Funding to Communities that Need it the Most

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Just last month, FEMA announced nearly $3 billion in climate mitigation project selections nationwide to help communities build resilience through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and Flood Mitigation Assistance program. In total, more than 50% of these projects will benefit disadvantaged communities, and in particular, 70% of BRIC projects will do the same.

By Erik A. Hooks

FEMA Deputy Administrator

We know that disasters do not discriminate. Yet, recovery from the same event can be uneven from community to community, perpetuating pre-existing inequalities. Recognizing these disparities, FEMA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration have prioritized equity when it comes to accessing federal programs and resources.

The numbers tell the story.

Just last month, FEMA announced nearly $3 billion in climate mitigation project selections nationwide to help communities build resilience through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and Flood Mitigation Assistance program. In total, more than 50% of these projects will benefit disadvantaged communities, and in particular, 70% of BRIC projects will do the same.

These selections further underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equity and reaffirm FEMA’s mission of helping people before, during and after disasters, delivering funding to the communities that need it most.

Building on this momentum and our people-first approach, FEMA recently announced the initial designation of nearly 500 census tracts, which will be eligible for increased federal support to become more resilient to natural hazards and extreme weather worsened by the climate crisis. FEMA will use “Commu-

nity Disaster Resilience Zone” designations to direct and manage financial and technical assistance for resilience projects nationwide, targeting communities most at risk due to climate change. More Community Disaster Resilience Zone designations, including tribal lands and territories, are expected to be announced in the fall of 2023.

These types of investments have, and will yield a significant return on investment for communities nationwide.

For example, in my home state of North Carolina, the historic community of Princeville, founded by freed African American slaves, uses BRIC funding to move vulnerable homes and critical utilities out of flood-prone areas.

In East Harlem, BRIC dollars will provide nature-based flood control solutions to mitigate the impacts of extreme rainfall events in the Clinton low-income housing community.

While we are encouraged by these investments, we know more must be done. Not every community has the personnel, the time or the resources to apply for these federal dollars. Fortunately, FEMA offers free, Direct Technical Assistance to help under-resourced communities navigate the grant application process and get connected with critical resources. Under the leadership of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, this assistance has been a game-changer, reducing barriers and providing even more flexible, customer-focused, tailored support to communities interested in building and sustaining successful resilience programs.

In Eastwick, Philadelphia, FEMA’s dedicated support helped the city with outreach to multiple federal agencies. Together, we built a comprehensive community-led flood mitigation strategy. When applied and implemented, this will make this community more resilient to hazards like flooding, which was negatively affecting many neighborhood blocks.

In DePue, Illinois, we worked hand-inhand with communities to improve their ability to submit high-quality funding

applications for hazard mitigation projects. We are happy to share that DePue is the first Direct Technical Assistance community to be selected in the BRIC national competition. And, we know they will not be the last. Thanks to this assistance and their ambition, DePue was awarded more than $20 million to build a new wastewater treatment plant, which will reduce flooding and raw sewage back-up into the basements of homes.

In total, our agency is working with over 70 communities, including tribal nations, to increase access to funding for mitigation projects that will make communities more livable and resilient.

With extreme weather events becoming increasingly intense and frequent due to climate change, we must keep pressing forward and continue investing in ways to better protect ourselves and our neighbors. And we are encouraged that local officials are engaging with us to learn more about the benefits of the BRIC non-financial Direct Technical Assistance initiative—just last week, we saw hundreds of participants nationwide register for a recent webinar on this important topic.

We want to see even more communities take advantage of this initiative, and, ultimately, obtain grants for innovative and forward-looking resilience projects. To that end, FEMA recently published a blog with five steps to help local communities and tribal nations learn more about the benefits of this non-financial technical assistance to access federal funding. I hope your community will take action and submit a letter of interest for this exciting opportunity and increase meaningful mitigation work throughout the country.

With the pace of disasters accelerating, communities can utilize federal resources to reduce their risk and take action to save property and lives. FEMA stands ready to be a partner and collaborator with any community that is ready to implement creative mitigation strategies and help build our nation’s resilience.

Chicago Officially Welcomes The All-New Mobile Music Bar Bringing Music Education to Local Neighborhoods

CNW Staff Report

Bishop Larry D. Trotter, Alderman Stephanie Coleman, Alderman David Moore and Alderman

Pat Dowell were joined by various gospel musicians, educators, and residents in officially welcoming the all-new Mobile Music Bar to Chicago.

Conceived as an all-inclusive mobile music facility, The Music Bar boasts cutting-edge instruments, recording amenities, and engaging educational modules. The initiative is set to visit schools, community hubs, and areas in need, offering workshops, live showcases, and direct learning experiences.

The visionary and inventor of this groundbreaking musical component is one of the most popular musical composers and arrangers in the gospel music industry, Mr. Montage Pheloan. Displaying an unquenchable spirit of innovation, he pioneered “The Music Bar,” a first-of-its-kind mobile music education platform. This novel mobile music education initiative challenges traditional paradigms, offering a fresh and accessible approach to music learning.

“Music is the backbone, centerpiece, and common denominator of the Black experience. Far too often we have witnessed African American youth possess raw musical talent but lack the funds necessary to receive formal music training due to finances and travel expenses. However, Montage has developed this powerful platform that is affordable and will travel to the toughest neighborhoods to reach kids who desire a career in music.” says Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell. Chicago Alderman Stephanie Coleman adds, “We welcome Montage and this much needed mobile unit to our neighborhoods and our schools. His successful career in music will only benefit the youth who will take advantage of this opportunity to gain experience, grow and prosper. Moreover, I have a close affinity with the world of gospel music. I Am grateful to Montage for his heartfelt thoughtfulness in bringing this concept to Chicago.

Montage Pheloan is a paragon of creativity and commitment. A proud graduate with a Masters of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music, Montage’s enduring service to the Chicago Public School system underscores his unwavering passion for mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Serving as the Director of Music at the esteemed Christ Universal Temple in Chicago, founded by

the late Rev. Johnnie Coleman, Montage seamlessly blends age-old traditions with contemporary musical nuances, curating deeply moving spiritual experiences for the community.

Further enriching the musical dialogue, Montage penned “The Hermeneutic Culture,” a guide designed to bridge the communicative divide often seen in musical ministries. This book illuminates pathways for pastors and musicians to nurture collaboration, camaraderie, and profound understanding.

Highlighting his profound impact in the gospel arena, his composition “Celebrate the King” achieved recognition on the global stage with a Grammy nomination, courtesy of Ricky Dillard’s stirring rendition. Across diverse platforms and endeavors, Montage Pheloan’s legacy is one of elevating music, championing education, and fostering a deeply connected community.

“Chicago is the greatest city in the world in part because of music. The Gospel Music industry was birthed here, so to

see what Mr. Pheloan has accomplished and now giving back is wonderful. There are so many aspiring young people in our schools and neighborhoods. This is exactly what is needed.” says Chicago Alderman David Moore.

Bishop Larry D. Trotter of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church adds, “Montage’s career has been nothing short of stellar. For him to give his time back in this fashion is amazing. But that is his character. He is truly Chicago proud.”

By Mila K. Marshall, PhD Cannabis Corner Editor

Black Cannabis Week: The Vision, The Vessel W

hile Act 16 legalized medical use in Pennsylvania in 2016, the program didn’t launch until February of 2018. According to the 2022 Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Equity Report, Pennsylvania’s status as the very first medical only state to have social equity has been criticized as being narrow in scope and having little impact on diversity. What has been impactful for diversity, equity and inclusion are visionaries like Perry-Thomas who recently completed her MBA in Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Policy and Regulatory Affairs from St. Joseph’s University. The Philadelphia institution is a Jesuit Catholic college and has come under fire for their cannabis certifications as some come into conflict with the Catholic church’s position on drugs. Marijuana being scheduled as a narcotic and federally illegal doesn’t make it easily seen and accepted as medicine. Eco-

nomic stability for any cannabis entrepreneur seems impossible when facing the realities of the conflicting state and federal policies. Yet Cherron doesn’t focus her attention on the muddled legislative landscape with contempt, she prefers to take part in lifting up the possible.

Cherron Perry-Thomas is a co-founder of the Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities (DACO) as she and others were witnessing the exclusion and lack of diversity in Pennsylvania’s new medical industry.

“I say I am a co-founder because it’s true. After traveling back from a major conference in LasVegas. It was about four of us and we kept running into

event aims to elevate the voices of African American entrepreneurs and subject matter experts in the marijuana industry. “When I asked others about Black cannabis conferences it was so strange that at the time there were none,” she said. The conference is Black and Brown centering and serves as a forum for the community to be spoken and presented to in a way they can receive it. Perry-Thomas said, “of course we welcome everyone who is an ally to the conversation. The event collaborates with organizations, businesses, and elected officials to advance social justice efforts. With so few media capturing stories of Blacks in cannabis it makes it seem as though there are only a handful of African Americans in the industry. We see so few people being highlighted, but I myself know there are lots of people whose stories need to be seen and heard”

each other and it was really around a kitchen table that the idea for DACO was born. We all were wondering why they’re aren’t more of our people at those conferences. It was then that we realized we need to do our own thing…why push when we can pull ourselves up and that was the idea,” shared Perry-Thomas.

The Vision The Vessel

“I always say that I am merely the vessel that Black Cannabis Week (BCW) flows through, it’s for the people,” Perry-Thomas said. The seven day hybrid

Lifting up industry experts plays a major role in dispelling racialized myths of marijuana. BCW is transformative and global. The pandemic contributed to the rapid growth of the event and allowed DACO to curate a space that welcomes professionals and leaders from around the world. “The virtual component started pretty much immediately during Covid-19. It allowed us to open up the experience more and we had panelists and participants from places like Zimbabwe, Accra, Jamaica….what you realize is a lot of us are truly dealing with the same things.,” shared the visionary. Day one

In August of 2023, the NAACP renewed its fervent support for the full legalization of marijuana while also elevating the protections of cannabis workers rights.

When asked about how the local NAACP or Urban League was supporting BCW Perry-Thomas shared that there are a number of evolving supporters in many ways and she looks forward to the energy and resources that can help in the areas of business development, workforce development and advocacy training.

of the conferences kicks off with history and this year was somewhat unique. “For this year, our focus on history took us from enslavement through the 50th anniversary of hip hop and how we have flowed and moved through servitude and incarceration” said Perry-Thomas. Visiting Professor of Religion and Environmental Studies James Padilioni Jr. of Swarthmore College, and DACO, Director of Education Dewey Thomas were the esteemed opening panelists. “I’ve been with DACO since the beginning and my association with the plant makes me want to look at it through the lens through the 50 years of hip hop,” shared Thomas in his opening remarks. Dewey Thomas was trained as a historian at Morgan State University and later worked in the natural food industry and would sell plant medicines to health food stores. “I consider myself a fulltime advocate of Black life,” said Thomas.

Cannabis is about community

“We may think that in African countries for example there is no bias. But that isn’t necessarily true. Many of the African countries indigenous people are minorities in cannabis. Here we aren’t the majority on the regulated legal side. So this fellowship is truly about exploring how we empower ourselves and use our community and move forward,” Perry-Thomas said passionately. What is the cost of a diluted economic framework when it comes to cannabis?

Much of the industry is pay to play. A mixed legislative landscape coupled with inaccessibility to banking creates steep learning curves for Black American entrepreneurs. Yet, a level of global awareness and opportunity may be exactly the boost needed to illuminate what some see as a dark and frustrating path. For example, some as early as 2014 islands such as Antigua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Jamaica have some form of decriminalized cannabis legislation. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines holistic perspective frames cannabis as part of their “nature is medicine” identity as they legalized medicinal marijuana and made cannabis fully bankable. Participants receive insight and expert knowledge from over 55+ speakers in a series of daily panels. Five days of online engagement is followed by the in-person 2-day conference hosted at Temple University in Philadelphia with opportunities to network and celebrate.

Partners, Politicians and the People

While rescheduling is the goal, momentum can be lost due to the hurdles and barriers faced at every turn. DACO’s model is one that infuses purpose with possibility but also shows the strength of having the heart to partner in ways that keeps the conversation Black and Brown centered. “People are intimidated talking

about cannabis. Finding a location to host our in person took some work,” said Perry-Thomas. She shared that while churches made sense as places of influence and listening and sharing were centralized for Black people weren’t ideal. Whereas the fight for access and equality for issues related to Black communities typically isn’t shunned by other Blacks…Black churches and communities of faith may not see the benefits due to the stigma of cannabis.

A poll of over 1,000 pastors was asked if they agreed or disagreed with marijuana usage. The sentiment was clear with 76% of pastors responding they disagreed and 78% agreed that smoking to get high is morally wrong in the 2021 article published by the Baptist Press. Legalization support by denomination resulted in interesting results with “Methodist (37 percent) and Presbyterian Reformed (35 percent) pastors being more likely to support than Restorationist movement pastors (21 percent), Lutherans (15 percent), Pentecostals (10 percent) and Baptists (7 percent)” according to the Lifeway Research Poll.

While DACO explored options it wasSen. Sharif Street of Philadelphia’s 3rd Senate District which resulted in the current relationship between Temple University and BCW. Sen. Street is the Minority Chair of the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Agricultural & Rural Affairs along with three others. Since 1998 Temple University has been active in medical marijuana research. The program began with querying cannabinoid compounds by staff members from the university’s Center for Substance Abuse Research. Early work focused on investigating THC treatments for spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries and autoimmune disorders. “There are two other colleges that are part of BCW, Thomas Jefferson and Drexel University, we want people to know there are academic options and that you can pursue degrees for careers. Our universities are a huge part of the programming,” said Perry-Thomas.

When asked about how the local NAACP or Urban League was supporting BCW Perry-Thomas shared that there are a number of evolving supporters in many ways and she looks forward to the energy and resources that can help in the areas of business development, workforce development and advocacy training. The National Urban League’s policy position on cannabis outlines an “equitable path forward” through five actions including; fair social equity programs and safe industry development, ensuring economic equity, criminal justice reform connected to legalization, addressing health equities, and ensuring product and safety controls. In August of 2023, the NAACP renewed its fervent support for the full legalization of marijuana while also elevating the protections of cannabis workers rights.

A Call to Action

While this event is free to attend unlike other cannabis conferences and events it takes a lot of work to find partners and raise money. “Many of the MSO programs have eliminated their DEI programs. Usually we are able to fly out speakers. A big part of this is networking and meeting everyone from elected officials to CEO’s and people you wouldn’t have the chance to connect with otherwise. But this year for example we had to pivot,” said Perry-Thomas. The fundraising goal is $60K for the 2024 conference and the DACO team is energized to meet and exceed that goal. “We have 15 new Black brands and operators in our Homecoming Row that will be exhibiting and sharing their business and brands, if you can get here to Philadelphia this is the place to be,” she shared. Friday is the Policy Forum meant to engage elected officials.with the community.

For some going to the state capital isn’t possible so….we bring the state capital to them. We also bring in different legislators that have been effective in their states to share what has worked for them,” said Perry Thomas. This year’s Policy Forum panelists include; Gary Chambers Jr.- A 2022 United States Senate candidate in Louisiana, Founder of Bigger Than Me, Co-founder of The Rouge Collection, and an entrepreneur, Sephida Artis-Mills-Co-Founder and President of the United Empowerment Party, Dasheeda Dawson-Founding Director of Cannabis NYC, Attorney Scheril Murray Powell , ESQ - Chief Operating Officer the JUSTÜS Foundation and Shekia Scott -Boston Cannabis Business Manager in the Mayor & Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. The cannabis industry, while slow moving in some ways, is giving the Black community an opportunity to build and establish strong connections across industries, state lines and a level of global awareness that may have not existed pre-covid. Panels feel more like Sunday School sessions, intimate and personable, comfortable and inspiring in ways that invite Black bodies to speak with confidence. DACO leadership is not alone in this fight. Others like Kriti Price founder of the Black Cannabis Conference and Expo, Ernest Toney of BIPOCANN whom is instrumental in facilitating social equity participation at conferences like Benzinga Capital Conference, Douglas Gordon of CanEx and Black consulting group Herb & Planning Associates founders of the BIPOC Banking and Cannabis Summit are on the same page about ensuring our communities are connected, our profits, homes and health protected and our right above all respected. BCW kicks off the 4th week of every September. Find them on social media, register as a speaker, sponsor and connect with the panelists at www. blackcannabisweek.com.

CNW Around Town

The 40th Annual UNCF Chicago Walk for Education

CNW Staff Report

The 40th Annual UNCF Chicago Walk for Education held at Burnham Park recently raised more than $104K in funds that will help deserving students go to college. More than 500 supporters came out to the event, which had an atmosphere of camaraderie filled with unity, purpose, and hope. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle returned this year to serve as the Honorary Chair of the walk. Popular radio personalities, Ramonski Luv from Omni-Channel and Trey White from WGCI-FM, kept the crowd engaged and uplifted as the event’s co-emcees.

The occasion’s significance was highlighted by Fred Mitchell, Vice President, Development Mid-Atlantic/Midwest Divisions UNCF, who spoke of the “profound impact of UNCF over the past 79 years.” He emphasized the organization’s “vital role in making possible a quality education for thousands of students,” thereby giving them the foundation and paving the way for their success in life and in their future careers. The event allowed participants to select a 5K walk/run or a 10K bike/skate course, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of Burnham Park on the city’s South Side. Special moments included an inspiring program featuring guest speakers, incredible performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, and an energizing warm-up session led by Chicago native Miss Illinois 2022, Monica Niá Jones. Jones became the first black woman in 20 years to hold the title.

For those who missed the event, want to relive the moments, or donate, please visit www.uncf. org/chicagowalk or ChicagoUNCFDay.org to participate in a silent auction where all proceeds support the walk. For more information about UNCF Chicago, visit www.uncf.org/chicago.

Bend, Stretch and reach for the sky! Getting ready for the step off, walkers, bikers, runners and skaters put themselves through the motions during the warmup

These bikers made it to the finish line and take out time for selfies to capture the feel of the moment.

Left to right: Alderman Lamont Robinson (4 th Ward); Lisa Rollins, UNCF Regional Workplace Director; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; and Fred Mitchell, UNCF VP Development, Mid-Atlantic/ Midwest Divisions, come together at the UNCF Chicago Walk. Preckwinkle served as chairperson of the event.

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

“ As a prostate cancer survivor, I know first-hand the importance of early detection and access to screening. Illinois HB 5318 is essential in removing significant financial roadblocks for men of all backgrounds prioritizing their health, and I am proud to have worked with ZERO, the leading national prostate cancer non-profit, in the effort to eliminate health disparities and end prostate cancer.”

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!

To better understand your risk for prostate cancer, take our “Am I at Risk?” Quiz. It only takes a few minutes and it’ll provide you with life-saving information about your health. zerocancer.org/pcam2022

— Illinois state Representative La Shawn K. Ford

Food & Wine Mare Evans Contributing Wriiter

An Italian Favorite Lasagna Soup

Well, its Fall in Chicago so What could be more comforting than lasagna? Try a big bowl of lasagna soup? Have you ever had any or even heard of lasagna soup? If not. then now’s the time

This easy, 25-minute recipe gives you all the flavor of the world’s favorite casserole in the world’s favorite comfort-food form! Broken noodles simmer in a tomato broth with Italian sausage and spinach, and the whole thing is

PREP TIME:

25 mins

TOTAL TIME: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 1 olive oil

• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 lb. sweet sausage, casings removed

• 2 tbsp. tomato paste

• 1 tsp. dried oregano

• 1 tsp. dried basil

• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

• 2 qt. chicken stock

• 8 oz. (about 10) lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed or broken into chunks

• 1 1/4 c. ricotta

• 4 oz. mozzarella, grated, (about 1 cup)

• 2 oz. Pecorino, grated (about 1/2 cup)

Directions

capped off with a big dollop of blended cheese.

Though it’s an easy-weeknight meal (and a real crowd pleaser) we also like to put this together for a big Sunday supper with a side of garlic bread.

YIELDS:

8 serving(s)

1. Step 1Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add sausage and cook, breaking it into pieces, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomato paste, oregano, and basil, and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add marinara and stock; bring to a boil. Add noodles and spinach. Cook until noodles are soft, 10 to 12 minutes.

2. Step 2Meanwhile, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Pecorino in a bowl. Serve soup with 1 to 2 dollops of cheese mixture on top.

3. Add warm Igarlic bread with garlic and olive oil. spread.

Balmain Prevails

The word is out that Balmain had more than 50 items from its coming collection stolen about a week before the French fashion house’s designs were set to be shown in Paris. And there’s nothing good about that. Remember how Amanda Priestly closely guarded her prized magazine issues before it went to press in “The Devil Wears Prada?”

Well, imagine the designer of an entire fashion line before Fashion Week in Paris.

Just think of a lioness guarding its sacred cubs. Well the much guarded secret was revealed earlier this month, Creative Director Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, stated via Instagram that a vehicle carrying the items was hijacked by several people on its way from the airport to Balmain’s Paris headquarters. Unbelievable! Rousteing’s Instagarm quote. “This morning I woke up with the smile , starting the fittings for my next show at 9 am and this is what happened…50 Balmain pieces stolen. Our delivery was hijacked. The camion got stolen . Thank god , the driver is safe.So many people worked so hard to make this collection happened. We are redoing everything but this is so so disrespectful. So many workers , suppliers , my team and I .

Please be safe , this is the world we are living in. Love you my Balmain team and we won’t give up.

Love you OR”

“This is the world we are living in,” Rousteing . . . . now that’s the unfortunate truth.

The good news is that a spokeswoman for Balmain assured the fashion world that its Sept. 27 show would go on featuring pieces from its spring/summer 2024 collection.

She failed to comment on the theft. However, Paris police spokesperson said an investigation is under way. An official with the prosecutor’s office in Bobigny, France, which is looking into the theft, said it didn’t yet know the extent of the losses.

This is not new to Paris. It has accounted for a surge in robberies targeting department stores and high-end labels like Balmain, Piaget and Bulgari. They share this surge in common with urbane U.S. cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have dealt with similar robberies. Thieves have stolen expensive clothes, purses and jewelry likely to sell on the secondhand market.

Most interesting is that the thieves stole never seen before merchandise.

Valerie Steele, director of the museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, said, “It is extremely rare for thieves to target an unseen fashion collection. It’s an absolute tragedy for Olivier and his team,” she said, referring to Rousteing. However, she said, the theft could generate more publicity for Balmain’s coming show.

Steele said the stolen Balmain items likely wouldn’t have labels because they were made for the runway. Still, she said the pieces would likely have a distinct Balmain look that could make them each worth thousands of dollars on the secondhand market, where it can be hard to trace stolen items.

Balmain received messages of support from some of the fashion industry’s biggest names on Instagram. Donatella Versace, the artistic director of Versace, wrote, “I know that you and your creativity will be able to overcome this!”

Designer Pierre Balmain founded Balmain in 1945. Known for its extravagant aesthetic and fashion shows it stayed in keeping with it’s reputation when Rousteing became one of the youngest creative directors at a luxury label when in 2011 he took on the role at age 26. His designs and leadership became popular with celebrities such as g Beyoncé.

At the time of this printing the show had not happened.

By C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer

Diversity Programs Q4 Outreach Event

Learn About Upcoming Contracting Opportunities with CTA!

Join us as we share information about projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority’s infrastructure. Learn how your firm can partner on these projects to keep Chicago moving as you meet with potential prime contractors.

Doors open at 9:45 am. Presentation starts at 10:15 am.

Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Time: 10am - 12pm

Location: Gately Park, 10201 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628

Free parking available in lot

Link: https://bit.ly/3Rt6NUv

For more information contact: diversity@transitchicago.com