Francine Knowles

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly condemns cuts to Medicaid March 18, 2025, at Roseland Community Hospital with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, from left, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Roseland Community Hospital President and CEO Tim Egan. (Robin Kelly's office)

Column: Advocates warn proposed Trump budget cuts and agency changes put senior services at risk

April 29, 2025 at 9:27 a.m.

Diane Slezak, president and CEO of AgeOptions, has worked in the aging services sector helping to meet the needs of seniors for nearly 50 years. “I have never encountered a...

Alonzo Abron Jr., founder and owner of Oak Forest-based A. Progeny Global, at the Aurora site of a development project with Ren contracting and H & H Construction. (Company photo)

Column: Economic uncertainties pose risk to south suburban housing market

April 14, 2025 at 2:21 p.m.

Uncertainty drives decisions said Alonzo Abron Jr., of Oak Forest-based A. Progeny Global, with a heavy focus on the south suburbs.

Shaniqua Ford, CEO and Founder of Soul Werk Cafe (Company photo)

Column: South suburban care providers say mental health taking a hit from Trump administration actions

March 17, 2025 at 3:22 p.m.

Shaniqua Ford of Richton Park-based Soul Werk Cafe and Twin Green of South Holland's The Link & Option Center discuss mental health.

Jeremy Joyce, founder of Black People Eats, at the Homewood Brewing Company. (Jeremy Joyce)

Column: South suburban foodie attracts 400,000 plus followers by spotlighting Black-owned restaurants

March 3, 2025 at 1:49 p.m.

Matteson resident and foodie Jeremy Joyce launched Black People Eats in 2017, and grew it to more than 400,000 followers.

Joi Patterson, chief diversity officer at Governors State, says the university will not shy away from celebrating diversity and culture. (Governors State University)

Column: Governors State to hold inaugural Black History Education Symposium

February 17, 2025 at 12:19 p.m.

Governors State Chief Diversity Officer Joi Patterson says the university will not shy away from celebrating different cultures.

Shon Harris, founder of Black Contractors, Owners and Executives and also founder of LiveWire Construction and BlackRock Construction. (Good Life Media Productions)

Column: South suburban business advocates warn targeting of DEI will hurt small businesses and the economy

February 4, 2025 at 10:31 a.m.

Rod Young, president of Calumet Park-based Black Contractors, Owners and Executives, and founder Shon Harris defend DEI programs.

Aubrey Jackson, from left, Jennifer Washington and Ann Jackson at a blood and food drive Jan. 18, 2025, at the Center for Food Equity in Medicine at Flossmoor Community Church. (Francine Knowles/for the Daily Southtown)

Column: Flossmoor cancer survivor combats food insecurity among cancer patients

January 20, 2025 at 5:06 a.m.

Flossmoor resident and cancer survivor Ann Jackson launched the Center for Food Equity in Medicine at Flossmoor Community Church.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart at the Cook County Jail complex Tuesday, April 4, 2023. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Tips to save your holidays from scammers

December 9, 2024 at 6:47 p.m.

Don’t let scammers rob you of joy and more this holiday season. That advice comes from law enforcement and other government officials who warn vultures have come up with a...

Twanita "Twinkie" Burnett, from left, founder of The Purrfect Datenite Experience, shares she is thankful for family, including her children Shermari Martin and Eric Lymore. (Family photo)

Column: People featured this year share why they’re thankful

November 25, 2024 at 1:29 p.m.

Francine Knowles asked people she interviewed what they are most thankful for and to share their favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

Amy Corr, left, chats with Kevin Van Eck during the filming of “Coffee With Amy and Kevin” at @properties’s office in Chicago’s River West neighborhood. Corr and Van Eck do the weekly video series as a way to help agents stay informed on real estate industry shifts and development. (Talia Sprague/for the Chicago Tribune)

Top Workplaces 2024: Training and development are emphasized at @properties, which is constantly looking to improve

November 15, 2024 at 2:29 p.m.

Chicago-based @properties is ranked No. 2 among large employers on the Chicago Tribune’s list of Top Workplaces.

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