In a historic medical achievement, Chicago's Shedd Aquarium successfully performed a unique surgery on Kimalu, a 12-year-old female beluga whale. According to a press release, Kimalu underwent the first-of-its-kind procedure to remove cysts near her blowhole, becoming the only known beluga t…
Joe Hernandez, 535 N. Michigan, Doorperson of the Month
‘Candid’ Candace Jordan makes ‘history’! In my wildest dreams, I would’ve never thought I would land in a museum exhibit. Can you imagine a small-town girl, just seeking more excitement, would find herself in the Chicago History Museum?
This year, the world’s oldest (and most fabulous!) working supermodel, Carmen Dell’Orefice, turned 94 years young. She has been the gold standard as my favorite model for as long as I can remember and is listed in “The Guinness Book of World Records” (as the world's oldest working model).
On the afternoon of June 22, sunlight filtered through the grand lobby of the Lyric Opera House as the sold-out crowd found their seats for the final bow of The Joffrey Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The performance was dedicated to longtime champion of the arts and the Joffrey, …
Shedd Aquarium marks a milestone with the birth of weedy seadragon fry. Learn how these unique creatures are cared for and why their conservation matters.
Samuel Adams’ philanthropic program, Brewing the American Dream, has selected Chicago brewery Moor’s Brewing Co. as the 2025 recipient of its prestigious Brewing & Business Experienceship.
Doorperson of the Month of June 2025, Gonzalo Deluna
According to a CBS News interview with Wendt’s family, George passed away in his sleep on Tuesday morning at his home. Though private about his health, Wendt had a history of cardiovascular issues. In 2012, he underwent coronary bypass surgery following chest pains. More recently, in Novembe…
Spring has arrived at Shedd Aquarium, and with it comes the annual nesting season for the aquarium’s lively penguin colony. Visitors over the next several weeks have a rare opportunity to witness the natural courtship and nest-building behaviors of Shedd’s rockhopper and Magellanic penguins,…
The Shedd Aquarium announced in a press release that one of its male weedy sea dragons is now pregnant with around 70 fertile eggs, a rare occurrence that happened after a successful egg transfer. The aquarium has only seen this type of transfer one other time in its history.
A new book reveals the untold story of Chicago’s Wrigley Building, spotlighting its century of culture, architecture, and innovation.
Maurice Johnson of 465 North Park, Chicago, is Doorperson of the Month.
Get ready, Chicagoland! Darvin Furniture & Mattress is stepping into the spotlight during Home Improvement Week on WGN's "Daytime Chicago." Tune in on Monday, April 21, during the 9:00 a.m. hour on WGN-TV Channel 9, as Will Harris, President of Darvin Furniture & Mattress, joins hos…
The luck of the Irish was in full swing this St. Patrick’s Day at Darvin Furniture & Mattress! On March 17, an eager crowd gathered in the Orland Park showroom, eyes fixed on a swirling glass cylinder filled with hundreds of hopeful entries in the O’Darvin St. Patrick’s Day promotion.
This is such an honor to be the doorperson of the month,” Ashley Scott says as she gives an adorable dog named Phineus a treat from her station at the concierge desk.
Recently, friends, family and fans gathered to celebrate renowned architect Lucien Lagrange at the dedication of his most recent project, the RIU Plaza Chicago Hotel at 150 E. Ontario Street. This 28-story neo-classical structure is located in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. The projec…
Will Harris, President of Darvin Furniture & Mattress, was honored as the Corporate Partner of the Year at the Crisis Center for South Suburbia’s annual Sweet Home Chicago Gala, held at the Odyssey Country Club Feb. 22. The event, which drew a full-capacity crowd, highlighted the signifi…
The team at Chicago Star Media has grown immensely since its beginnings during the pandemic, so we wanted to introduce our readers to our core writers. Let’s meet the team!
I’m so grateful to be the Doorperson of the Month,” Melina Decker says with obvious pride. She serves as supervisor of the concierge desk at Axis Apartments & Lofts, with a solid customer service background at Walt Disney World.
The founder of news and marketing company Chicago Star Media is heading to the stars. Elaine Hyde is a dual citizen of the United States and Australia. She is set to make history as the first Australian woman and Singaporean-born person to journey to space. Elaine will be a part of a six-per…
Shedd Aquarium has shared new updates on its first beluga calf in over four years. Born in July, the six-month-old whale has been thriving under the care of the aquarium’s animal care team and veterinarians. Now, he is eating solid fish, exploring new spaces, and forming relationships with h…
Mardi Gras falls on March 4 this year, making it the perfect excuse to shake off the winter blues with a festive feast. And who better to guide us than Mariano’s Tastemaker Chef Brian Jupiter? A New Orleans native and the chef/co-owner of Ina Mae Tavern, Jupiter brings the flavors of his hom…
Virginia McCaskey, the beloved matriarch of the Chicago Bears, has died at 102. Her life was marked by quiet, steadfast leadership of one of the NFL’s older franchises, a role she embraced with grace and humility.
The South Loop was buzzing with excitement as former Chicago Bears star Israel Idonije and acclaimed Chef Stephen Gillanders officially opened The Staley with a lively Block Party Jan. 27. The highly anticipated restaurant, located at the corner of Wabash and 14th, drew an enthusiastic crowd…
February’s Doorperson of the Month is Takyla Backstrom of 230 E. Ontario St.
just in time for the New Year when wellness resolutions are at an all-time high, Michigan Avenue welcomed a transformative addition to its iconic scene with the grand opening of Thrive Wellness and Aesthetics.
Chicago Chefs Cook is a nonprofit that unites the Chicagoland chef community to raise money for humanitarian causes, both local and global. In the past, Chicago Chefs Cook have come out in force to support victims of Hurricane Helene, migrant relief efforts, farmers fighting floods in the Em…
The best wintertime fishing holes in Chicago are about eight inches wide. Cut by hand into the Lake Michigan ice, they offer robust leisure, healthy sport and tasty filets to a community of dedicated anglers who count DuSable Harbor among the finest spots around. “You can come down here and …
In the heart of Chicago’s South Side, Pastor John Harrell stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. As the Co-Founder and President of Black Men United (BMU), he has dedicated his life to uplifting men and boys, creating a network of support that has impacted countless lives. His journe…
Ismael Salcedo has been with The Aston Chicago for 11 years. The residents at The Ashton call him “Ish.”
Winter in Chicago is a beast all its own. The biting wind, the icy streets, and the bone-chilling temperatures make it nearly impossible to focus on anything other than survival.
In the serene lobby of the CityView Condominiums, December Doorperson of the Month Maureen Chacon-Batts is given fresh fruit from a resident. Another tenant drops off holiday cookies for her, and she is literally serenaded by a resident singing to her “Have a good afternoon.”
Looking for last minute gift ideas? Look no further than Mariano’s and their new Holiday Helper Elfie! She was born to be a power shopper and has EVERYONE on your list covered, from the foodie to the flicks lover, even something for your favorite pooch! Enjoy the offerings and have a very me…
Chicago celebrity hair designer, Anthony Cristiano, shares fab tips for the party season
For the 21st year Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is celebrating ethnic holiday traditions of nearly 100 different nationalities at the “Christmas Trees from Around the World” display at her office. The annual celebration of cultural diversity showcases handcrafted ornaments and decoratio…
Jeff Mauro, the charismatic and talented chef who rose to fame as host of Food Network’s “Sandwich King,” has seamlessly blended his love for food and family with his entrepreneurial spirit. Mauro was classically trained at the Kitchen Academy of Los Angeles and is known for his signature pa…
It’s an awe-inspiring moment when you get to meet a Navy Seal who also happens to be a NASA astronaut! Meet Captain Chris Cassidy, who as a Navy SEAL, became a member of an elite special operations force in the United States Navy known for its rigorous training and ability to carry out chall…
KTGY, a Great Places to Work certified architecture and design firm, is making significant strides in expanding its high-rise expertise by appointing Sam Luckino as principal in its Chicago office.
It takes a while to properly interview Khari Jones because the petite, upscale lobby buzzes with activity. Khari’s the leader of the concierge team at The Millie on Michigan Avenue, just steps away from its namesake, Millennium Park.
William Beavers, a prominent former Cook County commissioner and Chicago alderman, passed away this weekend at 89. Beavers, known for his progressive approach, died of natural causes on Saturday morning, as reported by Block Club Chicago. He was widely respected for his unwavering commitment…
It seems like everyone has a podcast these days, but this one is truly worth getting excited about! Beloved veteran Chicago journalist Sylvia Perez is set to debut “Supper with Sylvia: The Podcast” on Thursday, Oct. 24.
It has to be tough, right? The lonely, quiet, dark, and somewhat depressing existence of working the overnight shift as a security guard and doorperson in one of our Chicago condominium buildings.
West Town’s newest South American eatery Brasero has yet another reason to celebrate since opening just eight months ago. Along with being named on several lists as one of the hottest new restaurants in Chicago, Brasero’s Chef de Cuisine Adam Meyer was recently honored in the StarChefs Risin…
It’s been a fantastic few years for Kym Bowers at The Chicagoan. Kym is overjoyed about her nomination and enthusiastically shares with passersby residents that she is the October Doorperson of the Month. Both the staff and residents alike are nothing short of thrilled.
On Sunday, October 6, international bestselling author and three-time Emmy award-winning producer Yvette Manessis Corporon is headed to Chicago to host a book talk and signing prior to the launch of her new book Daughter of Ruins.
At a packed party at Reunion restaurant on Sept. 17, Chef Art Smith hosted an experience that was a foodie lovers paradise. The event served as the official announcement of Art’s latest venture, Chef Art Smith Catering Company. As he told the crowd, he’s always been a “caterer.” First, start…
We thought she would live forever.
“Evening on Astor,” described by organizers as the “world’s most elegant block party,” took place in the Gold Coast on Sept. 4. This annual event brings together people who enjoy dining under the stars in one of Chicago’s most beautiful neighborhoods to benefit the Gold Coast Neighbors Association.
For Annette Wordlaw, serving as a doorperson at 680 North is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s not every doorperson who meets her husband on the job. The happy couple even held their wedding reception in a 12th floor ballroom at 680 North.
Chicago Star Media has been recognized as a 2024 Spring Global Award winner for its marketing and PRservices on Clutch, the leading global marketplace of B2B service providers. Honorees are selected based on their industry expertise and ability to deliver scores that are calculated based on …
