Treat Yourself, Help Others | COVID Cancelations | Defiant Mayor

Let's get you all caught up on the news making headlines in today's Top Southland Stories.

Help Tornado Victims By Purchasing Spa Raffle Tickets

Everyone deserves a little special treatment once in a while, perhaps none more so than those in Kentucky that were affected by tornados earlier this month. Three local spa and salon businesses are combining efforts to sell raffle tickets for a chance to win a basket loaded with spa and salon products and gift cards, the proceeds of which will go directly to the people hit hardest in Kentucky.

COVID-19 Cancels Rest Of Goodman's Run Of 'A Christmas Carol'

In-person performances of a "A Christmas Carol" have been scrapped for the rest of its run at the Goodman Theatre. The holiday favorite was scheduled to run through Dec. 31.

"After learning of a COVID-19 exposure in our production company, it was necessary to suspend performances to allow time for testing/isolation protocols. The safety of our audiences, artists and staff remains our top priority, and we appreciate your patience and understanding that we must proceed with an abundance of caution," according to a statement on the theatre company's website.

Tinley Park Mayor Says Village Won't Use Resources To Enforce Vax

Tinley Park Mayor Mike Glotz announced the village will not enforce Cook County's latest vaccine mandate once it takes effect Jan. 3.

In a brief letter to residents, Glotz acknowledged the burden of enforcing the newest mandate belongs to county officials such as Cook County Department of Public Health and Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Paying It Forward On Christmas, Church Members Blessed In Return

A few Sundays ago during worship services, every adult member and Sunday school child at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Palos Heights received $100 and a letter asking that the money be used to share God's love in whatever way the recipient chose. What church members didn't count on were the unexpected gifts they received in return.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush Tests Positive For COVID-19

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (IL-01) announced Monday evening that he has tested positive with a breakthrough case of COVID-19.

Notified of a recent exposure, Rush said in a written statement that he tested positive with a breakthrough case of COVID-19. He plans to quarantine following the latest guidance fron the CDC and Chicago Department of Health.

Teen Killed In Palos Heights Crash ID'd As 14-Year-Old Alsip Girl

The teen who was killed Monday evening in a two-vehicle crash in Palos Heights has been identified as 14-year-old Madison Harrison by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Harrison, of Alsip, died when was ejected from a Honda Civic after it struck a Chevy Tahoe.

Police Tase Man Who They Say Reached For Gun During Arrest

Multiple Park Forest police officers and the use of a Taser were needed to take a man into custody Christmas Eve after police said the 20-year-old attempted to reach for a pistol.

Officials told Patch an officer pulled a vehicle over on Dec. 24 at around 4 p.m. after a license plate scan showed a registration violation.

Midlothian Golf Caddie Turns Summer Job Into Full Ride To College

An Oak Forest high schooler's summer job caddying at Midlothian Country Club turned into a full ride to college under an Evans Scholarship, the prestigious foundation announced last week.

Nick Smith, 17, has been golf caddying for almost six years. While the senior in high school said he hadn't considered caddying at first, a family friend convinced him to apply after their son became an Evans Scholar through the position.

South Suburban Death Notices, Week of December 27

South suburban obituaries and available visitation information.