OPINION

Orland journalist among finalists for 2021 Pulitzer prize
Orland journalist among finalists for 2021 Pulitzer prize Bill Healy Jr., who rose up in journalism as a young writer for The Villager Newspapers in the Orland Park … Click to Read
Things that upset me and should upset you
Things that upset me and should upset you I’m upset about almost everything from dentists and eye doctors to the racist campaign to ban Christopher Columbus. Wake up … Click to Read
Kim Foxx passes on “foundation crimes” that lead to violence and murder
Kim Foxx passes on “foundation crimes” that lead to violence and murder Foundation crimes are a part ad parcel of major crimes. If they are not addressed or … Click to Read
No Whites allowed in Lightfoot’s Chicago
No Whites allowed in Lightfoot’s Chicago Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is a real lightweight when it comes to Chicago mayors. She is not just afraid to take on … Click to Read
Texas de Brazil in Orland Park rocks
Texas de Brazil in Orland Park rocks With the COVID pandemic easing and more and more people getting vaccinations, it just felt GREAT to get out of the … Click to Read
Understanding the conflict between Israel and Palestine
Understanding the conflict between Israel and Palestine Most Americans don’t understand the truth of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. That’s ironic considering that most Americans are Christian … Click to Read

News Wire

Bi-Partisan legislation introduced in Michigan to penalize and reduce drive-by shootings
Bi-Partisan legislation introduced in Michigan to penalize and reduce drive-by shootings Citing the number of drive-by shootings in Flint in the past few months State Representatives Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint), Graham Filler (R-DeWitt), Mike Mueller (R-Linden) and Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) introduced legislation to increase penalties on drive-by shootings. “These cowardly, heinous actions must end,” state Representative Cynthia Neeley said. “Drive-by shooters are intentionally targeting family members and numerous children have been shot and murdered in my community and throughout Michigan.” The idea for the legislation came from a Flint family who had a child shot in a drive-by. Representative Neeley met with the family and worked with them to create legislation that would toughen penalties for drive-by shootings. “While there has been bi-partisan support to move towards reducing numerous criminal penalties, drive-by shootings are violent actions that destroy families and harm neighborhoods,” said State Representative Filler. “Anyone who willingly puts an entire family in danger should face the consequences.” Most drive-by shootings are retaliation against an individual and the shooter is targeting the family. The four-bill package would simply increase penalties for anyone shooting into a building or vehicle. Already this year, numerous children in Flint have been shot and three have been killed by drive by shootings. “Shooting up a house endangers an entire family—these are conscience acts by people who must be stopped,” said Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden). “These are not spur-of-the-moment actions, these are planned acts of violence that intentionally target innocent people, and that is why I’m sponsoring this bill.” The legislation has the support of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. The bills were introduced Wednesday, June 16 and sent to the House Judiciary Committee. They are: HB 5027; introduced by Rep. Neeley; HB 5028; introduced by Rep. Filler; HB 5029; introduced by Rep. Mueller; and HB 5030; introduced by Rep. Young. “My goal with this legislation is to have it serve as a deterrent and warning to any would-be shooters,” said Representative Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit). “The recent death of a two-year old possibly could have been prevented if this package of bills were law already. It’s time to put an end to drive-by shootings and get the violent perpetrators off our streets to make our communities safer.”
Paddlers Reminded to be Safe on the Water This Summer
Paddlers Reminded to be Safe on the Water This Summer Safety on the water should be a priority for all boaters this summer – from motor boat operators and passengers to those boaters who prefer non-motorized watercraft. Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police and Safety Education experts remind paddlers to stay alert to their surroundings, weather and water conditions, and other factors that can put them at risk on Illinois lakes, rivers, and streams. “Paddling is becoming more and more popular, from canoes, to kayaks, to paddleboards, and we’re reminding all paddlers to practice safety and wear a life jacket (PFD) while enjoying time on the water,” said Jeff Hopkins, administrator of the IDNR Safety Education Section. During 2020 in Illinois, two fatalities were reported involving paddlers in non-motorized watercraft. Some simple safety reminders for paddlers on Illinois waterways: • Always wear a life jacket (PFD) and never overload a canoe, kayak, or other watercraft. • Never paddle alone; enjoy canoeing, kayaking or paddleboard riding with friends and family. • Know the area before putting your watercraft on the water and leave a float plan with others so they’ll know how long you plan to be out and where you’re going. • Be very conscious of weather and water conditions; dress appropriately for the weather and be alert to changing conditions once on the water. • Limit your movements while in small watercraft to prevent capsizing/falling overboard; do not stand up in a canoe or kayak. • Warm or hot weather days and cold water can mean a shock to the system if paddlers end up in the water, causing disorientation and impairing the ability to swim and/or safely return to their watercraft. • High winds and strong currents can make it difficult to keep a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard within reach if the watercraft overturns and the paddler ends up in the water. • Stay hydrated, but do not bring along or consume alcohol or drugs before getting on the water or while on the water. • Stay alert to and pay attention to other boats, or the wake from other boats on the water; and, never approach a low-head dam, fallen tree, or other potential obstacles. For more information on paddling safety, check online resources including the Boat U.S. Foundation website: https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/activities/paddle/
SONIC Drive-In donates $31,128.00 to teachers in Chicago this Teacher Appreciation Month
SONIC Drive-In donates $31,128.00 to teachers in Chicago this Teacher Appreciation Month America’s Drive-In thanked public school teachers by donating $1.5 million to requests for learning supplies across the country To honor the creative efforts teachers have made to maneuver their ever-shifting learning environments and keep students engaged this past year, SONIC® Drive-In donated $1.5 million to teacher requests on national education nonprofit site DonorsChoose on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 4. As part of SONIC’s ongoing Limeades for Learning initiative, the $1.5 million donation helped fund more than 7,000 teacher requests across the country in need of critical resources, including 145 teachers in Chicago, Ill., who received a combined donation of $31,128.00. On Teacher Appreciation Day, the brand matched 50 percent of each donation made to all teacher requests on DonorsChoose. In Chicago, the following teachers at 103 schools received funding: Mr. Luis E. Barrera at Adlai E Stevenson Elementary School for the project “Music Heals” Mrs. Gierhahn at Adlai E Stevenson Middle School for the project “Photos From A Memorable Year!” Mrs. Thuis at Adlai E Stevenson Middle School for the project “Learning How to Use Our Louding Voice” Ms. Altamirano at Agustin Lara Elementary Academy for the project “Something To Snack On While We Learn!” Mrs. Baran at Alain Locke Charter Academy for the project “Put Down That Video Game and Read” Ms. Contreras at Alfred Nobel Elementary School for the project “Color Our World!” Mr. Breen at Amundsen High School for the project “Making the Cut!” Mrs. Nguyen Evans at Amundsen High School for the project “A Work in Translation for AHS Seniors” Mrs. Mcmanus at Andrew Jackson Language Academy for the project “Supplies for School” Ms. Jones at Arthur Ashe Elementary School for the project “KEEPING UP WITH THE WORLD WITH ADEQUATE TECHNOLOGY!” Mrs. D. at Aspira Charter-Early College High School for the project “Excited About Math?” Mrs. Pettis at Avalon Park Elementary School for the project “Expanding Our Library With Science Fiction & Fantasy” Mrs. Pettis at Avalon Park Elementary School for the project “Energize My Brain” Mrs. Olson at Beaubien Elementary School for the project “Hero’s Don’t Always Wear Capes!” Ms. Lee at Benito Juarez Community Academy for the project “BJCA Decision Day Laptop Fundraiser” Ms. Malone at Brennemann Elementary School for the project “Book to Inspire and Engage!” Ms. Mack at Brownell Elementary School for the project “I Am, I Can, I Will! AFFIRMED!” Ms. King at Burley Elementary School for the project “We Need More Diverse Books” Dr. Love at Cameron Elementary School for the project “New Year, New Books!” Ms. Cline at Cameron Elementary School for the project “All Students Deserve the Opportunity to Complete Assignments” Mr. Helbig at Carl Von Linne Elementary School for the project “Let Your Art Work Glow!” Ms. Beal at Carroll-Rosenwald Elementary School – Rosenwald for the project “Fashion Is My Passion” Ms. Preston at Chase Elementary School for the project “Help Us Visualize Art and Become Inspired” Ms. Quintana-Marofske at Chase Elementary School for the project “Organizing the Classroom for Functionality” Mrs. Thompson at Chicago Math & Science Academy for the project “Classroom Library: Gateway to the World” Mrs. Black-Jordan at Chopin Elementary School for the project “Help My Students to Restock Items They Need.” Mrs. Watkins at CICS – Prairie for the project “Engaging Resources to Support the Learning of All” Ms. Cutler at CICS – Prairie for the project “Keeping It Fun” Mrs. Olsen at CICS-Northtown Academy for the project “Freedom to Float in My Classroom” Mrs. Vailant at Cooper Dual Language Academy – South Bldg for the project “Help Me Block Background Noise!” Ms. Calderon at Curie Metropolitan High School for the project “¡Hola! You’re Muted!” Ms. Avila at Darwin Elementary School for the project “Bringing Hands-on Materials to Remote Learners” Mrs. Barone at Dawes Elementary School for the project “Read, Lead, Succeed” Mrs. Lessmeister at Dawes Elementary School for the project “The Lending Library” Mrs. Oliva at Dawes Elementary School for the project “Please Don’t Share the Crayons!” Mrs. Shippy at Dawes Elementary School for the project “Truth is Stranger Than Fiction” Ms. Ryan at Dawes Elementary School for the project “Preschoolers Love Play Dough That Doesn’t Dry!” Mrs. Harvey at Deneen School of Excellence for the project “Update Teacher Tech” Ms. Carter at Deneen School of Excellence for the project “Water and Healthy Snacks for Kindergarten” Ms. Skipper at Deneen School of Excellence for the project “Back Together Again” Ms. Emami at Dewey Elementary Academy of Fine Arts for the project “Learning Through Reading” Mrs. Dechellis Library at Dirksen Elementary School for the project “Flocabulary and Nearpod Virtually in Our School Library” Mrs. Dechellis Library at Dirksen Elementary School for the project “Beautifully Decorated Library” Mrs. Meyers at Dore Elementary School for the project “Hands-on Learning Using our own Materials” Ms. Flanagan at Dyett Arts High School for the project “Diamond Club: SEL Support Group 2” Ms. Flanagan at Dyett Arts High School for the project “Artistic Expression!” Ms. Harduvel at Earle Elementary School for the project “Keeping Social-Emotional Learning Safe” Mr. Graning at Eberhart Elementary School for the project “Cameras for Kids and Memory Making” Mrs. Adamski at Eberhart Elementary School for the project “Gifts for Grads!” Mrs. Yanik at Eberhart Elementary School for the project “Marvelous Mentor Text Collection” Ms. D. at Eberhart Elementary School for the project “World Patriots” Ms. Black at Farragut Career Academy for the project “High School Life Skills Classroom” Ms. Cirignani at Farragut Career Academy for the project “Vocational Training Room” Ms. Baime at G B Swift Elementary Specialty School for the project “Keeping Up With Scholastic” Ms. Devinney at G B Swift Elementary Specialty School for the project “Listen In!” Coach Cruz at Gallistel Language Academy for the project “Virtual Soccer Awards Banquet” Coach Cruz at Gallistel Language Academy for the project “Congrats Grad, You Did It!” Mrs. Hines at Gallistel Language Academy for the project “Teach Me Here, Teach Me There!” Ms. Roffers at Gallistel Language Academy for the project […]
“It’s Not So Late Show” with Aaron Hanania interviews social media leader Salem Furrha
“It’s Not So Late Show” with Aaron Hanania interviews social media leader Salem Furrha During an appearance this week on the “It’s Not So Late Show” online with host Aaron Hanania, guest Salem Furrha, whose west coast family has become one of the most popular social media entertainers on Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube, said the secret to going viral is to “stand out, be funny and be creative.” Hanania, whose interviews are broadcast in video on Youtube, and in audio on iTunes and Spotify and most other popular podcasting systems, talks with Furrha on how his family social media videos have become among the most popular and entertaining on social media systems like Tiktok, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat. Furrha, a former high school coach who operated coffee shops at several universities in Michigan in the 1980s, today leads his family in producing some of the most family-friendly, funny and entertaining video content on social media. He has more than 4.4 million followers on Tiktok, and the family’s YouTube productions have attracted more than 150 million views each. And the numbers keep climbing. “My daughter had a TikTok, her name is Linda. She started back before the pandemic. And she had a couple of her videos go viral. We said wow. Cool. She started becoming famous,” Furrha told Hanania in explaining how he and his family began producing the compellingly funny and entertaining TikTok and social media posts. “I said let’s try it. Everyone did their own accounts. We didn’t do much with our own separate accounts. I said, ok with my account, let’s all do one family one. And boom! It took off and ever since we never looked back.” Today, Furrha and his family use the handle @TheFurrhaFamily to create some of the most family-friendly and entertaining videos on social media. “We do mostly family friendly stuff that is relatable. Big families go through daily life problems and we mostly have fun with those TikToks,” Furrha said as he bantered with family members during the “It’s Not So Late Show” interview. Is there a secret to success? Furrha said yes, “just be creative, standout and keep it fun.” “Stand out, honestly. You have to stand out. It’s a lot of work but it’s fun. It is rewarding as well,” Furrha said. “Once you get yourself a niche, you have to stand out, right? You have to be funny. Good looking. Or something to make you stand out. It’s something that has to be out there to get people’s attention. So, it’s got to be some crazy stuff, some experimental stuff. It has to stand out above the rest of them.” Hanania called Salem Furrha and his family “pioneers” in family friendly, social media entertainment and are role models for what others can do. “The Furrha Family shows you that with the right kind of dedication, creativity, and commitment, you can do anything creative and entertaining,” said Hanania, 20, who is a college student, musician and social media influencer. “The interview with Salem was fascinating. He and his family demonstrate that you can go from owning a coffee shop or any business to become one of the world’s fastest growing social media influencers.” Furrha emphasized that creators just starting or already on the social media systems should not give up in producing great content as they try to build up their followings. “Keep plugging away. You never know which one is going to hit. We go through the same thing as the smaller guys go through. We get into these ruts and it takes us a while to get out of the rut. So you know you have to just keep working, keep creating, keep coming up with funny skits or whatever your niche is, and make sure you keep working hard because you never know which one is going to hit. Once you get that one big one,” said Furrha who also does real estate development on the side,” Furrha said. “It only takes one video to take you to another level. It only takes one. So you have to keep pushing. You have to stand out as well. You gotta stand out. You have got to make people entertained. You have to find your niche. Keep working till you find it.” You can listen to the entire 20-minute interview by visiting the online website for the “It’s Not So Late Show” with Aaron Hanania at Anchor.FM/AaronHanania where you can find links to the Furrha Family and other interviews. You can watch the interview video on Youtube by visiting Youtube.com/c/Aaron411, or use the widget below to watch on this page. The “It’s not so Late show” with Aaron Hanania showcases the stories of people who are doing amazing things. For media or guest inquiries, email Hanania at AaronHananiaMusic@gmail.com or follow the show by visiting TheItsNotSoLateShow.com online, on Instagram and on TikTok at ItsNotSoLateShow. Social Media Links and contacts: For information on the Furrha Family go to any social media and search for “TheFurrhaFamily” or use the handle @TheFurrhaFamily to find them. You can also listen to theFurrhaFamily on Triller every Friday at 5 PM PST. For information on Aaron Hanania search “ItsNotSoLateShow” on any social media or use the handle @ItsNotSoLateShow. Anchor.FM/AaronHanania And on Youtube at www.YouTube.com/c/Aaron411 Use this widget to watch thevideo For more information visit the “It’s Not So Late Show” at TheItsNotSoLateShow.com. For more information on all of Aaron Hanania’s creative projects visit www.AaronHanania.com.

STATEWIDE NEWS

State Senator Michael E. Hastings announces suspension of bid for Secretary of State
State Senator Michael E. Hastings announces suspension of bid for Secretary of State State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) today issued the following statement on his decision to suspend his bid for Secretary of State: …
Illinoisans who received at least one COVID vaccination automatically entered in $10 million state giveaway
Illinoisans who received at least one COVID vaccination automatically entered in $10 million state giveaway As Illinois Vaccinates 70% of Adults, Gov. Pritzker Launches $10 Million ‘All In for the Win’ Promotion to Reward Vaccinated …

Maria Pappas launches animated Iguana and song to ease concerns of children during Coronavirus scare

SHARE THIS STORY

Maria Pappas launches animated Iguana & song to ease concerns of children during Coronavirus scare

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas releases an online children’s video called “Me and My Iguana” to give children enjoyment during this frightening coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The video is online at www.MeAndMyIguana.com

Chicago, IL — At a time when children may need the comfort that only a pet can provide, an electronic iguana might be the perfect answer, says Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

The iguana appears on “Me and My Iguana,” an online video produced by Pappas, Tim Maeder and Frank Lucas. In the video, a child and an Iguana share activities that emphasize friendship while a young voice sings the original kids tune, “Me and My Iguana.”

The idea is for the electronic iguana to provide companionship and diversion to out-of-school children during the coronavirus pandemic.

Me and My Iguana online video and song for children developed by Cook COunty Treasurer Maria Pappas to help children deal with the coronavirus.

“Iguana is not known for its handsome looks. But our Iguana offers a beautiful message for children of comfort, enjoyment and fun,” Pappas said.

“As a lizard, an Iguana ignores comments about its looks and just goes about its business of eating insects. Our electronic Iguana is polite and friendly, and an understanding companion to children who would rather be in school but can’t.”

Pappas studied music in high school and college and plays several instruments. Maeder is a multimedia designer, musician, song writer and producer who has collaborated with Dee Snider, Jennifer Lopez, War and other groups. Lucas has performed with the Pat Methany Group drummer Paul Wertico, bassist Andy West of the Dixie Dregs, and others, along with violinist Rachel Barton.

Pappas wrote the script. Maeder created the graphics and video. All three wrote the music.

“We need something to lighten things up especially for children in the face of some frightening times and concerns,” Pappas says.

“We hope our little iguana friend brings some joy, especially to the young children.”

The link to the iguana is at www.MeAndMyIguana.com

Author
Recent Posts

Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A critic of mainstream news media bias, Hanania advocates for peace & justice for Israel & Palestine, & the empowerment of Arabs in America.

Click here to listen to Ray's Political Podcast.

Hanania's columns are archived on his personal website at RayHanania.com. Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Hanania is President/CEO of Urban Strategies Group which provides communications services to governments and private businesses, and hosts writing training workshops, and publishes books.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Find him on MeWe.com and on Idobbonate.com the alternatives to Facebook

Maria Pappas launches animated Iguana and song to ease concerns of children during Coronavirus scare

Maria Pappas launches animated Iguana & song to ease concerns of children during Coronavirus scare

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas releases an online children’s video called “Me and My Iguana” to give children enjoyment during this frightening coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The video is online at www.MeAndMyIguana.com

The Political Pundit