Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Hastings on Illinois advancing Alyssa’s Law: ‘School Safety Isn’t abstract — it’s personal’ RICHTON PARK — State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined Mayor Rick Reinbold and other local officials, educators and advocates on Friday August 14, 2026, at Richton Square School to highlight the recent signing of Alyssa’s Law, legislation Hastings co-authored to strengthen school…
Mayor Brady welcomes attendees at Bedford Park Clearing-Industrial Association’s 2026 Annual Golf Outing Bedford Park, IL – Bedford Park Mayor David R. Brady proudly welcomed attendees at the Bedford Park Clearing-Industrial Association’s 2026 Annual Golf Outing on Wednesday (Aug. 5) at Silver Lake Country Club to strengthen the local business community. The Bedford Park Clearing-Industrial…
Efforts to distance himself from Harry Benton controversy not working for Speaker Welch Ill. Rep. Kelly Cassidy declines to join the Workplace Culture and Accountability Working Group in Springfield created by Illinois House Speaker Chris “Emanuel” Welch Illinois House Speaker Chris “Emanuel” Welch is having a hard time distancing himself from the growing controversy involving…
Bedford Park urges residents to report property damage from recent storm, apply for SBA support Bedford Park, IL – The Village of Bedford Park is urging homeowners and businesses to document and report the damage they experienced during the severe weather storms on July 27. Information should include your name, address and a description of…
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas celebrates Columbian Independence Day Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosted a Colombian Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in the Treasurer’s Office. The event was attended by Consul General Diego Alexander Angulo Martínez of the Consulate of Colombia in Chicago. The event recognized the rich history, culture, and…
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Orland Fire Protection Board praises all first responders for emergency response to Monday’s storm OFPD, IL — The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) Board of Trustees said firefighters and dispatchers responded to hundreds of emergency calls during the heavy storms that swept through the region Monday, reporting no major injuries. Deputy Chief Joshua Girdick and…
Treasurer Maria Pappas: Homeowners Blast Property Tax Increases, but Skip Voting When Given a Chance to Reject Them Just one in five Cook County voters bothered to vote in the last two elections when asked whether to approve property tax increases, allowing a distinct minority of voters to approve hundreds of millions of dollars in…
Three firefighters honored with promotions by Orland Fire Protection District Thursday Orland Park, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) confirmed the promotions of three firefighters on Thursday to the ranks of Engineer, Lieutenant and Battalion Chief during ceremonies at the Fire District’s board room celebrated by family, friends and firefighters. Deputy Fire Chief…
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Court Denies former Mayor Keith Pekau’s Motion to Dismiss lawsuit Former Mayor Must Answer Village’s Complaint, Village of Orland Park says countering misleading information released by disgraced for mayor Keith Pekau Orland Park, IL (July 16, 2026) – The Village of Orland Park announced that on July 6, 2026, the Cook County Circuit Court denied…
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Leving Team Stops Mom from Running Off with Dad’s Kids By Laura Reichel A desperate father turned to Attorney Jeffery M. Leving for help fearing he would lose his children forever. The children were living with their dad, however, everything suddenly changed. It was reported that the mother was going to take the children and…
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Bolingbrook Mayor, Legislators, Urge ICC to Reject Latest Illinois American Water Rate Hike The ICC will host a public hearing in Bolingbrook to allow residents to speak out on the proposed massive rate hike by Illinois American Water. The meeting will be Tuesday, July 14, 2026 beginning at 6:30 PM at the Bolingbrook Community Center,…
Hastings’ new law provides oversight of predatory Buy-Now-Pay-Later loans Illinois consumers have seen that a rapid expansion of Buy-Now-Pay-Later loan services may seem convenient at first, but they can carry hidden costs, unexpected fees and financial risks that often go unnoticed until it is too late. In response, State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a…
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Golf outing to strengthen Bedford Park business community has Tee-Times available Limited number of foursomes and sponsorships available for the 2026 Bedford Park Clearing-Industrial Association’s Golf Outing on August 5th at Silver Lake Country Club. Event capped by outing dinner Bedford Park, IL – Bedford Park Mayor David R. Brady is proud to support the Bedford…
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Students learn about Fire District careers at Junior Cadet Academy Orland Fire Protection District, IL – Young teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 were given an opportunity to learn about what it takes to become a firefighter during a day-long summer camp program hosted by the Orland Fire Protection District on Tuesday (June…
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Kids camp teaches young children basics of fire safety Orland Fire Protection District, IL – Several dozen young campers received training in basic fire safety and life-saving skills at the Orland Fire Protection District’s annual summer Fire and Life Safety Camp held at the district’s training center on 163rd Place in Orland Park. Children ages…
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Local Author Launches Wildly Imaginative Middle-Grade Adventure “The Unbelievable Ultrafrog vs. Nutsfuratu, the Giant Alien Vampire Squirrel from Planet Schnark” Blends Humor, Heart and Out-of-This-World Chaos by Tinley Park author Jon Bigness Young readers looking for outrageous fun, unforgettable characters and nonstop adventure have a new hero to cheer for in The Unbelievable Ultrafrog vs….
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Illinois Takes a Major Step to Protect Homeowners By Maria Pappas Owning a home has long been the foundation of financial security for American families. It’s typically a person’s largest investment, one that represents hard work, sacrifice, and a chance to build generational wealth. That’s why the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of House Bill…
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Orland Fire Protection District names new Fire Chief – swearing-in Ceremony June 9 The Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees will host a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, for newly appointed Fire Chief John Purtill. During the ceremony, the board will also swear-in Joshua Girdick as Deputy Chief of Operations and Shawn…
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