Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
April named Arab Heritage Month by new Illinois Law Illinois Legislature passes law to designate April as Arab American Heritage Month. The bill was introduced by Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, and co-sponsored by State Senator Steve Landek and Representative Mike Zalewski. The bill restores respect for Illinois’ Arab American community which was disrespected…
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Wolves Hockey Team lights up the ice Wolves light up the ice at the Allstate Arena in a game against the San Antonio Rampage. It’s phenomenal hockey and sports excitement from start to finish By Ray Hanania The American League hockey team the Chicago Wolves trounced the San Antonio Rampage this past week 3 to…
Gelsosomo’s in Lemont offers great food and hilarious comedy shows There are not a lot of comedy clubs in Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs but two stand out you should visit, Riddles in Alsip and Gelsosomo’s in Lemont. Riddles offers the traditional award winning comedy experience while Gelsosomo’s offers a mix that includes music entertainment, great Italian food…
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Danztheatre Ensemble presents “Getting Old Sucks” Getting Old Sucks is a Danztheatre work exploring the universality of aging through individual experiences. Getting Old Sucks runs Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm, and Sundays, 3pm, February 22 through March 3, 2019 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church (1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago). What does aging mean to you?: Getting Old Sucks,…
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Steppenwolf Theater announcers premier of “The Children” Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of The Children written by Lucy Kirkwood and helmed by celebrated Chicago director Jonathan Berry. The cast includes previously announced ensemble members Ora Jones (Rose) and Yasen Peyankov (Robin), with acclaimed actress Janet Ulrich Brooks (Hazel) rounding out the cast. Following…
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Men turn into zombie customers during last-minute holiday rush As the calendar approaches the Christmas holidays, men experience a transformation, turning into addled, confused zombies desperately searching for the last-minute gift for their wives, girlfriends and significant others. Although the retail business has a name for every experience, they haven’t figured this male zombie shopper…
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Paul Ciolino co-hosts new WLS radio show on crime Reavis High school graduate and criminal investigator Paul Ciolino is the co-host with former police officer and attorney Lupe Aguirre of The POPO Report every Saturday night on WLS AM 890 Radio from 7 to 9 PM (Chicago time). Each week, the show examines stories about…
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Kevin Hart and the real problem with the Oscars Comedian Kevin Hart made a comedy joke that lampooned Gays and he was quickly tossed from hosting this year’s Oscars. But the real controversy is the Oscars. Are they even relevant anymore? By Ray Hanania I wish the Oscars reacted to complaints as fast and as…
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New comedy club opens in Chicago’s Logan Square On November 1st, 2018 Logan Square Improv opened its doors to the public. Logan Square Improv, or LSI, is the newest addition to the lineup of comedy theaters in Chicago, and the first of its kind in the Logan Square area. Co-founded by Chicago comedians, Andrew Lemna…
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Chicago’s Top Holiday & Seasonal Events Happy Holidays! With a distinct chill in the Chicago air, we have officially made it to the most wonderful time of the year. From the city’s top shopping destinations, including a one-of-a-kind art show and a beloved antique market, to holiday entertainment opportunities, including a festive musical and elevated…
Sketch Comedy Festival Jan. 10-19, 2019 SketchFest Executive Producer Jill Valentine is thrilled to announce the official line-up for the 18th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, taking place January 10 through January 20, 2019 at Stage 773. Since its inception in 2002, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has grown to be the largest festival of…
Friends of Park opposes private use of public land for Obama library Friends of the Parks responds to the Chicago City Council adoption of an ordinance authorizing construction of the Obama Presidential Center on park land in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. Public Pressure Ensures Movement Toward a “Park Positive” Outcome for Jackson Park Friends…
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High school senior says writing book will improve student grades Aaron Hanania will sign copies of his new book at an event on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at the Oak Lawn Library from 6 pm until 8 pm, and discuss how young students can become better students through disciplined writing and storytelling. A writing project…
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Roseanne Barr should spin-off her own new series Just because ABC TV Network doesn’t want Roseanne Barr in the newly re-engineered Roseanne TV series called “The Conners,” doesn’t mean she can’t be the star of her own re-engineered Roseanne TV series with its own premise, starring Roseanne Barr. By Ray Hanania I really enjoyed the…
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Singing the blues in the Southwest Region The Southwest Region southwest side of Chicago and the southwest suburbs) continue to grow, adding to their assets including Midway Airport and Toyota Park. The most recent addition is the new Lyons BluesFest which kicks off on Sept. 22, 2018, in the Village of Lyons. The organizers have…
Windy City Blues Society launches Blues Festival in Lyons Headliners include Nellie “Tiger” Travis, Lurrie Bell, and The Mike Wheeler Band. Tomiko Dixon (granddaughter of blues legend Willie Dixon), and Buddy Guy’s daughter Carlise Guy and the NuBlu Band along with Deak Harp & Quicksand from Clarksdale Mississippi round out the big Saturday Showcase. The…
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Getting bored by the empty void of streaming TV With so many streaming cable options all competing for the public’s attention, there are some great choices and some terrible ones. And there are things that each system can do to improve their services, besides adding quality original programming to their offerings. When the monthly subscription…
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Jeff Lynne’s ELO impresses Band delivers hit songs in a dazzling concert By Steve Metsch So it took 35 years for Jeff Lynne to bring his Electric Light Orchestra back on the road. It was well-worth the wait. Lynne and this version of his ELO band – which did not include any other original members…