Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Early voting now open to Illinois residents For or the March 20, 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election, traditional Early Voting will take place March 5-19. Early Voting locations and hours can be found here. While some calendars suggest that the Early Voting period in Illinois may begin as early as February 8 ballots will not be available by…
Rauner gets it right naming Gorman as Tollway chief Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner taps Liz Gorman to had the Illinois Tollway, a brilliant move that both helps the State of Illinois and his administration. Gorman, a former Cook County Commissioner, is a champion for fighting excessive tax increases and fighting for the rights of taxpayers….
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House Democrats pass sweeping Gun Safety Measures, answering nationwide call from student activists Responding to a nationwide call from students and parents for immediate action on gun safety in the wake of another tragic mass shooting, Illinois House Democrats passed critical legislation reducing access to assault rifles, banning the sale of ‘bump stock’ modifications, and…
Arab American empowerment continues to grow Arab Americans have been fighting for a place at the American table from the day they set foot in America. But in recent years, their empowerment has increased despite the increased discrimination in the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In recently years, Arab Americans have…
Liz Gorman named as new Illinois Tollway director Former Cook County Commissioner Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman was appointed by Governor Bruce Rauner Thursday (Feb. 22, 2018) as the new executive director of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA), replacing Greg Bedalov who Rauner appointed in 2015. Bedalov will move to the Illinois Sports Facility…
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Township of Lyons approves grants Little League, Argo High, La Grange Pet Parade among beneficiaries By Steve Metsch The latest meeting of the Township of Lyons saw several sponsorships and grants being awarded by the board. Each of the following was approved by unanimous 5-0 votes. The township approved a $650 sponsorship with the Lyons…
Fioretti reaches out to suburban voters Bob Fioretti, candidate for Cook County Board president, will hold a fundraiser and meet-and-greet with residents of the suburbs on Tuesday Feb. 27, 2018. The reception will be held from 7 pm until 9 pm at the Brookfield Ale House 8900 Fairview in Brookfield, Illinois. Fioretti was an outspoken…
Green Party blasts County Clerk David Orr for impeding Water Reclamation District election COOK COUNTY’S SECRET PRIMARY ELECTION There’s an office on March 20th ballots with no candidates listed—and election authorities aren’t trying to inform anyone about it. [Correction: This release was distributed by the Illinois Green Party not the Illinois GOP Republican Party. It lacked…
League of Women Voters hosts 4th Congressional Dist forum Feb. 26 The League of Women Voters will host a forum for voters in the Illinois 4th Congressional District Candidate featuring candidates in the March 20, 2018 Democratic Primary election. All three candidates have been invited and two have so far confirmed, Richard Gonzalez and Sol Flores….
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Snow isn’t only thing making the week rough Chicagoland was slammed by a few days of compressed heavy snowfall. But clearing the nearly 18 inches of snow wasn’t the only problem we had. Politics in Illinois has made the experience even worse. Maybe we should have a GroundHog that predicts whether we will have good…
Lipinski-Newman Congressional fight has nation’s attention Six term Congressman Dan Lipinski is no stranger to controversy. Appointed to succeed his father Bill, Dan Lipinski has faced criticism from Day One. He’s no media darling and his conservative Democratic beliefs often pit him against more liberal and “progressive” colleagues. This year’s election challenge from Marie Newman…
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Lisa Hernandez fundraiser March 7 I’m locked in the primary battle of my political career. My opponent is spreading lies like a running faucet. Years of hard work for our community is under threat of being wiped out for good. We must take a stand and speak up for the residents of the 24th District….
Town of Cicero honored for Financial Excellence, 7th Year On January 19th, 2018 the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) announced that a panel of independent reviewers has completed its examination of the Town’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and has awarded the Town with the GFOA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting…
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Madigan dismisses aide accused of sexual harassment By Ray Hanania [UPDATED Tuesday Feb. 13, 2018] Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan announced the dismissal of a longtime aide after charges he “made unwanted advances” and sent a woman “inappropriate text messages.” Madigan praised the woman for speaking out and instructed his attorney to “conduct a…
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Illinois Candidates showcase Arab American breakfast event Sunday Feb 18 More than a dozen Democratic candidates vying for contested races in the March 20 Illinois primary election have confirmed their appearances at the annual Candidate’s Breakfast hosted by the state’s largest Arab American political organization. The Arab American Democratic Club will host candidates running for…
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Chicagoland communities prepare for snow storm impact The National Weather Service has issued a major storm alert for the Chicagoland area and suburbs. Schools, governments and many public agencies are closing, urging residents to be cautious while driving, to do welfare checks on neighbors who are disabled or seniors, and identifying warming centers in the…
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Pritzker, Brannigan and the “politics” of apologies Some Arab American and Muslim activists have launched a vicious campaign against Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan who expressed opinions critical of the “Middle Eastern” community that they claimed were racist. Brannigan apologized three times but they refused to accept her apology. However, J.B. Pritzker slammed Muslims as…
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Rejecting the Cloudy Logic of EPA Ozone Rules Businesses should not be strapped with over-burdensome Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations set by the Obama administration regarding ozone levels. Guest columnist Merrill Matthews argues that Ozone levels have dropped and restrictions should be eased. By Merrill Matthews The Environmental Protection Agency just missed a court-ordered deadline…