Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
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…
Remembering Chicago’s racial tensions from the late 1960s Looking back at Chicago in the 1960s and the racial tensions that divided Blacks and Whites, I decided to write a book about that experience. White Flight, which I titled “Midnight Flight: One family’s experience of White Flight and the racial transformation of Chicago’s South Side (an online…
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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…
Lipinski and Newman square off Democratic hopefuls in 3rd House meet at MVCC By Steve Metsch The two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination – and barring a miracle – the next two-year term in Congress representing the 3rd House District, went toe-to-toe for about an hour Wednesday night. A political forum, not a debate, hosted…
Race heat up for 24th House Incumbent, challenger field questions in Lyons forum By Steve Metsch A wide range of issues were discussed during a 90-minute candidate forum Monday night for the Illinois House 24th District held at the Lyons Village Hall. Incumbent Lisa Hernandez and challenger Robert Reyes both seek the Democratic nomination in…
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….
Suburban Chicago event brings national experts on Russian influence, Washington ethics, media future Unify Our Voices, a year-old grass-roots Chicago-area group, is sponsoring a 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 event featuring nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations dedicated to protecting American democracy by bolstering the government’s adherence to ethics, analyzing Russian influence in our country, and promoting an…
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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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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Anti-Drug Industry Media Firestorm: Unscientific, Dishonest, Dangerous Guest columnists Sandip Shah and Helen Shao argue that drug companies are being unfairly criticized, that development of drugs costs far more than media claims. Drug research is expensive By Sandip Shah and Helen Shao Have drug companies been lying about their development costs to justify high prices?…
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Obit: Illinois legislator George Shadid, 1929 – 2018 Lebanese American legislator based in Peoria, Illinois dies, February 3, 2018. George P. Shadid ( born on May 15, 1929) died on Saturday February 3, 2018 according to friends and family. Shadid, 88, was a pioneer in American and Illinois politics, the inspiration of the growing and…
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Rod Blagojevich getting revenge against political foes Most people believe former Governor Rod Blagojevich is guilty of misconduct in office, but there are just as many who believe that the punishment was excessive and driven by the hatred that Illinois’ Democratic establishment had against him. Blagojevich was arrested in 2008, prosecuted and convicted. The judge,…
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Cook County GOP Chairman Endorses Bruce Rauner for Re-election Cook County Republican Party Chairman Sean M. Morrison announced his personal endorsement of Governor Bruce Rauner for re-election this morning. Citing Governor Rauner’s tireless efforts to rebuild the Republican Party in Illinois and fight one party rule in Springfield as the two central reasons for Chairman…
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Woman legislators join in endorsing Marie Newman for Congress Chicago’s Top Progressive Female Legislators Back Marie Newman for Congress. Newman Kicks Off the ‘Year of The Woman’ With Support from Chicago’s Powerhouse Female Legislators This week, nine of the top female legislators in the Chicago area joined together to endorse Marie Newman in her bid…
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Rauner’s Blago Ad shows he fears Pritzker most Gov. Bruce Rauner launched a new series of ads attacking J.B. Pritzker, associating Pritzker with disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich. But the ads are premature and come during the March 20 Democratic Primary rather than in the November General Election campaign. It suggests that Rauner fears Pritzker…
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