Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Brannigan reaches out to Arabs and Muslims Palos Township Trustee Sharon Brannigan offended Arabs and Muslims with broad stroke comments about immigration that pointed a finger at their race and religion. But Brannigan apologized this week, reiterating apologies she issued twice before saying that she is not anti-Arab, anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant. I understand her concerns…
Kennedy will respect Arabs, Muslims as Illinois governor Illinois gubernatorial candidate Christopher Kennedy told a gathering of influential Arab and Muslim community activists Saturday that he would defend their rights as Americans and respect their cultural and religious identities. Kennedy said when his family immigrated to America, they faced the same racism and discrimination now…
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Video: Orland Fire commemorates 9/11 victims The Orland Fire Protection District held a Memorial Service Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 to commemorate and remember first responders and Americans who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks 16 years ago. The service was held at the OFPD’s Firefighter Memorial at its headquarters in Orland Park, 9790 West…
ISO awards Orland Fire District with highest safety rating New elevated ranking will help reduce insurance costs for district residents The Insurance Services Office (ISO) has raised the rating for the Orland Fire Protection District from Class 2 to Class 1, the highest evaluation rating which assesses the response effectiveness of fire departments around the…
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Painful to watch news reports on flooding The reports of the massive flooding in Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey are depressing and remind me of floods that slammed Illinois in 1996. Flooding is so much more damaging to regional populations and governments are not equipped to handle it. By Ray Hanania Flooding isn’t like a…
Argo High opens “amazing” Portillo Center Donation from hot dog chain founder helps build $17 million center By Steve Metsch Moments before the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Richard and Sharon Portillo Performing Arts Center at Argo Community High School, school board trustee Nick Caprio smiled when asked about the interior. “It’s beyond my expectations….
Rauner protects suburban schools against Chicago fund grab Gov. Bruce Rauner won his battle against the bloated and failed Chicago public schools forcing the legislature to significantly cut-back additional funding to bailout Chicago and redistribute those monies to needy suburban and state school systems that had been ignored. The plan also allows a 75 percent…
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RTA approves projects for Seniors and disabled RTA Board Approves Projects to Benefit Seniors and People with Disabilities The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board has approved funding for twelve projects through the federally-funded Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program. The RTA will administer a total of $14,936,856 million, including $8,756,052 in federal…
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Orland Fire Protection District presents lifesaving commendations Good samaritans and Lifetime Fitness employees among those recognized by Orland Fire District Tuesday OFPD Fire Chief Mike Schofield and the Board of Trustees set aside time at the beginning of the August 22nd Board of Trustee’s meeting to receive the following awards: Firefighter Doug DePersia brought up…
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Bridgeview police search for armed suspect Suspect sought in Bridgeview assault. On Aug 17, 2017 at approximately 11:05 AM, Officers of the Bridgeview Police Department responded to an armed robbery, which had just occurred at the Salvation Army store located at 9000 S. Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, Illinois. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a 31-year-old female victim [name withheld]…
Bridgeview looks to add hotel Lodging near Toyota Park for soccer and music fans By Steve Metsch The Bridgeview Village Board voted 6-0 at its Aug. 2 meeting to rezone 2.2 acres of the south parking lot at Toyota Park with an eye toward future development. During the meeting, Mayor Steve Landek said, “That’s rezoning…
Eclipse viewing downstate for Lyons Township students Chance to witness rare solar event is too big to ignore By Steve Metsch About 40 students from Lyons Township High School will have a memorable first day of school Aug. 21. They will arrive at the north campus no later than 5:15 a.m., climb into a coach…
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Retail Merchants Association deserves our support In the fight for taxpayer rights, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) deserves our support By Ray Hanania When it comes to the rights of taxpayers, no one, it seems, has the courage to fight for taxpayer rights more than the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) which is now…
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A letter from a reader on the Brannigan controversy A reader writes asking about the protests by Muslims in suburban Chicagoland against Republican Palos Township trustee Sharon Brannigan and comments she has made in the past criticizing Muslims. By Ray Hanania Sharon Brannigan has published views and opinions that have angered many Muslims in the…
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Countryside Criterium packs ’em in Racers love the course, hope event returns in 2018 By Steve Metsch The first-ever Countryside Criterium on Saturday attracted bicyclists from around the Chicago area and Midwest, all dressed in colorful racing gear as they sped around the course at speeds up to 35 mph. The competitors were having a…
Hundreds attend Bridgeview Night Out Event touts services offered by village to residents By Steve Metsch Several hundred people attended the National Night Out festivities at the Bridgeview Village Hall on Aug. 1. “it’s a way to visit with neighbors and to learn more about our village,” Mayor Steve Landek said. There was plenty to…
RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard to Receive North American APTA Award Transit Oversight Agency Chairman Will Receive Distinguished Local Service Award at National Conference in October Chicago, IL, August 7, 2017 – Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois Chairman Kirk Dillard has been chosen to receive a 2017 Local Distinguished Service Award by the American…
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La Grange hosts state baseball tourney 13-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars start play tonight, winner crowned Sunday By Steve Metsch La Grange Babe Ruth Baseball is again hosting the Northern Illinois 13-year-olds All-Star Tournament at Sedgwick Park, 47th Street and East Avenue. Play begins today, July 20, with Evergreen Park playing Downers Grove at 5 p.m.,…