Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Time out for bars, restaurants Owner hopes closings contains coronavirus By Steve Metsch Nick Mataragas knows that Gov. JB Pritzker’s decision to close all restaurants and bars in the state to dine-in customers will cost him money, but he understands the importance of the governor’s latest step to combat the spread of coronavirus….
Newman claims victory over Lipinski in 3rd Congressional District Marie Newman, a progressive Democrat, is being hailed as the victor in the tough-fought battle for the 3rd Congressional District seat, defeating five-term incumbent Dan Lipinski, a conservative Democrat. The winner of the Democratic Primary will easily win the election on Nov. 3, 2020 as the…
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First Illinois Coronavirus disease death announced The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first death of an Illinois resident who tested positive for the Coronavirus COVID-19, a Chicago resident in her 60s. Health officials are closely monitoring outbreak at long-term care facility in DuPage County The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today…
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Arab groups divided on Illinois 3rd Congressional District battle Three of Illinois’ leading political organizations released endorsements in key elections in Illinois’ March 17, 2020 Democratic Primary races. Although all three endorsed the same candidates, they differed on one key contest, the closely contested battle for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District held by incumbent…
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Fear and dread in the USA Coronavirus is now all we think and talk about By Steve Metsch “It’s the end of the world as we know it It’s the end of the world as we know it” – R.E.M. That song, released in 1997, was playing in my head this morning when I strolled…
Radio Show: Illinois prepares to celebrate April Arab Heritage month Media professional Warren David joins The Arab street Radio and podcast on WNZK AM 690 Radio Friday March 13, 2020 to discuss Arab American Heritage month activities in April, and the politics of Senator Bernie Sanders. By Ray Hanania Arab Americans will be pushing to…
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Illinois identifies 25 patients with Coronavirus The World Health Organization (WHO) declares COVID-19 a “Pandemic” The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today is announcing six additional individuals have tested positive at the IDPH laboratory for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). “More cases in more places in Illinois means we are seeing growing transmission of the virus in…
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IL Department of Human Services Announces First Day to Complete the 2020 Census Online Illinois residents can complete the census online starting tomorrow March 12, 2020, at my2020census.gov. IDHS refuses to provide information, however, to Arab American organizations on how the state’s $20 million funding is being appropriated and which ethnic and racial groups are being prioritized or ignored…
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Opinion: Are Census funds to improve count or politics? Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has allocated $20 million for the Census count in Illinois, monies additional to funds allocated by the U.S. Census. But how much of that money is going to count the most undercounted constituency in Illinois and Cook County, the Arab American community?…
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Grace aims for MWRD seat La Grange resident has 10 years local experience By Steve Metsch Mike Grace – who has spent the last 10 years learning all about wastewater, sewers, huge rainstorms and overflows – wants to bring his expertise to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Grace, 52, of La Grange, is one of…
St. Laurence wins thriller Vikes beat Mount Carmel, advance in regional By Steve Metsch Trey Davis lived up to his name, hitting five three-point shots in St Laurence’s regional opener against Mount Carmel. But his defense sealed the victory Wednesday night. With the host Vikings clinging to a 75-72 lead and 13.9 seconds left, Mount…
Bogan blasts Johnson Thirteen Bengals score in 63-21 regional opener By Steve Metsch Regional trophies are nice. Sectional championships? They’re great. But the Bogan basketball team – driven by the memory of last year’s 68-63 loss to East St. Louis in the Class 3A state title game – has a bigger prize in mind. The…
“I hate to see this go” Patrons mourn Bakers Square in La Grange By Steve Metsch Eddie Mele stood for a moment outside the front door of Bakers Square in La Grange, turned and slowly walked back to his vehicle in stunned silence. “Holy mackerel,” Mele, of Orland Park, said. “I hate to see this…
Donating to the future Township of Lyons helps The LeaderShop By Steve Metsch The Township of Lyons is giving a sizable contribution of $12,500 to The LeaderShop, a program based in La Grange that helps teenagers. Township Supervisor Christopher Getty and other township officials think the program is a worthwhile recipient. “We previously this year…
Lipinski introduces the job-creating MADE HERE Act to strengthen American Manufacturing Lipinski introduces legislation to protect American jobs in manufacturing to the U.S. Congress this week arguing it will create more jobs for American workers Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) today introduced the MADE HERE Act to strengthen American manufacturing and protect defense supply chains that…
Cool under pressure Lyons boys rally late past Bulldogs By Steve Metsch Capping an intense rally, Lyons Township seniors Josh Heath and Michael Niedermeyer were cool when the heat was on. Each senior hit two free throws in the closing moments to seal a 56-49 victory over Riverside-Brookfield (19-10) in La Grange on Feb. 22….
Pappas joins officials urging more time for payment of delinquent property taxes Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and other Chicago-area elected officials urged the State of Illinois to give people more time to pay delinquent Cook County property taxes. More than 58,000 property owners must pay $188 million before May 8 Tax Sale, Pappas said….
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Review: I’m Not a Comedian … I’m Lenny Bruce Lenny Bruce may be a name many people today don’t know but they should know him because his critical thinking is still very refreshing and relevant to today’s world. He was a satirist and standup comedian who got into trouble over the use of banned swear…