OPINION

Stop blaming police for killing of 13-year-old out on the street in middle of the night
Stop blaming police for killing of 13-year-old out on the street in middle of the night Every time a child is killed by a street gang or even … Click to Read
Pekau won re-election but lost campaign to build his own Machine
Opinion: Pekau won re-election but lost campaign to build his own Machine By Ray Hanania After a bruising political election, Orland Park’s Mayor Keith Pekau managed to defeat … Click to Read
Right from the Middle: America taken over by three oligarchs acting as dictators
Right from the Middle: America taken over by three oligarchs acting as dictators Three oligarchs rule this country, each acting as dictator for their wing of government- the … Click to Read
Gorman slams Pekau’s “fake Republicans” in video ads
Opinion: Gorman slams Pekau’s “fake Republicans” in video ads Orland Township Republican Chairperson Liz Gorman released a powerful series of videos slamming Orland Mayor Keith Pekau for backing … Click to Read
Police unfairly targeted in new Illinois laws and politics in Palos
Opinion: Police unfairly targeted in new Illinois laws and politics in Palos Police are again being unfairly targeted in legislation that strips away their “qualified immunity” and exposes … Click to Read
Pekau’s Salary in Orland Park: $600,000 in four years
Pekau’s Salary in Orland Park: $600,000 in four years Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau doesn’t want you to talk about the FACT that he has taken the $150,000 … Click to Read

News Wire

“A Dangerous Freedom” confronts Everyman with dangers of murderous killers
“A Dangerous Freedom” confronts Everyman with dangers of murderous killers Average man, Dylan Reilly, stands up to vicious criminals in exciting and dramatic action-thriller A Dangerous Freedom, an action-packed thriller-novel by longtime journalist and author, John Ruane, is now available on Amazon.com, publisher Post Hill Press announced today. A Dangerous Freedom introduces Dylan Reilly, the everyman, who never imagined himself owning or using a gun. But after he and his wife are on the site of three deadly attacks, he purchases a Smith & Wesson six-shooter, trains with a former U.S. Marine and becomes the fastest gun. Then, like a cowboy from the old west with his six-shooter at his side, he confronts armed and dangerous killers carrying semi-automatic weapons. Reilly knows that if he’s not lighting fast and deadly accurate innocent people will die. “What can the average person do if confronted by a killer, terrorist, car-jacker or home invader?” asked Ruane, who was inspired to write this novel after watching the many news reports about terrorist attacks and domestic shootings. “Is there something we can all do to prepare if we ever find ourselves in such life-threatening situations? I take readers through that experience with the average man, Dylan Reilly, and place them right in the middle of the action to personally experience the dangers and thrills for themselves.” Pre-publication reviews for A Dangerous Freedom have been very positive. Author and historian Richard Lindberg stated, “John Ruane has written a compelling story for our times, seen through the lens of Dylan Reilly and a generation coming of age at a time of profound change wrought by globalism, terrorism, fear, and political insecurity. Fast-paced, action-filled, and a moving commentary on war and the state of the post-9/11 world, A Dangerous Freedom is a novel with a statement that will be hard to put down.” Author Geoffrey L. Warwick’s review wrote, “Ruane brings the scenes to life and really puts the reader in the middle of the action, which builds to become an exciting thriller!” This is the fifth book by Ruane, a former feature writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, who has also written for the Chicago Tribune and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In addition to writing novels, he writes a twice-weekly newsletter titled Heroic Tales on Substack. (https://johnruane.substack.com) “We are very excited about this novel and the incredibly positive reviews it has already received,” said Anthony Ziccardi, publisher of Post Hill Press. “John has introduced a new American hero with the strong potential for a series of Dylan Reilly books.” A Dangerous Freedom is being published by Permuted Press, an imprint of Post Hill Press, a growing New York-based publishing house founded in 2013 and making an impact in the book world with several best sellers. This is Ruane’s second book published by Post Hill Press. Further information is available at www.PostHillPress.com. Author information can be found at www.johnruane.net.
Quinn & Guerrero-Cuellar Service Office Hosts Soundproof Window Replacement Meeting
Quinn & Guerrero-Cuellar Service Office Hosts Soundproof Window Replacement Meeting Local community organizations co-host event to help Midway community members find replacements for problematic, foul-smelling windows Ald. Marty Quinn and Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, along with other community leaders, held a meeting Monday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. to provide homeowners with details on how to test and replace soundproof windows emitting foul smelling gas. Residents who had soundproof windows installed because of their homes’ proximity to Midway Airport are encouraged to sign up for replacement windows as soon as possible. Over 10,000 residents who reside in the 13th, 14th and 23rd wards may qualify for window replacements. In order to qualify for window replacement, homeowners must: 1) schedule an inspection within six months of official notification from the Chicago Department of Aviation and 2) have at least one window be confirmed for off-gassing. “We know issues with soundproof windows have plagued our community for a long time and that many residents are affected by this nuisance,” said Guerrero-Cuellar. “I am committed to finding solutions for every resident who has been burdened by soundproof windows that were meant to keep their families safe and comfortable but have caused all kinds of problems instead.” Discussion from the meeting will provide further recommendations to the Residential Sound Insulation Program Advisory Committee, a group created by state statute that has been meeting monthly to address the problematic windows throughout the Midway community. Quinn has been working on the issue for years to address the problem. “I applaud Rep. Guerrero-Cuellar for immediately taking up this issue and understanding its importance to the Midway community,” Quinn said. “Angie has already been door-to-door speaking with residents, has held a number of meetings on the issue and is committed to helping Midway residents resolve a problem that is affecting their quality of life.” Pamela Zidarich, a Midway resident who had the soundproof windows installed, has been dealing with the foul-smelling windows for years. She raised the issue with city officials and has been working to help other residents get their windows tested and replaced. “I will not stop until all of these horrible windows are replaced throughout our community,” Zidarich said. “I applaud Rep. Guerrero-Cuellar for stepping up to help with this important project and Ald. Quinn for all he has done to replace these windows in our homes.” Eddie Guillen, who has worked closely with Zidarich, is also encouraging residents to get in line for replacement windows. “We know there are many local residents who qualify for window replacements,” Guillen said. “We hope people will act quickly to have windows tested and replaced so we can restore some peace of mind for homeowners in the Midway community.”
Families Invited to Add Veterans’ Names to Orland Park’s Memorial Wall
Families Invited to Add Veterans’ Names to Orland Park’s Memorial Wall Those Wishing to Add Veteran’s Name to Orland Park Memorial Wall Must do so by May 1 The Village of Orland Park hosts ceremonies each Memorial Day and Veterans Day and invites area families to add their veterans’ names to the Village’s granite walls bordering the Village’s Veterans Memorial, Ara Pace – Place of Peace. Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 31 with a ceremony at the memorial located in the Village Center at 14700 South Ravinia Avenue. It is during the Memorial and Veterans Day Ceremonies that the newly added veterans’ names are announced as the veteran and their family and friends stand and are recognized. The last day to add a veteran’s name to Orland Park’s granite memorial for this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony is May 1. The cost to add a name is $250 which covers the cost of engraving and maintenance of the memorial. Those who purchase engravings are also eligible for a reduced fee purchase of a Hometown Hero banner ($100 per banner purchased in conjunction with engraving). Orland Park’s veterans memorial displays the engraved names of veterans, living and deceased, from across the country who served in all branches and in all wars. Veterans do not have to live in Orland Park. The form to add a veteran’s name is available on the Village’s website at www.orlandpark.org. For more information, call Darryl Wertheim of the Village’s Veterans Commission at 708-403-6115.
Landek announces over $155 million in funding for local school districts
Landek announces over $155 million in funding for local school districts Thirteen local school districts are set to receive over $155 million in additional funding, State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) announced today. The funding comes as part of the latest federal COVID-19 relief packages and is meant to address challenges caused by the pandemic. “Now that the end of the pandemic finally seems to be in sight, this new funding will help local schools move forward into a brighter future,” Landek said. “Local teachers, schools and students have put up with so much during the pandemic, and it’s great that they’re getting some support for their hard work going forward.” The majority of the money will come from the recently passed American Rescue Plan, and provided that 20% is used to address losses in learning, schools will have some flexibility regarding how the remaining funds are spent. The school districts set to receive funds are: • Brookfield School District 95, which will receive over $1.6 million; • Riverside School District 96, which will receive nearly $2 million; • Berwyn North School District 98, which will receive over $11 million; • Cicero School District 99, which will receive over $55 million; • Berwyn South School District 100, which will receive over $10 million; • Summit School District 104, which will receive over $7.2 million; • LaGrange School District 105, which will receive over $2.1 million; • Indian Springs School District 109, which will receive over $12.7 million; • Burbank School District 111, which will receive over $11.5 million; • Morton School District 201, which will receive over $28 million; • Riverside-Brookfield Township School District 208, which will receive over $1.4 million; • Argo School District 217, which will receive over $6.8 million; and • Reavis Township School District 220, which will receive over $7.2 million. In total, Illinois schools will receive nearly $7 billion in funding.

STATEWIDE NEWS

Landek announces over $155 million in funding for local school districts
Landek announces over $155 million in funding for local school districts Thirteen local school districts are set to receive over $155 million in additional funding, State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) announced today. The funding comes …
House Redistricting Committee Urges Public to Share Insight at Regional Hearings
House Redistricting Committee Urges Public to Share Insight at Regional Hearings House Redistricting Committee Chair Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, is encouraging members of the public and advocates to participate in the process of creating new districts …

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OUR WRITERS

Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award winning columnist and former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1991). Hanania writes on mainstream issues for Suburban Chicagoland and the Patch, and on Middle East issues for the Arab News Newspaper as the U.S. Special Correspondent.

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Bill Lipinski

Former U.S. Congressman from Illinois William O. Lipinski writes Opinion Commentary columns here at Suburban Chicagoland, the online news website.

Lipinski, (Dec. 22, 1937) was a member of the US House of Representatives from Illinois’ 5th district (D) from 3 January 1983 to 3 January 1993, succeeding John G. Fary and preceding Dan Rostenkowski, and from Illinois’ 3rd district from 3 January 1993 from 3 January 2005, succeeding Marty Russo and preceding Dan Lipinski.

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Steve Metsch

Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers and the Chicago Tribune.

Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago. He covers politics, community and neighborhood events, as well as writing slice-of-life observations and Opinion Commentary.

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Steve Neuhaus is a podcaster and writer based in Orland Park, Illinois.

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Aaron Hanania is the author of the Science Fiction novel “The King’s Pawn” published in 2018. Visit his website at www.Aaron411News.com for more information on his books, his writings and his videos. His music website is www.AaronHananiaMusic.com.

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