Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
The real outrage of the Jussie Smollett hoax Most of the mainstream American news media got it wrong about Jussie Smollett. They were too eager to believe his lies about racism and homophobia because some issues are more important than others. But the worst int he media is Robin Roberts of Good Morning America on…
OFPD graduates 12 residents in Emergency Training program The Orland Fire Protection District Tuesday (Feb 26, 2019) honored 12 citizens who completed the district’s nine-week emergency response training class called CERT — Citizen Emergency Response Team. Battalion Chief William Ledden who supervises the training course said that 52 residents have graduated since th program began….
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Miracle in Lyons No injuries although one car was cut in half By Steve Metsch Lyons Police Chief Thomas Herion has seen a lot during his career in law enforcement. But even he was surprised by what he saw early Sunday. A violent two-car wreck at the intersection of First and Ogden avenues left one…
Principals under fire in SD 103 Teachers have “no confidence” in Molina By Steve Metsch The jobs of two principals in Lyons School District 103 appear to be in jeopardy. Tara Kristoff, the Lincoln School Principal, has been on paid administrative leave since Feb. 14. Al Molina, in his 14th year as principal at Robinson…
Foster introduces bipartisan legislation to stop financing of criminal organizations Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) on Wednesday introduced H.R. 1387, the Criminal Organizations’ Narcotics, Finances, Resources, Operations, and Networks Targeting (CONFRONT) Act. The CONFRONT Act would require the Treasury Department to develop a national strategy to combat the financial crimes of…
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Harper proposes measure to institute “Smarter Sentencing” in Illinois As part of her commitment to criminal justice reform, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is proposing a major overhaul of Illinois’ sentencing laws, easing reliance on unfair mandatory minimum sentences and providing judges with discretion to use alternative sentences. “We’ve seen how a so-called ‘tough on…
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Wolves Hockey take first place in AHL Central Division The Chicago Wolves took over first place in the AHL’s Central Division with a 1-0 victory over the Rockford IceHogs in Illinois Lottery Cup action on Tuesday night at Allstate Arena. Goaltender Max Lagace posted 27 saves for his first shutout of the season while forward…
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Milwaukee County Parks reveals 2019 Traveling Beer Garden schedule For the past five years, the Traveling Beer Gardens have been an integral part of Milwaukee’s summer fun. The Traveling Beer Garden opens on May 8, the entire 2019 schedule includes new parks throughout Milwaukee County. It may not feel like it right now, but beer garden season is only six weeks…
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Great choices showcase Chicago’s mayoral election A quick look at all of the great Chicago mayoral contenders and their slogans. Suburbanites want Chicago to succeed. When the city goes down, it drags the suburbs with. Crime there creates crime in the suburbs. Drugs there brings drugs to the suburbs. And when Chicago suffers financially, the…
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New name, new signage Bridgeview approves contracts for signs at stadium By Steve Metsch The Bridgeview Village Board has approved plans for new signage at its soccer stadium. Formerly named Toyota Park, the stadium is now named SeatGeek Stadium. And the SeatGeek logo – a drawing of an empty seat above the words – will…
SD 103 principal on paid leave “Insubordinate conduct” blamed in leaked letter By Steve Metsch The embattled Lyons School District 103 – which caught heat last year for hiring a teacher charged with attempted murder in a road rage incident – has another personnel issue broiling. This one involves a principal who, allegedly, had some…
Lyons has the blues again Windy City Blues Fest set for Sept. 6-8 By Steve Metsch Lyons once again has the blues. The Windy City Blues Fest, which proved very popular in Cermak Woods last September, is returning. On the web site www.windycitybluesfest.org, there is a listing of entertainers for the second annual event. This…
Milwaukee Film raises $10 million for Oriental Theatre restoration Milwaukee Film announces the organization’s success in surpassing a $10 million capital campaign goal to restore the historic Oriental Theatre and provide the non-profit with its first-ever operating reserve. In total, the campaign has raised $10,030,229. The campaign was initiated in 2017, lending support to the…
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Veterans News & Information By Jerry Field JESSEE BROWN VA MEDICAL CENTER HOSTS ANOTHER Veterans Town Hall meeting 820 South Damen, 2ndFL Damen Bldg. Date: Monday, March 4, 2019 Time: 10:00am to 11:00am All Veterans are invited to a Department of Veterans Affairs Town Hall discussion on Veterans Health Care. This is an opportunity to voice your opinion,…
Wolves defeat Stars at Allstate Arena Thursday The Chicago Wolves scored three unanswered goals to topple the Texas Stars, 3-1, on Thursday afternoon in front of 15,432 fans at Allstate Arena. Forwards Curtis McKenzie, Gage Quinney and Daniel Carr scored for Chicago (29-17-5-1) while defenseman Nic Hague picked up two assists. Goaltender Max Lagace (12-7-3)…
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Van Dyke deserves leniency not race persecution The decision by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to pursue a more severe sentence for former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke in the shooting of drugged-up, armed thug Laquan McDonald is a travesty and a slap against not only families who seek safety and protection from criminals…
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Veterans Profile, Photo: U.S. Navy Fireman Leo Mendez U.S. Navy Fireman Leo Mendez, from Chicago, lifts a saltwater pump in the steam and heat shop aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 20, 2019. The John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of…
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Emanuel names Alexandra Holt to RTA Board The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) announces the appointment of Alexandra Holt as its newest board member, representing the City of Chicago. Director Holt replaces Director Anthony Anderson, whose term had expired. “We are pleased that Mayor Emanuel has appointed Director Holt to the RTA Board,” said RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard. “Her…