Local News

An inflatable Santa waved to the crowd from the back of a flatbed truck. (Photos by Nuha Abdessalam)

Orland Park Christmas parade lights up the season

“Even in the cold, this parade warms your heart,” said Cathy Garner, an Orland Park resident who joined her twin daughters in Sunday’s Christmas Parade. With temperatures hovering at 25 degrees but feeling like 15 due to the wind chill, residents bundled up in blankets, winter coats, and hats for the beloved tradition. The parade…

23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares

Chicago poll a ‘North Star’ amid 2025 budget disputes, local aldermen say

Change Research conducted an online survey of 801 general election voters from Nov. 18-21, focusing on Chicago’s budget negotiations. The city-wide poll was conducted to discover residents’ opinions about various topics such as politician and group favorability, property taxes, city spending, Chicago’s sanctuary city status and more. The majority of poll respondents identified as Democrats;…

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Grandma’s legacy: Patsy’s gaming and golf brings fun and community to Palos Heights

Jim Ostry grew up in Evanston, across the street from Northwestern University. He spent his summers of his youth working as a caddy at Westmoreland Country Club. “That was when I started golfing and fell in love with the game,” said Ostry, of Lakeview. Ostry turned his passion for golf into a career with a…

Historian Kevin Wood, portrayed Abraham Lincoln during a program at the Palos Park Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 23 called, Lincoln and Thanksgiving.

Historian Kevin Wood brings Lincoln to life in Thanksgiving program

Standing over 6 feet tall and wearing a wide-brimmed stovetop  hat, Kevin Wood cuts a striking figure as Abraham Lincoln. The historian from Adrian, Michigan, began portraying the 16th U.S. president—who served from 1861 until his assassination in 1865—due to their uncanny physical similarities. Wood and Lincoln even share the same height. As Lincoln once…

Sawyer Schweikert, 1, of Palos Park, enjoys a bowl of mac and cheese at Mad Chicken during the grand opening event on Thursday, Nov. 21. (Photo by Kelly White)

Mac and cheese, please! Mad Chicken brings comfort food flavors to Palos Park

Melted cheese dripped off the fork as Sawyer Schweikert took another bite of her favorite meal: mac and cheese.  She’s nearly two years old and already has found her go-to dish at Mad Chicken, a new comfort food spot at 13037 LaGrange Road in Palos Park. Mad Chicken hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony…

Courtesy of Palos Heights

Palos Heights council makes waves, approves $1.8M pool upgrade plan

Fifteen years after a citizens’ group fundraised to save the city’s aging pool from closure, the facility is undergoing a $1.8 million transformation. The upgrades, partially funded by a $600,000 grant, include decking repairs, concrete replacements, and a new pool house. “This pool is 50 years old,” Alderman Jeffrey Key said. “We’re essentially getting a…

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Contested races mark Palos Heights’ April election

Palos Heights voters are set to cast their ballots on April 1, 2025, in an election featuring key races for mayor, city treasurer, and City Council seats.  Mayor Incumbent Mayor Robert Straz, who has served in various capacities in Palos Heights for more than 40 years, is seeking another term. Straz’s campaign highlights his tenure…

YSV Candles and Gifts, a full-service store, also offers gift baskets, said owner Mildred Rivera. (Photos by Robin Sluzas)

In the holiday spirit, YSV Candles and Gifts nurtures creativity, connection in Garfield Ridge

Mildred Rivera, owner of YSV Candles and Gifts, is more than a businesswoman. She’s a candlemaker and community advocate whose Garfield Ridge store is a hub for artisan wares and creative workshops.  Located at 6623 W. Archer Ave., YSV Candles and Gifts offers handmade candles, natural cosmetics, and unique artisan creations from 20 local makers.…

Palos Lion Herb Schumann checks out the Christmas trees at a previous tree sale. (File photo)

Area Lions clubs ready to sing ‘O Christmas Tree’

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time for local Lions Clubs to hold their annual sale of Christmas trees to raise money for the wonderful causes they support during the year. The Palos Lions will get the tree sales rolling early this year because Thanksgiving falls so late, Nov. 28. The club…

Keith Pekau, shown in 2022 with area hockey star Kendall
Coyne Schofield, is running for his third term as mayor of
Orland Park. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)

Pekau, Dodge to duke it out in Orland Park

At one time, Keith Pekau and Jim Dodge were on friendly terms. Pekau said he even supported Dodge for Illinois treasurer in the 2018 election.  But things went sour during their time on the village board with Pekau being the mayor and Dodge a senior trustee and the two frequently locked horns until Dodge declined…

Kathy O’Sullivan, of Oak Lawn, holds her No. 22 ticket that was drawn in the Park Lawn
Queen of Hearts Raffle on Nov. 13 while At the Office bar owner Tim Newsome holds
the 2 of Hearts that he unveiled under that number. (Photo by Dermot Connolly)

Park Lawn Queen of Hearts picks a winner – finally

After two years with no winner and a jackpot exceeding $2 million, Park Lawn’s longest-running Queen of Hearts raffle will conclude with a draw-down that was scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at At the Office sports bar, 4901 Cal-Sag Road, Crestwood.  An exceptionally large crowd turned out for the Nov. 13 drawing, where…

 Hickory Hills Police walking in for Veterans Day presentation. (Photo by Nuha Abdessalam)

Hickory Hills honors veterans with annual ceremony at Veterans Park

As the sun set on Veterans Park Thursday evening, residents, city officials, and veterans gathered to honor the strength, dedication, and sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The annual Hickory Hills ceremony, held in celebration of Veterans Day week, paid tribute to veterans and the values they fought to protect.…

The Palos Lions Club will be hosting its annual Christmas tree sale in the south parking lot of the Old National Bank building at 12650 S. Harlem Ave., right in the heart of the Palos Heights community from Nov. 23 until Dec. 15. (Supplied Photo)

‘Tis the season: Palos Lions Club kicks off Christmas tree sale Saturday

Thanksgiving is falling late on the calendar this year, but there’s no need to delay your holiday cheer—Palos Lions Club’s Christmas tree sale opens for business on Saturday. Since the early 1950s, the Palos Lions Club has hosted an annual Christmas tree sale in the south parking lot of the Old National Bank building at…

Stickney Police Chief James Sassetti (from left), Corporal Brian Kelliher, Corporal Mitchell Hattan, Sergeant Ashley McDonald, and Deputy Chief Mark Kozelka at the Nov. 6 village board meeting. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

Stickney promotes first female police sergeant, 2 corporals

Three officers from the Stickney Police Department were promoted at the Nov. 6 Stickney Board of Trustees meeting.  The board approved Police Chief James Sassetti’s promotion recommendations unanimously. Before a full boardroom of family, fellow officers, and residents, Ashley McDonald, Brian Kelliher, and Mitchell Hattan were elevated in rank. McDonald, previously a watch commander, was…

A sign advertising the bar in the 7000 block of West Archer Avenue where the Nov. 15 shooting took place translates to “Welcome to your new bar; under new administration.” (Photos by Robin Sluzas)

Residents, Chicago activists react to shooting near Garfield Ridge tavern

Garfield Ridge residents expressed fear and frustration Sunday night after a shooting Friday night in the 7000 block of West Archer Avenue killed one person and injured two.  Residents and Chicago activists held a press conference Sunday night outside the former Halina’s Pub at 7023 W. Archer and called for the tavern’s permanent closure and…

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1 killed, 2 hurt in Garfield Ridge shooting

One man was killed and two others were wounded in a shootout Friday night in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. The shooting took place in the 7000 block of West Archer Avenue in what may have been an illegally operating bar. Police said two men – ages 27 and 31 – were walking down the street…

"Taps" is played during the Veterans Day observance at Rhine VFW Post 2729. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Rhine VFW Post pays tribute to veterans

Veterans Day was celebrated last week by members of Rhine VFW Post 2729 in a ceremony that welcomed veterans, family and guests. The post at 5858 S. Archer Ave. has members from Garfield Ridge and Clearing and a number of suburban members who moved over after the VFW Post in Summit closed a few years…

On Nov. 12, Stagg High School hosted a Vocational Fair at its campus, located at 8015 W. 111th St. in Palos Hills, to expand students’ exposure to post-secondary options. (Supplied photo)

Stagg High students explore trade careers at vocational fair

Stagg High School students had a chance to explore careers in the trade industry on Tuesday during a Vocational Fair at the school’s campus, 8015 W. 111th St., aimed at broadening their exposure to post-secondary options. “Every student has an individual path and goal for their future, and each should have the opportunity to learn…

Justice Deputy Police Chief Fred Schuerg said the new tasers are much improved. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

Justice board OKs purchase of upgraded Tasers

Justice Village Board members have approved purchasing seven Taser 10 devices for $52,656 from Axon Enterprises Inc. The new equipment is expected to be ready for use in early 2025 after officers complete training. Deputy Police Chief Fred Schuerg highlighted the advancements of the Taser 10s compared to the older Taser 7s during the board’s…

Father Martin Marren

UPDATE: Priest cleared of abuse charges

A local priest who was asked to step aside over allegations of sexual abuse of a minor was reinstated by the Chicago Archdiocese on Saturday. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services closed their investigation of the Rev. Martin “Marty” Marren, who was temporarily relieved of his duties on Nov. 9. The priest had…

Illinois News

‘There’s something fishy here, don’t you think?’: Wiretapped calls detail Madigan confidant’s confoundment over complicated land deal

‘There’s something fishy here, don’t you think?’: Wiretapped calls detail Madigan confidant’s confoundment over complicated land deal

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – It was the last day of the General Assembly’s spring legislative session in 2018 when veteran Statehouse lobbyist Mike McClain realized his bill wasn’t going anywhere. McClain was officially retired but still took on “assignments” from his longtime friend Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. But one particular project he took…

Illinois American Water will increase water rates

Illinois American Water will increase water rates

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO — The state’s largest private water utility, Illinois American Water, will increase customer bills in the new year. The move comes after state regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the requested increase on Thursday. The five-member board approved a $110 million increase for the company, a 30% reduction from the…

Jurors see list of Madigan’s job recommendations given to newly elected Gov. Pritzker

Jurors see list of Madigan’s job recommendations given to newly elected Gov. Pritzker

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – In the weeks following now-Gov. JB Pritzker’s November 2018 victory over one-term Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan busied himself preparing for a brand new administration after years of conflict with governors of both parties. One of his first priorities was finding jobs for his political…

How RFK Jr.’s health proposals could affect Illinois

How RFK Jr.’s health proposals could affect Illinois

Capitol News Illinois Every new presidential administration comes with policy changes, but the incoming second administration of President-elect Donald Trump and his proposed secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., could dramatically reshape the public health landscape. Kennedy, a former political rival of Trump, became a close ally of Trump over the…

‘You won’t spend a day in jail’: Madigan attorney hammers Solis’ agreement with feds

‘You won’t spend a day in jail’: Madigan attorney hammers Solis’ agreement with feds

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – The day after Christmas 2018, then-Chicago Ald. Danny Solis signed an agreement with federal prosecutors, with whom he’d spent the last 2 ½ years working as a secret cooperating witness in a sprawling corruption investigation. Solis’ undercover work helped bring down two of Illinois’ biggest and longest-serving Democratic powerbrokers. Former…

Pritkzer education policy advisor named to head new Department of Early Childhood

Pritkzer education policy advisor named to head new Department of Early Childhood

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday appointed Teresa Ramos to be the first permanent secretary of the newly-formed Illinois Department of Early Childhood. “I’m eager to get started working with an incredible team of state employees, parents and families, advocates, and early childhood providers to create something exceptional that will give…

Semi driver involved in fatal crash of deputy had previous unreported DUI conviction, prompting call for federal audit

Semi driver involved in fatal crash of deputy had previous unreported DUI conviction, prompting call for federal audit

Capitol News Illinois Four years before police said he caused a crash that killed a DeKalb County sheriff’s deputy, Nathan Sweeney pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and having 44 grams of heroin in his car – an offense that, if properly reported to the secretary of state, should have led to the revocation…

Madigan attorney accuses Solis of not telling feds ‘all the crimes you committed’

Madigan attorney accuses Solis of not telling feds ‘all the crimes you committed’

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – Former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis spent more than 2 ½ years living a double life as an FBI cooperating witness after agents approached him in 2016, asking him to wear a wire on his colleagues or risk being charged for multiple bribes he’d taken while in office. Solis’ extraordinary cooperation…

State Board of Elections certifies election results showing decline in turnout

State Board of Elections certifies election results showing decline in turnout

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Vice President Kamala Harris won Illinois by nearly 11 points as turnout dipped in 2024, according to official election results certified by the State Board of Elections. The board met Monday to certify the results of the 2024 election and released final vote totals for races around the state, including…

Appellate Court finds former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson should be released until trial

Appellate Court finds former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson should be released until trial

Capitol News Illinois Prosecutors will ask the Illinois Supreme Court to review an appellate court ruling that found former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson should be released from jail pending trial on charges related to the July 6 shooting death of Sonya Massey. On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the 4th District Court of Appeals ordered…

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