Capitol Cast: End of Session Review
The Capitol News Illinois team breaks down the highlights of the just-completed 2023 spring session.
Local News
Chicago Christian advances to state quarterfinals for first time since 2007
In his first season, coach CJ Cesario has helped Chicago Christian make some history. With a 24-14 victory at Tri-Valley on Nov. 9 in the second round of the Class 2A state playoffs, the Knights are in the quarterfinals for just the second time in program history. The Knights’ other quarterfinal berth came in 2007…
Retired St. Patricia pastor cleared of sexual abuse allegation
The Archdiocese of Chicago has cleared retired Father William Killeen of allegations of sexual abuse following an investigation. Father Killeen, who served as an associate pastor at St. Patricia Parish in Hickory Hills from 1982 to 1989, had been accused of abusing a minor over 40 years ago during his time at the parish. The…
LaGrange park district improvements advance with voter support
Voters approved a $13.86 million referendum for the Park District of La Grange on Tuesday, with 74 percent voting in favor. With 10 of 12 precincts reporting, 5,340 yes votes were recorded, compared to 1,898 no votes, according to the Cook County Clerk’s website. “We’re very excited,” said Jenny Bechtold, executive director of the Park…
Slain West Lawn CPD Officer Martinez shooting suspect charged
A 23-year-old man has been charged with the shooting death of Officer Enrique Martinez, a Hubbard High School graduate and West Lawn resident, who was killed in the line of duty on Chicago’s South Side. The fatal encounter has reignited citywide concerns over rising gun violence and its toll on both residents and law enforcement.…
Oak Lawn’s Howl-O-Ween Brings Thrills, Chills, and Family Fun
On a crisp October evening, the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge transformed into a magical, spooky wonderland as families gathered for Oak Lawn’s annual Howl-O-Ween celebration. Laughter mingled with the rustle of leaves, while costumed children raced from one activity station to the next, collecting treats and creating memories under the twilight sky. The Oak Lawn Park…
Presidential candidate Jill Stein advocates for People Power at Green Party Forum in Orland Park
Nonprofit organizations Al Hub and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) co-hosted a Q&A forum on Wednesday, Oct. 16, featuring Green Party presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein. Held at an office building in Orland Park, located at 16101 S. 108th Avenue, the event showcased the Green Party’s focus on community-driven activism, branding itself as a…
Oak Lawn girls volleyball repeats at SSC Red champs
The Oak Lawn Community High School girls volleyball team opened the season steamrolling the competition. In fact, they repeated as champions at the Fenton Bison Blast-off Tournament, and didn’t even lose a single set before heading into their own Spartan Classic in late September. They finished fourth there, but they learned how to react when…
Wolniak Funeral Home celebrates Day of the Dead
The 102-year-old Wolniak Funeral Home has served generations of families throughout the years. Sitting on the southwest corner of 57th and Pulaski, the Polish Funeral Home is reaching out with what they are calling a “legacy of love to the community.” Respecting the traditions and heritage of the Hispanic members of the community, the folks…
Burbank police adopt a 12-hour work schedule
Burbank police will make permanent a trial program that moved them from working eight-hour tours to now working 12-hour shifts. The city approved the work schedule at its Oct. 23 city council meeting. The city confirmed the 12-hour work schedule memorandum of understanding with the Illinois Council of Police. This means that Burbank police officers,…
Drunken driver sentenced to 11 years in Summit trustee’s fatal crash
The driver responsible for the St. Patrick’s Day 2023 crash that killed former Summit village trustee Karen Wasko has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Judge John “Terry” Gallagher handed down the sentence to Joel Velazco Jr., 23, during a hearing Thursday in Room 110 of the Bridgeview Courthouse. Wasko’s daughters, Nicole and Kelly,…
Neighbors
Bridgeview man faces felony charges in carjacking, armed robbery spree
Two men were charged Thursday with multiple felonies after a series of armed robberies and a carjacking in Chicago, authorities said. James Robinson, 21, of the 100 block of East 119th Street in Chicago, and Damian Macias, 21, of the 8800 block of South Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview, were arrested by the Citywide Vehicular Hijacking…
3 Midway-area friends win $1.4 million playing Lucky Day Lotto
Three Illinois Lottery players went in together on a Lucky Day Lotto ticket and struck big – winning $1.4 million. The lucky three, nicknamed “Tommy Lotto and Crew,” have been friends for decades. Tommy purchased the jackpot-winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket for the Monday, October 4, midday drawing at his local Mobil gas station near…
Chicago Riots junior roller derby forges fast friendships
After reading Roller Girl, a young adult graphic novel by Victoria Jamieson, Yoshi McKee developed a growing interest in roller derby. The Orland Park native found the fast-paced, full-contact sport on quad roller skates captivating and resolved to not only read about it but also participate. “I had started with rollerblading, so the transition to…
WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday at favorite pancake spot
World War II veteran Rich Olund celebrated his 100th birthday sipping coffee with his best friend at his favorite diner, Lumes Pancake House in Palos Heights. He drew quite a crowd. Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters and Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau even stopped by to wish the local centenarian a happy birthday at a…
Palos Bridge Club bonds boomers and beyond
In the 1970s, while attending the University of Illinois in Champaign, David Groebe looked for ways to spend his free time. Alongside some classmates, he discovered bridge – a game he calls “the ultimate trick-taking card game” and “one of the greatest card games played by four people.” “It started as something to do instead…
Orland Park Mayor Pekau criticizes state comptroller as village works to file late audits
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has called on the Village of Orland Park to address its financial reporting delays. Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau responded by suggesting Mendoza should focus on her own office’s reporting shortcomings. The village has yet to submit its 2022 and 2023 audits. Pekau attributed the delays to changes in auditors and…
Gutierrez wins Chicago’s 8th District school board seat; CTU’s Lopez takes 7th District
While Tuesday’s election night at Moe’s Cantina on West Hubbard Street was filled with supporters of new Illinois Attorney General Eileen O’Neill Burke, Angel Gutierrez celebrated his 8th District school board victory in Chicago with a small group of supporters at the same venue. Gutierrez, a pro-school choice candidate, defeated Felix Ponce, who was backed…
Football roundup: Christian Flutman helps Chicago Christian advance
Christian Flutman rarely comes off the field for Chicago Christian and he wouldn’t have it any other way. The senior starts at quarterback and defensive back and also is the holder for kicks — duties that kept him plenty busy on Nov. 2 when the Knights rolled by visiting Illini West 53-16 in a Class…
Oak Lawn-Hometown students back Trump in mock election
Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School took to the polls during a mock election. Even though they were too young to actually vote, students at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School participated in a mock election. The event, held Monday, Nov. 4, engaged all 1,100 students and staff in a hands-on civics and democracy experience. “I liked that…