Local News

Fate Richey (from left), Kendra Scott Foundation, Nuray Kavustuk, Lyle School Principal, Rea Culafi, Lyle School Librarian,
Allan Woodrow, children’s author,
Sierra Nelson, Kendra Scott Foundation, Katie Morlan, Kendra Scott Foundation, Crystal Skoczylas, Indian Springs District 109 Superintendent,
Dr. Christine Baldwin, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Kelly Hernandez, Lyle Instructional Support Services. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Lyle School Library Wins Prestigious Kendra Scott Award

Lyle School in Bridgeview received a transformative boost on Oct. 30, with a $2,000 gift certificate from First Book to enhance its collection of multicultural and diverse books, and an additional $1,000 for literacy enrichment from the Kendra Scott Foundation. The initiative, part of the Little Yellow Library program, aims to support Title 1 schools…

One of the robbers holds an assault rifle during the July 13, 2023,  robbery of the Jawahir Jewelry  store in Bridgeview. (Photos courtesy of FBI)

Bridgeview jewelry heist suspects still at large, FBI offers $15,000 reward

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the FBI are seeking the public’s help in apprehending masked men involved in four jewelry store robberies across three states, including two incidents in Bridgeview. Last week, the FBI released surveillance footage from the robberies in Bridgeview and Dearborn, Michigan. A reward of up to $15,000 is being offered…

Indian Springs School District 109 Superentendent Crystal Skcoczylas .(supplied photo)

Skoczylas steps into superintendent role as first woman to lead SD109

Crystal Skoczylas has made history as the first woman to serve as superintendent of Indian Springs School District 109, a role she stepped into as the new school year began. In April, the SD109 Board of Education approved Skoczylas’s promotion from assistant superintendent to superintendent, succeeding Dr. Blair Nuccio, who retired on July 1, 2024.…

A youngster flies a kite at Altman Park. (Supplied photo)

Worth Park District has big plans after acquiring Altman Park

Upon the recent acquirement of Altman Park, the Worth Park District has big plans in store for its future. Altman Park is located at West 115th Street in Worth and is just shy of 21 acres of open fields.  There is an outlying building that has restrooms, concessions and a baseball field. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago owned…

13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn

New ordinance requires rooftop safety measures for firefighters

A new ordinance, spearheaded by Ald. Marty Quinn (13th), will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, mandating rooftop safety measures to protect firefighters. In the event of a fire, light shafts, light courts, and skylights present grave danger to firefighters. These openings often lack guards or parapets, preventing firefighters from falling. The new ordinance requires…

When Martin Atilano walked up to the library on Oct. 18 he did not know he could access FEMA help to repair his home, he told the Southwest News Herald. (Photos by Robin Sluzas)

July Chicago Lawn tornado victims can get repair help from FEMA

By 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 18, a Saturday morning, the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side, home to many Latino residents, was already bustling with energy along Kedzie Avenue near the intersection of 61st Street. It would be hard to believe that just three months earlier, on July 15, an EF1 tornado swept through…

Young runners take over the front of the Howlin' Through the Hills starting line. (Photos by Xavier Sanchez)

Young runners shine at 9th annual Howl Through the Hills 5K

Runners of all ages took to the streets of Hickory Hills for the 9th Annual Howl Through the Hills 5K Run/Walk last weekend. The event, which began at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, started at Hickory Hills City Hall and unfolded on a beautiful, brisk fall day. Hickory Hills partnered with North Palos School…

Ryan Kelly, president and CEO of Kelly Nissan, is ready to cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Oak Lawn auto dealership on Oct. 18. He is joined behind the ribbon by (from left) Natasha Miller Williams, president of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce; Trevor Kelly, sales manager; Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer, and Tyler Kelly, the general manager. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Oak Lawn’s Kelly Nissan dealership celebrates renovation, grand opening

Ryan Kelly, president and CEO of Kelly Nissan in Oak Lawn, said the dealership is entering a new phase for the 21st century. Kelly Nissan, located at 4300 W. 95th St., underwent a complete renovation over the past year. While Kelly acknowledged that the process brought “some headaches,” he believes the overall outcome is positive…

Robert Peplowski, owner of Peppo's Great Sub Sandwiches, cuts the ribbon to mark the grand opening in Orland Park on Oct. 23. He was joined by family, work associates, and members of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. Located just behind Robert Peplowski is his father, Jim Peplowski, the founder of Peppo's. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Peppo’s subs stays true to family roots with new Orland Park shop

Robert Peplowski believes that a great sub sandwich can be enjoyed everywhere in the southwest suburbs. And why not in Orland Park? Peplowski felt it was time to do just that, opening the newest Peppo’s Great Sub Sandwiches at 9836 W. 159th St., at the corner of 94th Avenue, near the Orland Park Mall. The…

Co-Chairs of McCord's 2024 Gala, Arlene Adams, Gala Co-Chair and Vice President Board of Directors of McCord Gallery & Cultural Center and Carol Trzcinski, Executive Director of McCord Gallery & Cultural Center. (Supplied photos)

McCord Gallery throws a 20th anniversary party

McCord Gallery & Cultural Center knows how to throw a party. The gallery, 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park, hosted its 20th annual fundraising Gala themed, For the Love of Arts – Tapestry…McCord Woven in Time, on Saturday, Oct.5 at Midlothian Country Club, 5000 W. 147th St #1, Midlothian. “Seeing all the enthusiastic guests and…

Barbara Harrison

Chicago Ridge trustees reinstates clerk as a full-time job

The Chicago Ridge Village Board voted on Oct. 22 to reinstate the village clerk as a full-time position and confirmed the mayor’s role will also remain full-time, reflecting recent practices. Under the new measures, the annual salary for the mayor will stay at $85,000, with an additional $12,000 for serving as liquor commissioner. According to…

Palos Park Commissioner G. Darryl Reed said the village will lose more than $200,000 per year when the state's grocery tax is vanquished. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Palos Park debates local grocery tax to counter Illinois repeal

Illinois lawmakers have voted to eliminate the state’s 1% grocery tax in 2026, prompting officials in Palos Park to consider a local version of the tax to offset potential revenue losses. In May, Gov. J.B. Pritzker described the grocery tax as “regressive” and expressed his support for its removal. “If it reduces inflation for families…

Synthia Slinkard, 8, of Worth, attended Jon's Way Youth Group's Halloween event. (Photos by Kelly White)

Jon’s Way Youth Group haunts Chicago Ridge again

A group of teenagers took over Chicago Ridge as Jon’s Way Youth Group hosted its eighth annual Haunted Trail. The event, held at 105th Street and Oxford Avenue, drew a crowd Saturday, Oct. 19. “This was the best year we’ve had so far,” said Griffin Deuter, 16, of Chicago Ridge. Deuter has been a member…

Bob Yonker accepts a plaque in honor of his work as Secretary of the Summit Neighborhood Watch program (photo by Carol McGowan)

Bob Yonker Steps Down as Secretary of Summit Neighborhood Watch

After more than 15 years of dedicated service, Robert “Bob” Yonker has stepped down as secretary of Summit’s Neighborhood Watch program. During an Oct. 17 meeting, Neighborhood Watch President Tula Beene, Summit Police Chief Mel Ortiz, Summit Fire Chief Anthony Anderson, Trustee Aurora Rodriguez, and Public Relations Assistant Chris Crisanti honored Yonker with an award…

dvn 10-28-24 election 2024

Will La Grange approve $13.86 million for park renovations? Voters to decide

If a recent poll is any indication, the Park District of La Grange stands a good chance of seeing a $13.86 million referendum win approval on Election Day Nov. 5. Voters will cast “yes” or “no” votes on the following ballot referendum: “Shall the Park District of LaGrange, Cook County, Illinois, improve and equip parks and…

A colorful altar was available for photos of loved ones to be remembered. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Aguilar hosts Dia De Los Muertos Family Resource Fair

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar held his fourth annual Dia De Los Muertos Family Resource Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26, at his district office on Ogden Avenue in Lyons. This vibrant event, which featured 30 vendors, aimed at increasing access to health and family services for the local community. Aguilar (D-16th) partnered with the Village…

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Argo High School celebrates Fall Fest with community fun

Argo High School hosted its annual Hocus Pocus Fall Fest on Friday, Oct. 25, coinciding with the last home varsity football game for the Argo Argonauts. The event, held at the Argo Track Field from 4 to 6:30 p.m., drew a large crowd of students and community members eager to enjoy a festive atmosphere. The…

Olympic Silver Medalist Kennedy Blades poses for a picture with some fans at the Midway Chamber of Commerce Pumpkin Jamboree. (Photos by Kelly White)

From Olympic silver to Halloween spirit, Kennedy Blades shines in Garfield Ridge

A small-town girl turned national hero; Kennedy Blades returned to Garfield Ridge just in time for Halloween. Blades, a wrestler who took the silver medal in the women’s 76-kilogram event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, served as grand marshal of the Midway Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Pumpkin Jamboree Parade on Saturday, Oct.…

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Oak Lawn trustee lauds local police for vandal arrest

An Oak Lawn trustee reminded residents that the police are here to serve and protect and apprehend offenders. Trustee Ralph Soch (6th) made the point during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday morning, referring to a recent arrest of a suspect linked to a series of vandalized vehicles that occurred in July. “The police…

PGN Fun Village

Hickory Hills adds liquor license for PGN Fun Village

Hickory Hills has approved a new liquor license for PGN Fun Village to allow drinking at the establishment, which is preparing to upgrade the facility on 95th Street. The new Class CS license was approved at the Oct. 10 city council meeting. “The new license allows on-premises consumption only, with shorter hours than a regular…

Illinois News

How Illinois will decide on spending $40M opioid settlement with Kroger

How Illinois will decide on spending $40M opioid settlement with Kroger

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – Illinois will receive a $40 million share of a $1.4 billion bipartisan national settlement with Kroger over the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced. The settlement is the latest contribution to the 2021 Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement steered by Raoul and state’s attorneys.…

Federal judge strikes down Illinois assault weapons ban, setting up likely appeal

Federal judge strikes down Illinois assault weapons ban, setting up likely appeal

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – A federal judge in East St. Louis on Friday struck down Illinois’ assault weapons ban on the grounds that it violates the Second and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution and issued an order barring the state from enforcing it. That order, however, was stayed for 30 days, giving the…

Illinois school Superintendent Tony Sanders discusses strategy to boost math scores

Illinois school Superintendent Tony Sanders discusses strategy to boost math scores

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education recently released the 2024 School Report Card, showing a record-high proficiency rate for students in grades 3-8 in English language arts while math scores still have not fully recovered from the low point they hit during the pandemic. In response, ISBE has announced plans…

Jury sees relentless ComEd job placement requests from Madigan co-defendant

Jury sees relentless ComEd job placement requests from Madigan co-defendant

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – Had they been any other job applicants, electric utility Commonwealth Edison likely wouldn’t have given a second look to candidates who made “politically inappropriate” comments during an interview, failed basic screening tests or didn’t even show up to take those tests – twice. Some of the company’s top executives wouldn’t…

Wiretaps show McClain arranging checks for Madigan loyalist fired after #MeToo allegations

Wiretaps show McClain arranging checks for Madigan loyalist fired after #MeToo allegations

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – It had been a tumultuous winter and spring for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan as he was forced to fire or distance himself from several top allies, three of whom were accused of sexual harassment at the height of the #MeToo movement. But after the seismic events of June 6,…

Utility assistance applications open for low-income Illinoisans

Utility assistance applications open for low-income Illinoisans

Capitol News Illinois The state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for all households beginning Friday, Nov. 1. The program offers financial assistance for utility bills to low-income families. Other discounts are also available, even if someone is not enrolled in LIHEAP. Applications opened on Oct. 1 for adults age 60 and…

Statewide effort planned to boost student math scores

Statewide effort planned to boost student math scores

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Illinois education officials plan to launch a statewide initiative over the next several months aimed at boosting student performance in math. State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders made that announcement during a recent media briefing to unveil the most recent school report card. That annual report shows how individual schools,…

Pritzker’s budget office projects $3.2B deficit in early look at upcoming fiscal year

Pritzker’s budget office projects $3.2B deficit in early look at upcoming fiscal year

Capitol News Illinois The first extensive public look at next year’s state finances contains a warning to lawmakers from the governor’s office: “The ability to fund new programs will be severely limited” next fiscal year. That comes from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, which projected a potential budget shortfall of $3.2 billion for…

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Jury sees more evidence surrounding payments to Madigan campaign worker ousted for sexual harassment

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – On the eve of his retirement announcement in late 2016, longtime Statehouse lobbyist Mike McClain wrote letters to longtime colleagues, expressing his appreciation for them. In one letter – shown to four federal juries in the last two years – McClain effusively praised his close friend, then-Illinois House Speaker Michael…

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It’s Election Day. Officials ask for patience in waiting on the results.

Capitol News Illinois By Matt Vasilogambros,Stateline It’s Election Day in America. Voters are heading to the polls in one of the most consequential elections in American history. In a politically polarized country, potential delays in reporting results might further fuel conspiracy theories that have spread widely. Across the country, more than 77 million voters already…

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