June 4, 2026

Merrillville Community Center May Join Crossroads YMCA

A move to incorporate Merrillville’s community center into the Crossroads YMCA system is under consideration by the Town Council. If approved, the integration could occur as early as next spring. The Dean and Barbara White Center Foundation, established in 2021 through town bonds, corporate sponsorships, and a $10 million naming rights deal, aims to sell […]

June 3, 2026

Community Effort Faces Challenges with Illegal Dumping

David Bippes, a passionate community garden advocate and Eagle Scout, recently showed his parents a small plot of land in Englewood, hoping to demonstrate his latest community project. Bippes, a leader in the Litter Caterpillars, a Chicago cleanup group, helped transform a vacant lot into a neighborhood green space. Last year, Bippes and three others […]

Pride Month Celebrations Amidst Policy Challenges in the U.S.

Pride month has started across the United States, bringing vibrant parades and parties to both major cities and smaller towns to honor LGBTQ+ communities. This year’s celebrations occur as the Trump administration aims to reverse some transgender rights and reduce the focus on diversity and inclusion. Jordan Braxton, co-president of USA Prides, stresses that these […]

Community Networks Aid ICE Detainees Post-Release

After spending nine months in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention, Jesus Ramirez Ramos faced challenges. His clothes, stored for months, were in a poor state, and ICE had lost his cellphone, leaving him without vital contacts. Far from his home in Salina, Kansas, he needed assistance. Upon his release from the North Lake detention […]

Amelia Burbank’s Mission for an Inclusive Playground

Amelia Burbank, a determined 10-year-old, has a clear aim: to help. Over the past year, she has actively worked toward making the playground at Schilling Elementary School in Homer Glen more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Amelia, currently in fourth grade, envisions a playground where children, particularly those using wheelchairs, can enjoy recess with their […]

A Journey of Honor: Reflecting on Memorial Day Sacrifices

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins reflects on the immense costs of war and the sacrifices made by service members. He emphasizes the importance of remembering those who did not return home. On November 2, 2023, a tragic event highlighted the personal impact of these sacrifices. My husband, Andy, a captain in the Army Reserve, died […]

Sam Sianis: The Legacy of a Chicago Tavern Icon

Not long ago, Sam Sianis was a well-known figure in Chicago. He managed his taverns with dedication, often found alone in the early hours, tidying up before dawn. Sianis owned six taverns, including the most renowned on Hubbard Street under Michigan Avenue. Sam, a Greek immigrant and successful saloonkeeper, passed away at 91 from post-surgery […]

May 23, 2026

Volunteers Tackle Clean-Up Efforts at Fox River and Waubonsie Lake

Saturday morning saw dedicated volunteers gathering to clean up around Montgomery Dam on the Fox River and Waubonsie Lake Park in Aurora. The event, initially scheduled for late April, was postponed to May 16 due to heavy rains and high water levels. Ivan Chambers, community outreach coordinator for the Fox Valley Park District, explained the […]