Every American should be outraged about the violence that took place at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Effective last Monday, Jan. 3, patrons ages 5 and older must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in order to dine indoors, work out at gyms or enter entertainment venues in Chicago where food or drink is being served.

One thing that local residents can agree on as they prepare for the new year is that they deserve to be safe in 2022.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (CPMF) continued its successful Get Behind the Vest campaign by distributing 434 new ballistic vests to Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers on Dec. 1 at the city’s public-safety headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan Ave.

People throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, are heartbroken and homeless after approximately two dozen tornadoes ripped through several states on Dec. 10.

Abundant opportunities are available for people to shop local this holiday season, whether it’s with the return of longtime traditions or with new events.

Armed carjackings have become a problem in the 19th Ward and across Chicago, and citizens are concerned about what to do to avoid being victimized and, if targeted, how to react safely.

It’s the perfect time of year to do something for charity and shop local.

A hand signal indicating that someone needs help is in the spotlight after authorities initially said a missing Kentucky teenager used the signal to be rescued from a 61-year-old man.

The Beverly Hills Turkey Trot 5K Run and Family Walk will be an in-person event again this year, a welcome activity for anyone looking for a little exercise after Thanksgiving.

One of the many great things about our community is that people work together to make good things happen.

Professional sports might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but there’s a reason that people love them.

The Evergreen Plaza is an important part of the local economy on the Southwest Side.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced in August that all city employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 15—she’s now extended that deadline.

The Chicago Bears could be on their way to Arlington Heights.

Every 10 years, after data from the U.S. Census Bureau is reported, Chicago alderman use that information to consider re-mapping the city’s 50 wards.

The disappearance of Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old who on social media was chronicling her cross-country ride across the United States with her fiance, 23-year-old Brian Laundrie, has captivated the country.

Few things in life seem normal right now, so when things do feel normal, or somewhat so, it’s important to appreciate them.

Local shoppers frequently express their desire for fun, new businesses.

Shootings on the Dan Ryan Expressway and Interstate 57 hit close to home—and citizens deserve action from authorities as well as peace of mind.

Classes are back in session at many local schools, and the fall sports season is underway for high schools.

In many Chicago neighborhoods, violent crime is seemingly out of control.

The sorrow is palpable throughout the city after the shooting death of Chicago Police Department (CPD) Officer Ella French on Aug. 7.

People seeking the secret to success will frequently encounter a popular adage: “Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it.”

The Beverly Art Walk is back, and while concerns about COVID-19 remain substantial, such events provide optimism—and boost the local economy.

The second phase of the 111th Street streetscape project in Mt. Greenwood is set to begin in 2022 and be completed in 2023.

Did you work on Father’s Day? Did you work on the Fourth of July?

Unfortunate signs have been posted outside many restaurants around the country.

As life returns to normal, or nearly normal, it is refreshing and inspiring to see the many local fundraisers being held, either for the first time or in a return after a one-year hiatus.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021, whether it’s graduates from kindergarten, elementary school, high school, college or graduate school.

Samuel Jimenez was a hero.

Some positives have occurred during the pandemic, as hard as they might be to appreciate sometimes.

The Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) hosted a meeting on May 20 to discuss the idea of having the Chicago Park District install a dog park in Beverly/Morgan Park.

Memorial Day will be especially meaningful this year.

Citizens of the United States received great—if not surprising—news on May 13 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to wear facemasks in most places.

A local business owner recently donated $2,000 worth of “The Bucks Stay Here” gift cards to four local businesses—as well as another $500 to a business not participating in the promotion. Businesses were instructed to treat their customers, a pleasant surprise that they happily welcomed.

As the United States eases its way out of COVID-19 restrictions, the future looks sunnier and less cloudy.

With her election on April 6 as mayor of Evergreen Park, Kelly Burke has again demonstrated her devotion to public service.

The video showing the shooting death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo at the hands of a Chicago Police Department officer has been released, viewed and scrutinized by probably almost everyone in this city.

True to his word, President Joe Biden recently rolled out his plan to “build back better.”

As media coverage of the trial of Derek Chauvin began on March 29, many people were thinking about police officers.

After the wonderful job they did last week hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea and his staff are to be commended.

The debate about speed cameras has popped up again after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a plan to lower the threshold for speed-camera tickets to 6 mph.

An upcoming local fundraiser brings to mind a quote from President Calvin Coolidge.

Spring is in the air, but the season’s traditional welcome from the South Side Irish won’t be the same.

U.S. Rep. Marie Newman (D-3rd) is a leader who takes action.

Marshall McLuhan, a cultural historian, gained fame in 1964 for saying “the medium is the message.”