This year, the Fourth of July celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. There is much to celebrate, but for me, it’s time to reconsider what to celebrate. Tradition calls for celebrating independence and freedom from tyranny. For those who follow the news, or who study U.S. history,[Read More…]
Opinion
Column: The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes
Every year, my office hears from thousands of homeowners who run into problems with their property taxes due to common errors. Here are the five most common mistakes homeowners make and what you can do to avoid them. Paying the Same Bill Twice This happens more often than you might[Read More…]
Mobility Matters: Villages work to improve pedestrian safety; legislation pending on speeders, e-bikes
Everybody who walks has probably had the experience of standing on the corner waiting for an opening in traffic to safely cross — and nobody stops. In many cases, drivers probably just don’t notice pedestrians (in some cases, they might not care) because they are focused on getting where they[Read More…]
Commentary: Two books show the power of neighborliness
Social media, once touted as the magically amazing way to connect everyone to everyone and usher in an age of blissful community, has turned out to be somewhat shy of the mark. For those who are frustrated with doomscrolling, partisan bots, scams and cyberbullies, a new book coming out this[Read More…]
Commentary: CERT program adds new layer to community safety
In an emergency, there are often more people in need of help than first responders can get to quickly. In times of no emergency, there’s often need for people to help support public events like festivals or community clean-up days. That’s where CERT comes in. Homewood is in the process[Read More…]
Letter: We Are Somebody: A Legacy of Volunteering
Volunteering has long been a defining thread in a healthy community. At its core, the word volunteer comes from the Latin voluntarius, meaning “of one’s free will.” A volunteer is someone who makes a willing offering of themselves — their time, talent, and treasure — for the good of others.[Read More…]
Commentary | Another lesson: Seeing our own blind spots
It’s always best to lead by example, and so I’m glad to be able to make an example of myself, with the help of a reader who called out my recent call-out. Last month, I urged the Village of Homewood and the Homewood Police Department to treat a social media[Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Selected redevelopment project doesn’t meet Homewood’s needs
For years now, Homewood residents have expressed concern about two issues: affordable housing and downtown parking congestion. On Feb. 10 I attended the village board meeting where the trustees, in a 5-1 vote, opted to pursue a proposal submitted by Holladay Properties, a Midwestern developer with experience in housing for[Read More…]
County officials call on State’s Attorney to charge federal immigration agents who use excessive force
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and 10 commissioners, including Kisha McCaskill, who represents the 5th District, including Flossmoor, issued a statement Thursday, Feb. 12, urging the state’s attorney to pursue charges against federal immigration agents who use excessive force. “We call on the Cook County state’s attorney to pursue[Read More…]
Commentary: Humor misfire leads to learning opportunity
Humor is risky business. Sometimes jokes launch laughter. Sometimes they land with a thud. Sometimes both. The Homewood Police Department tried a little humor on Friday, Dec. 19, with a brief video posted on social media that was intended to lighten the mood after recent immigration enforcement activity in the[Read More…]
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