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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Quigley Fights for LGBT Equality in Immigration Reform

Real life struggle of same-sex Chicago couple highlights need for change, Rep. Mike Quigley says.

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) spoke out again against the lack of protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community within the comprehensive immigration reform proposals currently under consideration by Congress. “I am extremely disappointed that my colleagues in the Senate are choosing not to extend the same rights and considerations to same-sex families that we give to any other family in our immigration system,” said Rep. Quigley. “I’m reminded of Grant and Gabe, a Chicago couple who live everyday under a cloud of uncertainty because discriminatory policies like the Defense of Marriage Act do not recognize their same-sex marriage. "American entrepreneurs like Grant are forced to choose between…

Feigenholtz Push to Extend Healthcare to 342,000 Clears House

The measure sponsored by the Lincoln Park and Lake View representative would help uninsured Illinoisans and bring the state in line with the Affordable Care Act.

A measure sponsored by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) to extend health care benefits to 342,000 low income Illinoisans and bring Illinois in line with the federal Affordable Care Act passed the House Human Services Committee on Tuesday. “This Medicaid reform is the first critical piece of the Affordable Care Act," Feigenholtz said. "After this is enacted in January of 2014, childless adults living at the poverty level will now have access to Medicaid benefits and health care services just like any current Medicaid recipient in this state. This bill will allow us to offer vital preventative care and a medical home to hundreds of thousands adults living in poverty.” Currently, childless adults aged 18-64 are not eligible for …

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Tornado Season Tips: How to Prepare for Severe Weather

Would you know what to do if a warning was issued?

We're smack-dab in the middle of tornado season. Are you prepared? According to the National Weather Service, Illinois had 30 tornadoes in 2012, including an EF4 that hit Harrisburg on Feb. 29 and killed eight people. In all, Illinois' 30 tornadoes caused 111 injuries and nine fatalities. "The 30-year average in Illinois is 46 tornadoes," according to the National Weather Service. "Illinois ranks fifth in the nation in tornado frequency per square mile." Here are some facts about severe weather from the National Weather Service and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency: Are You Prepared? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency recommends that residents purchase a NOAA all-hazards weather radio. Along with having a weather radio, the …

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Win Free Tickets to See Don McLean and Judy Collins at Ravinia!

Just sign up for our free daily newsletter and you'll be entered into the drawing for tickets to their June 6 show.

Returning hit-makers Don McLean and Judy Collins open Ravinia's 2013 season on a double bill early next month, and we want you to be there! McLean’s 1971 hit song “American Pie” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and he was inaugurated into the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Known for her blend of folk songs and contemporary themes, Collins has enjoyed a career that has spanned over 50 years. She continues to produce new music and recently released her album Paradise, a collection of songs and duets. We want to send you and a friend to their show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6 for free. All you have to do is sign up for our free daily newsletter.  The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, when we…

LaVerne

8:50 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

If your already signed up for newsletter are you entered in the Contest?   more ›

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sunday Comic: All Eyes On the Tea Party Graduate

Some people are destined to draw more attention than others, apparently.

Butch

4:18 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2013

GRUMPS---deadpussy and my reply on the frequent visits to the WH? he was writing a book on sex, lies and tax emept status vs. non for profit NGO modeled on Helliburton and Blackwater!   more ›

Friday, May 17, 2013

Editor's Notebook

Flock to the Dock: Join Arthritis Fighters Friday

Looking for a way to spend your Friday? How about with music, dancing, food and much more in honor of a noble cause. The Arthritis Walk steps off tonight at The Dock at Montrose. It's not too late to take part!

Friday tends to give most people a little extra spring in their step. Use yours for a good cause tonight by stopping by the dock at Montrose Harbor, 200 Montrose Drive, to help raise money and awareness to fight the nation's leading cause of disability. Online registration for The Arthritis Walk is now closed, but those wanting to participate are free to register or donate on site. They can also hang out at the beach or The Dock restaurant, where a blues band and DJ are sure to keep them entertained. "We aren't just fighting arthritis and helping the millions of people who live with arthritis pain," the event listing says. "We're making the impact of arthritis unacceptable and taking a stand, moving together to help prevent and treat this …

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Tough Week? Here's Some Inspiration to Get You to the Weekend

It's been a long week. You need a pick-me-up.

Friday's here. Thank goodness. One more day of work, and that's it. Here's a little inspiration to get you through to Saturday.  For more than a month now, Patch and Grape-Nuts have teamed up to present stories about your neighbors, neighbors who have faced challenges that would seem insurmountable to many of us.  But not to the people we've featured in this series, Journeys. Not surprisingly, the stories have generated dozens of comments on Patch and on Facebook: "Great story..." "Thanks for sharing..." "So wonderfully inspiring..."  And, so, here they are again. Great stories shared to inspire. Take a look at what these people have faced. Then click on the story to see their responses. And feel better about your tough week. Pit Bull …

Comment_arrow

Jason Akai

6:58 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

GOM - you're right. The worst part of the Patch is comments. You find me a feel good patch article, and I will show you a list of people who are angry about it. People just like to vent, I suppose. Its easier to do behind an anon name.   more ›

Retiring at 50: Could You Follow This Woman's Extreme Savings Plan?

Here's the story of Marlene Konkoly, who found creative ways to spend less and save more so she can retire at 50. This story is the first in our series about Extreme Savers.

Americans may be living longer, but our retirement plans aren’t keeping up. Which means people are living longer with smaller bank accounts. But Marlene Konkoly will retire at age 50. How did she do it? She contributes a whopping 45 percent of the gross annual income she earns as a procurement officer for an automotive finance company to her retirement—all while owning a home and remaining debt-free. Konkoly is actually well ahead of the retirement savings curve compared to many of her fellow Americans. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, fewer than half of Americans even know how much money they would need to retire. And nearly a third of employees who had access to a defined contribution plan such as a 401(k) did not participate …

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

CTA’s Train Tracker Beefs Up Features

More accurate train times and improved schedule information are now part of the updated interface. See the full list of features here.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Transit Authority teamed up Wednesday to announce the new and improved CTA Train Tracker. New features include a more efficient way to find train stops as well as an improved train schedule. The CTA says the popular tracker receives more than 2 million web page and data requests each month. “CTA Train Tracker has been very popular with our customers, and we’re pleased to expand the features of this easy-to-use technology to increase its usefulness to passengers,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool in a statement. “The information available through CTA Train Tracker helps thousands of riders plan and manage their commutes every day, and planning those trips just became easier.”  Join North Side Patch for …

George Cunningham

8:46 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Maybe they should get the arrival time displays correct first! The Chicago Pulaski #66 East Bound stop displays arrival times for the 157 - NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!!!!!! Sheesh - it took two months and a dozen e-mails to get them to correct the stop number at that stop (was posted as 0503, is actually 503). But then again, it is ONLY the WEST side so who gives a damn????????   more ›

Massages, Zumba a Part of Women’s Health and Resource Fair

The second annual event, local politicians Sara Feigenholtz, Ann Williams and John Cullerton, collaborates with the YMCA for a day of education and fun.

State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz and Ann Williams and Senate President John Cullerton will collaborate with the Lake View YMCA to host a women’s health and resource fair. Scheduled for Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event will be held at the Lake View YMCA, located at 3333 North Marshfield.  “Women should take every opportunity to learn more about our health and ways to improve our well-being,” said Feigenholtz. “Not only is this event informational and a great way to find out about the resources here in our community, but attendees can have a lot of fun trying a new fitness class or relaxing with a mini-massage.” At this free event, guests can enjoy free mini-massages, food provided by the local Lakeview Whole Foods, …

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