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LOCAL BIZ SPOTLIGHT

LOCAL NEWS

Thrilling Spectacle at Chicago's 'Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade' Draws Record Crowd

On the recent Saturday, the 'Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade' captivated an astonishing crowd of 50,000 spectators in the heart of Chicago. The festive atmosphere was tangible, as 4,000 participants, donned in costumes and performing various acts, brought their unique Halloween characters to life on State Street. Many families were present, including a delighted grandmother who was there for the first time with her seven grandchildren, thoroughly enjoying the festivities. The event was a true celebration of creativity and enthusiasm, appealing to people of all ages and abilities, and representing a remarkable array of cultures throughout the city.

Termed as "the artist's holiday" by its organizers, the parade stood out as a distinct spectacle, as LUMA8's CEO, Sharene Shariatzadeh, highlighted. She noted the parade's uniqueness, praising its blend of music, dance, and spectacle puppets, which effectively showcased Chicago's diverse cultural communities. The event saw the participation of approximately 90 arts organizations, each bringing their flavor to the vibrant performances. The highlight for some attendees was the dance acts, which impressed with their cool displays. The parade also received an endorsement from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who applauded it as a unifying and joyful event for families in Chicago, particularly during the Halloween season. As one of USA Today's top 10 Halloween parades, the annual tradition exceeded expectations in its ninth edition, raising excitement for the next year's event.

Wilmette Village Board to Review Loyola Academy's Controversial Stadium Lights Proposal on November 14

Loyola Academy, an Illinois institute, is grappling with an uptick in extracurricular participation, but inadequate athletic facilities are causing issues. The Academy proposed stadium lights, sparking a local debate. The Village of Wilmette must approve the light pole height, brightness, and noise, expected to exceed current zoning rules. Attorney Hal Francke, representing Loyola, proposed sound data and parking solutions to address concerns over potential traffic, noise, and safety. Despite opposition, some, including Commissioners Reinhard Schneider and Christine Norrick, deem the proposal reasonable. The Village Board will review the matter on Nov. 14.

Skokie Solidarity with Israel Rally Met with Pro-Palestinian Counter-Protest

A Solidarity with Israel rally that took place in Skokie was met with a simultaneously arranged counter-protest by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The counter-demonstration was initially to occur outside the kosher venue hosting the rally. However, the authorities only permitted ticket holders to the event access to the premises. As a result, Palestinian supporters, numbering in the dozens, gathered at a shopping plaza on Touhy Avenue. They initially intended to rally in downtown Chicago but shifted their demonstration to coincide with the Solidarity with Israel event at Ateras Ayala.

The purpose of the Skokie gathering was to demonstrate support for Israel in the wake of Hamas attacks that occurred more than two weeks prior. Alison Pure-Slovin of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, who organized the event, commented to ABC7 about the protesters' rights. She differentiated between supporting the Palestinian people and endorsing Hamas and their terrorist activities.

REGIONAL NEWS

Progression in Fourth of July Celebrations: Highland Park Considers Major Changes for 2024 Event

For its 2024 Fourth of July celebrations, Highland Park is considering a substantial progression. A City Council Committee of the Whole meeting held on October 10 was dedicated to addressing the matter, as city representatives and personnel discussed the optimal approach to honor the second anniversary of the Central Avenue mass shooting. Assistant City Manager Erin Jason provided a recap of the 2023 Fourth of July activities in Highland Park and outlined staff recommendations for the 2024 event, suggesting a shift back to a more traditional timetable.

The 2023 schedule, which comprised a tribute, community walk, picnic, and drone display, came at a significant cost to the city of about $280,000 due to increased security measures and supplementary activities. Mayor Nancy Rotering acknowledged the uniqueness of the year and the exceptional expenses, emphasizing the necessity for the city to outline its future strategy. The council members voiced their support for reinstating the parade, although the exact time and place are still under consideration. There was also council support for an indoor remembrance ceremony at around 10 a.m., as well as a repeat of the drone show in lieu of fireworks, accompanied by pre-event family and community entertainment. City staff has been directed to commence preparations for the Fourth of July events, including a remembrance ceremony, parade, community festivities, and a drone show, with more comprehensive discussions planned for future meetings.

EVENTS

• Fall Festival of Winds I Concert (New Trier - Performing Arts)

  TUES Oct. 24, 2023 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Harvest Hayride

  SAT, OCT 28 · 4-7 PM · Golf Maintenence Center

• FUELFED Coffee & Classics

  SUN, OCT 29 · 9-11 AM

• Chamber Music Meetup in Winnetka

  SUN, OCT 29 · 5:00-7:30 PM

• Family Campfire 

  FRI, Nov 3, 5:30-7:15 PM Crow Island Woods

• Dog Safety at Kohl’s Children’s Museum

  NOV 1, NOV 15, DEC 6, DEC 20: Learn some simple “dog language” and watch man’s best friend perform some smart tricks!

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SPORTS

BEARS

Rising Star Johnson Powers Bears with Key Interceptions in Decisive Win Over Raiders

Tyson Bagent, a rookie undrafted quarterback, emerged as a surprising hero in the Bears' much-needed 30-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Filling in for the injured Justin Fields, Bagent stuck to a conservative strategy of short throws and hand-offs, managing to complete 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and scoring a touchdown. The victory snapped a ten-game home losing streak for the Bears, with Bagent showcasing potential despite being a first-time starter from Division II.

The Bears' defense, led by coach Matt Eberflus, delivered an exceptional performance, holding the Raiders to 2-of-9 on third downs and seizing three interceptions, including a 39-yard pick-6 by Jaylon Johnson. Johnson, whose contract renewal is due, made two crucial interceptions contributing significantly to the victory. However, he highlighted the joy of delivering a win for the enthusiastic home crowd, something the Bears hadn't done since Week 3 of the 2022 season. The game ended with the Bears improving their record to 2-5, symbolizing a resurgence and resilience within the team.

NEW TRIER FOOTBALL

Embracing Change: New Trier Football's Plan for Revival and Recognizing Retiring Legends

New Trier's football program faces a challenging phase as it grapples with the departure of key players and misses the playoffs for two consecutive years. Coach Doll recognizes the need for self-evaluation and aims to restore the team's former glory by revisiting pre-COVID strategies. Emphasis is being placed on deepening the players' understanding of football and stepping up off-season training. The team is determined to leverage the lessons from the last two difficult seasons to fuel their ambition for the next one.

In a special event, New Trier honored three long-serving members of their community: PA announcer Chris Cauley, head groundskeeper Jules Laude, and coach Mike Napoleon. Each of these individuals has shown years of dedication to New Trier's football program and will be retiring at the end of the school year. Their contributions have left lasting legacies in the program and will be deeply missed by the New Trier community.

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