Editorials urge merit selection as Illinois Supreme Court gains spotlight
An editorial argues Illinois should adopt merit-based judge selection after recent high court actions. It critiques Justice Heiple’s political comments on cases like Baby Richard and Rolando Cruz, notes the court's partisan election history, and warns the public to consider merit appointment to curb political influence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois’ Supreme Court
Richard
Rolando Cruz
Cruz
Jeanine Nicarico
Supreme Court
James D. Heiple
Pekin
Heiple
Jim
Michael Bilandic
Chicago
Jane Byrne
Illinois
South Suburbs adjust to group home issue and DCFS policy
Residents and officials in Palos Park faced opposition as DCFS proposed 28 group homes for St. Coletta's wards. Protests faded as views shifted to funding and community-based placement, with DCFS promising faster neighborhood communication and state legislators advancing school district reimbursement for wards.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
St. Coletta’s
Illinois
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Palos Park
DCFS
Jess McDonald
McDonald
Patrick O’malley
General Assembly
Judiciously Speaking on Arbitration and ADR Benefits
Judge Henry X. Dietch argues court caseloads drive use of mandatory arbitration and ADR. Citing a Federal Judicial Center study, arbitration speeds resolutions, is viewed as fair, and most judges support broader court annexed arbitration. ABA president urges conciliatory, nonadversarial legal approach to reduce litigation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Henry X. Dietch
U.S
Federal Judicial Center
American Bar Associa
Letter Defends Rep Ostenburg on Education Efforts
James T. Durkin of Woodridge writes in support of State Rep. John Ostenburg D Park Forest. He defends Ostenburg’s school funding advocacy, advisory council, and commitment to equitable funding, urging readers to recognize his record and misperceptions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Connie Tieri
The
Star
John Ostenburg
D-Park Forest
Tieri
Rep
Ostenburg
John
General Assembly
Illinois General Assembly
Bloom Township
James T. Durkin
Woodridge Education Subcommittee
80Th Legislative District Advisory Council
Good guys to the rescue in Matteson Metra incident
A family riding Metra No 125 from Randolph Street Chicago to 211th Street recounts a door closing on a mother’s arm leaving children stranded at 211th. Metra staff and a Matteson police officer coordinated rescue and reunification with thanks to a Red Volkswagen van family witness. Neighbors praised Matteson responders and residents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Metra
Randolph Street
Chicago
211Th Street
Matteson
Letters Policy From The Star Readers
The Star invites signed letters to the editor and will publish the writer’s name. Writers should include address and phone for verification though not published. Letters may be edited for legality clarity or brevity and can be delivered mailed or FAXed to the Star office.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Star
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