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Chicagoans celebrate Italian American heritage at annual Columbus Day Parade: ‘It’s time for everybody to be happy again’

The 71st annual parade honored the late Tony Bennett by naming his daughter, Antonia, as honorary grand marshal.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 9, 2023

For Indigenous Peoples Day, groups say it’s time to leave Columbus behind

Chicago, Cook County and the state of Illinois all observe Columbus Day, but some are calling for new ways to celebrate Italian heritage.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 9, 2023

Ides of March’s Jim Peterik recalls collapsing on stage

Jim Peterik collapsed Sunday during a legends show in Des Plaines. He said doctors who examined him after the incident told him his blood sugar had dropped dangerously low.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 20, 2023

Lighfoot: Columbus statues won’t return to their pedestals without a security plan

Mayor Lightfoot reiterated that she doesn’t “believe in erasing history.” That’s why she’s been “talking to lots of folks about what can we do, how can we do it” to secure the Columbus statues.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 23, 2022

Italian American group wants statues returned by Columbus Day, protected at taxpayer expense

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans paid a security firm to prepare plans to protect statues of Christopher Columbus removed from Grant and Arrigo parks two years ago amid protests. Recommendations include cameras, motion detectors and 24-hour guards.

Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 3, 2022

Lightfoot hints strongly at ignoring expected recommendation to permanently sideline Columbus statues

“I’ve been very clear. I do not believe in erasing history. I think you’ve got to put it in a proper context. I think you’ve got to honor the entirety of that history,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 2, 2022

Lightfoot’s monuments panel recommends permanently sidelining 3 Columbus statues, removing Balbo monument

Ald. Nick Sposato (38th), who served on the 30-member committee, said the outcome was pre-determined by the makeup of the committee.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 8, 2022

Lightfoot ‘fully expects’ Columbus statue to be returned to Grant Park pedestal

But first, the mayor wants a plan to prevent a repeat of the July 2020 protest that injured dozens of officers. And the leader of on Italian American group said Monday the return of another Columbus statue to Arrigo Park is just as vital.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 28, 2022

Lightfoot denies making obscene, derogatory remark about Italian Americans

“I feel compelled to state that the deeply offensive and ridiculous claims are wholly lacking in merit,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a written statement issued Friday.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 4, 2022

Leader of Italian American group demands apology from Lightfoot over crude remarks alleged in lawsuit

A former Chicago Park District attorney says the mayor berated him with obscenities over an agreement to have a Christopher Columbus statue displayed during the Columbus Day parade.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 3, 2022