By: Ryan Tejero   Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) brought an extravaganza highlighting the grandeur of Asian culture both on and off stage during its gala event at the Grand Ballroom of Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago on February 22, 2025. This event was held in celebration of the AACC’s 42nd Annual Lunar New Year. […]

The Academy Awards paid tribute to veteran actress Jaclyn Jose, a year after her passing, by including her in its “Oscars In Memoriam” list. The tribute, published on the Oscars website, honored industry figures lost over the past year, with Jose listed alongside Hollywood stars such as Michelle Trachtenberg, Maggie Smith, Gene Hackman, and Donald […]

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has amplified his support for mandates that would require school districts to limit cell phone use during classroom instruction. “Other independent evaluations have shown phones increase harm to social and mental health, foster academic dishonesty, and create distractions during instruction, all leading to poor academic performance and […]

Mr. Nick Vera Perez is currently promoting his fourth studio album, released in 2021. This collection of original Filipino compositions, penned by his collaborator Mr. Adonis Tabanda, features a diverse range of musical styles, from mellow ballads to contemporary R&B rhythms. The album’s lead single, “Parte Ng Buhay Ko (Part of My Life),” explores themes […]

By: James DC   An older couple were lying in bed one night. The husband was falling asleep but the wife was in a romantic mood and wanted to talk. She said: “You used to hold my hand when we were courting.” Wearily he reached across, held her hand for a second, and tried to […]

By: Janice Dantes   Blended families—where two partners with children from previous relationships unite—are becoming increasingly common. While these families can be loving and supportive, they also come with unique legal and financial challenges that, if unaddressed, can lead to disputes. Understanding these pitfalls can help blended families navigate the legal landscape more smoothly and […]

By: Nirmla Johnson   The Lions Club International has long been a beacon of hope, embodying the true essence of service and community upliftment. Established to serve humanity with humility and dedication, its mission transcends beyond mere charitable acts—it is about making a lasting impact in the lives of those in need. However, in the […]

Happy International Women’s Day (celebrated March 8th)! This important day is a timely reminder of the continued struggle for gender equality and the need to empower women in every sphere of life. The day is a reflection of the courage and strength of women who have made history and continue to inspire generations to come. […]

The Social Security Administration wrote in an email Thursday morning that employees can no longer read news websites on work devices. “SSA is implementing additional restrictions to the categories of websites prohibited from government-furnished equipment,” the email, obtained by NBC News, began. “Effective today, March 6, 2025, the categories include: Online shopping, General News; and […]

By: Edward Cortez   I n this life we may always find ourselves in one of three places: heading into storm, in a storm, or emerging from a storm. The gospel of Mark tells of a story about the disciples of Jesus who were caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark […]

Michelle Trachtenberg has died at age 39. A spokesperson for the New York Police Department told Business Insider that Trachtenberg was found dead at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise apartment complex near Central Park in Manhattan. Police had responded to a 911 call at about 8:01 a.m. and found Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive. She […]

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced at a press conference today that property tax–saving exemptions applications for the 2024 tax year are now available online. Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a property owner an average of $950 dollars each […]

Illinois loses a resident every 9 minutes and 21 seconds to another state, according to the most recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Illinois lost a total of 56,235 residents to other states from July 2023 to June 2024. That’s more than the entire population of Oak Lawn. There were 11,012 more births than […]

The time has come for the sanctuary mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City to be held publicly accountable for their reckless actions. The House Oversight Committee is now holding a historic hearing, examining the refusal of these mayors to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement—putting American lives at risk. Chairman James Comer (R-KY) […]

By: Sarah   What a year of so many firsts! Here are just some firsts I have done, I have tried, I have experienced, I have bonded with. Some are unique, some are amazing, some are great learning experiences, and some are just “omg” memories. 1. First time traveling to the Philippines 4 times in […]

By: Jan Paul C. Ferrer   Investing can be complicated and overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. Understanding the fundamentalscan help you make sense of the risks and opportunities associated with investing. It can also help you make more informed—and more confident—decisions about your portfolio, so you can put your […]

Eden Ayala, age 62, at rest on February 17, 2025. Loving mother of Joshua (Claire) Ayala, Junnie Caballes and Callen Aquino-Peters. Dearest daughter of the late Eduardo and the late Marta Aquino. Dear sister of Fely, Abraham, Reynaldo,Shirley, Marlie (Jerry), Jovel (Junia), Eduardo Jr. (Paz), Mary Jane and Lorie (Jasper). Fond aunt of many nieces […]

By: Veronica Leighton   The VT’s pretty faced columnists with the mighty pens who have been delighting you and giving you joy every month, Top to bottom, L to R: Pastor Nancy Abiera (On A Bright Side); Kayla Tejero (YFA On Campus); Lourdes Mon (Lourdes Insights); Nirmla Johnson (Careless Whispers); Girlie Pascual (G-Mail); Faye Mendiola […]

By: Nancy Abiera   “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to […]

By: Veronica Leighton   Speaking of women in leadership positions, there will be thousands, even millions of them to make mention in this story. As we’re talking internationally, let’s start from: 1. Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt (69 BC – 30 BC) Cleopatra ascended the throne at the age of 17 and died at the […]