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By Jim Slusher
LETTER TO READERS
We are all well aware that traditional newspapers have been adapting to a period of monumental change over the last two decades, but it is still true that if you want to get a sense of a town or region's personality, you can hardly do better than to spend a couple day's with its local newspaper.
With this thought in mind, I like to pick up copies of the local paper whenever I visit towns outside of Chicago, and I was even more-than-usually curious on a trip to Stratford, Ontario, over the Labor Day (or Labour Day, in local parlance) holiday weekend. The United States is, after all, in a trade war with Canada, and I wondered how that would be reflected, both in the press and in the populace at large.
On the latter score, it is comforting to report that the politics of the national dispute seem to have a minimal bearing on interpersonal relationships. In our experience, they tended to surface more among merchants who lamented that they couldn't ship products to the states or, to my personal disappointment, import bourbon to make a decent Old Fashioned because of high tariffs. Among everyday people, the differences hardly came up at all, beyond perhaps a roll of the eyes at the mention of U.S. statehood.
Stories in the news certainly showed that the subject weighs on the minds of Stratford locals and their leaders. One article in the Saturday, Sept. 5, Stratford Beacon Herald provided a detailed look at how disputes over tariffs on pickup trucks manufactured in Canada contributed to stalling negotiations with the U.S. Another reported in-depth on a Canadian think tank's recommendation to, in the article's author's words, "turn the other cheek," rather than retaliate against the 50% tariffs the Trump administration has imposed. Yet another described a local artist's complaints that the already depressed market for artwork virtually vanished when the tariffs made it unfeasible to sell his products here.
Business stories in the Toronto Globe and Mail that weekend referred matter of factly to "the Trump tariff crisis."
But, notable as such cases were, it was also illuminating to see asseems true of local papers in almost any town you visit - that much of the reporting, whether in the hyper-local press of the daily Beacon Herald and the weekly Stratford Times or in the nationally circulated Globe and Mail, the topics that capture people's attention are remarkably familiar. The names and, to some degree, the circumstances change, but the issues people want to read about would hardly surprise a Daily Herald reader - the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, fears about high taxes, the dangers of data processing centers, serious crime and, especially, local sports, culture and controversies.
One candidate's list of priorities in his campaign for mayor reported in the Stratford Times says much: "affordability, healthcare access, aging infrastructure, growth, sustainability and municipal governance."
There are, to be sure, opportunities to get a glimpse beneath the skin and see the heartbeat of a town. Hardly surprisingly, both the Beacon Herald and the Times feature abundant coverage of and advertising for the town's dominant theater presence. But stories like the Times' front-page feature on the Stratford Filipino Festival or the Beacon Herald's Page 3 feature on a documentary about "one of the city's best-known traditions," the Stratford Rotary's Dragon Boat Festival, provide real insights into the spirit of the community.
I was reflecting on the dichotomy between national politics and local interests when I came across an interesting quote in a Beacon Herald story headlined "Canadians are happier than they've been in years, poll finds." An executive for the company that conducted the poll emphasized that people tend to rate happiness in local terms.
"People may think the world is going to hell in a handbasket, but the closer your perspective gets, the better it seems," said the pollster. "Happiness to some degree is reflected by your community around you, your local group of peers... There's a sense of trust, reliance, comfort in that support."
Want to gauge that level of happiness in the next town you visit, regardless of its borders, or understand the issues people care about there? Spend some of your time with the local newspaper.
Jim Slusher, jslusher@ dailyherald.com, is managing editor for opinion at the Daily Herald.
His book "To Nudge The World: Conversations, community and the role of the local newspaper" is a 2025 Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year and is available at eckhartzpress.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages communities to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week Oct. 18-24, 2026, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 23, to highlight the dedication of principals, assistant principals, and deans. This annual recognition has been recognized by Illinois governors since 1990. October is also National Principals Month, supported by the IPA, the National Principals Association (NPA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). Brian Faulkner, IPA president and principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School (Sugar Grove), shared: "During Principal Appreciation Week, we celebrate the dedicated school leaders across Illinois who work tirelessly to create schools where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Principals are lead learners, culture builders, advocates, and champions for both students and staff. We are grateful for the passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment they bring to their schools and learning communities each and every day." “This year, we celebrate our state’s school leaders for what they do – unlocking the potential of those they serve,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. “These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this, they deserve our respect and gratitude.” IPA invites teachers, students, parents, and community members to show appreciation for school leaders on Friday, Oct. 23.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will host its 55th Education Leaders Annual Conference, “Unlocking Potential,” from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20 in Peoria. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities to help school leaders enhance their impact on schools and communities. 2026-2027 IPA President Brian Faulkner shared, “Unlocking Potential is grounded in the belief that leadership is not confined to a title. Leadership lives within every member of our school community, and when we create opportunities for others to lead, we unlock the collective potential of our students, staff, and communities.” The conference kicks off Sunday, Oct. 18, with a golf tournament, committee meetings, and a welcome reception honoring past IPA presidents. Keynote speakers include: Phil Januszewski, a 20-year educator turned full-time motivator, will deliver a keynote Monday morning titled “Less Tired. More Inspired: Three Actions Toward Thriving Instead of Surviving.” Januszewski will share three crucial actions that will allow leaders to leverage individual strengths and passions to reach higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and giving, all while avoiding burnout and a negative mindset. Brian Faulkner, 2026-2027 IPA president, and Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders will speak Monday afternoon. IPA Awards for Excellence, Herman Graves Awards, Reaching Out & Building Bridges Awards, and the Mr. John Ourth & Dr. Fred W. Singleton Professional Development Scholarships will also be presented at this session. Dr. Mary Hemphill, CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, will open Tuesday morning with her session “Future-Proof Leadership: Unlocking Potential in a Skills-Based Economy.” Future-proof leadership will equip principals. assistant principals and deans with a practical framework for leading a skills-based economy, including actionable strategies to implement immediately for kindergarten through high school. Additionally, Tuesday’s IGNITE session will feature fast-paced presentations from school and district leader duos, including Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64; Dr. Courtney Goodman, principal, Eugene Field Elementary School (Park Ridge); Dr. Jill Griffin, superintendent, Bethalto Community Unit School District 8; and Justin Newell, principal, Civic Memorial High School (Bethalto). These leaders will share their perspectives on implementing the School Leader Paradigm and Illinois School Leader Evaluation Plan in their respective districts. The conference will conclude with IPA Deputy Executive Director Brian Schwartz and IPA Government & Public Relations Director Alison Maley, who will provide updates on new education-related laws passed during the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session, and offering insights on how school leaders can stay informed and advocate for their schools. For more information about the IPA or to register to attend, please visit ilprincipals.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2026 Media Contact Information: Office of the Highway Commissioner Northfield Township Road District 237 Melvin Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 724-8300 ntroad@northfieldtownship.com
Property acquisition moves the MWRD–Road District partnership closer to protecting 130 residential structures and critical roadways from flooding across Northfield Township NORTHBROOK — The Northfield Township Road District (NTRD) announced that the purchase of the nearly 16-acre property for the stormwater detention basin serving the Central Road Flood Control Project closed Sept. 8. The project is designed to reduce flooding affecting 130 residential structures and several roadways in South Glenview. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of the 15.82-acre site, along with a 0.91-acre temporary construction easement, from Ridgewood Cemetery Company, Inc., for $8.15 million plus closing costs. The property acquisition is a major milestone in the intergovernmental partnership between the Road District and the MWRD to deliver flood relief along the Central Road corridor from the Des Plaines River to Glenwood Lane. “For the families in South Glenview who have watched water come up their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer a line on a drawing — it is on its way to becoming real,” said Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman. “When Central Road stays open and dry during a major storm, every resident of Northfield Township benefits, whether they are commuting, getting kids to school, or counting on first responders to get through.” The project will bring direct relief to residents of South Glenview and the surrounding unincorporated area, where flooding has repeatedly threatened homes, yards, and streets. Once operational, the project is expected to reduce flooding that impacts 130 single- and multi-family residential structures, as well as several roadways within and around the project area. The full project includes new mainline storm sewers under Central Road and Dearlove Road and lateral storm sewers on Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road within the Road District’s jurisdiction. The approximately 16-acre detention basin site near Dee Road and Central Avenue will capture and temporarily store stormwater during major rainfall events, reducing pressure on the corridor’s existing drainage system. While the detention basin will capture and store stormwater at the west end of the corridor, the benefits extend across the entire Road District. Reduced flooding protects the pavement, culverts and drainage infrastructure the Road District maintains on behalf of all Township residents, lowers long-term repair costs, and keeps a vital east–west route reliable during severe weather. MWRD is leading and funding the $8.15 million land acquisition, along with the design and construction of the project. Once construction is complete, the Road District will assume long-term ownership and maintenance of the improvements within its jurisdiction. “Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the Northfield Township Road District's collaboration on the Central Road Flood Control Project,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Together, we're expanding stormwater storage, reducing flood risks, and protecting our waterways while creating lasting benefits for Northfield Township residents.” Next steps include completing due diligence on the property, conducting survey and staking work, and continued progress on the project design. Aquatic biologists from the MWRD’s Monitoring and Research Department will also be assessing the potential transfer of turtles and fish. The aquatic biologists are conducting an environmental suitability assessment in September to evaluate that conditions are appropriate for this plan. The Road District will keep residents informed as the project advances toward construction. For updates on this project and other Road District programs, visit ntroad.com. About the Northfield Township Road District The Northfield Township Road District is an independent unit of local government organized under the Illinois Highway Code (605 ILCS 5/), responsible for the construction, maintenance, and drainage of roads within its jurisdiction in Cook County, Illinois. The Road District is led by an elected Highway Commissioner and serves residents across Northfield Township, including unincorporated areas.
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