Jesse Wright

Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

Amid future concerns, Park Ridge could give OK to first historic district

August 18, 2026 at 2:42 p.m.

At the Park Ridge City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting Aug. 17, alderpersons voted six-to-one to designate as many as five homes as the Spanish Town Historic District.

Peter G. Malone, who died on Aug.11, was a former Park Ridge alderman and grandson of its second mayor. Malone with his beloved Aston Martin in the driveway of his home at 201 Grand Blvd, Park Ridge in 1957. (Courtesy of Julie Malone)

Peter G. Malone, former alderman, grandson of early mayor, dies

August 17, 2026 at 3:40 p.m.

Peter G. Malone, the grandson of the second mayor of Park Ridge, died Aug. 11. He was 91.

Elmwood Park native Anthony Ciancio, creator of the documentary film “How we Roll,” and his wife, Lauren Massarella, who coproduced the film, stand outside the Madison Street Theater in Oak Park during the 2025 Oak Park Film Festival, where the film about Elmwood Park's popular bocce ball league won a Best Documentary award. The film was recently picked up by Yahoo to stream nationwide. (Anthony Ciancio)

Elmwood Park bocce ball documentary hits screens nationwide

August 14, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.

A film about an Elmwood Park bocce ball league has received a national rollout courtesy of Yahoo and the Nonfiction Hotlist. “How We Roll,” which Anthony Ciancio completed last year,...

Malachi Wright, Lamar Hawkins and Marguerite Wright remove the painters tape from the newly completed "Wall of Therapy" on the Harvey City Hall, Aug. 10, 2026. (Jesse Wright/for the Daily Southtown)

‘Harvey Wall of Therapy’ adds color, optimism to downtown

August 14, 2026 at 11:18 a.m.

Brothers Amoz, Malachi and Ira Wright added color to Harvey City Hall with the work of their mother, fellow artist Marguerite Wright.

A Flock camera monitors license plates as cars pass by on Oakton. The reader is in front of Fire Station 36, near the entrance into town from Niles. (Jesse Wright/ for the Pioneer Press)

Flock cameras may be getting closer look in Park Ridge

August 10, 2026 at 4:02 p.m.

In July, Park Ridge aldermen approved a yearlong contract with Flock Group, a Georgia-based company that provides license plate readers to police departments across the country. The contract, for eight...

Catherine Kruse pens a letter to the future as part of an American 250 event Wednesday with the Green Hills Public Library. (Jesse Wright/for the Daily Southtown)

Palos Hills, Hickory Hills residents share hopes and fears in time capsule letters

August 6, 2026 at 10:28 a.m.

Hickory Hills and Palos Hills residents wrote letters at Stagg High School for a Green Hills Public Library District time capsule.

Tinley Park police Officer Jake Thompson, with the mutual aid response team, outfits Johnny Kahr in tactical gear Tuesday while parents Amy and Mike look on during National Night Out. (Jesse Wright/for the Daily Southtown)

Tinley Park National Night Out brings together families, first responders

August 5, 2026 at 12:24 p.m.

Thousands of Tinley Park area families gathered at Freedom Park to meet police and fire officials at the National Night Out.

Community Preservation and Development Director Drew Awsumb explains a proposed mural program ordinance. (Jesse Wright/ for the Pioneer Press)

Despite worries of stifling creativity, Park Ridge passes mural program in split vote

August 4, 2026 at 2:02 p.m.

The Park Ridge City Council narrowly approved a mural program that may see civic pride on display on public buildings around town.

Alderperson Joseph Steinfels talks through a proposed mural program at the Park Ridge City Council meeting July 20 (Jesse Wright/ for the Pioneer Press)

Park Ridge gives first OK to mural program

July 21, 2026 at 2:10 p.m.

Park Ridge officials gave the initial approval to a new mural program that will allow murals on all public buildings.

The Park Ridge Park District has a number of St. Patrick's Day events planned for 2025, including "The Leprechaun Hunt" March 12 and March 13 in Park Ridge.

Park Ridge OK’s one more year with Flock license-plate cameras

July 9, 2026 at 4:58 p.m.

Police Chief Bob Kampwirth said the cameras provide a valuable tool to respond to crime and have been key in making some important arrests.

All Stories