Metra Mess, Government Shutdown and More

Written by Marcia Sagendorph.

Check out these unique blogs from our 23 Patch sites in the Chicago suburbs. Click on the headlines below to get the full story from a few of our bloggers. Then get inspired and start your own blog!

Contact Senior Community Editor Marcia Sagendorph at marcia.sagendorph@patch.com to get started. It takes five minutes to set up, it's free and it's fun. See what our bloggers are saying:

Metra mess gets worse

It started with allegations of clout-peddling that led to secret severance payout of more than $700,000. New revelations this week from the Associated Press and a state task force shows the patronage train rolled on into state government after it left Metra and that serving riders was an afterthought at the agencies at the center of this affair.
- Posted by Reboot Illinois on Palatine Patch

Gov't Shut Down & Debt Ceiling Debate

I am thoroughly disgusted with the current state of this country, washington, both parties.  These politicians have hijacked the country and taken us hostage. 
- Posted by Steven M Levin on Skokie Patch

Another Upbeat Year for Ragdale’s 7th Annual Novel Affair

Ragdale’s Novel Affair 2013 offered  guests from the North Shore and Chicago a special opportunity to engage with acclaimed authors and artists from around the country September 27 and 28. Approximately 200 people attended the cocktail reception.
- Posted by Cynthia Quick for The Ragdale Foundation Blog on Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch

FREE Admission & Entertainment at Holy Family's Fall Festival Oktoberfest!

Holy Family’s Second Annual Fall Festival and Oktoberfest! Join us for an afternoon and evening of entertainment, food, drink, and music. The Fall Festival will kick off at 1:00 pm, Saturday Oct. 19, 2013 with children’s activities including pumpkin decorating, a stilt-walking juggling scarecrow, pony rides, Hoola Whoop dancers and much more! Kids are encouraged to come in costume for the Trick-or-Treat Candy Line.
- Posted by Johnny Pineda on Barrington Patch

Fall 2012 to 2013 Comparison: What a Difference a Year Makes

The figures for Evanston residential real estate transactions from September 2012 through September 2013 validate the prevailing optimism that home ownership value is making a steady recovery.
- Posted by Andy Sohn on Evanston Patch

Immigration Reform With Amnesty Is Still Very Much Alive

The issue of immigration reform is still very much alive and is being crafted below the radar by pro-amnesty members of the House, even in the midst of the government shutdown when House members are attempting to negotiate over Obamacare, the debt-ceiling, and the budget as a means to reopening the present partial government shutdown.  
- Posted by Nancy J. Thorner on Highland Park Patch

James Cameron: Vegan for the Environment

“You can’t be an environmentalist, you can’t be an ocean steward, without truly walking the walk. And you can’t walk the walk in the world of the future, the world ahead of us, the world of our children, not eating a plant-based diet.” -James Cameron
- Posted by Ellen Francis, Vegan American Princess LA on Arlington Heights Patch