Desi talk

www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 12 CITY VIEWS March 6, 2026 T he Daily Herald, one of the significant media outlets in Illinois, endorsed Indian American Con- gressman Raja Krishnamoorthi for the US Senate, in his bid for the Democratic Party’s support in the March 17, 2026 primaries. The March 1 endorsement follows Herald’s Editorial Board’s meetings with all candidates in the heated race to fill the seat being vacated by veteran Senator Dick Durbin. “An interesting pool of candidates has formed in the wake of Dick Durbin’s decision to resign from the U.S. Senate. All have qualities to recommend them, but one stands out for commitment, energy, integrity and leader- ship. We recommend Raja Krishnamoorthi,” the paper’s Editorial Board said. Referring to one of Krishnamoorti’s Democratic rivals Juliana Stratton, the paper said, “Among the final three, we are impressed by Stratton’s strident articulation of issues, but question whether an incomplete term in the Illinois House and two terms as lieutenant governor truly prepare her for a role in the Senate.” The Board went on to say, “Krishnamoorthi, on the other hand, checks all the boxes for us for this nomina- tion,” …. “As a congressman, he has earned a reputation for hard work and creative legislating. He is outspoken on matters ranging from Israeli excesses in the Mideast war to compassion for immigrants and a sound, fair national health policy. And on top of all this, he is recognized as one of the most bi-partisan representatives in Congress.” Reaching nearly 90 local communities across subur- ban Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties, the Daily Herald is one of the influential news organiza- tions in Illinois. “The endorsement underscores Raja’s unstoppable momentum and broad support across the suburban communities that will play a decisive role in this elec- tion,” Krishnamoorthi’s campaign said in a press release. His campaign has to-date received support from some labor groups, local leaders, members of Congress, indus- try voices, and grassroots advocates. “With 14 labor unions and counting, including AFGE and Teamsters Joint Council 25, dozens of mayors from every corner of the state, more than 100 downstate lead- ers, and hundreds of community advocates and elected officials, Raja has built one of the broadest coalitions in Illinois politics,” his campaign claims. His support also includes 32 current and former mem- bers of the U.S. House of Representatives — among them Ami Bera, Joaquin Castro, and Marcy Kaptur — alongside a statewide coalition of 30+ Illinois industry leaders. Na- tional organizations like Defend the Vote and Healthcare for Action have also lined up behind Krishnamoorthi. Important Illinois Paper Gives Ringing Endorsement To Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s Run For Us Senate Primary By a StaffWriter PHOTO:PROVIDED BY RAJAFORIL.COM Illinois paper the Daily Herald’s endorsement. Community In Grief As Pioneer Leaves Behind Enduring Legacy T he community is mourning the loss of Ashraf Ali, a respected leader, entrepreneur and longtime advocate, who passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 25, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of service, innovation and dedication that shaped institutions and touched countless lives across the Chicago area. Ali served as President of the Development Corpora- tion of America, based in Des Plaines. The company operates primarily in the real estate sector, specializing in subdivision and development projects. An engineer by training, Ali was also part of the team at the internation- ally renowned architectural firm Skidmore that helped construct the iconic Sears Tower — now known asWillis Tower. Over the course of his career, he contributed his expertise to numerous architectural projects throughout Chicago. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ali devoted more than three decades to serving the Asian commu- nity through nonprofit work. He was the longest-serving member of the Board of Directors at AHS Family Health Center and made history as the organization’s first Board Chairperson when it became a Federally Qualified Health Center in the early 2000s. He also served as Board Trea- surer. Ali’s background in construction and development proved instrumental in the health center’s growth. His leadership helped guide the expansion of AHS Family Health Center to four locations, and he played a key role in completing its headquarters at 6301 N. Western Ave. News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and community members. “Mr. Ashraf Ali, a long-term Board Director and the first AHS Family Health Center Board Chair, influenced every strategic decision and growth of our organization for more than two decades with his unmatched enthusi- asm,” said Dr. Muhammad Paracha, CEO of AHS Family Health Center. “He served the Asian community well and will be remembered for all the impactful work he has done for the Asian and Bangladeshi communities.” James Luciano, current Board Chair of AHS Family Health Center, said, “Mr. Ali’s contributions were very impactful and too many to count. He has truly made each one of us better, and now it’s our responsibility to carry on with that passion and integrity.” Dr. LarryWilliams, Board Vice Chair, described Ali as “a great person and mentor” who “will be missed.” Board Treasurer Mahmood Khan added, “Mr. Ali was an integral part of our community, and his presence will be deeply missed. He treated everyone with respect. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this dif- ficult time.” Dr. Ayesha Hussain, Chief Medical Officer, noted that Ali was involved with AHS Family Health Center from its inception. “His dedication and unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities was exceptional. His passing represents a significant loss to our organiza- tion and to the communities we serve.” Dr. Lisa Beaudette-Nguyen, Chief Dental Officer, called him “a strong supporter of our clinic,” adding that the organization “will always be grateful for his impact on our health center and community.” Paul Nagpal, Chief Financial Officer, described Ali as “an inspirational leader” whose legacy should be cel- ebrated. Members of the AHS Family Health Center Board and staff expressed their sorrow, including board members Fe Cabrera, Mariam Hassan, Elsadig Elmehdi, Marivic Guitirrez, Anabelle Cortes and Dr. Rohitkumar Vasa, along with staff members Khalid Sabzwari, Emina Celik, Mosharraf Khandaker, Ranjana Khan and former board member Abha Pandya. Ali is survived by his wife, son, daughter and grandchil- dren. Family members said they will cherish his memory and continue to celebrate the legacy of a man whose vision and service strengthened both his profession and his community. By a StaffWriter Ashraf Ali PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY Rep. Krishnamoorthi at a rally. PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY