Cicero, Illinois

Cicero is a town located in Cook County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 85,616. A 2003 Census estimate showed the population dipped to 83,029. Cicero is named for the town of Cicero, New York, which in turn was named for Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Roman orator.

Related Topics:
Cook County, Illinois - 2000 - Cicero, New York - Marcus Tullius Cicero - Roman

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Al Capone built his criminal empire in Cicero before moving to Chicago. The 1990s saw a heavy influx of Hispanic (mostly Mexican and Central American) residents to Cicero, displacing most other ethnicities. Once considered mainly a Czech or Bohemian town on Cermak Avenue, most of the European-style restaurants and shops have been replaced by Spanish-titled businesses.

Related Topics:
Al Capone - 1990s - Mexican - Central American - Czech - Bohemian

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Cicero has always had a reputation of government scandal. Most recently, Town President Betty Loren-Maltese was sent to federal prison for misappropriating funds. She was well-liked by retired, long-term Cicero residents, but was continually challenged by younger Hispanic opponents before her indictment.

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