Latest News from North Cook News

Madigan rep says Democratic gubernatorial candidates toe the line on tax increase

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jun 1, 2017

All of the Democrats hoping to unseat Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018 are backing Speaker of the House Michael Madigan's budget goal of raising taxes rather than enacting reforms, a Madigan spokesman told the Chicago Tribune recently.

Two students teach Morrison a few things on Tech Day

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 29, 2017

They might not be constituents yet, but a couple of middle-school students had their say with Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) when they stopped in the capital recently.

Martwick nixes his own bill rather than face Pritzker wrath, GOP contends

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 28, 2017

Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Jefferson Park) stepped on some toes in expensive shoes recently, and now he has to step back, the Illinois GOP suggests in a press release.

Rauner says end run around Madigan only way forward for Illinois

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 26, 2017

The buckling stops here, Gov. Bruce Rauner said during a call-in radio show recently.

Watchdogs: Who's Joe, and why did Mautino pay him $12,487?

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 26, 2017

As a state lawmaker, Frank Mautino paid nearly $12,500 in campaign fund cash to a man named Joe without keeping any supporting receipts, according to a government oversight group.

Tax analyst: Illinoisans crushed under weight of sales, income, property taxes

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 25, 2017

Add Teaser hereIllinoisans pay more in total taxes than anyone else in the nation, so any thoughts about adding to that burden need to be forgotten, a tax analyst argued recently.

Niles residents urged to paint the town red (and blue) for first responders

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 22, 2017

Niles Township residents are being encouraged to show their support for the township’s first responders through visual displays and kind gestures via an initiative from the Niles Township Regular Republican Organization (NTRRO).

Small businesses have big role to play in saving Illinois, Rauner says on tour

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 18, 2017

Illinois can't grow unless its small businesses grow, Gov. Bruce Rauner told owners and employees of several of the state's 1 million such businesses on a brief tour recently.

Group, resident ask how 'bankrupt' mayor of Wheeling paid off mortgage

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 14, 2017

Wheeling resident Deborah Wilson has asked the village council to investigate how former Mayor Dean Argiris paid off his house and its connection to a gift of public property to a developer, a government oversight group reported.

GOP suggests Biss borrows Madigan's knife to stab him in the back

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 12, 2017

Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) slaps Speaker of the House Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) with one hand and reaches into his pocket with another, according to a recent Illinois Republican Party press release.

War hero, ex-CIA boss Petraeus to speak at Chicago fundraiser

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 5, 2017

Ret. Gen. David Petraeus, perhaps best known for leading the American military efforts in Iraq under Presdent George W. Bush, will provide the keynote address at the 6th Annual Navy Seal Foundation's "Chicago Evening of Tribute," a fundraising event that supports Naval Special Warfare (NSW) families.

Civil Rights figure, author coming to New Trier school

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 3, 2017

Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Andrew Aydin, coauthors of the March trilogy of graphic novels on the Civil Rights Movement, will speak at New Trier High School on May 8 in an event presented by the high school district and the Family Action Network (FAN).

Condoleezza Rice to discuss democracy at New Trier event

By Caitlin Nordahl | May 2, 2017

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will discuss the challenges democracy has faced over the years during a visit to New Trier High School on May 16.

Prevailing wage, workers' comp said to raise costs, hurt minorities

By Caitlin Nordahl | Apr 30, 2017

Illinois' prevailing wage and workers’ compensation laws lead to drastically increased costs for public works projects and competitive disadvantages for minority workers, according to Michael Lucci, vice president of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute.