North Cook News

From Prairie State Wire

Illinois officials report 1,072 coronavirus deaths, with 25,733 confirmed cases

By Hoang Tran | 4 years ago

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois numbered 25,733 as of April 17, with the total number of deaths linked to the virus reaching 1,072, according to data from the state Department of Public Health (IDPH).Chicago (6,648 cases) and Cook County (4,767 cases) posted the highest numbers statewide.

Biela worries that Illinois pension system may be 'completely insolvent' in 10 years

By Hoang Tran | Jun 9, 2018

Republican state House candidate Amanda Biela worries how much longer the Illinois pension system can survive without major reforms.

Durkin gave compromise school funding bill a 'resounding yes'

By Hoang Tran | Sep 3, 2017

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) argued before passage of the state's education funding reform bill on Aug. 28 that it was what Illinois and its schoolchildren needed to move forward.

Cook County beverage tax not going down without a fight

By Hoang Tran | Aug 27, 2017

Cook County’s sweetened beverage tax has left behind a sour aftertaste in its first month.

Martwick rival describes him as out of touch with constituents

By Hoang Tran | Aug 27, 2017

Rep. Robert Martwick's (D-Chicago) failure to disclose $170,000 in income from his political consulting business illustrates how little he knows about the common person, Ammie Kessem suggested on a recent edition of "Illinois Rising."

Denouncing racism, Harris says diversity makes America great

By Hoang Tran | Aug 20, 2017

Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) had some choice words for racists and white supremacists during a recent House discussion: Take your twisted language, hate and ideology, and put it “where the sun don’t shine.”

Durkin says House mocked education needs with sham vote

By Hoang Tran | Aug 17, 2017

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) slammed Democratic House leadership for a meaningless exercise on Wednesday while schools throughout the state continue to wait for funding.

Rooney decries Democrats for wait and hurry up tactics on school funding

By Hoang Tran | Aug 14, 2017

Sen. Tom Rooney (R-Rolling Meadows) said on Sunday that he found it ironic that Senate Democrats are expressing concerns about state schools not opening on time after doing nothing with the state's K-12 funding bill since May.

No more free passes for Park Ridge park board members

By Hoang Tran | Aug 11, 2017

In a move likely to save taxpayers money, the Park Ridge Park District board voted in July to eliminate certain perks for its members.

Letting pension system fail described as tough love for Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

Mike “Mish” Shedlock, who runs the blog “MishTalk.com,” believes imposing more taxes on Illinoisans with the biggest pensions can solve the pension crisis.

Rauner shake-up follows in wake of perceived political defeat

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

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Rauner changes communication staff as part of rebranding

By Hoang Tran | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently added several key communication personnel to his team, further shaking up his staff following a major political defeat when the Illinois General Assembly overrode his vetoes on a budget and spending plan.

Minimum wage hike called bad for all involved

By Hoang Tran | Jul 16, 2017

Raising the minimum wage does no one in Illinois any good, Patrick Hughes, co-founder of Illinois Opportunity Project, argued recently.

Policy institute exec joins Rauner in crusade to save taxpayers

By Hoang Tran | Jul 10, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner is bringing in a "champion" to fight for Illinoisans.

Morrison laments budget that will keep "squeezing" Illinoisans

By Hoang Tran | Jul 7, 2017

Rep. Thomas Morrison (R-Palatine) voted against the new Illinois budget and against overriding Gen. Bruce Rauner's vetoes of it because the budget simply continues to squeeze Illinoisans rather than helping them, he said.

Veto override gives Illinois first budget in two years

By Hoang Tran | Jul 6, 2017

Illinois has its first budget in more than two years after the House voted on Thursday to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s vetoes of three contentious bills that made it through both chambers in a special extended session.

Statehouse on lockdown after mysterious white powder thrown at governor's office

By Hoang Tran | Jul 6, 2017

The Statehouse was on security lockdown early on Thursday after a substance was allegedly thrown at Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, as well as the lieutenant governor's office and the House gallery.

Senate rushes votes on budget bills

By Hoang Tran | Jul 4, 2017

On Independence Day, the Senate approved three bills that would increase taxes and provide $36 billion in spending for Illinois.

Income tax hike passes Illinois House

By Hoang Tran | Jul 2, 2017

The Illinois House passed a contentious and divisive tax revenue bill on Sunday vigorous debate and little Republican support.

Harris urges vote on appropriations bill that 'recognizes needs' of state

By Hoang Tran | Jun 30, 2017

Even a half-measure is better than nothing at this point, Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) suggested to fellow House members on Friday in urging a vote on Senate budget bill to provide essential funding to the state.