North Cook News

Blame 'governing class' in Springfield for weak casino prospects, activist says

By Robert Hadley | Aug 29, 2019

Caught in the crossfire between the state’s nation-leading tax burden and this year’s new gaming expansion from Springfield is an unlikely victim: the gambling industry itself.

Sticker shock over gas tax hike should prompt questions about where the money will be spent, Palatine resident says

By Robert Hadley | Jul 12, 2019

In addition to the initial sticker shock of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 19-cents-a-gallon fuel tax hike, the tax will likely raise Illinois' overall cost of living as well, according to a Palatine resident.

From South Cook News

Coffee & Conversation session with Mayor Joe Marchese, Sen. John Curran, Rep. Jim Durkin set for July 10

By Robert Hadley | 5 years ago

A Coffee & Conversation session with Darien Mayor Joe Marchese and two members of the state legislature is scheduled at Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10.

Local volunteers honored by Serve Illinois

By Robert Hadley | May 3, 2019

Twenty-seven individuals and businesses received honors at an April 9 ceremony to recognize Illinois volunteers.

Teacher leaves Chicago union on principle, weak contract deal

By Robert Hadley | Mar 1, 2019

Unions often portray their collective bargaining work as a key selling point for membership, but one former member of the Chicago Teachers Union disagrees with that premise.

New bill would alter some state college trustee elections

By Robert Hadley | Feb 28, 2019

After failing to get traction on a proposal to make the Chicago Public Schools Board elected rather than appointed, Rep. Robert Martwick introduced a similar bill affecting the Chicago Community College Board.

Martwick's police pension bill awaiting personnel committee review

By Robert Hadley | Feb 28, 2019

A proposal by Rep. Robert Martwick (R-Chicago) that would let police officers count up to five years of work performed outside of Illinois toward their state pensions reached the Personnel & Pensions Committee on Jan. 29.

From DuPage Policy Journal

Morrison, Ives urge rebuilding GOP after Rauner confesses election apathy

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

A bombshell new report that soon-to-be ex-Gov. Bruce Rauner bailed out on his reelection campaign has some Republicans fuming.

Morrison's narrow win leaves him one of only two Republicans on Cook County Board

By Robert Hadley | Nov 14, 2018

Sean M. Morrison, 17th District member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, won re-election last week against his Democrat challenger, Abdelnasser Rashid.

Marilyn Smolenski: 'I'm proud of the race we ran'

By Robert Hadley | Nov 8, 2018

GOP House candidate Marilyn Smolenski thanked supporters on Facebook after her loss to incumbent Rep. Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines), by a 55-45 margin.

Khouri thanks supporters, credits her faith for helping her respond to election loss

By Robert Hadley | Nov 8, 2018

After Tuesday's loss to Karina Villa by a 53-47 margin, House District 49 candidate Tonia Khouri took to Facebook to express gratitude to supporters.

Bernas credits passionate volunteers with energizing her campaign

By Robert Hadley | Nov 8, 2018

Republican Jillian Bernas told supporters via a Facebook post that their enthusiasm had energized her campaign and kept her focused on a hard-fought election she lost to incumbent Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg).

From Prairie State Wire

Rauner concedes governor's race to Pritzker

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

Incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner conceded defeat Tuesday night as Democrat J.B. Pritzker claimed the governorship of Illinois, capturing 59 percent of the vote to Rauner’s 35 percent.

Khouri asks for voter support to fight 'Madigan Machine'

By Robert Hadley | Nov 3, 2018

Tonia Khouri, 49th District candidate for state House of Representatives, posted a new video on YouTube exposing the amount of money spent to try to re-elect her opponent, incumbent Karina Villa (D-West Chicago).

Smolenski says lower taxes, safety for women are neglected priorities in Springfield

By Robert Hadley | Nov 2, 2018

GOP state House candidate Marilyn Smolenski blames the status quo under House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) for hurting Illinois.

Smolenski points out Moylan's apparent deception about receiving Madigan money

By Robert Hadley | Nov 2, 2018

Marilyn Smolenski, a 55th District state House candidate, pointed out the apparent duplicity of state Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) in a recent press release.

Baumer says key to budget reform lies in prioritizing statewide needs

By Robert Hadley | Oct 24, 2018

In light of a recent bombshell report showing up to $100 million in annual state government waste, state House candidate Katy Dolan Baumer said the figure confirmed a long-held belief.

Jillian Rose Bernas: Tax hikes irresponsible in wake of Pritzker price tag report

By Robert Hadley | Oct 24, 2018

Jillian Rose Bernas, the Republican candidate for the 56th House seat, told the North Cook News that legislators should delay new spending until “their fiscal house is in order.”

From DuPage Policy Journal

Roskam speaks at opioid forum with U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Illinois), a co-sponsor of opioid legislation, spoke at two events on Monday with Surgeon General Jerome Adams, both aimed at addressing the opioid crisis.

Bernas vows to refuse House pension, ties 'lucrative system' to lack of reform

By Robert Hadley | Oct 19, 2018

Jillian Bernas, an Illinois House of Representatives candidate in District 56, announced on social media that she would not accept a taxpayer-funded pension if elected.