North Cook News

Roskam champions bill to limit IRS asset seizures

By Robert Hadley | Jun 11, 2018

Illinois corn and dairy farmer Calvin Taylor recalls the day in September 2011 that his wife, Debra, called him on his cellphone and told him that a crew of IRS agents were at their home, wanting to talk to him.

Roskam says House vote to cut CHIP spending hurts children

By Robert Hadley | Jun 11, 2018

Although the White House is lauding last week's passage of the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act, Sixth District U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) had good reason to vote against the measure.

Roskam hails Boeing for scuttling deal to sell Iran airplanes after Trump cancels nuclear accord

By Robert Hadley | Jun 8, 2018

Although the Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran opened world markets up to the Middle Eastern nation, at least one U.S. firm will not be selling the country any planes now that President Donald Trump has pulled the U.S. out of the deal.

Roskam launches podcast covering impact of policy on his district

By Robert Hadley | Jun 8, 2018

Ahead of the general election in November, U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) is launching “Stories from the Sixth,” a podcast that covers how his work impacts his constituents in the state’s Sixth District.

GOP committee member says grassroots involvement is key to November gubernatorial win

By Robert Hadley | Jun 5, 2018

As this fall’s general election approaches, incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner is facing stiff competition from Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker, and at least one member of the Republican State Central Committee is being vocal about uniting the party.

Greek organization says state property tax exemption could cut housing bills $700 annually

By Robert Hadley | May 31, 2018

Unlike neighboring Indiana and several other states across the country, fraternities and sororities in Illinois are faced with rising property taxes, sometimes to the tune of an additional $700 a year in room and board costs for their members.

Thillens eyes new projects as incoming Park Ridge Park District board president

By Robert Hadley | May 18, 2018

In assuming his new role as president of the Park Ridge Park District, Mel Thillens will join a board that shares his belief that progressive tax reform has no place in the community's property taxes.

Thillens taking over as Park Ridge parks board president

By Robert Hadley | May 10, 2018

Mel Thillens, the GOP candidate who lost his bid in 2016 in the 28th Senate District, recently was elected president of the Park Ridge Park District Board.

Bernas says progressive tax hike wrong for Illinois

By Robert Hadley | May 10, 2018

Whether a so-called progressive tax reform bill that would end Illinois’ flat income tax is a good idea depends on whom you ask – or when you ask them.

Mussman reportedly dismisses constituents' concerns with progressive tax proposal

By Robert Hadley | May 8, 2018

The debate over whether to use higher taxes to cope with Illinois’ budget woes recently took a turn when citizens petitioning their state representative for lower taxes were dismissed with a simple change in terminology.

From Lake County Gazette

Davie questions incumbent senator's support of Madigan

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

It may be business as usual in Springfield now that House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) has won re-election as Illinois Democratic Party chairman, but at least one Republican is questioning the move.

Villivalam upsets Silverstein in wake of scandal

By Robert Hadley | Mar 21, 2018

According to late returns from Tuesday's primary election, incumbent state Rep. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) lost his 8th district seat to newcomer Ram Villivalam.

Morrison backs Ives, urges high voter turnout in today’s primary

By Robert Hadley | Mar 20, 2018

Comparing Illinois gubernatorial primary candidate Jeanne Ives to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher could seem like a grandstanding political move -- unless you’re state Rep. Thomas R. Morrison (R-Palatine) and it happens to be time for the 2018 GOP primary.

Glenview parks president says bond measure to fund 'niche projects' is unfair

By Robert Hadley | Mar 7, 2018

Should public money support niche projects that only a handful of taxpayers will use or benefit from? That question was at the center of a recent debate among Glenview Park District Board members regarding placing a $17 million bond issue referendum question on the March 20 primary ballot.

Evanston's Nichols Middle School draws national attention with race-based teacher training

By Robert Hadley | Jan 15, 2018

There’s a new lesson being taught at Nichols Middle School in Evanston, but this time it’s for teachers.

Palatine board's vote to hire meeting referee may signal dysfunction, expert says

By Robert Hadley | Dec 28, 2017

The recent news that the Palatine Township board was considering hiring an outside party to help run its meetings has led to speculation about what circumstances may lead to this unusual step.

Illinois GOP criticizes Pritzker for silence on Berrios 'corruption' allegations

By Robert Hadley | Dec 28, 2017

Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker is under fire from Republican leaders in Illinois for his silence during a scandal surrounding Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios.

Watchdog group encourages budget collaboration between Cook County and Chicago

By Robert Hadley | Dec 14, 2017

If the city of Chicago and Cook County need a way to help alleviate their budget concerns, they should explore their past and rekindle a joint relationship, according to an article on the Better Government Association (BGA) website.

Itasca offers seminar on post-parental care of disabled child

By Robert Hadley | Oct 27, 2017

Nancy Spain will offer insight into planning for the future care of a disabled child at a Nov. 14 seminar sponsored by the Itasca Bank & Trust Co., according to a press release.

Advocacy group takes credit for resignation of 'tax traitor' Harris

By Robert Hadley | Oct 7, 2017

Taxpayers United for America says you're welcome, Illinois.