Carol Ostrow | West Cook News

St. Luke student's historical film advances to national competition

By Carol Ostrow | May 16, 2018

Going above and beyond the typical eighth-grade social studies project requirements at St. Luke Parish School, student Patrick Hicks recently created an award-winning documentary, "Taking Illinois into the New Age: The Sixth Illinois Constitutional Convention."

St. Luke's boys basketball squad ranks No. 1 in 2 leagues

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 20, 2018

Under the leadership of head coach Nelson Ameer and assistants Matt Hickey and John Gattone, the fifth-grade boys basketball team at St. Luke Parish School in River Forest recently completed the season in first place.

More Madigan-generated woes expected for Illinois, editorial board says

By Carol Ostrow | Apr 4, 2017

Even as Gov. Bruce Rauner continues to strive toward a potential state budget solution, House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) “delays and offers nothing,” the Chicago Tribune recently reported while continuing its coverage of Illinois’ hemorrhaging finances.

St. Joe's alum Rakocevic leads USC to NCAA comeback win

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 16, 2017

The University of Southern California's (USC) overcame a 17-point deficit in the second half on Wednesday to beat Providence 75-71 in the NCAA tournament after freshman center and St. Joseph High School alumnus Nick Rakocevic sparked an 11-2 run.

State lawmakers accused of pay raise by committee

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 14, 2017

Illinois lawmakers are using a seemingly surreptitious way to give themselves pay raises: creating new and useless committees for which they are automatically paid an extra $10,326 as chairmen, a Chicago-based think tank is arguing.

Cook County issues tax incentives to spur growth

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 6, 2017

From cleaning to construction, regional enterprises from various industries spanning seven jurisdictions have gained approval from Cook County commissioners to sustain jobs through redevelopment incentives, the county government announced recently.

Cook County issues $1.1 million in community group grants

By Carol Ostrow | Dec 21, 2016

In alignment with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s anti-violence vision, the jurisdiction’s Justice Advisory Council (JAC) recently authorized nearly $1.1 million in grants to two dozen regional organizations meeting rigorous vetting standards.

Leef rebuts Martwick on corruption

By Carol Ostrow | Oct 26, 2016

Republican candidate for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District Dr. Jeffrey Leef, a University of Chicago radiologist, recently responded to the controversy swirling around state Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), lately a central figure in Illinois’ financial crisis.

Chicago metal syndicate renews national designation

By Carol Ostrow | Oct 14, 2016

Among one dozen U.S. communities earning re-designation status by the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP), the region’s Chicago Metro Metal Consortium (CMMC) recently gained continued certification from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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PMSA welcomes public Oct. 6

By Carol Ostrow | Oct 4, 2016

Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy (PMSA) will open its doors 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 to welcome prospective students for potential admission for the upcoming school year at its campus at 8601 W. Roosevelt Rd., Forest Park.

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Rauner tours manufacturing tech convention in Chicago

By Carol Ostrow | Sep 17, 2016

Touring the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in McCormick Place — America’s largest convention center — in downtown Chicago, Gov. Bruce Rauner visited half a dozen high-profile, Illinois-oriented companies’ exhibits during the week long event.

Proviso West counselor to receive ISBE Those Who Excel Award

By Carol Ostrow | Sep 10, 2016

When the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) honors this year’s most outstanding educators of the Those Who Excel Awards at a ceremony on Oct. 22, Kate Foster, a Proviso West High School college and career counselor, will be among those honored.

To view Leef's welfare-reform vision, look to Maine

By Carol Ostrow | Aug 26, 2016

Referencing both historical precedents and current national events, Dr. Jeffrey Leef, a radiologist at the University of Chicago and Republican candidate for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, recently spoke out on his vision for welfare reform.

Proviso District 209 Board to hold town halls during fall semester

By Carol Ostrow | Aug 19, 2016

Through a series of town hall meetings starting in September, the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education (BOE) and Superintendent Jesse Rodríguez will gather input from parents and others in the community on what they expect out of local schools.

Cook County gets grant to fund lead-paint removal from suburban homes

By Carol Ostrow | Aug 12, 2016

Cook County recently accepted a three-year, $2 million Lead Hazard Reduction Grant to remove lead-based paint from high-risk residences in outlying suburban areas in compliance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations.

Kirchoff: Any tax hikes must be tied to government reform

By Carol Ostrow | Aug 10, 2016

Republican Andy Kirchoff, running for the 24th District State House seat, recently revealed his positions on major issues affecting Illinois during the 2016 election year through a questionnaire-style interview.

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Moraine Valley among 15 Illinois community colleges hit by credit downgrades

By Carol Ostrow | Jul 26, 2016

Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills was recently downgraded by Moody’s Investors Service, along with 14 other Illinois community colleges, slipping from an Aaa to an Aa1 rating.

Preckwinkle names five nominees to fill CCHHS board vacancies

By Carol Ostrow | Jul 15, 2016

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle recently selected five nominees to the Cook County Health and Hospitals System’s (CCHHS) governing board to fill two vacancies and three expired terms, from a list compiled by a nominating committee.

Brookfield economic-development office wins 2016 Bike Commuter Challenge

By Carol Ostrow | Jul 14, 2016

Brookfield’s Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) recently won the 2016 Bike Commuter Challenge, sponsored by the Chicago-area Active Transportation Alliance, in its size category.

Cook County launches long-term transportation-infrastructure plan