West Cook News

From Prairie State Wire

Pro-economic liberty group launches campaign against soaring Illinois property taxes

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Supporting a proposal to cut Illinois property taxes in half and a slate of political candidates who would help make that happen is part of Liberty Principles PAC's recently announced "Save Your Home" campaign.

From Prairie State Wire

People in prime working age are fleeing Illinois, think tank reports

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Not only is Illinois' overall population in deep decline, the number of people in prime working age also is going down in the state, a Chicago-based Conservative think tank said in a recent report.

Paralympian from La Grange has golden moment in South Korea

By Karen Kidd | Mar 20, 2018

Team USA's stunning victory over Canada in the Paralympic Sled Hockey gold medal round earlier this week is still a bit overwhelming for La Grange resident Josh Misiewicz, the U.S. Marine Corp veteran said shortly after medaling for the first time.

Youth sports board member says bill banning tackle football focuses on wrong issues

By Karen Kidd | Mar 7, 2018

There are issues larger than age in youth football that aren't getting much attention in a state House drive to ban organized tackle teams for all players younger than 12, a sport and cheer organization board member said during a recent interview

From Prairie State Wire

Better Government Association says Obama didn't say fathers in the home is a solution to gun violence -- but he did

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Sometimes the fact-checker needs a good fact-checking.

Berkeley should change public notice procedures for property use changes, area resident says

By Karen Kidd | Jan 18, 2018

Berkeley needs to do a better job of informing village residents when a change in property use is being considered by the Village Board, a resident who opposed plans to for apartments at on St. Charles Road said during a recent interview.

Fenwick school administrator gives high marks to schools bill so far

By Karen Kidd | Oct 31, 2017

The school funding bill that became law in September after a tumultuous time in the state's General Assembly is working out to be a good thing, a Fenwick High School official told West Cook News recently.

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 18, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said.

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.

Only attorneys, doctors and politicians benefit from Illinois' Workers' Compensation system, Cook County businessman says

By Karen Kidd | Dec 12, 2016

The workers' compensation system in Illinois benefits attorneys, doctors and politicians but not workers, employers and insurance companies, a Cook County businessman and officer in a large industry political action committee said during a recent radio show interview.

Illinois taxpayers must demand that legislators reform pension system, analyst says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

Illinois taxpayers need to send a clear message to the General Assembly to work with the governor and tackle the state's trillions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, the president of a government advisory group said during a recent radio interview.

If Illinois Dems win big, they risk owning way more than just victory

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

While online campaigning and phone polling are changing the way elections happen, Democrats in Springfield may find themselves in an unfamiliar position if they should win a super-majority next week, a Chicago-area political reporter said during a radio interview.

Oak Park/River Forest group: Opposition to $45 million pool plan growing

By Karen Kidd | Oct 18, 2016

With only a few weeks remaining before Oak Park and River Forest residents decide whether they will spend $44.5 million on a new swimming pool, those opposing the project are optimistic they will prevail, a spokeswoman said.

Leef: Decrepit Harlem Avenue viaduct a victim of gerrymandering

By Karen Kidd | Aug 26, 2016

The poor condition of the Harlem Avenue viaduct, the subject of yet another attempt at a government grant -- this one for almost $21 million -- is the result of gerrymandering, the Republican candidate for Illinois' 7th Congressional District seat said during a recent interview.

Judge rules against effort to keep Leef off of November ballot

By Karen Kidd | Aug 16, 2016

The congressional bid of a River Forest physician received a boost recently from a federal judge's decision that Chicago's Board of Elections couldn't keep him off of the November ballot.