West Cook News

New LaGrange restaurant Milkstop worries it won't keep its doors open due to COVID-19

By Kyla Asbury | May 25, 2020

A LaGrange restaurant that recently opened is struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal judge awards Chicago Teachers Union summary judgment in "fair share" fee case

By Kyla Asbury | May 9, 2020

A federal judge ruled that a Chicago teacher attempting to recover "fair share" union fees doesn't have a claim, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin reported.

Rep. Durkin wants General Assembly back in session to work on reopening Illinois

By Kyla Asbury | May 9, 2020

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) urged House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) to state lawmakers back to discuss the latest plan proposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

From Prairie State Wire

Republican lawmakers disappointed in governor's budget proposal

By Kyla Asbury | 5 years ago

Illinois Republicans were disappointed after hearing Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal last week

From Prairie State Wire

Bipartisan group of lawmakers, fair-mapping advocates speak out against gerrymandering

By Kyla Asbury | 5 years ago

A bipartisan group of legislators and policy watchdogs met Thursday to discuss their commitment to bringing fair district mapping to state and local politics throughout Illinois.

From Prairie State Wire

Republican leaders would have liked more from Pritzker's speech, but will run with 'spirit of collaboration'

By Kyla Asbury | 5 years ago

While House and Senate Republicans were critical of many aspects of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's State of the State address on Wednesday, most remain hopeful that he was sincere about bringing about a spirit of bipartisan collaboration.

From Prairie State Wire

Americans for Prosperity-Illinois urges passage of License to Work Act

By Kyla Asbury | 5 years ago

Americans for Prosperity-Illinois (AFP-IL) recently held a press conference to show its support for a senate bill that would end the practice of suspending state motorists' driver's licenses for non-driving offenses.

From Chicago City Wire

Cook County landlords to have limits imposed on criminal background checks of potential tenants

By Kyla Asbury | 5 years ago

The Cook County Board recently passed ordinances that would limit the practice of asking possible tenants about their criminal backgrounds.

From Prairie State Wire

Illinois Family Institute, others plan Pro-life Rally and Lobby Day on Wednesday

By Kyla Asbury | 6 years ago

The Illinois Family Institute is partnering with several other pro-life organizations to hold the Pro-life Rally and Lobby Day Wednesday at the state capitol.

Oak Park trustees nix McCarthy's annexation suggestion

By Kyla Asbury | Feb 14, 2019

The trustees of Oak Park do not want their village annexed by Chicago, as mayoral candidate Garry McCarthy suggested earlier this week.

Oak Park mayor against Chicago annexation proposal involving the village he loves

By Kyla Asbury | Feb 12, 2019

Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said the village enjoys its small government and does not want to be part of Chicago, a move Chicago mayoral candidate Garry McCarthy (D) has proposed.

New bill would help immigrants receive healthcare and other services, despite immigration status

By Kyla Asbury | Feb 12, 2019

A bill to keep at-risk families together and allow them to have access to healthcare and other services has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Bill to repeal English as state language sent to Rules Committee

By Kyla Asbury | Feb 12, 2019

A bill to repeal English as the official state language of Illinois was introduced in the House of Representatives on Feb. 1.

Resolution introduced to implement task force focused on youth media use

By Kyla Asbury | Feb 12, 2019

A resolution to implement a task force to study the media habits of youth in Illinois was introduced last month in the House of Representatives.

Bill introduced to teach media literacy in high schools

By Kyla Asbury | Feb 12, 2019

A bill that amends school code to allow for curricula involving "media literacy" to be taught in high schools was introduced in the House of Representatives on Feb. 1 by Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero).

From North Cook News

Cook County drinking water bill fails to override governor's veto

By Kyla Asbury | 6 years ago

The state Senate during the Nov. 27 House floor session failed to override Gov. Bruce Pauner's veto of a bill that would have created the Cook County Water Infrastructure Fund to help pay for water-system upgrades in the county.

From Prairie State Wire

Janus ruling changes union enrollment process

By Kyla Asbury | 6 years ago

A recent Supreme Court ruling reverses the way public employees now join unions.

From Prairie State Wire

Supreme Court's ruling means public sector employees now must opt into unions

By Kyla Asbury | 6 years ago

After the landmark decision in Janus v. AFSCME today, public sector employees no longer are required to opt out of unions they don't wish to participate in, but now must opt-in to become members.

From Prairie State Wire

Founder of Liberty Justice Center Hughes lauds Supreme Court's union decision

By Kyla Asbury | 6 years ago

The attorney for Mark Janus said a recent U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Janus vs. ASCME case is a giant win for constitutional freedoms and public sector employees nationwide.