West Cook News

Collecting outdated parking ticket fees largely symbolic move, Cook County GOP chair says

By Robert Hadley | Aug 9, 2019

As the state faces massive deficits, some Illinois counties are turning to unpaid parking tickets from as long as three decades ago to offset their own budget shortfalls and dwindling state support.

Rep. Durkin's summer reading challenge aims to reverse 'summer slide'

By Robert Hadley | Jul 5, 2019

Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) is hoping to combat the learning loss known as “summer slide” with an innovative reading program for children.

From South Cook News

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

By Robert Hadley | 6 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.

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.

Reason for Two Brothers Closure unclear

By Robert Hadley | Nov 18, 2018

Two Brothers Social Tap Restaurant, at 100 S. Marion St. in Oak Park, abruptly closed in September after only a year and a half in business at that location.

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.

From Chicago City Wire

Support grows for prohibiting lawmakers' side work as property tax attorneys

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

If the process of assessing Chicago property taxes is “opaque,” as the Illinois Policy Institute states, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: allowing aldermen to serve as property tax attorneys may be a conflict of interest.

From Chicago City Wire

Madigan funding ensures key votes, Illinois Policy Institute reports

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

House Speaker Mike Madigan has provided a combined $15 million in funding to dozens of state representatives currently holding office, the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) reports.

From Chicago City Wire

Tickets available to Kyle Schwarber's charity block party Aug. 26

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

Grilled meats, signature cocktails and a charity auction are highlights of Kyle Schwarber’s Second Annual Block Party to honor the city’s first responders.

From Prairie State Wire

Moving survey shows outmigration up in Illinois

By Robert Hadley | 6 years ago

Illinois ranks fourth nationwide in terms of outmigration, according to recent data from Stevens Worldwide Van Lines.

From Prairie State Wire

Liberty Justice Center attorney says practical, ideological reasons led to SCOTUS decision on union fees

By Robert Hadley | 7 years ago

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling this weak overturning a decades-old decision allowing unions to charge non-members for lobbying seems to belong a world away, ideologically, from the one in 1977 that said such fees were constitutional.

Despite his own alleged domestic abuse record, Welch accuses Trump of hating women

By Robert Hadley | Jun 1, 2018

State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Westchester) is being called out for apparent hypocrisy after posting a tweet accusing President Donald Trump of hating women when his own background includes a domestic violence charge.

From Chicago City Wire

Hosty: GOP unity is needed for November election victories

By Robert Hadley | 7 years ago

After his recent victory over Carol Smith Donovan for a seat on the Illinois Republican Central Committee, newcomer Mark Hosty had some conciliatory words for his fellow Republicans.

Lyons Township trustee says property tax freeze should be a local, not state, issue

By Robert Hadley | Nov 28, 2017

Although Lyons Township has had its own property tax freeze for six years – and will again in 2018, Lyons Township Board member and Finance Chairman Thomas Garrette Jr. said he understands why the township officials organization raised concerns about the proposed freeze.

Schaumburg Township supervisor cautions against across-the-board tax cuts as push for state tax freeze fades

By Robert Hadley | Nov 24, 2017

In an interview with West Cook News, Schaumburg Township Supervisor Mary Wroblewski acknowledged the need for lower taxes, but cautioned against across-the-board tax cuts.