West Cook News

From Prairie State Wire

Former Illinois LIG says ethics commission 'squashed' her findings of 'wrongdoing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | 2 months ago

Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter is speaking out about the Legislative Ethics Commission’s effort to squash her reports on “wrongdoing.”

From DuPage Policy Journal

Cook County resident elected to Illinois Republican State Central Committee

By Vimbai Chikomo | 2 months ago

The vacancy left on the Illinois Republican State Central Committee by the resignation of former State Central Committeeman Ryan Higgins has been filled by Cook County Resident Nimish Jani, who will be representing the 8th Congressional District.

Western Springs SD 101 superintendent: Budget cuts under SB 1 would be problematic for district

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 28, 2017

Senate Bill 1, a bill that would affect school funding, passed the Illinois Senate last week. According to an analysis by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) obtained by West Cook News, 26 West Cook County schools would lose some of their funding, while 12 schools would see an increase.

Batinick: AFSCME members authorizing a strike is 'disappointing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 7, 2017

When the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) scheduled a strike vote earlier this year, many viewed the move as another tactic orchestrated by the union to prevent Gov. Bruce Rauner from imposing his last, best offer.

Chicago, Cook County GOP officials allege Dems infiltrating party in federal lawsuit

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jun 27, 2016

The Republican Party chapters in Chicago and Cook County, Illinois have filed a federal lawsuit alleging Democrats violated a new bylaw and have infiltrated their party in an effort to claim Republican spots on the ballot for the general election in November.

As Illinois legislators set longevity marks, candidate makes one-term vow

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jun 6, 2016

Several Illinois incumbents have made it to the list of longest-serving politicians in the state’s history, a distinction that U.S. congressional candidate Jeffrey Leef vows never to earn.

GOP hopeful joins effort to reform state's infamous gerrymandering tradition

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 30, 2016

States are required to draw new legislative districts every 10 years, and although it is against the law, whichever party is in control of the state legislature in a redistricting year can gerrymander the districts to benefit that particular party, which has proven to be a habitual tendency for Illinois.

Rep. Jeanne Ives wants legislators held accountable for vote on financial aid for undocumented students

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 26, 2016

A highly controversial bill that would allow public universities in Illinois to extend state-funded financial aid to undocumented students is making its way through the General Assembly, but state Rep. Jeanne M. Ives (R-Wheaton) doesn’t believe taxpayers should be on the hook for providing assistance to students residing in the state illegally.

As national pharmacy group lobbies for Lipinski-backed bill, critics say measure would raise drug prices

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 24, 2016

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) is holding its Congressional Pharmacy Summit today in Washington D.C. to lobby members of Congress on its legislative agenda, particularly House Resolution 793,  -- a measure that has drawn a lot of criticism from opponents such as Citizens Against Government Waste and the National Center for Policy Analysis. 

Candidate: How to fix Chicago schools? More competition, less union money

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 23, 2016

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has been plagued by reports of corruption, money problems and poor student performance, and knowing the important role education plays in determining the trajectory of a person’s life, a conservative candidate points out just how paramount fixing the broken education system is.

7th Dist. U.S. House GOP hopeful vows to donate big chunk of salary to charity

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 16, 2016

Dr. Jeffrey Leef, a GOP candidate for Illinois’ Seventh District congressional seat, is so determined to make a difference as a public official that he plans to donate a large portion of his salary from Congress to charity if elected.

Maywood fire captain's donation to state senator under scrutiny

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 9, 2016

Questions are swirling around Maywood Fire Capt. Denard Wade’s generous donation to state Sen. Kim Lightford (D-Dist. 4) last year.

GOP lawmakers send third letter to Auditor General demanding answers on questionable campaign spending

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 7, 2016

Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly have tried once again to get answers from Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino regarding his campaign spending while serving in the House.

Proposal for per-mile tax on Illinois drivers creates challenges

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 29, 2016

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton’s proposal to tax Illinois drivers based on road usage may generate more revenue to maintain the state’s roads, but such a complex task may prove immensely difficult to implement and sustain.

River Forest radiologist challenging Democrat Davis for U.S. House seat

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 28, 2016

A University of Chicago radiologist recently announced his GOP candidacy for Illinois’ Seventh District congressional seat.

Critics view DePaul arena deal as slam dunk for college, but not taxpayers

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 7, 2016

Since signing a deal to contribute over $80 million towards a publicly funded basketball arena, McCormick Place Events Center, DePaul University has set itself up to gain a lot more than just the $200 million value of the arena.

Harsh criticism has plagued Welch for years, despite accolades

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 8, 2016

Many were critical of Illinois House Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch even before the former Proviso Township High School District board president took office in 2013 to represent the 7th District.

Harris said he, unlike Welch, would not be under Madigan's thumb

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 2, 2016

Dist. 7 Democratic state House candidate Chris Harris has been very vocal in calling out State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch for his actions as president of the Proviso High School District 209 school board.

Chicago Tribune 'strongly' endorses Harris in Dist. 7 state House race

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 2, 2016

The Chicago Tribune has endorsed House Dist. 7 candidate Chris Harris in his run against incumbent Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “The Tribune suggested that Welch was sending out smear mailings because he “must be worried about his opponent.”

Democratic Dist. 7 House candidate slams rival's school-board record

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 26, 2016

Chris Harris, Democratic House candidate for District 7, is heavily criticizing State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch for his actions as president of the Proviso High School District 209 school board, and said people like Welch are “vampires” and “detrimental to our schools.”