Illinois Political News
Time to shatter the black suicide myth
The death of Don Cornelius, creator and host of "Soul Train," brought two conflicting memories to mind: the weekly joy of that iconic program as a defining feature of black American pop culture, and the terrible pain inflicted on the surviving family and friends of those who commit suicide.
Sunday February 5, 2012 6:00AM | chicagotribune.com
Politics and the cost of conscience
Two of the top news stories this past week have revolved around reproductive rights, though both raise far more troubling issues than a woman's right to contraception or abortion.
Sunday February 5, 2012 6:00AM | chicagotribune.com
Gingrich says he's staying in GOP race
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Defeated in the Nevada caucuses, Newt Gingrich brushed aside all talk of quitting the Republican presidential race and said he hopes a series of victories will enable him to catch up with front-runner Mitt Romney by
Sunday February 5, 2012 5:32AM | com
Voter registration drive tops political scene
-- There will be a voter registration drive from 4:30 to 9 p.m. today at Bier Stube, 417 15th St., Moline. For more information, call Democratic Rock Island County state's attorney candidate Jack Schwartz at (309) 793-4357.
Saturday February 4, 2012 4:23AM | com
Lauzen's experience right for Kane County
Letter to the Editor: Why any citizen of Kane County would not vote for Chris Lauzen in the upcoming primary election for Kane County Board Chairman is beyond me.
Saturday February 4, 2012 12:11AM | dailyherald.com
6th District Dems take Congress to task
The Democratic candidates for the 6th District dislike the partisan nature of Congress but are hard-pressed to think of current GOP policies they like
Friday February 3, 2012 11:59PM | dailyherald.com
Burns, Lauzen go at each other during interview
Kane County Board Chairman candidates Chris Lauzen and Kevin Burns get into several heated exchanges during their endorsement interview, spotlighting where they believe the true differences are in their approaches.
Friday February 3, 2012 11:27PM | dailyherald.com
Quinn, Preckwinkle team up on foreclosure program
The state of Illinois is teaming with Cook County on a trial program in which the government will purchase vacant foreclosed homes, renovate them and resell them to home buyers at low interest rates.
Friday February 3, 2012 10:11PM | chicagotribune.com
Friday music blogging - Alabama Shakes
* Alabama Shakes is now one of my favorite new bands, thanks to my buddy Anders Lindall. When he’s not flacking for AFSCME, Anders is a musical guru. With a soul that’ll make you think of Big Mama Thornton, the power of a Janis Joplin, the spirit of Robert Plant and the edge [...]
Friday February 3, 2012 9:03PM | com
Wisconsin leader carries gun on Assembly floor
The Republican lawmaker who presides over the Wisconsin state Assembly said Friday he's been carrying a concealed weapon during floor sessions.
Friday February 3, 2012 8:48PM | dailyherald.com
Lawmaker introduces social media password bill
An Illinois state representative from Chicago has introduced legislation in Springfield that would ban businesses from requiring job applicants to divulge their social media passwords.
Friday February 3, 2012 8:48PM | dailyherald.com
Quinn enters YouTube history
* As we’ll soon see, Gov. Pat Quinn took the “Cinnamon Challenge” today. Yeah, I had no idea what that was, either, until I Googled it. Oh, these kids today… The Cinnamon Challenge is a popular dare game in which a person attempts to swallow a tablespoon of cinnamon without vomiting or inhaling [...]
Friday February 3, 2012 7:08PM | com
Medicaid tussle
* Two Republican legislators held an angry press conference yesterday about a proposed Medicaid expansion for Cook County… Two Republican state lawmakers on Thursday said it would be hypocritical for Gov. Pat Quinn to seek expansion of a health insurance program for low-income adults in Cook County at a time Illinois faces billions in unpaid bills [...]
Friday February 3, 2012 5:35PM | com
Madigan primary opponent talks tire slashing
* I wrote about this candidate a couple of months ago. But there’s a bunch missing from this story… Michele Piszczor stood in her Southwest Side driveway, pointing to the rusted dent in her car’s driver-side door. To her, it’s a battle scar. Piszczor (pronounced PIZE-er) is running for office in Illinois’ March 20 primary, [...]
Friday February 3, 2012 4:03PM | com
Chrysler hiring 1,800 workers at Illinois factory
* The surprise announcement by Chrysler yesterday that it was hiring more workers than expected at the Chrysler plant was some of the most positive news the Rockford area has had in many a year. The region has had an unemployment rate above 10 percent for 37 straight months. During the height of the “Great [...]
Friday February 3, 2012 3:02PM | com
Curtain may drop on Lollapalooza's county tax break
Organizers will have to seek County Board's OK for annual waiver of amusement fee After years of a free ride courtesy of a clout-laden deal, Lollapalooza might have to start paying Cook County taxes.
Friday February 3, 2012 2:22PM | chicagotribune.com
Rise and shine, everybody!
* I literally woke up singing this song today. Yeah, I know, two “non serious” posts in a row. Having trouble getting motivated, so hang in there and sing with me... If it’s love that you’re running from There is no hiding place Just your problems, no one else’s problems You just have to face So, if you [...]
Friday February 3, 2012 2:11PM | com
Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a Statehouse roundup
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Friday February 3, 2012 8:28AM | com
Chicago nonprofit Operation Homelink is among first lady Michelle Obama's finalists for supporters of troops and families
— Operation Homelink, a Chicago nonprofit that gives computers to wounded soldiers and military families, is a finalist in a competition led by first lady Michelle Obama.
Friday February 3, 2012 6:00AM | chicagotribune.com
Bierman kicks off campaign for re-election
Rock Island County Circuit Clerk Lisa Bierman officially announced Thursday she is seeking re-election this year. Ms. Bierman faces Virgil Mayberry, of Rock Island, in the Democratic primary election on March 20.Ms. Bierman has been circuit clerk for
Friday February 3, 2012 12:43AM | com
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