Schneider settles into new office

Democrat Brad Schneider officially became the 10th U.S. House Representative last week, promising to be an advocate for small business and saying he expected to tackle difficult economic issues in the coming weeks. The Deerfield businessman and management consultant, who won a narrow victory last …

County commissioners give preliminary OK to new district map

A proposed map redrawing boundaries for the Cook County Board of Commissioners districts received overwhelming preliminary approval Friday. Fifteen of the 17 commissioners signed off on the plan, which is slated for a final vote Tuesday. The lone dissenting vote came from Commissioner Earlean Collins …

Sen. Kirk’s brain swelling subsides; doctors reattach skull section

Doctors on Tuesday reattached a 4-inch by 8-inch piece of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk’s skull that was removed to ease swelling in his brain following his Jan. 21 stroke.

Sen. Kirk upgraded to ‘good’ condition, watched Super Bowl

Sen. Mark Kirk’s condition has been upgraded from “fair” to “good.”

Doctors hope to be able to re-attach the 8-inch-by-4-inch section of his skull that had to be removed after he suffered a stroke two weeks ago.

Then the Highland Park Republican can begin physical …

Gov. Quinn signs bill to allow speed cameras near schools, parks

Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday ended months of deliberation and signed into law a measure allowing Chicago to install speed-enforcement cameras near schools and parks.

Quinn’s State of State address gets cool reception from legislators

Touting a jobs platform, Gov. Pat Quinn pushed modest tax relief for families and businesses that hire veterans, Medicaid and pension reforms, and more spending on college grants in a spartan State of the State speech Wednesday overshadowed by the gloom and doom of Illinois’ crushing financial condition.

Former Survivor member sues Gingrich for using ‘Eye of Tiger’

A founding member of the rock band Survivor says Newt Gingrich is using the band’s biggest hit — “Eye of the Tiger” — without permission at campaign appearances, according to a federal copyright infringement lawsuit filed Monday.

Preckwinkle to meet with worried ministers about morgue mess

Chicago-area ministers want a voice in the planned overhaul of the troubled Cook County morgue and are asking to meet with board President Toni Preckwinkle. “If you don’t hold people’s feet to the fire, the problems don’t go away,” the Rev. Ira Acree said on …

Sen. Mark Kirk upgraded to fair condition

Sen. Mark Kirk has been upgraded to “fair” condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital a week after undergoing surgery for a stroke. “Senator Kirk’s recovery is continuing,” his neurosurgeon, Richard Fessler, said in a written statement. “He is alert, talking and responding well to questions.” Fessler …

Kirk undergoes more surgery to relieve brain swelling

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has undergone more surgery to relieve swelling in his brain following the stroke he suffered over the weekend.

Preckwinkle on county morgue mess: People will ‘lose their jobs’

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Thursday that the management of the county morgue will be overhauled and said some staffers will lose their jobs. The move comes in the wake of Chicago Sun-Times reports about bodies piling up at the West Side facility and workers complaining about unhealthy working conditions.

Smith drops out of 17th state House Dem race

Democrat and Evanston attorney Jeff Smith announced he will withdraw his candidacy today from the 17th state House district. Citing reasons, Smith said the district’s redrawing in May 2010 did not provide enough “time for a real primary discussion.” The Primary Election is March 20. …

Report: College Illinois! could need $1.6 billion bailout

Illinois’ financially tanking prepaid college tuition program could require a $1.6 billion bailout from the state to remain solvent during the next 25 years, a new study shows.

Toni Preckwinkle hits goals, ruffles feathers in County Board

She’s publicly criticized Gov. Pat Quinn, battled with the sheriff over budget cuts and even taken a jab at President Barack Obama’s signature health-care plan.

Filings begin for March primary, except for congressional candidates

Candidate filing for the March primary opened Monday and is supposed to end this coming Monday for all candidates. However, those seeking nomination for a congressional seat were given more time while a lawsuit challenging Illinois’ new redistricting map winds its way through court. A …