Latest News from Chicago City Wire

CHANGE Illinois' leader urges fair map boundaries, laments ‘status quo’

By Carol Ostrow | Jun 28, 2016

CHANGE Illinois’ executive director Ra Joy, with a track record of building consensus, recently stated that political players have failed to initiate districting reforms, citing multiple attempts by progressive organizations to balance the state’s boundaries.

Rauner tags Democrats for budget failure, cites workers’ comp reform

By Carol Ostrow | Jun 28, 2016

With days to go before Illinois enters the next fiscal year without a budget in place, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently took Democrats to task in Springfield, scolding the party for dragging its feet on compromise.

State treasurer reports budget impasse has adverse impact on needy

By Carol Ostrow | Jun 24, 2016

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs divulged recently that the state suffered $31.2 million in missed revenue opportunities in the year’s first quarter following the state’s epic budget impasse, with his office forced into difficult choices.

West Chicago Police commemorate fallen officer with 5k race

By Carol Ostrow | Jun 21, 2016

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 85 and West Chicago’s Park District joined recently in a tribute to Michael Browning, whose passing 24 years ago was memorialized by a scholarship and street bearing his name.

Kirk demands answers to roach infestation at Hines VA hospital

By Carol Ostrow | Jun 21, 2016

Through keen and covert observation, a suburban Chicago Veteran Affairs hospital has been identified as a refuge for roaches, inciting Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) to insist on answers to allegations of unsanitary conditions.

Mayor’s office alerts vendors to new tobacco law

By Carol Ostrow | Jun 15, 2016

Warning retailers of the citywide ban on selling tobacco products to consumers under 21 that takes effect July 1, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issued a reminder this week.

Artéculture to arrive in West Chicago during annual garden fest

By Carol Ostrow | May 19, 2016

Pop-up installations in varying media will surface May 21 at the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission’s Artéculture event, now accepting two-dimensional entries, sculpture and crafts for the one-day show planned at 103 West Washington Street.