Pricey race pits Dold vs. Schneider

It isn’t too tough to get U.S. Rep. Bob Dold going. Just ask the 10th Congressional District Republican representing the North Shore whether he’s affiliated with the Tea Party, as his opponent, Brad Schneider, a Democrat, has repeatedly said in mailings throughout the district. Dold …

Steady voter turnout in Lake County

Election officials at Lake County polling places reported steady voter turnout for Tuesday’s primary election. At the Lake County Central Permit Facility -- which includes Libertyville precincts 171, 172 and 176 -- 325 people had voted as of 12:15 p.m., according to polling site manager …

10th District Dem contenders spell out where they stand

CAMPAIGN 2012: Four Democratic contenders are on the ballot for the redrawn 10th Congressional District with hopes of defeating incumbent U.S. Rep. Robert Dold, R- Kenilworth, who has represented the district in Washington, D.C. since 2011.

Four Democratic contenders in 10th District spell out positions

Four Democratic contenders are on the ballot for the redrawn 10th Congressional District with hopes of defeating incumbent U.S. Rep. Robert Dold, (R-10th) of Kenilworth, who has represented the district in Washington D.C. since 2011. Campaigning heavily for months in hopes of becoming the Democratic …

10th District candidates debate college affordability, taxes

An audience jam-packed mostly with teens welcomed three of the four Democratic candidates in the 10th Congressional District race Feb. 22 at Stevenson High School. Stevenson’s Political Action Club teamed up with students from the Mikva Challenge, a civics-minded group in Cook County, to organize …

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.

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.

Blago lawyers seek new trial, allege jury foreperson broke court rules

Defense attorneys for convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich are asking a federal judge for an emergency hearing to find out if the jury foreperson broke court rules and improperly has a copy of her own questionnaire.

If so, Blagojevich deserves a new trial, his defense …

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.

Sente supports traffic safety efforts

Focusing on traffic safety this holiday season, state Rep. Carol Sente (D-59th) has commended law enforcement on their efforts to combat drunken driving while she continues to seek ways to keep roadways safe. In its fifth annual Report to the Nation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving …