Susan Kuczka

Chicago Park District officials said high lake water temperatures and windless days likely contributed to high bacteria levels that forced them to ban swimming at all the city's beaches Monday....

Highland Park City Councilman Michael D. Belsky said this week that he plans to run for mayor next year, making him the second announced candidate in a contest still nearly...

City Council member Steve W. Mandel this week became the first candidate in next year's mayoral race, saying he would focus his administration on community preservation, reduction of the tax...

The Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of a Richmond woman who said the state unfairly tried to ban her from practicing midwifery after she was charged...

With the pressure rising in a tight, three-way Democratic governor's race, Rod Blagojevich on Sunday ridiculed one of his opponents as an arrogant "Buddha" and "sultan," while saying the other...

Seizing on the licenses-for-bribes scandal that funneled tainted cash into Gov. George Ryan's campaign for governor, the six candidates vying to replace him have elevated ethics and campaign finance reform...

As a teacher shortage looms and the achievement gap widens between wealthy and poor school districts, no issue confronting candidates for governor draws more sustained rhetoric or more varied responses...

It's hard to get seven political candidates to agree on anything, but the Republicans and Democrats running for governor in the March primary are of one mind when it comes...

In response to complaints that mail deliveries are being delayed after the anthrax scares, the Lake County Treasurer's Office is setting up a special collection station in Vernon Hills for...