Illinois lawmakers are considering a multibillion-dollar tax hike that the Illinois Policy Institute says may worsen the state’s already weakened economy.

Gov. Bruce Rauner signaled he is ready to jump on board with several parts of the proposed "grand bargain," yet remains staunchly opposed to other elements of it.

Highland Park Housing Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1.

Algonquin-Lake In The Hills Fire Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 2.

Barrington Architectural Review Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 1.

Howard Simpson, (271-0 Market Square, Lake Forest), donated $5,000 to Vernon Hills's Citizens to Elect Aaron Lawlor on Nov. 3, 2016.

The state of Illinois is losing people faster than any other state in the Midwest.

Mettawa Board of Trustees discusses maintenance and capital improvement items for 2017-18 budget at its meeting last week.

William D. Smithburg, (676 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago), donated $1,000 to Barrington's David McSweeney for State Representative on Nov. 5, 2016.

Highwood Appearance Review Committee reviews proposed signs for two businesses at its meeting earlier this week.

Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation discusses 15th anniversary celebration with Puerto Vallarta at its meeting on Monday.

Gerald Bockwinkel, (1520 Daybreak Drive, Libertyville), donated $2,500 to Chicago's Citizens for Alderman Reilly on Jan. 22, 2016.

Hainesville Committee of the Whole hears reports on finance, administration and public safety at a recent meeting.

Vince & Peggy Sparrow, (1249 Inverleith, Lake Forest), donated $250 to Lake Forest's Lake Forest Caucus on Feb. 3, 2016.

If Todd Parola thought the baseball season couldn't get any better, he was wrong. After leading the Mundelein Mustangs to their best finish in school history, Parola was named 4A Coach of the Year by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Shona Moeller is all about building character and keeping the universe at peace.  

Louis Stone, a 10-year resident of West Deerfield Township and candidate for trustee, vows if elected, he will re-invest funds back into the community and its citizens, provide transparency, and better use township services.  

Barrington Board of Trustees votes on land purchase for temporary construction easement at its meeting earlier this week.

Barrington Committee of the Whole reviews purchase order for three vehicles at a recent meeting.

Highwood City Council approves bids for electrical supply agreement at a recent meeting.