The Latest Breaking News from Karen Yarbrough

Pilsen couple become first Cook County newlyweds of 2024

They met waiting for a CTA bus headed for Navy Pier six years ago and beat out over 200 other couples to receive Cook County’s first marriage license of the new year.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 2, 2024

With little fanfare, Shakman era ends as Cook County clerk’s office is released from court oversight of hiring

Lawyer Michael Shakman filed suit 54 years ago to end the practice of political patronage in hiring by state, county and local governments throughout Illinois.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 6, 2023

Don’t weaken enforcement of anti-patronage Shakman decrees

Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough’s office might emerge from under anti-patronage hiring monitoring, even though critics say the office does not meet good-government standards.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 6, 2023

Democrat Yarbrough and Republican Peraica look to history in clerk’s race — and rehash a little along the way

The next clerk will serve as the chief election authority for more than 125 municipalities in suburban Cook County, as well as administer all the county’s vital records. That might sound a tad dry, but the two rivals and their aides also exchange charges of political misconduct and shenanigans.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 2, 2022

Over 100 early voting sites now open in Chicago, Cook County

All early voting locations in Chicago will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. All locations in Chicago and the suburbs allow voters to drop off mail-in ballots, as well.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 24, 2022

Cook County clerk opens monthly help desk for county records questions

Pilot program brings in legal aid attorneys to help residents with tasks such as recording transfers and liens, preventing fraud.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 19, 2022

Wanted: Election workers for Cook County

Thousands of workers are needed to fill vacancies in the suburbs.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 22, 2022

Apartment building blast injures 8; COPA video shows police shooting in Pilsen and more in your Chicago news roundup

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 20, 2022

Facing ‘potential crisis,’ Cook County recruits veterans to serve as election judges: ‘We need you’

With seven weeks to go before Election Day, county officials have about 4,350 people lined up to work at suburban polling places, but they need at least 7,000 “to adequately cover” all of them.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 20, 2022

Suburban Cook County voters to use new ‘intuitive’ devices to streamline check-in process

The Cook County Clerk’s office purchased 4,500 new devices voters will use to check in at suburban polling locations. According to officials, the digital system will eliminate the need for bulky paper ledgers of voters.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 2, 2022