News

The courts ultimately will decide what happens to Illinois’ pension-reform law.  But, two and a half months before the overhaul is set to take effect, thousands of public university employees may soon face a choice: retire before July, or lose a substantial portion of their retirement income.

A northern Illinois school district worries it might not be able to make payroll next year. The comments follow a new report on the financial struggles facing many districts.

January unemployment rates fell in 11 of 12 metropolitan areas in Illinois. That's according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Nationally, the unemployment rate was 7.0 percent in January and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak.

The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons has committed $53.7 million in funding to the activation of Thomson Correctional Center in northwest Illinois.  The announcement comes from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17).

The logjam on gambling expansion in Illinois has gone on for years.  Now, a state legislator leading the negotiations says he's got a new, two-pronged approach. 

Representative Bob Rita's plan would require Illinois' share of new casino revenue go to education and funding construction projects.

Rita, D-Blue Island, says he's offering two ways to get to that point.

Option one: A Chicago only-casino.

Same-sex couples in DeKalb County don't have to wait until June 1st to get a marriage license. That was the decision approved by a judge today, and means couples can begin applying for licenses immediately.

Next week, Republican voters in the 75th Illinois House District will choose the person they want to represent them in the general election this fall. The choice comes down to the man who has attracted positive national attention during his half-year in office and a long-time county government leader. 

Statewide data shows Illinois public school districts are continuing to struggle financially. The Illinois Board of Education finds 532 districts (62 percent) using their reserves or borrowing. That's compared to 32.5 percent in 2008. The average score of district finances, based upon FY 2013 data, dropped below the highest financial ranking for the first time in five years.

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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host the National Archery in the Schools Program  Illinois State Tournament on Saturday, March 22 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. According to a news release from DNR, participation continues to grow as 873 archers from 32 schools have qualified to compete. The 2013 State Tournament drew about 700 archers; 400 students competed in 2012.

Qualifying schools include:

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is supporting a fellow state representative for re-election - who is also under indictment.

Chicago incumbent Derrick Smith has pleaded not guilty to taking a $7,000 bribe in exchange for supporting a grant.

After his indictment - his fellow House members voted to expel him.

But Smith was re-elected anyway.

Speaker Madigan - who also chairs the state Democratic Party -  has given money to Smith’s campaign, even though Madigan voted to kick him out.