Tagged: Illinois

• Korean shellfish considered “tainted
• “Biondo bill” is put on the shelf – for now
• Rockford Parks police vote yes for union
• Shimkus aide wins 13th District ballot spot
• Polish president honors governor, Guard members

The April unemployment rate in Illinois fell for the eighth consecutive month to reach8.7 percent, according to federal and state preliminary data released today.

The last time the unemployment rate was below 8.7 percent was February 2009, when it was 8.5 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

• Next Sheley trial postponed to September
• Illinois gets $150,000 of Skechers settlement
• Cities don’t want to fund teacher pensions
• Library begins offering e-readers
• Restoring child-care funds advances
• Cites gain in electricity savings
• Schilling makes good use of perk he slammed

Senate plan would eventually raise the state wage to $10.55. Critics say the plan would put a squeeze on business owners.