Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Thursday, May 10, 2012  The Illinois House voted Wednesday to eliminate a premium-free insurance perk for retired state workers, including university employees, judges and lawmakers.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011  Illinois' 44 regional superintendents are working through their fourth month without a single paycheck. That's because Governor Pat Quinn cut their funding without cutting their positions back in July.

Friday, February 26, 2010  The governor's budget office has estimated the state will be left with an $11.5 billion budget hole next year even after $2 billion in cuts.

Thursday, February 11, 2010  Madigan on Wednesday filed the legislation, which would amend the state Constitution to eliminate the post.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007  House Speaker Michael Madigan says he plans to hold public hearings in Chicago and Springfield to make sure Illinoisans understand the capital bill pending in the House.

Thursday, August 23, 2007  The Illinois governor's approval Thursday of a state budget put the state's check-writers on overtime and legislative leaders scratching their heads.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007  Defying legislators, the Democratic governor says he'll slash $500 million from the budget approved by the General Assembly and increase spending for several health care programs he favors. But House Speaker Michael Madigan Wednesday called that plan "contrary to the Constitution."

Friday, August 10, 2007  The Illinois House has approved a state budget Friday that would increase education spending and hire about 1,100 new government employees. However, there is little new money for other services.