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

Wednesday, February 20, 2013  The proposal would require voter approval to enact.

Wednesday, January 02, 2013  The bill doesn't prevent a temporary Social Security payroll tax reduction from expiring

Tuesday, January 01, 2013  The measure cleared the Senate on an 89-8 vote early Tuesday, hours after Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky sealed a deal.

Monday, December 31, 2012  House Republicans notified lawmakers that the chamber will vote Monday evening on other bills. They say that will be their only votes of the day.

Monday, December 31, 2012  The White House and Senate Republicans sorted through stubborn disputes over taxing the wealthy and cutting the budget to pay for Democratic spending proposals as Monday's midnight deadline for an accord avoiding the "fiscal cliff" drew to within hours.

Friday, December 28, 2012  Top members of Congress and President Barack Obama are holding out slim hopes for a limited fiscal deal before the new year.

Thursday, December 27, 2012  The average number of people seeking unemployment benefits over the past month fell to the lowest level since March 2008, a sign that the job market is healing.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012  With a yearend deadline looming before the economy goes over the so-called fiscal cliff, President Barack Obama is cutting short his traditional Christmas holiday in Hawaii.

Monday, December 24, 2012  Christmas shoppers thronged malls and pounced on discounts but apparently spent less this year, their spirits dampened by concerns about the economy and the aftermath of shootings and storms.

Friday, December 21, 2012  Thursday's drama was a major personal defeat for House Speaker John Boehner.

Monday, December 03, 2012  Congress and the White House are engaged in a high-stakes game of political chess over the looming fiscal cliff

Tuesday, November 20, 2012  Coalition formed in Iowa to urge a tax increase for roadway improvements in the state.

Sunday, June 24, 2012  Sunday, taxes on cigarettes in Illinois rose a full $1 per pack. The tax rate for cigarettes rose from $0.98 to $1.98.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012  Illinois lawmakers have approved raising cigarette taxes by one dollar a pack.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012  A potential price hike for tobacco products in Missouri has ignited concerns among Tri-States smokers. Some interest groups are seeking to raise Missouri's lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax.