SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Department of Transportation is planning three meetings to get public comment on a new minority contracting program and explain other state-project opportunities.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Public Schools wants to add 12 new charter schools over the next two years.

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago's new law banning the sale of "synthetic marijuana" is about to go into effect.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois House committee has approved a new strategy for passing a major tax relief package.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Rev. Corey Brooks has been camped out for nearly three weeks atop the ice-ridden roof of a shuttered motel that he says was a haven for drugs, prostitution and violence in one of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods.

CHICAGO (AP) — High unemployment and poverty continue to linger in Illinois, four years after the recession started, according to a report issued Friday.

CHICAGO (AP) — ComEd has filed performance metrics with a state commission following so-called "smart grid" legislation passed last month.

CHICAGO (AP) — The leader of the Illinois State Rifle Association says he's pleased a Peoria judge signed an order barring the state police from releasing the names of 1.3 million firearm owner identification cardholders.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said everyone is to blame for the many under-performing area schools that are slated to be overhauled due to years of low test scores and below average graduation rates.

Shortly before midnight on Sept. 16, 2008 a 16-year-old girl was forced by a man at knifepoint into an alley near Central and Chicago Avenues.