CHICAGO (AP) — Schools, state offices and other public facilities around Illinois can get money if they participate in a program to install energy efficient lighting.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Buy holiday gifts. Check. Make New Year's resolutions. Check. Review old Illinois Lottery tickets?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois ranks third in the nation for the number of teachers achieving National Board Certification in 2011.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers have sent Gov. Pat Quinn a legislative package designed to cut tax costs for some major companies, business in general and families struggling in the economic downturn. Officials estimate the package is likely to cost Illinois about $330 million in revenues during the second year, when the tax measures are fully in effect. (Their estimates do not include any costs from extending existing credits that are about to expire.)

CHICAGO (AP) — Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez has dismissed charges against the first group of people who entered a new deferred prosecution program.

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. (AP) — Authorities say a 13-year-old student was caught at a suburban Chicago school last week with alcohol-laced chocolate milk.

After learning about the numerous untimely tragedies involving young people throughout the Chicago area and even nationally in recent months, Cass Miller had enough.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said city colleges have failed in preparing graduates to enter the workforce.

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.