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Illinois lawmakers continued to grapple Wednesday with a new state budget, as Republicans ripped majority Democrats for spending beyond their means with a plan even Democrats acknowledge leaves "big unanswered questions" about the state's finances.
Illinois lawmakers have quickly advanced a plan to overhaul Cook County's pension system by increasing county payments and reducing some benefits for employees.
Having given up on extending Illinois' temporary income tax increase -- at least for now -- the Illinois Legislature is moving forward with a scaled-back budget that could lead to layoffs, further delays in paying the state's bills and a post-election vote to make the tax hike permanent or generate some other source of revenue.
House Speaker Michael Madigan said Friday that lawmakers will try again to draft a 2015 budget after the House overwhelmingly rejected a $34.5 billion budget that would have made deep cuts to schools and social services next year in a vote one Republican critic called "all theater."
House Speaker Michael Madigan said Wednesday that his chamber's effort to pass a budget without first securing all the needed revenue would aid a push to make an income tax hike permanent, but his colleagues in the Senate were not happy with the unusual move.
Newly released figures that show downstate school districts gaining at the expense of suburban ones have fueled a debate among lawmakers about a proposed overhaul of the complicated school funding formula that Illinois has used for almost two decades.
Illinois voters will consider a constitutional amendment this fall aimed at scuttling attempts at voter suppression after Senate action Thursday.
Senate Republicans crying foul after Gov. Pat Quinn used a rare procedural maneuver to try to aid the confirmation of two appointees announced several efforts Thursday to close what they described as a constitutional loophole.
Legislation being considered by lawmakers in Springfield would allow drivers to keep their licenses in hand after getting speeding tickets.
Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) argued there is no safe level of second-hand smoke for a minor to be inhaling, so he's introduced legislation to prohibit smoking in a vehicle if anyone under the age of 18 is inside.
Gov. Pat Quinn focused on ways to create jobs and trumpeted his accomplishments with election-year flair Wednesday in an annual speech that fell on the five-year anniversary of when lawmakers booted his predecessor, now imprisoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, from office.
Republicans in Chicago say, this time, they are running serious and determined candidates for the Illinois legislature, and they plan well-funded campaigns to unseat incumbent Democrats.
The Illinois Legislature approved a historic plan Tuesday to eliminate the state's $100 billion pension shortfall, a vote that proponents described as critical to repairing the state's deeply troubled finances but that faces the immediate threat of a legal challenge from labor unions.
After more than five months of work, Illinois' legislative leaders announced Wednesday they've reached a deal to help solve the state's $100 billion pension problem, considered the nation's worst.
A historic vote Tuesday in the Illinois House positioned that state to become the largest in the heartland to legalize gay marriage, following months of arduous lobbying efforts by both sides in President Barack Obama's home state.
Opponents of legislation to legalize gay marriage in Illinois rallied Wednesday outside the state Capitol, one day after thousands held their own event to urge lawmakers to approve it.
Supporters of gay marriage in Illinois say now is the time for lawmakers to give it the okay, and headed to Springfield by the busload on Tuesday to deliver their message, but it remained unclear if there were enough votes in the House to send same-sex marriage legislation to the governor.
Democratic candidate for governor Bill Daley continued his attack on incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn to rescind his controversial pick for the CTA board, but ducked questions about patronage hiring under his brother and father, both former mayors.
Illinois lawmakers have voted to reject a set of changes Gov. Pat Quinn made to legislation allowing the carrying of concealed firearms in Illinois.
Gov. Pat Quinn and lawmakers are working on a new plan to solve the state's $97 billion pension crisis that involves forming a bipartisan committee and reconvening the Legislature again in July.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan might not be in touch with Gov. Pat Quinn, but there might be some behind-the-scenes work ahead to resolve the state's pension reform impasse before a special session of the General Assembly on June 19.
The General Assembly has passed a bill that would make Illinois the last state in the nation to allow concealed carry .
The Illinois Senate has passed a measure that would strip the Lake County Clerk's office of the power to supervise local elections, and hand it over to a new commission appointed by the county's chief judge.
A study by the We Are One Illinois coalition shows that if half of employees and retirees choose to forgo post-career health insurance as part of Senate President John Cullerton's proposal, the state's debt to two health insurance programs would be cut in half, by $26 billion.
Majority Democrats on the committee drove the 10-6 vote in favor of the bill by Sen. Kwame Raoul Raoul said he doesn't know how many votes he has on the floor or when he'll call it.
Joliet police said the driver of a Cadillac CTS ignored an attempted stop by an officer and drove away at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner.
Khadijah Farrakhan, the longtime wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, died this weekend.
One of America's founding fathers is getting some recognition on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, right alongside the building that used to bear his name.
The Chicago Bears this weekend said they are assessing land at Wolf Lake Terminals in Hammond, Indiana, for a possible new stadium.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker held a ceremony for the signing of three bills to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans on Sunday morning.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker held a ceremony for the signing of three bills to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans on Sunday morning.
Fourteen new laws will go into effect in Illinois on July 1, 2026.
Prediction market Kalshi sued Illinois on Tuesday, seeking to block new taxes and license requirements set to take effect July 1.
The U.S. military says it hit Iranian targets over Iran's drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American strikes on Iran since the two countries formally agreed to extend a ceasefire last week.
Led by Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, a group of Senate Democrats suggested the Justice Department violated its internal policies with the creation of the "anti-weaponization" fund.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed several new consumer protections into law, including a ban on junk fees.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
An Illinois law banning "swipe fees" on taxes and tips — already delayed twice by lawmakers — appears to be on life support after a federal judge that once permitted it issued a permanent injunction against it this week.
A new study from the Cook County Treasurer's office underlines growing concerns about the impact the Illinois megaprojects bill could have on the county's property tax base and overall fiscal health.
The north Chicago suburb of Glenview became the latest Illinois municipality this week to confirm mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus this year.
Environmental and community groups are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to act on a petition challenging U.S. Steel Gary Works operating permit renewal.
In the four years since Roe v. Wade was overturned and Illinois became a destination for abortion care, Illinois providers and advocates have rebuilt the state's infrastructure to support the tens of thousands of people who travel to the state for abortion services every year.
June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, raising awareness of a disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, write, and understand both spoken and written language.
The Chicago Department of Public Health issued a warning Tuesday about a possible measles exposure at O'Hare International Airport.
The Chicago Bears this weekend said they are assessing land at Wolf Lake Terminals in Hammond, Indiana, for a possible new stadium.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
Daley's Restaurant, known as Chicago's oldest, has served Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood for more than 130 years.
Walgreens is set to close in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood on Thursday, and there's growing concern about where families will get their medications.
The owners of Gene & Georgetti steakhouse are suing a concessions operator over their expansion at Midway International Airport.
Lionel Richie's Chicago concert at the United Center has been postponed after the singer became sick at his tour opener in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
Clive Davis helped shape the careers of music stars including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston.
Claude Guillemot and a flight instructor were flying in a twin-motor Cessna 421 on Friday evening. An investigation into the crash is underway.
James Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace."
A new era for Northwestern football is set to begin this fall, when its new state-of-the-art stadium opens. Matt Zahn reports.
The Chicago Bulls on Friday introduced rookies Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, their two first-round picks from Tuesday’s draft.
The U.S. and Iran exchanged more strikes this weekend while issuing aggressive threats. Wendy Gillette reports.
Suzanne Le Mignot got to try some delectable food items at a James Beard Awards event, while Mary Kay Kleist shows us the Balloonfest in Howell, Michigan.
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
Hundreds of thousands lined Halsted Street, Belmont Avenue, Broadway, and Diversey Parkway on Sunday for the Chicago Pride Parade.
A woman was killed and two men were injured in a head-on crash in Chicago's Jackson Park early Sunday morning.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago's River North district early Sunday morning.
Joliet police said the driver of a Cadillac CTS ignored an attempted stop by an officer and drove away at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner.
Khadijah Farrakhan, the longtime wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, died this weekend.
An Uber driver who was assaulted during a ride said he begged Chicago police officers not once but twice for help, but was left to fend for himself.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
The Cook County Sheriff's Office has been a part of Illinois' enhanced CTA security plan and state-led task force dedicated to making it safe since the end of March. Their officers have worked more than 4,000 hours a month.
A rideshare driver was shot in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood on Monday night.
After a violent holiday weekend, Chicago city leaders are expected to announce new support for a dedicated Department of Gun Violence Prevention.
The Chicago Bears this weekend said they are assessing land at Wolf Lake Terminals in Hammond, Indiana, for a possible new stadium.
Seiya Suzuki and Michael Conforto also homered for the Cubs, who moved 6 1/2 games behind the NL Central-leading Brewers, who had won the first four meetings between the teams this season.
A lot of the work to make the new stadium iconic has already been completed or is well in progress, from the giant video board to the loads of food and drink options.
The White Sox earned their 17th one-run victory this season.
The Sky also surpassed the franchise record for points in a game of 114, with Jacy Sheldon's fourth-quarter layup breaking the mark.
Chicago police this weekend were warning people about a string of robberies on the city's South Side.
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago's River North district early Sunday morning.
A 20-year-old Chicago man is accused of being the administrator of a Signal messaging group that was allegedly planning a terrorist attack on the UFC event at the White House.
Two people are dead after they were found shot behind a residential building in the Dunning community on Chicago's Northwest Side Thursday afternoon.
