Former state school employee Pamela Jo Vander Weyden, who retired in February 2017, saved $127,309 toward a pension over 33 years working for public schools, Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois records show.

Former state university employee Russell Hartigan, who retired in February 2017, saved $786 toward a pension over 1 years working for state universities, State Universities Retirement System of Illinois records show.

Former state university employee Cheryl Collins, who retired in February 2017, saved $10,166 toward a pension over 5 years working for state universities, State Universities Retirement System of Illinois records show.

Former state university employee Geoffrey Karasek, who retired in February 2017, saved $63,476 toward a pension over 22 years working for state universities, State Universities Retirement System of Illinois records show.

Former state school employee Lawrence La Rue, who retired in February 2017, saved $14,161 toward a pension over 6 years working for public schools, Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois records show.

Illinois lawmakers are considering a multibillion-dollar tax hike that the Illinois Policy Institute says may worsen the state’s already weakened economy.

Gov. Bruce Rauner signaled he is ready to jump on board with several parts of the proposed "grand bargain," yet remains staunchly opposed to other elements of it.

The state of Illinois is losing people faster than any other state in the Midwest.

The village of River Forest Board of Trustees met Jan. 9 to declare surplus vehicles.

The Cook County Forest Preserve Finance Committee met Feb. 7 to consider pavement repairs.

The River Forest Firefighters Pension Fund met Jan. 26 to review retirement applications.

The village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Committee met Feb. 10 to discuss the budget.

Illinois drivers hoping to beat a train by illegally crossing tracks after the gates are down now face not only the dangers inherent in such a move but also double the fines of previous years, Metra reminded drivers recently.

The Village of Brookfield would like its businesses to feature more attracting signs, both to promote the city and help shops increase sales, the village announced recently.

The Cook County Health and Hospital Systems Board met Feb. 7 to receive the animal control report.

The village of Godfrey Emergency Services and Disaster Agency met Jan. 24 to postpone mailing informational flyers.

The Cook County Roads and Bridges Committee met Feb. 7 to hear public testimony.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners met Feb. 7 to honor the deceased.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County Litigation Committee met Feb. 7 to review invoices.

The Westchester School District 92.5 Board of Education met Jan. 24 to discuss dual language courses.