Before a recent job interview, Alicia Madison climbed into her 2001 Ford Explorer and realized her gas tank was empty, just like her bank account.

$7 per household per month would be maximum hike, analysis saysScouring disease-causing bacteria from the Chicago River and keeping raw sewage out of its channels could cost an average Cook County homeowner less than $7 a month, federal officials concluded as part of their order to make the urban waterway safer for recreation.

Taxpayers, school administrators debate how much is too much money in reservesLocal schools are stockpiling more and more taxpayer money, with dozens of districts sitting on enough cash to pay a full year of expenses, statewide financial data show.

Outrage surfaced over move to free man convicted in shooting deaths of officers during 1967 bank robberyFederal officials denied the parole request Friday for Henry Michael Gargano, whose pending release for the 1967 murders of two Northlake police officers generated outrage from law enforcement and the public.

Retroviral link to debilitating illness looking shaky, but critics still bank on anti-HIV drugsA high-profile scientific paper that gave enormous hope to patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, and even prompted some to begin taking potent anti-HIV drugs, has been largely discredited by subsequent research.

Highland Park man died a year ago, but his estate still owes $27 millionLawyers scrambling after the wealth of late Highland Park businessman and prolific debtor Mikhail Katamanin say his adult sons continue to try to block them from sizing up and pursuing his remaining fortune.

Quinn's own bill: He paid $4,468 in 2009, but tab would have approached $7,500 with new rate While most Illinois taxpayers were asleep early Wednesday, their wallets and bank accounts were being lightened by Illinois lawmakers desperate for more revenue to ease a crushing state financial crisis.

A former employee of a Schaumburg bank has been arrested on theft charges after authorities said she diverted $56,000 in checks to her own account.

UNO teaches the rules, which have changed over the yearsIn a private room inside the upscale East Bank Club, a group of young Latino professionals that included staffers from several Chicago mayoral campaigns sat down recently to talk about a shared interest: power and how to get it.

Research opens the possibility of successful transfusions for gorillasWorkers at the Lincoln Park Zoo have created an international registry to record the blood types of healthy captive apes on four continents, which would make blood transfusions possible for ailing apes.

h ponders its options as it seeks cash to fund pensions, pay debt and build reserves.The sledding hill and skate park in Lake Zurich will not be sold for commercial development for now, but the issue likely will come up again next year as the village evaluates its park plan and looks for ways to raise cash.

Money was spent since Zorich foundation's last tax return, lawyer saysAn attorney representing ex-Bear Chris Zorich said more than $300,000 was spent from the bank account of his charity since the year of its last tax return.

Urban Partnership Bank withdraws application for Donald BealUrban Partnership Bank backed away from plans to name Donald Beal, a lumber company owner whose business has made millions from public projects, to its board of directors amid a Tribune investigation into his role in a scheme to defraud the city, a spokesman confirmed Wednesday.

Inmate put behind bars after 1967 bank robbery shootoutToday, Henry Michael Gargano is a 78-year-old rare-coins expert who has suffered two heart attacks, contends with emphysema and takes at least 12 medications.

Art exhibit to spotlight people of Northern Illinois Food BankA seasoned citizen looks forlornly into the distance, her hard life etched into her face. A 10-year-old boy with a Cheshire grin poses a so-cool pose. A mustached man punctuates his animated conversation with hand gestures.

Record-high spending plan avoids deep cuts that critics say are neededMayor Richard Daley on Wednesday easily won City Council approval of his final budget, a record-high spending plan balanced by drawing down dwindling reserves instead of the deep cuts critics say are needed to maintain the city's financial health.

The U.S. Parole Commission on Monday rejected the parole bid of a 79-year-old man convicted in the 1967 shooting deaths of two Northlake police officers during a bank robbery.

FBI, bank initially had different tallies on how much was takenFBI and bank officials demanded a recount in an Election Day robbery of a Homewood bank branch.

Third alleged accomplice still at largeA 23-year-old Robbins woman was shot and injured Tuesday morning while fleeing a Homewood bank that she and a male companion had allegedly just robbed, authorities said.

A Chicago family did everything they were supposed to do to get a loan modification. They were turned down because the bank decided they had saved too much.Rogelio Huerta and Maria Soto did everything they were supposed to do to reduce the monthly mortgage payments on their Bellwood home.

Wednesday's recommendation against paroling a man convicted in the 1967 murders of two Northlake Police officers in a bank robbery brought relief to one officer's family. It also brought pain.

Secured loan to finance bogus purchase of pizza franchisesA former business partner of convicted influence-peddler Antoin "Tony" Rezko was sentenced to three years of probation Tuesday for his role in a bank fraud scheme over the sale of Rezko's pizza restaurants.

The U.S. Parole Commission on Wednesday will consider the parole bid of a 70-year-old man serving 199 years in prison for the murders of two Northlake police officers in a 1967 bank robbery.

Sometimes they expose secret desires that should remain secretHe flirted. He flattered. So, every so often, she'd drive to the bank, withdraw a couple of hundred dollars, mail it to him and wait for his next call.

Financial crimes against elderly on the riseThe man who called himself Clark Mahoney claimed to be an FBI agent. The first time he called the woman, he explained that she and her husband, who are in their 80s, had been scammed. To safeguard their savings and avoid identity theft, it was "recommended" that they empty their bank accounts.

Next mayor will be limited in flexibilityMayor Richard Daley accentuated the positive during his final budget address Wednesday, talking up Chicago's transformation under his watch from an aging Rust Belt city to a modern global metropolis instead of the unpleasant reality of making ends meet during his final months in office.

2011 budget expected to add cops, draw down city reservesMayor Richard Daley on Wednesday is expected to offer up an election-year budget — even though he's not running for re-election.

WASHINGTON — The leading contenders for Illinois' open U.S. Senate seat debated their character issues Sunday on TV, with Democrat Alexi Giannoulias insisting he knew little about convicted felons who got loans from his family bank and Republican Mark Kirk acknowledging he is accountable for embellishing his military record.

Halvorson, Kinzinger spar over bank bailout, Bush-era tax cutsThe two candidates for a far southwest suburban congressional seat sparred Tuesday over the federal Wall Street bailout and extending Bush-era tax cuts.

Country Club Hills mayor took part in captureCountry Club Hills mayor took part in capture.