Quinn's speech vague on major Ill. budget problems

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn warned Wednesday that the state's Medicaid system is near collapse and government retirement funds are broken, but he offered no plan for fixing the problems. ... Read More »

Franks' tax cap bill clears House on 2nd try

A bill aimed at limiting property tax increases as home values decline passed the Illinois House on a second, stealthier try Tuesday. ... Read More »

Local News

Witness claims Smith not involved in Briseño murder

WOODSTOCK – Jurors saw a videotaped interview today of a woman who said Kenny Smith had nothing to do with the Burrito Express murder – because her boyfriend and cousin did it ... Read More »

County approves electric consortium agreement

WOODSTOCK – The McHenry County Board has approved an agreement to merge the electric customers of 13 governments seeking to secure lower rates. The agreement forms the Norther ... Read More »

State News

Quinn's speech vague on major Ill. budget problems

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn warned Wednesday that the state's Medicaid system is near collapse and government retirement funds are broken, but he offered no pla ... Read More »

Nation & World

Obama seeks corporate tax rate cut, loophole limit

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama rolled out a corporate tax overhaul plan Wednesday that lowers rates but also eliminates loopholes and subsidies cherished by the busi ... Read More »

Santorum mocks Romney ahead of Arizona GOP debate

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) – Rick Santorum acknowledged Wednesday that he's probably running behind Mitt Romney in Arizona, but he implored a tea party crowd not to settle for "a John ... Read More »

Chicago Sports

Rose: Report about Gasol trade untrue

CHICAGO – Bulls point guard Derrick Rose said Wednesday that he was focused entirely on making plays, not trades. Rose shot down a published report that said he informed Bulls ... Read More »

White Sox conceding nothing

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Asked about the presumptive AL Central favorite Detroit Tigers, White Sox players refused to anoint them division champs in February. “They picked up Prince ... Read More »

Pros & Colleges

Junior’s confidence on rise

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Dale Earnhardt Jr. left Daytona frustrated and furious in July. One of his favorite tracks, the place forever linked to his family name, had become a bor ... Read More »

Business

Comcast enters streaming video race with Streampix

As more companies have looked to compete with Netflix in the streaming home video industry, the biggest competitor yet entered the fray Tuesday. ... Read More »

Opinion

MCB District 4: Salgado, Hammerand, Draffkorn, Martens

In County Board District 4, which includes all of Richmond and Burton townships and all but the southeastern corner of McHenry Township, six candidates seek the Republican nom ... Read More »

MCB District 5: Skala, Hill, Peschke, Rein

Five candidates are running for four nominations in the March 20 Republican primary for McHenry County Board District 5, which covers Dorr and central Grafton townships. Mike ... Read More »

Letters to the Editor

Report card for Obama

To the Editor: 1. Being a leader. F 2. Increasing our debt limit to highest ever. F 3. Stimulus package that gave away billions to save companies and jobs. F 4. Bringing unemp ... Read More »

Regarding raccoons

To the Editor: Regarding the ‘Not Rabies?’ letter to the editor published Feb. 11, the raccoon probably had distemper, a disease caused by a virus similar to chicken pox. It i ... Read More »

Daily Dish

Cowell: 'X Factor' wants 2 female judges, 2 hosts

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Simon Cowell is playing it coy about rumors that Fergie, Britney Spears and Janet Jackson are being considered for "The X Factor." Two judges' spots on the ... Read More »

Lifestyle

Sips, snacks inspired by best picture winners

Great movies and great food are box office gold, from Forrest Gump’s chocolates to “Silence of the Lambs” anti-hero Hannibal Lecter’s disturbing pairing suggestion for Chianti ... Read More »

McHenry Co. Mag.

Have Your (Wedding) Cake And Eat It, Too!

Meet Tiffany Wilkins, a Crystal Lake wedding planner who predicts the latest trends of 2012. ... Read More »

Planit Northwest

Lucy's Comedy Cafe

A well-anticipated monthly event! Lucy's Comedy Cafe is set on stage, offers an intimate nightclub environment and has featured comedic greats, such as Dwayne Kennedy, Pat M ... Read More »

Real Estate

Top 3 quick kitchen & bath fixes for listing a home

Many people say it’s the kitchen and bathrooms that really sell a home. ... Read More »

Break out the Speedos! See 10 amazing indoor pools

When it comes to over-the-top real estate amenities, having your own yoga studio, football field, or heliport can earn you some pretty serious bragging rights among your friends. ... Read More »

Blogs

» Grammar Moses
Grammar Moses

Help offered to rid copy of those sloppy phrases

When last we met, Mose was ranting about conciseness. “Writers need to tighten it up for the new year” was a plea for writers to simplify their work – and to put that commitment in the form of a resolution for 2012.
» Full-speed Golf
Full-speed Golf

Understanding the tee box

Knowing where to tee the ball is a simple rule that sometimes confuses people. Or it's a rule that people just ignore.
» Job Bridge
Job Bridge

New Jobs Wednesday

If you are looking for a job or a better job, we have some great new ones available.
» Cary Blog
Cary Blog

A few more details on Concord Charter Academy

CARY – The following was taken from the packet provided to community members at the District 26 School Board's special meeting Tuesday to consider the charter school proposal from Vision Group.
» Business Scene
Business Scene

It's about the content, stupid

There will be no direct competition between Comcast and Netflix. That's not what the Streampix announcement from Comcast on Tuesday really was about.

National Video

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Reader Submissions

Reader Poll

What concerns you most about Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address?

His plan to close two prisons
Closing four mental health institutions
Deep Medicaid cuts
Lack of details on pension reform
Other