The cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools system spends tens of millions of dollars annually on a perk that few other employers offer: cash to departing employees for unused time off. Since 2006, the district paid a total $265 million to employees for unused sick and vacation days, according to an analysis of payroll and benefit data obtained by the Better Government Association under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Sen. Mark Kirk has been upgraded to “fair” condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital a week after undergoing surgery for a stroke. “Senator Kirk’s recovery is continuing,” his neurosurgeon, Richard Fessler, said in a written statement. “He is alert, talking and responding well to questions.”
Starting Wednesday, Metra tickets will increase an average of 25 percent. The agency says the fare increase will help cover a budget deficit caused by a spike in diesel fuel prices, higher insurance premiums and other costs.
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In the wake of photos showing hundreds of bodies haphazardly stacked up at the Cook County morgue, there will be a top to bottom restructuring of the medical examiner's office.
Workers who serve meals in Chicago Public Schools say the majority of kids are not eating the healthful new foods on the cafeteria menu, according to a confidential survey released Tuesday.
