Gov. Pat Quinn said Thursday that a tax increase he proposed earlier in the year would be the best way to help the Fox Valley's social services, some of whom have not received any state money in five months.

Two Cook County state's attorney's investigators have been fired after a prisoner escaped from their custody — discipline that one of their attorneys is calling "an overreaction."

The Will County Board unanimously approved a 2010 budget Thursday. The county board had to grapple with huge projected deficits early in the budgeting process. But the final document is balanced.

An election board next month will hear objections to nominating petitions of three local judicial candidates. The candidates, running in the Feb. 2 primary next year, are seeking judge positions in the 12th Judicial Circuit, covering Will County.

The state liquor commission wants cities to follow the example of Yorkville, Geneva and Naperville and require training for anyone serving, distributing or otherwise selling alcohol.

The city council meeting began with Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman stating his apology to the city for his use of the mayor's petty cash. "I made a mistake and I sincerely apologize for any embarrassment I brought to the city," Soliman said.

Banning video gaming in Will County will keep union laborers from working and much-needed road and bridge improvements from being done, union representatives said Wednesday night.

The Homer Glen Village Board promised a roomful of residents Monday night that it will suspend any further action on a proposed park purchase until it can get more answers for them.