Progress Illinois

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS officials should follow the recommendation of independent hearings officers and not close down 13 of 54 schools targeted to close in June.

Illinois higher education officials and House Speaker Michael Madigan have reached an agreement that says the state's public colleges and universities will begin to pick up their employees' pension tab.

AFSCME Council 31 is urging lawmakers to support a pay raise for caregivers in community institutions.

The majority of retired Chicago employees would see their 55 percent health care subsidy from the city phased out by 2017 under a new proposal by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.