State video gaming chief says 'almost impossible' to keep mob out

board is committed to pass rules and do things that protect the people of the state of Illinois."

The state regulator charged with legalizing video gambling in up to 15,000 bars, restaurants, clubs and truck stops statewide says it is "an almost impossible job" to keep the mob out and protect citizens from the social ills of such pervasive gambling

Better Government Association Director Andy Shaw said the board should pass rules barring any license holder from giving money to political campaigns.

Daily Herald | State video gaming chief says 'almost impossible' to keep mob out

Study shows suburban Cook businesses take hit over sales tax

This articles shows reduced sales taxes especially in portions of  Cook County with very high sales tax--10+ %.

Sales declined 14.4 percent in suburban Cook County for the second quarter of the year compared with the same period last year. By contrast, Lake County saw a 13.3 percent decline and DuPage a 12.7 percent decline

The study suggested it was no coincidence that the three collar counties that noticed the least decline - Kane at 12 percent, McHenry at 10.5 and Will at 9.7 - were also the three with the lowest average sales taxes.

sales were off a whopping 34.3 percent in the Cook County portion of Barrington Hills, which straddles several county lines, 17.8 percent in Elk Grove Village, 17.3 percent in Schaumburg and 16.4 percent in Hoffman Estates

Daily Herald | Study shows suburban Cook businesses take hit over sales tax

Unemployment rate tops 10 percent for first time since 1983; 190,000 jobs lost in October

 

The jobless rate rose to 10.2 percent from 9.8 percent in September. The jump reflects a sharp increase in the tally of unemployed Americans, which rose to 15.7 million from 15.1 million. That was much larger than the net loss of jobs, which is based on a survey of businesses.

Economists say it could climb as high as 10.5 percent next year because employers remain reluctant to hire.

economy grew at a 3.5 percent annual rate in the July-September quarter….You need explosive growth to take the unemployment rate down

many analysts expect economic growth to moderate early next year, as the impact of various government stimulus programs fades.

Retailers, the financial sector and leisure and hospitality companies all continued to reduce payrolls

Click on the following for more details:  Unemployment rate tops 10 percent for first time since 1983; 190,000 jobs lost in October | StarTribune.com

What the $6,500 homebuyer tax credit means for you

the federal government is aiming to move a more upscale segment of the market

The five-year ownership requirement discourages people from flipping houses the way they did during the real estate bubble.

Homes worth $800,000 and under are eligible for the program.

Click on the following for more details: What the $6,500 homebuyer tax credit means for you | csmonitor.com

Durbin Calls for New Management at VA Hospital

 Two years ago, an investigation found nine veterans at the VA hospital in Marion died from medical malpractice and mismanagement. New managers have started working at the hospital, but Durbin says he was shocked a new government report found problems still continue.

Click on the following for more details: City Room™ - News In Brief - Durbin Calls for New Management at VA Hospital

Senators outraged over Illinois nursing home safety

 

[State of Illinois]outlined Thursday for the first time some of the steps Illinois must take to end the warehousing of mentally ill adults in nursing homes, including violent felons who have victimized elderly and disabled residents.

Some 150 people crowded into the state hearing room, and more than two dozen offered testimony. No Republican lawmakers attended, but Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said their absence was only due to scheduling conflicts.

Illinois needs "higher standards and enforcement" to ensure the care of nursing home residents.

Click on the following for more details: Senators outraged over Illinois nursing home safety -- chicagotribune.com

Northern Illinois Food Bank mobile food pantry will be at Lake in the Hills Village Hall today from 5 to 7 pm

We're very sensitive to the idea that some may be uncomfortable with accepting help and would rather go without," said a Rotary spokesman. "But help is available and everyone needs a little help from time to time

Read more of the story by clicking:  FirstElectricNewspaper

No changes at Tuscany Woods [Hampshire] after bank failure ::

originally expected to build 641 units on 409 acres along the north side of Route 72. Unit One accounted for about half that acreage and 342 of the homes. But only about one-sixth of the homes had been finished when the housing market collapsed and the bank foreclosed on Pasquinelli's mortgage

estimated that leaves up to 24 unsold townhouses and eight to 10 unsold single-family houses.

The village had the right to withdraw the escrow account [$1.3 million] if the bank were seized by the FDIC. When that indeed happened, the village board held an emergency meeting Monday morning and voted to withdraw the funds.

Click on the following for more details:  No changes at Tuscany Woods after bank failure :: The Courier News :: Local News