Moody’s questions Illinois’ ability to pay bills
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A major bond-rating agency says Illinois’ fiscal challenges linger despite approval of the first state budget in two years.
The Latest: Governor declares 3 counties disaster areas
GURNEE, Ill. (AP) — The Latest on flooding in northern Illinois (all times local):
Illinois governor’s staff shakeup continues
CHICAGO (AP) — A Republican strategist who was expected to lead Gov Bruce Rauner’s 2018 re-election campaign has left his position days after Rauner replaced top employees with staff from a conservative think tank.
Delayed implementation of soda tax lead to layoff notices
CHICAGO (AP) — Layoff notices have been sent to 300 Cook County employees in the wake of the stalled implementation of a proposed sweetened drink tax.
12-year-old held for shooting at Chicago police
CHICAGO (AP) — A 12-year-old accused of shooting at a Chicago police officer last month will remain in custody.
Indiana man charged with unlawful weapons use, endangerment
URBANA, Ill. (AP) — Formal charges have been filed against an Indiana man who was arrested after two bombs, a machine gun and his son were allegedly found in his truck.
Missing Chinese scholar’s family asks for tips, reward $50K
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Relatives of a missing Chinese woman studying at the University of Illinois say they won’t leave the country without her as the reward in the case rose to $50,000.
Illinois State Fair causes stir with route change
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Parade officials are receiving criticism for their decision to move the traditional route for the annual Illinois State Fair.
Russell’s 9th-inning homer lifts Cubs past Orioles 9-8
BALTIMORE (AP) — Addison Russell hit a go-ahead solo home run in the ninth inning and the Chicago Cubs beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-8 after squandering an eight-run lead on Friday night.
Cano powers Mariners to 4-2 win over White Sox
CHICAGO (AP) — Robinson Cano hit a three-run drive on his first swing since connecting for the winning homer in the All-Star Game, helping James Paxton and the Seattle Mariners beat the Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Friday
Bell’s 3-run HR in 9th gives Pirates 5-2 win over Cardinals
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Josh Bell hit a three-run homer off Seung Hwan Oh with one out in the ninth inning to give the Pittsburgh Pirates a 5-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night.
Patrick Rodgers takes 2-stroke lead in John Deere Classic
SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — Patrick Rodgers shot a 7-under 64 on Friday to take a two-shot lead after the second round of the John Deere Classic.
Bulls claim G Nwaba off waivers
CHICAGO (AP) _ The Chicago Bulls have claimed guard David Nwaba off waivers.
Blackhawks, D Erik Gustafsson agree to 1-year contract
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a one-year deal with defenseman Erik Gustafsson.
Rebuilding White Sox moving on without Quintana
CHICAGO (AP) — Jose Quintana is the first July goodbye for the Chicago White Sox. There could be several more.
Lewis Hamilton fastest in final practice for British GP
SILVERSTONE, England (AP) Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the final practice session before qualifying for the British Grand Prix in front of his home fans.
Ricciardo takes British GP grid penalty for gearbox change
SILVERSTONE, England (AP) Daniel Ricciardo’s pursuit of a sixth straight podium finish has been set back by a five-place grid penalty at the British Grand Prix.
Olivier claims 1st gold medal at aquatics worlds
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Marc-Antoine Olivier of France claimed the first gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships on Saturday by winning the men’s 5-kilometer open water race.
Hurricanes end Crusaders' unbeaten run in Super Rugby
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) The Christchurch-based Crusaders lost 31-22 to the Hurricanes on Saturday, forfeiting their unbeaten record in the final round of Super Rugby’s regular season and likely surrendering the No. 1 seeding in playoffs which
Durbin and Duckworth announce housing and urban development grants
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded a total of $2,058,130 in grants funding Illinois agencies through the Housing Counseling Grant, and the Service Coordinator Programs.