* Jobless to lose benefits soon

About 14,800 Illinoisans’ unemployment benefits will lapse every week without congressional action, according to a new analysis by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

* First Southland charter school deserves nod

In arguing that the proposed Southland Charter Prep School - championed by proponents as a college prep-oriented alternative to district high schools - would devastate the district financially, District 227 officials acknowledge what we already know: Given a choice, parents in droves will pursue getting their children enrolled in the charter school.

And that’s the very reason the state should grant this charter.

* Illinois Youth Prisons See More Suicide Attempts

In budget year 2009, the number of suicide attempts was at its highest level since 2005, before the department split off from adult prisons.

* $14.7 million settlement in trampoline lawsuit against Chicago Board of Education

* Miracle on ice?

When the 2010 census tallies are complete, they will likely reveal that Chicago has lost population again, as it has in every census since 1950. (If not, then credit for the gain — or stability — will be due to the influx of Hispanic immigrants.)

* Mayor Daley subpoenaed in trial of developer Boender

Mayor Daley has been subpoenaed by the defense in the upcoming trial of developer Calvin Boender, City Hall disclosed today.

A statement from City Hall’s Corporation Counsel Mara Georges said Daley received the subpoena Tuesday. Boender, who is accused of bribing Ald. Issac “Ike” Carothers in exchange for a zoning change, had also subpoenaed 10 aldermen.

* Indicted developer wants Daley to testify at trial

* Daley Subpoenaed to Testify at Developer’s Trial

* Judge: Regulators went too far in funeral directors settlement

A Cook County judge has ruled that state regulators overstepped their authority last spring when they extracted $18 million from Merrill Lynch to settle allegations that the financial giant violated state law in its dealings with the Illinois Funeral Directors Association.

* How suite it is: Cream of the crop hotels have slashed rates nearly 12%

* Layoffs unsettle UI’s Facilities and Services employees

The campus released updated numbers Wednesday that said Facilities and Services has given 35 employees layoff notices since July 2009.

Of those 35, 23 were no longer employed by the department as of Monday, but four of them have found other employment within the UI, said spokeswoman Robin Kaler.

* U of I tuition free for kids of combat vets

* A taste of independence

Two supportive-living facilities will give seniors a chance to remain in their communities even though they are unable to live independently in their own homes, officials say.

* Wheaton Warrenville schools face $8.6 million deficit

Plan would cut 100 jobs, including 50 teachers

* Brian Harris named superintendent of Wheaton Warrenville District 200

* Public opposition stalls Streetscape plan

To those who’ve championed it, Winnetka’s plan to invest a few million dollars in streetlights, planters, benches, trash bins and sidewalk paving was a well-intentioned way to attract new businesses and shoppers to its aging retail districts.[…]

But Streetscape proved controversial, marked by angry exchanges at village meetings, accusations of conflicts of interest and a referendum campaign. The backlash led village officials to halt the project and go back to the drawing board.

* Deere Bringing Back Laid Off Workers

Moline, Ill. based Deere and Company is recalling 117 workers who were previously laid off.

* Homewood seeks community development director

* Mokena, police union still at odds over contract

Mokena and its police union could be headed toward arbitration to hammer out a new contract after a mediation session Thursday failed to produce an agreement.

* Firefighters revoting on concessions; 17 layoffs this weekend

* SJ-R Opinion: Rail study will need public input

* Race in schools panel discussion addresses safety, equality issues

ROCKFORD — What does success look like when it comes to racial justice and public education in our schools?

Former Rockford School Board member Mike Williams said, speaking as a parent, “Having your child complete school, earn a diploma and become a well-rounded good citizen.”

* Boone County spends $18,000 to fix sewer problem

* Scientists seeking methods to control Asian carp