WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says he won't go along with budget plans that include cuts to education. Legislators in the House of Representatives have approved a budget package that would cut $200 million to schools.

The outcome of Tuesday’s 14 aldermanic runoffs in Chicago will obviously be a big deal for the residents of those wards. But the interest extends much further. Labor, business and political groups - along with politicians themselves - have been dumping cash into these contests for weeks.

The biggest economic news in Chicago this week may be what happens in politics. On Tuesday voters in Chicago will choose almost a third of the city council. And for small business owners, that has big ramifications. They know their success can hinge on who their alderman is.

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel has dumped more than $230,000 into a handful of Chicago city council elections taking place Tuesday. But not all the candidates he's endorsed are seeing the cash.Emanuel has picked favorites in 9 of the 14 runoff races.

After a five-week layoff, the Indiana House is racing to approve bills --- including the state budget --- to make up for lost time.With Republicans firmly in control, the Indiana House approved a $28 billion two-year spending plan this week.  The Indiana Senate, also controlled by Republicans,

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley just recently came back from a trip to China and Hong Kong. In an unrelated press conference, the mayor called the trip eye opening. He describes a school he visited in China."Forty-eight students in every classroom. That was amazing, 48 students. It was extraordinary.

Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn said he welcomes subpoenas from the federal government looking into worker's compensation claims.The Associated Press reports federal prosecutors are investigating worker's comp claims at state agencies.