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Illinois National Guard troops are heading east to help out in the wake of Hurricane Irene.Illinois Radio Network reports that the troops got word Saturday to be ready to move out if needed. IRN says about 160 troops will be on the East Coast to provide assistance.

Chicago-area ComEd crews are lending a hand to their counterparts in Philadelphia in the wake of Hurricane Irene, while the Illinois National Guard is sending 160 of its own to New York.30 ComEd crews departed Monday morning to join the 100 crews already deployed to the area.

Irene is gone but the trouble it started isn't finished by a long-shot. It could be days or even weeks before some of the millions

Wisconsin politics — which hasn't been pretty of late — has made its way into a local Labor Day parade. The organizers of the Wausau Labor Day parade announced they would not let Republican lawmakers take part in the Sept. 5 display.

Questions surrounding a gambling bill that is headed to Illinois Gov.

 The University of Chicago and the city have entered into an agreement that calls on the school to be a better South Side neighbor.The University, located in Hyde Park, has sometimes had a fraught relationship with surrounding neighborhoods.

Gary, Indiana is celebrating Michael Jackson this weekend for what would be the King of Pop's 53rd birthday. Gary's four-day party will feature musical performances, a circus and other entertainment in front of Jackson's former home and Roosevelt High School. Fans gathered outside the form