County clerks throughout Illinois are preparing to issue civil union licenses later this year.

Chicago's top headlines, piped straight to your earbuds.In today's episode: The latest in our Dear Chicago series, featuring artist Conrad Frieburg, plus Chicago begins early voting as the city prepares to elect a new mayor, and the area braces for a possible blizzard.

Chicago's Midway International Airport is ranked dead last among the 29 busiest airports in the nation in on-time departures.

Chicago's top headlines, piped straight to your earbuds.In today's episode: the Illinois General Assembly approves a state income tax hike in a late night session, plus WBEZ's Robert Wildeboer takes a look at terrorism stings, as a 22-year-old Chicago man returns to court to face charges of plotting

A former Chicago Cubs star is returning to the team.The Cubs Friday announced the signing of free agent pitcher Kerry Wood to a one-year contract.Wood began his career with the Cubs in spectacular fashion in 1998 when he was the National League's Rookie of the Year.

The U.S. Senate is expected to take a procedural vote today on a deal to extend Bush-era tax cuts. The procedural vote would pave the way for a final vote on the package, possibly this week.Illinois U.S.

The Put Illinois to Work program will end in mid-January.The program provides government-subsidized $10 per hour jobs at no cost to employers.Some critics questioned the cost of a program that doesn't guarantee permanent jobs.