Emanuel says Sydney is Chicago’s newest sister city

CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago has a new sister city. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Lord Mayor Clover Moore of Sydney, Australia, say they’ve signed a new sister city agreement. Sydney is Chicago’s 29th international sister city. Emanuel’s office

Survey: Banks raising farm loan collateral requirements

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A monthly survey of rural bankers in parts of 10 Plains and Western states shows nearly two-thirds of banks in the region have raised farm loan collateral requirements on fears of weakening farm

Snoop Dogg raps his way to Illinois State Fair this summer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Rap legend Snoop Dogg is coming to the Illinois State Fair . Organizers announced Friday that Snoop Dogg and Friends will perform Aug. 16 at the Grandstand . Snoop Dogg has been performing

Illinois medical cannabis growers lobby on license issue

CHICAGO (AP) – Medical marijuana growers in Illinois have formed a political action committee and are spending money in an attempt to limit the market if recreational use of the drug is legalized in the state. The

Chicago police chief angry over alleged Smollett hoax

By TAMMY WEBBER Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says he’s angry and offended that “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett allegedly lied about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack. He says

Defense asks for July 1 trial in Chinese scholar case

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) – Attorneys for a man accused of kidnapping and killing a University of Illinois scholar from China say they could be ready for a trial to begin July 1. A judge already denied a