* Teen unemployment rate rising in Illinois

* State launches debate for getting drugs out of drinking water

David Hartke, president of the Illinois Counties Solid Waste Management Association, urged that pharmacies be required to take back unused medications and to dispose of them by incineration.

“It would be ideal to have pharmacies take back all substances,” he said.

But Garrett also took Hartke to task.

“I feel like you are passing the buck and everyone is saying, ‘Let’s have so-and-so take care of it,’” she said. “Our goal is to work with each entity in a collaborative way.”

* Tribune Editorial: Tony Peraica, knock it off

A candidate seeking the highest law enforcement job in Cook County ought to be the first to distance himself from even potentially misleading campaign propaganda. And this flier goes beyond “potentially.”

Instead of ceasing and desisting, Peraica has responded to the U.S. attorney with . . . an invitation to lunch. So far, no response.

Mr. Peraica, quit trying to be clever. This stunt doesn’t inspire confidence that you’d be a judicious prosecutor—or that you’d enjoy the respect and cooperation of the U.S. attorney’s office.

Fitzgerald doesn’t want to be a prop on your flier, and he won’t be a prop at lunch. Better to apologize, recall the misleading fliers—and put all half-million out for recycling.

* Exploring Ideology and partisanship in political polling

* Circuit clerk b-day bash doubles as fundraiser starring employees

Richard Means, a campaign-finance attorney, said an organization that raises at least $3,000 for a candidate has 10 days to register with the state as a political committee. As of Tuesday, the X Company had not registered, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections’ Web site.

* Witness at Sorich trial may lose law license

Two years ago, John Kosiba was the highest-ranking City of Chicago official to testify how he helped rig city jobs to reward the mayor’s political workers. Now, Kosiba is facing the loss of his law license as a result of that testimony.

* Her law saves abandoned babies’ lives

The solution is so simple. New mothers have up to seven days to leave their babies at hospitals, police stations, staffed fire stations and emergency medical care facilities — no questions asked. It’s the result of a law drafted on Dawn Geras’ dining room table, and her tenacity got it passed.

* State treasurer tells ISU students he wants to keep credit card companies away

“We want Illinois to be a leader when it comes to keeping credit card companies off campuses,” he said.

The legislation would ban credit issuers from offering free gifts when marketing credit cards on campuses.

“I know a lot of you college students are not happy about (not receiving) free gifts,” Giannoulias said to the crowd. “But over the long term, you’ll be grateful.”

* Illinois to get facility

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday announced $4 million in state financial assistance toward development of a $275 million ethanol production facility in Madison.

* State grants $4 million for ethanol plant

* Key report lost in bureaucratic shuffle over Pontiac prison

* Halvorson stepson recovers

“He doesn’t have full range of motion yet,” Halvorson said. “This is what rehabilitation is going to take care of. The doctors say in nine to 12 months, he’ll be 100 percent.”