* Reputed mobster admits tax evasion…
A reputed high-level Chicago mobster complaining of chronic migraines got another reason for a headache Tuesday as he pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion, which could send him to prison for one year to 18 months.
Rudolph C. “Rudy” Fratto, 65, of Darien, who comes from a family of alleged mobsters, admitted to failing to pay more than $140,000 in federal taxes on more than $800,000 in income from 2001 to 2007, according to his plea agreement in a case investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
* Water shortages lie ahead, planners warn
With deep aquifer water supplies dropping, some suburban cities — including Aurora — could start feeling the pinch as soon as 2015, Chicago-area planners say.
Within the next 15 years, getting water from those aquifers could start costing cities more money, said Josh Ellis, who studies water issues for the Chicago-based Metropolitan Planning Council.
* ‘Aurora leading by example’ in green initiatives
* Ill. down in research ranking
It’s about a state’s rank when it comes to investment in food and agriculture research.
In its latest annual poll, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says Illinois is 25th in the nation. It’s gone down in the ranking for five straight years. Among ten Midwestern states this year, Illinois comes in dead last.
* Rockford firefighters ratify labor deal
Agreement includes two-year wage freeze.
* Peoria Council Debates Cuts, Changes Garbage Service
* Fire Department cuts restored
Peoria council decides to look for other ways to plug $14.5 million deficit
* Deputies protest planned county budget cuts
Sangamon County Board members Tuesday were told Tuesday that public safety will suffer if they follow through with proposed budget cuts to the sheriff’s office.
* Swine flu: Chicago to set up free clinics at six City Colleges campuses
* Adams County Board member tried for elderly theft
A 93-year-old woman who had more than $200,000 removed from her bank accounts by Adams County Board member John Hibbert last November has testified that she did not give him permission to take the money, and does not remember signing power of attorney documents.
* Illinois honors Senior Hall of Fame inductees
Four Illinois residents are being inducted into the state’s Senior Hall of Fame on Wednesday afternoon at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield.
* Disability rights advocate Pritchard dies at 60
* Ford Recalls 4.5M Vehicles Over Fire Concern
* Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Cubs to Ricketts family
* Ameren recycles 10,000 refrigerators in Illinois
* Crop circle, maze turn out to be costly prank
* D’oh! A deer! IDOT: Crashes increase
One in 228 Illinois drivers is likely to hit a deer with their vehicle, according to a State Farm analysis.
Illinois deer-vehicle collisions are up 3 percent from five years ago, a slight uptick compared to the 18 percent increase in collisions around the country in that same time period, State Farm reports.
* Free speech battle pits mom vs. Web
Buffalo Grove village trustee seeks identity of person who posted ‘disturbing’ comment about her son