The economy is in the tank. Americans are hurting, out of work and underemployed. The housing market hasn't recovered. And a weakened President Barack Obama hopes for good news.

Total visitors rise a bit in 2011 despite financial doldrumsDespite a stagnant economy, people continue to spend time and money pursuing culture and enlightenment at the Chicago area's major museums and zoos, according to year-end attendance figures released Thursday showing a slight overall

Experts say the number of strikes may be declining because of the poor economy and a new state law that makes it tougher for teachers to strikeEven as Zion-Benton Township High School reopens Wednesday after a four-day labor dispute, experts say the number of strikes may be declining

Some experts think poor economy, drinking at home make roads saferEvery time the old college gang got together for the annual reunion, one classmate in particular could be counted on to take the merriment too far, prompting the others to give him a hard time about drinking and driving

If state leaders don't take action, state economy could suffer, report finds Illinois' higher education system has foundered over the past decade because of budget shortfalls and ineffective governance, potentially harming the state's economic competitiveness, according to a recent study.

Village's income exceeds expectationsConsumers seem to be more confident about the economy in Northbrook, as the village has seen unexpected gains in sales tax revenue over the past year, administrators said this week.

Expert says fewer holiday gifts means more life lessonsWith a slow economy and unemployment rampant, many families are facing scaled-down holiday seasons — and disappointed kids.

Priebus says sour economy reason enough to vote president out of officeSaying "a fish rots at the head," the chairman of the Republican National Committee on Wednesday urged President Barack Obama's defeat next year for failing to deliver on promises to fix the economy.

economy, according to a University of Notre Dame report scheduled to be released Wednesday.

With a sputtering economy, libraries have seen an influx of patrons looking for free entertainment or a seat in front of an Internet terminal.

Sagging economy, housing market means fewer kids on the North ShoreA sagging economy and housing market is to blame for enrollment declines at grade school districts in New Trier High School's feeder area, officials say.

On 'Meet the Press,' mayor also promotes his accomplishments over 5 months in office Mayor Rahm Emanuel hit the national airwaves Sunday to defend his former boss and said President Barack Obama faces a re-election challenge because Americans will hold him accountable for the economy.

Venue draws 70,000 people into vicinity; more than $7.5 million funneled into economyThe Rialto Square Theatre infuses more than $7.5 million into the local economy and draws more than 70,000 people to downtown Joliet each year, according to a study conducted by the Joliet City Center Partnership.

Sputtering economy cited in closing of 20,000-square-foot entertainment center in LombardLords, ladies, wizards and other lovers of live-action fantasy games are being put on notice.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is down to two candidates for the top post at the Chicago Housing Authority, a job whose chief concern will be dealing with a stubbornly anemic real estate market that has hampered efforts to create vibrant mixed-income developments where crime-ridden high-rises once stood.

Parents teaching savings, charity and more in a bumpy economy In these difficult economic times, many are also teaching their kids about more nuanced or complex aspects of the financial world, including lessons on investing, donating and even compound interest.

Better Business Bureau warns that some wedding companies are going out of business because of the economy, and others are just trying to make a quick buck Aurora resident Celeste Pierre and her husband, Benjamin, have been happily married for about nine months. But the biggest day of their lives

Quinn puts power of office behind economic stimulus projectThe project would create 65,000 jobs. Inject $29 million a year into the local economy. Boost public transportation and build a network of bicycle and pedestrian paths. And, hopefully, relieve congestion around O'Hare International Airport.

With NFL lockout over, Bears camp to boost village economy The whir of golf carts and the beeping of forklifts in Bourbonnais drowned out a collective sigh of relief Tuesday from civic and business leaders in a community where the annual influx of Bears fans is a multimillion-dollar rite of summer.

of retail space? In this economy? One thinks of Noel Coward's famous line about mad dogs and English...

Tolls likely to jump to pay for projectBuilding a new tollway on O'Hare International Airport's western edge and extending the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway are needed to create jobs and stimulate the regional economy, Gov. Pat Quinn and other top officials said Thursday, but the project could mean

Recruiting up at Illinois programs as students cite desire to serve, pull of financial benefitsCadet Darren Ujano has perfected the military sales pitch. Speaking to a potential Army ROTC recruit, he started with the scholarship perks, then moved on to the benefits of learning leadership skills and physical training.

$200 million renovation would rely heavily on philanthropyThe vision unveiled Thursday for revamping Navy Pier, Illinois' most popular tourist attraction, has a huge hurdle to overcome: An economy that is still limping toward recovery.

Medical fees slashed, compromises leave many unhappyGov. Pat Quinn signed an overhaul of the state's workers' compensation system into law Tuesday, saying the measure is vital to improve the economy in Illinois.

In a tough economy, building a bank account trumps building a resume. The catch is, jobs are scarce. When competition for spots at top universities increased, summer break became a way for students to burnish their resumes with foreign travel, community service and other enrichment activities.

After a quarter-century behind bars, smartphones are baffling, jobs are scarceAt first glance, Eric Caine's resume appears typical for someone looking for work in a tough economy.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty delivered the first major speech of his Republican presidential campaign today in President Barack Obama's hometown, blistering the president's handling of the economy and proposing tax cuts for businesses and individuals.

While gambling would bring more people downtown, there is disagreement over the benefits to hotels, restaurants and other businessesIn Chicago's full-court press for a casino, boosters insist such a development would do much more than help plug immense city and state budget deficits.

Despite pain at the pump, AAA predicts millions will take to roads and skies as summer season beginsThanks largely to an improving economy, the "staycation'' is not expected to make a roaring comeback this summer travel season, which officially kicks off over the Memorial Day weekend.

Owners unveil plans for shopping mecca's first major renovation in 20 yearsBuoyed by signs of a recovering economy, the owners of Orland Square Mall on Wednesday unveiled plans for the southwest suburban shopping mecca's first major renovation in 20 years.