Illinois lawmakers could increase places where concealed carry is OK

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois legislators from both parties are continuing to fine-tune the state’s concealed carry law nearly three years after it was passed. The State Journal-Register reports that legislators have proposed including public transportation, interstate highway rest areas, public parks and athletic facilities as areas in which permit holders are allowed to carry…

Debt collection companies top list for consumer complaints in Illinois

CHICAGO (AP) – The Illinois attorney general’s office received more than 25,000 complaints from consumers in 2015. Here’s a look at the top categories and the number of complaints. 1. Consumer Debt (mortgages, collection agencies, banks) 3,350 2. Identity Theft (government document fraud, credit cards, utilities, data breaches) 2,636 3. Telecommunications (telemarketing, cable and satellite…

Records: Routine personal use of Collinsville credit cards

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (AP) – Spending records show that a southwestern Illinois elected leader facing criticism for personal use of Collinsville credit cards isn’t the only city official to adopt the practice. The Belleville News-Democrat (bit.ly/21T2pM3 ) reports that six other Collinsville officials in four years reimbursed personal purchases made on city-issued credit cards. Collinsville City…