Americans will spend less this year on back-to-school
Back-to-school spending is down between 7 and 8 percent, compared to last year: $594.24 for the average family.
Academics
Tornado touches down in Elburn; storms hit central IL
Severe storms and a tornado touchdown were reported across central Illinois.
A homeless ‘protester’ in Naperville
We look at a new Naperville, IL, ordinance, spurred by one man, a lone protester downtown, against the 14th Amendment.
Typhoon rocks southeast China; 1 million evacuated
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8191951.stm A typhoon has caused massive damage and loss of life in southeast China, the British…
Counterfeit $20 bills circulate in Sugar Grove
How do you spot a counterfeit $20 bill? Look for the serial number, the watermark, & the security strip.
N. Korea releases 2 imprisoned US journalists
2 US journalists have received a "special pardon" from North Korea and have been released from prison.
Senate rejects move to expand concealed carry rights
The concealed-carry laws will not be expanded to include cross-state rights by an amendment to the annual military authorization bill.
Obituary: Walter Cronkite
Longtime news anchor Walter Cronkite died at the age of 92. He brought us the news when we trusted those who do.
Obama calls for democratic reforms in Africa
It'll be hard for US/Asian/European companies and governments to invest in African nations unless reforms are instituted.
Teens find a tough job market this summer
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-summerjobs28-2009jun28,0,5608600.story Blaming lay-offs of older workers now looking for work, teens say the job market is…