Former Illinois Comptroller and longtime state Sen. Dawn Clark Netsch says she's suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease.
The disease, also known as ALS, is a fatal degenerative disorder that weakens the nerves and makes it difficult to walk, swallow and speak.
Netsch said the diagnosis is "a tough one." She says she's talking about her disease because it might get more people thinking about ALS.
Although she sometimes needs assistance to walk, Netsch is continuing her work on two state ethics commissions.
The Illinois Democrat was elected state comptroller in 1990. She helped rewrite the Illinois Constitution in 1970 and shortly after was elected to the state senate, where she served for 18 years.
In 1994, Netsch ran unsuccessfully for Illinois governor.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:03:10 GMT
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:45:07 GMT
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:50:46 GMT
The attorney for an 87-year-old woman who accuses Donald Trump of cheating her in a skyscraper condo deal told Chicago jurors on Wednesday that the "Apprentice" star lied on the witness stand.
Jurors have withdrawn to begin deliberations about whether Donald Trump cheated an 87-year-old who claims the "Apprentice" star cheated her in property deal.
