From NPR: With budgets tight, the court in San Joaquin County, Calif., stopped hearing all small claims cases in September. More than 800 people have since filed claims with no hearing dates in sight. Many other counties nationwide are experiencing similar delays for civil cases as they grapple with spending cuts.
Kentucky: The Louisville Zoo says its oldest polar bear has died. The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education estimates more than 61,000 students are receiving diplomas from the state's public and independent colleges and universities this academic year. A Paducah building which sat for years and in disrepair has now received initial approval for the National Register of Historic Places.
Tennessee: Gov. Bill Haslam has signed into law a measure to tighten enrollment requirements at privately run online schools.
Illinois: Lt. Governor Sheila Simon wants to see all colleges and universities in Illinois feature a link to the federal College Scorecard on their websites. Supporters of high-volume oil and gas drilling say a bill to regulate the practice in Illinois is ready for a vote after last-minute negotiations over hiring and environmental concerns.