Progress Illinois

Blagojevich Cuts $1.4 Billion From Budget
Gov. Rod Blagojevich cut $1.4 billion out of the state budget yesterday to correct a deficit he identified in the fiscal plan. The governor hopes that the General Assembly will approve some of his spending measures during the current special session to reinstate the programs he slashed. "The ball is in their court," he told reporters.

Amtrak Avoids Cuts
Despite threats to the contrary, one thing Blagojevich did not cut was Amtrak spending. The governor had earlier suggested that he might target trains "running between St. Louis and Chicago, as well as Carbondale and Chicago" as a way of saving money.

Blagojevich And Madigan: The Backstory
Much of the deadlock between the governor and the legislature has been attributed to an ongoing clash between Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan. Today the Daily Herald provides a brief analysis of why there is so much animosity between the two.

Jackson Apologizes To Obama
Rev. Jesse Jackson said his comments critical of Barack Obama's speeches about parental responsibility were "hurtful" and "wrong." Jackson had told a reporter, among other things, that he thought Obama was "talking down to black people." He later explained that he didn't know his microphone was on.

Federal Suit Challenges BP Whiting
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has filed suit against BP over the expansion of their oil refinery in Whiting, IN. The suit charges that the refinery's increased emissions will violate the U.S. Clean Air Act.

Water Shortages in Illinois' Future
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has released its findings that Northeastern Illinois could be hit by severe water shortages as soon as 2050 if the state does not begin to plan for future population growth in the area. "In a worst-case scenario, water usage would increase as much as 64% from current levels, or to 2.4 billion gallons a day, triggering shortages," reports Crain's.

Police Chief To Testify Before Chicago City Council
Chicago Police Chief Jody Weis will be appearing before the City Council next week to explain the increase in homicides in the city this year. Weis has come under fire since a shooting outside the Taste of Chicago festival drew major media attention to Chicago's endemic violence.

IDOT Analysis Put Under Microscope
Many observers have found fault with an analysis by the Illinois Department of Transportation which found that the relocation of the Division of Traffic Safety will cost Sangamon County $9 million but bring $15 million to Southern Illinois. The Governor has been pushing to move the agency from Springfield as a way of stimulating the economy in the southern part of the state.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user Ravik694.