Progress Illinois

Obama Visits Iraq
After pledging steadfast aid to Afghanistan in talks with President Hamid Karzai on Sunday, Sen. Barack Obama arrived in Iraq today for his first on-the-ground inspection of the country since launching his bid for the White House. Along with Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Obama will have met with both U.S. commander Gen. David Petraeus and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki before the day is through.

Al-Maliki Endorses Obama's Withdrawal Plan
Speaking to the the German magazine Der Spiegel on the eve of Obama's visit to the country, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki all but endorsed the Illinois senators' proposal that U.S. troops should leave Iraq within 16 months, calling it "the right timeframe for a withdrawal." The prime minister refined his comments on Sunday, but only after U.S. officials at the embassy in Baghdad contacted Maliki’s office to seek clarification on his remarks. The magazine stands by its interview.

Daley 'Not Mad' at Governor's Police Suggestions
Mayor Richard Daley said he was not insulted by Gov. Rod Blagojevich's insinuation that Chicago might need the assistance of the Illinois State Police to quell city violence. "No, I’m not mad at him," Daley told reporters Saturday. "I'm not upset with him. He said it. He has to live with those words." At least seven more people lost their lives to gun violence this weekend, including three men who were killed in shootings since Sunday night.

Illinois Programs Nervous About Budget Cuts
Although the major targets have been identified, the full scope of programs Gov. Blagojevich trimmed from the state budget is still unclear, meaning people and organizations who rely on money from the state may have a few nervous weeks ahead. "We'll have some hard decisions," said Dave Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Indiana Unemployment Also Growing Rapidly
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana experienced the biggest jump in unemployment between May and June -- 0.5 percent. Indiana's unemployment level is now at 5.8 percent, a full point below Illinois.

Study: TV Newscasts Feed Racial Stereotypes
According to a new study by University of Illinois communications professor Travis Dixon, those who watch more local or network news are more likely to see African Americans as intimidating, violent or poor. "We think of people who watch the news as informed and open-minded,'' he said. "But we hypothesize that just watching the news might lead to stereotype endorsement."