Progress Illinois

VP Candidates Debate Tonight, As Independents Grow Skeptical Of Palin
The much anticipated debate between VP candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin is set for tonight and there isn't a columnist or pundit out there who isn't weighing in on how the candidates ought to approach the challenge. For Palin, making the sale to voters is looking increasingly tough. A Washington Post/ABC poll released today found that confidence in McCain's pick continues to slip. A growing number of independent respondents, 60 percent, say that Palin doesn't have the experience needed to step into the presidency.

Congressional Delegation Still Not Sold On The Bailout
The $700 billion economic bailout plan may have sailed through the Senate last night, but if the sentiment of some south suburban congressional representatives is any indicator of what's to come, it could be a tough sell when the House takes up the measure tomorrow.

More IL Troops Shipping Out
An additional 2,700 Illinois soldiers will ship out to Afghanistan this month, marking the largest deployment of the state's National Guard troops since World War II. The soldiers are heading into increasingly dangerous territory - where U.S. troop casualties are on the rise- during a 10-month tour to relieve strained troops.

Alderman To Put Regional Transit Officials On The Spot
When regional transportation officials called for a recent sales tax hike, they said it would put the region's transit system back on track. Well, that didn't generate enough money. So now now officials are warning that another fare hike is coming. Before that happens, Chicago alderman say transit officials have some explaining to do. At a hearing today, officials from CTA, RTA, Metra and Pace will give their take on what's needed solve the ongoing funding problems.

Daley to Hold Closed-Door Budget Briefing
Mayor Daley is holding a closed-door meeting with alderman today to discuss how the city will cope with a projected $420 million budget shortfall for the coming year. Already, the mayor has indicated that he plans major layoffs, up to 1,000 jobs, to free up operating money. It's not yet clear how a tentative deal to lease Midway Airport to a private firm will affect this year's budget.

Des Plaines River Flood Relief On The Way
More than two decades after major flooding caused extensive damage along the Des Plaines River, a major prevention project will finally move forward. Two contracts, worth $26 million, have been awarded to build a 10,000-foot earthen levee and flood wall along the river in Mt. Prospect and Prospect Heights.

Daley's Pet Project
In sharp contrast to many local nonprofits, After School Matters, run by Chicago first lady Maggie Daley, continues to set new fundraising goals with apparent ease. Between 2003 and 2006 the organization's budget grew from $5.3 million to $18.2 million, with half coming from government sources and the remainder from city contractors. When private donations dropped off by 60 percent in 2007, $17.7 million worth of government money was sent to the rescue.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user Adam79.