Progress Illinois

Illinois Voter Registration Ends Today
The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners will keep the lights on and the doors open until midnight tonight to help residents make the drop-dead deadline for regular voter registrations. Completed forms postmarked by today will also be accepted.

Despite Bailout, Market Confidence Tanks
The hope that the $700 billion bailout bill would calm anxious investors appears to be wearing off in light of the ongoing turmoil in stock and credit markets worldwide. Nearly six out of ten Americans say a depression is likely, according to a CNN/Opinion Research poll released yesterday.

Indiana: Obama, McCain In "Dead Heat"
The race for president in Indiana is a dead heat - 46 percent for both Obama and McCain, according to a new poll conducted by Research 2000. Only five percent of the respondents said they're still undecided.

Rezko Sentencing Postponed, Cooperation Suspected
Federal prosecutors have signaled that convicted influence peddler Antoin “Tony” Rezko's sentencing is on hold because he's cooperating in an investigation. The news backs up speculation that the political fundraiser and ally to Gov. Blagojevich is working with the feds in hopes of getting a lighter sentence.

U of I Reverses Ban On Politicking
University of Illinois professors can get out their lapel pins and slap those "Obama '08" bumper stickers back on their cars. U of I officials have backed off their earlier interpretation of a state ethics law that prompted them to order all employees and grad students to cease any politicking on campus.

Aldermen On Midway: Not So Fast
As the City Council's finance committee considered his $2.5 billion plan to privatize Midway Airport yesterday, Mayor Daley didn't get the quick approval he was hoping for. The aldermen will meet again today to continue grilling city officials on the details of the unprecedented deal. The mayor hopes to get the plan onto the council floor for a final vote this week.