Reformers, Democrats Agree On Campaign Finance Plan
Reform groups and Democratic legislative leaders agreed Thursday to overhaul Illinois' campaign finance system. The ethics measure, which passed the House last night, includes a cap on donations from political parties and legislative leaders -- but only during primary election campaigns.

GA Undercuts Cook County Chief's Veto Power
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger was dealt a political blow yesterday when both chambers in Springfield passed legislation reducing the margin required to override a veto from four-fifths to three-fifths. The bill awaits Gov. Pat Quinn's signature.

Bill To Cut Seniors' Free Rides Stalls
A proposal to scale back free bus and train rides for seniors as a way to help plug the Chicago Transit Authority's budget deficit stalled last night. Lawmakers were concerned that a provision favored by Gov. Quinn to enact a moratorium on fare hikes for two years in exchange for state aid could lead to deep service cuts.

State Gears To Free Prisoners
Over the next few weeks, the Illinois Department of Corrections will begin releasing about 1,000 non-violent inmates from prison up to a year early. Parole agents across Illinois are making unannounced visits to select homes to check for overcrowding, drug paraphernalia, or dogs that could hamper future inspections.

Study: Illinois Refugee Services Near Collapse
Innovative efforts in Illinois to resettle refugees are in danger of collapsing because of funding inadequacies, according to a new study by the United African Organization, a pan-African coalition based in Chicago.

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