Illinois Starts Early Prisoner Release
Under a statewide cost-cutting plan, the Illinois Department of Corrections will discharge today the first wave of Illinois prisoners -- 62 out of 1,000 -- that are scheduled for early release.

Ballot Challenges Take Shape
Yesterday was the deadline for candidates to challenge nominating petitions submitted by their primary opponents. Both the State Board of Elections and the Cook County clerk's office report that dozens of candidates are now facing objections, including State Rep. Deborah Mell (D-Chicago).

Soldiers' Line Of Credit Extended
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has announced plans to expand a state-run borrowing program that offers short-term, low-interest loans to Illinois soldiers returning from deployment.

Cook County Sales Tax Repeal Back On The Table
Just days after Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation lowering the veto threshold for the Cook County board, Commissioner Larry Suffredin says the board will meet on Monday to push for a sales tax rollback.

CPS' Magnet Makeover
Now that a federal desegregation decree has been revoked, Chicago Public Schools will unveil a revamped admissions policy for the district's magnet schools. Under the proposal, more seats will be set side for siblings of current students and neighborhood kids. For the first time in Chicago history, income level and other socio-economic factors in a child's neighborhood will also play a role.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user Pete Zarria.