It's Official: Cook County Cuts Sales Tax
By a margin of 12-5, the Cook County Board successfully overrode board President Todd Stroger's veto of their sales tax rollback ordinance yesterday. As a result, the county sales tax will drop by one-half of one percent come June 1, 2010. Commissioners William Beavers, Jerry Butler, Joseph Moreno, John Murphy and Deborah Sims all voted to sustain the veto.

Quinn: Let’s "Take A Look" At Horse Track Poker
Yesterday, officials from a half-dozen Illinois race tracks said they would accept thousands of video poker machines that were supposed to be installed in bars and restaurants to fund the capital projects but have are being rejected by local governments. Gov. Pat Quinn told reporters that the state should "take a look" at the controversial proposal.

Aldermen To Vote On Chicago Budget Today
The Chicago City Council is scheduled to vote on Mayor Daley's $6.1 billion budget plan this morning. To avoid tax and fee increases while still closing the deficit, Daley wants to raid the reserves from the city's controversial parking meter lease.

Indicted Alderman Stalls Police Board Reforms
Meanwhile, a slew of reforms written for the Chicago Police Board -- including term limits and changes in pay and attendance policy -- stalled yesterday because of opposition from Police Committee Chairman Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th Ward).

CPS Allows Immediate Transfers Out of Fenger
After Chicago Public Schools reached a settlement yesterday with students who sued the district because they felt threatened after the beating and death of Derrion Albert, some Fenger High School students will be able to transfer to a different school immediately.

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