Tamms Reforms Unveiled
The Illinois Department of Corrections' interim director Michael Randle has unveiled a 10-point plan for reforming Tamms Correctional Center, the state's lone supermax prison. After evaluating prisoners under the new criteria, 48 inmates will soon be eligible for transfer out of the facility.

Early Prisoner Release Decision Coming Soon
Meanwhile, with 400 layoffs in the state's corrections department just weeks away, Randle says a decision on whether to allow nonviolent offenders to be released from prison ahead of schedule is forthcoming.

Jackson Snags EMILY's List Endorsement
EMILY's List, an organization that backs and fundraises for pro-choice women candidates, announced Thursday that it's throwing its support behind former Chicago Urban League President Cheryl Robinson Jackson in her bid for Illinois' junior senate seat.

Illinois Unemployment Dips Slightly
The unemployment rate in Illinois dipped slightly to 10 percent in August, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. A year ago, Illinois’ unemployment rate stood at 6.7 percent.

More Illinois Soldiers Coming Home
Another 160 Illinois Army National Guard soldiers who've been deployed for the past year under Operation Enduring Freedom will return home to downstate Illinois this weekend.

Quinn To Declare Swine Flu Emergency
Next week, Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to declare a public health emergency, which would ensure that more resources are sent to respond to the H1N1 virus. Meanwhile, the state will soon receive an initial delivery of nearly 2 million doses of a vaccine that protect people against the so-called "swinge flu."

Grand Jury Seeks Cook County Finance Records
According to a memo circulated by Commissioner John Daley yesterday, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office has subpoenaed year-old financial documents from Board President Todd Stroger’s administration for  “a current grand jury investigation.” Stroger has declined to comment on the investigation.

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