Nursing Home Taskforce Unveils Recommendations
Illinois' Nursing Home Safety Task Force chairman Michael Gelder unveiled 27 "preliminary recommendations" for eliminating the chronic violence and abuse that plagues some of the state's nursing homes.

Quinn Stands Behind Corrections Director
Gov. Pat Quinn says Corrections Director Michael Randle won't be fired for his handling of the unpublicized early release program, which has created a major political headache for the governor in recent weeks. Quinn also signed a new bill requiring prisoners to serve at least 60 days in state custody before they become eligible for meritorious good conduct credit.

Illinois Gets $160 Million To Stabilize Neighborhoods
Illinois is expected to receive more than $160 million in the second round of grants from the stimulus bill's Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which cities can use to purchase foreclosed properties. Chicago will take in $98 million, the second highest total of any city in the country.

Cook County Schools Official Arrested
Cook County Regional Supt. Charles Flowers was arrested yesterday on charges that he used public money for personal gain.

Initial NTSB Report On Crash Delivers No Conclusion
A preliminary report released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board did not reach any conclusion about the cause of the crash of a Learjet cargo plane bound for a suburban Chicago airport earlier this month that killed the pilot and co-pilot.

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