Army Corps: Asian Carp DNA Found In Lake Michigan
Yesterday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it collected more evidence indicating the dreaded Asian carp is in Lake Michigan. This revelation came just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to order immediate closure of shipping locks in the Chicago area that would prevent the destructive fish from infesting the Great Lakes.

Prison Release Continues To Hound Quinn
With just two weeks before the primary election, Comptroller Dan Hynes continues to blast Gov. Pat Quinn over the state's unpublicized prison release program. The attacks are taking their toll; a recent poll sponsored by the Alexi Giannoulias Senate campaign shows Quinn's support among likely voters at less than 50 percent.

Task Force: Illinois Property Tax Burden Is Too High
A legislative task force has concluded that Illinois property owners are shouldering too heavy a burden for local government. The Land of Lincoln ranks sixth in the country for property taxes as a percentage of income.

Cash For Appliances Starts This Month
In the first phase of the state's Cash for Appliances program, Gov. Quinn announced yesterday that beginning January 31, Illinois shoppers who buy water heaters that meet Energy Star energy-efficiency criteria will receive a 25 percent discount.

Chicago Schools Unveil Next Round Of Closings
Members of the Chicago Teachers Union are vowing to fight Chicago’s plan to close, consolidate, or fire staff at 14 schools. The city unveiled its new plan on Tuesday.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user thomas.merton.