Progress Illinois

Quinn Reports $3.1 Million Fundraising Haul
Yesterday marked the deadline for state political candidates to disclose how much money they raised during the second half of 2009. Gov. Pat Quinn emerged as the state's fundraising heavyweight, pulling in $3.1 million, the Illinois Board of Elections reports. Still, Quinn's Democratic challenger Comptroller Dan Hynes ended the period with a $1 million fundraising advantage.

lllinois Lands Green Jobs Grant
Ilinois' own Sen. Dick Durbin announced yesterday that the Prairie State is in line to receive a $6 million federal stimulus grant that will be used to train and place about 1,300 workers in energy-efficient jobs and help another 1,700 workers earn degrees. Read more »

Below are our daily picks from the Illinois blogosphere and media at large:

Poor Neighborhoods Can Kill
Citing the work of several Chicago researchers, Peter Aldhous explores why Chicago's disparity in breast cancer death rates between black women and white women is nearly twice as high as the national mark.

Mythbusters
Megan Cottrell clears up the top seven myths that people believe about public housing.

Half Past Dead
Colin Asher outlines a new report from the Woodstock Institute on the "refund anticipation" racket, in which lenders offer cash-strapped customers immediate access to their income tax refunds at a hefty premium.

To receive our “Around The Horn” update in your inbox every afternoon—along with links to our top stories and the breaking news of the day—sign up for the Progress Illinois Extra.  You can also learn what we're reading via our Twitter feed.

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. Read more »

Below are our daily picks from the Illinois blogosphere and media at large:

Block 37 Blues
The Chicago Current's Ben Meyerson reports on the stalled construction of Block 37, a saga that has left experts baffled and suspicious.

Election 2010
Suburban readers should check out the Daily Herald's new election page, which features detailed surveys, candidate profiles, and the latest news from the trail.

Banning Contractors
Rep. Jan Schakowsky is planning to introduce a bill that would ban private security contractors from U.S. military and intelligence operations. 

To receive our “Around The Horn” update in your inbox every afternoon—along with links to our top stories and the breaking news of the day—sign up for the Progress Illinois Extra.  You can also learn what we're reading via our Twitter feed.

Quinn Ready To Play Hardball For Tax Hike?
While he never explicitly linked the redistricting process to votes for hiking the state's income tax rate, Gov. Pat Quinn told the Crain's editorial board that he's prepared to use next year's remap as a pressure point on lawmakers. 

Officials Press Feds For Answers On Levees
Because federal officials might force thousands of Illinois property owners to spend more for flood insurance until $500 million in repairs are made to Mississippi River levees, officials from the southwest part of Illinois are demanding to know exactly what's wrong with the levees. Read more »

Below are our daily picks from the Illinois blogosphere and media at large:

Rest In Peace, Carlos
WBEZ staffers, who worked with Carlos Hernandez Gomez from 2002 to 2005, share their memories of the Chicago political journalist, who passed away over the weekend.  President Obama also paid tribute to Gomez in a statement today.

Trust No Bankers
The financial industry, writes Slate's Daniel Gross, has always been wrong about the dangers of regulation.

Marriage Benefits Are Costly
While heterosexuals are protected by $40 marriage license, wills and legal safeguards for same-sex couples cost thousands. The Tribune reports.

To receive our “Around The Horn” update in your inbox every afternoon—along with links to our top stories and the breaking news of the day—sign up for the Progress Illinois Extra.  You can also learn what we're reading via our Twitter feed.

Quinn Signs Illinois Cemetery Oversight Law
Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill yesterday that overhauls cemetery regulations in Illinois. The legislation, which moves all cemetery oversight into one regulatory agency under the governor's purview, is a response to the scandal at Burr Oak cemetery last year.

Illinois' State Budget Woes Second In Nation
According to new research from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Illinois' projected FY 2011 budget gap of $12.8 billion is the second highest in the nation, just behind California, whose population is three times as large. Read more »

Below are our daily picks from the Illinois blogosphere and media at large:

Payment Squeeze
The State Journal-Register reports that area social-service agencies remain hamstrung by the state's delayed payments.

All About The Budget
John Patterson previews the upcoming legislative session for Illinois Issues.

Big Transit News
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced some important changes to the federal government's major transit grant program yesterday. Elana Schor explains.

To receive our “Around The Horn” update in your inbox every afternoon—along with links to our top stories and the breaking news of the day—sign up for the Progress Illinois Extra.  You can also learn what we're reading via our Twitter feed.

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. Read more »