Progress Illinois

Quinn To Announce Budget Details Today
A month into the new fiscal year, Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to release new details today about what programs and agencies will face cuts under the state's "stop-gap" budget. With broad authority to trim -- lawmakers didn't spell out where the budget should be cut and instead gave Quinn spending power  -- the governor hinted that some education cuts won't be as severe as first feared. But other service providers still waiting to learn how much they'll be reimbursed by the state are sitting on pins and needles.

Budget Chief: Chicago's 2010 Budget Worse Than This Year
Chicago Chief Financial Officer Gene Saffold said at a press conference yesterday that even after the city exhausts a $320 million rainy day fund generated by the parking meter lease deal, another $520 million will be needed to balance next year's budget. Closing the gap could require more  spending cuts or tax increases.

Hartmarx CEO Patel To Retire
While he may stay on in a part-time advisory capacity, Hartmarx Chairman and CEO Homi Patel will retire Friday after 30 years with the Chicago suitmaker. The announcement came just as the company is being bought by Emerisque Brands UK.

Governor: Death Penalty Freeze Should Stay
Even as DuPage County prosecutors seek the death penalty in the high-profile case of convicted murderer Brian Dugan, Gov. Quinn says the state's moratorium on capital punishment should continue until appropriate reforms to the capital punishment are put in place.

Wal-Mart Making Robocalls
The media has consistently highlighted a new poll commissioned by Wal-Mart showing massive support for opening a Wal-Mart on Chicago's South Side. But as NBC's Steve Rhodes reports, the poll is actually a robo-call disguised as a scientific survey.

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