U.S. Supreme Court May Hear Chicago Gun Cases (UPDATED)
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce this morning if it will hear a challenge to Chicago's ban on guns. The high court struck down Washington, D.C.'s gun law last year but did not decide whether all states and local governments are required to give individuals the right to possess firearms under the 2nd Amendment.(Update: The Supreme Court has announced that it will indeed hear the challenge to Chicago's ban on guns.)

Quinn Pushes Cig Tax For Short-Term MAP Grant Fix
While an income tax increase is ultimately needed to fund the program, Gov. Pat Quinn said yesterday that a proposed cigarette tax could be a short-term solution to restore funding to the state's largest financial aid program for college students. The issue will be a primary focus of the state's veto session next month.

AARP Wants Quinn To Halt Budget Cuts
The AARP is fighting back against budget cuts to services for senior citizens, urging members to contact Gov. Quinn and ask for the money to be restored through a special, newly-created hotline.

Speaker Madigan Putting The Breaks On Rail Project
Just four days before the Illinois Department of Transportation was scheduled to submit an application for federal high speed rail stimulus money, House Speaker Mike Madigan has introduced a bill that prohibits the state from spending a dime on one controversial leg of the project -- the Third Street corridor in Springfield.

Black Religious Leaders Struggle With Cook Co. Endorsement
More than 250 African-American ministers met Tuesday to endorse a black candidate for Cook County Board president but the group failed to reach consensus on which of the four officials could best serve them. They did emphasize the need for "unity over division" and will make a final decision on October 12.

IOC To 2016 Bidders: Play Nice
After the International Olympic Committee's Ethics Commission was informed of negative comments from Chicago officials about the Brazilian city's prospects, the body has told the four cities vying for the 2016 Summer Games not to criticize their rivals.

Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user Merrick Brown.