* Protesters rally against utility rates

* Protesters demand rate relief during capitol rally

* Illinois is still irate over rates

“We’ve heard our customers; we understand there are customers that the higher rates have created a burden for,” said Leigh Morris, spokesman for Ameren Corp. “We’ve proposed a number of (rate-relief) initiatives over the previous months, but we cannot proceed with those under the threat of a rate rollback and freeze.”

* Sun-Times Editorial: Power rollback would be a mistake

But Jones is on the right side in this debate. Refreezing the rates will do nothing to encourage competition, but the auction prices stand a much better chance. The freeze threatens to put off competition indefinitely. And lawmakers who support a freeze are telling ComEd it must buy power for more than it can sell it — remember, it no longer generates its own power.

* Cesspool of mismanagement cited in audit of juvenile center

* Mental Health system decried

“I’m fed up with the status quo,” Rep. David Leitch, R-Peoria, told those assembled around the Lincoln statue on the east side of the Capitol. “We have a system in Illinois that’s archaic, expensive and, worst of all, ineffective.”

* AG Madigan investigated Olympia meeting complaint

* Erwin selected as new education commissioner

* McQueary: If only I could get a life

* Mayor introduces ordinance to review police wrongdoing allegations

* Daley appoints nephew to states sports authority

* Shakman rips county inspector general office