* Metro-east unemployment rate soars to 12.6 percent

* Unemployment hits 13 percent in the Peoria area

* Blagojevich Attorneys to Play Tapes When He Testifies

* Blagojevich request for trial delay is denied

* Judge refuses to delay Blago corruption trial

* Commissioners React to Cook County Bidding Process

* No Details on CPS Clout Admissions, But Tightened Controls

District officials admitted Wednesday that in the past, the highly competitive schools have let in students who didn’t even go through the normal application process, and there was no district oversight.

Now, principal picks will be reviewed by CPS and an outside auditor.

* New alderman to pay city for moving out early

The affordable-housing program that subsidized the cost of the house’s land required she live in the home for at least four years.

Graham said she was unaware of that requirement until she was asked about it Wednesday morning. Later in the day, she agreed to reimburse the city for a portion of the subsidy, as required under the program when someone moves out too soon.

* Trade show organizers meet with McCormick Place’s labor leaders

A representative from the National Restaurant Assn. told the Tribune that the meeting included a “hodgepodge” of McCormick Place clients and was a chance for labor leaders to hear directly from customers.

* Former PTA treasurer charged with theft in DuPage

* Kane wind turbine rules getting off the ground

* SXSW 2010: Night one, the showcases