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* Lawsuit to block prison closing is challenged

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit aimed at stopping Gov. Rod Blagojevich from closing a prison in Pontiac.

The lawsuit claims the governor can’t use money the General Assembly appropriated for the Pontiac Correctional Center at other facilities.

* City cabbies want 16 percent fare hike

The recent dollar-per-ride surcharge has meant reduced tips for drivers, said Prateek Sampat, spokesman for the United Taxidrivers Community Council.

The group plans to present its petitions to city officials Wednesday.

“The surcharge is not even close to covering the needs of drivers,” Sampat said. “It’s not just (the increase in) gas prices. The general cost of living is going up, for things like food.”

The price of gas has jumped by 75 cents a gallon or more at times since the $1 surcharge went into effect April 28.

* Feds could force union to undo elections

Local 150 in 2007 was headed by political power broker William Dugan, whose slate won all offices. Dugan retired in June amid an FBI probe. No criminal charges have been filed. Dugan’s successor, James M. Sweeney, said the suit to void the election boils down to “two alleged technical violations” and that the union’s 21,000 members want their leaders to “stand and fight.”

* The Stroger file ...

Huh? Sneed is told Cook County Board President Todd Stroger won a silent auction bid this weekend for a front-row seat at a board meeting and lunch with fellow Commissioner Larry Suffredin!

* Ill. treasurer questions billing to execution fund

* Agency wants CN to pony up $150 million to sweeten merger

* Consider rail merger’s community effect

posted by Kevin Fanning
Wednesday, Oct 1, 08 @ 8:49 am

Comments

Stroger won a front row seat to a Board meeting?!? It doesn’t help him win credibility with those who doubt he’s ever fully been there.

What’s next? Is Rod going to win a tour of the Statehouse and a night’s stay in the Executive Mansion?

Comment by South Side Mike Wednesday, Oct 1, 08 @ 9:08 am
Funny, South Side. Especially the last paragraph.

Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Wednesday, Oct 1, 08 @ 3:31 pm