In light of the $116 million budget shortfall this fiscal year, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is open to privatizing Cook County assets as she asks all departments to cut five percent. While she blames health care costs for the deficit, she’s looking to close a south suburban hospital, which she claims is running the county $2 million over budget every month.

Physics professor and politician Mike Fortner is helping the Republicans make their case against redistricting. The state representative turned on his scientific mind to process, the data and ultimately grill his opponents about the map. It probably helps he won a redistricting contest in Ohio a few years ago.

Under- 12-year-olds have an earlier curfew in Chicago, thanks to the City Council. Preteens need to be inside or with a parent after 8:30p.m. on weeknights, or face a fine.

Illinoisranks in top 10 in the nation for foreclosures, with 70,000 pending foreclosures in Cook County. One community organizer calls the burst of the housing bubble “traumatic” as an action group begins work to stop the foreclosure plague.

Governor Quinn signed a bill requiring student-athletes to get medical approval before hitting the field or court after a concussion.

Sox trade Kosuke Fukudome to the Indians and Bears deal Greg Olsen to the Panthers. The Sox are in town, taking on the Red Sox this weekend. Cubs are in St. Louis.

It’s going to be a hot, yet dry weekend. Maybe we’ll dry out in time for August.