With a drop in inmates over the past several years, the Cook County Jail is preparing to close down two buildings in an effort to save money. Sheriff Tom Dart said, "When every government agency is looking for ways to cut costs and save taxpayer dollars, it makes no sense to keep half-empty buildings operating at full capacity." According to Chicago Current, the move will hopefully save $15 million. Between 2004 and 2009, the number of inmates processed at the jail shrank from around 106,000 to 86,000. This comes in the wake of the earlier announcement that 600 new guards will be hired over next two years at the jail, a move made as part of a deal with the federal government. more ›

Yesterday we mentioned Gov. Quinn is exploring the early release of many non-violent inmates as a means to help cut from the state budget. Now, reports say the number of inmates released could go as high as 10,000 in a bid to save up to $125 million on the budget. more ›

By now, you've all seen the Thriller dance as performed by a group of Philippine inmates. Now, upon the death of King of Pop Michael Jackson, the inmates are back with another tribute to the fallen pop star. more ›