• In his budget address today, Gov. Quinn called for a hike of the state income tax from 3 percent to 4 percent to help avoid education cuts.
• Police have released information - including name and photo - of the suspect in last week's Southwest Side rapes.
• WBEZ has background on today's immigration rallies.

In an effort to save money, Chicago Public Schools are cutting sophomore sports at the city's high schools, according to a memo sent to school athletic directors yesterday that the Tribune obtained. Many officials claim the memo was confusing and sent at the last minute to sophomore coaches. It stated, "Though spring sports teams can officially begin practice today, the varsity and freshman levels are the only levels of girls and boys coaches approved to begin practice at this time. The CPS system continues to carefully examine all programs before specific budgetary decisions are finalized." The CPS year began with a $500 million deficit and Chicago Public Schools chief Ron Huberman stated earlier that many programs will be cut but Tuesday was the first mention of cuts towards the sports program. more ›