Broadening her efforts to make County Government transparent and accountable, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle unveiled three new tools to improve public access to Cook County Board meetings and open the doors of County Government The public can now listen to live broadcasts of Cook County Board meetings with streaming internet radio and can also watch time-delayed board meetings indexed by each point of that day’s agenda. Building on the ability to listen to meetings, Cook County will make video of each meeting available within 7 business days.

Today Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the results of a joint city-county committee, outlining a path to historic levels of City and County collaboration in order to reduce cost and improve services for residents. “This report is a blueprint for reform. It paves the way for a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the City and County in order to more efficiently deliver our residents with the best services for the best price,” said Mayor Emanuel.

Cook County Clerk David Orr's office issued its first civil union license this morning to Janean Watkins and Lakeesha Harris of Chicago, who arrived at midnight to be the first couple in line at the Daley Center. About 75 couples and their supporters arrived before the Clerk's office opened at 7:30 a.m.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Health and Hospital System (CCHHS) Dr. Terry Mason held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss upcoming plans for Oak Forest Hospital. In light of the decision by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Board, CCHHS will begin today the process of a modified plan of operations for Oak Forest Hospital. Oak Forest Hospital will continue to operate a 24/7 emergency room.

WHAT: Illinois will begin offering Civil Union licenses at county clerk offices on Wednesday, June 1. The Cook County Clerk’s office will open its downtown office early to mark the momentous occasion. “I’m thrilled this day has finally come,” Clerk David Orr said. “This will be a joyous day for all couples – gay and straight – who want to make history as part of the inaugural group of civil unions.” WHEN: Wednesday, June 1.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Tuesday released the following statement in response to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board’s denial of a request by the Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS) to discontinue inpatient care at Oak Forest Hospital: “Despite the Board’s decision, I remain committed to the comprehensive Vision 2015 Strategic Plan to provide quality medical services to Cook County residents. We hope this vote provides the Board with time to reevaluate the merits of our proposal.

February blizzard that locked down the Cook County Jail due to a manpower shortage and power outage also pushed 31 new cadets into correctional officer duties far earlier than any of them anticipated – providing a moment of distinction and pride for those cadets set to graduate today,Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced Tuesday. Sheriff Dart will preside over graduation ceremonies set for 2 p.m. today at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Heights.

Police officers and other law enforcement personnel from as many as sixty different departments are expected to attend the 10th Annual Cook County Peace Officers Memorial Foundation Ceremony on Tuesday, May 10th. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and honors peace officers killed in the line of duty throughout Cook County. The event will be held at the Cermak Woods Forest Preserve, 7601 W.