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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

New Illinois Department Of Corrections Head Named

Radio Iowa

John Baldwin is the new head of Illinois prisons.

Baldwin spent eight years as the head of the Iowa Department of Corrections before retiring in January.

Jean Basinger is the president of prison reform group Iowa CURE. She says she worked with Baldwin in Iowa.

"I certainly hope he can help with your problems in the system but I am concerned because of his lack of experience with such a big system," Basinger said.

There are more than five times as many prisoners in Illinois than in Iowa.

Governor Bruce Rauner’s press office announced the appointment but declined to comment further. Rauner’s last pick to run the Department of Corrections resigned after just two months on the job.

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