* Senate could vote today on electric rates

* House GOP says Congressman Kirk has special needs

* Daley challenges CPS to improve science scores

* CPS boasts higher test scores; more here

* Chicago Public Radio: Public housing study say vouchers working

* Editorial: Illinois needs to use land money as it was intended

* Program helps seniors, disabled cool off during summer

* Broadcasters statewide report glitch with emergency system; more here and here

* Editorial: Protect speech at college papers

Despite a lackluster spring session, the Illinois Legislature managed to eke out several good bills. Among them is the College Campus Press Act, a measure meant to thwart censorship of student newspapers by designating them as “forums for student expression,” an important distinction that guards the First Amendment rights of budding journalists.

* Editorial: No downside to signing West Chicago tax relief bill

* Sun-Times Editorial: All earmark requests should be revealed

If citizens can see who is requesting what, then members of Congress are more likely to police themselves, and undeserving projects are more likely to wilt under the glare of public scrutiny. That’s why every member of Congress from Illinois and indeed all 535 members should be equally candid.

* Region would suffer under planned Metra political move

* Shakeup coming on Metra Board?

* Are teen drivers really worse than elderly drivers?

Illinois already is home to some of the toughest senior driving laws in the nation. It’s one of only two states to require everyone older than 75 prove their behind-the-wheel capabilities with a driving exam every two years. Once drivers turn 87, the exams are required annually.

* Excerpts from recent Illinois editorials