TX to Proceed with Internationally Contested Executions: The ICJ ordered a review of 5 Texas capital cases after Mexico again complained that the convicts had not been allowed to talk to the Mexican consulate after their arrests. But today, a spokesperson for the governor announced that the executions will proceed as planned, with the first scheduled for August 5.

Chicago Crime Epidemic May Require National Guard: According to ABC 7 Chicago, the governor has offered to send Illinois State Troopers and National Guard equipment to Chicago to help control spiraling violence in Cook County. According to Governor Blagojevich, 16 children have been killed in the last three weeks, and there are five times as many gang-bangers as police officers.

Investigation Reveals Serious Flaws in Nation's Largest Jail: The AP's Mike Robinson details the results of a 17-month federal investigation of the Cook County Jail in Chicago. While officials were praised for their cooperation, the report alleges a "culture of abuse" within the jail, in which guards conducted organized beatings of inmates who insulted them, among other issues. So far, jail officials are cooperating with efforts to address the problems.

Sac County Drops Gang Tax Plan: Citing opposition from Sacramento County's suburban cities and a not-so-enthusiastic sheriff, the County Supervisor announced that he is abandoning his plan to increase the sales tax to raise funds to combat gangs. According to Ed Fletcher's article for the Sacramento Bee, Supervisor Dickinson will suggest that the Sacramento City Council pursue the tax increase on its own.