Hey there! It’s Friday, and this might convince me to actually watch some of March Madness. Here’s what you need to know today.

1. Chicago’s top prosecutor seeks early release for some prisoners

Some long-serving Illinois inmates could be granted early release under a new resentencing initiative led by Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, WBEZ’s Patrick Smith reports.

Foxx’s office this week filed three resentencing motions, with two more planned for later in the month. Advocates say the hearings, expected next week, will make Cook County the first Illinois jurisdiction to take advantage of a new state law that empowers prosecutors to identify prisoners whose sentence “no longer advances the interests of justice.”

“We recognize that as criminal justice has evolved, so must our position on these cases,” Foxx said. “This is an effort by us to … go back and not just acknowledge the wrongs of the past, but try to correct them.”

The low number of cases means the initial impact could be small, but the effort carries significant political risks for Foxx, whose office has been accused of going easy on criminals amid the recent surge in violence.

The state’s attorney said her team plans to move forward with caution, seeking to prove to residents that the initiative will not endanger public safety. [WBEZ]

2. Biden urges China not to give aid to Russia

As fighting escalates in Ukraine, President Joe Biden today warned Chinese President Xi Jinping against providing support to Russia, one of Beijing’s closest strategic partners.

U.S. officials have raised concerns that China may offer military or economic assistance to Moscow as the conflict unfolds. In today’s call, Biden reiterated his support for finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis and outlined potential consequences of Chinese intervention, according to the White House. [CNN]

Meanwhile, European leaders are calling on the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to extend this year’s deadline for nominations so that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can be included. [NPR]

3. Illinois coal plants cranked up production in 2021

All but two of Illinois’ coal-burning power plants are set to close by 2030 — and if recent data is any indication, they’re going out in a blaze of emissions.

Ten of the state’s 13 coal plants burned more coal in 2021 than the year before, a Chicago Sun-Times analysis finds. In nearby Romeoville, for instance, production more than doubled last year. At a plant in Waukegan, energy output tripled.

The increase, credited to higher demand during the pandemic and a hike in natural gas prices, comes as the state tries to pivot away from pollution-heavy energy sources toward more renewable options like wind and solar power.

It’s “frustrating,” says Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health programs at Chicago’s Respiratory Health Association. “The more coal you burn, the more people are going to get sick and more people are going to die.” [Sun-Times]

4. The Great Barrier Reef is feeling the effects of climate change

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, known for its vibrant colors and array of aquatic species, is suffering from widespread and severe coral bleaching, officials announced today.

What’s causing the environmental stress? The marine authority that oversees the reef points to unusually warm ocean temperatures after a mass bleaching event two years ago. Greenpeace activists, however, argue the Australian government failed to protect the fragile ecosystem.

“This is a sure sign that climate change caused by burning coal, oil and gas is threatening the very existence of our reef,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Climate Impacts Campaigner Martin Zavan said in a statement.

A United Nations delegation is set to inspect the reef next week to determine whether its World Heritage status should be downgraded as a result of the damage. [AP]

5. Chicagohenge returns this weekend

Sunday marks the first day of spring, and while that doesn’t necessarily guarantee warmer weather, there is one cause for celebration: the return of Chicagohenge.

The urban phenomenon — during which the sun rises and sets in perfect alignment with the city’s east-west streets — is hugely popular, with professional photographers and iPhone amateurs alike flocking downtown to capture the golden rays.

Want to snag your own shot? Don’t delay: The solar spectacle occurs just twice a year on the spring and fall equinoxes. [Block Club Chicago]

Here’s what else is happening

• The Chicago cop who was filmed swinging at activist Miracle Boyd, 18, during a 2020 protest in Grant Park is facing dismissal charges. [WBEZ]

• Loyola is out of the NCAA Tournament after a 54-41 loss to Ohio State. [Sun-Times]

• Nearly 1.6 million Illinoisans could soon receive $397 checks as part of a Facebook class -action settlement. [Tribune]

• Forty percent of Chicago’s public schools will see budget cuts next year due to enrollment declines. [WBEZ]

Oh, and one more thing …

My mom is coming to visit me this weekend, which means I’ll be spending my Friday night in a last-minute dash to deep-clean my apartment. Luckily, WBEZ is here to entertain me while I spiff up with a new set of podcast episodes.

First on my list is this week’s Art of Power, which features an inspirational interview with former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, the first woman and immigrant to head a Fortune 50 company.

Next up is the latest Curious City, which has the lowdown on how to get reimbursed if a Chicago pothole damages your vehicle. (Hint: Collect a lot of evidence!)

And to polish things off, I’ll tune in to the newest Nerdette, which recaps a community event centered around my pandemic hobby: cross-stitching!

Tell me something good …

Have you read anything good lately? We’re looking for some good books to escape into after reading the news all day.

Jessie writes:

“I just finished If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich. It’s a delightfully angsty YA novel about two boy band members who fall in love. It’s a perfect fit for those days when you just want something light and harmless to contrast the state of the world!”

Deb Wayman suggests:

“I think you’d love The Guncle by Steven Rowley. It’s about a gay uncle (guncle) who agrees to watch his niece and nephew for the summer after their mother dies and their dad has a major health challenge. It’s laugh out loud funny, but with some serious themes given the set up.”

And Noel recommends:

“The book Street Gang, about the first 20 years of Sesame Street, with emphasis on its beginnings, is a great read! It’s a quick read, but incredibly informative about how the show got made, both creatively and bureaucratically (and the controversies that arose, from many different directions). The documentary based on it is available on HBO Max, but it can only scratch the surface.”

Thanks to everyone who shared their responses this week! It sounds like Hunter and I better plan a team field trip to the library.