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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The union representing Illinois correctional workers is demanding a stop to what it says is the transfer of violent maximum-security prison inmates to less-secure lockups.

The letter sent Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press was addressed to Department of Corrections Director S.A. "Tony" Godinez (goh-DEE'-nez).

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says in one instance up to 15 inmates were being moved to medium-security prisons. The inmates allegedly beat two guards and a chaplain at Menard prison last week.

The union is worried increased violence has ushered a return of "circuit riders" - keeping troublemakers isolated by moving them from prison to prison.

The 1998 opening of the high-security Tamms prison ended that practice. But Gov. Pat Quinn closed Tamms in January because of budget cuts.

CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois has received conditional federal approval for its plan to provide a health insurance marketplace where thousands of state residents will shop for insurance beginning Oct. 1.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued a conditional approval letter Wednesday to Gov. Pat Quinn with a list of six conditions.

Conditions include signing a memorandum of understanding with the federal government for how the state will monitor and approve health plans sold on the exchange by March 1 and a separate memorandum of understanding for how the state will run consumer outreach activities by April 1. Sebelius’ letter acknowledges that “Illinois is working under intense timelines.”

The state is partnering with the federal government to offer the online marketplace.

No reason was given for the last-minute cancellation of two Katt Williams shows for this week.

The shows were scheduled for Valentine's Day and Friday 2/15 at the Peabody Opera House. There will be full refunds issued for the tickets.

Williams is a comedian and actor, best known for his role of Money Mike in Friday After Next. Williams has also been arrested five times in the last three months.