Morning Watch - December 12
Dec 12, 2012
Arms race: A federal court rules Illinois' concealed carry ban is unconstitutional, WBEZ reports.
Madigan mention: Attorney General Lisa Madigan should appeal the appeals court's ruling on the concealed carry ban, the Sun-Times' editorial board writes.
Resignation report: Ald. Sandi Jackson says she won't resign unless something catastrophic happens, and she's not running for Congress, WBEZ reports.
Device drop: Cook County criminal courts ban public the use of cell phones, tablets and laptops in courtrooms citing concerns gang members are using the technology to influence proceedings, the Trib reports.
Fighting foes: State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, a candidate for Jesse Jackson Jr.'s former seat in Congress, says it's time for the district to get away from scandal-plagued leaders, including her opponent, state Sen. Donne Trotter who is facing federal gun charges, the Trib reports.
Impartial import: The Sun-Times' editorial board says it's time to bring in a non-Cook County judge for the Koschman/Vanecko trial.
Nothing new: CBS 2's Walter Jacobson says that a judge presiding over the Koschman manslaughter case with Daley ties is just part of the Chicago Way.
Transport talk: The Trib's editorial board says despite fare hikes, the CTA is still a deal compared to driving.
Rahm's replacements: Rahm faces criticism for replacing union janitors at O'Hare with non-union workers, the Sun-Times reports.
Ties that bind: The Sun-Times looks closer at alleged organized crime ties of a janitorial firm with a city contract.
Council calls: Digital billboards, an electricity plan and garbage truck fines are up for City Council votes today, NBC Chicago reports.
Ford's federal charges: State Rep. La Shawn Ford pleads not guilty to federal bank charges, NBC Chicago reports.
Attorney appeal: Attorney General Lisa Madigan won't appeal a verdict that ruled in favor of two pharmacists who objected to providing emergency contraception on religious grounds, the State Journal-Register reports.
Bringing closure to closures? The Illinois Supreme Court sides with Gov. Quinn on prison closures, lifting a temporary injunction that had been blocking closure progress, the State Journal-Register reports.
Program phase-out: When a federal emergency program end this month, 90,000 people in Illinois will cease to receive unemployment benefits, the Trib reports.