Morning Watch - March 1
Mar 01, 2013
Violence vanquished? Chicago's murder rate in February was half that of the same time in 2012, ABC7 reports.
"Games": The Illinois House defeats a handful of pension changes, prompting House Republican Leader Tom Cross to call the process a "charade," the State Journal-Register reports.
Contract calls: Gov. Quinn and AFSCME, the state's largest employee union, have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, the State Journal-Register reports.
The bottom line: The Trib's editorial board says it's still to be seen if taxpayers can afford the AFSCME contract.
President problems: Chicago State University's board of trustees meets to decide who is president during the sabbatical of Wayne Watson, the Trib reports.
Healthcare hubbub: The Medicaid expansion bill heads to the Illinois House after being approved by the Senate, the State Journal-Register reports.
Ban banter: Illinois House members argue over an assault weapons ban, the Trib reports.
Where there's smoke: Cook County cigarette taxes increase by $1 today, bringing the price of a pack to upwards of $12, ABC7 reports.
Chief chat: Rahm's chief of staff, Theresa Mintle, is stepping down and will be replaced by Lisa Schrader, Crain's reports.
Lock-up letdown: The Sun-Times' editorial board says Cook County is locking up too many juveniles.
Train spotting: A group of Englewood residents visit City Council to push for more pollution control related to Norfolk Southern's rail yard expansion, the Trib reports.
Appealing: Disgraced Dixon bookkeeper Rita Crundwell appeals her nearly 20-year prison sentence, the Trib reports.
Unemployed: Seven state employment offices close today due to federal budget reductions and falling unemployment claims, the State Journal-Register reports.
Red light: The Daily Herald's editorial board says Chicago's scandal-plagued red-light camera contract should be a reminder for scrutiny and openness.