Morning Watch - October 1
Oct 01, 2012
Burke break: The Sun-Times reports Ald. Ed Burke helped push through tax breaks for gum giant Wrigley, then his law firm helped the company lower its property assessments.
A leg up: The mayor announces CPS grads will get preference when they apply for city positions, NBC Chicago reports.
Appeal: Rahm vows to appeal a judge's ruling that the city violated Occupy Chicago protesters' First Amendment rights when they were arrested last year for disregarding Grant Park's curfew, the Sun-Times reports.
Lombard's leadership: The Daily Herald's editorial board says there's a sad lack of leadership in Lombard: since the village president died in August, trustees have not named a replacement.
Funding foibles: The city/suburbs divide is emerging again as Pace, CTA and Metra divvy up discretionary funding, the Daily Herald reports.
Still no Jesse: Only five weeks until Election Day, and Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s name remains on the ballot, even though he remains absent, FOX Chicago reports.
Boom, bust: The collapse of the real estate market cripples Chicago Housing Authority's plan for mixed-income housing, Crain's reports.
Security savings: A proposal to merge Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills police departments would require a new state law but would save up to $800,000, the Trib reports.
Election Day: The Tribune's editorial board says their endorsements are coming soon in an election where, because of redistricting, many voters are disenfranchised.
Boundary issues: In south suburban school District 230, parents are upset by the changing of school boundaries due to lack of enrollment, the Trib reports. Parents say they chose to purchase the homes they did so their children could attend certain schools.
Repair report: A CTA inspection report shows needed repairs in the Blue and Red Line subways, the Trib reports.
Battle royale: There's no end in sight to the contract battle between Gov. Quinn and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the State Journal-Register reports.
Strike-worthy? If a deal isn't reached today, teachers in Evergreen Park could strike tomorrow, ABC7 reports.
Banking on investments: The State Journal-Register applauds the Teachers Retirement System for lowering its expected rate of return on investments in an effort to be realistic and pressure lawmakers to make a decision on the pension crisis.