Thoughts & Musings

CPS Debt Downgraded

A leading bond-rating agency has downgraded the Chicago Board of Education's debt in the wake of the settlement of the Chicago Teacher's Union's recent strike. Moody's Investor Service had already downgraded the Chicago Public Schools' bond rating outlook to...

Aldermen Briefed on Pension Time-Bomb

[Chicago's] Chief Financial Officer Lois Scott reminded council members that absent significant changes to pension plans, the city will be forced to drastically cut services, raise taxes or do both to close a funding gap that could reach $700 million in just a few...

Pete’s Update – 09/27/2012

A couple of new things to report on the situation with Pete's Fresh Market. As most readers know, the story has now made the local papers and WGN TV News.  Here's what's new -- and what you won't read in those papers: #1 My original story stated that "the ring-leader...

Federal Reserve Funding the Entire US Deficit

[Lawrence] Lindsey said that with the Fed purchasing at least $40 billion a month in mortgage debt through QE3, “they are buying the entire deficit.”  ... The central bank's recently announced bid to stimulate the economy has also taken the pressure off politicians to...

Obama, Iraq & Afghanistan, Peace & War

There an amazing story about mine clearing activities in the Persian Gulf.  Before we get to it though we really need to consider some history. Do we remember: There is no military solution to the war in Iraq. Our troops can help suppress the violence, but they cannot...

Pete’s — 09/25/12 Update

The Sun-Times joins the discussion: The West Side is one of Chicago’s “food deserts,” so named because it lacks full-service grocery stores. Cheers went up from people in the neighborhood when the city sealed a deal two years ago to bring one to Madison and Western....

Painkillers Kill More Than Heroin And Cocaine Combined

Prescription opioid painkillers are responsible for more fatal overdoses in the U.S. than heroin and cocaine combined, according to a new study out of Brandeis University. via Business Insider. I'm fascinated by statistics about how we die.  In Chicago gun crimes get...

Mayor Booker Gives Rahm & McCarthy an Idea

This will be "policy" in Chicago within the next 12 months. Controversial Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker wants to make an offer to local drug dealers that they can't refuse. Cory Booker and former New York Gov. David Paterson spoke Tuesday morning about recidivism and...

Allen West Samples a U.N. Speech

Florida Congressman Allen West had harsh criticism for Barack Obama after the President's speech at the United Nations today. In a Facebook post Tuesday, the Tea Party favorite accused Obama of continuing to "offer up apologies instead of defending our hard earned...

Two Stabbed Outside Near North Bars

Two men were stabbed, another badly beaten and a fourth arrested early Sunday morning after a fight on Division Street spilled over onto State Street, according to police. An officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries that didn't require hospitalization while...

50,000 New Jobs!! Seasonal… at Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Stores said on Friday that it plans to give current workers the chance to work more hours and will hire more than 50,000 seasonal employees as it gets ready for the winter holiday season, its busiest time of year. via Fox Business. [Insert cheap joke here.]