2nd furlough begins as Calif. budget talks stall - Yahoo! News

2nd furlough begins as Calif. budget talks stall - Yahoo! News: "Most state government workers are staying home for the second time this month while Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and top lawmakers work to close California's $26.3 billion budget deficit."

Sanford flies high on taxpayers' dime - Yahoo! News

Sanford flies high on taxpayers' dime - Yahoo! News: "Aside from the damage done to his standing as a social conservative, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s recent admission of an extramarital affair may end up tarnishing another of his political credentials — his carefully honed reputation as a tightfisted steward of taxpayer money."

Miller Backs Proposed Cemetery Reforms

From the Office of State Representative David E. Miller                                                      Miller Backs Proposed Cemetery Reforms   SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Rep. David E. Miller (D-Lansing), issued the following statement following a press conference on Tuesday regarding proposed cemetery reforms in response to the recent atrocities involving Burr Oak Cemetery, where employees of the facility were accused of digging up and discarding human remains in order to resell graves:    "What recently took place at Burr Oak Cemetery is appalling.  People entrust cemeteries and their staff with the final care of their loved ones and to exploit people at such a critical time is inexcusable.    "Today we took the initial steps in exploring what we can do as lawmakers to prevent such a terrible thing from happening in the future.  I support proposals for the continuation of a task force that is already meeting to further explore what needs to be done in the industry to correct this and other problems that may be discovered in regards to how funerals and those responsible for burials are meeting their obligations.  I also support holding public hearings on the issue to help determine the magnitude of the problem on a local and statewide level.   "In addition, I believe that there needs to be further regulation and oversight of this industry which may include licensure of all cemeteries and their staff who sell cemetery plots and other goods; more detailed recording of records of maps which would be filed with the county recorder of deeds; a consumer bill of rights to be provided to all consumers detailing those rights under law.    "As a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), I look forward to reviewing the forthcoming legislation and working with my colleagues to provide the criteria and recommendations for enforcement.   "In addition, in 2003 I co-sponsored Public Act 93-0339 which created the offense of dismembering a human body, which may become a chargeable offense in this matter.   "It is imperative that we do what is in the best interest of the people of the state of Illinois, especially those who are suffering with the displacement of their loved ones at Burr Oak.  Our goal is to help ensure that people are able to have confidence and peace of mind when entrusting their loved one to the care of a cemetery and to deter future instances of the disgraceful acts that took place at Burr Oak from happening again."   ### FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Dolton: 708-201-8000 Springfield: 217-782-8087       Email Marketing by Citizens for David E Miller | 1350 E Sibley Blvd | Dolton | IL | 60419

Burr Oak Cemetery Update 07/16/2009

HELLO, THIS IS THE COOK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WITH AN UPDATE ON THE SITUATION AT BURR OAK CEMETERY.   ON THURSDAY, JULY 16TH, THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY APPOINTED A RECEIVER TO TAKE OVER MANAGEMENT OF BURR OAK DUE TO NEGLECT AND CRIMINAL CONDUCT AT THE CEMETERY.    THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS WORKING WITH THE NEW CEMETERY MANAGER TO FACILITATE THE ORDERLY TRANSFER OF THE CEMETERY'S DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS.   THE COURT APPOINTED RECEIVER WILL DETERMINE WHEN THE CEMETERY WILL RE-OPEN.   MEANWHILE, THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING AND WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE F.B.I. PROCESSING THE CRIME SCENE.   WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH UPDATED INFORMATION AS SOON AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.   Please click and save the following  link in your web browser for the Cook County Sheriff's Burr Oak Cemetery information web page and check  this page for current updates   http://www.cookcountysheriff.org/BurrOak/BurrOak_main.html

Our View: State's embarrassing new budget fixes nothing - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com

Our View: State's embarrassing new budget fixes nothing - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com: "Illinois citizens and taxpayers who now have witnessed what their Legislature and governor have done to shore up the state's bottom line: You went a month and a half into overtime, while scaring the bejesus out of countless citizens who depend upon you, and all we got was this sorry excuse for a budget?"

JPMorgan 2Q profit jumps 36 pct, topping forecasts - Yahoo! News

JPMorgan 2Q profit jumps 36 pct, topping forecasts - Yahoo! News: "JPMorgan Chase & Co. posted a second quarter profit of $2.72 billion, a 36 percent jump that easily surpassed expectations as strength in its core consumer and investment banking businesses offset a jump in credit losses."

Foreclosures rise 15 percent in first half of 2009 - Yahoo! News

Foreclosures rise 15 percent in first half of 2009 - Yahoo! News: "The number of U.S. households on the verge of losing their homes soared by nearly 15 percent in the first half of the year as more people lost their jobs and were unable to pay their monthly mortgage bills."

House Democrats set to vote on health care bill - Yahoo! News

House Democrats set to vote on health care bill - Yahoo! News: "House Democrats are preparing to advance legislation that would deliver on President Barack Obama's promise to remake the nation's costly health care system and cover some 50 million uninsured."

1 more day of questions for Sotomayor - Yahoo! News

1 more day of questions for Sotomayor - Yahoo! News: "Barring a monumental mistake, Sonia Sotomayor has to endure only a few more hours in the witness chair before she can look ahead to her eventual confirmation as a Supreme Court justice."

Obama to address NAACP on working together - Yahoo! News

Obama to address NAACP on working together - Yahoo! News: "President Barack Obama is telling the nation's oldest civil rights organization that government, families and neighborhoods must work together to improve their communities."

CIT won't get bailout, raising bankruptcy prospect - Yahoo! News

CIT won't get bailout, raising bankruptcy prospect - Yahoo! News: "CIT Group Inc.'s inability to get emergency government funding raises expectations that the commercial lender will file for bankruptcy."

Media Matters Daily Summary

Here are today's news items from Media Matters for America, click on the title or 'read more' to read the entirety of each story. Conservative judges agree with Sotomayor on gun ruling, but Fox's Bream doesn't tell you that Shannon Bream reported that "gun rights advocates have major concerns" about a ruling in which Sonia Sotomayor held that "states can ban gun ownership." But Bream did not note that conservative judges have also held that the Second Amendment did not apply to the states. Read More Nets silent on sexism of anonymous quotes Graham used ABC's World News and NBC's Nightly News reported Lindsey Graham's citation of anonymous criticism of Sonia Sotomayor published in the Almanac of the Federal Judiciary without noting that Sotomayor's 2nd Circuit Court colleague reportedly called such criticism "sexist." Read More AP "Fact Check" says conservative judges don't say judges make policy -- but Scalia does Referring to Sonia Sotomayor's comment that "the court of appeals is where policy is made," the AP stated that "conservative judges avoid the 'making policy' shorthand." In fact, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has said that lower court judges "often 'make law.' " Read More Fox's Kelly minimizes Alito's link to "conservative alumni group" -- but Alito didn't Megyn Kelly said that Samuel Alito "had almost no connection" to the Concerned Alumni of Princeton. But Alito himself regarded his involvement with CAP as worthy of mention in an application for a job with the Reagan administration in 1985. Read More Dobbs let Whelan falsely claim Sotomayor inconsistent on use of foreign law Lou Dobbs did not challenge the accusation by Ed Whelan that Sonia Sotomayor contradicted herself on the question of whether judges should use foreign law in deciding cases. Read More Despite Graham's condescension, media report "respectful," "cordial" GOP questioning of Sotomayor Media have characterized Republicans' questioning of Sonia Sotomayor as "cordial," "civil," and "respectful," apparently ignoring the condescension by Sen. Lindsey Graham, who, after reading several anonymous criticisms of her, said: "[M]aybe these hearings are time for self-reflection." Read More On Fox, scant attention to Dems' questioning of Sotomayor On July 15, Fox News covered two Republicans senators' "first round" questioning of Sonia Sotomayor for 55 minutes, but it covered only 30 minutes of the six Democratic senators' "first round" questions that the committee heard on July 15. Read More Conservative outlets provide forum for Republicans' "baffling" health care "flow chart" The Drudge Report, Fox News, and The Kudlow Report provided a forum for a chart released by congressional Republicans that purported to show "the complex health care reform proposal by Democratic congressional leaders." Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Obama shifts into campaign mode on health care - Yahoo! News

Obama shifts into campaign mode on health care - Yahoo! News: "President Barack Obama achieved a milestone Wednesday when a Senate committee approved a plan to revamp the U.S. health care system."

Obama shifts into campaign mode on health care - Yahoo! News

Obama shifts into campaign mode on health care - Yahoo! News: "Firing up his drive for health care overhaul, President Barack Obama pressed lawmakers Wednesday to step up to their responsibilities and move legislation this summer, even as his campaign organization rolled out television ads targeting reluctant senators."

Sotomayor debate isn't Ricci's first legal battle - Yahoo! News

Sotomayor debate isn't Ricci's first legal battle - Yahoo! News: "Frank Ricci's name is on the lips of almost every senator in the Supreme Court nomination hearings of Sonia Sotomayor. His buddies know the 35-year-old New Haven firefighter by other names."

Sotomayor says Obama didn't ask abortion views - Yahoo! News

Sotomayor says Obama didn't ask abortion views - Yahoo! News: "Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor declined repeatedly at Senate confirmation hearings Wednesday to disclose her views on abortion rights and said President Barack Obama never asked her before he chose her for the bench"

Chicago, covered. www.InChiCity.com Better Love Yourself presents The Trunk Event       Email Marketing by InChiCity.com | P.O. Box A3331 | Chicago | IL | 60690-3331

Mortgage Funding, Grant and Scholarship Monies Available!

Problems Viewing This Flyer: PRESS HERE  African Mexican Women Enterprises, Inc. No credit scores and low credit scores to qualify is a thing of the past. Funds are available to buy and/or refinance a home or purchase investment property. Come ask the mortgage expert! Also come ask "the grant lady" Yoki Songmaker about free money from grants and scholarships. Don't Miss Out!! The Road To Good Credit Seminar Saturday, August 1, 2009 11:00am to 6:00pm AMWE will give away 10 $500.00 CASH prizes and 1 HOUSE (That is fully paid for)! You do not want to miss this exciting atmosphere and empowering opportunity. Tickets 50.00 CLICK HERE Location The House Of Hope 752 East 114th Street Chicago, Illinois 60628 Sponsorship and Vendor Booths Available CLICK HERE For More General Information 312.283.5501 www.amweinc.com PLEASE FORWARD THIS INVITATION TO ALL! Promoted by: www.NationwideMinistry.com LET US PROMOTE YOUR WORKSHOP, SEMINAR OR SUMMIT! VISIT OUR WEBSITE • CONTACT US BY EMAIL • JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Call us today for more information about our eBlast services! 773.315.5999     Nationwide Ministry | 8504 Pierce Place | Merrillville | IN | 46410

ABC7 eNews

>>> Having trouble viewing this newsletter? View as a webpage. Top Stories Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Deadline passes in city-union negotiations | VIDEO Hundreds of Chicago workers face layoffs Wednesday after two unions failed to reach a deal on cost-cutting concessions before the midnight deadline. Teen missing with 3-year-old niece Police are searching for a Harvey teenager who disappeared with her young niece on Tuesday. 35-mile chase ends in shooting | VIDEO A police shooting concluded a 35-mile chase early Wednesday from Chicago to the western suburbs. Sheriff: Burr Oak Cemetery files moldy, missing A judge has agreed to transfer control of Burr Oak Cemetery from the owners, Perpetua Holdings of Illinois, to a third party. Sears Tower name change to become official Known as the Sears Tower since it opened in 1973, the tallest building in the United States is set to change its name to Willis Tower. MORE STORIES Strange 8-foot boa constrictor on loose in W. Ill. Man charged $23 quadrillion for smokes Lawmaker: Mich. map incomplete sans U.P. Bride's bouquet crashes plane Suspected kidnapper allegedly left ATM card at scene Consumer All-pet airline hits skies Best ways to sell your stuff Local meat packer announces recall Recognizing your money type | VIDEO Products recalled due to possible salmonella risk Healthbeat Detecting disease through the eyes New test may determine Alzheimer's risk Study: Genes predict brain cancer survival Research: Obesity takes its toll on cartilage A new weight loss quick fix? MOST POPULAR 35-mile chase ends in shooting Cemetery owner speaks out about investigation Purse-snatcher preying at grocery store Mother accused of dropping baby Dad: Overgrown property ripe for crime All Most Popular Advertisement TODAY'S WEATHER OUTLOOK 89°F 64°F A couple of showers and a thunderstorm around late this morning; mostly cloudy and warm Hour-by-Hour | 7 Day Forecast | Radar & Satellite TONIGHT ON ABC 7:00 PM Wipeout 8:02 PM I Survived a Japanese Game Show 9:00 PM Primetime: Crime 10:00 PM ABC 7 News 10:35 PM Nightline Lottery Results Your Daily Horoscope NASA fuels shuttle for 6th launch try NASA has finished fueling the space shuttle for a sixth attempt to launch Endeavour on a mission to the international space station. Harry Potter opens in Chicago The new Harry Potter film is casting its spell on Chicagoland. Harry Potter movie at MSI Harry Potter exhibit premiers in Chicago SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS I'd like to receive the following newsletters from abc7chicago.com Daily Weather | Daily News | 190 North Sign up for news alerts

It's official - NEA backs same-sex 'marriage'

Can't see this email? View the online version. What have you done about 'hate crimes' bill? NEA flexes 'political muscle,' backs same-sex 'marriage' The National Education Association has thrown its full support behind homosexual "marriage." Episcopal Church - no clear gospel to proclaim A conservative Anglican theologian says the Episcopal Church is experiencing a large membership decline because it's espousing neither a biblical gospel nor a New Testament understanding of evangelism. Are Dems trying to sneak 'hate crimes' through? Senators on Capitol Hill may be forced tomorrow to make a choice between approving an important defense spending bill and voting down "hate crimes" legislation. POLL: Have you voiced your opinionon 'hate crimes' legislation? VOTE Obama's stimulus 'murdered' welfare reform A leading expert on poverty says able-bodied parents who choose not to work and poor women who don't marry have produced an ideal clientele for an ever-growing welfare state that's being funded at record levels by President Obama's stimulus package. Parenting twists and turns in the teen years Do you know what needs to change about you as your child approaches the teen years? Let me give you a hint...it's something that you've done since they were born. More of today's news Senate committe... Sotomayor stand... Family of murde... 168 reportedly killed in Iran plane crash TEHRAN, Iran An Iranian passenger plane crashed Wednesday in northwest Iran, killing all 168 people on board, state media reported. Footage from the scene on state Sotomayor says Obama didn't ask about abortion WASHINGTON Judge Sonia Sotomayor said Wednesday neither President Barack Obama nor anyone else in the administration asked her views on abortion rights before she was nominated for House bill would make health care a right WASHINGTON House Democratic leaders, pledging to meet the president's goal of health care legislation before their August break, are offering a $1.5 trillion plan that for Sen. Kennedy's committee passes health care bill WASHINGTON The Senate health committee has passed legislation to revamp health care, becoming the first congressional committee to act on President Barack Obama's goal of overhauling the system this year. Oil rises above $60 as traders eye US inventories VIENNA Oil prices rose above $60 a barrel Wednesday as investors looked to a weekly inventory report for clues on U.S. gasoline demand. Benchmark crude Kerry Takes a Dig at Palin's Op-Ed Piece Senator John Kerry has written a response to Sarah Palin's op ed piece in The Washington Post on Obama's cap and trade energy plan. I blogged about Palin's piece yesterday in her column Palin stated that Obama's plan in "an enormous threat Hell Is for 'Heroes' by David Limbaugh It appears that liberal activist group People For the American Way's smear campaign against Connecticut firefighter Frank Ricci is bearing fruit. Dahlia Lithwick has already responded with an obedient hit piece in Slate magazine, which perfectly fits Who's In Charge Here? Check out the latest video blog from Marcia Segelstein here. Sotomayor Explains Wise Latina Remarks Today Sonia Sotomayor defended her most controversial statement, which was that a "wise Latina" might arrive at a better legal decision than a white man. See Reuters. Offered the chance to explain the "wise Latina" comments at her confirmation hearing, Palin's Op-Ed Piece on Cap and Trade Today Sarah Palin has an opinionarticle on cap and trade in The Washington Post. She says I am deeply concerned about President Obama's cap and trade energy plan, and I believe it is an enormous threat to our economy. It Gull Lake Q&A, Part 1 On Thursday I wrapped up a week of teaching at Gull Lake Ministries in Michigan. http://www.keepbelieving.com/blog/2009-7-4-gull-lake-qa-part-1/ The Contradictions of our President While my first passion (and formal training) is in theology and philosophy, I do love following politics. http://www.conversantlife.com/politics/the-contradictions-of-our-president Bible Busâ€"June Update During our Caribbean cruise last week I finished reading through the Bible.http://www.keepbelieving.com/blog/2009-6-16-bible-busn-june-update/ Family Altar, Part 2 by Mary FriedemanAround the time we began an intentional Scripture memory program with our children, we came to the realization that, though they knew the basic Bible stories well, there were Homeschooling High School: Sports by Mary Friedeman As I’ve mentioned previously, it seems as if the secondary level (junior high middle school and especially high school) is the stage at which many homeschool families opt for more traditional education. Some of the reasons are Family Plan By Sheri CobbMy father is visiting us for five days and he wanted to do something fun with the kids today. It has been a rainy, stormy day so he figured the movies would be a great idea. OneNewsNow.com - P. O. Drawer 2440 - Tupelo, MS 38803 - (662) 821-2007

Media Matters Daily Summary

Here are today's news items from Media Matters for America, click on the title or 'read more' to read the entirety of each story. Nightly news shows ignore context of Sotomayor remarks, GOP's past embrace of "empathy" In covering the first day of Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, the three evening network news broadcasts either presented her "wise Latina" comment out of context, reported Republicans' criticisms of a judge employing "empathy" without noting numerous conservatives' previous support for such qualities in a judge, or both. Read More Saradise Lost: How Alaska bloggers dethroned Sarah Palin It turns out that blogger Phil Munger hears all his big, breaking Sarah Palin news in the kitchen of his house, which overlooks Neklason Lake and sits just 10 miles from the center of Wasilla, the Southcentral Alaska town where Palin once served as mayor. Read More Media ignore Sessions' double-standard on judges' reliance on personal experience In reports on the confirmation hearings of Sonia Sotomayor, numerous media outlets quoted Sen. Jeff Sessions' assertion that he would not vote for a justice who would rely on personal experience to decide cases. But Sessions voted to confirm Samuel Alito, who highlighted the importance of his personal experience during his hearing. Read More Ignoring Alito vote, NY Times quotes Sessions saying empathy has "no place in the courtroom" In an article on Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, The New York Times quoted Sen. Jeff Sessions' assertion that empathy "has no place in the courtroom," but did not note that he voted to confirm Samuel Alito, who discussed the importance of his personal experience during his confirmation hearings. Read More Updated myths and falsehoods surrounding the Sotomayor nomination The media have advanced numerous myths and falsehoods about Sonia Sotomayor. Beyond assessing the merits of attacks premised on these myths and falsehoods, the media should consistently note that conservatives were reportedly very clear about their intentions to oppose President Obama's nominee for political purposes, no matter who it was. Read More Hayes declares four Supreme Court justices "outside the mainstream" Stephen Hayes claimed that Sonia Sotomayor's decision in Ricci "is far outside the mainstream of American thought." However, four Supreme Court justices agreed with Sotomayor's court that -- in the words of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's dissent -- "what this case does not present is race-based discrimination in violation of Title VII." Read More Media still ignoring economists to declare stimulus has failed Media figures have continued to advance the claim that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has failed. In fact, many economists believe that it is too early for the stimulus package to have fully taken effect. Read More What has Dick Cheney told Liz Cheney about his role in CIA controversy? Morning Joe didn't ask Liz Cheney repeatedly defended her father on Morning Joe, but at no point was she asked to explain what conversations she's had with Dick Cheney about CIA practices and policies during the Bush administration, or whether her father provided her with classified information. Read More Politico's Allen says $1 trillion deficit "awesome issue for Republicans," ignoring role they played in creating it Mike Allen claimed that the budget deficit reaching $1 trillion "is an awesome issue for Republicans." However, as numerous economists have noted, Bush administration policies are responsible for a large portion of the deficit. Read More Major newspapers disappear Sessions' alleged history of racial insensitivity On July 14, five major newspapers reported on Jeff Sessions' opening statement at the confirmation hearing of Judge Sonia Sotoamyor without noting that, in 1986, Sessions' nomination as a U.S. district court judge was rejected following allegations that Sessions had a history of making racially charged comments. Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Wednesday Report: Student housing | Edgewater foreclosure | Rezko home auction

Student housing tower planned for South Loop (Crain's) — Condominium developer Keith Giles has turned to student housing for his next big project in the South Loop, a neighborhood that already has more condos than it needs. Mr. Giles confirms that he and his partner, Jerry Karlik, plan to build a 21-story tower that would house 860 ... Read More Mutual Bank alleges loan default on Edgewater site (Crain's) — Mutual Bank has filed a foreclosure suit to collect more than $7 million on an Edgewater site that a North Side developer acquired at the top of the market, only to see his plans for a $40-million residential/retail project frustrated first by neighborhood opposition and then the ... Read More • Rezko's home in Wilmette to be auctioned • Few local assets in big ProLogis refinancing • Husband-wife team face another foreclosure suit Download Crain's Directory of Chicago Real Estate Dealmakers Submit an event for our weekly calendar. Send us news of your job change.

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com: "By MANU RAJU 7/15/09 10:07 AM
Nominee 'never' spoke to the White House about the issue of abortion or Roe v. Wade.
GOP not buying 'Latina' explanation

Clinton: 'Clear-eyed' handling of foes
By MIKE ALLEN 7/15/09 9:45 AM
Clinton warning to adversaries: they 'should never see America’s willingness to talk as a sign of weakness... .'
Still a long road ahead for health care
By PATRICK O'CONNOR & CARRIE BUDOFF BROWN & CHRIS FRATES 7/15/09 8:41 AM
Health care reform's $1T price tag is a barrier to House Democrats' plan.
POLITICO PULSE: Health insurers as targets"

Yawns, Obama's standard and Sonia sequels - Yahoo! News

Yawns, Obama's standard and Sonia sequels - Yahoo! News: "Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 14, 2009, …"

Sotomayor set to return for more Senate questions - Yahoo! News

Sotomayor set to return for more Senate questions - Yahoo! News: "Sonia Sotomayor is relying on her 17-year record as a federal judge to rebut criticism that she is concealing a liberal agenda that will show up if she is confirmed to the Supreme Court."