Seth Perlman/AP Photo
Gov. Quinn’s State of the State
Gov. Pat Quinn used his State of the State speech Wednesday as a platform for his 2014 re-election bid by calling for a hike in the minimum wage, touted his pension-reform efforts and repeatedly stressed that “Illinois is making a comeback.”
In laying out the broad parameters of his spring legislative agenda and a glimpse of his platform for a second full term, Quinn evaded what promises to be the most dominant issue in this year’s campaign cycle: what to do about the temporary state income tax increase that expires in January. [Sun-Times | Word Cloud]
Chicago plows through snow removal budget
A month into 2014, Chicago has just $5 million left in its $20.5 million snow removal budget. [Sun-Times]
Hadiya’s murder still resonates
It has been one year since the 15-year-old was shot and killed in a South Side park. [Sun-Times]
Google sells Motorola Mobility
Almost two years after buying Motorola, Google is selling the unit to Lenovo. [Voices]
Plan for Sunday morning booze goes dry
An avalanche of opposition has stalled one alderman’s plans to sell liquor at 8 a.m. on Sundays. [Sun-Times]
3 inches of snow shuts down Atlanta
The images floating around are reminiscent of when Lake Shore Drive shut down, only with 20 less inches of snow. [Voices]
Iconic bar could become parking lot
The 119-year-old building that housed Marie’s Rip Tide Lounge is gone, and residents are left wondering what comes next. [DNAinfo Chicago]
The ultimate first world problem
There is a growing debate on how to properly train butlers. [Wall Street Journal]
The Bright One
Brian Urlacher dishes on Cutler, Lovie Smith and all things Bears. [Sun-Times]
Commute
Sudoku; Weather; Traffic; CTA; Metra; Flight delays
And finally
It’s not a good idea to heckle Blackhawks fans at the United Center. [Chicago Magazine]