the morning cram [back again edition]

Just when I was thinking we could use another recession...

NPR reports congressional economists are predicting dire financial straits if we don't do anything to stop it.

Kentucky ~ Ticks are here. Colleges want coal money. New emergency ops center. Jefferson Davis' birthday is this weekend. There'll be a new music park. Small business will discuss health research. 

Illinois ~ Good news for inmates, early release. A new cell phone ban is on the horizon.