Pension deal in Springfield: solution or pathway to disaster?

THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS While America has shifted into full-on Black Friday commercial mode, we've got a few worthwhile scraps from our Thanksgiving table that you shouldn't miss:

• WORK, SHOP... THANKS? Chicago Tribune cartoonist Scott Stantis offered an all-too-true commentary on the encroachment of Black Friday on Thanksgiving Day. 

• A DOG, A TORNADO, A REUNION If you don't get choked up watching this, you better check your pulse.

And now back to business...

PENSIONS: DEAL OR NO DEAL Today we expect to get a look at the pension agreement announced Wednesday. Here's what we know so far.
DUMP IT To the Illinois Policy Institute's Scott Reeder, the very concept of pension "reform" is folly. He explains here.
DELIVERANCE OR DEMISE The state's richest man sounds off on pension reform in today's Chicago Tribune. I explain why he won't win on this one.
SHOP LOCAL Noteworthy in today's Illinois news are a couple pieces on the impact of shopping local on the state economy. 
BLACK FRIDAY LIST Just in time for Black Friday, we compile the sales tax rates of Illinois' biggest cities.

TOP 5 Here's what's in the headlines in Illinois today :

•  5. Former Cook County Commissioner William Beavers is scheduled to report to prison on Friday after having his appeal overturned by three judges. (Chicago Sun-Times)
   4. If a Barrington GOP group is any indication, voters are going to have a tough time picking a GOP gubernatorial candidate in Illinois. (Daily Herald)
   3. Crain’s political columnist Greg Hinz has some of the details of the pension deal reached by top Illinois lawmakers. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
   2. The Illinois Department of Revenue warned businesses not to exploit a loophole and lower their sales tax rates. (Chicago Tribune)
   1. Opinion: Go to the store instead of doing online shopping to support the Marketplace Fairness Act and local stores. (Chicago Tribune)