* The Tribune Casualty List

* Community Groups On Chicago Olympic Bid: “We Want A Seat At The Table”

* State, AFSCME reach tentative deal

Brian Williamsen, spokesman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, issued a written statement saying, “In fairness to the employees, we are not discussing the agreement until they have been provided an opportunity to review it.”

* Updated 8/15: Ousted candidate Stevo seeks restraining order on state

* Condo chasm hits new low

* Foreclosure nightmare: Many homes in jeopardy

* Illinois Attorney General Wants More Charity Care at Hospitals

* Sheriff’s rebate ruse brings in 66 fugitives

n what was dubbed Operation Rebate & Switch, officers set up the fictional Tax Recovery Experts Inc. store front office on South Archer Avenue and lured the fugitives to the site with letters promising to help them get their first rebate or supplemental check. Those who got the letters were instructed to call the Southwest Side office to set up an appointment.

* Illinois to launch smoke-free ad campaign

* Business owners take smoke ban in stride

* No suit filed yet against IDOT move

* Our Opinion: Expect lawsuit over IDOT jobs

While sometimes tedious and time-consuming, legislative oversight provides the opportunity for decisions to be properly vetted and examined publicly. In an era where executives like Blagojevich and Bush act as though their elections allow them to do as they please, additional legislative scrutiny is nearly always a good thing.