* Rauschenberger vs. Obama: Round 5

* Golly, Mr. Barron, are you gutsy

* Many states appear to be in recession

“Whether or not the national economy is in recession — a subject of ongoing debate — is almost beside the point for some states,” said the report to be released today by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

* State Budget experts say finances in sorry state

* Coalition pushes for support of governor’s $25 billion capital plan

* Chicago State burned again

On learning that a new state audit of Chicago State University will once again show questionable financial practices by President Elnora Daniel, several members of the school’s Board of Trustees got mad. Real mad.

* House GOP launches audio outreach

* Court says Neuqua student can wear anti-gay T-shirt

* Chicago Plans to Limit Annual Building Inspections

* Committee OKs corporate sponsors for seminars

But, should the city department that licenses and regulates businesses take money from them?

“I don’t think there’s a conflict … We’re very focussed on what the law requires and we require all businesses to uphold that law — whether they’re sponsoring our events or not,” Eisenhauer said.

* City Hall to revamp new code of conduct

New language suggested by Hoffman will be included “in the next revision,” said Anthony Boswell, Daley’s pick to head the Office of Compliance. Reached on vacation, Boswell said he did not know how many already had been printed or how soon new copies would go to press.

* Women’s advocates fight Daley merger plan

* Stroger’s goofs no secret

* Want to polish your image, Todd? Just do a good job.

* Daley to host private anti-violence meeting Friday

* Tribune smokers have rebate coming

* ITRS seeks to dismiss Chicago Board of Ed suit

* Exelon shifts from merger mode

* Attorney, former journalist to head Pa. open records office

* Distinguished Young Alumni Bethany (Carson) Jaeger

* AT&T service gains support

* Friday Beer Blogging: Internet Carding Edition