Morning Watch - February 5
Feb 05, 2013
Jackson investigation (part 2): Federal investigators begin to probe former Ald. Sandi Jackson's finances, the Sun-Times reports.
To the Brim: The Trib's editorial board expresses frustration that Cook County Judge Cynthia Brim, who was ruled "legally insane" when she shoved a deputy, was retained for so long despite urgings to keep her off the bench.
Campaign cash: Ald. Anthony Beale will file new congressional campaign disclosure reports after a Sun-Times investigation showed some donations weren't accounted for.
For whom the bell tolls: The Sun-Times' editorial board supports, if done correctly, one state senator's proposal to publish the names of motorists who don't pay tolls.
The watchmen: Lawmakers and doctors are at an impasse when it comes to funding a watchdog unit that investigates complaints against doctors, the State Journal-Register reports. Half of the unit's employees were laid off last month because of funding problems.
Shoe cents: One suburban state representative wants to tax athletic shoes 25 cents to pay for a youth job preparation program, the State Journal-Register reports.
Arresting: WBEZ looks at why it's so difficult to expunge juvenile arrest records in Cook County.
Pension proposal: Illinois Senate President John Cullerton dismisses a proposal from unions involving raising taxes, saying a change in pension benefits is also necessary, the State Journal-Register reports.
Program pennies: The Illinois House is considering more money for state programs thanks to new road building funds and prison closures, the State Journal-Register reports.
Police power: Chicago Police seize 680 firearms since the beginning of the year, NBC 5 reports.
New hires: Rahm announces the hiring of 100 new traffic aids, ABC 7 reports.
Didn't sound the alarm: The community of Dixon is suing its accounting firm for failing to notice former comptroller Rita Crundwell was embezzling millions of dollars, Crain's reports.
Tale of two states: Crain's compares Illinois' health to that of neighboring Indiana.
Reform formation: Chicago community leaders pepper Sen. Dick Durbin with questions about immigration reform, WBEZ reports.