Morning Watch - February 7
Feb 07, 2013
Jail for Jesse? The Sun-Times' Michael Sneed reports a plea deal is on the table for Jesse Jackson Jr. that includes "significant jail time."
State of the State: The Tribune's editorial board says Gov. Quinn's speech was a distraction from the real issues.
Just a speech: The Sun-Times' editorial board says Gov. Quinn's speeches are nice, but more needs to be done to fix state finances.
Pay day: Chicago Police officers demand a 12 percent pay raise over two years, a reduction in health-care contributions and a $3,000 residency stipend to live within city limits, the Sun-Times reports.
County contract: Crain's Greg Hinz reports a no-bid Cook County contract was on the agenda to be extended until he started poking around and it was removed from the docket.
Probe in Peoria: The Congressional ethics probe of Rep. Aaron Schock continues to investigate whether he solicited larger-than-acceptable donations, the Peoria Journal Star reports.
Pink slipping-patronage: The Sun-Times' editorial board applauds the Cook County Forest Preserve District for eliminating patronage hires.
Ethics opposition: A new, softer ethics proposal is up for a vote in City Council, but aldermen still fear allowing anonymous complaints, the Trib reports.
Dixon dollars: Prosecutors seek as much as 20 years in prison for former Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell, the Trib reports.
By the numbers: A former state accountant pleads guilty to embezzling $77,000 from Department of Corrections accounts, the State Journal-Register reports.
Betting on gambling: Suburbs reverse gambling bans to take advantage of new video poker revenue stream, the Trib reports.
School suit: A group of CPS teachers claiming they were fired because they are black are awarded $225,000, the Sun-Times reports.
Benchmarks for bonuses: CPS principals will face more rigorous benchmarks for getting bonuses, the Trib reports.
Drill team: Gov. Quinn calls for mandatory school shooting drills, CBS 2 reports.
Back to class: More than 4,000 West Chicago students return to school after a teachers strike ends, Fox 32 reports.
Principal roles: Prospective school principals will go through real life training programs as part of a CPS screening process, the Sun-Times reports.
Hardware help? The rival of the Cicero town president calls for a federal investigation after the Sun-Times reports the town buys big from a Berwyn hardware store that contributes to the president's campaign.