Morning Watch - November 14
Nov 14, 2012
Line of fire: Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has reportedly left Mayo Clinic where he was receiving treatment, and now his wife Ald. Sandi Jackson, is under scrutiny for being complicit in using campaign funds to redecorate their Washington, D.C. home, FOX Chicago reports. Sources say it is likely he will resign within weeks.
Changing tales: Former Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell pleads guilty today, after previously pleading not guilty, to stealing $53 million from city coffers, the Trib reports.
Speaker side business: A Tribune investigation finds former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert used a little-known government office to conduct private business, costing taxpayers $1.8 million.
Police pensions: A former Grayslake police sergeant could cost taxpayers an extra $500,000 because of a loophole in the state's pension law, the Daily Herald reports.
Off the bench: Cook County Judge Susan McDunn resigns after saying last month there were court cases filed against her under seal and that she was being "persecuted" by powerful people, the Trib reports.
Court report: Jurors rule against the city of Chicago in a civil trial focused on whether its police adhere to a code of silence protecting fellow officers and award a bartender $850,000 after being beaten by an off-duty officer, WBEZ reports.
Cease fire on CeaseFire: The Sun-Times' editorial board says it's still too early to criticize CeaseFire for not having a significant impact.
Marriage movement: Rahm and some state lawmakers say now is the time to legalize gay marriage after three more states legalized it last week, WBEZ reports.
Scorecard: The Sun-Times' editorial board says the truth about elementary school test scores will hurt because they have been inflated in the past.
School day dollars: The Daily Herald marks a nearly $70,000 pay gap between the suburbs' best and worst paid teachers.
Take note: Rahm orders his priorities for the legislature: pension reform, a Chicago casino, marriage equality and gun reform, NBC 5 reports.
Picket line promise: Grayslake teachers set a Jan. 16 strike date, FOX Chicago reports.
Sinless snacking: Rahm aims to make vending machine food healthier in city-owned buildings, the Sun-Times reports.
Truck troubles: Food truck owners plan to file a lawsuit against the city of Chicago alleging it favors restaurants at their expense, the Sun-Times reports.