Morning Watch – September 21
Sep 21, 2012
Cash for cops? Ald. George Cardenas proposes asking residents and businesses for $5 per month to support more cops on the streets, NBC Chicago reports.
Counting clout: Even though the legislative scholarship program is on its last leg, legislators used this final round of tuition waivers in ways that show possible political favoritism, the Trib reports.
Out of office: State Sen. Kwame Raoul vows to do everything possible to keep expelled Rep. Derrick Smith from being reelected, saying his win in November would be a "huge embarrassment" to Illinois, WBBM reports.
Tale of two reps: Between Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. running for re-election after three months veiled in secrecy on on medical leave and ousted Rep. Derrick Smith still on the ticket, the Sun-Times' editorial board says voters deserve better.
Answers: Voters deserve some explanation of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s political future, the Trib's editorial board writes.
MIA: Chicago's inspector general finds police evidence isn't well-protected, documented or stored, and some items cannot be located, the Sun-Times reports.
Charged (again): Dozens of new state felony theft charges were leveled against Rita Crundwell, the former comptroller from Dixon who is already being charged with stealing from the town, ABC7 reports.
Decision date: CTU says teachers will vote on the proposed contract Oct. 2, ABC7 reports.
Cuts too deep: The Sun-Times' editorial board says pending Department of Children and Family Services are unacceptable.
Bet your bottom dollar: Video gambling is expected to go live at suburban bars in the next few weeks, the Daily Herald reports.
Mix-up: A WBEZ analysis shows Chicago Housing Authority falls short of it's target to create mixed income housing units, often omitting an income level or skewing too heavily to one income.
South of the border: Gov. Quinn will be the first governor to make a trade mission to Brazil, WBEZ reports.
Reform relay: The State Journal-Register's editorial board says reform to Medicaid might take time.
Protect people: The Daily Herald's editorial board says there should be more protection from robocall telephone scams.
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