Illinois Briefs - 11/14/12

Jackson Jr. Leaves Mayo Clinic

(Chicago, IL)  --  Chicago-area Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is leaving the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where he was receiving treatment for depression.  The facility confirmed Jackson was discharged yesterday.  Jackson won re-election in his South Side district despite a federal investigation into his alleged misuse of campaign funds.

Groups Say Give Licenses To Undocumented Immigrants

(Undated)  --  An effort is afoot to pass a law that would allow undocumented immigrants to get valid Illinois driver's licenses.  Police chiefs from around Illinois joined activists and heads of some Chicago hospitals in making the request before members of the state legislature yesterday.  It's believed undocumented immigrants driving without a license in Illinois are involved in nearly 80-thousand accidents annually, costing 660-million dollars.

Former Dixon Comptroller To Plead Guilty To Scheme

(Dixon, IL)  --  Federal authorities say the former Comptroller in Dixon, Illinois, will enter a guilty plea today to charges she embezzled 53-million dollars from the city.  The U.S. attorneys office says Rita Crundwell will change her plea at a hearing in Rockford.  Authorities say Crundwell admitted stealing the money from city accounts so she could finance a horse-breeding operation.

Springfield Aldermen To Debate $2-Million For Renovations

(Springfield, PA)  --  Springfield aldermen will debate whether to spend two-million dollars to renovate three buildings downtown.  The money to upgrade the PNC, Ferguson and Booth buildings would come from tax increment financing.  Developers have been working for several weeks to get the city to commit to financial help.  Aldermen will discuss the projects next week.