Illinois Briefs - 2/16/13

Obama Calls Attention To Gun Violence

(Chicago, IL)  --  President Obama is saying gun violence is taking away too many children.  He addressed the issue Friday in his hometown of Chicago which has been wracked by gun violence.  Obama cited more than 400 murders with firearms in Chicago last year.  More than 60 of the victims were under 18.

Jesse Jackson Jr. Agrees To Guilty Plea

(Chicago, IL)  --  Former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. will pay for his lavish lifestyle.  Jackson will plead guilty after being charged with misusing campaign money.  Sources say Jackson has agreed to the plea deal in exchange for a prison sentence of less than five years.  The deal also calls for Jackson to repay hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on things like travel, meals and personal items including a gold-plated Rolex watch.

Springfield Ordered To Eliminate Sewer Overflows

(Springfield, IL)  --  Sewer system problems are plaguing the city of Springfield.  The city is under orders to do more preventive maintenance.  The order comes from the Environmental Protection Agency which says the city has to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows that can occur during

heavy rain.  Homeowners in some neighborhoods have expressed their displeasure over basement backups.  Officials say it's the result of storm water getting into sewer lines and overloading sewers.

Peoria Chiefs Have Financial Woes

(Peoria, IL)  --  The Peoria Chiefs appear to be in a financial quagmire.  The Class A minor-league baseball team is looking for public and private help with a possible bailout.  Sources say city, Peoria County and business community representatives will meet soon to talk about options regarding the St. Louis Cardinals affiliate.  The club reportedly is seeking help with the four-point-two-million dollars remaining on its ballpark mortgage.