There's more political pressure for Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. to come public with his mental condition and his plans in public office.
While people in his district wait, his wife Sandi Jackson has been in Chicago this week at their South Side home.
Fox 32's Darlene Hill has learned that the Jacksons were looking for ways to spruce up and remodel this same South Shore Chicago bungalow back in 2009. While the host of a popular TV show on HGTV gave them a few suggestions for a new look in the kitchen and on the first floor, sources say the federal government is looking into work possibly done in the basement.
The congressman is accused of misusing campaign funds. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that because his wife, Sandi Jackson, is his paid consultant for his campaign operation, she is now part of the investigation.
Sources say Congressman Jackson allegedly spent $20,000 to renovate this house and buy furniture, not the Jackson home in D.C., as first reported.
The congressman is now working with his attorneys on a plea bargain that could include giving up his seat.
There are a number of televisions, printers, and copying machines in the basement. Equipment so complicated that once a letter is typed, the machines sort, stack, and put a stamp on it.
It was purchased when Jackson was first elected to the 2nd District, but because of flooding a couple of years ago, most of this stuff had to be replaced.
We called the House Ethics Committee in Washington and while they would not talk about Jackson's investigation, the federal campaign finance law states, "a campaign committee may not rent space in the candidate's house."
Regarding the hiring of the congressman's wife, or any family member, the law states it is permissible if "the family member is providing a bona fide service to the campaign, and the payments reflect fair market."
Sandi Jackson is paid about $5,000 a month for job with the congressman. That law goes onto to read, "any salary payments to family members in excess of the fair market value constitute personal use.
Tanya Triche with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association says passing the bill to raise minimum wage to $10 an hour would hurt our already fragile economy.
Tanya Triche with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association says passing the bill to raise minimum wage to $10 an hour would hurt our already fragile economy.
Mike Flannery, along with a handful of other Chicago TV journalists, will be inducted Friday into the prestigious "Silver Circle" of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Mike Flannery, along with a handful of other Chicago TV journalists, will be inducted Friday into the prestigious "Silver Circle" of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Chicago Chapter.
Friday, May 10 2013 5:37 PM EDT2013-05-10 21:37:26 GMT
It is Mother's Day and sadly while many people are making plans like dinner and brunch reservations with their children and loved ones, too many mothers have lost a child to gun violence.
It is Mother's Day and sadly while many people are making plans like dinner and brunch reservations with their children and loved ones, here in Chicago, too many mothers have lost a child to gun violence.
Friday, May 10 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-10 21:30:05 GMT
There's plenty of reason to believe Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's preparing to challenge Governor Quinn in next spring's Democratic primary.
There's plenty of reason to believe Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's preparing to challenge Governor Quinn in next spring's Democratic primary.
Some Chicago-area men were arrested in an undercover sting with the Cook County Sheriff's Office this week. Robin Robinson takes an in-depth look at the business of sex trafficking.
Some Chicago-area men were arrested in an undercover sting with the Cook County Sheriff's Office this week. Robin Robinson takes an in-depth look at the business of sex trafficking.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:48 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:48:46 GMT
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan.
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan. The protesters said Thursday they want Wendy's to sign an agreement to safeguard working conditions for Florida tomato pickers.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:06:33 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:28:29 GMT
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
