Chris Kennedy: J.B. Pritzker does not ‘deserve’ to be governor, and other Chicago news

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy slammed opponent J.B. Pritzker Sunday, saying that the billionaire businessman doesn't "deserve" to be governor. Kennedy's comments came in response to a Tribune report that Pritzker expressed interest in the post of state treasurer in response to then-governor Rod Blagojevich's efforts to get him to bite on the Senate seat made available by the election of Barack Obama.

US court, again, takes up issue of Blagojevich prison term

In this March 14, 2012, file photo, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media outside his home in Chicago as his wife, Patti, wipes away tears a day before reporting to prison after his conviction on corruption charges. An appeals court Tuesday, April 18, 2017, heard oral arguments on whether Blagojevich should get a third sentencing hearing.

Pressure on Obama to grant last-minute pardons, commutations

Under mounting pressure to free convicts as a last act, President Barack Obama is planning at least one more batch of pardons and commutations before leaving office in two weeks, but don't expect many famous offenders to make the list. The list of bold names appealing to Obama for compassion in his final weeks includes accused leaker Chelsea Manning, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Army Sgt.

Imprisoned Blagojevich awaits Obama decision on commutation

In this July 15, 2011 file photo, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrives at the federal courthouse in Chicago. Blagojevich is asking a U.S. appeals court to nullify his 14-year prison term and order a third sentencing hearing.

Blagojevich seeks presidential commutation of prison term

Imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is seeking a presidential commutation of his 14-year sentence on a corruption conviction. U.S. Department of Justice spokeswoman Dena Iverson said Friday the department has received a petition for commutation from Blagojevich.

Disgraced ex-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich appeals prison

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is asking a U.S. appeals court to nullify his 14-year prison term and order a third sentencing hearing, with a lawyer arguing on his behalf that the Democrat's model behavior behind bars and other factors justified a reduction in his sentence. Attorneys for the Chicago Democrat filed the appeal late Tuesday night with the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Lawyer tells court Blagojevich to appeal prison sentence

Rod Blagojevich's lawyer has notified a federal court that the imprisoned former Illinois governor plans to appeal his 14-year sentence for corruption imposed at a resentencing earlier this month. Leonard Goodman filed the brief notice with U.S. District Court in Chicago Tuesday informing sentencing Judge James Zagel that the 59-year-old Democrat will appeal to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Judge imposes same 14-year prison term for Blagojevich at resentencing

A lawyer for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says now that a judge has declined to lighten Blagojevich's 14-year prison sentence, he may again appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Defense attorney Leonard Goodman said Tuesday the decision of whether to appeal will be up to Blagojevich, adding "I don't see why he wouldn't."

Judge may cut ex-Illinois Gov. Blagojevich’s prison term

A federal judge will decide Tuesday whether to cut ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's 14-year prison sentence on more than a dozen convictions upheld by an appellate court, including that he sought to exchange an appointment to President Barack Obama's old U.S. Senate seat in exchange for campaign cash. Blagojevich, known as Inmate No.

Prosecutors: Rod Blagojevich isn’t ‘deserving of leniency’

Federal prosecutors say statements that imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has made prove he isn't "deserving of leniency." A resentencing hearing is scheduled next month for Blagojevich, who is hoping a federal judge will give him a five-year sentence instead of his original 14 years.

Workplace retaliation suit against Tammy Duckworth settled

A settlement in the workplace retaliation lawsuit against U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth concluded Friday with an agreement that no law was violated, removing an obstacle in her bid to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk in one of November's most competitive Senate races. The lawsuit from two employees of a home for veterans alleged Democrat Duckworth violated state ethics laws by taking action against them when she was head of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Illinois 48 mins ago 9:09 a.m.High court rejects request to reconsider Blagojevich case

The Supreme Court won't reconsider its decision to reject former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's appeal of his corruption convictions. The justices on Monday denied without comment a long-shot petition urging the court to take another look at the case.