Michelle Obama’s fashion influence rivaled Jackie Kennedy’s

In this Sept. 4, 2012 file photo, first lady Michelle Obama, dressed in a Tracy Reese pink silk jaquard dress, walks on the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Reese, who hails from Detroit, is clearly one of the first lady’s favored designers as Obama has been photographed in her clothes between 20 and 30 times.

Blagojevich asks for presidential commutation

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is seeking a presidential commutation, according to a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Justice. The long-shot request comes more than four months after U.S. District Judge James Zagel reinstated the 14-year prison sentence.

Politico: Obama Delivering Farewell Speech in Chicago

President Barack Obama is planning to deliver his farewell speech in Chicago – less than two weeks before Donald Trump takes office, Politico reports. The address, billed as a major speech, is expected to be delivered on Jan. 10. In his address, Obama is expected to thank Chicago and the state of Illinois for launching his political career, according to the website.

Release of emails by Chicago mayor doesna t end dispute

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s decision to release thousands of pages of private emails does not end a dispute in Illinois about public access to such emails from him and other officials when they deal with government business. Emanuel announced late Wednesday that he had settled a lawsuit by a government watchdog group over emails from his personal accounts, but it allows him and his personal lawyer to decide which emails are public records and which are not.