PUBLISHED: 04-13-09

In Other News

Racketeering law for Illinois
Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez said on April 7 that she thinks Illinois should adopt a racketeering law similar to the federal law, according to the Chicago Tribune. The racketeering law would aim to fight against organized crime and political corruption. The new law would provide Illinois with harsher punishment for people involved in corruption and conspiracy crimes. The concept has yet to gain much support. Neither Illinois’ Speaker of the House Michael Madigan nor Senate President John Cullerton have shown full support of the legislation.

U of C hospitals combine
The University of Chicago Medical Center and the University of Chicago at Holy Cross Hospital have started a new way of caring for elderly patients, according to UChicago.edu. The new collaboration of the hospitals started April 6 and provides for patients in need of medical care, but not intense medical treatment and hospitalization. Patients who check in to University of Chicago Medical Center can get geriatric treatment by Board Certified specialists at the Holy Cross Hospital, 2701 W. 68th St., according to UChicago.edu. Patients from different neighborhoods will also be able to access treatment closer to their homes.

Jordan elected to Hall of Fame
Former Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame on April 7, according to the Chicago Tribune. After coming out of retirement twice and finally ending his career in 2003 with the Washington Wizards, this is his first eligible year for the Basketball Hall of Fame. To date, Jordan holds the record of points per game, with 30.1, and is the third all-time leading scorer in the NBA. Other 2009 inductees included David Robinson and John Stockton, according to USAToday.com. The official ceremony will take place Sept.10-12 at Naismith Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

Quigley takes 5th District
On April 7, the Illinois 5th District Congressional District voted Democrat Mike Quigley into office to replace former congressman Rahm Emanuel, who vacated his seat to become White House Chief of Staff. Quigley took more than 70 percent of the vote, according to the Sun-Times. The election also brought out a record-low turnout for the district and by 2 p.m., only 50 people of the day had cast their ballot, according to ABC7.com. Last month, only 17 percent of voters showed up for the primary. Quigley won over Republican Rosanna Pudilo and Green Party candidate Matt Reichel to take Emanuel’s spot.

Popularity: 3% [?]