PLEAD GUILTY--Former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife Sandi leave the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 20. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) by Carol Cratty and Tom Cohen CNN Writers WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With moist eyes and soft voices, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife pleaded guilty to federal charges on Wednesday related to years of using campaign funds for personal expenses that included purchases of Michael Jackson memorabilia and a Rolex watch.
MAKING CASE--President Barack Obama speaks about strengthening the economy for the middle class and the nations struggle with gun violence at an appearance at Hyde Park Academy, Feb. 15, in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) by Darlene Superville Associated Press WriterCHICAGO (AP) — Pressing his case in the town that launched his political career, President Barack Obama called Friday for the government to take an active, wide-ranging role in ensuring every American has a "ladder of opportunity" into the middle class.
ADDRESSING STUDENTS--President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks at Hyde Park Academy on Feb. 15, in Chicago. Obama is traveling to promote the economic and educational plan he laid out in his State of the Union address. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) By Darlene Superville Associated Press Writer CHICAGO (AP) — President Barack Obama's support for gun control has its roots in a hometown plagued by deadly shootings — a city, he said Friday, where as many children die from guns every four months as were slaughtered at Sandy Hook school in Connecticut.
Pendleton Remembered--This undated family photo shows 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton of Chicago. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Damon Stewart) Sara BurnettAssociated Press WriterCHICAGO (AP) — Hundreds of mourners and dignitaries including first lady Michelle Obama packed the funeral service Saturday for a Chicago teen whose killing catapulted her into the nation's debate over gun violence.
15-YEAR-OLD SLAIN--This undated family photo provided by Damon Stewart shows 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton of Chicago. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Damon Stewart) (NewsOne)--As the...
