Rep. Mike Quigley (D-5th) said he will sleep on the couch in his office at the U.S. House of Representatives when he leaves for his second session of Congress in Washington next week. “It’s not just me,” he said, “There are probably around 40 other members of the House who do it. But it’s worth it.” Quigley, the most junior representative in Congress at 132 days (through Sept. 2), said he flies back home every weekend to see his family in Lakeview - and that he’s sleeping on his couch in his office there because of his daughters, both in private universities. “I had to pay my way through college, and it was a struggle,” he told Chicagoist on Tuesday. “I didn’t want them to go through that… If I could just get the cleaning crew to not wake me up at 2 a.m., it’d be good.” more ›

Illinois state Rep. John Fritchey (D-11th) is expected to announce that he is running for Cook County Commissioner in the 12th District (Northwest Side), this morning, the seat currently held by Forrest Claypool. Fritchey said last night in a press release that he, Claypool and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-5th) would, "appear together tomorrow to make an important campaign announcement regarding the Feb. 2010 Primary Election." more ›

• The father of the Arlington Heights family that died in a fire apparently left behind a suicide note.
• R.I.P. Koko Taylor.
• Bond was denied for the two suspects in the shooting death of Chicago Police officer Alejandro Valadez.

Easter Saturday: apparently a great day to replace a Cook County Board member. more ›

Photo by The Lovely Olivia Leigh