* Feds probe Moreno’s push for contract for pal

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday that Moreno sent word of minority contractor preference through county interim hospitals chief David Small, which led to a sit-down between Garcia and Med Assets President John Bardis, sources said. Med Assets hired Chicago Medical but recently ousted the company, claiming it overbilled by as much as 135 percent.

* Illinois Hunger Coalition reaches out to those hit by hard times

* Druggists can object to ‘morning-after’ pill rule

* Justices defer Plan B ruling

* Illinois Supreme Court revives pharmacy owners’ case against morning-after pill

* State officials say LaHood ready for transportation post

This afternoon in Chicago, President-elect Barack Obama will announce LaHood’s appointment to the transportation position — one of only two seats left to fill in Obama’s Cabinet.

* LaHood gets votes of confidence

* What does the transportation secretary do?

* Our View: Ray’s road less traveled from Congress to Cabinet

* Todd Stroger’s budget assailed by watchdog

* Civic group calls Stroger budget ‘bad deal’

“It’s an extraordinarily bad deal for the citizens of Cook County at an extraordinarily difficult time,” Civic Federation President Laurence Msall said. “We are opposing this budget, because it’s built on the unsustainable concept of borrowing over $360 million for operating expenses right on the heals of this massive tax increase.”

* Civic Federation: Plenty of blame to go around for 2009 Cook budget

* More pain parking downtown?

* Winter storm to pound north with snow, south with ice

* State ‘Pleads With Public’ Not To Drive In Snow

* Ice storm knocks out power for thousands in Central Illinois

* Kati Phillips: Have a Merry DIYChristmas

* Friday Beer Blogging: Holiday Hiatus Editon