Chicago, Apr 4 (EFE).- Illinois, which in 2007 opened its first welcome center for immigrants, continues to expand those services with an eye toward becoming the state that treats immigrants the best, according to a report presented Thursday by Gov. Pat Quinn. He praised the work of the director of the Governor's Office of New Americans, Denise Martinez, and said that "all the New Americans in our state deserve the best opportunities possible to achieve their goals."

Former US congressman Jesse Jackson Jr, the son of the well-known civil rights leader, pleaded guilty Wednesday to misusing $750,000 in campaign funds, including by buying himself a gold Rolex watch. The admission capped a stunning fall from grace for the Illinois Democrat who was once a rising national star but resigned under a cloud in November after 17 years in the House of Representatives. Prosecutors said Jackson used some of the siphoned funds to buy children's furniture, fur capes and a $43,350 gold-plated Rolex watch.

(Adds details, reaction; Jacksons intend to plead guilty) By David Ingram and Mary Wisniewski WASHINGTON/CHICAGO, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Former Chicago congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., son of the famed civil rights leader, plans to plead guilty to charges filed on Friday accusing him of misusing $750,000 in campaign funds, his attorney said.

* Republican serving in a Democratic administration * Successor may confront Boeing Dreamliner woes * Obama under pressure to name women, minorities to cabinet By Doug Palmer WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said on Tuesday he planned to resign, marking the latest departure from President Barack Obama's Cabinet as the administration tries to find the root cause of safety problems with Boeing's Dreamliner plane.