Below are our daily picks from the Illinois blogosphere and media at large:

Exec Pay Defies Slide
Crain's Paul Merrion reports that despite plunging stock values and shrinking profits, most CEOs of Chicago's biggest companies got substantial raises and many pocketed seven-figure bonuses last year.

Black Media Under Obama
Clarence B. Jones reflects on the challenges confronting black media under an Obama presidency, including balancing celebration with constructive criticism.

The Fundraising Treadmill
U.S. PIRG's Lisa Gilbert writes at the Wonk Room that Sen. Dick Durbin's clean elections bill could help prevent another economic crisis.

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