South Side Alderman Willie Cochran was indicted on federal corruption charges–right in the middle of a City Council meeting. Accused of pocketing money from a charitable ward fund to pay his daughter’s college tuition and feed his gambling habit, Cochran bolted out of the council chambers, and refused to comment on the merits of the allegations. The Council’s Progressive Caucus, often known for butting heads with the Emanuel Administration, is down a member: Ald. Nick Sposato (38), citing health reasons, resigned from the group this week. Ideology played a role, too. And the City Clerk vacancy is no more: Mayor Emanuel has appointed Anna Valencia, his 31-year-old director of legislative affairs, to the seat. We’ll discuss what the mayor’s expectations are for his new appointee, and some new programs she’ll have to handle.