* As always, keep it Illinois-centric and be polite to each other. Thanks.
36 Comments
- Essential State Employee - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 5:02 am:
Despite the National Guard presence at the Capitol, and the Governor’s request Friday for employees under his/CMS jurisdiction to work remotely this week, it will be business as usual and reporting to the office for all Secretary of State employees. Even in the Capitol Complex. Unless something changes later.
have there been any additional COVID cases associated with the lame duck? with the transmission during such a brief session, what does this mean for the spring session?
I’ll be down there today while not being paid by the taxpayers and thankful that other government employees will be doing their best to keep things peaceful and safe.
The report about Madigan’s Springfield apartment being vacated stated that staffers were moving furniture.
We need to get to an understanding that it’s not appropriate for an elected official to utilize staff to perform personal errands. Not on time paid for by the state, not on time paid for by a campaign, and it’s difficult to determine if they would have sincerely volunteered to help Rep Madigan move.
===Did you know Rich takes money from state senators to write puff pieces about them?===
IF THIS is even true, what’s your point? I don’t think there is another opinion blog out there that is equally critical of both sides of the aisle in Illinois. Despite the makeup of the views of the comments.
- EssentialBusiness - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:48 am:
Bothanspy
Just don’t ever think unbiased journalism exists. Look to your right, there’s a ComEd ad. You dont bite the hand that feeds you.
I for one have enjoyed Rich’s series
“State Senator (insert name here) a powerful and handsome man who is helping to pay for repairs to my pontoon boat”
How does one become the GM of a professional sports team with the same intellect that allows them to think sending naked photos of themselves won’t end badly?
I am contemplating canceling my Chicago Tribune subscription now that Blair Kamin, Mark Gonzales & Howard Reich are gone. It used to be the best paper in the Midwest, now it’s just AP stories and crappy OAN-esque Op-Eds by Fox News wanna-be John Kass, and racially tinged/grouchy editorials led by Kristen McQueary. Just wondering why I should pay for this sh*t?
Unless I am mistaken, this blog never claimed to be partisan. Rich seems to me to provide equal opportunity criticism of both sides of the aisle.
Not sure who crapped in your Cheerios this morning, but maybe consider finding another blog or news site to read. I hear the IL Policy Institute is fairly one-sided. You may enjoy that.
Okay,I’ll stop this ridiculous conversation now lest I am labeled biased for some reason.
The fall in covid-19 cases over the last week has been stunning (double banned punctuation).
Depending on Rich does his IDPH post this afternoon, we’ll see the falling case counts and lower positivity numbers in the last few days, and if you go back to the numbers from one or two weeks ago, you’ll be even more happy.
Deaths, unfortunately, as we all know, are a lagging indicator…
Everyone keep masking, washing their hands, and practicing social distancing. As long as folks don’t get stupid with indoor dining and gambling, we may be getting a lot closer to the end of this (banned punctuation).
- FormerParatrooper - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:45 am:
I disagree with Rich’s opinions as often as I agree. I read many blogs from both sides of the political spectrum and I learn more here than the others combined. Rich is even handed, and I appreciate what he does.
=Illinois #49 in out-migration according to U-Haul.=
That’s among self-movers. Guess the tech folks leaving San Francisco hire people. According to a recent NYT article, “[t]he No. 1 pick for people leaving San Francisco is Austin, Texas, with other winners including Seattle, New York and Chicago”.
- Back to the Future - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 10:06 am:
Happy we all have access to Capitol Fax. The editor in chief does a good job in presenting all sides as well as any blog I have seen.
While I have to admit some days I came for the news and stayed for the music, I (along with hundreds and hundreds of other folks) enjoy checking in daily.
- Fly like an eagle - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 10:23 am:
Mark Maxwell has a story about Illinois prisoners being moved up the line of people getting COVID-19 vaccines.
The outrage is ridiculous.
Dan McConchie was quoted: “ A 20-year-old convicted murderer who is going to be spending life in prison is going to get the vaccine faster than people who are on the outside — law abiding citizens. Not only do I think that’s wrong, I think it’s immoral.”
Someone should tell McConchie 1. Not everyone in prison is a twenty year old murderer. 2. Prisons are hot spots 3. Prisoners aren’t the only people in prison, there are workers, nurses, guards, janitors, maintenance workers, who can get sick and bring it to their families. Maybe McConchie should be more moral.
Will Illinois ever treat the distribution and sale of marijuana like alcohol? Or will a marijuana “license” continue to be as restricted and lucrative as a casino “license” ??
- thisjustinagain - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:57 pm:
To Anyone Remember one above: Hey now, Illinois can’t even allow the right to bear arms without permits, money, hoops to jump through, and huge delays. But we’re worried about a State law that violates Federal law? (Marijuana is still a Federally-banned substance, so there’s no right to grow, possess, or use it anyway; the Civil War settled that question). Yup, Illinois–making other states look better and better every day.
Hey, at least the Cubs don’t have Epstein around, hired the offending Mets GM at Boston and Chicago…..
- Back to the Future - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:32 pm:
I noticed the note about Rick Kogan still being at the Trib. He really is a Chicago treasure.
I signed up for a book talk by Mr. Kogan and when I got to the luncheon I realized it was about his work as the editor for Ann Landers. My first thought was this was a mistake and my second thought was thank God the bar was open, but after the talk I bought the book and it really was a great read.
Hope the Trib keeps Rick Kogan around. He is worth the price of the subscription.
- Essential State Employee - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 5:02 am:
Despite the National Guard presence at the Capitol, and the Governor’s request Friday for employees under his/CMS jurisdiction to work remotely this week, it will be business as usual and reporting to the office for all Secretary of State employees. Even in the Capitol Complex. Unless something changes later.
- Dog Lover - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 7:09 am:
Happy Monday on a Tuesday. Wishing a good day to all.
- blue line - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 7:20 am:
have there been any additional COVID cases associated with the lame duck? with the transmission during such a brief session, what does this mean for the spring session?
- OneMan - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 7:50 am:
So yet again, not a good look for the Cubs today.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:05 am:
= it will be business as usual and reporting to the office for all Secretary of State employees.=
As it should be.
- DuPage Saint - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:41 am:
So what I happened with Cubs? Do you refer to guy the Mets just fired?
- Anon2 - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:43 am:
Illinois #49 in out-migration according to U-Haul. On the bright side, IL moved up one spot from last year.
https://www.uhaul.com/Articles/About/22746/2020-Migration-Trends-U-Haul-Ranks-50-States-By-Migration-Growth/
- Cool Papa Bell - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:45 am:
@Essential -
I’ll be down there today while not being paid by the taxpayers and thankful that other government employees will be doing their best to keep things peaceful and safe.
- Candy Dogood - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:46 am:
The report about Madigan’s Springfield apartment being vacated stated that staffers were moving furniture.
We need to get to an understanding that it’s not appropriate for an elected official to utilize staff to perform personal errands. Not on time paid for by the state, not on time paid for by a campaign, and it’s difficult to determine if they would have sincerely volunteered to help Rep Madigan move.
- Bothanspy - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:47 am:
===Did you know Rich takes money from state senators to write puff pieces about them?===
IF THIS is even true, what’s your point? I don’t think there is another opinion blog out there that is equally critical of both sides of the aisle in Illinois. Despite the makeup of the views of the comments.
- EssentialBusiness - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:48 am:
Bothanspy
Just don’t ever think unbiased journalism exists. Look to your right, there’s a ComEd ad. You dont bite the hand that feeds you.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:53 am:
EssentialBusiness has graced us with his presence to remove the scales from our eyes.
Dude, mom says your pop tarts are ready.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:55 am:
== So what I happened with Cubs? Do you refer to guy the Mets just fired? ==
Yeah, he worked for the Cubs when the incident happened.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:57 am:
===You dont bite the hand that feeds you===
That and all other hands have been bitten many many times. So bite me.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 8:59 am:
I for one have enjoyed Rich’s series
“State Senator (insert name here) a powerful and handsome man who is helping to pay for repairs to my pontoon boat”
- FrequentLurker - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:01 am:
This seems as good a time as any to tell Rich again how much I love him and the invaluable service he provides to all of us. Thanks Rich!
- Bruce( no not him) - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:05 am:
Hey, don’t diss pop Tarts.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:09 am:
I was wondering why the “puff piece” on Darren Bailey was so reverential. /s
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:10 am:
How does one become the GM of a professional sports team with the same intellect that allows them to think sending naked photos of themselves won’t end badly?
- ChicagoVoter - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:11 am:
I am contemplating canceling my Chicago Tribune subscription now that Blair Kamin, Mark Gonzales & Howard Reich are gone. It used to be the best paper in the Midwest, now it’s just AP stories and crappy OAN-esque Op-Eds by Fox News wanna-be John Kass, and racially tinged/grouchy editorials led by Kristen McQueary. Just wondering why I should pay for this sh*t?
- Skeptic - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:11 am:
“So what I happened with Cubs?” John Lester singed with another team…unless that’s a good thing.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:12 am:
All due respect for Pop Tarts, I was going more for the troll living in mom’s basement motiff.
- Bothanspy - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:13 am:
==Just don’t ever think unbiased journalism exists.==
Unless I am mistaken, this blog never claimed to be partisan. Rich seems to me to provide equal opportunity criticism of both sides of the aisle.
Not sure who crapped in your Cheerios this morning, but maybe consider finding another blog or news site to read. I hear the IL Policy Institute is fairly one-sided. You may enjoy that.
Okay,I’ll stop this ridiculous conversation now lest I am labeled biased for some reason.
- Cheryl44 - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:13 am:
Chicago Voter–is Zorn still there?
- ChicagoVoter - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:18 am:
@Cheryl44 I think so.
- Lynn S. - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:38 am:
I’m surprised no one has brought this up:
The fall in covid-19 cases over the last week has been stunning (double banned punctuation).
Depending on Rich does his IDPH post this afternoon, we’ll see the falling case counts and lower positivity numbers in the last few days, and if you go back to the numbers from one or two weeks ago, you’ll be even more happy.
Deaths, unfortunately, as we all know, are a lagging indicator…
Everyone keep masking, washing their hands, and practicing social distancing. As long as folks don’t get stupid with indoor dining and gambling, we may be getting a lot closer to the end of this (banned punctuation).
- FormerParatrooper - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:45 am:
I disagree with Rich’s opinions as often as I agree. I read many blogs from both sides of the political spectrum and I learn more here than the others combined. Rich is even handed, and I appreciate what he does.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:46 am:
@Cheryl44 -
Yes, Zorn is still there, as is Rick Kogan.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 9:47 am:
=Illinois #49 in out-migration according to U-Haul.=
That’s among self-movers. Guess the tech folks leaving San Francisco hire people. According to a recent NYT article, “[t]he No. 1 pick for people leaving San Francisco is Austin, Texas, with other winners including Seattle, New York and Chicago”.
- Back to the Future - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 10:06 am:
Happy we all have access to Capitol Fax. The editor in chief does a good job in presenting all sides as well as any blog I have seen.
While I have to admit some days I came for the news and stayed for the music, I (along with hundreds and hundreds of other folks) enjoy checking in daily.
- Fly like an eagle - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 10:23 am:
Mark Maxwell has a story about Illinois prisoners being moved up the line of people getting COVID-19 vaccines.
The outrage is ridiculous.
Dan McConchie was quoted: “ A 20-year-old convicted murderer who is going to be spending life in prison is going to get the vaccine faster than people who are on the outside — law abiding citizens. Not only do I think that’s wrong, I think it’s immoral.”
Someone should tell McConchie 1. Not everyone in prison is a twenty year old murderer. 2. Prisons are hot spots 3. Prisoners aren’t the only people in prison, there are workers, nurses, guards, janitors, maintenance workers, who can get sick and bring it to their families. Maybe McConchie should be more moral.
- Southsider - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:49 pm:
Is the change in Speaker really that big of a deal if the staff stays the same? Love to know who’s in and who’s out.
- Anyone Remember - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:39 pm:
Will Illinois ever treat the distribution and sale of marijuana like alcohol? Or will a marijuana “license” continue to be as restricted and lucrative as a casino “license” ??
- thisjustinagain - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:57 pm:
To Anyone Remember one above: Hey now, Illinois can’t even allow the right to bear arms without permits, money, hoops to jump through, and huge delays. But we’re worried about a State law that violates Federal law? (Marijuana is still a Federally-banned substance, so there’s no right to grow, possess, or use it anyway; the Civil War settled that question). Yup, Illinois–making other states look better and better every day.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:18 pm:
Hey, at least the Cubs don’t have Epstein around, hired the offending Mets GM at Boston and Chicago…..
- Back to the Future - Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:32 pm:
I noticed the note about Rick Kogan still being at the Trib. He really is a Chicago treasure.
I signed up for a book talk by Mr. Kogan and when I got to the luncheon I realized it was about his work as the editor for Ann Landers. My first thought was this was a mistake and my second thought was thank God the bar was open, but after the talk I bought the book and it really was a great read.
Hope the Trib keeps Rick Kogan around. He is worth the price of the subscription.