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Isabel’s morning roundup
Friday, Mar 10, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Here you go…
* Sun-Times | ICC chief Zalewski pulling plug on job, but says it’s not sparked by looming ComEd trial involving father-in-law: Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Carrie Zalewski said she does not expect to be called as a witness in the trial of four people accused of trying to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan to benefit ComEd. Her father-in-law, former Ald. Mike Zalewski, plays a role in the trial but has not been charged. * Gov. Pritzker | Make natural gas utilities more accountable to customers and the state: It’s unfair and costly to consumers to allow gas companies to get away with not providing basic transparency and safety information to consumers and regulators. During this legislative session we need to adopt a number of measures that will protect gas customers. * Crain’s | Score a few for the defense as the ‘ComEd Four’ trial looms: Former Commonwealth Edison CEO Anne Pramaggiore and three others set to stand trial starting next week for their alleged roles in the ComEd bribery scheme today won a few victories in advance of the proceedings. U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber, ruling on a raft of motions before the trial begins on Tuesday, agreed that the deferred prosecution agreement ComEd struck with the U.S. attorney’s office in 2020 — containing ComEd’s admissions to the feds — shouldn’t be part of the government’s case. * WTAX | HGOP to Madigan: No portrait for you: In addition to disallowing Madigan’s portrait, lawmakers said they want to honor outgoing U.S. Attorney John Lausch. * WTTW | Biden Proposes $350M Federal Grant to Fund Far South Side CTA Red Line Extension: Even if the federal grant is approved by Congress, Chicago would need an additional $2.4 billion to cover the total cost of the project, much of which city officials hope will come from the federal government in future years. * Sun-Times | Full pension benefits for cops, firefighters who survive COVID-19 clears Illinois House panel: Mendoza is pushing for the measure because her brother, a Chicago police detective who lost his kidneys due to a COVID-19 infection in late 2020, was denied “duty disability” benefits that would have provided him with 75% of his salary and free health care. * The Trace | The Illinois Cannabis License Lottery Is Now Prioritizing Gun Violence Survivors: While many states are striving to issue licenses to individuals afflicted by the war on drugs, Illinois is the first to give preference to those directly affected by shootings. * Sun-Times | Student groups protest Candace Owens, Charlie Kirk appearance at UIC: Protesters say Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk promote anti-LGBTQ views. ‘I think it’s disgusting that the university has these people on campus,’ one student said. * Chalkbeat | Illinois school funding formula is closing funding gaps for students of color, says report: That formula calculates a target funding level for every district based on the characteristics of the students they serve. For example, districts get additional money for English language learners, which can be used to hire bilingual teachers. The goal was to get each district “adequately funded” by 2027. * ABC Chicago | Fallen Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso mourned at St. Rita of Cascia: Chicago Police Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso was remembered as a “man with a big heart” who was “humble and happy.” * Sun-Times | These 1970s CTA cars have gone off the rails — and are for sale — in West Virginia: The 2400-series CTA rail cars have been listed for $35,000 on Facebook Marketplace. But you have to go get them — and they weigh 54,000 pounds apiece.
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- SouthSideGT - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:00 am:
As always thank you to IM for the round up.
The Trib article shows once again who Vallas is and how he conducts himself. A mayoral candidate with integrity would have publicly identified and fired the FB account manager. Sadly his core constituency won’t care.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:05 am:
The laugh for today
From the WTAX link…
===State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) said Illinois should allow voters to repeal laws they don’t like, and State Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) said “redistricting reform and independent maps” would help ensure voters send more ethical people to the Capitol.===
Then why would anyone need Wilhour or Spain in any GA?
How about this, you two quick hyperventilating every time you see a microphone and get that 60 and 30 and work with the governor to get it signed?
It’s the laugh for today because how can one take these two at all serious when it comes to understanding the very process they want usurped.
Pathetic, the both of them.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:13 am:
This is logical. It’s two different animals…
===…agreed that the deferred prosecution agreement ComEd struck with the U.S. attorney’s office in 2020 — containing ComEd’s admissions to the feds — shouldn’t be part of the government’s case.===
An entity deciding (or not) to plea to something or another should not impact 4 actual people’s trials as these individuals will be judged on actual actions *by people* and if those actions constitute criminality.
So, can’t have “Storytime with Simpson”, can’t have a corporate entity’s agreed plea entered…
… show me the lobbying aspect that’s criminal, even if it’s already arguably unethical in its existence here.
Can’t pretend there’s this “Chicago Way”, as it’s prejudicial to what the facts may (or may not) show… can’t have a “corporation” take the stand to be cross-examined either.
Fascinating doesn’t even begin to describe…
- SouthSideGT - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:19 am:
@ OW. “help ensure voters send more ethical people to the Capitol.”
That makes it art, OW.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:22 am:
===That makes it art===
The performance art is real.
The darlings of the aggrieved.
- SouthSideGT - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:30 am:
Like OW I am trying to wrap my head around the pre-trial motions in the “ComEd Four” trial. Maybe because “corporations are people” the procedural chestnut “double jeopardy” comes into play?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:37 am:
===Maybe because “corporations are people” the procedural chestnut “double jeopardy” comes into play?===
I’m not going to pretend I’m an attorney, my own take comes at it with ComEd, as an entity entering that agreement, “who” exactly “what” is the “where” to ask, I guess a corporate board “why” the plea?
These four have been charged with crimes they as individuals are being held accountable. How can you cross examine a corporate board’s choice in conjunction to them?
I dunno. Two different animals to even why an entity might plea, and individuals don’t?
- Steve - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:39 am:
-disallowing Madigan’s portrait-
It doesn’t matter whether Madigan is convicted of anything. You can’t rewrite history. Madigan deserves to have his portrait up there. He was part of Illinois history for good or for ill. It’s an insult to the voters who picked elected officials who voted for Madigan for Speaker to NOT have his portrait up there. Maoism is about erasing history. I would hope Illinois is better than that.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:49 am:
===Maoism is about erasing history===
Too early in the day to be playing the pinko card.
- Morningstar - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:52 am:
@ Steve - okay, I can acknowledge that Madigan existed. But portraits are intended to honor good leaders. I’m willing to compromise. If Madigan gets a portrait, maybe just a wallet-sized image. In black-and-white print. In a plastic frame.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:55 am:
===But portraits are intended to honor good leaders===
Which is why there’s no portrait of Rod Blagojevich. And while it’s not officially barred, Bruce Rauner hasn’t bothered to commission one, either, as far as I know.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:55 am:
These are not great candidates for Mayor.
- James the Intolerant - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 8:56 am:
As a voter stuck with this horrible mayoral choice, Vallas guest hosting the Proft show may push me over the tipping point.
- Steve - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:01 am:
-But portraits are intended to honor good leaders-
I never voted for Madigan or someone who voted for Madigan. However, he was an historic figure. He was the longest serving Speaker of a state legislature. The portrait is an acknowledgement of the voters who put Madigan as Speaker as much as it is about honoring Madigan.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:03 am:
===I never voted for Madigan or someone who voted for Madigan. However, he was an historic figure. He was the longest serving Speaker of a state legislature. The portrait is an acknowledgement of the voters who put Madigan as Speaker as much as it is about honoring Madigan===
“I never voted for Hastert or someone who voted for Hastert. However, he was an historic figure. He was a long serving Speaker of US Congress. The portrait is an acknowledgement of the voters who put Hastert as Speaker as much as it is about honoring Hastert”
You might wanna sit things out. There are examples.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:10 am:
===as much as it is about honoring Madigan. ===
And why do you want to do that right now? I don’t get it. As far as I can tell, nobody has even requested a portrait for MJM. It’s only an issue to a group of House GOPs, who are essentially trolling. Is there a bill to commission a portrait? Nope https://ilga.gov/search/iga_results.asp?q=madigan&submit1=Go&site=leg103
Also, you argue “history” but say it’s a way of honoring him. Huh? Why do you wanna do that? Are you just one of those Confederate statue supporters who can’t figure out how to reboot your programming for this topic?
Take a nap.
- Big Dipper - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:23 am:
Vallas has no shame. When he said outrageous things on radio shows, they were “jokes.” When he revealed his true opinions in a tv interview, they were taken out of context. When he gave likes on both Twitter and FB to objectionable matter, he claims someone else did it or he was hacked. When he spoke at an Awake Illinois function and urged its leader to run for governor he claims he didn’t realize what they are about. Where is the accountability that he constantly trumpets?
- West Side the Best Side - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:23 am:
“I don’t manage my own Twitter account” is the 21st Century version of “The dog ate my homework.” I can see how a candidate doesn’t want to waste their time following Twitter all day, but the staffer charged with doing that should be told to run what’s going to be posted past the candidate before hitting Send or whatever is used to send out great thoughts. That way a Sox loving candidate isn’t going to be embarrassed by a tweet praising the Cubs as the greatest team ever. If you don’t do that you really shouldn’t be surprised if people think you have a “W” flag flying at home - wherever home really is.
- Montrose - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:34 am:
“A mayoral candidate with integrity would have publicly identified and fired the FB account manager.”
*Insert the I Think You Should Leave Now Hot Dog costume meme here.*
- JS Mill - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:42 am:
=help ensure voters send more ethical people to the Capitol.===
I laughed out loud at that part.
=Then why would anyone need Wilhour or Spain in any GA?=
OW, I am on to you. LOL. That is a trick question. You almost got me. The correct answer is that we already do not need them.
- Anyone Remember - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:47 am:
Would like to see a well-researched article comparing the federal charges against the former House Speaker et. al. 2 states to the east compared to the charges against Madigan et. al. The charges in that trial seemed much more concrete and specific, based upon media accounts.
- Amalia - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:48 am:
@James the Intolerant, when did Vallas host the Proft show? or is that planned. jeezzzusssss….. also, Paul the pull toy doll has two things to say, More Police and TIF.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:54 am:
===when did Vallas host the Proft show?===
Read the Tribune story.
- Back to the Future - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 9:59 am:
Always thought that the retiring Chairperson of the ICC was in a bit of a tight spot which she handled well and with grace including her thoughtful comments in her resignation.
- Big Dipper - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:03 am:
Is this Vallas rant an intern too?
https://twitter.com/Shredded_teat/status/1634174000120098816?s=20
- Humboldt - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:19 am:
Vallas has been cross-posting his anti-chicago leadership posts in just about every facebook neighborhood watch group for years following any crime story that makes a headline. None of these stories about him are a surprise to me. He’s indiscriminately liking and cozying up to anything that seems to be on the same side of an issue as him if it gets him another backer or his name in front of other people and now it’s a problem.
- R.J. - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:21 am:
The dumbest thing Vallas has done in an otherwise disciplined campaign is not admitting to the Facebook and Twitter likes right away. Joe Trippi must be tearing his hair out.
I’m a Chuy voter who was leaning Vallas because I cannot vote for an abolish-the-police and tax-everything candidate like Johnson. Now I think I might not vote at all.
- Lucky Pierre - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:22 am:
Unless the jurors have been living under a rock they will be aware that Com Ed paid a 200 million dollar fine
- Amalia - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:24 am:
whether Vallas himself did the posts and likes, if he hired people who do those things, and they were done repeatedly, that is a problem of judgment. And he himself talked on the radio and appeared twice in one year with AWAKE. Vallas is the problem.
- Gravitas - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:29 am:
The quality of life in Chicago has suffered in the past four years and this is why Lightfoot became the first incumbent mayor to lose reelection since 1983. It is no exaggeration to say crime is off the charts. As an analyst on CBS Channel 2 suggested Lightfoot hurt herself badly by endorsing Foxx in a failed attempt to appease Preckwinkle.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:31 am:
===Lightfoot hurt herself badly by endorsing Foxx ===
lol
Yeah, sure. Just blame Foxx for Lightfoot’s loss. Right.
- Corruption Committee - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:33 am:
Elected Democrats that have endorsed Vallas are eating a bowl of regret daily from now until election day. Hope they can stomach their own bad call as more of the Vallas record & his opinions like Chicago is a “hell hole” are exposed.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 10:35 am:
===Unless the jurors have been living under a rock they will be aware that Com Ed paid a 200 million dollar fine===
You’re giving a lot of credence to folks reading and “trusting” news, as the prosecutors can’t mention it.
It’s a want you have, not a given to actuality.
===by endorsing Foxx===
“It was retaliation for endorsing Kimberly Foxx, and a lot of other things”
- JoanP - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 11:05 am:
We are living in a country that is seeing an increase in book banning. The LGBTQ community, particularly trans folks, is under attack. Racism, antisemitism, are being normalized.
Why would I vote for a mayoral candidate who supports an organization like Awake Illinois, who “likes” the sort of vile tweets and posts described in the Trib article, who calls my city - the one he wants to run - a “hell hole”?
Whether he is just acting cynically and opportunistically, or really believes this garbage, doesn’t matter. No way is he getting my vote.
- Banish Misfortune - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 11:11 am:
Re Mayoral election, I don’t live in Chicago, but my community is on the “el”, so I care. There is a choice between potential incompetence verses assured malevolence. Yes, the past few years have not been good in Chicago, they have not been good anywhere. I don’t think Lightfoot could have fixed the pandemic and violence has been no worse than it has been. With people out of work with little to do of course it has been challenging.
- low level - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 11:12 am:
I honestly did not know a single person who was voting for Lightfoot. Not one. This was across a wide spectrum of people as well. It is anecdotal I realIze, but it seemed everyone was unhappy w her for a variety of reasons.
Personally, I lost confidence in her when she got up in Ald Jeanette Taylor’s (20th) face on the Council Floor in public. Taylor should have been one of her closest allies yet MLL managed to alienate her as well.
- froganon - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 11:35 am:
Re; the mayoral election. Although I can’t vote in Chicago, I would never vote for Vallas. He impressed me when he first ran for mayor many years ago. Time has tarnished or maybe revealed his judgement. No support, ever, for pro-life, white supremacist sympathizers.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 12:12 pm:
- JS Mill -
:)
Also… some things write themselves in The Onion type thinking.
- low level - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 12:40 pm:
==Unless the jurors have been living under a rock ==.
They cant all be wonderfully informed citizens like you are, LP. For the most part they have been focusing on price increases, day care, job insecurity and the usual stuff middle class families are worried about.
- anon2 - Friday, Mar 10, 23 @ 3:10 pm:
Isn’t there a portrait of George Ryan?