* Here you go!

* Crain’s | With billions in funding on the line, Illinois looks for coordinated pitches from universities, politicians and business groups: Illinois plans to get its universities, politicians and private-sector groups to work together more closely to chase billions in federal research and economic-development funding that’s about to be unleashed. A new coalition called Innovate Illinois includes the state’s Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Intersect Illinois, as well as the city’s economic-development arm, World Business Chicago; the University of Illinois, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, as well as community colleges; along with private-sector groups the Civic Committee and P33.

* Tribune | Tornadoes touching down in new areas; season is starting sooner and lasting longer, experts say: Victor Gensini, an associate professor in the Earth, Atmosphere and Environment Department at Northern Illinois University, said the biggest impact of climate change is on the location of tornadoes throughout the United States. He said the number of tornadoes in Plains states is trending down while the Midwest and mid-South are seeing an increase.

* SJ-R | Education legislation takes center stage in General Assembly: Following a lobby day at the Capitol during last year’s veto session, state Native American organizations are one-step closer to seeing one of its highest priorities enacted. House Bill 1633 passed 75-32 on Thursday to require all public elementary and high schools to craft a course teaching Native American history beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.

* Center Square | Illinois lawmaker proposes tax credits to incentivize more affordable housing: The so-called “Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit” legislation included in House Bill 2044 and Senate Bill 1737 would be similar to a federal program now overseen by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and Chicago Department of Housing that currently helps foot the bill for affordable housing across the state.

* Center Square | $175 million in ARPA grants available to certain businesses hurt by pandemic: The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) officially launched the latest $175 million in available resources for restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses and organizations, all of it coming from the American Rescue Plan Act with allotments for each business being based on revenue declines and tax returns. With applications being accepted from April 5 to May 10, all applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet eligibility requirements, submit proper documentation and attestations outlined by the program.

* WCIA | Illinois Lt. Gov Julianna Stratton joins Reproductive Freedom Coalition: “This coalition is needed now more than ever, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said. “There is a destructive movement in full swing in this country, hammering away at the rights that give people independence and a sense of wellbeing.”

* WICS | Illinois has $50 million for artists, arts organizations sidelined by COVID-19: It is called the Illinois Creative Recovery Grant Program (ICR) or Back to Business Arts (B2B Arts). Funding comes from federal sources through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and is administered by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.

* NPR Illinois | Strikes loom on three Illinois college campuses: The latest action involves Governors State University in University Park. According to the union, 97% of members voting agreed to strike if a deal can’t be reached. A 10 day strike authorization has also been filed, meaning the earliest a walk out could occur is April 7.

* NBC Chicago | New Chicago Mayoral Poll Shows Vallas With Lead on Johnson as Voters Over 50 Favor His Campaign: That poll, conducted by WGN-TV in partnership with Emerson College and The Hill, showed Vallas with a 46-41% lead over his rival, with 13% of voters saying that they are undecided in the race.

* CNN | Evanston City Council votes in favor of expanding its reparations program to repair housing discrimination: Initially, the grants of up to $25,000 were restricted to mortgage assistance, renovations or a down payment on a home. Earlier this month, the Reparations Committee unanimously recommended the inclusion of a fourth option for beneficiaries receiving payment through the housing program: a direct cash payment to beneficiaries.

* USA Today | In win for unions, Whitmer repeals Michigan’s ‘right-to-work’ law, brings back prevailing wage: In repealing right-to-work, Whitmer reneged on a promise she made at the outset of her first term as governor to veto legislation containing appropriations. Because voters cannot subject bills that include spending provisions to a referendum, Whitmer signed an executive directive vowing to reject bills that included appropriations to circumvent the public’s right to a referendum.

* AP | Greenland to stay in daylight saving time forever: “The shift of time zone marks an exciting new beginning, an equal connection to North America and Europe, and an opportunity to slow down in a fast-paced world,” Visit Greenland, the local government’s tourism office said in a statement.