Afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Politico…
State Rep. Lakesia Collins beat out fellow state Rep. Jawaharial “Omar” Williams in a showdown Tuesday afternoon for the open state Senate seat in the 5th district.
The appointment had high interest among Democrats as it pitted progressives against the old-school pols. Collins was backed by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a union ally who called Democratic leaders urging them to support her.
Williams had his own cheer-leading section. It was led by his father, Ald. and Vice Mayor Walter Burnett Jr., who sat on the committee making the appointment and had the largest number of weighted votes on the panel.
Collins and her allies worked the phones to lock down support for the vote. It worked. When it came time to vote, it was clear Collins had it nailed, and she ultimately won by acclamation. Key players in her corner: Alds. Jason Ervin (28th), Emma Mitts (37th) and Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th), and Committeewoman Lucy Moog (43rd).
* From the Lift the Ban Coalition…
Today, the Lift The Ban Coalition held a news conference to announce the Let the People Lift the Ban Act (HB4104), new legislation that allows Illinois communities to opt out of the statewide ban on rent control via local referendum. The legislation also extends additional protections to renters across the state.
With pandemic-related rent relief funds drying up and eviction moratoriums sunsetting, Illinois is spiraling back into a housing affordability crisis. Evictions have reached pre-pandemic levels and are rising. Rent increases are skyrocketing across Illinois, with some counties seeing annual aggregate rent increases of more than 17%.
“Recent U.S. Census Data shows that 47% of Illinois renters are paying more than 30% of their monthly income on housing. This is not sustainable. All across Illinois, our working families are facing significant pressures every month to pay the rent,” said 13th District State Representative and HB4104 Chief Sponsor Hoan Huynh (D-Chicago). “We need to pass HB4104, by allowing local municipalities to be engaged in the democratic process and decide for themselves through a binding referendum whether or not to lift the ban on rent control. The power belongs to the people. Let’s have the people decide, not corporate special interest entities.”
“I know what it feels like to not have sustainable housing to rest my head,” said Springfield renter Quentora Dumas. “Lifting this ban will give Illinois renters the right to fight against rent gouging, limit rents, and help boost the economy.“
Illinois voters should have the right to decide the kinds of policies that can be enacted to address this issue, including rent control. In 1997 a bill was passed in the legislature that precludes the ability for Illinoisans to legislate on this issue. Our bill would put power in the hands of everyday Illinois residents who have been disenfranchised to lift the ban on rent control.
* Press release from Michael Mini, Executive Vice President, Chicagoland Apartment Association, on HB4104…
“We strongly oppose the idea of rent control. When market forces are artificially influenced by rent control policies, investment in the supply of new housing diminishes leaving renters with fewer quality housing options – we’ve this happen from San Francisco to St. Paul to New York. Consensus among housing policy experts remains that rent control policies actually work against affordable housing objectives because they discourage investment in new and existing rental housing, erode property values, and lead to an overall shortage of quality, affordable rental housing.
Our collective efforts need to be focused on developing more housing options, and specifically, more housing that is affordable to local residents in need. There are other policy alternatives to rent control that advocates, developers and affordable housing providers agree will help the housing issues impacting people throughout the state. The SHAPE coalition and our partners are committed to working with policymakers at all levels of government to explore and implement policies and programs to provide affordable housing solutions such as direct rental assistance to residents, tax incentives to keep rents affordable, and policies that streamline, incentivize, and reduce impediments to apartment development.”
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Daily Herald | IDNR to install EV charging, build solar installation as part of new climate plan: The “blueprint” is designed to help combat climate change and reach state greenhouse gas reduction goals, specifically Illinois’ ambition of reaching 100% clean energy by 2050. Organized into five key areas, strategies include utilities and buildings, sustainable site operations, climate-smart natural areas, equity, and learning and engagement.
* Chalkbeat | Chicago is seeing an influx of migrant students. Are schools ready to serve them?: Once a school enrolls 20 or more students with the same language background, state law requires the school to implement a Transitional Bilingual Education program. Full-time TBE programs require educators to teach core subjects in both English and the native language of those students. The school must also provide instruction of English as a second language.
* Crain’s | After a slow liftoff, this crucial O’Hare terminal revamp is years late: The big airport job has virtually vanished from the news. O’Hare traffic has been relatively slow to recover from COVID. There’s been jostling between the city and its airline partners over spiraling costs, and construction on the first of three promised new terminals is not even scheduled to begin until the last half of 2024.
* Block Club | City Sues Puerto Rican Museum, Park District Over Unsanctioned Expansion In Humboldt Park: The city is also calling for the museum to be fined $1,000 each day the project was in violation and a receiver to be appointed to oversee the property if the museum and the Park District don’t rectify the situation, according to the complaint.
* Daily Herald | ‘Done everything the right way’: Palatine mayor on why video gambling may stay put: But first, the village council decided Monday to cap the number of video gambling liquor licenses in town at 11. If that cap is raised in the future, the council decided, any new applicant would have to obtain at least half its revenues from liquor sales — a move that would block out businesses focused primarily on gambling.
* Crain’s | Illinois cannabis sales rose last year, but taxes fell. How come?: It’s one more example of the growing pains of a young industry that’s being buffeted by both broader economic headwinds as well as the unique forces within the cannabis business — from national politics and local market dynamics.
* SJ-R | Memorial cutbacks end valet service; patients lament the loss: Sherry Walters of Pawnee has been bringing her mother, Barbara, to Springfield Memorial Hospital’s radiology department for treatments five days a week. Walters’ mother uses a walker and Walters has a bad leg that also makes walking difficult. […] “The valet guys were just so great,” Walters said last week. “You couldn’t beat them. They were so nice, and they did whatever they had to do to help you.”
* Sun-Times | State Street revamp ideas aim to revitalize Downtown stretch: Revitalizing State Street should include improving streetscapes, adding more art and light displays, creating new programs tied to major city events and periodically closing the street to vehicle traffic, according to new recommendations from a city-commissioned panel.
* WCIA | Fairgoers react to renovations at Illinois State Fair : “There were many years that went on, under previous administrations, to where either not much or no work was done to a lot of the facilities here on the fairgrounds,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello. “That has all changed.”
* CBS Chicago | Illinois State Fair butter cow has companion inspired by real-life farmer Lorilee Schultz: “I mean, who wouldn’t want to be sculpted in butter? It’s like the coolest, weirdest thing you could possibly think of. There’s definitely going to be that game, three truths and a lie. I can say. ‘Well, I was sculpted in butter,’ and nobody will believe it,” she said.
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* Background is here if you need it. From the governor’s latest veto message…
Today, I return House Bill 3445, an energy omnibus bill, with specific recommendations for change. […]
House Bill 3445 contains many useful provisions to advance energy policy in Illinois. However, the right of first refusal language inserted by Senate Amendment 4 will raise costs for rate payers by giving incumbent utility providers in the MISO region a monopoly over new transmission lines. Eliminating competition will cause rates to increase in the MISO region, where there is currently over $3.6 billion in planned transmission construction in the Ameren service territory. Without competition, Ameren ratepayers will pay for these transmission projects at a much higher cost. Competitively bidding transmission construction, instead of giving the utility a monopoly, has been shown to lower costs significantly. My administration is committed to working with stakeholders and our partners in the General Assembly to enact meaningful energy policy, however, I cannot support legislation that puts corporate profits over consumers.
Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 3445, entitled, “An Act Concerning State Government,” with the following specific recommendations for change: On Page 217, line 7, delete “and Article XXIII” and delete the entirety of the language added beginning on page 220, line 18 and continuing through page 224, line 17.
With the above changes, House Bill 3445 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.
Sincerely,
JB Pritzker
Governor, State of Illinois
…Adding… ICJC…
“On behalf consumers and families across the state, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition thanks Governor Pritzker for his amendatory veto of legislation that had granted Ameren a monopoly and risked them raising costs on their customers. As written, Ameren’s “Right of First Refusal” legislation (House Bill 3445) would have given a big handout to the big utility without providing any protections for workers or customers. We strongly support investment in new transmission capacity to reach our clean energy goals, but HB3445 could limit our ability to build those projects. We applaud the Governor for taking this action toward expanding transmission and bringing us another step closer to our clean energy future.”
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* From Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ news media availability today…
Q: What lessons do you think Democrats have learned from the Madigan saga? We’ve got the Mapes trial ongoing, but that still kind of hangs over with Madigan facing trial next year.
Giannoulias: I will tell you that within our office and being in Springfield, we don’t talk about Mike Madigan. It doesn’t really come up. I’m focused on what we’ve been able to do. And as all of you know very well, Mike Madigan was never a fan of mine. He did everything he could to make sure I never got into office. So I’m proud of the leadership we have in place. We have great leaders in the Illinois Senate, in the House, and an amazing governor.
Q: But are there any lessons to be learned that you think the Democrats should pick up?
Giannoulias: Yeah, I think people are sick and tired of scandal, corruption. Anything we can do to increase transparency and let people know exactly what happens at every level is important. We’re doing that on our side with lobbyist registration. We want to know if you can increase transparency from the Secretary of State’s standpoint.
Please pardon all transcription errors. Thanks.
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Caption contest!
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* To be very clear, the photo below is posted here with full permission from both House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (on the left) and Maddie Norris. At the Illinois State Fair Director’s Lawn during Governor’s day ceremonies…
Be nice!
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* Crain’s…
Members of Johnson’s administration have been involved in the discussions, but [Ald. Mike Rodriguez] is taking the lead on the effort. The measure adds to the growing list of legislation being considered heading into fall that affect relatively lower-wage workers. […]
If approved, the ordinance would increase minimum driver pay to $7 per ride, but allow for higher wages if a per-mile or per-minute rate exceeded $7.
[Lori Simmons of the Chicago Gig Alliance] says her group has no interest in giving up the larger fight and suggested a win at City Hall could tee up a larger fight in Springfield.
Although Illinois officials have not seriously pushed to reclassify workers, the General Assembly did deliver a blow to the rideshare companies this year when it approved, over the fierce opposition of Uber, a “common carrier” bill that opens the companies up to liability for accidents and injuries to passengers.
“Ultimately, I do see (reclassification) coming to the state level. And I think Illinois is uniquely positioned to actually win this fight because the companies do not have the same type of leverage to throw around here as they do elsewhere in the country.”
* Uber and Lyft have threatened to pull out of Minneapolis if a similar ordinance passes…
Rideshare companies Lyft and Uber are threatening to pull service out of Minneapolis if the city passes an ordinance Thursday that gives drivers more protections and higher pay.
Rideshare drivers have been pressing the Minneapolis City Council to pass legislation that would set a minimum compensation for drivers and create a process for them to appeal deactivations. The push at the city level comes just months after Gov. Tim Walz vetoed a similar bill that passed both houses of the state Legislature.
The proposed ordinance would, in part, ensure that any driver who has a ride that originates in Minneapolis would make an equivalent to the city’s minimum wage — $15 per hour.
The ordinance would change some protocols around deactivation, or the firing of Uber drivers, to give drivers more of an explanation. It would also eliminate the use of gift cards not issued by the rideshare companies, so there would be a way to trace riders and hold them accountable if necessary.
Minnesota Gov. Walz vetoed legislation after Uber threatened to cut off service in Minneapolis.
* House Bill 2231 was signed into law Friday. Here’s Sen. Martwick’s press release…
Thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Robert Martwick, rideshare companies will be subject to the same standard of care as all other transportation companies.
“As rideshare companies become an integral part of modern transportation, we must demand the same high standards of care as we do for traditional carriers,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Holding companies accountable for the actions of their employees is about safeguarding every passenger who places their trust in these services.”
Under the new law, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are subject to the common carrier doctrine, which holds transportation companies to the highest standard of care for their passengers. This allows the state to hold the company liable if an employee causes harm to a passenger through intentional means such as assault, or if a driver is intoxicated and causes an accident.
Previously, transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft were exempt from the common carrier doctrine, leaving victims with few means to hold the companies liable for harm caused by their drivers. Between 2017 and 2020, there were almost 14,000 reports of sexual assault from Uber and Lyft passengers, with 824 reported rapes.
“As we embrace innovation, we shouldn’t forget about safety,” Martwick said. “Today we reinforce the notion that safety is non-negotiable for every individual using rideshare services, which is paramount in preserving the trust and peace of mind of all who seek reliable transportation.”
* Related…
Thoughts?
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Delivery Helps Chicago Restaurants Grow On Uber Eats
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
At Uber Eats, local restaurants are the backbone of our communities and delivery continues to help small business owners reach new customers and increase sales.
We recently published the results of the 2022 US Merchant Impact Report—which come directly from a survey of merchant partners. Read More.
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Unclear on the concept
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Illinois Policy Institute…
On Aug. 4, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law House Bill 1120, which requires union neutrality clauses in all charter contract renewals or proposals. These clauses mean charter school operators will be required to support a union’s attempt to organize its staff, making it easier for CTU or other unions in Illinois to unionize charter schools.
*facepalm*
Union neutrality doesn’t force the charter schools to support union organizing. From the new law…
“Union neutrality clause” means a provision whereby a charter school agrees: (1) to be neutral regarding the unionization of any of its employees, such that the charter school will not at any time express a position on the matter of whether its employees will be unionized and such that the charter school will not threaten, intimidate, discriminate against, retaliate against, or take any adverse action against any employees based on their decision to support or oppose union representation; (2) to provide any bona fide labor organization access at reasonable times to areas in which the charter school’s employees work for the purpose of meeting with employees to discuss their right to representation, employment rights under the law, and terms and conditions of employment; and (3) that union recognition shall be through a majority card check verified by a neutral third-party arbitrator mutually selected by the charter school and the bona fide labor organization through alternate striking from a panel of arbitrators provided by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Does a union neutrality requirement make it easier for the unions? Heck yes, it does. It prevents employers from actively undermining their organizing efforts. Do employers dislike these requirements? Heck, yes, they do, and they likely have good reasons. But it does not require the employers to support the activity. They just have to stay out of the decision. Also, keep in mind that these are taxpayer-financed public schools.
Anyway, your thoughts on this law?
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* Redacted…
* Not sure that low tolerance claim is accurate, but here’s more context…
They say they want to solve real problems. But then they spend all of their time screaming conspiracy theories about the purge, about Disney, about green M&Ms and space lasers.
Because here’s their game ,everyone. Republicans think that if they lie about something often enough, if they deny the truth long enough, maybe we will start to believe their lies. The problem is this. Here in Illinois, we have a low tolerance for bulls–t. [Cheers]
You know the old story about the emperor who had no clothes? Well, he couldn’t get 10 feet in the South Side Irish parade or the Bud Billiken parade or at the State Fair without someone here telling him he’s naked.
Illinois Democrats have done more in the last five years to push back on the wave of authoritarian, anti-democratic MAGA Republican nonsense than in any other place in the country.
Leave it to the Land of Lincoln, Barack Obama’s home state, the home of Olympic gold medal champion Jackie Joyner Kersee.
Leave it to the state that enshrined workers rights into our Constitution. The state where we defeated Donald Trump resoundingly twice already. Leave it to us to raise the tallest flag in the fight against modern American fascism.
There’s a reason that we were chosen to host the Democratic National Convention next year. And it’s because we are a bright light of freedom in the center of the nation. We are a beacon lighting the path for national success. We are Barbie when everyone else is just Ken.
So as we head into 2024, it’s time to rally our troops for the political fight ahead. So I ask you Illinois Democrats. Are you ready for the fight? [Cheers] Are you ready for the fight? [Cheers] Let’s go get ‘em everybody!
Pleae pardon any transcription errors.
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* Jon Seidel tells us about recorded phone conversations played during the Tim Mapes trial yesterday…
“I don’t recall any at all,” Mapes told the grand jury. “Any dialogue.”
That’s gonna leave a mark.
* Also this from Hannah Meisel…
Mapes was also asked whether he knew of anyone close to Madigan who was on friendly terms with John Hooker, a lobbyist for ComEd.
“I don’t recall any today,” Mapes said.
You’ve gotta be kidding me. Mike McClain and Hooker were practically inseparable.
* Megan Crepeau and Ray Long at the Tribune…
Mapes even played down Madigan’s longtime admiration of Mayor Richard J. Daley, someone Madigan often spoke about with reverence.
“I think he had a respect for him,” Mapes said. “I don’t know about esteem.”
Mapes said he remembered Madigan saying Richard J. Daley “was a good politician” but testified that Madigan didn’t say why he thought that.
For crying out loud, Madigan had photos of the old man in his office as well as the prayer card from Daley’s funeral mass. When Madigan was named grand marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade, he had an exact replica of a hat Richard J. wore when he was grand marshal. Daley practically made Madigan part of the family after Madigan’s dad passed away. Mapes isn’t accused of perjuring himself on that answer, but sheeeeeeeesh.
Also this…
“(McClain) was one of my fr– sorry strike that,” Mapes said, apparently stopping short of calling McClain a friend. “He was a member of the legislature before I started. … And then he was also a member of the leadership before he lost his election.”
I think now we’re seeing why the feds were so irked with Mapes’ grand jury testimony.
* To the Sun-Times story…
Facing one of the most serious threats to the power held by then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in 2018, his longtime friend and confidant decided it was time to “play hardball and quit doing this nicey/nicey stuff.”
One week earlier, political consultant Alaina Hampton had held a news conference to outline sexual harassment complaints against Kevin Quinn, a top political aide to Madigan. Her claims shook Madigan’s grip on power at the Capitol and created serious concern within his inner-circle, a federal jury heard Tuesday.
So Michael McClain sent a fiery email Feb. 21, 2018. In it, he suggested Madigan’s team go nuclear against their opponents and pitch scandalous stories about an open marriage and other Springfield dirt to “over worked, under payed” news reporters.
“We cannot lose him,” McClain wrote of Madigan. “We cannot give Illinois to these guys. So, we have to play sort of by their rules.”
Madigan’s longtime chief of staff, Tim Mapes, was among the recipients of McClain’s email. A former Madigan aide also testified Tuesday that Mapes was among those trying to insulate the speaker.
But despite apparently being looped in on McClain’s bid to save Madigan in 2018, Mapes later told a grand jury he didn’t remember McClain doing any tasks or assignments for Madigan at that time.
*Hard sigh*
* Hannah Meisel has more on the effort to save Madigan. As you may recall, Madigan created the Anti-Harassment, Equality and Access Panel through the Democratic Party of Illinois and appointed three members: US Rep. Cheri Bustos, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and state Rep. Carol Ammons. They immediately declared independence and refused to take any money from Madigan’s party apparatus. And when Bustos backed out, the others appointed Sen. Melinda Bush, who was a noted Madigan critic…
“I had wanted to talk this afternoon about well, what do we do with this panel?” Madigan said on a conference call with five close advisors, including Mapes and McClain. “What do we do with it? Do we do anything with it? Do we just let it go and go and go?”
Later in the call, longtime Madigan spokesman Steve Brown warned the media would pick up on any clues that the speaker was interfering with the panel’s work, and the sexual harassment allegations against Madigan’s organization would be rehashed.
“I’m trying to get my head around the idea that some other entity crops up and it’s not portrayed as an effort to supplant, derail whatever Mendoza’s supposed to be doing,” Brown said.
Good on Brown.
…Adding… Oof…
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* Leigh Giangreco at Crain’s on how not to get slated by the Cook County Democratic Central Committee…
As party leaders gathered Tuesday and conducted a question-and-answer session before deciding which candidate to back, [state’s attorney hopeful Eileen O’Neill Burke] snapped at committee members who questioned her over fraternizing with Republicans across the state. Much of what played out between O’Neill Burke and the committeemen felt like a repeat of the mayoral campaign for Paul Vallas, a relative conservative whose Democratic loyalty was challenged after comments he made likening himself to a Republican. […]
“We are a party organization, we want to know where people stand,” Martwick said. “The reason is . . . every Democratic primary opponent I have ever faced, every single one, has been a Republican running as a Democrat.”
Before Martwick could finish, O’Neill Burke shot back.
“Are you accusing me of being a Republican, Rob?” she said.
* A.D. Quig at the Chicago Tribune…
Martwick noted that O’Neill Burke’s campaign treasurer, Thomas Glasgow, had “only voted in Republican primaries every year since 2002,” which O’Neill Burke confirmed. “What do you have to say —,” Martwick began, before O’Neill Burke jumped in.
Glasgow “is a criminal defense attorney. I have been friends with him for three decades. He’s good with money. I asked him to be my treasurer. He’s not controlling my campaign; he’s merely my treasurer. But good job, Rob. Really thorough vetting on that one,” she said, as committee members murmured. Martwick muttered, “Wow.”
“What else do you want me to say, Rob? I am not a Republican, I have voted in every Democratic primary since I was 18,” she said.
“Justice, I think you’ve said it all,” Martwick replied.
* She was also asked about a small contribution to a Republican candidate for the appellate court. Here’s Craig Wall at ABC 7…
Alderman Michael Rodriguez, another Preckwinkle ally, quizzed Burke about her support for a Republican judge. Burke said the Democrat was rated not qualified.
“I have been a lifetime Democrat. I have supported Democrats but I also think it’s important to look at someone’s qualifications and not just do a litmus test,” she said.
When it came time for a vote, Harris won a unanimous endorsement.
She’ll run as the outsider, they’ll call her a Republican.
* Some background on Clayton Harris from Mitchell Armentrout at the Sun-Times…
Harris, a Washington Park resident, was a prosecutor under former Cook County State’s Attorney Dick Devine; an intergovernmental affairs assistant to former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley; and lead counsel for the Chicago Department of Transportation.
Harris went on to the Illinois Transportation Department and eventually became the final chief of staff to Blagojevich late in the tenure of the governor who was later convicted on corruption charges.
In a 2012 letter to a federal judge, Harris — who was never accused of wrongdoing — described “chaos” in Blagojevich’s office, including “an episode where I was directed to fire the entire legal department because they lacked the professionalism that the governor believed should have been exhibited.” He also said Blagojevich ordered him to hire an unemployed lawyer “he met in line at Starbucks to be chief legal counsel of the state of Illinois!”
Harris didn’t follow up on either request, but he “did allow [Blagojevich] to believe” that he would do so because that was the best way to refocus the governor’s attention on more important matters, Harris wrote. […]
More recently, Harris served as executive director of the Illinois International Port District from 2016-2020 and then as public policy director for the ride-hailing giant Lyft through 2022, according to a LinkedIn profile. His teaching at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy has focused on “the possible solutions available to change how race is policed.”
* WGN’s Tahman Bradley recently talked with Harris…
WGN News asked Harris if he would want Foxx’s endorsement.
“I would absolutely appreciate Kim Foxx’s endorsement,” Harris said.
Harris already has the backing of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, almost guaranteeing him an influx of campaign cash and volunteers. He told WGN News that he has no problem being labeled the ‘establishment candidate.’ In fact, Harris believes a Preckwinkle endorsement ‘absolutely helps’ his campaign.
“She’s the president of the county. Her support, her backing is very influential, and she’s teed me up so that we can move forward,” Harris said. “I’m looking at garnering a large tree myself so that there are multiple branches on there from all walks of life.”
* Meanwhile, the party also voted yesterday to back Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham over Appellate Justice Jesse Reyes. Here’s Dan Hinkel and Alejandra Cancino at Injustice Watch…
Cunningham’s challenger, Reyes, sought the party stamp again after losing against the party-endorsed candidate in a 2020 bid to become the first Hispanic judge on the highest court. Reyes urged committee members to make history by giving Hispanic residents a “seat at the table of justice.”
“I’m merely a reflection of the Latino community’s dreams and aspirations of having a place on the bench of our state’s highest court,” said Reyes, who was endorsed by U.S. Reps. Jesus “Chuy” García and Delia Ramirez, both Chicago Democrats.
Cunningham, a former state appellate court justice and onetime president of the Chicago Bar Association, rejected that narrative in an interview, calling it divisive and saying she is a justice for all Illinoisans. On Monday, Cunningham introduced herself to the party as the daughter of immigrants from Panama and the Cayman Islands. Her father held two jobs, and she worked as a critical care nurse during law school, she said.
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Open thread
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Lake County News-Sun | Court rejects casino hopeful’s case seeking cash damages from Waukegan: The Second District Illinois Appellate Court rejected Waukegan Gaming’s appeal of the Lake County Court decision Tuesday in Elgin because changes in Illinois law made the contract unenforceable.
* WCIA | State shuts loophole allowing tax buyers to profit off blighted properties: Decatur Deputy City Manager Jon Kindseth has a backlog of abandoned homes in his city. […] “This is probably the largest tax reform bill in Illinois in the last two decades,” Kindseth said. “It’s that significant. It not only lowered interest rates for homeowners that are delinquent on their taxes. But it ultimately reduces a lot of loopholes that tax buyers have been exploiting for the last two or three decades.”
* Injustice Watch | Cook County Democrats back Illinois Supreme Court Justice Cunningham and slate of judicial candidates for 2024: The party’s stamp doesn’t guarantee election, but it’s a big leg up in heavily Democratic Cook County. Party-backed candidates get help collecting petition signatures and appear on the palm card, a boost for little-known judges listed at the bottom of the ballot.
* Tribune | Amid party loyalty questions, Cook County Democrats endorse for state’s attorney and go against incumbent for court clerk: After open spats over party loyalty Tuesday, the Cook County Democratic Party voted to back Clayton Harris III in the open race to succeed Kim Foxx as Cook County state’s attorney and Mariyana Spyropoulos to take on incumbent Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez, a fellow Democrat.
* Tribune | Prosecutors begin playing Tim Mapes’ 2021 grand jury testimony in Madigan probe, offering rare glimpse into normally secret proceedings: “If we want to protect and save MJM (Madigan) we cannot play punchy bags above the belt,” Michael McClain, the speaker’s longtime confidant, wrote in one email to Madigan’s inner circle of advisers. “It is time to be offensive. … We have to play hardball and quit doing this nicey-nicey stuff on the calls.”
* Sun-Times | As Madigan faced threat to his power, aide said it was time to ‘play hardball and quit doing this nicey/nicey stuff.’: Prosecutors spent Tuesday moving closer to the heart of their case. Not only did they spend much of the day painting a picture of Mapes as a detail-oriented micro-manager, they introduced McClain’s February 2018 email through the testimony of former Madigan aide Will Cousineau.
* SJ-R | Ready, set, go! Politicians gearing up for 2024 races descend on Illinois State Fair: Outside of the fair, the parties will hold meetings in downtown Springfield including the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association brunch at the Bank of Springfield Center. There, Illinois Democrats will be joined by guest speaker U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, starting at 9 a.m. before heading to the fairgrounds.
* WGN | Politics taking main stage at Illinois State Fair: Illinois Democrats will also emphasize the state’s importance as a labor stronghold and progressive capital of the Midwest. They say the state will play a key role in President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign with the Democratic National Convention coming to Chicago a year from now.
* Sun-Times | Migrants who slept in tents after being kicked out of shelter have a new home: Eight members of the Leon and Castro families had lived outdoors after being locked out of a shelter Saturday. The city has moved them to the Inn of Chicago in Streeterville.
* WGN | Highland Park High School set to roll out new weapon detection system on first day of school: According to District 113 officials, the new system will be moved around to an unspecified entrance tomorrow morning, adding that the results of this phase could then help them expand to cover all entrances of the building in the future.
* WMBD | Central Illinois restaurants receive $670,000 in federal grant money: A news release from Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) confirms $670,000 will be awarded to several restaurants in the Peoria and Bloomington areas as part of the Back to Business grant program.
* Crain’s | Chicago Teachers Pension Fund exec on ‘do not hire’ list at prior employer: The executive director of Chicago Public School Teachers’ Pension & Retirement Fund was placed on a “do not hire” list by his former employer, Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System, after he had sent himself more than 300 emails containing retirement plan beneficiaries’ Social Security numbers and internal committee meeting information. The Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor found that after Carlton W. Lenoir Sr. departed from Illinois Teachers, he was placed on the pension fund’s “do not hire” list, according to the office’s report dated June 27, 2022.
* Tribune | Laura Ricketts leads local group of women to buy Chicago Red Stars: ‘Unprecedented fan growth in women’s soccer globally’: Terms of the contract were not disclosed Tuesday, and the ownership group must receive approval from the NWSL Board of Governors to finalize the sale. The investor group hopes to complete the purchase this month.
* Paul Sullivan | How can the White Sox get back on track? Follow the Cubs’ game plan and clean house for 2024.: The ’21 Cubs, coming off their vaunted sell-off, went into that game on the South Side with a 6-20 record in August and the third-worst record in baseball since the All-Star break, ahead of only the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers. The Sox were 19 games over .500 with a 10-game lead in the American League Central.
* Tribune | Chicago stargazers find more light pollution and wildfires are obscuring the skies: ‘It’s like going deaf if you like music’: Growing up, Carhart said he learned the intricacies of the Milky Way from his suburban backyard in Naperville. But slowly, the 64-year-old said, he watched the stars disappear. If someone were to visit his childhood home today, he said, they could count the number of stars they see on their fingers.
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ScribbleLive is still down. Twitter has stopped allowing people to embed list feeds on websites. So, click here or here to follow breaking news. You can click here to follow the Tim Mapes trial.
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Afternoon roundup (Updated)
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Congratulations to Leader Evans..
Yesterday the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislator Nominating Committee selected the next VP, who will subsequently become the president-elect, then President.
Illinois House of Representatives Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Labor & Commerce Committee Marcus C. Evans, Jr. was selected. NCSL is a bi-partisan, non-political policy focused organization. Speaker Welch and Minority Leader Tony McCombie both supported Leader Evans.
Leader Evans has been actively involved in NCSL leadership since 2017, serving on both the State and Local Taxation Taskforce (SALT) and the Executive Committee.
In 2016 Retired State Senators Toi Hutchinson (NCSL President 2018), Donne Trotter, Pamela J. Althoff and current State Senator Elgie Sims (CSG Vice-President 2023) all were instrumental in encouraging Leader Evans’ initial involvement in national conferences, touting the many policy and legislative development benefits.
* The Cook County Democrats have released their listed of slated candidates. Click here for the list. As expected, Illinois Supreme Court appointed incumbent Joy Cunningham was slated instead of Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes. Clayton Harris was slated over Eileen O’Neill Burke. And Mariyana Spyropoulos was slated over incumbent Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez. Precious Brady-Davis, Kari Steele, Marcelino Garcia and Daniel Pogorzelski were slated for MWRD.
Burke will stay in the race…
Today, Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke, Candidate for Cook County State’s Attorney, released the following statement after the Cook County Democratic Committee’s slating vote ahead of the March 2024 Primary Election:
“I’m disappointed that the committee overlooked a woman with thirty years of experience in every corner of the courtroom to support a candidate who most recently lobbied against workers’ rights on behalf of corporate special interests. With the implementation of the SAFE-T Act and other reforms on the horizon, this election is critical to the future of Cook County. As a former prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and judge, I look forward to sharing my vision for public safety and restorative justice with the voters and building the best prosecutor’s office in the country.”
…Adding… Illinois Latino Agenda…
The following is a statement from the Illinois Latino Agenda (ILA), a coalition committed to advocating for equitable representation of Latinos throughout our state government, in response to the CCDP’s slating decision, which was announced today:
“Today, the Cook County Democratic Party missed an opportunity to support a more representative and equitable State Supreme Court. While Illinois’ population is 18% Latino and Latinos are one of the fastest growing demographics in the state, Illinois has never had a Latino Supreme Court Justice.
“Having a Latino Supreme Court Justice with roots in our community, who knows what issues matter to our communities can help the Court make decisions that are more culturally informed and inclusive. While we are disappointed in the Party’s decision, we know it is ultimately up to the voters to choose who will sit on the State’s highest court in 2024.
“The Illinois Latino Agenda remains committed to advancing the wellbeing of Latinos in Illinois, and will continue working to leverage Latino civic engagement and voter turnout.”
…Adding… Harris…
Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Clayton Harris III celebrated the news that the Cook County Democratic Party voted on Tuesday to add him to their official slate for the 2024 election cycle:
“As a lifelong Democrat, I am grateful to have earned the endorsement of the Cook County Democratic Party. I thank the local Democratic Party leaders and grassroots activists who stepped up to join our diverse coalition as we get ready to launch our countywide petition drive,” said Harris. “I’ve been energized by the opportunity to travel across county, hearing people’s concerns, and listening to their ideas on how to make our communities safer. I’m committed to doing the work to ensure our office focuses on holding violent offenders accountable, and continues to push forward on the urgent work of reform.”
* AG Raoul…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with seven attorneys general, is urging a federal court to strengthen a private, consumer class-action settlement with Hyundai and Kia by requiring the companies to recall or buy back the theft-prone vehicles and equip them with engine-immobilizer technology.
In a letter to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Raoul and the coalition argue that the current proposed settlement requirements are insufficient and will not resolve the ongoing Hyundai and Kia thefts that continue to jeopardize public safety in Illinois and across the country. While Illinois is not part of this settlement, Raoul signed onto the letter because in 2022, there were over 7,000 Hyundai and Kia thefts in Chicago, which account for 10% of all registered Kia vehicles and 7% of all registered Hyundai vehicles in the city.
“I am urging the court to strengthen its current settlement with Hyundai and Kia to ensure consumers’ vehicles are recalled or properly equipped to protect against theft,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to protecting consumers and our communities, and both car companies need to do their part by taking robust action to prevent these thefts.”
Among the terms of the settlement are that Hyundai and Kia require a key to be in the ignition to start the vehicle, as well as provide a software upgrade to extend the vehicles’ alarm from 30 seconds to one minute. For vehicles incompatible for this software upgrade, the settlement requires Hyundai and Kia to reimburse consumers up to $300 for their purchase of a wheel lock or anti-theft system.
Raoul and the coalition expressed concern, saying the upgrade is not feasible for approximately 2.3 million vehicles, that it requires consumers to proactively seek out the upgrade, and that it will take months to complete all phases of the upgrade. Additionally, the attorneys general do not think the software upgrade is effective because in the six months it has been available, there are reports of Hyundai and Kia thefts in upgraded vehicles.
Joining Raoul in submitting the comments were attorneys general from the District of Columbia, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.
* Press release…
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group (IERG) applaud Governor Pritzker on the recent signing of legislation to improve the permitting process for businesses in Illinois.
HB 3017 amends the Business Assistance and Regulatory Reform Act by consolidating status updates from state agencies for covered projects in an accessible online portal. With such a portal, businesses seeking certain new and existing environmental permits for industrial projects can access a website to better understand the timeline and process for agency approval.
“This new law will expedite the outdated and lengthy permit issuance process in Illinois,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By increasing transparency for permit applicants and the public via an online dashboard there can be greater clarity on cases so unnecessary steps can be avoided. If we can streamline any process to make Illinoisans’ lives easier, then it’s a win for all.”
* Rep. Rashid…
State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview) has been appointed by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch to serve as co-chair of the state’s new artificial intelligence (AI) task force.
The task force will consist of legislators, technology experts, educators and other stakeholders to provide informed policy recommendations on AI to the legislature. It will look at the impact of AI on our schools, economy, and civil liberties. Once complete, the task force will submit a report to the General Assembly.
Across the country, state and federal lawmakers are debating how to address the impact of AI technologies. The ramifications of AI use cut across industry. The debate around the proper use of AI features prominently in Hollywood as SAG-AFTRA screenwriters and actors fight for a fair contract.
…Adding… Press release…
Today President Joseph Biden signed a Disaster Declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) to offer Individual Assistance for residents in Cook County, Illinois who were impacted by severe weather in July. FEMA’s Individual Assistance could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses owners recover from the effects of the storms.
“Thank you to President Biden and FEMA for recognizing the devastating effects of recent extreme weather on Chicago and its surrounding neighbors and taking the appropriate action to ensure impacted residents can get back on their feet,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Residents and businesses, especially those on the West Side of Chicago who were most brutally hit, are now able to access additional resources necessary to rebuild and revitalize, and I know Cook County will build back stronger than ever.”
Beginning June 29, several rounds of severe storms passed through Illinois producing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. Central Illinois experienced a derecho that brought damaging straight-line winds resulting in five confirmed tornadoes, along with wind gusts in excess of 100 miles per hour across multiple counties. The tornados and straight-line winds resulted in large debris fields, affecting homeowners, businesses, utilities, and local governments. The storms also caused disruptions to transportation due to flash flooding and debris on the roadways.
On July 2nd, additional severe storms dropped eight inches of water in a short period of time in a historic rainfall total. This caused flash flooding in and around the Chicago area. The storms also downed numerous trees and caused widespread power outages in northern Illinois.
* Media advisory…
What: The Lift The Ban Coalition is holding a news conference at the Illinois State Fair on Wednesday (Governor’s Day) to announce the Let the People Lift the Ban Act (HB4104), new legislation that allows Illinois communities to opt out of the statewide ban on rent control via local referendum. The legislation also extends additional protections to renters across the state.
Who: Speakers will include:
● State Representative Hoan Huynh of the 16th District, Chief Sponsor, IL House
● Springfield residents Quentora Dumas, Tracey Graggs and mobile home resident
Linda Reynolds
The Lift The Ban Coalition comprises more than two dozen groups including community organizations, advocacy groups, service & legal aid organizations, labor unions and more.
When: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 16th, 2023
Where: Illinois State Fair in Springfield, IL, Media Center, Building 30 on 8th St
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Tribune | Tim Mapes’ Madigan-era friend from Illinois House set to testify against him in federal perjury trial: Cousineau’s testimony is highly anticipated because he already showed that he can be a valuable witness for the government in the “ComEd Four” case earlier this year, which ended with the convictions all defendants on bribery-related counts, including Madigan confidant Michael McClain, a longtime ComEd lobbyist.
* AP | Man sent to prison for 10 years for setting a fire at an Illinois Planned Parenthood clinic: “I feel for the people who have lost their jobs. I’m not trying to play like I am victim at this. I was sincerely hurt,” Massengill, 32, said in court, apparently a reference to his belief that a former girlfriend had an abortion a few years ago. Prosecutors, however, said the woman told the FBI that wasn’t true.
* Sun-Times | Migrant families kicked out of Rogers Park motel for missing curfew are sleeping in tents: Alejandra Leon said city officials haven’t approached them about relocating to a new location since they were removed from the Super 8 Motel at Sheridan Road and Chase Avenue over the weekend. “I’m asking them to move us to another shelter, somewhere my children can be more comfortable,” Leon said. “We are families with a lot of principles, with a lot of values. We are humble people that came here to work hard. We aren’t bad people.”
* WGLT | Nuclear plant moratorium bill heads to veto session fight in Illinois: Pritzker said the bill, as written, has vague definitions, including an overly broad definition of the advanced reactor that will open the door to more large-scale plants — plants that cost so much they’ll eventually need a state bailout to keep in operation. Republican State Rep. Dan Calkins of Decatur sits on two energy committees in the House. Calkins supported ending the moratorium and said he thinks that’s a false argument.
* AP | States that protect transgender health care now try to absorb demand: “We’re trying our best to make sure we can get those kids in so that they don’t experience an interruption in their care,” said Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd, medical director of the gender health program at Children’s Minnesota hospital in the Twin Cities. “For patients who have not yet been seen and would be added to a general waiting list, it is daunting to think that it’s going to be a year or more before you’re going to be seen by somebody.”
* Tony Sanders | Open Invitation to Florida and Texas Teachers: Come to Illinois. We Trust You: Here in Illinois, we do not shy away from our complex histories or identities. While Texas tries to ban discussions about race and Florida forbids teachers from “saying gay,” we have revised our social studies standards in the opposite direction. We encourage dialogue from multiple perspectives. We require schools to teach about the contributions of Asian Americans, Black Americans, Native Americans and LGBTQ+ Americans. We protect the freedom and professional judgment of educators to choose instructional materials that represent and affirm the diversity of Illinois’ students.
* CNBC | Retailers say organized theft is biting into profits, but internal issues may really be to blame: Behind closed doors, retailers are facing other issues they can better control, including theft by their own employees, that are contributing to losses, according to two sources who advise major retailers. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly about clients.
* Daily Herald | Rosemont reaches $12.7 million deal for last undeveloped property in town: On Monday, Mayor Brad Stephens announced village hall reached a deal with owner Development Resources Inc. for $12,750,000. The village board formally authorized the purchase of 6608 N. Mannheim Road, set to close Nov. 1. “This is a long time coming, and we’re happy to finally have control of it,” Stephens said. There are no immediate plans for the land, but various proposals have come and gone over the decades — all with little movement.
* Crain’s | Chicago publicist, Illinois chaplain snagged in Trump’s Georgia indictments: Trevian Kutti, a former publicist of rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and singer R. Kelly, is charged with three counts: violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, Act; conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings; and influencing witnesses.
* Tribune | Chicago’s first major museum union ratifies contract: Museum staff were joined by employees at the Art Institute’s affiliated school, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, to form the Art Institute of Chicago Workers United. The staff voted to join the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a public service union that also represents staff at museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Nontenure-track faculty at the Art Institute’s school later voted to join the union; they are still in the process of bargaining for their first contract.
* ABC Chicago | Southwest Airlines employees picket outside corporate party in Wrigleyville: The crowd of protesters includes include off-duty Southwest flight attendants, who say they are long overdue for a new contract. “It’s been four and a half years since flight attendants received a raise and it’s just been too long and we need to see that we exceed the industry,” Montgomery said.
* Daily Herald | ‘Every chick counts’: Piping plovers’ release part of species recovery in Lake County: After disappearing from Illinois beaches around 1955, the federally endangered piping plover was down to 11 to 14 pairs in the mid-1980s. They have been making a slow, steady comeback with the help of various agencies and a dedicated network of volunteers.
* Crain’s | U of C to pay $13.5 million settlement in financial aid ‘cartel’ lawsuit: The lawsuit, filed in Illinois federal court in January 2022, accuses 17 colleges and universities, including Northwestern University and Ivy League schools, of participating in a “price-fixing conspiracy” that aimed to reduce or eliminate price competition among the schools and artificially inflated the net price of attendance for students receiving financial aid.
* SJ-R | Bird in Logan County tests positive for West Nile virus: According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Logan County is one of 39 across the state reporting West Nile activity, with a batch of mosquitoes also testing positive in Beason on July 18. No human cases have been reported, according to IDPH, but over 1,000 batches of mosquitoes have tested positive statewide, along with seven crows, two bluejays, and three other birds.
* Tribune | Paris Head, 12, returns from Taiwan with a World Cup gold medal — and a surprise party in his Humboldt Park community: Head pitched and played middle infield for Team USA at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan. The Americans defeated the host country 10-4 in the final on Aug. 6 to claim their fifth U-12 World Cup title.
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* Sun-Times almost exactly three years ago…
A former celebrity publicist for R. Kelly and confidante of Kanye West has jumped into Illinois politics, lobbying for a major Canadian cannabis firm that wants to start growing weed here.
But Trevian Kutti has already ruffled feathers in just a short time in the fray, lodging a series of incendiary and profanity-laden attacks against Toi Hutchinson, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s top adviser on cannabis issues. While both women are Black, Kutti has vowed to “keep my knee on Toi W. Hutchinson’s neck” and has referred to her as a “slave.”
Kutti says she is furious over the state’s delays in awarding the next round of licenses prioritized for so-called social equity applicants, saying “those in greatest need are being screwed with again.”
More background on that is here.
* Today…
Trevian C. Kutti and Stephen Cliffgard Lee are two of the 19 people charged in the 41-count indictment accusing former President Donald Trump and his allies of a criminal enterprise to overturn his narrow loss in Georgia during the 2020 presidential election.
Kutti and Lee each face three charges of conspiring to commit solicitation of false statements and writings, influencing witnesses and violating Georgia’s RICO Act, the state’s racketeering law. […]
The nearly 100-page indictment alleges Kutti, Lee and other co-conspirators tried to intimidate election worker Ruby Freeman to falsely confess to election crimes she did not commit. Freeman helped count ballots at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on election night. […]
On January 4, 2021, Kutti was recruited to travel from Chicago to Atlanta to also attempt to sway Freeman, the charges allege.
That day, Kutti unsuccessfully tried to visit Freeman at her home. Kutti falsely claimed to a neighbor she was a crisis manager there to help Freeman. She later called Freeman to tell her she was in danger, the indictment said.
More here.
OK, the door has been opened on this topic, so take at least one deep breath before commenting. Thanks.
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* Centralia Sentinel…
Authorities are investigating the death of a young child who passed away in Marion County while traveling with her parents on a bus from Texas to Chicago.
Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon reported that his office is investigating the death of the 3-year-old girl, who was on a charter bus with her parents.
“Preliminary autopsy results from early today (Saturday) are inconclusive, but microscopic studies of tissue samples may provide a definitive cause of death,” according to a statement issued by Cannon. “More information may become available in the coming days, but no further information will be released at this time.”
* ABC Chicago…
Cannon told ABC News that the child had diarrhea, vomiting and a low-grade fever before their death. […]
Before the bus departed from Brownsville, “each bus passenger underwent a temperature check and was asked if they had medical conditions that may require medical assistance,” [Texas Division of Emergency Management] said in its statement.
According to the statement, after no passengers presented medical concerns or a fever, the bus departed, and “each bus is stocked with food and water, which are distributed on board.”
TDEM has not responded to multiple requests for comment and did not disclose whether the security personnel onboard have medical training.
* WICS…
“The reaction is emotional because it’s a little girl,” Ricardo Diaz, of the CI Immigration Forum, said.
Diaz said he’s been supporting the child’s family during this time as they look for answers. He said he’s been helping her family with basic needs.
“The family is very confused because they don’t yet know the cause of death. It’s, you know under analysis and so they don’t even know how they lost their girl,” Diaz said. […]
Illinois State Police are currently investigating.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said they are also working with officials to get answers.
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* In 2021 Sen. Peters sponsored legislation banning law enforcement from lying to minors during interrogations…
The bill received wide support in the Illinois General Assembly and from the state’s chiefs of police, the Illinois State’s Attorneys’ Association and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. […]
Illinois state Sen. Robert Peters said the signing is Chicago’s first step in the “long journey to end the infamy of the false confession capital of the world.”
It was previously legal for police in all 50 states to lie during interrogations. False confessions have played a role in about 30% of all wrongful convictions overturned with DNA evidence, according to the Innocence Project, a nonprofit working to exonerate wrongly convicted people. People under 18 are two to three times more likely to falsely confess than adults, according to a 2017 article in the New York University Law Review.
* He may pick up another bill this winter requiring lawyers in juvenile interrogations. WBEZ…
In light of video footage that shows a suburban Chicago police officer steering a 15-year-old to confess to a shooting he did not commit, some Illinois lawmakers are pledging to back planned legislation requiring a lawyer for any child being interrogated by police.
The video, released as a result of a WBEZ open-records lawsuit against the city of Waukegan, shows a 43-minute interrogation in which the teen declined an attorney before making self-incriminating statements about the shooting, which injured a dollar-store clerk last year. The police charged the 15-year-old with attempted murder and sent him to jail. He was held until his basketball team proved he was in another town during the shooting. […]
“The current way we are doing things has failed so much and too often,” said state Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, pointing to a long history of false confessions in Waukegan and other parts of the state. “Those failed practices include making Illinois a wrongful conviction capital.” […]
With the case fresh in their minds, [Elizabeth Clarke, an attorney who founded the Evanston-based nonprofit Juvenile Justice Initiative] said she expects lawmakers to introduce a bill requiring an attorney for all kids under 18 this coming winter.
State Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, said in an email that she is “interested in sponsoring.”
Peters, the senator, texted that he is interested too.
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Mapes trial roundup
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Sun-Times…
Two months after the feds made a big move on allies of then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in 2019, one longtime lieutenant of the Southwest Side Democrat reached out to another. […]
McClain complained to Mapes of “psychological pressure,” and he warned they probably shouldn’t speak.
“I do not think we should talk in person or on the phone for a while,” McClain wrote to Mapes on July 16, 2019. “I cannot explain but trust me this is serious.” […]
McClain was right to be concerned about speaking on the phone, as his had already been wiretapped by the feds for several months. During that time, Madigan had forced Mapes to resign as chief of staff over unrelated bullying and harassment allegations.
* Hannah Meisel…
…Adding… Capitol News Illinois…
In a May 2020 email exchange that centered around McClain’s health and pandemic-related worries, Mapes asked if McClain was “surviving the feds up north.”
“The feds are still after me and our Friend,” McClain wrote, using a euphemism he often employed when speaking about Madigan.
Less than two months later, federal prosecutors announced electric utility Commonwealth Edison – McClain’s biggest lobbying client for decades – had entered into a $200 million deferred prosecution agreement and agreed to cooperate with the feds’ investigation into an alleged bribery scheme aimed at currying favor with Madigan. […]
Despite McClain’s warning to Mapes that the two shouldn’t speak on the phone, FBI special agent Ryan McDonald on Monday testified – after looking at call records on the witness stand – that McClain called Mapes in October 2020. The call lasted a little over 14 minutes, McDonald said.
* Judge Kness allowed Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu into the courtroom yesterday, after the defense named him as a potential witness…
* Jason Meitner on what to expect today…
* More from the Sun-Times…
Cousineau also took the stand in March during McClain’s trial, having secured immunity from prosecutors who made clear he was not a target of the investigation.
During that appearance, prosecutors played a recording the FBI had made of aDecember 2018 call in which Madigan could be heard soliciting strategic advice about who should serve on his upcoming leadership team in the Illinois General Assembly.
“I understand we have a lot of people walking around trying to find things to complain about,” Madigan could be heard saying in the Dec. 9, 2018, chat with his inner circle.
“Every once in a while, the speaker gets to do what he wants to do,” Madigan said. […]
That call took place after Mapes resigned as Madigan’s chief of staff. However, the feds say Mapes remained in close contact with McClain into 2019.
* Jon Seidel…
* Related…
* Tribune | Tim Mapes perjury trial: Evidence seen and heard by the jury: Tim Mapes, former chief of staff to ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, was captured on dozens of undercover FBI recordings talking about his family, political fundraising and his ouster in a 2018 sexual harassment scandal. The conversations shed new light on the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and relationships among key members of Madigan’s inner circle as a series of scandals began to threaten the Democratic speaker’s decadeslong grip on power.
* Tribune | What you need to know — and what’s next for Tim Mapes: Follow [Tribune] writers — Megan Crepeau and Ray Long — for the latest news and see coverage throughout the trial.
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Open thread
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on? Keep it Illinois-centric please…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Sun-Times | ‘I do not think we should talk in person or on the phone,’ ex-top aide to Madigan was warned after asking about federal probe: The email and others appeared to underscore the feds’ contention that Tim Mapes was well aware of a federal investigation and its key points before he wound up in front of the grand jury and drew a blank on some questions.
* Tribune | Gun rights group files federal lawsuit against firearm manufacturer liability measure signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker over weekend: The suit was filed on behalf of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which also is one of the main groups behind a federal lawsuit alleging that Illinois’ ban on certain high-powered guns and high-capacity ammunition magazines violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
* WBEZ | Civil rights lawyers call on Illinois to fire private prison health care company: Illinois lawmakers heard testimony on Monday from civil rights lawyers and family members about the dismal state of health care in the state’s prisons: people in wheelchairs left sitting in their own waste, bedsores and falls because of improper assistance and virtually no therapy for people with severe mental illness.
* Scott Holland | Navigating nuclear future remains politically challenging for governor: On the national political scene, energy legislation remains challenging for Democrats. The party’s progressive wing demands much stronger action than the conventional liberals holding power can or will advance. Every possible reform has dramatic economic implications. For Pritzker specifically, translating his Illinois approach to federal office might be challenging because how we get our power varies greatly from state to state.
* WAND | Illinois law blocks police from using license plate readers to track abortion patients: “We created an island on which every human being is recognized and given the dignity of controlling their own body and their own destiny,” said Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago). “That includes people who are traveling into the state of Illinois to seek legal healthcare services.”
* ABC Chicago | Judge rules Cook County properly used $240 million in transportation funds: The legal battle has been raging for years after the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association filed a lawsuit, along with numerous other groups, arguing that Cook County was violating the language of the “Illinois Transportation taxes and Fees Lockbox Amendment,” which passed during the 2016 election.
* Jen Walling and Jack Darin | Pritzker was right to keep moratorium on new Illinois nuclear plants: We are no closer to a national solution for the disposal of dangerous high-level nuclear wastes. Illinois already has the most nuclear reactors in the country and bears the burden of storing this waste in our communities, including along the shores of Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. These wastes have significant safety risks and threaten our drinking water and communities. We should not add to the growing stockpiles of hazardous waste.
* Pioneer Press | Highland Park, Deerfield high schools move up metal detector installation following shooting of 16-year-old student: Plans originally called for a random announcement and implementation of the new safety precaution but were moved up to Aug. 16 after a Highland Park High School student was shot and killed over the weekend. 16-year-old Omar Morales-Diaz was shot early Sunday morning on Green Bay Road by a man on the sidewalk. Authorities believe the shooting was intentional.
* Sun-Times | Johnson quotes Tupac, dances around questions about health chief’s firing: Johnson didn’t answer directly, paraphrasing Tupac instead. “You can’t always go by the things that you hear. Right? `Real eyes realize real lies,’ “ Johnson said.
* NBC Chicago | Chicago’s ex-top doctor reveals how she was fired in new wide-reaching interview: “So I got a call from the chief of staff, and I met with him and he said, ‘This is a hard discussion, but you are being terminated,’” Arwady said. “And I said, ‘That is not a major surprise at this point.’ Just knowing the mayor, of course, has the opportunity to bring on whomever he wants. But then what really was disturbing to me, was I said, ‘Let’s talk timeline,’ and he said, ‘It’s effective immediately.’”
* Chalkbeat | Biden taps education researcher known for work on school funding as economics adviser: Some of his other research has found that parents are good at choosing effective schools. Another recent study of his found positive results from a Chicago program to grant principals more autonomy over their schools.
* Sports Handle | Illinois Sportsbooks Continue Strong 2023 With $54.7 Million Revenue For June: The Illinois Gaming Board reported $54.7 million in adjusted gross sports wagering revenue for June, continuing a strong 2023 for sportsbook operators in the Land of Lincoln.
* Sun-Times | Chicago police officer, sister convicted of charges stemming from Capitol riot: Officer Karol Chwiesiuk and his sister, Agnieszka, were convicted of entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
* Crain’s | No, it’s not going to be above 110 degrees in Chicago next week: iPhone users in the Chicago area who checked the Apple weather app Monday morning may have seen a startling prediction at the end of the 10-day forecast. In what would be the city’s hottest day on record, the app predicted temperatures to reach as high as 111 degrees Fahrenheit next Wednesday, Aug. 23. That kind of heat would likely close schools, shut down businesses and pose significant health risks to some residents.
* WBBM | Renovations continue on Illinois Statehouse: ‘Something to be proud of’: Here are some of the timelines related to the work: the Senate is expected to occupy its chamber in January 2025; an underground conference center and new entrance are expected to be ready that August.
* SJ-R | Chris Camp’s shows and other things to do in Conservation World: Camp didn’t have anyone to teach the tricks of how to crack a whip a la Harrison Ford, so he watched “Indiana Jones,” and films like it, he said “over and over and over again” until he got the moves down.
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Live coverage
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ScribbleLive is still down. Twitter has stopped allowing people to embed list feeds on websites. So, click here or here to follow breaking news. You can click here to follow the Tim Mapes trial.
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