Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Politico…
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton raised $57,181, spent $67,000 and has $295,000 in the bank.
Atty Gen. Kwame Raoul raised $354,000, spent $97,000 and has $941,000 cash on hand.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias raised $606,000, spent $29,000 and has $1.6 million cash on hand.
Treasurer Mike Frerichs raised $144,000, spent $58,000 and has $798,000 in the bank.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza raised $311,521, spent $39,000 and has $579,000 in the bank.
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced the addition of 5,886 new preschool seats in preschool deserts—areas of the state with too few publicly funded preschool seats to serve 80% of low-income 3- and 4-year-olds in the area. As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s broader Smart Start initiative, ISBE originally aimed to add 5,000 new seats and exceeded the goal by 18%, expanding access to early childhood education to more than 5,800 additional children in preschool deserts statewide. ISBE also expanded services to families with babies and toddlers from birth to age 3, serving 1,130 additional children.
* Wieland announced a $500M expansion and modernization plan in East Alton…
* Daily Herald…
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is planning to distribute $17 million to municipalities helping the state handle the influx of asylum seekers who are being sent here from Texas without any assistance. […]
The grants will be distributed through a partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. The group will issue $11 million to municipalities outside Chicago to “welcome and support recent arrivals living in their communities.”
The money must be used to support migrants within the municipality and can’t be used to transport them elsewhere, state officials said.
Another $4 million is earmarked for the creation of 13 Illinois Welcoming Centers, which will provide case management services for migrants seeking shelter, employment and other resources.
The final $2 million is intended for Immigrant Family Resources Program (IFRP) providers. These agencies provide new arrivals with interpretation and translation services, information about public benefits and advocacy as they settle into their new communities, state officials said.
* Here’s the rest…
* WTTW | Treasurer Conyears-Ervin Fired Employees After They Warned She Was Violating Ethics Ordinance by Using City Resources to Host Prayer Service: Inspector General Deborah Witzburg’s determination that Conyears-Ervin violated the city’s Governmental Ethics Ordinance is the second time in six months that Witzburg has found probable cause that an elected Chicago official violated city ethics rules.
* Sun-Times | Illinois businesses must share ownership details under new federal law; here’s what you need to know: The Corporate Transparency Act of 2021 requires most companies doing business in the United States to file reports about the people who own them to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
* NBC Chicago | Texas bus company sues City of Chicago over migrant drop-off ordinance: A Texas bus company has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Chicago alleging the city’s recent ordinance aimed at deterring buses from dropping off migrants unannounced is “unconstitutional” and “punishes” transportation companies who do business with Texas.
* Sun-Times | Hilco to pay $12.25 million in class-action lawsuit over Crawford coal plant implosion: Residents who were affected must submit a claim by March 26. Those who want to object to the agreement or opt out of the settlement have until Feb. 26. Opting out is the only way a person can seek any other lawsuit against Hilco and its contractors.
* WBEZ | Blankets, gloves, a tent and some propane protect some of Chicago’s homeless during ‘brutal’ cold snap: “Unhoused folks die from weather-related injuries. We understand that now is especially the time we want to be intentional about our work,” says Christian Zamarriego, director of Thresholds’ outreach program.
* Tribune | Harvey residents in boarded up apartments being aided by Cook County Housing Authority, mayor says city has tried to help: The authority couldn’t say how many people it is working with, but said options offered include apartments with rental assistance in other authority owned buildings in Harvey and Homewood, a spokesman said Tuesday.
* PJ Star | 11 WTVP board members resign amid financial crisis: WTVP-TV Board Chairman Andrew Rand and 10 other members of the WTVP Board of Directors announced their resignations Tuesday in yet another bombshell development at the embattled public television station. The board then accepted appointments of eight new members, including John Wieland, MH Equipment Company’s CEO, as the board’s new chair.
* Daily Herald | Rolling Meadows could owe Arlington Heights $1 million over taxes received in error: In a 2-1 decision issued Friday, the First District Appellate Court reversed a lower court’s decision that initially dismissed Arlington Heights’ lawsuit seeking more than eight years’ worth of back taxes.
* Crain’s | Dan McGrath: For Bulls fans, being cruel to Jerry Krause when he was alive just wasn’t enough: Jerry Krause could be a hard guy to like. That said, the booing that rained down on him during the Bulls’ “Ring of Honor” ceremony last Friday — on his memory, really, as Krause died in 2017 — was thoughtlessly cruel, an embarrassment to a city that fashions itself as classy, above the incivility that runs rampant in this country.
* WGN | Lawmaker wants to entice Chicago Bears to move to Indiana: Indiana State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) is looking to continue his late father’s dream of luring an NFL team to Northwest Indiana, and with the nearby Chicago Bears mulling the option of leaving Soldier Field, a short move across state lines might not be out of the realm of possibility.
* Sun -Times | Illinois saw the most tornadoes in the U.S. in 2023, National Weather Service says: About 120 tornadoes were reported in the state, more than triple the amount in 2022 when there were 39. “We had a significant number of days where just … all the ingredients you need for tornadoes all came together,” said Victor Gensini, a professor at Northern Illinois University.
* ABC Chicago | Chicago-area Tesla drivers stranded as charging stations not working in bitterly cold weather: At the charging station near 95th Street and Western Avenue in the Evergreen Park area, many Tesla owners were stranded with dead batteries from the cold. Drivers said there were not enough working chargers at that location.
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Local Journalism Task Force releases report
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Considering that the Illinois Local Journalism Task Force’s new report reveals that “journalism jobs at Illinois newspapers have plummeted 86 percent” since 2015, this photo showing more task force report presenters than actual journalists is worth a thousand words…
* I do take some issue with the report’s analysis. For instance…
Newspapers have always described their three largest costs as people, paper, and distribution, including postage. Unfortunately, as postage, paper and gasoline prices have gone up, people have taken the hit.
One actual problem these days is that lots of large news media companies are leveraged to the hilt. Revenues are diverted to loan/bond payments. Another is that some companies are brutally squeezing every last dollar they can from the local papers before the outlets eventually die. And another is just plain old greed. Newspaper profit margins used to be pretty hefty. But with those margins vanishing, ownership is cutting into the marrow for their short-term profits.
* So, I’m very skeptical of these proposals unless taxpayers can be assured that the government isn’t throwing good money at bad-faith actors…
Subscription tax credits
Several types of tax credits can be utilized to benefit local news. The first, subscription tax credits, provide tax credits to state residents who subscribe to digital or print media. A bill involving subscription tax credits in Massachusetts, still in the amendment process, would offer state residents a $250 tax credit for digital or print media subscriptions to community newspapers. […]
Advertising tax credits
These credits are provided to small businesses that advertise in local news outlets. As a result, this type of tax credit provides benefits to local businesses, local economies and local news. These benefits were studied in the 2022 Colorado Market Study, which found that 85% of consumers believe a product is “right” for them if seen in a news product. The study also found that advertisements in newspapers produce a return on investment that is 20% higher than that generated from online search and 10% higher than social media. […]
Labor/payroll tax credits
These credits intend to incentivize hiring, retention and fair pay of local journalists. The Local Journalism Sustainability Act, a proposed federal `of which Rebuild Local News is a strong advocate, includes payroll tax credits. […]
Tax exemptions
As passed in the state of Washington, a tax exemption will excuse local news outlets from state business and occupation (B&O) taxes, which are a tax on gross receipts. Illinois does not have such a tax, but a similar move would be an exemption from corporate income taxes. […]
Advertising set-asides:
A type of public policy that has proven beneficial for local news in New York City is the advertising set-aside, which mandates a percentage (often at least 50%) of government advertising dollars to be spent on ads in local news/media outlets. This program is considered beneficial because community media outlets are likely to reach the intended audiences of public information campaigns; thus, it helps the city reach the communities it serves.
There’s more, so click here to read the rest.
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Today’s must-read
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Chris Teale at Route Fifty compiles all the reporting and online furor over Thornton Township Supervisor and Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard. A brief excerpt…
But the self-proclaimed “super mayor” is also garnering attention from social media, online forums and local news outlets for her alleged misdeeds. Henyard has been sued for fraud, accused of misusing public funds, and criticized for flaunting the law and frivolous spending, in general. Just before Christmas, TikTok videos of the local lawmaker popped up discussing her latest controversy—a salary ordinance.
Henyard got a measure through the Thornton Township board that would reduce the salary of her potential successor in the event she loses her bid for reelection next year. Henyard, who makes $224,000 a year as township supervisor, drafted legislation that would cut her successor’s salary to just $25,000. If Henyard stays in office, her salary stays the same.
The editorial board of the Chicago Sun-Times denounced the move as “about as politically rotten and self-serving as it gets—a bid by elected officials to use tax dollars and the law to chase away political rivals.” Her colleagues on the Board of Trustees criticized the move in the local media, while municipal attorney Burt Odelson, who represents Henyard’s political opponents, called it “illegal in so many ways.”
There’s so much more. Click here.
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Yeah, no
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* We’ve already talked about the first half of this excerpt, but the second part is new. Block Club Chicago…
City officials “paused” efforts to open additional migrant shelters as of Dec. 22, citing “budget constraints,” according to a briefing obtained by Block Club Chicago.
The city is switching its migrant housing strategy and has begun planning the “rightsizing” of its shelter system to help address budget concerns, according to the briefing. Officials are also working to fill available shelter space immediately when people are resettled, according to the briefing.
In a statement, mayoral spokesperson Ronnie Reese said the city is expanding its “outmigration and resettlement services” to free up more space at existing shelters.
The change in policy comes as new migrants continue to outpace available shelter beds, and after the city’s plans for large migrant base camps were halted. State officials, who are spending $160 million to help house and resettle migrants, will lead the way in establishing another 2,000 migrant shelter beds, Reese said.
That’s quite a policy change, especially considering that the state, not the city, is in charge of resettling new arrivals. Also, from what I can gather, the city hasn’t yet told the state that they’re shifting money toward resettlement.
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* We talked about Greg Hinz’s story on the Chicago elected school board bill the other day, but not this part…
Harmon said he has not yet decided whether to push for a House vote on his bill, call the hybrid House bill for a vote in the Senate or pursue another course. One thing he’s awaiting before deciding: guidance from Johnson. So far, the mayor has given “no clear direction” on which bill should be approved. The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Taking a firm position could create a political risk for Johnson. A former CTU organizer himself, the mayor for years has advocated for a fully elected board. But doing so now would put him and his union allies on the opposite side of a big issue.
Taking a firm position could create a political risk for Johnson. A former CTU organizer himself, the mayor for years has advocated for a fully elected board. But doing so now would put him and his union allies on the opposite side of a big issue.
* The lack of any real guidance from the mayor’s office came up again in a recent Tribune story…
Heading into this year’s session, the issue remains under negotiation, Harmon said.
“We’re still wrestling with the best way to implement this to ensure maximum representation from all voters in the city,” Harmon said. “We’re waiting for clear direction from the city of Chicago, from Chicago Public Schools and from the Chicago Teachers Union as to how they think we should best proceed. We are open to all good ideas to get this done as quickly as possible.”
The CTU has said it prefers the hybrid system, so I suppose the mayor will eventually publicly fall in line. But that flip-flop would be Lightfootian in scope.
…Adding… I forgot to post this statement from Rep. Ann Williams, who heads the House Democratic CPS Districting working group…
An agreed map, strong ethics requirements, and an election process consistent with the negotiated framework paving the way for an elected, representative school board in Chicago can be finalized this week with a concurrence vote in the Senate. With the historic first school board election less than a year away, we hope the Senate will act now so that the transition to a fully elected school board can begin, prospective candidates can review district boundaries and Chicagoans will have the opportunity to vote for a representative school board for the first time this November.
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The IG really needs to look at this
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Leigh Giangreco at Crain’s…
Some civic leaders are calling for the city to re-examine its do-not-hire list practices after another former staffer in the mayor’s office said they were placed on the list in retaliation for complaints they made in the office.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration fired another employee in the mayor’s office and placed them on the city’s do-not-hire list late this summer, raising questions over whether the administration has gone too far in its use of the authority.
The episode marks the fourth reported incident of the Johnson administration wielding the do-not-hire list on holdovers from former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s term, following a Chicago Tribune story that identified three Lightfoot staffers who transitioned to the Johnson team and were later fired after complaining about alleged mistreatment by top officials in the mayor’s office. […]
Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, still shares those concerns, but he said the Johnson administration’s recent use of the designation also raises serious ethical questions. While the do-not-hire list is not advertised publicly, anyone can submit a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain the list. That means the designation could have ramifications for workers seeking employment in the private sector as well.
That Tribune story is here.
Thoughts?
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* Subscribers can find Rich’s interview with Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz here. Press release…
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, has convened a “New Arrivals Working Group” to be led by state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview.
“The recent influx of migrants into our state provides challenges and opportunities that require thoughtful engagement and consensus building,” Speaker Welch said. “We know this issue will be an important part of conversations this session, which is why I’m putting together a diverse team with strong, relevant backgrounds ready to act as needed. Rep. Gong-Gershowitz has decades of experience understanding the complex issues related to immigration, and I’m confident she will lead this group with the skill, knowledge and compassion required.”
“I’m honored to work with a group of individuals who are actively engaged on this topic and can provide quality feedback,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “We come from a variety of backgrounds, but we share an understanding that this must be a human-centered approach that respects the real lives that are impacted. I look forward to the work ahead.”
Joining Gong-Gershowitz on the working group are:
- House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston
- Speaker Pro Tempore Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria
- Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner, D-Chicago
- State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook
- State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago
- State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn
- State Rep. Hoan Huynh, D-Chicago
- State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford
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It’s just a bill
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* HB4462 was filed by Rep. Lance Yednock yesterday…
Amends the Minors Requiring Authoritative Intervention Article of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that no minor shall be sheltered in a temporary living arrangement for more than 48 hours (rather than 21 business days.)
* HB4453 from Rep. Anthony DeLuca…
Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that if the minor (1) has previously been placed on probation for an offense that involves the possession or discharge of a firearm not causing any injury; and (2) is convicted of a subsequent offense involving the possession or discharge of a firearm not causing any injury, then the court shall require the minor to participate in social service programs offered through juvenile probation and comply with referral recommendations for no less than 3 months. Provides that if the minor does not complete the referral recommendations, the court shall commit the minor to the Department of Juvenile Justice to complete the recommended services. Provides that a minor convicted of a subsequent offense involving the use of a firearm causing serious injury, great bodily harm, or death shall be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice with the Department providing services, including, but not limited to, education, mental health services, drug treatment, and mentoring. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Reenacts the provisions of the Code that were repealed on January 1, 2024 concerning sentencing guidelines for individuals with prior felony firearm-related or other specified convictions. Deletes the repeal of those provisions. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
* Sen. Celina Villanueva filed SB2756…
Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Creates a distiller showcase permit and a class 3 craft distiller license. Provides that a class 3 craft distiller license, which may be issued to a distiller or a non-resident dealer, shall allow the manufacture of no more than 100,000 gallons of spirits per year and shall allow the sale of no more than 5,000 gallons of spirits in the aggregate from the class 3 craft distiller’s in-state or out-of-state class 3 craft distillery premises to retail licensees, class 3 brewers, and class 3 craft distillers as long as the class 3 craft distiller licensee meets certain requirements. Authorizes a class 3 craft distiller to self-distribute subject to certain requirements and limitations. Provides that a spirits showcase permit shall allow an Illinois-licensed distributor to transfer a portion of its spirits inventory from its licensed premises to the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license, and, in the case of a class 3 craft distiller, transfer only spirits the class 3 craft distiller manufactures from its licensed premises to the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license; and to sell or offer for sale at retail, only in the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license, the transferred or delivered spirits for on or off premises consumption, but not for resale in any form and to sell to non-licensees not more than 156 fluid ounces of spirits per person. Provides that a distilling pub license shall allow the licensee to manufacture up to 10,000 gallons (instead of 5,000 gallons) of spirits per year on the premises specified in the license.
* HB4469 from Rep. Maura Hirschauer…
Amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act to include in the definition of “petitioner” an intimate partner. Amends the Protective Orders Article of the Code of Criminal Procedures of 1963 and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that, if the petitioner seeks a court order prohibiting the respondent from possessing firearms, firearm ammunition, and firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm, the court shall immediately issue a search warrant directing seizure of firearms at the time an ex parte or final order of protection is issued, if the court finds, based upon sworn testimony, that: (1) probable cause exists that the respondent possesses firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm; (2) probable cause exists to believe that the respondent poses a danger of causing personal injury to the petitioner or child and that the danger is imminent and present; and (3) probable cause exists that firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm are located at the residence, vehicle, or other property of the respondent. Provides that a finding of probable cause for a warrant upon oral testimony may be based on the same kind of evidence as is sufficient for a warrant upon affidavit. Effective immediately.
* Rep. Anna Moeller filed HB4467…
Amends the Mobile Home Park Act. Provides that operating a mobile home park without a current license shall result in a fine of $10 per day per site. Provides that licenses issued under the Act are nontransferable. Provides that if a mobile home park is sold, the application for a new license shall be mailed to the Department of Public Health and postmarked no later than 10 days after the date of sale. Provides that delinquent licensing fees and reinspection fees of the prior owner or owners are to be paid by the new owner before a license is issued. Requires the current name, address, email address, and telephone number of the licensee and mobile home park manager to be displayed at all times on the mobile home park property in a location visible to the public and protected from weather. Requires the Department to conduct an annual inspection of each mobile home park. Provides that if violations are documented during the annual inspection and the Department is required to reinspect the mobile home park to ensure the violations have been corrected, the Department, at its discretion, may charge a reinspection fee of $300 per site visit due at the time of license renewal. Provides that licensing fees and reinspection fees are nonrefundable. Provides that a mobile home park whose license has been voided, suspended, denied or revoked may be relicensed once the park is in substantial compliance, all delinquent licensing fees are paid, all reinspection fees are paid, and the mobile home park submits an application and application fee. Increases fees to be paid for the annual mobile home park license, individual mobile home spaces, and late charges.
* HB4450 from Rep. Jackie Haas…
Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Schedules Xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance.
Rep. Jaime Andrade filed HB4451…
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Establishes that a municipality that operates an automated speed enforcement system shall set aside 10% of the net proceeds from each system that generates more than $500,000 in revenue for the respective school district or park district in which the automated speed enforcement system is located. Provides that the set aside proceeds may be allocated for any purpose designated by the school district or park district. Set forth home rule provisions.
* SB2763 from Sen. Laura Ellman…
Creates the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act. Restricts State money from being used to install or replace permanent outdoor lighting units unless certain conditions are met. Provides that specified lighting units that were installed prior to the effective date of the Act and that produce light pollution need not be replaced until the end of the life of the lamp. Provides that these requirements apply to all lighting on or in all newly constructed, renovated, and retrofitted State-owned, State-supported, State-funded, or State-related rights-of-way, roadways and sidewalks, spaces, facilities, properties, nonhabitable structures, monuments, and flagpoles. Sets forth exemptions. Effective January 1, 2025.
* Rep. Mary Gill filed HB4452 yesterday…
Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Allows a grandparent to file a petition seeking visitation if there has been a complete denial of visitation, subject to specified criteria.
…Adding… PhRMA regarding Illinois House Bill 4472, filed today, to establish a prescription drug affordability board (PDAB)…
“Lawmakers seeking to lower prescription drug costs should know government price setting doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Legislation that fails to address health insurance companies and their pharmacy benefit managers makes lowering costs for Illinois patients impossible. Other states have spent millions of dollars establishing prescription drug affordability boards, but they have yet to save patients one cent at the pharmacy counter.” – Stami Williams, spokeswoman at PhRMA.
For additional context, please see:
* PhRMA’s background document on the problems with PDABs.
* PhRMA’s resource page on how states can help patients pay less for their medicines: https://phrma.org/States
* Rep. Nabeela Syed filed HB4472…
Creates the Health Care Availability and Access Board Act. Establishes the Health Care Availability and Access Board to protect State residents, State and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in the State, and other stakeholders within the health care system from the high costs of prescription drug products. Contains provisions concerning Board membership and terms; staff for the Board; Board meetings; circumstances under which Board members must recuse themselves; and other matters. Provides that the Board shall perform the following actions in open session: (i) deliberations on whether to subject a prescription drug product to a cost review; and (ii) any vote on whether to impose an upper payment limit on purchases, payments, and payor reimbursements of prescription drug products in the State. Permits the Board to adopt rules to implement the Act and to enter into a contract with a qualified, independent third party for any service necessary to carry out the powers and duties of the Board. Creates the Health Care Availability and Access Stakeholder Council to provide stakeholder input to assist the Board in making decisions as required by the Act. Contains provisions concerning Council membership, member terms, and other matters. Provides that the Board shall adopt the federal Medicare Maximum Fair Price as the upper payment limit for a prescription drug product intended for use by individuals in the State. Requires the Attorney General to enforce the Act. Effective 180 days after becoming law.
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Open thread
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of the state?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ICYMI: Legislators OK rules for maintaining, enforcing registry of guns covered by state ban. Tribune…
-During Tuesday’s hearing of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, or JCAR, state police officials addressed issuesdfrom those oppose the ban that ranged from privacy for gun owners to what information would be available to police when they stop someone whose firearm information is in the registry.
-While Republicans on JCAR failed to stop the rules from being put into place, their motion to object to the rules passed in a 6-5 vote along partisan lines, meaning the state police will have 90 days to address the objection.
* Related stories…
* Isabel’s top picks…
Governor Pritzker will be at Wieland in East Alton at 10:30 a.m. to announce new investments and then Ellis Elementary School in Belleville at 12:30 p.m. touting Smart Start investments. Click here to watch.
* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…
* Journal Republican | Get to know Chuck Erickson, candidate 88th statehouse district: People have been asking me to run for a long time. But I am a public servant interested in serving, not a politician in search of a seat. In 2022, one didn’t have to live in the district in which one wanted to represent but could move their afterwards. I wouldn’t do it. I like where I live. Many encouraged me to run but I said no. I take the view if it is meant to be then it is meant to be. When this seat opened up, I decided to run. I want to serve.
* WAND | Illinois Supreme Court announces creation of Pretrial Release Appeals Task Force: The Task Force will hold its first meeting within two weeks and will issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Supreme Court within the next 45 days. The Chair of the Task Force will be Fourth District Appellate Justice Eugene Doherty.
* Center Square | New legislative caucus looks to improve one of Illinois’ largest industries: Lawmakers from both parties will form the first-ever Illinois Manufacturing Caucus, including state Rep. Amy Elik, R-Alton, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex.
* Sun-Times | Family demands answers after veteran dies from self-inflicted gunshot inside Chicago VA hospital: “By the time I was getting ready to leave, again he said, ‘I’m gonna miss you guys,’” Donald Giddens said. “I’m thinking, I don’t have anything to worry about … because I can’t think of a better place for him to be.” On the drive home, Donald Giddens learned his brother might have access to a gun. Minutes later he received a call from the VA: His brother had shot himself.
* Sun-Times | Brutal cold claims four lives, but Chicago area hospitals don’t see rise in weather-related problems: The people who died had pre-existing health conditions, and their secondary cause of death was listed as cold exposure, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
* Tribune | Racial equity activist must pay at least $38,000 after judge dismisses her lawsuit alleging harm from Awake Illinois leader: Cook County Judge Daniel Kubasiak on Dec. 14 ordered Jasmine Sebaggala, who works as an assistant principal for Evanston/Skokie District 65 schools, to pay the $38,000 after he dismissed her lawsuit. Sebaggala had sued Helen Levinson, vice president of the board of the conservative group Awake Illinois and, according to her Facebook page, chair of Moms For Liberty Cook County, for defamation and intentionally causing her emotional distress in 2022.
* Sun-Times | Failing furnaces, frozen pipes, dead car batteries make surviving the cold no snap: Ben Jungman, the vice president of business development for Four Seasons, said his company has responded to about 2,500 service calls over the last three days, mainly from people who have lost their heat. “It’s been extremely busy,” Jungman said.
* BBC | ‘It hasn’t delivered’: The spectacular failure of self-checkout technology: While self-checkout technology has its theoretical selling points for both consumers and businesses, it mostly isn’t living up to expectations. Customers are still queueing. They need store employees to help clear kiosk errors or check their identifications for age-restricted items. Stores still need to have workers on-hand to help them, and to service the machines
* Sun-Times | Boos of Jerry Krause at Bulls’ Ring of Honor ceremony should have been expected: I know Thelma Krause, a kind and decent woman. And if I worked for the Bulls, I would have told her Friday to be prepared for boos ringing out at the mention of late husband Jerry’s name. The event was the Bulls’ inaugural Ring of Honor induction, and there were 21,153 people at the United Center. Some were going to boo. The Bulls should have been prepared for it. When alive, Jerry Krause had been booed at Bulls events before.
* SJ-R | Five places where it’s warmer–and five places where it’s colder than Springfield: Tuesday didn’t provide much of a reprieve, with below zero temperatures reported at 8:52 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport – 2 below zero to be exact – and wind chills at 23 degrees below zero. Things should warm up on Wednesday, with high temperatures expected to reach the upper 20s, moving towards something more like normal for this time of year, but still cold.
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* You can click here or here to follow breaking news the way we’ve done since Twitter stopped ScribbleLive from working…
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