Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » 2025

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

Buildings on Illinois’ college campuses were falling apart when lawmakers approved $2.9 billion for higher education construction as part of the 2019 Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The funding brought hope for long-overdue upgrades, but the slow rollout has left colleges in limbo.

Five years later, half of the 16 promised projects are still tied up in planning. […]

A series of setbacks have stalled progress, including staffing issues at the Capital Development Board, the state’s construction management agency, rising post-pandemic construction costs and local disputes over how to stretch funding that no longer covers what university officials originally planned.

Construction costs shot up nearly 40% by 2023 compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.

“We lost about $30 million in buying power,” said Mark Luer, dean of the College of Pharmacy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. “We just couldn’t get everything we wanted in the original concept.” […]

Lately, state officials have sought to provide some relief. The Illinois Board of Higher Education’s 2025 budget included $575 million to help schools affected by rising costs see their projects to fruition. For 2026, the board is urging lawmakers to carry over any unspent funds and speed up project approvals to ensure those under Rebuild Illinois are completed within the six-year timeframe, according to IBHE spokesperson Jose Garcia.

* A quick “ComEd Four” update…

* The governor was in Los Angeles yesterday…

* Belleville News-Democrat…

Southern Illinois Health Care Foundation leaders worry they would have to cut services or close clinics and medical centers in the metro-east if Congress slashes billions of dollars from Medicaid, officials said at a news conference Thursday.

SIHF provided care to more than 103,000 people in 2024, including over 60,000 people who receive Medicaid. Touchette Regional, the hospital in SIHF’s system, relies on Medicaid more than any other local hospital. It accounts for 78% of its revenue, according to the most recent data from 2023. […]

Such cuts could have a $5 million to $10 million impact on SIHF’s budget, said President and CEO Larry McCulley.

“How do you cut that? Well, the only thing you can do is close locations, eliminate service lines like dental, obstetrics, end partnerships that raise and lift up future providers. We’re looking at having to close partnerships like our two family medical residencies in Alton and possibly in O’Fallon,” McCulley said during the news conference.

*** Statehouse News ***

* WCIA | Pritzker signs bill protecting nursing home residents from retaliation into law: If a nursing home does retaliate against a resident, they can file a civil lawsuit against them to get damages. “We cannot overlook seniors and residents in care,” Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago), the law’s Senate sponsor, said. “By enhancing protections, we are giving them the opportunity to fight back against retaliation and equipping them with stronger knowledge about their rights.”

* WAND | Illinois proposal could expand mental health education for teens: Health teachers could be tasked with teaching students about the signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges such as depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and anxiety among others. Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake) told the House Education Policy Committee Thursday that the curriculum could also include promotion of mental health wellness, including social and cultural correctness, problem solving skills, self-esteem, and a positive school and home environment where pupils feel comfortable.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Tribune | Police, Metra stations become focus of Elmhurst mayor race: Mulliner, who was on the City Council for 24 years before losing a bid for re-election in the 7th Ward two years ago, is focusing his campaign on reducing costs for taxpayers and putting off major projects. “I think it’s time right now to fix the things we have,” he told Pioneer. “Let’s try to get these taxes down.” was especially concerned with city water bills. “The water bills are killing people,” he said.

* WTTW | Report Card Slams Budget Mismanagement, Safety Concerns at Fermilab as New Contractor Takes Over: The recent assessment identified several key performance deficiencies by the previous management contractor that was replaced in January at the particle physics and accelerator laboratory in suburban Batavia. The 2024 fiscal year evaluation awarded poor marks for program management, contractor leadership, environment/safety/health, business systems and facilities maintenance, according to documents obtained from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through a public-records request.

* Daily Southtown | Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau and former Trustee Jim Dodge discuss public works, taxes and morale: Keith Pekau, seeking a third term as Orland Park’s mayor, touts accomplishments under his watch including improving village streets and parks. He is challenged in the April 1 election by Jim Dodge, a former longtime village trustee who has assembled a slate of candidates for trustee seats and village clerk. Dodge said voters are concerned about issues in the Police Department, which he says suffers from low morale. He said the overall tax burden on residents also needs to be addressed.

* Daily Herald | Search for woman in cold case leads Elgin police to Fox River: Elgin police will search the Fox River Monday as part of a cold-case investigation into a woman missing since 1983. Officials announced in a release Sunday they will resume the search for Karen Schepers, a 23-year-old Elgin woman who vanished after attending a party with coworkers at a Carpentersville bar.

* Daily Herald | Judge turns away Prestige’s civil claims against Mount Prospect officials: Last week, attorneys for the animal feed producer tried to add civil rights claims against three village officials. The move could have delayed the start of the trial. But Cook County Judge Thomas More Donnelly rejected the request. In addition, Donnelly turned down Prestige’s bid to remove the City of Des Plaines from the case.

* Daily Herald | Mount Prospect mayoral candidates differ on challenger’s leadership of the chamber of commerce: Chokshi said as chamber board president, she led the organization out of the financial doldrums of the 2010s and put it on sound financial footing. Her opponent, incumbent Mayor Paul Hoefert holds a different view. He cited the chamber’s lawsuit against the chamber co-op that took over the organization’s management and the chamber’s handling of the downtown block party.

*** Downstate ***

* BND | Belleville mayoral race shows split between powerful Democrats in metro-east: The non-partisan Belleville mayoral race has shaped up to be a contentious battle between two well-known and accomplished women backed by two powerful Democrats in the metro-east. St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern (D-Belleville) is supporting incumbent Mayor Patty Gregory. He served as the city’s mayor from 1997 to 2004, when he became board chairman. Illinois State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) is supporting Gregory’s challenger, City Clerk Jenny Gain Meyer. He has served as a state legislator off and on for nearly 35 years. His district, the 113th, includes Belleville.

* Herald & Review | State tournament draws 1,000 archers, over 2,500 others to Emerald Acres in Mattoon: Students ages elementary-high school from throughout the state, from the Chicago area to Southern Illinois, competed in the tournament. Yoder said the fieldhouse’s cafe recorded approximately 2,000 purchases that day as it and the adjacent arcade provided additional activities for those in attendance.

* Daily Journal | ‘Monster’ actor leaves Momence with 2 adopted kittens: Hollywood actor Charlie Hunnam is not a monster at all. In fact, it appears he is quite the opposite. Following an extended stay in Momence while filming scenes for the Netflix true-crime series, “Monster,” it turns out much of his free time was spent in the Cat Oasis shelter in downtown Momence.

*** Chicago ***

* Sun-Times | Letter carriers rally against privatization amid sweeping job cuts at Postal Service: Dozens of letter carriers gathered in Federal Plaza on Sunday afternoon to protest the Trump administration’s threats to the U.S. Postal Service. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy agreed to cut 10,000 jobs from the postal service’s 640,000-person workforce.

* Tribune | Chicago Bears add former Big Ten CFO Laura Anderson to front office: The Chicago Bears hired Laura Anderson to be their senior vice president of administration and chief financial officer, the team announced Monday. Anderson comes to the Bears after seven years at the Big Ten Conference, where she most recently was the chief financial officer and treasurer. Notably, Anderson worked with Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren when he was the Big Ten commissioner from 2020-23. “Laura is a tremendous addition to the Chicago Bears family,” Warren said in a statement. “During our time together at the Big Ten Conference, Laura served as a talented and creative driving force on our executive team, advancing our operations with financial excellence and a passion for collective growth.”

* Block Club | 10 Years After Hunger Strikers Saved Dyett High School, Boys Basketball Team Wins State Title: The hunger strikers are now the team’s biggest fans. Jeannette Taylor, now the area’s alderperson, organized the rally. Irene Robinson, who was hospitalized while participating in the strike, brought water to team practices during the season. Jitu Brown, a longtime activist and now a Chicago School Board member, watched all of the team’s state championship run, played at University of Illinois’ State Farm Center in Champaign.

*** National ***

* AP | 12 dozen lawmakers accused in 8 years. Women in the statehouse weigh #MeToo’s impact: Since 2017, The Associated Press has cataloged at least 147 state lawmakers across 44 states who have been accused of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. Over a third resigned or were expelled from office and roughly another third faced repercussions, such as losing party or committee leadership positions. A dozen top state executive officials, including governors and attorneys general, also faced sexual misconduct allegations during that time, and most resigned.

* WBEZ | Bird flu is killing Indiana’s sandhill cranes: Fish Lake isn’t the only place sandhill cranes have been dying: Some 30 of Indiana’s 92 counties have reported sandhill crane deaths, including Lake and Porter counties, those closest to Chicago. The Department of Natural Resources estimates that more than 2,700 sandhills have died across the state, and officials believe that is likely an undercount.

* WaPo | Delete your DNA from 23andMe right now: The company said there will be “no changes” to the way it protects consumer data while in bankruptcy court. But unless you take action, there is a risk your genetic information could end up in someone else’s hands — and used in ways you had never considered. It took me just a minute to delete my data on the 23andMe website. […] There’s also a risk that your data could get sold or transferred to a new company, which might want to use it for new purposes. The privacy statement of 23andMe seems to treat your data as a company asset that’s on the table like anything else. It reads: “If we are involved in a bankruptcy, merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your Personal Information may be accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction.”

8 Comments

Question of the day

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From a Sun-Times piece entitled “No more editorials at the Sun-Times, but letters, op-eds and columns will continue”…

For more than 75 years, the Sun-Times Editorial Board has been an important voice in Chicago, advocating for the well-being of our city, holding the powerful to account and helping readers understand and navigate the complexities of the news.

We are grateful to Lorraine Forte for serving as editorial board editor since 2018. Forte, along with longtime board member Tom Frisbie and editor/writer Marlen Garcia, have strengthened Chicago with their collective positions on some of our most pressing issues. All recently accepted voluntary buyouts.

As a nonprofit media company, this is an important opportunity for the people of Chicago to become more the voice of Chicago. Beginning today, the Sun-Times will no longer offer editorials. We will, however, continue to publish Letters to the Editor, which we receive in abundance every week and run in print and online. We will also continue to publish op-eds and guest columns from community members, leaders and scholars.

In addition, we are committed to providing our own journalists, including Rummana Hussain, Neil Steinberg, Lee Bey and Alden Loury, space to write from their personal experiences, points of view and subject matter expertise. Natalie Moore’s monthly column will continue as well. […]

This change does not mean we are retreating from public dialogue or silencing debate. Rather, we’re acknowledging that the voices we need to uplift in Chicago are the voices of the people.

* The Question: Do you agree with this decision? Please explain your answer in comments. Thanks.

25 Comments

Pritzker challenges LaHood to defend Medicaid to his constituents

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* March 6…

An analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that was sent to lawmakers this week showed that budget goals outlined in a House GOP plan could not be reached without reducing spending on Medicaid, clashing with commitments from Republicans not to cut the popular entitlement program.

The CBO’s letter is here.

* US Rep. Darin LaHood was interviewed by WCBU Radio last week…

Q: What’s your position on the potential cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, things of that nature?

LaHood: Well, no one has talked about cutting Social Security. The President said just the opposite, that he’s not going to cut Social Security or Medicare. So that’s a political issue that people are trying to use, but I’m not supportive of that.

* The governor held a “Save Medicaid” event in Peoria last week. From a question during his resulting press conference…

Q: This morning, Congressman LaHood said on the radio that any talk about destruction of Medicare or Medicaid was just a political ploy and that none of these programs would be cut. So, what would you say to the congressman if he was here?

Pritzker: Well, if he were here, I would love to hear him say that to everybody here, constituents of his, but apparently he’s unwilling to say it to your face. He’ll maybe say it to a camera here or there, and then when his colleagues vote to take funding away from Medicaid, what will he say then. What will he say then? I think he’ll say, ‘Well, this was the will of the Congress and the majority,’ right? But listen, great, stand up for Medicaid. But have you heard him stand up for Medicaid? No.

So I suspect that he is not giving you the whole truth, and that, in fact, what he’s saying is, ‘Well, we’re going to preserve Medicaid, but we’re going to take away,’ because this is what they’ve talked about, take away the Obamacare, Affordable Care Act piece of Medicaid, which is about coverage for about 800,000 people in the state of Illinois, and it takes away about $8 billion of funding for that program. And he will say, ‘I preserved Medicaid. See, the other part of Medicaid is just fine.’

But what about the 800,000 people? And by the way, many of those are senior citizens who are in nursing homes. Where are they going to go? Where are they going to go? And and people who, you know, single people who desperately need coverage. I bet Jesse may be one of them. I’m saying people who are sick, who are single, who are covered by this program, will lose health care coverage. So what is he going to do to make sure that they continue to get health care coverage? And again, his unwillingness to show up here kind of tells the story.

LaHood was asked about Medicaid, but didn’t actually mention Medicaid in his response, but Pritzker didn’t know that.

* Related…

Capitol News Illinois | Durbin, Pritzker put pressure on Republicans to oppose cuts to key programs:

* Sun-Times | Health coverage for Chicago area immigrants jeopardized in Gov. Pritzker’s budget proposal: Raymundo Ruiz, 53, of Melrose Park, worries his medical condition could worsen if he loses his health insurance through HBIA. He was diagnosed with Parkison’s disease about four years ago after a doctor noticed his hands wouldn’t stop shaking. “It would be fatal for me because with just one hour that I miss my medications, my hands start to shake and I get very tense,” Ruiz said in Spanish. “I can’t do anything. It would affect me a lot.”

19 Comments

Illinois Must Keep Our Kids Safe Online

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

The digital realm, designed to connect and empower, has become dangerous for our children. 80% of children in 25 countries report feeling in danger of sexual abuse or exploitation online. (United Nations). Bark processed 7.9 billion online activities in 2024 and found that 63% of tweens and 77% of teens encountered potentially harmful sexual content. We stand at a crossroads: either we shield our youth from the digital predators and harmful content that prey on their innocence, or we surrender them to a future where their very tools become their tormentors. Current age verification methods, reliant on app or website-level checks, are woefully inadequate. They are easily bypassed, leaving children exposed to predators and harmful content. This vulnerability necessitates a paradigm shift. Device-based age verification, as proposed in Illinois’ HB3304(Gong-Gershowitz)/SB2047 (Preston) offers a robust solution. This measure mandates age verification at the device level, effectively restricting access to inappropriate content while preserving user privacy. The time to act is now.

Comments Off

What happened in Neoga?

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Some commenters complained on here last week that the governor hasn’t visited Neoga after its tornado earlier this month. So, I reached out to IEMA to see what the state has been doing…

On March 14, 2025, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) responded in support of the severe weather/tornado in Neoga (Cumberland County).

At 0300, the IEMA-OHS Regional Coordinator contacted the Cumberland County EMA Coordinator to assess life safety concerns and address urgent needs after reports of damage in Neoga. None were identified. A follow up phone call at 0700 offering up more assistance from the IEMA-OHS Regional Coordinator to the Cumberland County EMA Coordinator.

IEMA-OHS Region 7 coordinated mutual aid efforts with trailers from Cumberland County Fire Departments to secure valuable items in the damaged Neoga school buildings.

At daybreak, Cumberland County EMA conducted windshield surveys, confirming damage was limited to the school and four residential properties. After discussions with the IEMA-OHS Regional Coordinator and IEMA-OHS Regional Recovery Liaison, the Cumberland County EMA Coordinator opted against a formal damage assessment.

The IEMA-OHS Recovery Chief contacted the Cumberland County EMA to discuss alternative options beyond IEMA-OHS programs.

The City of Neoga did not declare a citywide disaster.

Cumberland County did not declare a countywide disaster.

Ongoing, IEMA-OHS Operations and Recovery Divisions offered ongoing support for any unmet storm-related needs in Cumberland County.

At this time, there are no outstanding needs or assistance requests reported.

Discuss.

11 Comments

It’s just a bill

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Sen. Sue Rezin, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association President Mark Denzler and President of Operating Engineers Local 150 James Sweeney…

The United States has long been a leader in nuclear energy, with 94 reactors generating 102 gigawatts across 28 states. Illinois plays a pivotal role, home to six nuclear facilities producing nearly half the state’s electricity. Nuclear power has ensured reliable, carbon-free energy, keeping costs manageable while supporting thousands of high-paying jobs. However, outdated policies are preventing Illinois from embracing the next generation of nuclear technology.

Senate Bill 1527 will remove unnecessary restrictions and allow Illinois to advance new nuclear projects. As other states and nations invest in nuclear power, Illinois cannot afford to be left behind. […]

Illinois still has an outdated law barring the construction of new nuclear reactors over 300 megawatts until the federal government approves a permanent disposal solution for high-level nuclear waste. While responsible waste management is essential, this restriction is outdated. Federal regulations already ensure safe storage, and modern technology has improved waste handling. Meanwhile, states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Wyoming are advancing nuclear projects while Illinois remains stuck in the past.

It is time to lift this restriction and enable large-scale nuclear projects. This builds on the successful effort to end the moratorium on small modular reactors (SMRs), which are a promising step forward for our energy future but cannot meet Illinois’ full energy demands alone. We need every tool available to maintain grid reliability and economic stability.

SB1527’s committee deadline was extended to April 4.

* WISH…

The idea of having parts of Illinois join Indiana has hit a roadblock.

The sponsor of Illinois House Bill 1500, the counterpart to Indiana’s boundary adjustment commission bill, says the measure has died because it did not meet Friday’s deadline for bills to pass out of committee.

Indiana House Bill 1008 sets up a commission to investigate the possibility of changing Indiana’s boundary with Illinois. It passed the House in February. House Speaker Todd Huston, of Fishers, says he’s continuing to pursue the measure.

In order for the commission to be set up, Illinois would have had to pass its own companion legislation. Illinois HB 1500, sponsored by state Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, would have been that companion legislation.

* WAND…

State lawmakers are one step closer to removing toxic heavy metals from baby food.

Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) wants to ban people from selling, distributing or offering baby food in Illinois that contains arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury. Her bill could require baby food manufacturers to test their products for each toxic heavy metal on a monthly basis.

Companies would also have to tell consumers the name and level of each metal present in the baby food and link to the FDA’s website with information about health risks for children. Manufacturers would be required to include a QR code for people to scan and find information about their heavy metal testing as well. […]

Senate Bill 73 passed unanimously out of the Senate Public Health Committee Wednesday. Senators could vote on the legislation when they return to Springfield next month.

* Sen. Cristina Castro…

Over 20 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes and Chicago-area waterways annually, the majority being single-use plastics with an average use of just a few short minutes. Once in the water, plastic breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics — toxic particles that make their way into drinking water, harm animal life and contribute to environmental degradation.

To tackle excessive plastic pollution and safeguard Illinois’ natural resources, State Senator Cristina Castro is working with consumers, businesses and environmental experts to pass legislation to cut down on single-use plastic bags. […]

The Public Interest Research Group estimates Illinois could save approximately 3.7 billion single-use plastic bags from being used each year by restricting the sale of these items. This would mean fewer microplastics entering local rivers and streams, less plastic litter in streets, parks and highways, and fewer toxic chemicals being ingested by Illinois families. […]

Castro’s proposal seeks to prevent large and mid-size retailers from offering single-use plastic checkout bags to customers, but would allow them to offer recycled paper bags as an alternative. Municipalities in Illinois with current plastic bag taxes would not be able to continue charging working families for plastic bags but rather would also have to eliminate their use. Recognizing the potential impact on small businesses, it would exclude restaurants, gas stations under 5,000 square feet in size, and small independent retailers with fewer than 12 locations within Illinois.

Senate Bill 1872 passed the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee Thursday.

* G-PAC…

The Gun Violence Prevention PAC (G-PAC) of Illinois, the state’s leading gun violence prevention organization, today called on Illinois leaders to pass Safe At Home legislation to strengthen safe gun storage laws following this week’s tragic accidental shooting in the South Shore neighborhood that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy and injured his 5-year-old brother.

Since the Thursday shooting, police have reportedly confirmed the horrific shooting stemmed from the two boys accessing a loaded weapon left unattended in their home.

The proposed Safe At Home legislation in the General Assembly this spring would enhance what it means to safely store weapons and also strengthen reporting requirements for lost and stolen guns. Working together, these safety measures will protect more families from deadly tragedies in their homes and communities.

“The alarming reality is that one in three children lives in a home with a gun, and with this level of gun ownership in our society, too many tragedies unfold when guns get into the hands of children and other vulnerable people,” said Kathleen Sances, President and CEO of G-PAC. “This shooting joins a long list of incidents where unsecured firearms have caused unintentional shootings, suicide, mass shootings, and crime in our communities. We can and must do more to strengthen Illinois law to keep our communities safe and save lives.”

Safe At Home was introduced earlier this session as Senate Bill 8 and House Bill 3688 and is sponsored by Sens. Laura Ellman and Ram Villivalam and Reps. Maura Hirschauer and Kevin Olickal. […]

Provisions of Safe At Home include:

- Outlines improved safe storage requirements in homes where a minor, at-risk person, or someone prohibited from using firearms could gain access to them.
- Changes definition of “minor” to a person under 18 years of age (military and national guard excluded).
- Adds civil penalties associated with the failure to safely secure firearms; at first violation, courts may impose community service or restitution.
- Strengthens requirement for reporting a lost or stolen firearm from 72 to 48 hours after the owner first discovers the loss or theft.
- Requires education for gun owners of the obligation to report a lost or stolen firearm at the time of firearm purchase and FOID/CCL application and renewal process.
- Requires ISP to create a portal for law enforcement to report individuals who have failed to report the loss or theft of a firearm.
- Imposes penalty of revocation of FOID card on second violation for failure to report lost and stolen firearms.

* Sen. Sara Feigenholtz…

Amid a nationwide rise in pedestrian fatalities, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is continuing her efforts to streamline and expedite key transportation safety solutions in Chicago.

“When a pedestrian fatality is studied, improved collaboration between government entities leads to solutions,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Pedestrian safety must be prioritized at every street and every intersection.”

In January 2023, IDOT entered into a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the Chicago Department of Transportation in an effort to strengthen collaboration and streamline the review process for safety improvements on local streets and state routes. The MOU was in part sparked by a request from Feigenholtz that the departments conduct a traffic study after a pedestrian was killed in the 6th Senate District.

Senate Bill 1559 aims to formalize portions of the MOU by requiring that completed safety studies be on the agenda when IDOT and CDOT meet to discuss traffic and pedestrian fatalities. […]

Senate Bill 1559 passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

* Illinois Blockchain Association Executive Director Nelson Rosario in Crain’s…

In the Web3 and blockchain space, Illinois’ leadership is undisputed, with more than 320 startups operating in this space, earning $1.5 billion in venture-capital investment since this technology emerged. One-third of the top public companies headquartered in Illinois already have (or are actively making) significant investments in Web3 and blockchain technology. And the state has already secured more than $7 million in grants to advance digital assets research in our top academic institutions.

Now is the time to build on that leadership, and we can only do that through purpose-built blockchain regulation that clarifies rules of the road, enhances protections for consumers and incentivizes innovation and job creation in Illinois.

Unfortunately, a new proposal in the General Assembly would have a chilling effect on Illinois’ blockchain leadership, both now and in the future. Senate Bill 1797, the Digital Assets & Consumer Protection Act, attempts to establish a state regulatory framework for all entities innovating in digital assets, from established corporations to bourgeoning startups and entrepreneurs. Though well intentioned, the bill sweeps far too broadly and contains a number of structural flaws that would drive innovation out of our state.

Among other things, the act would establish a state-level licensing regime for anyone operating in blockchain and digital assets. Modeled off New York State’s BitLicense, the legislation would impose a burdensome, costly registration process for all players — startups, entrepreneurs, institutions and individuals — innovating in blockchain. The license, which could cost as much as $100,000 and take hundreds of hours to attain, would halt blockchain innovation in its tracks. Perhaps most disturbing, it would serve as a gatekeeper, limiting participation in blockchain innovation to well-funded, legacy corporations that have the time and bandwidth to navigate licensure.

SB1797, sponsored by Sen. Mark Walker, received April 4 deadline extension to advance out of committee.

* Daily Herald…

Lake Forest Democratic state Sen. Julie Morrison’s bill requiring seat belts in new school buses passed the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for a full vote. The National Transportation Safety Board has said while school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road, seat belts are critical for preventing injuries and deaths in crashes.

20 Comments

AG Raoul has had a busy 2025 - and it’s only March

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the attorney general’s office last week…

Hi, Rich.

Saw your post yesterday about the work Attorney General Raoul’s office has been doing over the last several weeks to fight unlawful federal policies. If you need more information, the below is a fairly full list of actions we have announced since Jan. 20. Let me know if you have questions about any of the cases/actions.

LITIGATION:

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL FILES LAWSUIT CHALLENGING UNCONSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE ORDER ENDING BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP (Jan. 21, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL CO-LEADS LAWSUIT TO STOP TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FROM WITHHOLDING ESSENTIAL FEDERAL FUNDING (Jan. 28, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ANNOUNCES INITIAL VICTORY IN LAWSUIT CHALLENGING PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ILLEGAL FEDERAL FUNDING FREEZE (Jan. 31, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL, STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL CONTINUE TO PUSH FOR RELIEF IN CASE CHALLENGING FREEZE ON FEDERAL FUNDING (Feb. 7, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS COALITION IN FILING LAWSUIT TO STOP ELON MUSK AND DOGE’S ATTACK ON AMERICANS (Feb. 7, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL STANDS WITH FEDERAL WORKERS IN “FORK IN THE ROAD” FEDERAL BUYOUT CHALLENGE (Feb. 9, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION DEFENDING FUNDING FOR MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH (Feb. 10, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL STANDS WITH TRANSGENDER MILITARY MEMBERS IN CHALLENGE TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S DISCRIMINATORY EXECUTIVE ORDER (Feb. 14, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS COALITION TO DEFEND CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU (Feb. 20, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL TAKES ACTION TO KEEP CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU WORKING (Feb. 21, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION CALLING ON U.S. SUPREME COURT TO PROTECT ACCESS TO PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES (Feb. 25, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CALLS ON COURT TO KEEP LABOR BOARD FUNCTIONING (Feb. 28, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL TAKES ACTION TO REQUIRE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO RELEASE CRITICAL EMERGENCY FUNDING (Feb. 28, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL LEADS COALITION DEFENDING THE INTEGRITY OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD (March 5, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL CHALLENGES FEDERAL TERMINATION OF K-12 TEACHER PREPARATION PIPELINE GRANTS (March 6, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SECURES PRELIMINARY INJUNCTIONS IN TWO LAWSUITS CHALLENGING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION POLICIES (March 6, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ASKS COURT TO STOP MASS FIRINGS AND SEEKS REINSTATEMENT OF FEDERAL PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES (March 7, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SECURES EARLY COURT DECISION BLOCKING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S UNLAWFUL TERMINATION OF K-12 TEACHER PREPARATION PIPELINE GRANTS (March 11, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CO-LEADS COALITION ASKING COURT TO PRESERVE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD (March 12, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SUPPORTS PERKINS COIE LAW FIRM TARGETED FOR REPRESENTING CLIENTS DISFAVORED BY PRESIDENT (March 13, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL WINS TEMPORARY BLOCK ON MASS FIRINGS OF FEDERAL PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES, AND GETS FIRED EMPLOYEES THEIR JOBS BACK (March 14, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL FILES LAWSUIT TO PRESERVE ILLINOIS CLEAN-ENERGY GRANTS (March 20, 2025)

STATEMENTS:

JOINT STATEMENT FROM 13 STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL: STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT CANNOT BE COMMANDEERED FOR FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT (Jan. 23, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL STATEMENT ON FEDERAL COURT TEMPORARILY BLOCKING “BLATANTLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL” ORDER ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP (Jan. 23, 2025)

JOINT STATEMENT FROM 13 STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL: PRESIDENT TRUMP IS MISLEADING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ON PURPOSE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES (Jan. 31, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE (Feb. 5, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL STATEMENT ON FEDERAL COURT GRANTING INJUNCTION AGAINST UNCONSTITUTIONAL BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ORDER (Feb. 6, 2025)

ATTORNEYS GENERAL STATEMENT REGARDING THE VICE PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS ON JUDICIAL REVIEW (Feb. 14, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL AND ATTORNEYS GENERAL RELEASE JOINT STATEMENT ON LAWSUIT TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM ELON MUSK’S DOGE (Feb. 14, 2025)

AHEAD OF HEARING, ATTORNEYS GENERAL ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON LAWSUIT TO PRESERVE FUNDING FOR MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH INNOVATION RESEARCH (Feb. 21, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES STATEMENT ON LAWSUIT TO STOP TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FROM DISMANTLING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (March 13, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S LATEST UNLAWFUL ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (March 20, 2025)

OTHER:

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ON STATE LAWS REGARDING IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT (Jan. 23, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL, STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL URGE SENATE TO DEMAND FBI DIRECTOR NOMINEE KASH PATEL ANSWER QUESTIONS ON RETALIATION EFFORTS (Feb. 4, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES MULTISTATE GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVES IN THE WORKPLACE (Feb. 13, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL URGES CONGRESS TO END BASELESS NATIONAL ENERGY EMERGENCY (Feb. 26, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES MULTISTATE GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES (March 5, 2025)

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO OPPOSE CHANGES TO PASSPORT APPLICATION PROCESS THAT HARM TRANSGENDER AND NONBINARY INDIVIDUALS (March 17, 2025)

3 Comments

Misguided Insurance Regulation Proposals Could Increase Premiums For The Majority Of Illinoisans

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Several bills proposed this legislative session seek to ban certain factors that insurance companies use to set fair and accurate insurance pricing for customers. The bills would ban the use of credit-based insurance scores, zip codes, age, and gender in insurance pricing.

An op-ed published recently in the Chicago Tribune explains why such bans could cause insurance rates to rise for the majority of consumers.

Case in point: When the use of credit was banned in Washington in 2021, more than 60 percent of Washington drivers saw an increase in their insurance premiums. Should similar legislation pass in Illinois, the majority of Illinoisians with better-than-average credit could see premium increases.

With stubbornly high inflation and high property taxes, now is not the time to pass bills that could end up hiking insurance premiums for most Illinoisans.

Click here to learn more.

Comments Off

Pritzker stiffed on two big issues

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…

Two major proposals backed by Gov. JB Pritzker did not advance out of legislative committees before last week’s passage deadline.

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton confirmed that she won’t be advancing her legislation supported by the governor that would dissolve townships with populations below 5,000 (SB2217), and eventually abolish townships with populations below 50,000 and lower the petition threshold to 5% from 10% to put a township abolition on the ballot.

“We’re still having conversations,” the Western Springs Democrat said. Pritzker did not highlight the proposals during his State of the State address, but they were included in his budget book. Township officials throughout the state have bombarded legislators with their negative opinions of the legislation.

But Pritzker took a much bigger hit last week.

The governor has trumpeted his plan to allow community colleges to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees during his State of the State address, on numerous national TV programs, big-time podcasts and a tour of the state.

Well, that proposal (HB3717) was not called for a vote in the House Higher Education Committee last week after fierce opposition from four-year universities, as one top Pritzker administration official and some Pritzker allies hovered outside the hearing room for hours.

The chair of that committee, Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, did her best to downplay the significance of the committee’s refusal to take up the bill, saying, “I think that there’s a way that we can make sure that this is very narrowly tailored to meet what’s not being met with the four-year institutions.”

Stuart, a member of House Democratic leadership, also said the legislation as written could “collapse” the student base of minority serving institutions like Chicago State and Northeastern Illinois University.

It’s routine during committee passage deadline week to advance bills to the floor that need more work, with the promise to not move the bills until all issues are worked out. That committee courtesy is routinely given to even the lowliest of legislators.

The indignity of denying that routine courtesy was heaped upon unpopular, ineffectual governors in previous years. But Pritzker is a popular billionaire governor with perceived national ambitions. Yes, he’s trying to accomplish a very difficult task of passing bills that have failed in years past, but not getting his legislation to the floor during crunch week is quite the rebuke.

So, what the heck is going on? On a basic level, several sitting legislators previously served in township government. Many others are strong political allies of township officials. And others believe that townships deliver services at lower costs than counties. The townships have successfully fended off efforts to get rid of them for decades, so they have a tried and true oppositional playbook.

As far as the community colleges are concerned, the universities years ago successfully fended off an attempt by then-Sen. Andy Manar to allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees in nursing. Manar is now Pritzker’s deputy governor.

The Higher Education Committee is filled with members who have universities in their districts, which is mainly why they serve on that committee. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is in Chairperson Stuart’s district, after all.

But these Pritzker defeats seem like much more than that, and they come just a couple of months after House Speaker Chris Welch refused to advance a Pritzker-supported bill to regulate the wide-open intoxicating hemp industry.

The governor’s office downplayed the significance of the setbacks, saying there was still plenty of time to pass something before adjournment. But they clearly made a strong late push to get the community college bill to the House floor. They insisted they had enough votes to pass the bill, but those alleged proponents didn’t lift a finger to pressure the committee chair to advance the legislation.

The hearing finally ended shortly after what I’m told was a tense meeting between the governor’s chief of staff and the House speaker’s chief of staff, during which the speaker’s chief urged the governor’s chief to convince her boss to lay out his priorities to Welch, which, of course, the governor already did during his State of the State and budget address. Welch’s chief was told that this move was not helpful, to say the least.

What the universities did was pure gangsta. They clearly out-muscled the governor. Pritzker may not like it, but the universities showed that the negotiations would be on their terms, at least in the House, unless the governor can convince them to back down.

31 Comments

Open thread

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Isabel took a photo of me as we walked to dinner the other night…

What’s up by you?

24 Comments

Isabel’s morning briefing

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: Pritzker vetos Amazon warehouse worker quota law. Bloomberg…

* Related stories…

∙ WAND: Nursing home resident whistleblower protections signed into law by Pritzker
∙ WAND: Illinois bill improving drinking water quality signed into law
∙ Press Release: Gov. Pritzker Takes Bill Action

*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***

* Crain’s | Johnson hires former Ald. John Arena as Springfield liaison: Former Northwest Side Ald. John Arena will join the administration March 24 with little runway to deliver on Johnson’s priorities with the General Assembly’s spring session already well underway. […] He would not “get in the weeds” of Johnson’s near-term legislative priorities, but said they’re focused on new revenue streams and a greater share of existing revenue sharing agreements. “We’re really going to have to see what’s in the world of the possible,” he said. “Chicago is a player in producing revenue, and it also needs revenue back from the state.”

* Daily Herald Editorial Board | Harsh realities of transit: Agencies again offer grim picture of impending crisis — but little else: The crisis facing the transit agencies is real. And the “harsh realities” — to quote RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden on Wednesday — it may impose are ominous indeed. Effective, safe, comfortable, efficient public transportation is a major attribute to the quality of life in Chicago and the suburbs. But a billion and a half bucks is a harsh reality, too. Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski said Wednesday that “it’s all going to depend on what the legislature does … in the next 75 days.” But maybe not all. So far, the transit agencies have been eminently capable of showing what will happen if they don’t get a huge financial shot in the arm from the state. As Moylan suggested, it would be more encouraging — and it’s long past time — to hear from them what they’re going to contribute to the solution.

*** Statehouse News ***

* AP | Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker tries to chart a path for national Democrats to counter Trump: Pritzker, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel empire, may seem like an unlikely champion for working-class people affected by the Trump administration. But he’s taken aim at President Donald Trump’s potential tax cuts, while backing universal health care and a higher federal minimum wage. The governor used a statewide tour this past week to present a path forward for national Democrats struggling to unify around a strategy to counter the Republican president, highlighting the effects of Trump’s early actions in Illinois. The three-day swing included meeting with farmers in a central Illinois barn to discuss agriculture and with older adults in suburban Chicago who are concerned about Social Security cuts.

* FYI…

* Tribune | Amid Donald Trump 2.0, Gov. JB Pritzker ponders running for third term and his national ambitions: Running for another term as governor also would provide Pritzker a dual track toward a presumptive look at a White House bid. And a victory in the sixth-largest state would continue to provide him a credible, high-profile platform from which to assail the actions of the Trump administration nationally in the run-up to the 2028 presidential election.

* Sun-Times | Health coverage for Chicago area immigrants jeopardized in Gov. Pritzker’s budget proposal: Once held up by Democrats statewide as a beacon of progressive governance protecting some of Illinois’ most vulnerable residents, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program has been put on the chopping block by the governor due to ballooning costs in the face of a massive overall budget shortfall. […] “These are people who are doing hard labor, working outside, who are working in cleaning or in construction industries, who were told that they were essential workers during COVID. And these are the people to whom we’re saying, ‘You can’t have health care now,’” said state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago.

*** Downstate ***

* Pantagraph | In 2021, Illinois created the Mahomet Aquifer Council. It has never met: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson Kim Biggs confirmed to Lee Enterprises that the council has never convened “due to lack of a quorum of members to meet.” Just 13 people have been appointed to the 25-member group, meaning that, in its current state, one member not being available would deny the council the necessary attendance to meet. […] Pritzker has made only 11 of his required appointments and the IEPA slot is vacant. In a statement to Lee Enterprises, Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough said that “the administration is working to identify candidates for this council.”

* First Alert 4 | Tensions run high as Illinois Rep. Mike Bost hosts meeting on solar and constituents demand answers: When First Alert 4 entered the meeting room in New Athens, Illinois, folks were already screaming at Rep. Mike Bost, (R-Illinois), about a number of recent developments in farming and at the national level. had originally called the meeting to discuss his proposals for solar energy-focused bills that would affect solar panel installation on farmland, something he says needs oversight. […] Meeting attendees talked about everything from veteran’s issues to the Veteran’s Affairs layoffs in recent weeks; others talked about transgender rights; others demanded answers about why farming was being impacted by tariffs.

* WGLT | School sales tax referendum top of mind at NAACP candidate forum: District 87 Superintendent David Mouser and Unit 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle spoke about what will happen if voters pass the referendum. The countywide sales tax, which a majority of Illinois counties have adopted, would add a 1% sales tax on goods such as retail products, gasoline, and online purchases. The revenue could be used for school facility improvements, as well as school safety and security, mental health support and other areas.

* Tribune | Efforts underway to restore crumbling site where Abraham Lincoln began his political rise: Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site has fallen into disrepair as the tab for deferred maintenance on properties managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has grown to an estimated $1 billion statewide, according to IDNR spokesperson Jayette Bolinski. In recent years, the roofs of two structures have caved in. The grist mill, where townspeople would grind wheat into flour, is closed, with boards across the entryway. There are holes in the wooden entrance ramp, and the mill’s drive shaft, which powered the structure, has been inoperable since a 2016 flood.

* PJ Star | Lawsuit sheds light on alleged co-conspirator in WTVP embezzlement scheme: The lawsuit says WTVP first discovered the embezzlement on or around Sept. 13, 2023. Matuszak resigned from her role as CEO on Sept. 27, 2023, and then died by suicide in her home the next day. WTVP’s board of directors alleged Matuszak and McLaughlin had engaged in “improper, unauthorized, or questionable” spending, the Journal Star reported in December 2023. The allegations led to investigations by local police and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Eleven WTVP board members would ultimately resign from their roles in January 2024.

* WCIA | Illini women win first NCAA Tournament game since 2000: Eight-seed Illinois defeated nine-seed Creighton 66-57 in the opening round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The win marked Illinois’s first tournament win since the 2000 tournament, exiting in the first game in both 2003 and 2023. The Illini staved off a late run by Creighton to advance to the second round. Genesis Bryant led the team with 17 points, with Kendall Bostic breaking a program rebound record in the tournament with 17 boards.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Daily Herald | Lawsuit is long over, but Des Plaines clerk still upset about city’s relationship with credit union: Nearly two years after Des Plaines City Clerk Jessica Mastalski settled her lawsuit against the city-connected credit union where she once worked and the city, she again is arguing issues at the core of the case — but this time in the court of public opinion. Mastalski spent two minutes during last week’s city council meeting talking about the breach-of-contract lawsuit and questioning the financial relationship between the city and the city hall-based Northwest Municipal Federal Credit Union.

* Tribune | Landing a data center is worth the environmental tradeoffs, Illinois towns say: The Minooka data center would take up to 340 acres, or slightly more than Chicago’s Grant Park. It would need 3 million gallons of water a day. That’s a third of all the drinkable water Minooka will be allowed to draw from a $1.54 billion pipeline it’s building with five other towns to access Lake Michigan water through Chicago. It would need a 700-megawatt supply of electricity, enough for half of Chicago’s households. For Ric Offerman, Minooka’s mayor, these are inescapable environmental tradeoffs to secure a multibillion-dollar investment from Equinix, Inc., a Redwood City, California-based company that operates 260 data centers in 33 countries.

* Fox Chicago | Bellwood mayor faces criticism over campaign billboard powered by village electricity: Bellwood Village Clerk Janel Moreland said she began receiving calls from angry taxpayers Wednesday about a giant mobile electronic billboard taking up two spaces in the Village Hall parking lot. The billboard urged residents to vote for her opponent, longtime Mayor Andre Harvey, and his slate of trustees. A long extension cord running from the truck through the parking lot was plugged into Village of Bellwood power.

*** Chicago ***

* Tribune | CTA paid for vehicles used to commute to and from work, recently released documents show: The CTA spent more than $26,000 in 2023 and 2024 on three vehicles used by top officials at the public transit agency. In at least some instances, the vehicles were used more for commuting to and from work than for business purposes. That was the case for an SUV used by former CTA President Dorval Carter, who reported about four times as many miles commuting as he did for business purposes during the months for which data was available, documents recently made public show.

* Excited to see what’s next for Amanda…

* Chalkbeat Chicago | Seven Chicago school board members say they oppose reimbursing city for disputed pension payment: The declaration from the seven members — in a letter obtained by Chalkbeat and sent to board President Sean Harden on Saturday — means the city does not have enough support from the Board of Education to get the $175 million it is seeking from Chicago Public Schools. Reimbursing the city would require a vote from the board to amend CPS’s budget, and such an amendment needs two-thirds approval — or 14 yes votes — from the 21-member board.

* NPR | What happens when a Chicago children’s hospital bows to pressure to stop gender-affirming care: In the flurry of executive orders issued by President Trump, there was one targeting hospitals that provide gender-affirming care for young people. In response, many of the hospitals have stopped or pulled back on certain treatments. That includes Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Kristen Schorsch, at member station WBEZ, has been tracking the ripple effects on patients and their families.

* Tribune | At state job fair, DOGE cuts hit home for federal workers: The USAID employee traveled to Chicago from Washington, D.C., for the job fair. Like almost all the employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development dismantled by billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, he is on paid administrative leave. “I don’t think there’s any way my job’s coming back,” the federal worker said in the bustling conference room at Malcolm X College in Chicago on Thursday.

* Sun-Times | Long COVID patients turn to Chicago rehabiltation hospital for help: Doctors are worried about how to provide care for Gingerich and other long COVID patients as many are experiencing life-altering symptoms. Experts at Chicago’s Shirley Ryan AbilityLab hope their comprehensive approach can provide solace to the invisible toll long COVID has on their patients. In 2021, the AbilityLab opened an outpatient COVID Rehabilitation Unit to care for patients with long COVID, most of whom never required inpatient care for the initial infection.

* Sun-Times | ‘Secret History of the Rape Kit’ reveals past, future: We remember feminism of the 1970s without also recalling exactly what women were being militant about: their voices being muffled, their power minimized, their issues ignored. Pagan Kennedy’s new book, “The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story,” is a disturbing journey back to the bad old days of Chicago a half century ago. And maybe, the way we’re going, a glimpse into our future, too.

* WTTW | Sewage Overflows Into the Chicago River Are Rare, But New Warning System Will Alert Paddlers and Other Users When to Steer Clear: The concern is that if an overflow occurs during a heavy storm at, say, 10 p.m., the next morning a kayaker could head out under sunny skies and be completely unaware that untreated wastewater has entered the river, said John Quail, director of policy and conservation for Friends of the Chicago River. A new notification system is being proposed at boat launch sites that would alert people to overflow events, warning them to avoid contact with the water. Development of this notification system is one of the requirements included in a permit issued to the city by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in 2024.

*** National ***

* CNN | How Gamergate foreshadowed the toxic hellscape that the internet has now become: Gamergate was one of the earliest indications that what happened online could have major implications offline — and that a few people who understood the mechanics of the internet could manipulate it to advance a nefarious agenda. Those who experienced the harassment firsthand warned that if not taken seriously, the behaviors underlying Gamergate would fester.

* WaPo | Growing weed takes more energy than mining bitcoin. Can it go green?: What he found — after interviewing grow-light sellers, reading trade journals and equipment manuals, poring over crop-yields analyses and case studies of growers’ energy use, and scouring law enforcement reports — is that together, legal and illegal cannabis growers use about 1 percent of all American energy. That’s more than cryptocurrency mining or all other crops combined, according to a paper Mills published in February, an update to his original 2012 study.

* Tribune | Elon Musk and Gov. JB Pritzker among billionaires spending in pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race: Musk, who has taken his metaphorical chain saw to the federal government and lashed out at judges who’ve blocked the president’s swift moves, is far from alone in funneling money from outside Wisconsin into an officially nonpartisan state Supreme Court election. Liberal financier George Soros has given $1 million to the Wisconsin Democratic Party ahead of the April voting, and billionaire Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker — who previously signed a state law banning out-of-state campaign contributions to Illinois judicial candidates — gave the Wisconsin Democrats $500,000 in January.

7 Comments

Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and one other thing

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

Comments Off

Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

Comments Off

Selected press releases (Live updates)

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

Comment

Live coverage

Monday, Mar 24, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Click here and/or here to follow breaking news. Hopefully, enough reporters and news outlets migrate to BlueSky so we can hopefully resume live-posting.

Comment

« NEWER POSTS