Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

With Republican senators approving President Donald Trump’s plan to rescind $9.4 billion in federal aid and public broadcasting funds, public radio and television stations in Illinois are closer to a worst-case funding scenario that local media leaders are calling a “critical gut punch.”

The package, which allows the Senate to strip previously approved spending with a simple majority, must still return to the House. And there’s a time crunch: Congress has to get it to Trump’s desk by Friday or the administration will be forced to release the funds. In total, the package rescinds $1.1 billion in funding for PBS, NPR and their member stations through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It was intended to help fund the stations for the next two years.

At WTVP in central Illinois, more than 390,000 households in 17 counties tune into local programming like “A Shot of AG,” a talk show hosted by Rob Sharkey, a farmer from Bradford. Jenn Gordon, president and CEO of WTVP, calls it “a Johnny Carson talk show” that humanizes the agricultural community in central Illinois.

If the Republican-controlled Congress cuts the CPB funding, Gordon said the station would likely take a financial hit in October, when it typically receives federal grant dollars. About 30% of the station’s budget is reliant on those funds.

* A small update on Mike McClain’s request for probation…

NEW: The feds file a response to Michael McClain's request for probation in the Madigan bribery case, saying his positions are noteworthy "not because of any merit (they have none) but because of what the objections say about McClain’s acceptance of responsibility (he has none)." pic.twitter.com/BgiJXKZ2RE

— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) July 17, 2025

* The Illinois Department of Employment Security…

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today nonfarm payrolls totals reached a record high in June, increasing over-the-month up +9,400 to 6,175,200. June’s record payroll job total surpassed the previous high set in March, marking another milestone in Illinois’ record-setting year for total payroll employment. The May monthly change in payrolls was revised slightly from the preliminary report, from +100 to -200.

The industry sectors with over-the-month jobs increases included Government (+10,600) and Private Education and Health Services (+6,200). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Leisure and Hospitality (-3,500), Manufacturing (-1,300), and Professional and Business Services (-1,100).

Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +35,000 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+22,900), Government (+21,700), and Leisure and Hospitality (+3,900). The industry groups with jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-8,100), Manufacturing (-6,500), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-3,800). In June, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.6 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.1 percent in the nation.

The unemployment rate fell -0.2 percentage point to 4.6 percent in June, the first monthly decrease since February of this year and the lowest unemployment rate since August 2023, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised May unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.8 percent. The June payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. […]

The number of unemployed workers was 307,300, down -3.5% from the prior month, and down -9.5 percent over the same month one year ago. The labor force decreased (-0.2%) over-the-month and was down -0.3% over-the-year. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.

*** Statewide ***

* WICS | Illinois offers cash rewards for capturing invasive black carp: Through the “Keep, Cool, Call” program, individuals can earn $100 for each black carp they capture, with a maximum reward of $1,000 per month. Participants are encouraged to catch black carp using legal methods such as hook and line or bowfishing. To qualify for the reward, individuals must take clear photos of the fish’s head, mouth, and total length, note the location and water conditions, humanely kill the fish, and freeze it. Possession of live invasive carp is illegal.

*** Statehouse News ***

* WAND | Illinois could soon ease requirements for emergency vehicle drivers living outside the state: A bipartisan bill on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk could help address the shortage of emergency vehicle drivers across the state. Sponsors said people who live in neighboring states but work as public safety employees should be able to operate emergency vehicles in Illinois if they have the required driver’s license in their home state. The proposal states that nonresidents must complete the fire service vehicle operator program with the State Fire Marshal to be eligible.

*** Chicago ***

* WTTW | Number of Unhoused Chicagoans Dropped 60% But Remains at All-Time High, Survey Found: The number of Chicagoans living in city shelters or on city streets dropped 60% between January 2024 and January 2025, according to the annual survey used by federal officials to track homelessness, but remains at an all-time high for longtime residents, city officials announced Thursday. More than 7,450 people in Chicago lacked a permanent place to sleep, according to the annual “point-in-time” count, which sends volunteers out to count the number of unsheltered people on the city’s streets on a single night and is used by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development officials to determine federal funding levels. The 2025 count took place on Jan. 23.

* Tribune | Lawyers for Chicago Housing Authority used ChatGPT to cite nonexistent court case: In the latest headache for CHA, law firm Goldberg Segalla used artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, in a post-trial motion and neglected to check its work, court records show. A jury decided in January, after a roughly seven-week trial, that CHA must pay more than $24 million to two residents who sued on behalf of their children, finding the agency responsible for the children’s injuries, including past and future damages. The firm apologized for the error in a June 18 court filing, calling it a “serious lapse in professionalism.”

* Sun-Times | Retiring Walter Burnett says his ’son of the 27th Ward’ has earned the right to take his City Council seat: Retiring City Council dean Walter Burnett said Thursday his 29-year-old namesake is not only his son but a “son of the 27th Ward” who has earned the right to replace him. Some community leaders have argued that the city’s fastest-growing ward deserves better than a continuation of the old-school, all-in-the-family parade of Chicago politicians who have bequeathed their seats to their children.

* Sun-Times | Jury sees final moments of Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso’s life: What followed was captured on Vasquez Lasso’s body cam. In the video, he jumps out of his car and begins to chase after the man, while screaming out, “Stop! Stop! Stop!” Seconds later, the man turns and points a gun at Vasquez Lasso, standing feet away. Shots ring out, and the officer falls backward. His body camera shows just the sky above.

* The Triibe | New lawsuit against The Duplex restaurant in Logan Square alleges wage theft: The Duplex, a popular restaurant in Logan Square, is being sued by former employees who allege various workplace violations, including failure to pay out tips, failure to pay minimum wage or overtime pay and neglecting to provide and retain records of time worked. Those employees are also seeking class action status against the restaurant group. The lawsuit was filed July 1 in the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division as a collective action against For the People Hospitality Group LLC, the minority-owned parent company behind both The Duplex and Wicker Park’s The Revolver. LeQoinne Rice, who is the co-owner of For the People Hospitality, was named in the court filing along with his hospitality group manager, Christopher Scardina.

* Crain’s | Before tariffs hit, this Lincoln Square toy store made a big bet. It may save their season.: Shopkeeper Scott Friedland tapped into a line of credit to buy $700,000 in toys and games, and hired two extra employees to help manage the torrent of packages. The stock accumulated quickly in the toy shop’s basement. Friedland and his manager used their own garages and basements to store the excess. Friedland’s goal was to buy as much inventory at pre-tariff prices as possible, attracting customers with lower prices and in-demand stock. So far, the gamble has paid off. Timeless Toy’s sales are up about 18.4% year over year.

* Crain’s | RFK Jr. wants artificial dyes out — but Chicago candy makers aren’t biting: The candy industry, in particular, doesn’t seem to want to go along for the ride. It’s the biggest food user of the synthetic dyes, and the directive challenges Chicago-area confectioners, including Mars Wrigley, Ferrara and Tootsie Roll. The candy industry seems to be saying things are just fine as they are. “Consumers know that confectionery products are treats and that they contain sugar, food colors and other FDA-approved ingredients,” says Christopher Gindlesperger, a spokesman for the National Confectioners Association in Washington, D.C. “Chocolate and candy are safe to enjoy as they have been for generations.”

* The Athletic | What I’m hearing about NASCAR’s 2026 schedule: Mexico City, Chicago and more: Would NASCAR like to race in downtown Chicago next year? Yes, provided the league can strike the right deal. Are both the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago amenable to NASCAR coming back for a fourth consecutive year? Yes, provided they can strike the right deal. These caveats have left the future of the Chicago Street Course up in the air.

* Sun-Times | Kim Deal on making music with Steve Albini and warming up crowds for Olivia Rodrigo: There’s no way to start a conversation about Chicago with Kim Deal without the name Steve Albini. The late, great producer and audio engineer behind Chicago’s Electrical Audio recording studio was basically on Deal’s speed dial for almost 40 years, as she came up the ranks in iconic acts like Pixies and The Breeders. From his legendary Studio A, he zeroed in on the raw power and vociferous noise characteristic of Deal’s many seminal projects — albums like Pixies’ “Surfer Rosa,” The Breeders’ “Pod” and her 2024 solo debut “Nobody Loves You More.”

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Sun-Times | First 2025 human case of West Nile virus reported in Lake County: A county resident in their 70s became ill in early July, according to the Lake County Health Department, although the sex, location or condition of the person was not provided. Last year, six human cases were reported in Lake County. The first batch of mosquitoes testing positive for the virus in Lake County were sampled June 24 at a Southlake Mosquito Abatement District trap in Highland Park.

* Aurora Beacon-News | Aurora Mayor John Laesch to hear from community through town hall tour: The Community Listening and Action Town Hall Tour, officially announced late Monday, will be held four Saturdays in a row beginning on July 26. The workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at locations across the city designed to cover each of the 10 wards, according to a city news release. “We want to give the community an opportunity to provide feedback on the state of Aurora,” Laesch said in the news release. “This listening tour will help my staff and I to better understand what our residents want to see from us and the City over the next four years.”

* Daily Herald | Making progress: Spring Hill Mall demolition ahead of schedule and sparking developers’ interest: The village, which envisions a mix of residential, retail and entertainment on the mall property, plans to seek proposals for redevelopment after demolition work is complete, Village President Chris Nelson said. “We’re still unwinding the spaghetti,” Cavallaro said. “Once we get everything clear, we’ll start.”

* Daily Herald | Prospect Heights approves land swap enabling hangars to replace hotel at Chicago Executive Airport: “The resubdivision cleans up old property lines from the days before it was Chicago Executive Airport,” Prospect Heights Building & Development Director Dan Peterson said. “It’s the first step necessary for Sky Harbour to move forward with the rest of their planning.” While nothing changes operationally for the Aviation Plaza building, the swap prevents it from being cut off from about a dozen parking spaces in the northeast corner of its lot, Peterson added.

* Aurora Beacon-News | Quad County Urban League celebrates 50 years of creating as ‘family’ and ‘game-changer’: Her photo may have been prominently displayed, along with Aurora matriarch Marie Wilkinson’s, when the Quad County Urban League celebrated its 50th anniversary at Monday’s open house, but Theodia Gillespie was determined to keep the focus of this event on others. With about 40 years working for the League – and over three decades as its president and CEO — Gillespie certainly has been at the forefront of the success of this group, which since July 14, 1975, has been advancing civil rights and empowerment through community partnerships for African-Americans and other underserved populations in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties.

* Lawndale News | Forest Preserves of Cook County Expands Conservation Corps: More than 40 youth and young adults have summer jobs this year through the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Conservation Corps programs thanks to a program expansion made possible by funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Recognized for collaborative and successful Conservation Corps programs, the Forest Preserves is the sole recipient of the newly created IDNR Youth and Young Adult Conservation Corps (YYACC) grant. Since 2005, these three Conservation Corps programs have engaged more than 3,500 people. With the $344,000 YYACC grant, this year’s offerings have been able to add crews, equipment and more. Conservation Corps programs are managed in partnership with Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association and Audubon Great Lakes.

* Daily Herald | Nostalgic for bar cars? Metra may introduce ‘café cars’: Through surveys and in conversations with riders, “’we’ve heard a lot of comments about ‘when are the bar cars coming back?’” Executive Director Jim Derwinski said at a Wednesday board meeting. The new models would offer refreshments but that might not include alcohol, officials said.

*** Downstate ***

* WCIA | Where to get water as Mattoon ‘do not drink’ order continues:: The Salvation Army Mattoon and Walmart in Mattoon are teaming up to give out free drinking water. The water distribution will take place at the Walmart at 101 Dettro Drive in the northwest corner of the parking lot, and people attending are asked to use the McDonald’s entrance and follow the signs to Lawn & Garden. At Walmart, they’re handing out cases of bottled water, gallon jugs of water and nursery water. Donations are also being accepted for The Salvation Army. The water distribution is taking place until 7 p.m. on Thursday and will also take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, or while supplies last.

* BND | Massage parlor prostitution ring in southern Illinois exposed, owners charged: Federal investigators allege that five massage parlors in southern Illinois and Indiana were operating as a front for prostitution. The parlor’s owners, Jianhong Hu Allbright, 57, of Shoals, Indiana, and Yalong Cao, 25, of Schaumburg, Illinois, were indicted Wednesday on conspiracy and money laundering through prostitution charges for operating five illicit massage parlors throughout southern Illinois and Indiana. The charges were filed in the U.S. Court for the Southern District of Illinois.

* BND | Poachers get heavy fine for spotlight hunting deer in southern Illinois: Five Mississippi men have been fined thousands and sentenced to years of probation after they used illegal hunting methods to poach deer in five southern Illinois counties, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday. Lee Johnson, 54, of Saucier, Mississippi, organized deer hunts in which he and four others used motor vehicles and spotlights to locate deer, mark their location, then would go back to shoot them with a rifle, according to court records.

* WCIA | Illinois leaders gather to honor Scott Bennett, continue his legacy at admin center dedication: Among those in attendance included familiar faces like State Senator Paul Faraci, Representative Brandon Schweizer and Vermilion Advantage President Mike Marron. The ceremony officially named the Champaign County building after him on the day he would have turned 48 years old. Stacy Bennett said the purpose of the dedication is to honor Scott’s life and legacy to a community he loved very much.

* Illinois Times | An intermission for change: Temporary closure brings much-needed refresh to UIS Performing Arts Center: The Public Affairs Center building at UIS is undergoing a major plumbing replacement project that will temporarily close the UIS Studio Theatre and Sangamon Auditorium. While this may be disappointing news for the patrons who look forward to our events, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Because, let’s face it, after more than 40 years, Sangamon Auditorium is ready for its “second act.”

*** National ***

* Barron’s | US Firms Passing Some Cost Hikes To Consumers: Fed Survey: Many US firms passed along “at least a portion of cost increases” to consumers in recent weeks, as businesses faced higher prices linked to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday. Businesses also expect costs to remain elevated, “increasing the likelihood that consumer prices will start to rise more rapidly by late summer,” according to the central bank’s “Beige Book” survey of economic conditions.

* Crain’s | Rivian picks Atlanta for East Coast HQ as $6B Georgia plant nears: Rivian is establishing its East Coast headquarters in Atlanta later this year to support operations at its second electric vehicle plant, set to begin construction in 2026, the company said. “The office will open in late 2025, followed by further expansion in 2026 as construction accelerates at the company’s new manufacturing site in Social Circle, just outside the city,” Rivian said July 17.

* NYT | Justice Dept. Asks for 1-Day Sentence for Ex-Officer Convicted in Breonna Taylor Raid: The chief of the Justice Department’s civil rights unit has asked a federal judge to sentence a Louisville police officer convicted in the 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor to one day in jail, a stunning reversal of the unit’s longstanding efforts to address racial disparities in policing. Last year, a federal jury in Kentucky convicted Brett Hankison, the officer, of one count of violating Ms. Taylor’s civil rights by using excessive force in discharging several shots through Ms. Taylor’s window during a drug raid that went awry.

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Meanwhile… In Opposite Land

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Wyoming…

On the first of this month, Wyoming residents began facing some of the nation’s harshest rules when registering to vote, and additional barriers may still be coming.

Wyoming became the second state to require that all would-be voters provide physical documentation of their citizenship to vote in any election, as conservatives step up their nationwide push for policies to bar noncitizens from voter rolls, despite a lack of evidence this is a meaningful problem. […]

The reform, House Bill 156, was adopted into law by the GOP-led legislature in March. But it is the brainchild of Secretary of State Chuck Gray, a Republican who became Wyoming’s chief election official in 2022 after campaigning on accusations that the nation’s elections are “rigged” and amplifying Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 presidential race was stolen from him due to large numbers of noncitizens voting illegally. […]

Critics of the law stress that women will be disproportionately affected by these restrictions; they may have changed their name due to marriage since they were issued these documents. Some voters in New Hampshire in March experienced difficulties voting due to a mismatch between their married name and their birth certificate, and legal experts in relation to the SAVE Act, a federal bill that passed the U.S. House in March that would impose proof-of-citizenship laws nationwide.

* Arkansas…

A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that Arkansas can enforce its ban on critical race theory in classrooms, ruling the First Amendment doesn’t give students the right to compel the state to offer its instruction in public schools.

A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a preliminary injunction issued against the ban, one of several changes adopted under an education overhaul that Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed in 2023. […]

“Just as ordinary citizens cannot require the government to express a certain viewpoint or maintain a prior message, students cannot oblige the government to maintain a particular curriculum or offer certain materials in that curriculum based on the Free Speech Clause,” the judges ruled. […]

The judges said they weren’t minimizing the students’ concerns “whether in this case or in the abstract — about a government that decides to exercise its discretion over the public school curriculum by prioritizing ideological interests over educational ones.”

“But the Constitution does not give courts the power to block government action based on mere policy disagreements,” the court said.

* The Atlantic…

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spent a lot of his time as health secretary on the road. Late last month, he spoke at an event in Baton Rouge and lamented how Americans have gotten sicker and sicker over the years. “When my uncle was president, I was a 10-year-old boy—we had the healthiest children in the world,” he said, flanked by supporters in green MAHA Louisiana hats. The day before, Kennedy gave a near-identical speech in Oklahoma City, this time surrounded by people holding signs that read OK ❤️ RFK Jr. and Make Oklahoma Healthy Again.

Kennedy traveled to both states to celebrate their efforts to take up his MAHA agenda. In Oklahoma, RFK Jr. joined the signing of a pair of orders that will begin the process of pulling fluoride from the state’s water supply and blocking the purchase of soda using food stamps. In Louisiana, the health secretary was there when the state enacted a bill that forces food companies to put warnings on their products if they contain certain artificial food dyes, preservatives, or dozens of other additives. These were just two stops on a nationwide tour that has also taken RFK Jr. to several other states—including Arizona, Utah, and West Virginia—that are pushing forward with his ideas, especially on food. In some cases, Kennedy has cheered from afar: “Texas is leading the way,” he posted on X last month, after the Lone Star State passed its own MAHA-style bill similar to Louisiana’s.

Though RFK Jr. has the power to enact monumental change, much of MAHA’s actual successes at reforming the American diet haven’t come from Washington. While states pass law after law cracking down on food, Kennedy’s own biggest action to date has been relatively modest: a campaign pressuring food companies to voluntarily remove synthetic food dyes from their products. The states are out-MAHAing the MAHA king, much to his pleasure.

To some degree, RFK Jr. was always going to need help from the states. Although he has repeatedly called for a ban on purchasing soda using food stamps, the health secretary can’t make it happen without action from states such as Oklahoma. State legislators started introducing various MAHA bills right as Kennedy was being confirmed to his position. In March, Kennedy visited West Virginia when it became one of the first states to pass such a bill into law, banning seven artificial dyes from being served in schools. The laws in Louisiana and Texas are far more sweeping, among the most stringent food policies that have been passed by states in recent memory. In Texas, a range of products that include common food additives will have to specify on the package that they are “not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.” Louisiana has a similar warning-label rule, and mandates that any restaurant serving food cooked in seed oils has to display a disclaimer in the store.

* Utah…

When Utah lawmakers took away the ability of communities to fluoridate their drinking water this year, they legalized an alternative: to let Utah pharmacists sell fluoride supplements without a prescription.

Now the federal Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to ban those supplements for children — because, according to an FDA news release from May, those products could alter the beneficial microorganisms in the human gut.

However, Dr. James Bekker, a pediatric dentist from Utah, argues that the FDA’s current conclusions are based on faulty studies. What’s more, appropriate doses of ingestible fluoride are not just safe, but can provide kids with benefits they wouldn’t get through topical fluoride alone. […]

Besides taking the choice out of the hands of Utah parents, Bekker said such a ban would likely lead to other consequences: More cavities, higher overall healthcare costs and more children receiving oral care under general anesthetic in a hospital setting.

* Texas…

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is pushing Texas Republicans to redraw the state’s congressional maps to create more House seats favorable to his party, part of a broader effort to help the GOP retain control of the chamber in next year’s midterm elections.

The president’s directive signals part of the strategy Trump is likely to take to avoid a repeat of his first term, when Democrats flipped the House just two years into his presidency. It comes shortly before the GOP-controlled Texas Legislature is scheduled to begin a special session next week during which it will consider new congressional maps to further marginalize Democrats in the state. […]

Some Texas Republicans have been hesitant about redrawing the maps because there’s only so many new seats a party can grab before its incumbents are put at risk. Republicans gain new seats by relocating Democratic voters out of competitive areas and into other GOP-leaning ones, which may then turn competitive with the influx.

“There comes the point where you slice the baloney too thin and it backfires,” said Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Maybe Illinois could join in?…

* Idaho…

Idaho residents should be prepared to pay up if they’re caught with marijuana, even a small amount, after a new law mandated a minimum fine for anyone in possession of the substance. The law took effect July 1 and compels judges to implement the $300 fine on anyone with less than 3 ounces of marijuana in their possession.

While having more than 3 ounces of pot is a felony, the smaller amount falls under a more general part of Idaho drug law that classifies possession of a Schedule I drug as a misdemeanor. Judges previously had the discretion to instate any fine up to $1,000 for misdemeanor marijuana possession. They could also essentially waive the fine, aside from court costs.

That is no longer an option. […]

[Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa] said that like raising the price of a traffic ticket, the purpose of the bill is to deter recreational marijuana use, which is legal for recreational use in all but two of Idaho’s six border states — Utah, where medicinal use is legal, and Wyoming, where the drug is illegal.

* Texas…

Texas lawmakers will convene next week for a special session to consider legislation addressing the deadly floods that devastated parts of the state earlier this month — and a bill regarding which restrooms transgender Texans can use.

When Gov. Greg Abbott initially called for a special session in June, it was to tackle six bills he had vetoed during the regular session, among them a contentious measure that would have banned hemp products containing THC. But after flash floods overwhelmed parts of central Texas on July 4 — resulting in at least 120 deaths with many more still missing — the intended focus shifted to flood relief.

However, when the governor’s 18-point agenda was released last week, it included far more than flood-related measures. In addition to considering bills that would restrict hemp products, Abbott has also asked lawmakers to consider legislation “further protecting unborn children and their mothers from the harm of abortion” and legislation “protecting women’s privacy in sex-segregated spaces.”

On Monday, the first day lawmakers were able to file bills for the special session, none of the 82 measures filed mentioned the deadly July 4 floods, according to KXAN-TV, NBC’s Austin affiliate.

14 Comments

Sen. DeWitte bows out of reelection

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Senator Donald DeWitte Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

West Dundee, Illinois— Illinois State Senator Donald P. DeWitte (R-St. Charles), a respected voice in the Illinois Legislature and a dedicated public servant for over three decades, announced today that he will not seek re-election at the conclusion of his current Senate term. Known for his steady leadership, pragmatic policymaking, and unwavering commitment to his constituents, DeWitte’s decision marks the end of a notable chapter in local and state politics.

“This has not been an easy decision,” DeWitte said. “Serving the people of the 33rd Senate District and previously as the Mayor of St. Charles have been among the greatest honors of my life. But after careful thought, heartfelt conversations with my wife, and deep reflection on what’s best for both my constituents and my own future, I have decided not to seek another term.”

DeWitte currently serves as the Minority Spokesperson for the influential Senate Revenue and Senate Transportation Committees, and also serves on the Senate Appropriations, Education, Environment & Conservation, Labor, and State Government Committees. Additionally, he serves the Senate Republican Caucus on the bipartisan and bicameral Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) and the Commission on Government Forecasting & Accountability (COGFA), which both require collaborative governance and consensus-building across party lines.

Upon his retirement from the Senate, DeWitte’s public service will have spanned nearly 35 years. He was first elected Alderman in the City of St. Charles in 1993, serving until 2005 before being elected Mayor, a position he held until 2013. He was then appointed to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) as Kane County’s representative until 2018, when he was appointed to the Illinois Senate. He was elected to full Senate terms in 2019 and 2023. DeWitte is also an Edgar Fellow, Class of 2019, as part of a statewide leadership development initiative that emphasizes bipartisan cooperation and ethical governance.

While serving in the Illinois Senate, DeWitte has been instrumental in advancing key legislation in areas such as transportation and infrastructure development, education reform, public safety, and working to create a stronger business environment. He has earned a reputation for working across the aisle and putting people over politics, fostering bipartisan solutions in an increasingly polarized climate.

DeWitte emphasized that his decision is not a retirement from public life, but rather a redirection of his energy. “I still believe deeply in public service, and I intend to remain active in our community and in our great state, working to support causes that strengthen our state and uplift those who need a voice.”

At this time, DeWitte says he intends to complete his current term, which expires in January of 2027.

“My priority remains serving the people who placed their trust in me. Over the next 18 months, I will continue to push forward the work we’ve started and will do my best to ensure a smooth transition to the next seat-holder.”

The petition circulation process for the 2026 election cycle begins in August of this year.

DeWitte is one of a handful of Republicans who works to be as bipartisan as he can, considering the times. He won the Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Senate Republican in 2021…

(A) classy guy who represents the “just get it done and don’t embarrass us” attitude most of his constituents (of all political stripes) hold. His work with Sen. Villivalam on the Transportation Committee is a model for bipartisan collaboration.

* The precincts that currently make up Sen. DeWitte’s district have collectively leaned Democratic starting in 2020. Not a single statewide Republican has carried it since then, albeit in the low-to-mid single digits.

In other words, he may have had a tough race next year and the SDems are probably favored to pick up the open seat, depending on candidates, etc.

Republican Rep. Dan Ugaste and Democratic Rep. Suzanne Ness are his two House members.

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SB 328: Separating Lies From Truth

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department

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Pritzker says $241.8 million federal funding for Illinois schools being withheld

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Governor JB Pritzker led an effort with governors from 16 states calling upon Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to release approximately $6.8 billion that the Trump Administration is withholding from schools and students across America, including in Illinois. Governors from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin all signed onto the letter, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the withholding.

In a new letter, the governors detailed the impact of these missed payments across the nation’s education system and urged the Department to follow the law and fulfill their basic obligation to distribute funding appropriated by Congress.

“The Trump administration is not only openly flouting the law, they are abandoning their responsibility to our students,” said Governor JB Pritzker.“This unprecedented and irresponsible withholding of lawful, bipartisan funding will force cuts to critical programs and hold back the next generation from reaching their full potential.”

Based on fiscal year 2025 grant awards, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) estimates the Trump Administration is currently withholding $241.8 million from Illinois schools, community colleges and adult education providers and students. Impacted programs include:

• $75.6 million for Supporting Effective Instruction to support 784 local educational agencies and the mentoring of approximately 250 novice superintendents, in addition to providing more than 142,000 professional learning subscriptions for educators through the Ed Leaders Network.

• $30.4 million for English Language Acquisition to provide direct support to 293,070 English learners in 274 districts and 56,842 eligible immigrant students in 137 districts, in addition to supporting professional development, targeted technical assistance, and program monitoring efforts for an estimated 630 districts serving approximately 335,000 English learners.

• $56.6 million for Student Support and Academic Enrichment to increase capacity, provide access to well-rounded education, improve school conditions, and enhance technology and digital literacy in 571 local educational agencies.

• $54.3 million for 21st Century Community Learning Centers to support 118 grants for afterschool programming in public and private entities serving approximately 375 program sites.

• $1.9 million for Migrant Education to serve approximately 1,200 eligible students who are or whose parents are migratory workers.

• $20 million for Adult Education Basic Grants to support a continuum of education programming and services including basic literary and skills instruction, digital literacy, college and career readiness, integrated education and training, and employability skill development.

• $3 million for Adult Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education to support English learners with skills needed for employment in high-demand industries.

Delaying the release of these funds will have significant immediate and long-term consequences for learners at all levels in every corner of the state. School leaders will be forced to make impossible budgeting decisions without these promised and legally entitled federal funds, including postponing hiring or eliminating instructional positions. Students may also lose access to summer and afterschool programs, tutoring, and language support.

Governor Pritzker has made expanding educational opportunity a priority throughout his tenure. His administration has increased funding for Illinois schools every year in office, with a total increase of more than $2.5 billion. In higher education, funding for MAP grants and scholarships has increased by more than 75% and annual funding for public universities and community colleges has grown by more than $250 million.

Discuss.

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No deal, no special session: Buckner says transit talks not there yet

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Last month, House transit negotiator Rep. Kam Buckner told Crain’s he’d be open to a transit special session—if a deal can be reached.

A key legislative leader says he’s open to the idea of a special session in Springfield to work out a fix on mass transit.

“I’d be open to it,” said Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, one of the legislative leaders in the Illinois House of Representatives. “We’ve got to first come to an agreement. . . .There is nothing right now that we can pass in summer session because we haven’t worked out those hanging chads.” […]

“This is a special situation where a special session may be warranted,” Buckner said during a City Club of Chicago luncheon today. “But I want to remind folks we still have some work to do. If we called a special session next week, nothing would happen because we’re not ready.”

Rich told subscribers late last month that key negotiators, including the Speaker and Senate President, don’t see the point in returning to Springfield without a transit deal.

* Yesterday, Buckner signaled that a transit agreement still hasn’t been reached, telling Evanston Now a special session isn’t on the horizon…

One of the main legislators trying to keep Illinois mass transit from going over a fiscal cliff told an Evanston audience on Wednesday night that lawmakers have a “complete commitment” to resolving the transportation funding crisis.

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) said that there is a sense of urgency in Springfield that “we must get this done,” but a special legislative session, at least for now, is not on the horizon. […]

However, Buckner said there’s no need for a special session as long as there is still no package ready for a vote.

Still, Bucker said he does expect an agreement to prevent mass transit from “careening” over the fiscal cliff. […]

Buckner did not say what type of revenue enhancements might end up in a transit bill. A food delivery fee which was part of a Senate plan during the last session was criticized by some as a “pizza tax.”

Thoughts?

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When RETAIL Succeeds, Illinois Succeeds

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Findings of a recent economic study were clear — the retail sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy and crucial to our everyday lives. Retail in Illinois directly contributes more than $112 billion in economic investment annually – more than 10 percent of the state’s total Gross Domestic Product.

Retailers like Chris in DeKalb enrich our economy and strengthen our communities. We Are Retail and IRMA showcase the retailers who make Illinois work.

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Catching up with the federal candidates (Updated x2)

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Raja Krishnamoorthi is out with another statewide TV ad…

* Transcript…

When I was a kid, my dad lost his income. Hard work, public housing and food stamps moved us into the middle class. That’s why in congress we built up job training and took down price gougers. But now Trump’s destroying opportunities like my family had. So every time Trump hurts working people, I fight back.

Because I’m an underdog too. I’m Raja Krishnamoorthi. Yes, the just call me Raja guy.

* Playbook…

Congressman Krishnamoorthi just announced endorsements from Cook County Democratic Party leaders including Chicago Alds. Pat Dowell (3rd), David Moore (17th) and Chris Taliaferro (29th) and some suburban committeemen, including Frank Avino of Norwood Park and Larry Dominick of Cicero, among others.

Lt. Gov. Stratton, meanwhile, has lined up support from House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and state Reps. Kelly Cassidy and Tracy Katz Muhl — all with seats at the slating table.

And Congresswoman Kelly has staked her claim, announcing support from Chicago Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th), committeemen Bob Rita of Calumet Township and Vernard Alsberry of Bremen Township.

…Adding… Looks like Krishnamoorthi quietly took Dominick’s name out of a Facebook post after including his endorsement…

This might be related to Cicero paying a $675,000 settlement in a sexual harassment case involving Dominick — or Dominick calling for the death penalty. His name also came up during Sen. Emil Jones III’s bribery trial, when Omar Maani testified he paid $23,000 to attorney Michael Del Galdo to show his “appreciation” for the Cicero Town President.

* Tribune…

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton may have the endorsement of the state’s wealthiest politician, billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker, but she finds herself at the bottom of the major Democratic U.S. Senate contenders when it comes to how much available cash she has to campaign with as the candidates approach nine months before the primary.

Stratton’s two congressional rivals, U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg and Robin Kelly of Matteson, benefited from their existing federal campaign accounts and ended June with multimillions of dollars available in their bank accounts, campaign finance reports filed this week with the Federal Election Commission showed.

Stratton, Pritzker’s two-time running mate, on April 24 became the first candidate to announce she wanted to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Campaign reports covering the April-through-June second quarter of the year showed Stratton raised nearly $1.1 million, spent $417,286, and began July 1 with $666,416 in cash available. But a closer review of her fundraising shows that about $185,000 of that amount must be used for the Nov. 3 general election and is unavailable for her use in the March 17 primary. […]

Krishnamoorthi began April with nearly $19.5 million in his campaign account and raised more than $3.1 million from April through June. That left him with $21.1 million in cash available at the start of July. About $1.1 million of that total is reserved for general election spending.

* Capitol News Illinois…

[Robin Kelly] says money isn’t going to decide the race.

“They have a lot of money, but you know what, I’m just using every opportunity to tell my story and I don’t feel like I need the most money in the race to win the race because I feel like I have an excellent story to tell,” Kelly said.

Between her two campaign committees for her U.S. House seat and a new committee for her Senate bid, Kelly raised $565,775 from April 1 through June 30 and has $2 million in her campaign accounts.

Her donors include a lengthy list of corporate political action committees, many local officials in her 2nd Congressional District, and some notable names in Illinois government. They include former state Sen. Jacqueline Collins, Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt and Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. Gordon also contributed to Stratton’s campaign.

* Center Square…

[US Rep. Robin Kelly] said most people want a roof over their head, a job, health care, good education for their children.

“And they want to feel safe no matter where you live,” Kelly said. “I think most people want that.”

Kelly said what sets her apart from other announced Democratic candidates for the job is her ability to navigate Congress, where she’s been since 2013.

“So I’m the one that has passed federal legislation to affect urban, suburban and rural areas,” she said.

* Moving on to the 2nd Congressional District. Tribune…

Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. this week filed paperwork to create an exploratory committee for a possible run in the state’s 2nd Congressional District, the seat he held for almost 17 years before resigning amid a corruption probe.

Jackson said in a statement that “it is my intention to secure a place on the ballot” by circulating nominating petitions in the 2nd Congressional District. […]

Leading the way in fundraising so far is state Sen. Robert Peters, a South Side native who’s held a seat previously occupied by Attorney General Kwame Raoul and President Barack Obama since 2019. In the three months ending June 30, Peters raised more than $415,000, and he entered July with nearly $375,000 in his campaign account, Federal Election Commission records show.

The largest contribution to Peters, whose endorsements include U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is $10,000 from the Progressive Turnout Project, a Chicago-based political action committee. He’s also received several contributions from current and former Illinois Senate colleagues. […]

The quarterly reports for others in the race show Adal Regis, who worked in Kelly’s district office on grants, raised nearly $22,000 and had almost $15,000 on hand as of July 1; while management consultant Eric France raised more than $13,000 and had more than $1,800 on hand. Yumeka Brown, the three-term village clerk of Matteson and a commissioner on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board, had $500 in the bank at the end of June.

* Daily Herald…

As he campaigns for a seventh term, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of Highland Park is dramatically outraising and outspending the political neophyte challenging him in the 2026 Democratic primary, new federal records show.

Schneider reported collecting $512,985 in campaign contributions between April 1 and June 30. On the other side of the ledger, his campaign committee spent $301,429 during those three months.

Challenger Morgan Coghill, a business owner from Mundelein, started fundraising in May and reported collecting $10,366 through June — and that figure included $5,600 in loans to the campaign from the candidate. Coghill’s campaign reportedly spent $3,022 during the quarter.

…Adding… More from Capitol News Illinois…

TV advertising has already begun in Illinois’ 2026 Democrat primary for U.S. Senate, and new fundraising numbers released Tuesday show the race is shaping up to be expensive. […]

Six Republicans have filed as candidates with the Federal Elections Commission but did not raise substantial amounts of money. They include Casey Chlebek, a former IT professional who is active in Polish-American civic groups; Douglas Bennett, who ran unsuccessfully in the 10th Congressional District in 2018; Air Force veteran John Goodman; Pamela Denise Long, an occupational therapist and former political commentator for Newsweek; former Illinois International Port District board member Cary Capparelli, and Westchester resident Panagioti Bartzis.

On the Democrat side, four other candidates have filed with the FEC: Kevin Ryan, a Marine veteran and diplomat; Christopher Swann, a program manager for Feeding America; Carmi resident Stan Leavell, and Awisi Bustos, CEO of the Illinois Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs.

Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Juliana Stratton, Christopher Swann, Kevin Ryan and Jump Shepherd are on the Cook County Democratic Party’s Friday slating schedule for Durbin’s Senate seat.

* More…

Evanston Now | Boarini drains, Biss pads mayor race accounts:

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Hexaware: Your Globally Local IT Services Partner

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

As a global IT services company rooted in communities around the world, Hexaware combines deep industry expertise with cutting-edge solutions to boost productivity, create new opportunities, and strengthen economies everywhere. Our Corporate Video showcases our transparent, action-oriented approach—from local community initiatives to enterprise-scale programs—designed to deliver real results you can see and measure.

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Open thread

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Johnny Cash & Johnny Rodriguez cover a 1948 Woody Guthrie composition…

Some of us are illegal, and others not wanted,
Our work contract’s out and we have to move on;
Six hundred miles to the Mexican border,
They chase us like rustlers, like outlaws, like thieves.

Tell us what’s going on by you.

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Isabel’s morning briefing (Updated)

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: More than 900 people now say they were abused at Illinois youth prisons. Sun-Times…

* Related stories…

∙ Shaw Local: Survivors’ lawyers say Illinois has one of nation’s worst records on sex abuse in juvenile detention
∙ Fox Chicago: Nearly 1,000 lawsuits allege sexual abuse at Illinois, Cook County juvenile detention centers
∙ Tribune: Another 107 former detainees allege sexual abuse in Illinois and Cook County youth detention centers
∙ NBC Chicago: Former juvenile inmates claiming sexual abuse by staff in Illinois grows to more than 900

*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***

* LSR | BetMGM, Hard Rock Bet Set IL Sports Betting Minimums: Starting Wednesday, BetMGM requires all Illinois sports betting customers to stake at least $2.50 on all wager types, including straight bets, parlays, Same Game Parlays, round robins, and bonus bets. BetMGM notified customers of the change earlier this week. Hard Rock Bet implemented a similar policy, requiring a $2 bet minimum that similarly applies to all bet types.

* Sun-Times | Governor JB Pritzker pens letter urging President Trump’s education secretary to unfreeze $6.8B in grants: Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday joined 13 Democratic governors in demanding that Education Secretary Linda McMahon release $6.8 billion in education grants that are being withheld by the Trump administration. The letter to McMahon comes just days after 24 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over the funding freeze in education grants for K-12 schools and adult education. States were notified that the grants were being withheld on June 30 — and more than 100 House Democrats also wrote a letter to McMahon last week, pressing for her to “follow the law” and release the funds ahead of the new school year.

* Press Release | AG Raoul sues Trump Administration for unlawfully ending disaster mitigation program: Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 states, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its attempt to illegally shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, designed to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike. For the past 30 years, the BRIC program has provided communities across the nation with resources to fortify their infrastructure against natural disasters. By focusing on preparation, the program has protected property, saved money that would have otherwise been spent on post-disaster costs, reduced injuries and saved lives.

*** Statewide ***

* WAND | IDFPR launches 24 additional license types to new licensing system: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has announced that 24 additional professions can now obtain licensure through the Department’s newly launched online licensing system, known as CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment).
This announcement signifies the successful conclusion of Phase 2.3 of CORE, with the final segment of Phase 2 expected to wrap up this summer.

* Press Release | Democratic County Chairs’ announce Party Builder honorees: Today, the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) announced the remaining members of the Class of 2025 Party Builder Award honorees to be honored at the 2025 Annual County Chairs’ Brunch on Wednesday, August 13th at the BOS Center in Springfield. The Party Builder Award was established eight years ago to thank those who have shown exceptional dedication to strengthening the Democratic Party. The newest Party Builder Award honorees are Terry Redman, Chair of the DeWitt County Democratic Party, the Vice President of the IDCCA, and the State Central Committeeman for the 15th Congressional District, and the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership (IWIL) Training Academy, an organization that prepares and trains Democratic, pro-choice women to run for elected office, seek public appointments, and govern at all levels in Illinois.

*** Statehouse News ***

* Sun-Times | Illinois leaders blast State Farm as it hikes home insurance rates: The Illinois Department of Insurance has the power to sue insurance companies over rate hikes once they’re in effect. But state Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, said that process could take a couple of years. He introduced a bill this year that would require insurance companies to get prior approval from the state insurance department for any rate increases of 5% or more, with a 30-day public comment period following a proposed rate increase of more than 10%. Hastings’ bill would have also capped rate hikes at 15% per year, unless the insurer could provide evidence of increased claims due to natural disasters. The proposal went nowhere.

* Civic leaders | Gov. JB Pritzker should veto bitter pension sweetener for Chicago: But now, the bill on its way to Pritzker’s desk would undo much of that work, making the city less affordable, putting its credit rating at risk and shifting the cost to future generations. Illinois politicians have been doing this to the city for decades, and we are hopeful that our governor will end this fiscally irresponsible practice. At a minimum, we should have an honest assessment of the short- and long-term costs and consequences.

* CNI | Comptroller Mendoza won’t run for reelection, opening up statewide office: While she didn’t commit to a run, she said she is “leaving the door open.” Several U.S. House seats are up for grabs, along with Illinois’ first open U.S. Senate seat since 2010. But when asked whether she was interested in a position in Congress, Mendoza laughed. “No thank you,” she quickly said Thursday, before moving on to questions about a potential mayoral bid.

* Others eyeing Mendoza’s seat are Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and Rep. Margaret Croke…

Sen. Karina Villa is reportedly also considering a comptroller bid pic.twitter.com/SKdX18itF7

— Capitol Fax (@capitolfax) July 17, 2025

…Adding… Sen. Karina Villa is on tomorrow’s Cook County Democratic Party slating schedule for Comptroller.

* Yesterday, Mendoza left the door open to a Chicago mayoral bid…

.@susanamendoza10 has been a leader and friend of mine for decades. I applauded her service to our city and our state. https://t.co/GEHy07roPs

— Ald. Raymond Lopez (@RaymondALopez) July 16, 2025

*** Chicago ***

* Sun-Times | City Council adjourns for summer recess after approving ethics reform, but without authorizing ‘granny flats’: The City Council adjourned for the summer Wednesday after approving another round of ethics reforms and $35.2 million more in police abuse settlements, but punting on the thorny issue of whether to authorize “granny flats” citywide. Before heading off for the annual August recess, alderpersons also gave a royal send-off to retiring Zoning Committee Chair Walter Burnett (27th). If there was a vote for Mr. Congeniality, Burnett would win it hands-down. He is, by far, the Council’s most popular member.

* Crain’s | As Burnett exits City Council, Johnson’s in a bind to find a new Zoning chair: Johnson turned to Burnett last summer only after the post had been vacant for 10 months following Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, stepping down after apologizing for briefly physically blocking a colleague from entering the City Council chamber during a heated meeting. The normally routine elevation of a mayoral ally to a leadership position vexed the mayor’s office as it couldn’t round up the votes for the mayor’s desired pick, despite Johnson personally making calls on behalf of combative progressive ally, Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th.

* Tribune | ComEd’s $10M relief fund running out after 60,000 customers apply in first week: “Based on the high demand seen, we anticipate the fund will soon close, and ComEd will make an announcement once funds are fully exhausted,” ComEd spokesperson Lauren Huffman said Wednesday. Exelon, the utility’s Chicago-based parent company, is donating the relief money for the fund, which is being administered through Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and The Salvation Army. The application process began July 7 and the agencies are sorting through thousands of customer requests seeking a share of the $10 million, Huffman said.

* WBEZ | Mom sues CPS over alleged ‘extreme acts’ of racist bullying and sexual misconduct against daughter: The lawsuit is seeking monetary damages of at least $50,000 for the young girl, who expressed suicidal thoughts in the wake of the bullying. Sher’Ron Hinton, the girl’s mother, and her attorneys say they also want CPS to agree to systemic reforms, including the creation of an office to address bullying. A CPS spokesperson said officials do not comment on pending litigation, but noted that the district “is committed to the safety and well-being of our students.”

* Crain’s | Frederick Ford, who broke barriers as Union League Club’s first Black president, dies at 98: The beloved accountant was a pioneer among minority communities as the first Black member and first Black president of the prestigious Union League Club of Chicago, and a champion of its admittance of women. Originally from Missouri, Ford climbed up the ranks as an accountant in Chicago to become executive vice president and chief financial officer at Draper & Kramer, a real estate development and financial services firm, breaking the industry’s color barriers years before the civil rights movement took hold.

* Block Club | Artis Restaurant And Lounge Closes For Good After River North Mass Shooting: Owners Brandi Artis and Brittany Artis announced the closure Tuesday afternoon in a social media post. Their decision follows Ald. Brendan Reilly’s (42nd) call for the restaurant to be permanently shut down in the wake of the shooting. “Our curated space of love and acceptance was threatened by a senseless act of hate … We will continue to grow through the pain and find ways to heal, together,” the owners wrote in their statement.

* AP | Puppies rescued from flood-stricken Texas arrive at Chicago shelter: Nine puppies from parts of Texas submerged by catastrophic flooding that killed at least 132 people arrived Wednesday at the no-kill shelter PAWS Chicago, joining dozens of puppies that had already arrived. The critters landed by plane at Waukesha Airport in Wisconsin then made a three-hour journey by van to Chicago.

* WGN | Ryne Sandberg shares health update amid cancer battle: Beloved Chicago Cub and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg took to social media Wednesday to share an update on his health. Sandberg, 65, announced in December his prostate cancer has relapsed and spread. He shared the following update with fans on Instagram Wednesday.

* Tribune | Chicago Sky players voice solidarity as WNBA and union brace for a potential work stoppage in November: “There’s so much at stake right now,” Sky forward Michaela Onyenwere said. “We need to put pressure on the league. If that means sitting out, we’re ready for it. It’s empowering in the way that we have a voice to make a change in our league.” The current CBA is set to expire Oct. 31. If the league and players don’t reach an agreement by then, a work stoppage could begin.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Daily Herald | Naperville may increase local sales tax to offset grocery tax repeal: Naperville officials are leaning toward a home rule sales tax increase to help offset the loss of revenue from the elimination of a statewide grocery sales tax. City council members on Tuesday voted 5-4 on a first reading of an ordinance for a 0.25% increase to the home rule sales tax with a two-year sunset clause. A final vote on the matter is expected in August.

* Shaw Local | Woodstock sales tax hike wins City Council approval: After a public hearing on the tax increase – which is allowed without voter approval because of the city’s home-rule status – the Woodstock City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the additional sales tax, as well as an upcoming bond sale to pay for part of the $9.3 million renovation. The change will bring the total sales tax rate that shoppers in Woodstock will pay to 8.5% when the increase in the local tax goes into effect Jan. 1.

* Shaw Local | Will County agrees to $85,000 settlement in lawsuit claiming violation of sanctuary laws: Will County reached an $85,000 settlement in a federal lawsuit claiming that county law enforcement violated sanctuary laws with the detention of an immigrant who was the key witness of a reckless homicide. The 2023 lawsuit filed by Norberto Salvador Navarro was dismissed in March in response to the settlement.

* Daily Southtown | Orland Park hits snag in replacing lead water lines; homeowners say no: Officials are trying to find a work-around that doesn’t involve going to court to force the homeowners to go along. For now it isn’t a big deal. Although the village has to report its progress in eliminating the lines, it could face fines come 2027 if it doesn’t reach the goal, according to Public Works Director Joel Van Essen. Trustees recently discussed options, including trying to convince the four recalcitrant property owners to share in the cost of replacing the lines. The village said it is expecting the per-home cost to replace the lines at $10,000 to $15,000, but is saying the total cost could be as much as $80,000 for the four homes.

* Aurora Beacon-News | Aurora City Council to consider reorganization of various city divisions: Laesch told The Beacon-News in an interview earlier this month that the changes were made based on “common sense,” efficiency of operations and his own priorities as mayor. In Aurora City Council committee meetings, he has said the changes were made after talking with city staff. Likely the largest of the proposed changes is that the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs will no longer exist. The three divisions previously under that department will be spread out across the city: equity and engagement will each be made into their own sub-department under the control of the Mayor’s Office, while special events will be taken over by the communications department.

*** Downstate ***

* WCIA | ‘Lack of trust’; Mattoon community powering through second ‘do not drink’ order: Community members said while they know the city is working to combat this issue, they could also work on communication. Genna McCaslin said she and others who live slightly outside the city have gotten some emergency alerts to their phones, but not consistently.

* WCIA | Dozens still living in condemned apartment complex in Champaign: The 29 buildings at the Champaign Park apartments were all condemned in June, after years of neglect from an out-of-town landlord. “We think there’s 100 people here,” Danielle Chynoweth, supervisor of Cunningham Township, said. “Just standing here I’ve seen over a dozen people in the few minutes I’ve stood here.”

* Telegraph | SRO crowd complains about water at Bethalto Village Board meeting: Many brought bottles of brown water taken from their taps, while others brought articles of clothing damaged or ruined by the water. Others brought photographs and told stories about their added expenses for bottled water or filters, concerns about potential effects of drinking the discolored water or other health issues. While some talked about moving out of the village, others demanded that they be reimbursed for extra expenses, and suggested the village provide bottled water for them to drink.

* WTVO | Belvidere votes against 1% grocery tax. How much could you save?: The Belvidere City Council unanimously voted to drop the 1% grocery tax in 2026. Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law eliminating the grocery tax in Illinois, leaving it up to local municipalities to choose to continue it after January 1st, 2026. “The city of Belvidere is going to do just fine without it,” said Mayor Clint Morris. “And, you know, I think it’s the right thing to do.”

* WAND | Lucky Horseshoes, Springfield Park District still at odds over stadium dispute: The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes and the Springfield Park District continue to battle over what to do with Robin Roberts Stadium, the home of the ‘Shoes. The stadium is controlled by the Park District, but the team wants it to be transferred to a non-profit organization called “Friends of Robin Roberts Stadium,” which is controlled by the team, citing a lack of upgrades and repairs.

* WTVO | Oregon school district releases strict discipline guidelines for cellphone ban policy: The Oregon School District announced this week that it would be partnering with the company Yondr for lockable pouches for students to stow their cellphones during classes. “Beginning August 13th, we will launch the Yondr Phone-Free Schools Program – a proven, bell-to-bell approach that supports student focus, well-being, and connection by removing mobile phone distractions during the school day,” Principal Jen Speakes said in a letter to parents.

* WQAD | Carl Sandburg College building new agriculture incubator thanks to $1.8M grant: The State of Illinois has awarded $7 million to four colleges around the state to enhance tech incubator programs. Locally, Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg received $1.8 million in funding and will use the money to renovate a new agriculture incubator for students. The Sandburg Annex building, located in downtown Galesburg, was once used to host Sandberg’s dental hygiene program. In the next year, the space will be a beacon of mentoring and business development for anyone interested in agriculture.

* WTVO | Rockford gets a pro soccer franchise in MLIS: A couple local men want to take soccer in Rockford to another level, the professional level. Starting this coming winter, Rockford will have a men’s pro team in Major League Indoor Soccer. Fernando Rodriguez, a life-long Rockford resident and Raul Sanchez, a native of Cuba who played soccer for East High School have been a part of the Rockford soccer scene for many years as players, instructors and running youth teams. Recently, they were awarded an expansion franchise in Major League Indoor Soccer (MLIS). It’s called the Rockford Thunder.

*** National ***

* AP | Senate passes $9 billion in spending cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid requested by Trump: The legislation, which now moves to the House, would have a tiny impact on the nation’s rising debt but could have major ramifications for the targeted spending, from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to U.S. food aid programs abroad. It also could complicate efforts to pass additional spending bills this year, as Democrats and even some Republicans have argued they are ceding congressional spending powers to Trump with little idea of how the White House Office of Management and Budget would apply the cuts.

* BBC | The atomic bomb marker inside your body: One of the earliest uses of the bomb spike was to assist crime investigators seeking to identify the age of unidentified human remains. Forensic scientists have found that they can measure bomb carbon-14 in teeth, bones, hair or even the lens of the eye to help them estimate how old a person was, or when they died, according to Eden Centaine Johnstone-Belford of Monash University and Soren Blau of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in Australia. In a 2019 review, Centaine Johnstone-Belford and Blau cite multiple examples where the bomb spike has informed police enquiries. For example, in 2010 investigators used it to confirm a body found in a northern Italian lake had been dumped there by the killer the previous year.

* The Atlantic | The States Are Going Full RFK Jr.: Though RFK Jr. has the power to enact monumental change, much of MAHA’s actual successes at reforming the American diet haven’t come from Washington. While states pass law after law cracking down on food, Kennedy’s own biggest action to date has been relatively modest: a campaign pressuring food companies to voluntarily remove synthetic food dyes from their products. The states are out-MAHAing the MAHA king, much to his pleasure.

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Selected press releases (Live updates)

Thursday, Jul 17, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

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Live coverage

Thursday, Jul 17, 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.

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