Today, Governor JB Pritzker directed agencies to report on potential impacts of President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional federal funding cuts for Illinois’ most vulnerable communities and people. While the State will continue fighting these illegal actions, there are several areas of urgent concern the State will continue monitoring:
Access Issues for Federal Funding Portals
Despite official information from the federal government stating that programs that provide assistance directly to individuals will not be impacted, state agencies and partner organizations reported issues accessing payment systems throughout the day on January 28. Federal officials have not responded to requests for more clarity or on the status of payments and the systems, further adding to the uncertainty. Illinois officials experienced issues with the following systems:
• Payment Management System (PMS) portal operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Throughout the day on January 28, 2025 Illinois officials and partners were unable to access the portal for at least part of the day for following programs:
o Medicaid and ACA expansion populations
o Home-delivered and congregate meal sites for seniors,
o Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (disaster recovery and mitigation programs)
o Child care and Head Start programs
o Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)
o Vaccinations and disease surveillance
• Electronic Line of Credit Control System (eLOCCS) portal operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
o Rental assistance programs for people who are homelessness and/or have disabilities.
Resources for Illinois Families and Children
• Medicaid:
o Provides health care to 3.3 million low-income Illinoisans including children.
• Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG):
o Supports child care for low-income families for 140,000 children in over 80,000 households.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
o Assists 300,000+ low-income households annually with energy bills.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):
o Provides cash assistance and work support for 75,000 low-income residents.
• Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid ReHousing:
o Provides housing support for approximately 2,600 families and 9,000 Illinoisans.
• Child Welfare Programs:
o Support for foster care services, adoption services, guardianship and reimbursement for residential placements, impacting 20,000 children in care statewide.
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP):
o Provides meals to children enrolled at participating daycare centers, as well as older individuals with disabilities at adult day centers, providing 1,000,000+ meals to Illinoisans per year.
Support for Older Illinoisians
• Administration for Community Living (ACL) programs, including:
o Nutrition programs - 13 million meals served in 2024
o Supportive Services (e.g., transportation, in-home care)
o Family Caregiver Support Programs – 16,000+ caregivers in Illinois
• Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP):
o Provides support to older Illinoisans with enrolling in healthcare. SHIP provided counseling to 103,000 beneficiaries in FY24.
• Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers (MIPPA):
o Helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries enroll in cost saving benefits, which supports 74,000 Illinoisans.
Critical Public Health Services for Illinoisans:
• Maternal and Child Health Services (Title V):
o Provides funding to improve the health of mothers and children through initiatives like prenatal care and infant screenings.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Programs:
o Funds mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services, including opioid response initiatives.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs):
o Funds health care for underserved populations, including preventive and primary care services.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants support programs for:
o Immunizations
o Disease surveillance (e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis)
o Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)
• Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program:
o Provides essential medical care and services for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• Preventive Health and Health Services (PHHS) Block Grant:
o Funds state-level public health initiatives, including chronic disease prevention and health promotion.
Support for Illinoisians with Disabilities
• Section 811 Housing:
o Provides housing support and services for persons with disabilities.
• The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD):
o State agency that advocates for policy changes to promote choice, independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities in Illinois.
• Employment Supports for Disabled Workers:
o Funding includes pre-employment transition services, supported employment programs, job training activities, and vocational rehabilitation programs.
• Respite Support for Families:
o Funding for emergency respite support for individuals with disabilities benefiting more than 1,100 families.
Economic Development for Illinois Communities
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG):
o Provides grants to communities to expand housing and other economic development efforts.
• Community Services Block Grant (CSBG):
o Provides funding to combat poverty through local programs like job training and housing assistance.
• State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI):
o Provides funding to help small businesses access low-interest loans, venture capital and other financing.
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title 1 Funding:
o Funds programs and resources to provide job search, education, and training activities to help jobseekers and our workforce.
Infrastructure:
• Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD):
o Access to significant federal funds for broadband expansion.
• Federal formula funding for transportation infrastructure:
o Includes highway, transit, and aeronautics programs and projects
• Federal discretionary grants funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act, including:
o National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program
o Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program
o Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant
o Airport Improvement Grants
o Port Infrastructure Grants
o Grants to Amtrak to improve passenger rail
o Rail Safety Grants
Agriculture
• Meat and Poultry Inspections:
o Provides risk oversight the entire meat and poultry supply chain. IDOA receives reimbursement from the federal government for up to half of its inspection activities.
Disaster Mitigation:
• Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Programs: Five state disaster programs are federally funded and would be unable to proceed:
o Public assistance (PA) and individual assistance (IA)
o Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
o Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
o Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
o Pre-disaster Mitigation (PDM)
Within minutes of the White House freezing billions in federal grants and loans, a federal judge temporarily blocked the funding pause from taking effect — issuing a "brief administrative stay" — until Monday at 5PM.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans that could total trillions of dollars.
U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked the action Tuesday afternoon, minutes before it was set to go into effect. The administrative stay pauses the freeze until Monday.
The White House had planned to start the pause as they begin an across-the-board ideological review of federal spending.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The governor just said the state was able to access the Medicaid system as of about an hour ago (around 3 o’clock).
*** UPDATE 3 *** Pritzker went off on the president today…
The United States Constitution clearly states that Congress has the power of the purse and sets laws to obligate federal funding for all 50 states. What Donald Trump tried to do in the last 24 hours is illegal.
Let’s be clear, this is a demonstration of cruelty against people who depend on us, working families who rely on federal assistance to pay their rent, people who need help paying their utility bills, parents who need critical programs like Head Start for quality, affordable child care, and 3.5 million Illinoisans who get their health insurance through Medicaid. Despite what the White House press secretary said at the podium earlier, I believe it is my duty to report to you the truth of what actually happened today in Illinois.
Donald Trump’s administration is lying to you. The White House’s attempt to walk back what they did today does not match what we saw on the ground.
They assured us that Medicaid would not be affected. That was a lie. Our state agencies were unable to access the Medicaid system until an hour ago, preventing payments for services. And this has been reported from states across the nation.
When we reached out to federal agencies, they informed us that they have been directed not to discuss any guidance with states. They have canceled previously scheduled meetings for this week.
The White House assured us that Head Start would not be affected. That was a lie. Providers across the state experienced outages and some were unable to make their payroll. They assured us that they were doing nothing to take away individual assistance from the most vulnerable people in our state, but they refused to say that they would restore LIHEAP, the low income housing, Energy Assistance Program, payments to support the unemployment system and meals on wheels. These are programs that hundreds of 1000s of illinoisians depend on, children, seniors, veterans, working parents.
Let’s just be clear about what happened over the last 24 hours. At 7:42pm last night, we saw a memo from the White House saying that they were pausing federal funding across the board. This morning, along with all 50 states across the country, we discovered that our ability to access critical federal funding had been cut off, and now the administration would like us to believe that these were just coincidental website outages.
Donald Trump and his administration have not earned the benefit of the doubt. They are either lying to us or they are critically incompetent. This is what happens when you staff the federal government full of project 2025 contributors that don’t have any experience governing and don’t think that the laws apply to them. The consequences of their actions are not hypothetical. They are not numbers on a spreadsheet. These are real people, ordinary Americans struggle, struggling to afford groceries, rent, and health care.
Please pardon all transcription errors.
…Adding… More from Pritzker…
I was very happy to hear as I entered this room today that an administrative stay has been granted. Let me assure you, the state of Illinois will fight this unlawful order with everything we have. We’re working with the Attorney General, who has moved forward with other states to continue pursuing legal action to protect the people of Illinois. Last November, on the day after the election, I made a promise to the people of Illinois when it comes to threats to our freedom, health or security. If you come for my people, you come through me.
…Adding… More Pritzker…
You think it’s an accident that the memo came out last night and then this morning, our state agencies, like Medicaid could not access those systems? It’s not an accident. The intention here is to disrupt. The intention here is to make cuts, and it will affect people all across our state.
…Adding… Pritzker…
When our agencies reached out to the federal agencies, we literally were informed that they are not to speak with us.
-30-
*** UPDATE 4 *** The attorney general’s lawsuit is here.
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* Background is here if you need it. Some of what I’m using in this post is in the other post, but I’m trying to refocus and make this more readable.
The federal government is now saying the Medicaid portal will be back up soonish. I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see…
Update from the White House on the Medicaid portal shutdown - spokesperson says payments are still being processed and should be back up and running: https://t.co/CGEBLt9xpl
A notice at the top of the federal Medicaid Payment Management System website on Tuesday read: “Due to Executive Orders regarding potentially unallowable grant payments, PMS is taking additional measures to process payments. Reviews of applicable programs and payments will result in delays and/or rejections of payments.”
So, we don’t really know what’s going on.
* But, as I noted on the earlier post, even if the system goes back into operation, we still don’t know the fate of trillions of federal funding dollars that are being held up. From the Sun-Times…
Trump’s administration announced the pause in federal grants, loans and other financial assistance as they embarked on a sweeping review of spending — a measure aimed at “ending ‘wokeness’ and the weaponization of government,” according to a memo from Matthew Vaeth, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget.
The funding freeze could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Grants that have been awarded but not spent are also halted, according to the Associated Press. […]
In the federal memo, Vaeth wrote: “The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve.”
Vaeth said each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all federal financial assistance programs.
“In the interim, to the extent permissible under applicable law, Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders.”
The full memo is here, and the spreadsheet with impacted programs is here.
* Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined several other AGs around the country to file a lawsuit against the budgetary action. From his remarks today…
This unconstitutional pause in funding will have a devastating impact on the public safety, prosperity and quality of life of all.
Democrats and Republicans alike will be negatively impacted by this pause in funding.
It impacts our ability to go after offenders who prey on a our children, because this impacts our Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Our task force has enabled us to capture a record number of child predators. That is compromised.
It impacts… funding that allows our law enforcement partners to fight crime and impacts those who rely on Medicaid for life-saving health care.
It impacts our capacity to provide for veterans who served our country. Head Start and child care programs. The support for critical research at our universities. And support for farmers who grow our food. And of course, critical investment in infrastructure needed for our roads and bridges and keeping our working families working.
In the fiscal year ending in 2024, Illinois agencies received nearly $30 billion in direct federal aid, according to a report from the state Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. More than $19 billion in federal funding went to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in Medicaid-related payments, according to CGFA.
Billions went to grants in other parts of state government, including some $2.3 billion to the Department of Transportation, $401 million to the agency tasked with economic opportunity and $314 million to the Environmental Protection Agency, the same report said.
Challengers to Trump’s actions to withhold funding would likely cite the Impoundment Control Act, a law passed in 1974 to regulate the president’s control over the budget. This followed efforts by then-President Richard Nixon to withhold spending on programs he did not support, like Trump has indicated his intention to do.
Under that law, the president can temporarily withhold funds — but must notify Congress first, and the decision cannot be based on policy grounds. The president can also ask Congress to rescind spending decisions, which can also be grounds for a pause in spending.
The spreadsheet includes specific questions for over 2,600 specific accounts within agencies across the government, large and small — every Cabinet department and independent agencies ranging from the Federal Communications Commission to the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.
The questions, intended to ensure that federal programs are in compliance with Trump’s executive orders and policy goals, include the following:
• “Does this program provide Federal funding to non-governmental organizations supporting or providing services, either directly or indirectly, to removable or illegal aliens?”
• “Is this program a foreign assistance program, or provide funding or support activities overseas?”
• “Does this program provide funding that is implicated by the revocation and rescission of the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan?”
• “Does this program include activities that impose an undue burden on the identification, development, or use of domestic energy resources (including through funding under the Inflation Reducing (sp) Act of 2022; and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act)?”
• “Does this program provide funding that is implicated by the directive to end discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities, under whatever name they appear, or other directives in the same EO, including those related to ‘environmental justice’ programs or ‘equity-related’ grants?”
• “Does this program promote gender ideology?”
• “Does this program promote or support in any way abortion or other related activities identified in the Hyde Amendment?”
• “If not covered in the preceding columns, does this program support any activities that must not be supported based on executive orders issued on or after January 20, 2025 (including executive orders released following the dissemination of this spreadsheet)?”
The Trump folks say the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional. We’ll see.
The scramble began late Monday, after the White House budget office circulated a list of spending programs under scrutiny that seemed to implicate virtually every function of the federal government. The funds it identified for review included a vast array of initiatives that help the poor, potentially arresting funds that provide rental vouchers, nutrition benefits and college aid to low-income Americans.
The administration also pointed to federal programs that inspect meat, poultry and eggs for potential foodborne illnesses, and payments to farmers whose crops are ravaged by natural disasters. And they included a sizable roster of initiatives to protect public health, seemingly aiming to freeze money meant to fight the spread of AIDS, research cancer causes and detection, and prepare for bioterrorism attacks. […]
The Trump administration also said it had set up a process for agencies to work with the White House on evaluating their funding, and already had approved “many programs to continue” operating normally. Otherwise, OMB said some spending could come back online in as quickly as a day, as the White House looked to deflect criticism that it had taken radical action.
* Governor JB Pritzker updated his public schedule…
Daily Public Schedule: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
What: Governor Pritzker to hold press availability to discuss Donald Trump’s unlawful actions to cut essential programs for Illinois working families.
Where: 555 W. Monroe – 3rd Floor Press Room, Chicago.
When: 4:00 pm
Watch: www.illinois.gov/livevideo
*** Madigan Trial ***
* Tribune | Evidence in corruption case really just ‘lobbying and politics,’ attorney for Madigan confidant argues: Michael McClain, a longtime confidant of ex-speaker Michael Madigan, was a smart and diligent lobbyist who never agreed to or knew about any bribery scheme, his attorney told jurors Tuesday in closing arguments in Madigan and McClain’s landmark public corruption trial. “What the evidence of this trial did show is lobbying and politics. Lobbying and politics,” McClain attorney Patrick Cotter said in his closing remarks, adding: “Lobbying and politics is not a crime.”
* Fox Chicago | Illinois GOP bill would require law enforcement to coordinate with ICE: Sponsored by State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia), Senate Bill 1313 supports “targeted operations” to deport undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of felonies and calls on Illinois to take on an “active role” in helping ICE. […] The bill’s sponsor condemned Pritzker’s support of the Illinois Trust Act, which bars local law enforcement from helping ICE unless required by law or a criminal warrant.
*** Statewide ***
* Chalkbeat Chicago | Chicago Public Schools launches long-awaited site to show how schools are doing: The new school accountability dashboards replace the district’s controversial number ratings for schools, which CPS put on hold and then scrapped during the pandemic. Those ratings had drawn the ire of educators and some community members, who said they unfairly stigmatized campuses that serve students with high needs. The old level ratings had also factored into high-stakes decisions about school closures and staff overhauls.
* WCIA | CUB challenges Ameren Illinois’ proposed $134 million gas rate hike: The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said that Ameren has already earned $111 million in gas rate hikes since 2021. And, the new proposal would increase “key delivery charges by more than 20 percent,” according to CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz. CUB said that the proposed hike would increase the customer charge by about 24%, to $25.16 per month, and the per therm (unit of heat energy) distribution charge by about 28% to 56.207 cents per therm.
*** Chicago ***
* WBEZ | Chicago’s immigration sweeps have restaurant and food industry employers feeling anxious: Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, said Monday that its members are “very anxious” about possible arrests of Chicago-area workers by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But as of Monday morning, there had been no reports of restaurant employees being arrested; nor had Toia heard anything about workers failing to show up for work because of fears of an ICE raid.
* Sun-Times | Dr. Phil had no business taking part in ICE immigration raids in Chicago, Durbin says: “Dr. Phil has as much business being on these raids as he does performing surgery,” Durbin said. McGraw is a psychologist. Federal agents allowed McGraw enormous access during the Sunday operations, tagging along with President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, in Chicago to oversee the operation. The deal was mutually beneficial — Homan got favorable coverage as McGraw used his live coverage to build an audience on his MeritTV digital television network.
* WTTW | UChicago Terrorism Expert Says Jan. 6 Pardons ‘Normalized Major Political Violence’: “This has also legitimated and normalized major political violence,” said Robert Pape, political science professor at the University of Chicago, terrorism expert and the founding director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, or CPOST. “Nearly 200 of those granted clemency are militia group members who, by their very membership in violent groups, pose a danger, and many of those who were sentenced to long prison terms, not just because of their role in Jan. 6, but because they pose an ongoing threat to police, the government and to our country and many of the others.”
* NBC Chicago | NBC 5 colleague missing from Lakeview neighborhood: Chicago police are searching for Kevin Spencer, a 34-year-old man from the city’s Lakeview neighborhood. Spencer, who works in NBC Chicago’s IT department, was last heard from Friday Jan. 24, according to police. Spencer did not report to work this week, which concerned friends and family members say is uncharacteristic.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Daily Southtown | Wildfire at forest preserve near Tinley Park under investigation, officials say: Fifteen fire departments, coordinated by the Tinley Park Fire Department, responded to the blaze at 6 p.m., according to Carl Vogel, director of communications for the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Although the fire was outside Tinley Park’s jurisdiction, it was elevated to a second alarm brush box, prompting assistance from fire trucks across the area, according to a news release from the Tinley Park Public Safety Department on Facebook.
* Daily Herald | Suburban police navigating conflicting state, federal directives on immigration crackdown: Asked how police will navigate conflicting directives, Addison Police Chief Roy Selvik said he anticipates legal questions related to federal law versus state law to continue. “Our current policy mirrors the TRUST Act and state law, and our agency will continue to operate under the guidance and recommendations set by the Illinois attorney general’s office,” he said.
* Crain’s | Bizarre death fuels concerns at struggling Waukegan hospital: The Lake County Coroner’s Office is blasting safety and quality conditions at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan following the death of a patient who had gone missing and was later found hypothermic on the facility’s roof. Chelsea Adolphus, a 28-year-old woman and Waukegan resident, was admitted to Vista Medical on Jan. 22 but was found the next day on the hospital’s roof wearing only a hospital gown at about 8:45 a.m. — almost seven hours after leaving her room, according to the coroner’s office.
* Daily Herald | Archdiocese rejects reprieve for St. Thomas of Villanova school in Palatine: “As a school’s enrollment decreases, it becomes increasingly challenging to rebuild, as families often seek assurances of long-term stability when choosing a school for their children,” he wrote. Fundraising efforts, he added, can add instability that further drives down enrollment.
*** Downstate ***
* SJ-R | Springfield nonprofit continues helping women recovering from substance abuse: The nonprofit was founded by Executive Director Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup providing transitional employment, mentoring, recovery tools and a safe community for women recovering from substance abuse. In 2021, the nonprofit opened a housing program, which saves girls in the home 70% of their income. “When I got out of seminary, I wanted to start something to benefit this community to help women other people couldn’t or wouldn’t help,” Jessup said. “When you’re in recovery and you have any criminal past or have problems with the courts, probation, all of those require you to meet with people at certain times, do outpatient rehab, do drops at different times … there’s a lot of barriers to success.”
* WCIA | The Fray to perform at the Devon’s Amphitheater in Decatur: On Tuesday, Decatur announced that The Fray will perform at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater on May 24, 2025. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased here. Prices range from $35 for lawn tickets, to $69 for standing pit or reserved tickets.
*** National ***
* NYT | Caroline Kennedy Urges Senators to Reject Her Cousin’s Nomination: She urged lawmakers, who will be questioning Mr. Kennedy at his confirmation hearings Wednesday and Thursday, to reject his nomination. She cited his lack of experience, misinformed views on vaccines and personal attributes. In the letter, she described how he led other family members “down the path of drug addiction. “His basement, his garage, and his dorm room were the centers of the action where drugs were available, and he enjoyed showing off how he put baby chickens and mice in the blender to feed his hawks,” Ms. Kennedy wrote. “It was often a perverse scene of despair and violence.”
* Axios | Which companies are rolling back DEI and which are standing firm: Mentions of DEI and “diversity equity and inclusion” in earnings calls have dropped roughly 82% since Q2 of 2021. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) dropped the word “equity” from its strategy, while corporate communicators have started to lean more heavily on terms like “belonging” and “diversity of thoughts and perspectives.”
* Rep. McLaughlin won his House race in November by just 47 votes. Sen. McConchie won his last race by just 385 votes. But McLaughlin now wants to replace McConchie…
Martin McLaughlin, a proven Republican leader and experienced public servant, has formally announced his interest in filling the 26th District Senate seat following Senator Dan McConchie’s upcoming resignation.
McLaughlin has extensive experience advocating for common sense policies and fiscal stewardship in the region for over a decade. His record of winning elections in challenging districts and his dedication to conservative principles make him the strongest candidate to retain the seat and ensure future Republican success.
“Many of you know my record of service, not only at the local level, but across the state,” McLaughlin said. “As a three-time elected State Representative and twice-elected Village President of Barrington Hills, I’ve consistently demonstrated my ability to win against well- funded opponents and deliver results for my constituents.”
McLaughlin highlighted his recent initiatives to engage low-propensity voters in Lake and McHenry Counties, which have already proven beneficial to Republican candidates. He emphasized his unique ability to energize voters and secure victories in a competitive district. “In my last election, I faced a $3.8 million opposition effort and still won decisively— outperforming President Trump by over 5% in the 52nd District, while spending only $170,000. This demonstrates my ability to stick to the real issues that matter to my constituents and allows me to effectively represent a purple district,” McLaughlin stated.
McLaughlin also addressed concerns about insider politics and nepotism, referencing Senator McConchie’s recommendation of the party chairwoman’s son for the seat. “Republicans have rightly criticized Democrats for engaging in such practices. The 26th District deserves a candidate with a proven record, not one selected through insider politics. Republicans believe in merit-based selection. If the committee chooses to go down this path, I will actively campaign for the seat in the 2026 primary - and I will win”.
Looking ahead, McLaughlin is confident in his ability to lead Republican efforts in the next election cycle, where 16 Republican Senate seats will be up for grabs. “I’m prepared to raise the resources necessary and ensure that our party succeeds, both in the 26th District and across the state,” he said.
“The party chairwoman’s son” he’s referring to is ILGOP Chair Kathy Salvi’s son Joe, who is a law partner with his father, Al Salvi.
…Adding… Sen. McConchie sent me his endorsement of Joe Salvi several hours ago, but it wound up in my spam folder…
Without reservation, I fully endorse Joe Salvi to be appointed to replace me as State Senator for the 26th District of Illinois.
I have competed in three general elections in this district. Even as the district has moved to the left, even when I have been outspent by the Democrats, I have always found a way to win. And not only have I won, I have regularly outperformed virtually every other Republican candidate on the ballot.
In short, I know exactly what it takes to win in this district. And Joe has it.
To win, it takes a commitment to our commonsense values while being accessible, relatable and reasonable. My reasons for endorsing Joe are simple.
Joe:
• Is loyal to our shared conservative values and to the Republican party.
• Developed the necessary campaign experience on Peter Roskam’s winning 2016 Congressional
campaign and honed the skills necessary to win.
• Has committed to raise the funds needed to bring the fight to the Democrats.
• Already has a team of volunteers ready to assist with parades, events and, most importantly, door
to door canvasing – an activity that Rep. Syed and Maria Peterson has proven translates into real,
bankable votes.
• Has an incredibly strong work ethic paired with an outgoing, friendly personality that is welcoming
and attractive.
• Possesses strong character and integrity. Joe will be the same person in Springfield that he is at
home. We can trust Joe.
I have personally known Joe for 10 years. In that time, he has always been positive, upbeat and optimistic – qualities too often lacking in our party today. He is married with young children presenting an image that voters love because it demonstrates that he understands them—that what they need from government are same things they will get from Joe–safety, security, and a government that otherwise stays out of their way.
Importantly, Joe has been a dedicated foot soldier to the party doing the hard work necessary to earn people’s votes. He has experience connecting with voters at events and out in public. Joe has the exact skill set necessary to keep this seat in Republican hands next fall.
In 2015, when I was first considered by Dan Duffy to serve as his replacement, people told me it was not my time, that it was ‘not my turn’. They said that I hadn’t been elected to another office yet. I didn’t let that deter me. In my first race, I was challenged by mayors Marty McLaughlin and Casey Urlacher. They tried to take me out. But I knew the district better than them. I knew what it took to win the hearts and minds of our neighbors. I won that race and every race since.
In considering who to support as my replacement, I looked for similar qualities. I wanted someone who was a trustworthy Republican and who had the personality and skill set needed to win.
Joe is that person. I hope you will join me in ensuring this district is in the best possible hands for the 2026 election cycle.
Thank you for your service to our party and your consideration in this important matter. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 312-933-2477.
Faithfully yours,
Senator Dan McConchie
26th District of Illinois
Illinois has been shut out of Medicaid, just hours after President Donald Trump’s administration announced a pause in federal grants, loans and other financial assistance as they begin a review of spending.
The funding freeze could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Grants that have been awarded but not spend are also halted, according to the Associated Press.
Though the funding freeze was supposed to take effect at 4 p.m. Central Time Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker’s office staid that the state of Illinois was shut out of Medicaid as of Tuesday morning. The government-funded health insurance program covered about 3.9 million people in Illinois in 2023, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women and people with disabilities.
“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, wrote in the memo. “This memorandum requires Federal agencies to identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements.”
Vaeth wrote that each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all federal financial assistance programs.
* From the governor’s office…
Since last night, Governor Pritzker has been speaking with the Illinois’ federal delegation, local elected officials, non-governmental organizations, non-profits, and other Governors. The Governor has directed his senior team to assess the detrimental impacts of this unlawful action on the state’s budget and services. State agencies have reported to the Governor’s Office issues with accessing federal funding sites and disbursement systems, including Medicaid systems.
Governor Pritzker’s Statement from last night:
The US Constitution does not grant the President this unilateral authority. In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors.
BACKGROUND ON MEDICAID SYSTEM
The federal Medicaid PMS site refers to the Payment Management System (PMS), which is used by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to manage federal funding disbursements for Medicaid and other programs. The PMS serves as a centralized system to track and facilitate the distribution of grant funds to states and other grantees.
Key Details About the PMS Site:
• Purpose: The site allows state Medicaid agencies (like the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services) to request, track, and manage federal Medicaid funds and grants.
• Managed By: The system is operated by the Division of Payment Management (DPM) under HHS.
• Access: States and grantees access PMS via the official portal to request federal fund drawdowns, view disbursement reports, and reconcile payments.
U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to freeze federal aid:
“Freezing federal funding that has already been allocated by Congress is unconstitutional. Above all else, it’s inhumane. Every American relies on federal funding—from public safety, disaster relief, medical research funding, and small business loans to Head Start and child care programs, veterans care, nutrition assistance, food inspections, and so much more. Denying critical funding for our families will not make America great.”
No later than February 10, 2025, agencies shall submit to OMB detailed information on any programs, projects or activities subject to this pause. Each agency must pause: (i) issuance of new awards; (ii) disbursement of Federal funds under all open awards; and (iii) other relevant agency actions that may be implicated by the executive orders, to the extent permissible by law, until OMB has reviewed and provided guidance to your agency with respect to the information submitted.
OMB may grant exceptions allowing Federal agencies to issue new awards or take other actions on a case-by-case basis. To the extent required by law, Federal agencies may continue taking certain administrative actions, such as closeout of Federal awards (2 CFR 200.344), or recording obligations expressly required by law.
Additionally, agencies must, for each Federal financial assistance program: (i) assign responsibility and oversight to a senior political appointee to ensure Federal financial assistance conforms to Administration priorities; (ii) review currently pending Federal financial assistance announcements to ensure Administration priorities are addressed, and, subject to program statutory authority, modify unpublished Federal financial assistance announcements, withdraw any announcements already published, and, to the extent permissible by law, cancel awards already awarded that are in conflict with Administration priorities, and; (iii) ensure adequate oversight of Federal financial assistance programs and initiate investigations when warranted to identify underperforming recipients, and address identified issues up to and including cancellation of awards.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said during a press conference Tuesday morning that he’s spoken with New York State Attorney General Letitia James about a legal challenge to the spending freeze.
“I spoke to my attorney general this morning. She’s head of the state attorneys general association,” Schumer said. “They’re going to court right away on this horror.”
Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution gives Congress the so-called “power of the purse” by granting it the authority to approve federal spending.
Congress has passed several laws regarding that constitutional authority, including the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which says that the president cannot simply refuse to spend money Congress has appropriated.
Trump’s pick for OMB Director, Russ Vought, has repeatedly called that law unconstitutional and said he believes the president does have the authority to simply ignore sections of spending law that have been passed by Congress and signed into law.
The spreadsheet includes specific questions for over 2,600 specific accounts within agencies across the government, large and small — every Cabinet department and independent agencies ranging from the Federal Communications Commission to the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.
The questions, intended to ensure that federal programs are in compliance with Trump’s executive orders and policy goals, include the following:
• “Does this program provide Federal funding to non-governmental organizations supporting or providing services, either directly or indirectly, to removable or illegal aliens?”
• “Is this program a foreign assistance program, or provide funding or support activities overseas?”
• “Does this program provide funding that is implicated by the revocation and rescission of the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan?”
• “Does this program include activities that impose an undue burden on the identification, development, or use of domestic energy resources (including through funding under the Inflation Reducing (sp) Act of 2022; and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act)?”
• “Does this program provide funding that is implicated by the directive to end discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities, under whatever name they appear, or other directives in the same EO, including those related to ‘environmental justice’ programs or ‘equity-related’ grants?”
• “Does this program promote gender ideology?”
• “Does this program promote or support in any way abortion or other related activities identified in the Hyde Amendment?”
• “If not covered in the preceding columns, does this program support any activities that must not be supported based on executive orders issued on or after January 20, 2025 (including executive orders released following the dissemination of this spreadsheet)?”
*** UPDATE 5 *** Illinois is among the states that will sue, according to the NYT.
*** UPDATE 6 *** Comptroller Mendoza…
I am prepared to stand with Governor JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Treasurer Michael Frerichs in fighting this egregious action by President Trump. The freezing of vital federal funds will immediately impact millions of students, parents, medical and health care recipients, women and children, and our schools in Illinois.
We are talking about medical care, law enforcement, veterans care, student loans, TANF, WIC, childcare assistance, school breakfast and lunch programs, Head Start programs, and more - federal programs that were authorized by the U.S. Congress.
My office is doing everything it can to process federal funds prior to the deadline. Because my office prioritizes Medicaid payments, we are current on those bills. In fact, on Thursday we processed all $518 million in Medicaid bills on-hand and received our federal match yesterday before the administration shut down our access to the Medicaid system.
However, I am very concerned about how long this “freeze” may last. It is reckless for President Trump to take this action with essentially no guidance or explanation about exactly which federal funds are included, leaving states to pick up the pieces and figure out how to best protect and provide services to their residents.
Our most vulnerable residents in all 102 counties, along with our healthcare, human services and social service providers, should not be punished by this action dictated by the Trump Administration.
The situation is reminiscent of the Rauner years, when the former Illinois Governor held the budget hostage for his social agenda that led to a budget freeze for more than two years and many providers, vendors, businesses and organizations suffered greatly as a result.
These actions create widespread disruption and chaos rather than stability and predictability, putting American lives at risk.
Likewise, no executive officer, even the President, should undermine the authority of the U.S. Congress in appropriating funds for federal programs.
The people across America that these federally funded programs serve, represent all walks of life – urban, rural, Democrat, Republican and everyone in-between. Disease and disability do not choose to affect one political party over another.
Freezing federal funds critical to providing medical and health care and every other critical category targeted poses a serious threat to all impacted Americans and no one should welcome this misguided action. If President Trump will not reverse his reckless and unconstitutional executive order, I hope and pray the courts will quickly do it for him.
*** UPDATE 7 *** And yet, the state is locked out of accessing some of these systems, including Medicaid…
On Tuesday, education policy experts said they did not believe that the federal government’s main funding stream for K-12 schools, known as Title I, would be immediately impacted by the funding freeze. Federal money, which accounts for about 10 percent of all public education dollars, is paid to states – generally in July and October – which then distribute funds to districts and schools. The promised funding for the current school year has already been received.
*** UPDATE 10 *** Speaker Welch…
What’s been coming out of Washington is sad and concerning on many levels. Blocking legally mandated funding for state and local governments is just another example of the Trump Administration abusing its power to sew chaos, disrupt progress, marginalize communities, and hurt the people he was elected to help.
*** UPDATE 11 *** From AG Raoul’s remarks announcing a lawsuit to stop this pause…
This unconstitutional pause in funding will have a devastating impact on the public safety, prosperity and quality of life of all.
Democrats and Republicans alike will be negatively impacted by this pause in funding.
It impacts our ability to go after offenders who prey on a our children, because this impacts our Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Our task force has enabled us to capture a record number of child predators. That is compromised.
It impacts… funding that allows our law enforcement partners to fight crime and impacts those who rely on Medicaid for life-saving health care.
It impacts our capacity to provide for veterans who served our country. Head Start and child care programs. The support for critical research at our universities. And support for farmers who grow our food. And of course, critical investment in infrastructure needed for our roads and bridges and keeping our working families working.
On January 20th, our nation had a peaceful transfer of power. But let’s be clear, January 20th was an inauguration, not a coronation. Congress is given the power to appropriate the funding. The executive branch cannot unilaterally disregard those appropriations passed by a separate and equal house of government.
We will collectively fight this unconstitutional mandate.
Please pardon any transcription errors.
*** UPDATE 12 *** Ugh…
In a press conference with five other Democratic attorneys general, New York AG Letitia James says at least 20 states have reported being locked out of their Medicaid reimbursement systems. That includes New York and Illinois. pic.twitter.com/LEAdqTXmdh
Update from the White House on the Medicaid portal shutdown - spokesperson says payments are still being processed and should be back up and running: https://t.co/CGEBLt9xpl
Senator Chapin Rose introduced Senate Bill 0211, a measure to expand financial disclosure requirements for public officials on Jan. 22, 2025.
The proposed legislation seeks to broaden the scope of information that must be included in the statement of economic interests filed by public officials. The key addition to the disclosure requirements is as follows:
Public officials would be required to disclose the names of their spouse, siblings, children, or parents who are employees, contractors, or office holders in the same unit of local government as the filer.
This new provision would apply to all individuals required to file a statement of economic interests under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. The bill aims to shed light on potential conflicts of interest and familial connections within local government structures.
Other notable aspects of the proposed amendment include:
- Maintaining existing disclosure requirements for assets, income sources, debts, and gifts.
- Continuing to require disclosure of relationships with registered lobbyists.
- Preserving the requirement to report family members employed by public utilities in Illinois.
Amends the Illinois Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that an individual who is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law is authorized to apply for the position of firefighter, subject to all requirements and limitations, other than citizenship, to which other applicants are subject. Effective January 1, 2026.
84th District State Representative Stephanie Kifowit says she has remained busy during the break between the end of the lame duck session and the start of the spring session, mostly working on re-filing legislation that didn’t pass in the last General Assembly. Legislators had until Friday to submit re-filed legislation for review.
Kifowit spoke about some of the bills she is re-filing, including a bill that would assist reservists and National Guard members serving in elected positions in participating in meetings remotely when they are called into service.
“This could cause them to miss a meeting or a board meeting, whatever position that they are in. So I filed it last year, didn’t get called in the house, filing it again this year. It would amend the Open Meetings Act to allow reservists and National Guardmen to be able to participate remotely and vote remotely if they are serving their country on duty. So I think that’s the right thing to do. It allows the folks that elected them to be properly represented, and it allows that individual to do their job as an elected official.”
Amends the Housing Authorities Act. Requires a Housing Authority that administers a housing voucher program to reimburse a rental property owner for any damage to its rental unit that is caused by a tenant who participates in the housing voucher program. Provides that reimbursement shall be for property damage not covered under a policy of property insurance that is beyond normal wear and tear and that is the result of the tenant’s negligence and abuse. Provides that any reimbursement amount paid to a rental property owner shall be repayable by the tenant to the Housing Authority. Permits the Housing Authority to offer and enter into an affordable repayment plan with the tenant. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to permit a Housing Authority to deny a tenant housing assistance or terminate a tenant’s housing voucher based on the tenant having payment obligations under a repayment plan or on a tenant’s demonstrated inability to make payments under such a repayment plan.
State Representative Charlie Meier of Okawville has announced he’s collecting petition signatures for residents who oppose a recent legislative proposal that seeks to legalize prostitution in Illinois.
Democratic lawmakers have introduced a bill to decriminalize the exchange of money for sex among consenting adults. Those who support the bill say it will allow sex workers to operate safely with legal protections. The bill does not remove criminal penalties for sex traffickers or those who abuse sex workers.
Meier fears the threat to women and young girls will skyrocket if penalties for prostitution are eliminated. He also forsees an increase of sexual assault and human trafficking stemming from the proposal.
Meier has started a petition on his website for residents to express their opposition to legalized prostitution. He hopes to be able to present the 109th District’s opposition to this “dangerous legislation” to the legislators who support this movement, so they can “see that their agenda has no business in Southern Illinois.”
A “malignant tumor.” A “stage actor.” A “walking crime wave.” That’s how powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s legal team refers to disgraced former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis who sought to “trick” the speaker into discussing illicit arrangements.
Madigan’s defense attorney Dan Collins told jurors Monday that Solis, the longtime 25th Ward alderperson turned government mole, carried out carefully orchestrated productions directed by federal investigators.
“As you evaluate the circumstances,” Collins said, “you’ve got to understand that these are staged circumstances.”
Collins’ remarks came on the fourth day of closing arguments in Madigan’s landmark corruption trial at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago.
Collins called on jurors to clear Madigan and again distanced him from McClain. The defense attorney derided McClain as “Mr. Important” and argued that he embellished and exaggerated his influence with Madigan — once writing that he was “at the bridge with my musket” for Madigan’s family.
“Who talks that way?” Collins asked.
But Collins saved his most ferocious rhetoric for Solis, who represented the 25th Ward for more than two decades and rose to become head of the City Council’s Zoning Committee. FBI agents confronted him in June 2016 with evidence of his own wrongdoing, and he agreed to wear a wire against powerful politicians such as Madigan and ex-Ald. Edward M. Burke.
If Solis holds up his end of a deal he struck with prosecutors, Solis is expected to avoid a criminal conviction — and will never face an actual trial. Collins argued Monday that Solis’ “free pass” means jurors can’t trust him.
But Collins said there were two sides to Solis, and that the one Madigan was reacting to was a lie.
“Between the deal (Solis) struck, his effort to hide things from the government, and then his tax crimes that we discovered in our investigation, you know everything you need to know about Danny Solis and why you can’t trust him, Collins said. “He is not just a walking microphone.”
Solis played on Madigan’s devotion to his family when he framed his request for a state board seat as a way to support his wife and kids, Collins said. Solis in fact had no real desire to be appointed to a state board — he asked Madigan for a recommendation only at the direction of his government handlers.
“If somebody comes and asks for help, Mike, if possible, will help that person,” Collins said, reiterating a frequent phrase from his closings. “(Solis) asked Mike Madigan if he would help. And Mike said ‘yes.’ This is not a scheme, this is not a bribe, this is Mike Madigan saying ‘yes’ when he’s asked for help — and the kicker for Solis is to use family.”
Regarding former Madigan staffer Will Cousineau’s testimony, Collins said there were inconsistencies.
“He was scared to death up there,” Collins said of Cousineau. “He got himself an immunity deal.”
Collins said it was McClain who claimed he got the Reyes Kurson law firm a lot of business from ComEd over the years, even though firm partner Victor Reyes was a longtime Madigan ally.
“ComEd had a policy of supporting minority businesses,” Collins said.
“That cannot be a thing of value in exchange for official action.”
Collins further accused Solis of using dishonesty to implicate Madigan in the Chinatown land transfer episode. Solis, in 2017 and 2018, represented the area of Chinatown where the parking lot is located. Collins claims Madigan only got involved in the land transfer effort because Solis falsely told him that both the local community and the community’s Democratic state Representative Theresa Mah supported it. That effort sputtered in Springfield when it turned out neither claim was true.
As for potential developers Solis pitched to build on the site once Chicago took ownership of it, Collins denied Madigan wanted anything to do with them. He denied the former speaker even asked for an introduction. […]
The defense attorney concluded his presentation by reminding jurors to “see the man” of Mike Madigan, and warning them not to let their cynicism toward politicians fill in what he claimed were evidentiary gaps in the government’s case.
Though Madigan’s closings are now finished, jurors still need to hear closing arguments on behalf of Madigan’s codefendant Mike McClain, and the government’s rebuttal closings, before they begin deliberations.
Sorry to hear the news about Garth Hudson. He was a beautiful guy and the real driving force behind The Band. Just listen to the original recording of The Weight and you’ll see.
* Way back in the day, a bunch of us would gather every Sunday night at Bruce’s Tavern at 11th and South Grand for an open mic hosted by Springfield singer/songwriter Tom Irwin (more here). A handful of us, known as the Bruce’s Tavernacle Choir, would sing along with the featured performers. The Weight was one of our favorite songs…
* ICYMI: Congressional panel calls Johnson, other sanctuary city mayors to testify about ‘obstructionist policies’. Sun-Times…
- Mayor Brandon Johnson and the mayors of three other sanctuary cities have been called to testify before Congress as part of an investigation into how local policies are affecting enforcement of President Donald Trump’s promise of “mass deportations.”
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and New York City Mayor Eric Adams were also summoned to testify at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing Feb. 11.
- The mayors were also asked to hand over all documents and communications related to their cities’ sanctuary status, including those between each city, non-governmental organizations and state officials.
* Reuters | US reports first outbreak of H5N9 bird flu in poultry: The United States has reported its first outbreak of H5N9 bird flu in poultry on a duck farm in California, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Monday. U.S. authorities also detected the more common H5N1 strain on the same farm in Merced County, California, they said in a report to Paris-based WOAH, adding that the almost 119,000 birds on the farm had been killed by Dec. 2.
* WaPo | White House Budget Office Orders Pause in All Federal Loans and Grants: The White House budget office has ordered a pause in grants, loans and other federal financial assistance, according to a memo sent to government agencies on Monday, potentially paralyzing a vast swath of programs and sowing confusion and alarm among the array of groups that depend on them. The directive threatened to upend funds that course throughout the American economy: Hundreds of billions of dollars in grants to state, local and tribal governments. Disaster relief aid. Education and transportation funding. Loans to small businesses.
*** Statehouse News ***
* FOX | Homan demands apology from Illinois governor over ‘lie’ that ICE targeted Chicago school: ‘Sowing fear’: “Pedro Martinez lied,” Homan said on “America Reports,” Monday. Martinez, the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, said on MSNBC Friday that ICE agents visited an elementary school on the Southwest Side earlier that morning. […] “Governor Pritzker, rather than calling ICE and asking, ‘Did this happen or did it not happen?’ he goes on social media and terrifies elementary schoolers. … He accuses me of terrifying the community. No, he terrified the community. He terrified the children,” Homan said.
* Labor Tribune | Illinois completes minimum wage increase, among other pro-worker law changes this year: Another bump in Illinois’ minimum wage took effect on Jan. 1, as part of a number of changes in state’s Labor laws this year. Illinois’ minimum wage increased to $15 an hour as of Jan. 1, the final step in a series of raises that began six years ago. Youth workers also will see an increase to $13 an hour, and tipped workers will be paid $9 an hour.
*** Statewide ***
* WCIA | Illinois celebrated for clean energy efforts: Sunday was International Clean Energy Day, and Illinois is being celebrated as the state that came out on top as the national leader. Almost 100,000 solar installations are scattered across the state. That creates enough electricity to power almost 550,000 homes.
* WAND | State organization works to address attorney shortage in rural areas: In an effort to tackle the growing shortage of attorneys in rural communities, the Illinois State Bar Association has launched an innovative initiative. The Rural Practice Fellowship Program is a program aimed to connect law students and young attorneys with career opportunities in underserved rural areas. The Illinois Bar Association said this is to ensure that legal services remain accessible to all Illinois residents.
*** Chicago ***
* Sun-Times | As Trump eyes mass deportations, historians see parallels to past campaigns to force out immigrants: Olga Martinez recalled her father’s experience as a Mexican immigrant living in Chicago in a 1982 video interview that later became part of the Southeast Chicago Archive and Storytelling Project. She said the family never knew who was behind the trucks or financially backing the effort. “My dad always questioned, ‘Why were we asked to go back to our country?’” Martinez says. “You know, he saw the Serbians, the Croatians, nobody was asked to go back except the Mexicans.”
* Tribune | Illinois EPA opposes proposed toxic waste dump expansion on Southeast Side lakefront: In a letter filed in federal court, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said the proposed expansion of a toxic waste dump on the Southeast Side would go against state law. It’s the latest development in a lengthy battle over the future of a 45-acre disposal site on the Lake Michigan shoreline. “This is a major win for our community, to have both the Illinois attorney general and the Illinois EPA say that the expansion of this toxic landfill will not be (approved),” said Amalia NietoGomez, executive director of social justice nonprofit Alliance of the Southeast.
* Crain’s | Illinois pitches Nvidia on South Side quantum campus: Representatives from the giant chip company were in town for dinner and a site visit to the planned Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park being built at the former U.S. Steel site on the Far South Side, according to several people familiar with the visit. Nvidia is the dominant maker of graphics-processing chips that are used to run artificial-intelligence software and supercomputers. The company’s name is synonymous with cutting-edge technology — and it was the most valuable publicly traded company in the world before a steep sell-off yesterday sparked by a Chinese company’s claim of being able to develop AI with fewer, cheaper chips.
* Sun-Times | Former CPS gym teacher sentenced to 17 years in prison for grooming, sexual assault of students: Andrew Castro, 38, pleaded guilty and was sentenced Friday on multiple charges, including predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13, aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child and exploitation of a child under 13. Cook County Judge Domenica Stephenson sentenced Castro to 10 years for the assaults, seven years for each abuse case and one year for the exploitation charge. With some of the sentences to be served concurrently, the total prison term would be 17 years.
* Tribune | Olivia Clarke, who started group aimed at helping cancer patients with humor, dies: “Olivia’s passion was second to none. She poured her heart into everything she did — work, volunteerism, relationships, fun,” said Maria Black, chief marketing officer of law firm Kirkland & Ellis. “She had this spark of energy that never seemed to wane.” Clarke, 46, who lived on Chicago’s Near South Side, died of complications from breast cancer Jan. 15 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, said her sister, Meagan Casey.
* Crain’s | Chicago winters reset the thermostat on what is normal: To be a Chicagoan is to know how to be cold. How to trudge through snow. How to grit your teeth and carry on as bone-chilling winds gust through the Loop. But these days, that defining regional characteristic is changing, because the climate is changing. What once was frigid is now merely chilly, and perhaps only occasionally so.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Daily Southtown | Nate Fields back on ballot as Thornton Township supervisor candidate, judge rules: The board, made up of township Trustees Chris Gonzalez and Darlene Gray Everett as well as Clerk Loretta Wells, voted last month to remove Fields and two other supervisor candidates from the April 1 ballot. Michael Smith and Keith Price, who is food assistance program manager in Supervisor Tiffany Henyard’s township administration, brought five challenges against Fields, only one of which stuck.
* Daily Southtown | Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard worked to hide true condition of village finances, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says: Just months after her election in 2021, there was a “concerted and systematic effort” by Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard to hide the condition of village finances from trustees, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday. In her final report on her investigation into Henyard and village finances, Lightfoot told some 200 residents and others the concealment continued and that, by March 2022, trustees “were effectively cut off from receiving regular financial reports.”
* Lake County News-Sun | Lake County coroner calls for Waukegan hospital death investigation; says owners ‘must be held accountable’: Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said Monday she has asked state officials to investigate the death of a patient who died of hypothermia in her medical gown on the roof of Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan last week. Banek said she wants the Illinois Department of Public Health to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of Chelsea Adolphus, 28, who died about two days after checking herself into the hospital. Banek also said she sent a letter to the hospital asking that all evidence associated with the incident be preserved.
* Daily Herald | Friends of Barrington teen killed by train honor memory, hold village’s feet to fire: Friends of 17-year-old Marin Lacson gathered at a gazebo Monday evening near the downtown Barrington railroad crossing where she was fatally struck by a Metra train on Jan. 25, 2024. Approximately 50 people holding signs and candles celebrated her short life and mourned the anniversary of her passing. But several in the gathering took action, walking to nearby village hall to urge the village board and officials to move quicker to get pedestrian gates installed at the Hough Street crossing.
* Evanston Now | District 65 cuts 73 positions: Needing to wipe out $13.2 million in red ink, the Evanston/Skokie District 65 Board of Education voted Monday night to eliminate 73 jobs, including central office (26), teaching (18), and non-classroom school-level positions (29). The reductions, which take effect July 1, will eliminate about 5% of the district’s jobs. […] District 65 has lost more than 20% of its enrollment since 2018, but while the number of students had been coming down, the number of employees went up, with much of the growth coming under previous superintendent Devon Horton.
*** Downstate ***
* WAND | After-school program providers, parents demand Pritzker admin release grant funding: A coalition of after-school program providers, families and students called on Gov. JB Pritzker to release $50 million to fund their programs Monday. Advocates said state lawmakers approved the funds for their grants, but the Pritzker administration never distributed the money. Over 27,000 Illinois students lost their after-school programming this school year, and more than 2,000 staff are out of jobs due to the lack of grant funding. Susan Stanton, the executive director of Act Now, said after-school programs are critical for youth and teens.
* Shaw Local | Sandwich votes to ban sweepstakes machines: The Sandwich City Council has voted to ban sweepstakes machines – which look like slot machines but are unregulated and untaxed – from operating in the city. “It provides fairness to those who have legal gaming in our community,” said Sandwich Mayor Todd Latham, who had proposed banning the machines after discovering they were operating in one Sandwich business. “I still don’t understand even looking at the sweepstakes machines what you could win on the deal. It’s very unclear. I think it’s just simply misleading and not something that benefits our community.”
* PJ Star | DEI, immigration, homelessness show differences between two of the mayoral candidates: Questions about the City of Peoria’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts sparked debate Monday night between Peoria mayoral candidates Rita Ali and John Kelly. They presented different opinions about the effectiveness of DEI programs and their future in Peoria. Kelly, an at-large city councilman challenging Ali for her mayoral seat, drew multiple negative reactions from the crowd at a mayoral candidate forum put on by the Peoria chapter of the NAACP on Monday night when he made clear his skepticism of the effectiveness of DEI programs in Peoria.
*** National ***
* Fox Chicago | Indiana man fatally shot by sheriff’s deputy identified as Jan. 6 defendant: During the traffic stop, a Jasper County sheriff’s deputy attempted to arrest the suspect, but the suspect resisted, officials said. “An altercation took place between the suspect and the officer, which resulted in the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding the suspect,” the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Further investigation revealed the suspect was armed with a gun during the traffic stop.
* NOTUS | The Race for Dick Durbin’s Senate Seat Has Already Begun: Durbin is expected to make an announcement soon over whether he’ll run for reelection in 2026. Should he choose to retire, his seat would open up for the first time in nearly three decades. NOTUS asked all 17 members of the Illinois U.S. House delegation if they were interested in the Senate. Five members said yes, and observers expect several other federal and state figures to jump in — making for a far closer race than in 2017, when Sen. Tammy Duckworth was the obvious Democratic frontrunner to take on Republican incumbent Mark Kirk.
* The Atlantic | China’s DeepSeek Surprise: One week ago, a new and formidable challenger for OpenAI’s throne emerged. A Chinese AI start-up, DeepSeek, launched a model that appeared to match the most powerful version of ChatGPT but, at least according to its creator, was a fraction of the cost to build. The program, called DeepSeek-R1, has incited plenty of concern: Ultrapowerful Chinese AI models are exactly what many leaders of American AI companies feared when they, and more recently President Donald Trump, have sounded alarms about a technological race between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. This is a “wake up call for America,” Alexandr Wang, the CEO of Scale AI, commented on social media.
* NPR | Doctors opposing RFK Jr. rally in the lead-up to his confirmation: Noble laureates have written that Kennedy would put the nation’s health in jeopardy. The American Public Health Association, representing 25,000 professionals in that field, has come out against his nomination, based on his “consistent disregard for scientific evidence.” And recently thousands of physicians and others in health care have signed onto letters echoing these concerns.
* You can click here and here to follow the Madigan trial. 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.
Republican state Sen. Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods will resign effective Sunday, Feb. 2, after nearly nine years of service. […]
Lake County Republican Party Chair Keith Brin was surprised by McConchie’s announcement. Brin praised McConchie’s “unwavering dedication to public service” and his willingness to listen to and work with people on both sides of the political aisle for the betterment of Illinoisans. […]
Lauren Beth Gash, chair of the Lake County Democratic Party, said she’s aware of several Democrats interested in running for the seat in 2026.
“We feel very good about our prospects there,” Gash said Monday.
*** Statehouse News ***
* Frank Manzo | Illinois can overcome its challenging budget realities: Indeed, the nonpartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is expecting only a $618 million shortfall. Regardless, whether the gap is $618 million or $3.2 billion, Illinois must find a way to overcome it yet again — all while dealing with mounting pressures in other areas.
* 21st Show | Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on immigration enforcement, birthright citizenship: Illinois law prohibits local authorities from cooperating with federal immigration officials on civil enforcement, but the arrests that have taken place so far are reportedly of individuals who have been convicted or accused of criminal activity. Meanwhile, Illinois was one of a number of states that sued and temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order re-interpreting the constitutional provision that says if you’re born in America, you’re an American citizen. All these issues and more have been top of mind for Illinois’ attorney general, Kwame Raoul. He joins the program today to discuss immigration enforcement and how the state is handling the new policies as well as his personal perspective on birthright citizenship.
*** Statewide ***
* Prism | Trans people in Illinois prepare for the Trump years: Newly elected President Donald Trump and his Republican Congress have threatened to ramp up discrimination and repression directed at trans people. Trump, during his campaign, promised to end all gender-affirming care for minors. An emboldened, Republican, transphobic House of Representatives has already passed a ban on trans girls and women participating in women’s sports; schools that defy the restriction face a loss of federal funding. On his first day, Trump passed a flurry of transphobic executive orders, including one that requires that “government-issued identification documents” deny trans people’s gender identity.
* WICS | Illinois Department of Revenue Announces Opening of 2025 Tax Season: Illinois will participate in the free IRS Direct File program this year. Eligible Illinois taxpayers can use the program to file their 2024 federal returns directly with the IRS. They will also be able to easily transfer their information into IDOR’s free online account management program, MyTax Illinois, to file their Illinois taxes.
* WTVO | Yuengling beers now available on draft in Illinois: Yuengling says its Traditional LAGER, Light Lager, Golden Pilsner, Black and Tan, and FLIGHT by Yuengling, will be available on draft in Illinois bars across the state. […] Following the draft launch, the brewery plans to make its beers available in cans and bottles at stores, restaurants, and bars starting in early March.
*** Chicago ***
* Bloomberg | Arrest warrants, luck: Inside a Chicago deportation raid at dawn: [Matthew Putra, acting field director for ICE in St. Paul, Minnesota,] said ICE expects the number of criminal warrants to increase as federal prosecutors begin accepting more cases. The bulk of those warrants will probably involve illegal re-entry, he said. On Sunday agents had seven criminal warrants in hand.
* WTTW | Under Fire, Ald. Jim Gardiner Used $122K in Campaign Funds to Pay Legal Fees: State Records: Gardiner said the decision by the city’s Law Department under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot not to use city resources to fight the lawsuits “left him no alternative but to turn to permissible resources to defend my actions as an elected official.” Gardiner spent nearly three times as much on legal fees during 2023 and 2024 than any other member of the Chicago City Council, according to a WTTW News analysis of records filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
* Chalkbeat Chicago | Spending during Chicago’s first school board campaign season exceeded $13 million: In addition to candidates’ direct spending, the union’s two political action committees spent $4.3 million — including a $1.5 million spending spree the week of the election — during that same time period. In some cases that spending could have also given a boost to other candidates in other races, but most went to nine candidates in contested school board races, three of whom won seats on the board. Two pro-school choice super PACs — those for the Illinois Network of Charter Schools and Urban Center — jointly spent roughly $3.5 million during the same period. These groups also backed three candidates who prevailed at the polls.
* Block Club | Can The Google Effect Revive The Loop? Experts Say Yes: “I think a small boom is fair … people didn’t expect what happened to Fulton [Market] until Google came there, and then it took off like the Wild West,” said Andy DeMoss, senior managing director at Bradford Allen, a Chicago-based commercial real estate and investment firm. […] The LaSalle Street initiative was delayed during the transition from Lightfoot to Mayor Brandon Johnson but officially moved forward in the spring with five adaptive reuse projects making their way through the city’s development and TIF approval process. If approved by City Council, the projects would collectively use $150 million in TIF funding and add at least 1,000 apartments to the area. The target completion date for the five projects is the end of 2026.
* ABC Chicago | Lori Lightfoot to release report Monday on Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard: Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is set to release Monday night the findings of her investigation in Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Lightfoot was hired last year to look into questionable financial mismanagement of village funds. […] Lightfoot will present her findings at a 6 p.m. meeting of the Dolton Park District. This release will serve as a follow-up to the preliminary findings already issued by Lightfoot last August and provide additional insights into the village’s financial condition, governance issues and other matters.
* Daily Herald | Judge denies request to delay ballot in Glendale Heights case: A DuPage County judge has denied Glendale Heights Village President Chodri Khokhar’s request to have the county clerk stop preparing the April 1 consolidated election ballot while the court considers whether his name should appear on the ballot. Judge Bryan Chapman handed down the decision on Friday. Court records do not indicate why the judge denied the request.
*** Downstate ***
* Capitol News Illinois | Dave Joens grew up reading about Illinois history. Now, he retires after 20 years preserving it as state archivist: For two decades, Dave Joens has led the Illinois State Archives, the government agency tasked with preserving official government documents with historic value. The job of caring for historic records has been a natural fit for Joens, he said, who has been interested in history since reading Abraham Lincoln biographies as a child in Springfield. […] Now, though, Joens is retiring from the post to pursue another passion: writing history books. Joens has been a janitor, journalist, a biographer, a press secretary for the Democratic caucus in the Illinois Senate and the Illinois state archivist. He served in the Army stationed in Germany, wrote speeches for Illinois state senators and digitized the state archives. Though Joens explored many professions over the course of his career, his love for Illinois history has been at the heart of his work.
* NPR | Elon Musk faces criticism for encouraging Germans to move beyond ‘past guilt’: On Saturday, Musk spoke repeatedly about the importance of Germans taking pride in their heritage. “It’s good to be proud of German culture and German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything,” Musk said. Then, in an apparent reference to the Nazi era, Musk added that there is “frankly too much of a focus on past guilt and we need to move beyond that.”
* The Atlantic | RFK Jr. Is an Excellent Conspiracy Theorist: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services, is a longtime conspiracy theorist and anti-vaccine activist. He thinks Anthony Fauci and Bill Gates are leaders of a “vaccine cartel” that intentionally prolonged or even started the coronavirus pandemic in order to promote “mischievous inoculations.” Kennedy also blames immunizations for autism and obesity (among other chronic diseases) in children. In the meantime, he isn’t really sure whether HIV causes AIDS, or whether vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles are actually dangerous.
* Nieman Lab | Inside a network of AI-generated newsletters targeting “small town America”: It turns out Good Day Fort Collins is just one in a network of AI-generated newsletters operating in 355 cities and towns across the U.S. Not only do these hundreds of newsletters share the same exact seven testimonials, they also share the same branding, the same copy on their about pages, and the same stated mission: “to make local news more accessible and highlight extraordinary people in our community.” […] The newsletters do all name the same founder and editor: Matthew Henderson.
A downstate Republican lawmaker is urging Illinois prison employees to secretly send her information on undocumented immigrants who are behind bars so she can pass the information on to federal immigration authorities, raising concerns from a civil liberties group that she’s encouraging the workers to circumvent the state’s sanctuary law.
“If you are (Illinois Department of Corrections) staff who wants ICE to know of an illegal immigrant in IDOC call or message me,” state Sen. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro wrote in posts on X earlier this week. “I won’t rat you out. I will notify ICE.”
I was thinking over the weekend that there seems to be a big hole in Sen. Bryant’s logic.
* Attorney General Kwame Raoul addressed it during an interview with The 21st Show’s Brian Mackey…
If there’s a murder or sexual assault committed by an undocumented immigrant in the state of Illinois, the people of the state of Illinois rely on law enforcement officials within the state of Illinois to hold that individual responsible and make sure that they’re convicted and they’re penalized for the crime that they have committed.
So if the answer is, ‘Well, just deport them even before you convict them,’ then you’re not holding them responsible for the crime that they commit.
What’s to say, they don’t find a way to sneak back into the country after they’re free, they’ve been deported and they’re free, let’s just say they figure out how to get around Donald Trump’s partial wall and get back into country?
So there’s a real public safety interest in the Trust Act and to make sure that local and state law enforcement gets to hold people who’ve committed crimes responsible, violated their state criminal law, responsible.
That same logic would apply to people who’ve been convicted and are now incarcerated. Do we really wanna spring them from prison so they can be deported?
A bill filed in Springfield could stop the further criminalization of people experiencing homelessness.
A 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Johnson v. City of Grant Pass allowed local and state governments to criminalize homeless sheltering outside in public places.
This Illinois bill could ban state and local governments from creating criminal charges against the basic needs of the unhoused, such as sleeping, sitting or taking shelter on public property. […]
The plan would add to a previous bill, adding a new term called “life sustaining activities.” These would be protected rights of the unhoused to sleep, lie down, eat, drink and hold personal belongings under shelter in public property.
Rep. Kevin Olickal filed HB11429 earlier this month…
Amends the Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act. Prohibits the State or a unit of local government from creating or enforcing policies or ordinances imposing fines or criminal penalties against people experiencing unsheltered homelessness for occupying or engaging in life-sustaining activities on public property. Provides exceptions to maintain access to property or address risks to public health and safety. Creates a necessity defense for charges alleging violation of laws criminalizing life-sustaining activities while the individual was experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Defines terms. Limits the exercise of concurrent home rule powers.
Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that any appointments to the Chicago Board of Education made by the Mayor of the City of Chicago shall be made with the advice and consent of the Chicago City Council. Effective immediately.
Chris Davis, director of state legislation for the Illinois Farm Bureau, predicted this year will be an interesting one for agriculture. He said many groups are looking for increased funding for conservation programs in Illinois, an effort likely to be hindered by the looming deficit.
The Illinois Farm Bureau is continuing to advocate for changes to the estate tax, which applies to all estates valued over $4 million.
Billed as the Family Farm Preservation Act, the legislation was introduced last January by state Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, and state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria. It is intended to help operators of small family farms, who often fall into a “land rich, cash poor” category in which their modest farming income does not reflect the immense value of their land.
State Sen. Chapin Rose said the budget deficit is expected to hang heavily over the legislative session, but the Mahomet Republican said he still anticipates that action on the estate tax will be discussed.
Amends the Local Records Act. Provides that a law enforcement agency that encrypts police scanner transmissions must provide, by license or otherwise, real-time access to those transmissions to broadcast stations, broadcasting stations, radio broadcast stations, and newspapers. Effective January 1, 2026.
New Republican state Rep. Regan Deering, who represents parts of Bloomington, wasted no time wading into a fierce political debate in her first days after taking office.
Deering, who ran unopposed in the 88th House District race after defeating Chuck Erickson of Bloomington in the Republican primary, has filed a bill that schools must organize sport teams by male, female, and coeducational according to their gender assigned at birth.
The bill also defends schools if a government agency or organization wanted to start an investigation, complaint, or action against them. […]
The proposal is co-sponsored by six Republican House members, all women.
State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) is introducing a bill that he said will improve election security in the state.
Rose wants to make it mandatory for voters in the state to bring the IDs to the polls. Right now, IDs are not required to cast a ballot unless you are also registering to vote at that time.
“For far too long, Illinois has ignored basic election security measures that people expect and deserve,” said Senator Rose. “Requiring a photo ID to vote is just plain common sense. Letting often paid canvassers collect ballots and then toss these ballots, all together, into an unsecured drop box on the side of a street is a recipe for disaster.” said Rose. […]
Rose brought up Senate Bill 181 on Friday and is now hoping to get it passed.
Creates the Local Accessory Dwelling Unit Act. Defines terms. Provides that a unit of local government may not prohibit the building or usage of accessory dwelling units in the unit of local government. Provides that a unit of local government may provide reasonable regulations relating to the size and location of accessory dwelling units similar to other accessory structures unless a regulation would have the effect of prohibiting accessory dwelling units. Limits home rule powers. Effective immediately.
With Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., having not announced yet whether he will run again — and Gov. JB Pritzker still not confirming whether he will seek another term — Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Monday is launching her Level Up federal political action committee to build up her political operation and bolster a potential Senate run. […]
Stratton, 59, who was raised in Hyde Park, on Monday will be releasing a biographical video shot in her Bronzeville home.
Durbin, 80, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate and the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, will announce his plans in his own way on his own timetable. He was first elected in 1997 and is in his fifth term. […]
Stratton told me the Level Up PAC “is going to help me to do something that I think is especially needed right now, and that is to make sure that we demonstrate the leadership of our administration, how Illinois has become a beacon of progress, quite frankly, for working people. I want to elevate and build on that success through the Level Up PAC, and I want to support candidates, campaigns and causes that are delivering results for working people.”
The Level Up board consists of three women who Stratton trusts and is close to: Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Precious Brad-Davis; and Sol Flores, a former deputy governor.
* The Question: Do you think that LG Stratton should run for US Senate if Durbin retires? Note that I’m not asking if she will run. Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
Monday, Jan 27, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department
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* WTTW | Secret Service, Not ICE Agents Turned Away From Back of the Yards Elementary School: Even the governor reacted to the false information. “Targeting children and separating families is cruel and un-American,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement, issued before the Secret Service said their agents had been at the school [but after ICE denied being there].
* Illinois GOP Press Release: In case you missed it, Illinois Democrats took a false report from Chicago Public Schools and ran with it, spreading lies and creating hysteria. On Friday, CPS officials (and Ald. Jeanette Taylor) reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents visited an elementary school and were turned away. Hours later, it was revealed that Secret Service agents were investigating a threat, NOT ICE. It begs the question – when will Democrats like JB Pritzker retract their ICE lies? Bottom Line: Pritzker, along with multiple Democrat officials, ran with unsubstantiated reporting because it is convenient to their political agenda.
Tom Homan says ICE saved Children Today, and Goes Scorched Earth on Governor Pritzker
“This governor, Governor Pritzker, they want to vilify ICE… but ICE saved children today. ICE saved children today.
* Sun-Times | Trump officials join federal agents — and Dr. Phil — for immigration arrests in Chicago: Officials told McGraw that 300 people were being targeted in Chicago, but specific details of the Chicago operations, including locations or number of arrests, were not released. Until Sunday, there were few reports of large immigration actions in Chicago despite previous statements that Chicago would be targeted as early as Tuesday morning, the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
* Crain’s | Arrest warrants, luck: Inside a Chicago deportation raid at dawn: As the day wore on, agents on the ground faced familiar challenges. Many immigrants are aware that ICE agents typically don’t have criminal warrants and can’t enter a home without permission. Social media alerts and word-of-mouth warnings are also urging migrants to stay out of sight. “Usually, it just takes the first arrest and the phone calls start,” said Matthew Putra, acting field director for ICE in St. Paul, Minnesota, describing how Facebook posts and tweets often tip off communities. “Nobody would move, nobody would open a door, lights would be turned off.”
* Block Club Chicago | ICE Arrests Dozens In Chicago As Part Of ‘Targeted’ Operation — With Dr. Phil Broadcasting Live: Media campaigns are being coordinated with the rollout of ICE initiatives, including in Chicago, where television personality Dr. Phil McGraw has joined Tom Homan to broadcast ICE raids to millions of viewers. McGraw encouraged people to download an app in order to see live coverage of the arrests. Homan told McGraw they were targeting 300 people in Chicago, according to the Tribune. ICE reportedly arrested nearly 1,000 people nationally Sunday.
* Tribune | ‘We are terrified’: ICE begins long-promised immigration blitz in Chicago: In keeping with city law, the Chicago Police Department did not participate in Sunday’s operations, according to a post on X by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who acknowledged the reports of ICE activity. In the post, Johnson also implored Chicago residents to “know their constitutional rights.” Also on Sunday, Gov. JB Pritzker appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union” and reiterated that local law enforcement “will not coordinate with federal officials on the arrest of people” when they do not have a judicial warrant.
* Reuters | TV host ‘Dr. Phil’ films as ICE targets migrants in Chicago: In addition to Dr. Phil, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove publicized his trip to watch DOJ agents support immigration enforcement. “This morning, I had the privilege of observing brave men and women of the department deploying in lockstep with DHS to address a national emergency arising from four years of failed immigration policy,” Bove said in a statement, adding that the deputized agencies, the FBI, and federal prosecutors would all be working on the effort.
2nd Ward Ald Brian Hopkins, chair of public safety committee, rips “PR stunt” deportation raids yesterday. “There’s a right way to do it and a wrong way, they chose the wrong way.” pic.twitter.com/8N7MEJ064u
* ABC Chicago | School attendance declines in parts of Illinois amid fears of immigration raids, state supt. says: State Superintendent of Schools Tony Sanders met Friday with district leaders from Aurora and Elgin. “So, I’ve been in many schools this last week and I’ve talked to many superintendents that have seen a decline in attendance this week, especially among our Latino population who are fearful of sending their child to school,” Sanders said. “They’re hunkering back at home. They’re not separating as a family.”
*WIFR | Rockford-area leaders watch Chicago’s ICE immigration raid with concern, appreciation: There’s a saying Bethany Hoffman knows from her fellow attorneys: immigration law is like the ocean. “There’s going to be waves of all kinds that are going to affect our practice and immigration law,” says Hoffman, from Hoffman Immigration Law in Rockford. […] On Thursday, the White House’s Press Secretary reported 538 arrests of “illegal immigrants.” State Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) appreciated the efforts from ICE. “The guys and gals that are working with ICE are going after the worst of the worst,” contends the lawmaker.
* ABC Chicago | Illinois authorities divided on TRUST Act forbidding federal immigration enforcement collaboration: In an exclusive interview, [Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey] allowed I-Team cameras into the Kankakee County jail. That facility, until the past few years, was contracted to hold up to 200 ICE detainees. […] Currently, the closest local ICE detention center is in Wisconsin, where republican lawmakers are working to establish new rules for all local law enforcement to collaborate and assist with ICE.
* Chalkbeat Chicago | Five Things To Know About Illinois And Chicago Policies To Protect Immigrant Students: In a statement Tuesday night, CPS reiterated its stands not to share student information with ICE, “except in the rare case where there is a court order or consent from a parent or guardian.” On Wednesday, the U.S Department of Justice ordered federal prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who do not follow Trump’s executive orders on immigration. Trump’s executive orders and proposed immigration policies are expected to face legal challenges.
*** National News ***
* Axios | ICE arrests 956 in 1 day as Trump admin immigration crackdown ramps up: The largest number of single-day arrests announced by Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump since he took office last Monday and declared a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border is a clear sign that his administration is stepping up efforts to crack down on undocumented immigrants.
* The Hill | White House says migrant deportation flights with military aircraft have begun: “I said from Day 1, no one’s off the table. If you’re in the United States illegally, you got a problem, but we’re focusing on public safety threats first,” Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, told NewsNation on Thursday. However, those figures are also not a sharp departure from the levels that were under Biden, with Reichlin-Melnick saying the Trump administration was “slap[ping] a ‘mass deportation’ sticker on the side of normal ICE operations.”
Following a nearly nine-year public service commitment to the constituents of the 26th Senate District of Illinois, State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) announced his resignation from the Illinois State Senate, effective February 2, 2025.
Serving in office since 2016, Sen. McConchie consistently fought for the priorities of the northwest suburban district including limiting the size of government, reducing the property tax burden, and bringing common sense to state government and its functions.
“While I always possessed a desire to serve my country and my community, I never aspired to be an elected official, and certainly not a politician,” said Sen. McConchie. “It was my friends and neighbors who asked me to step up and run for office so I could bring common sense values to Springfield. It was these citizens who convinced me to run for office to help make Illinois a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
As a freshman legislator, Sen. McConchie took his obligation seriously and quickly got to work. As a member of the K-12 education funding formula working group, he helped lead negotiations resulting in bipartisan legislation that established a more equitable funding solution to the state’s elementary and secondary education system and created the successful Invest in Kids program—giving underprivileged children the opportunity at a great education regardless of zip code.
In just a short time, Sen. McConchie was viewed as a strategic thinker and leader by his colleagues. In 2020, he was elected by his peers to serve as the Senate Republican Leader, where he broadened his commitment to the people of Illinois, and offered them an alternative to the majority party’s policies. Under his leadership, he fought against executive and legislative abuses of power including government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic, controversial executive appointments, and gerrymandered legislative maps.
Most recently, Sen. McConchie has focused on championing legislation that seeks to remove barriers for those with disabilities. His commitment to expanding accessibility for the disabled inspired McConchie to found a non-profit organization to promote accessibility for the disabled in states and localities across the country.
“As my time in the Senate comes to an end, I’m grateful for what I was able to accomplish for the people of Illinois. It was an honor of a lifetime and one that I will cherish forever,” McConchie said. “As I look to the future, I know that there is more that I can do. My desire to create positive impact in the lives of others has not gone away, it’s just expanded to the most vulnerable no matter where they live across the country.
“I want to thank my wife, Milena, and my kids for allowing me to serve the people of Illinois in this capacity these past several years. In many ways, they have carried the burden of service even more than me. I will forever be grateful to them.”
…Adding… Biden won Sen. Dan McConchie’s (R-Hawthorn Woods) district by almost 10 points in 2020. Pritzker won it by almost 11 points in 2022. Sen. McConchie won by just 385 votes against Democrat Maria Peterson the same year.
* McConchie announced a new non-profit this morning…
With the goal of ensuring everyone has the “freedom to live,” Dan McConchie, a policy expert and former Illinois state senator, has launched a new advocacy organization seeking to improve accessibility for the disabled nationwide. The Accessibility Policy Institute, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving accessibility for the disabled at every level—local, state, and federal. It supports policies that remove barriers, so every disabled person has the opportunity to LIVE, WORK, and PLAY.
“Even now, more than 30 years after the passage of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disabled Americans frequently experience barriers in everyday life,” said Dan McConchie, CEO. “And while our society recognizes the fundamental equality of every human being, many individuals cannot fully enjoy their lives as long as there are barriers that inhibit participation in aspects of community life.”
The core initiatives at the Accessibility Policy Institute will reflect a “freedom to live” motto in which policy efforts will focus on increasing accessibility, and thereby freedom, for every American regardless of ability. By removing barriers to employment, transportation, housing, and more, both individuals and society will mutually benefit.
The Accessibility Policy Institute also recognizes that not all improvements to accessibility can or should happen through public policy, which is why the organization will also spearhead “Beyond the ADA.” This project will promote voluntary solutions by working with private companies and organizations to innovate their products and services to maximize disabled accessibility beyond what the law requires.
“Working to popularize and normalize an expanded accessibility attitude both in the corporate world as well as amongst the public at large will be key to enacting meaningful change,” said McConchie. “Through our advocacy efforts, we believe that we can play a large role in helping to expand accessibility for the disabled, and in the end, help create greater communities throughout the country.”
Prosecutors ended 10 hours of arguments that spanned three days Friday morning, explaining how they’d proven Madigan guilty of a racketeering conspiracy.
“For Madigan and McClain, the corrupt way was the way it was,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur said.
The prosecutor told the jury Madigan and McClain operated “as an ongoing unit.”
“They talked constantly,” she said. “They met regularly. They supported each other. They performed their own roles … One gave the orders, and one executed them.”
Attorneys for Michael Madigan opened their final bid to persuade jurors of his innocence by harking back to a memorable nickname for the former House speaker: the Sphinx.
“The Sphinx is, of course, a mythical creature,” attorney Dan Collins said Friday as his closing argument finally got underway in a packed federal courtroom. “Quiet, mysterious. A myth. In this case, ladies and gentlemen, the government sees the myth. They do not see the man.”
The defense throughout Madigan’s marathon public corruption trial has tried to portray the longtime political heavyweight as a hardworking and humble Southwest Sider who only ever sought to help people through his role at the top of the Illinois political power structure.
To reinforce the regular-guy image, Collins on Friday repeatedly referred to his client not as “the speaker,” not as “Mr. Madigan,” but as “Mike.”
Collins, in his own closing arguments, said the prosecution failed to meet its burden in proving any of the charges against Madigan.
He claimed the government’s case was “misguided” and relies on the public’s cynicism surrounding public officials and asked the jury to “see the man,” not “the myth.”
“When people ask for help, if possible, I try to help them,” Collins said, reciting Madigan’s own testimony at trial. “That’s Mike Madigan. It’s that simple. … Mike is not corrupt. Mike is not about power. Mike is not about profit. Mike will help, if possible, when asked.”
The racketeering conspiracy charge is an “umbrella count,” MacArthur said, which ties together all the “bribes, benefits (and) the use of influence to gain legislation” that are alleged in the various other charges.
Addressing the specific charges Madigan faces, Collins focused on only one: a conspiracy charge for purportedly backing AT&T Illinois’ legislative agenda in 2017 in exchange for the company arranging a $22,500 do-nothing consulting gig for ex-Democratic state Representative Eddie Acevedo. Jurors have seen evidence the company didn’t pay Acevedo directly but through the firm of lobbyist and Madigan associate Tom Cullen. […]
In the meantime, Collins pointed out, Madigan’s office fought to include a 9-1-1 service reform bill with the legislation, which he said went against AT&T’s interests. […]
Collins also pointed out that Acevedo initially — and, per witness testimony, angrily — turned down the company’s offer for $22,500. AT&T in turn resisted Acevedo’s efforts for a better-paying contract. Collins argued this showed Madigan didn’t control the nature of Acevedo’s arrangement with AT&T.
Jurors have also seen evidence that Acevedo did little to no work in exchange for his $22,500 — or, per the testimony of Tom Cullen, only “busy work” — but Collins laid the blame for that at Acevedo’s feet, not Madigan’s.
Before trial broke for the weekend, Collins left the jury with a parting thought on Solis, whom MacArthur had characterized as a “walking microphone” during her presentation – a reference to the hundreds of hours of secretly recorded conversations he gave feds access to during his 2 ½ years as an FBI mole. Solis began cooperating with the government in June 2016 after he was caught accepting bribes and abusing his campaign funds.
After an out-of-the-blue call to Solis the following summer, the FBI’s attention turned to Madigan, and the alderman began acting on agents’ orders when interacting with Madigan, Collins pointed out, acknowledging the government is allowed to use deceptive techniques as part of an investigation.
“He’s not a walking microphone,” Collins said. “He’s an actor in a stage production. And he’s getting direction from the government so he can, in turn, direct others.”
In that way, Collins said, Solis was a “walking crime wave,” and asked the jury to picture the alderman-turned-FBI mole as “that small little crack in your windshield that just keeps spreading and spreading and spreading and won’t go away.”
* More…
* Tribune | Closing arguments in Madigan trial to continue Monday with more from his defense: A lawyer for former House Speaker Michael Madigan is scheduled to continue his final pitch to the jury Monday by attacking allegations of a ComEd bribery scheme as well as the FBI mole at the center of the landmark case: ex-Ald. Daniel Solis. Attorney Dan Collins began his closing argument Friday and foreshadowed what was to come, calling Solis that “small little crack in your windshield that just won’t go away and keeps spreading and spreading.”
The Illinois Legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability recently released an eye-popping actuarial analysis of a union-backed pension reform plan.
The analysis concluded that the proposal, House Bill 5909, would cost taxpayers almost $30 billion through the year 2045.
And the annual state cost starting in fiscal year 2027, which begins in mid-2026, would be $1.13 billion.
As you likely know, the state is bracing to deal with a $3.2 billion deficit in the upcoming 2026 fiscal year. The state’s projection for the following fiscal year, FY27, envisions a $4.3 billion deficit. So, adding another billion-plus on top of that seems untenable, even though these budget projections don’t include any upcoming changes to how the state funds government.
More importantly, that estimate only includes the “Big Three” pension plans (state, university and teachers), and excludes local pension funds like the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and first responder funds, as well as the pension funds for judges and legislators.
Union members flooded the statehouse during the November veto session demanding these changes to the state’s Tier 2 pension program.
Public employee unions hotly opposed Tier 2 when it was approved by the General Assembly and Gov. Pat Quinn in 2013. The idea back then was to force newly hired employees to accept a significantly reduced pension package because the state was being crushed by the large and ever-growing costs of the existing plan, due to many decades of woeful state underfunding and legislative over-promising. The state constitution forbids reducing any pension benefits once they are granted, so the change could only be made to new hires going forward.
The actuarial report was conducted by Segal, a consulting firm often used by the commission. Segal also conducted an actuarial analysis on an earlier version of Tier 2 pension reform (HB 4973), which found it would cost state and local governments a net $4.6 billion by 2045. But the unions instead came down to Springfield in full force to back the new bill, introduced the day veto session began this past November.
Back in November, Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters he would “if necessary” agree to make sure all pension systems were in compliance with Social Security’s safe harbor provisions, meaning the pension benefits are at least as much as Social Security payments, as required by federal law. The earlier analysis of the previous bill had pegged that safe harbor cost at $4.8 billion for all systems. The latest analysis of the new bill has that particular projected cost at $6.2 billion just for the big three funds.
According to the new commission report, the union-backed changes to the final average salary calculation would cost an additional $1.1 billion through 2045; a redo of the annual cost of living adjustment payments would add $4.4 billion; and lowering the retirement age for Tier 2 recipients to equal Tier 1 recipients would cost a whopping $11.3 billion.
Total price: $29.76 billion, with the first additional payment of $1.132 billion owed in FY27, on top of the projected $10.8 billion projected pension payment that fiscal year.
Whew.
The previous Tier 2 bill was much more affordable. The legislation included a $500 million annual funding source by using revenues freed up from retiring debt. The price tag for that would’ve been a mere $47 million in the coming fiscal year. Needless to say, $47 million is a lot easier to swallow than $1.1 billion.
And again, the new actuarial projection for the new bill doesn’t include any of the municipal pension systems or smaller state systems. The total cost would be significantly higher than the projection claims.
Pritzker is not enthusiastic about the union-backed bill, to say the least.
While Pritzker reiterated his support last week to bring pensions into compliance with federal Social Security laws, his spokesperson said the governor “has been crystal clear that he will not support any pension proposal that is credit negative or threatens the State’s balanced budget.”
Adding $1.1 billion a year to the state’s outlays would just be too much of a budget hit to take.
And even the proposal’s Senate sponsor, Sen. Rob Martwick, D-Chicago, agreed that the state can’t afford the plan.
Martwick call his bill a “great starting point” in negotiations, “because it shows us the cost of doing the right thing,” and insisted that the pension benefits created by the bill “are not ‘too rich.’”
However, Martwick said, “The unfortunate reality is that Illinois and Chicago are such financial disasters that we very well cannot afford to do the right thing.”
* ICYMI: Trump order freezes funding for Illinois EV charging network, raises questions about other clean energy projects. Tribune…
- In its quest to get a million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, Illinois was counting on $148 million in federal funding to help build a statewide network of public EV chargers.
- Now that funding has been frozen — and targeted for possible reduction or elimination — under a wide-ranging executive order that President Donald Trump signed on his first day in office.
- “I’m very nervous right now that (the Trump executive order) is going to limit Illinois’ ability to achieve its EV future,” said Brian Urbaszewski, environmental health programs director at the Chicago-based Respiratory Health Association.
* At 10 am Governor JB Pritzker will be at the Lookingglass Theatre to celebrate its reopening. Click here to watch.
*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***
* Sun-Times | New state transportation boss looking to cure Kennedy construction ‘headache,’ focus on speeding up projects: Gia Biagi has been at the wheel of the Illinois Department of Transportation for less than two weeks, but she already is planning to hit the accelerator on construction projects — including the slow-moving Kennedy Expressway headache. “When we get back out there, you’re going to see folks working all the time,” Biagi told the Sun-Times. “I’ve got my eye on this project, and we’re going to push as hard as we can to get it done as fast as we can.“
* Tribune | ‘Yo!’ Mayor Brandon Johnson’s texts reveal governing style and intrigue at City Hall: The mayor’s exchanges with aldermen, Gov. JB Pritzker, top business officials and labor leaders show he is more reluctant than predecessors Lori Lightfoot and Rahm Emanuel to put much in writing. While Lightfoot would often respond to text messages with voluminous essays that sometimes bordered on venomous, Johnson usually replies with a phone call or directs his staff to return the message.
*** Statehouse News ***
* QC Online | Illinois Quad-Cities lawmakers warn cuts are coming due to projected budget shortfall: “We’re going to lose programs,” Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-East Moline, said. “We lost a couple of programs last year…which really broke my heart. …I will find out how we get our fair piece of the pie, but no doubt it’s going to be a difficult year.” Rep. Dan Swanson, R-Alpha, said in a November letter from the Deputy Governor for Budget and Economy Andy Manar requested state agencies start looking at reducing grants, winding down programs and eliminating vacant positions, among other preparations for a the projected budget shortfall. He noted, though, that the budget process is controlled by the Democratic-majorities in both chambers.
* Sun-Times | State Sen. Napoleon Harris is out as chairman of legislative committee regulating the insurance industry: Asked about this, Harmon spokesman John Patterson said, “With the start of every new General Assembly there is a shuffling of responsibilities to best recognize senators’ interests, experience and expertise. The leadership and committee chair announcements for the 104th General Assembly reflect the great diversity of people and talent we have in the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.”
*** Statewide ***
* Sun-Times | Illinois’ new flag: What design experts say to consider as you vote among 10 finalists: Coco Chanel made a name for designing many things, though flags of any sort weren’t among them. Still, flag design expert Ted Kaye cites her famous dictum in his parameters for a good flag: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” “Only the simplest designs really function well,” says Kaye, who is the secretary of the North American Vexillological Association — “The World’s Largest Organization of Flag Enthusiasts and Scholars” — and compiler of the design guide “Good Flag, Bad Flag.”
* NPR | University of Illinois raises tuition at all campuses: The rate hike takes effect in the Fall 2025 semester. The University of Illinois Springfield will charge 2% more. Both the Urbana-Champaign and Chicago campuses will see tuition go up 2.2%. Rising costs driven by inflation are behind the decision.
* WCIA | Health insurers now required to cover pregnancy, postpartum care in Illinois: It is a two-phase process that will also expand access to prenatal doula services and coverage for professional midwives. In addition, insurers will cover postpartum care, lactation consultation, and a few other services with requirements that will take effect starting January 2026.
*** Chicago ***
* Crain’s | Johnson rakes in gambling contributions, including one that may violate ethics law: The $13,000 contribution came from the National Association of Promotional Retailers, a group affiliated with lobbyist Maze Jackson that advocates on behalf of opening up the state’s video gambling industry by creating a pathway for operators of so-called sweepstakes machines out of a gray market. The group shares an address with other companies tied to Jackson and he is listed as one of three directors of the entity, according to state records.
* Block Club | Chicago Conducts Annual Homeless Count As City Begins Combined Shelter System: The outreach on a night that dipped into the single-digit temperatures is part of the city’s annual Point-in-Time Count. It takes a snapshot of homelessness in the city and gathers numbers of both sheltered and unsheltered people living in the city on a single night. Last year’s survey found 18,836 Chicagoans experiencing homelessness. Of those,17,202 were living in shelters and 1,634 were unhoused. That number tripled 2023’s count of 6,139 people experiencing homelessness. […] The figures from this year’s survey will be compiled and released in the coming weeks.
* A City That Works | Construction costs for affordable housing are skyrocketing: It won’t be news to regular readers around here, but Chicago has a housing crisis. The DePaul Institute of Housing Studies estimates that the city is short 120,000 units of low-cost housing. Estimates of the number of homeless Chicagoans more than tripled last year, according to the 2024 HUD point-in-time count. […] At the same time, it’s getting much harder to produce new units. Costs for city-funded affordable housing projects have skyrocketed. In 2023, city supported affordable projects cost an average of $584,000 per unit.1 And that number includes rehabs of existing affordable units. Rehabs are great, and generally cheaper than new construction, but they also don’t add to the city’s overall housing stock.2 Costs for new construction in 2023 came in at $747,000 per unit. Those prices are growing fast; costs for both rehabs and new construction have almost doubled since 2020.
* Block Club | NASCAR Slashes Prices On Tickets To 2025 Chicago Street Race, Lets Kids In Free: NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race Weekend returns July 5-6 for the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series along the same previous 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course. The racing company announced Thursday it dropped the price of its tickets for its third year in Grant Park in addition to expanding its free general admission tickets for kids 12 and under to both Saturday and Sunday.
* Crain’s | What’s up with Chicago snowfalls? WGN meteorologist Demetrius Ivory explains.: Meteorologically speaking, Chicago winters are changing. And who better than a meteorologist to explain what we’re experiencing. Crain’s spoke with Demetrius Ivory, chief meteorologist for WGN-TV/Channel 9, to talk about how weather patterns are affecting snowfall and temperatures in the Chicago area. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* NBC Chicago | Judge finds Dolton mayor in ‘indirect criminal contempt’ in liquor license case: Business owner Tiffany Kamara took legal action when she said she was not able to obtain liquor licenses from Henyard, who also serves as liquor commissioner. […] On Wednesday, Judge Horan gave Henyard until 5 p.m. Thursday to sign the licenses. The deadline was not met. After the documents were signed Friday in court, Judge Horan found Henyard in indirect criminal contempt, but Henyard was not taken into custody.
* Daily Southtown | Former Ford Heights Mayor Charles Griffin sentenced to 4 years for embezzlement conviction: Griffin, 69, was convicted in September of embezzling between $10,000 and $100,000 of public funds for personal use both during and after his first term as mayor of the small, impoverished village of Ford Heights. The federal indictment came after Griffin’s successor, Annie Coulter, who served from 2017 until Griffin was elected to a second term in 2021, found secret bank accounts tied to Griffin holding $147,000 in public funds. Prosecutors said Griffin used those accounts to pay for goods and services that benefited himself and those close to him, spending thousands at such places as Walmart, Home Depot, Menards, L.A. Fitness and various restaurants.
*** Downstate ***
* SJ-R | Springfield-based hospital names new CEO, president: HSHS Central Illinois Market and HSHS St. John’s Hospital will have a new president and CEO come the spring. Dr. Leanne M. Yanni will take over the role at HSHS on March 17, 2025. Yanni will take over for Matthew Fry. Earlier in January, the SJ-R reported Fry will be leaving in early March to assume leadership duties at a Missouri-based health system.
* SJ-R | New task force looks to target gun violence in Springfield: The SPD is joining forces with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to form a Springfield Firearms Task Force that aims to more quickly and effectively identify and arrest people illegally purchasing, selling and using firearms. The task force has been working since this past fall and is made up of officers from the SPD, special agents from the ATF, and also Springfield police officers who have been sworn as federal task officers for the team’s purposes.
*** National ***
* AP | Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s famous name and controversial views collide in his bid for top health job: A Democratic group is running digital ads that accuse Kennedy of spreading misinformation in Samoa. The campaign is targeting senators in nine states, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Curtis of Utah, which boasts a significant Samoan population. Another they’re targeting is Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Senate committee, which holds a hearing Thursday. Cassidy, who is also a doctor, stopped short of endorsing Kennedy after they met and is seen as swayable.
* Law Dork | Trans woman in prison sues over Trump’s anti-trans “sex” definition order: A transgender woman in federal prison sued the Trump administration on Sunday, arguing that President Donald Trump’s executive order defining “sex” is intentionally discriminatory, violates her constitutional and statutory rights, and puts her in danger. Trump, the lawsuit alleges, “has been transparent about his hostility toward transgender people and openly stated his intentions to create legal obstacles to eliminate legal protections for transgender people and to deter them from obtaining medical care or being able to live in a sex other than their birth sex.”
* NPR | This economist survived a wildfire. Now she’s taking on California’s insurance crisis: Around five years ago, Wallace recounted her incredible story in the Oakland Hills fire to her former PhD student Carles Vergara-Alert, who was back in Berkeley on a sabbatical as a visiting professor, and two other Berkeley economists, Richard Stanton and Paulo Issler. And it inspired them to study how the rising risk of wildfires was affecting housing markets. A pretty weird thing seemed to be happening to properties destroyed by fires. Nancy noticed it in her own community. After the fire, people got insurance money and rebuilt their homes. Their homes seemed to get bigger and nicer. And, like elsewhere in the Bay Area, their home values went on a rocket ship to the moon in the decades after the fire. It was like everyone had forgotten that it was still a risky area.
* Forbes | Weight-Loss Drugs Like Ozempic Linked To Lower Risk Of 42 Conditions: Scientists probing the health records of nearly 216,000 people with diabetes who took the GLP-1 receptor antagonists found they had a lower risk of 42 conditions than people on other forms of treatment. They also had a higher risk of 19 health problems. Some results, like reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and increased chance of nausea and vomiting, were expected. But others, like a lower risk of bacterial infection and an increased chance of joint pain, took researchers by surprise.
* You can click here and here to follow the Madigan trial. 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.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived at a CPS elementary school in Back of the Yards Friday but were turned away by school administrators, CPS officials said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrived at Hamline Elementary School, 1548 W. 48th St., Friday morning, Chicago Public School officials said. The principal said school administrators followed protocols and did not allow the agents inside the school, according to officials.
Students and staff inside the school were safe, officials said.
“They kept the ICE agents outside of the school and contacted CPS’ Law Department and CPS’ Office of Safety and Security for further guidance,” CPS spokesperson Mary Ann Fergus said in an emailed statement.
* Fox Chicago Political Correspondent Paris Schutz…
CPS Chief Pedro Martinez on MSNBC - network reports that ICE is denying they showed up at Back of the Yards school…Martinez says they showed their credentials to staff
A downstate Republican lawmaker is urging Illinois prison employees to secretly send her information on undocumented immigrants who are behind bars so she can pass the information on to federal immigration authorities, raising concerns from a civil liberties group that she’s encouraging the workers to circumvent the state’s sanctuary law.
“If you are (Illinois Department of Corrections) staff who wants ICE to know of an illegal immigrant in IDOC call or message me,” state Sen. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro wrote in posts on X earlier this week. “I won’t rat you out. I will notify ICE.” […]
On Wednesday night, Bryant wrote three posts on X that include what appears to be an IDOC internal order telling state prison workers not to assist federal authorities in any immigration enforcement against people incarcerated in the state prison system.
Under the 2017 Trust Act, law enforcement in Illinois, including IDOC corrections officers, are generally barred from assisting federal law enforcement in immigration matters. But Bryant said in her posts that if IDOC employees confide in her about undocumented prison inmates, she will bring the information to the feds without revealing her source.
Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced the addition of 5,150 publicly funded preschool seats as the result of the fiscal year 2025 Early Childhood Block Grants. The grants mark the second year of Governor JB Pritzker’s Smart Start Illinois plan, which aims to expand access to early childhood education by increasing the number of preschool seats available to working families. A total of 11,000 seats have been added under Governor Pritzker’s leadership.
“This is another historic step forward for early childhood education in Illinois, bringing us 5,150 seats closer to our goal of Universal Pre-K,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Every Illinois child deserves our full investment starting in their earliest years. Smart Start Illinois will put our children on the path to growth and opportunity while making our communities stronger, healthier, and more connected.” […]
Gov. Pritzker’s Smart Start Illinois initiative, which was launched in FY 2024, aims to eliminate gaps in access to preschool by expanding high-quality, publicly funded preschool programs to serve at least 80% of all low-income 3- and 4-year-olds in every community across Illinois. […]
The initiative prioritizes awarding funding to grantees in identified preschool deserts. The FY 2025 Early Childhood Block Grants awarded $32.2 million to 91 grantees administering half-day Preschool for All (PFA) and full-day Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) programs, as well as Prevention Initiative services, which provide children aged 0-3 and their families with comprehensive support services.
Early Childhood Block Grants in FY 2025 include:
- Preschool for All: A total of $15.63 million awarded to 51 programs to serve 4,008 additional children.
- Preschool for All Expansion: A total of $9.70 million awarded to 25 programs to serve 1,142 additional children.
- Prevention Initiative: A total of $6.85 million awarded to 15 programs to serve 512 additional children.
*** Statehouse News ***
* WAND | Illinois lawmakers look to ban cancerous forever chemicals from household items: Illinois lawmakers have a new bill that would ban all use of forever chemicals in cookware, cosmetics such as makeup, dental floss, child products like pacifiers, underwear, menstrual products and food packaging. State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Highland Park) said this is this the right time to raise awareness and start restricting the chemicals widespread use.
* Capitol News Illinois | Republican picked to chair Illinois House veterans committee ‘overwhelmed with emotions’: “And I said ‘sir, I’d be honored. I’d be honored to do that. I’d be honored to serve as chairman of the Veterans committee, serving Illinois veterans and veterans throughout the district,’” he said. Democrats have held a majority in the Illinois House since the mid-1990s, making it rare for a member of the minority Republican Party to chair a committee. Former Rep. Don Moffitt of Galesburg chaired the House Fire Protection Committee in 2010.
*** Statewide ***
* Crain’s | Purdue, Sackler family reach new $7.4 billion opioid accord: Bankrupt Purdue Pharma LP and members of the billionaire Sackler family agreed to pay $7.4 billion to a group of US states, including Illinois, and other parties to settle long-running litigation over OxyContin’s role in the deadly opioid epidemic. Illinois is slated to receive as much as $154 million from the settlement, according to state Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office.
*** Chicago ***
* Bloomberg | Chicago schools to take $400M advance from revolving credit: The Chicago Board of Education tapped $400 million from its short-term revolving credit agreements with Bank of America and PNC Bank. The amount drawn on Jan. 8 exceeded the $100 million draw down taken just a year ago, according to bond filings. It comes as the fourth-largest US public school district faces escalating fiscal pressures with federal pandemic aid coming to an end, underfunded pensions and rising labor costs.
* Block Club | Bally’s Chicago Wants Women, Minorities To Invest In New Casino — But Is It A Safe Bet?: But with bids due Jan. 31, financial experts are offering this advice for consumers: Don’t invest more than what you can afford to lose, because if the casino is never built or goes out of business, you’ll lose it all. […] “To say this will guarantee generational wealth building I think is a strong statement,” said William Towns, a professor of social impact at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and managing director of Chi-Town Impact, a private equity fund. “Could it possibly lead to that? Yes, it could, but there’s some big caveats there.”
* Bloomberg | Billionaire Crown dynasty revamps leadership after death: One of Chicago’s wealthiest families has named new leaders and appointed a board for the dynasty’s business after the death of Jim Crown at a racetrack accident in 2023. Bill Crown, Jim’s first cousin, will replace him as president and chief executive officer of Henry Crown & Co., according to a statement released on Friday. Jim’s brother Steve Crown will serve as executive chairman of a board of directors that will have five members.
* Sun-Times | Homeless tent camp to be removed from Gompers Park on Northwest Side: Ald. Samantha Nugent (39th) said in a letter to residents Thursday night that the city agreed to begin a process called an “accelerated moving event” that potentially will place people now living in tents at Gompers into shelters. The process begins the week of Feb. 24, Nugent said. An actual closure can take weeks. Once a decision to close is made, those living in the tents will be given a choice to move into a shelter with city assistance or to leave the park.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Lake County News-Sun | Illinois Supreme Court clears way for permanent Waukegan casino: Work on the permanent American Place Resort and Casino in Waukegan, which has been on hold since August of 2023, can resume after the Illinois Supreme Court put an end to litigation to which casino owner Full House Resorts was never a party. As soon as Alex Stolyar, Full House’s senior vice president and chief development officer, learned of the court decision, he said in a text work on the permanent facility will restart as the company’s temporary American Place casino continues to operate on the permanent site.
* Daily Herald | Aurora announces plan for sports complexes, housing near mall: An indoor sports complex and an e-sports facility will be built on 50 acres of city-owned land near the Chicago Premium Outlets mall, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin announced Friday. The development could also include other uses, including housing, Irvin said before revealing the companies selected to bring the vision to fruition.
*** Downstate ***
* TSPR | WIU announces nearly 90 administrative furloughs: Zach Messersmith, WIU Director of Governmental Relations, told TSPR that 89 employees are included in the furlough program, which will save the university nearly $500,000. Employees will not be allowed to work, receive regular pay, or report hours worked during their furlough days.
* WSIL | Chief Stan Reno accepts Carbondale City Manager position: Stan Reno has accepted a conditional offer for the Carbondale City Manager position. Reno is the current Interim City Manger and the Chief of Police in Carbondale. Reno will take on the City Manager position upon final approval of an employment agreement by the Carbondale City Council. As this transition is completed, Reno will appoint an Acting Chief of Police for the Carbondale Police Department. There will be a nationwide search for the Chief of Police position.
*** National ***
* WBEZ | Research contradicts public-safety rationale for Trump’s crackdown on immigrants and sanctuary cities: Benjamin Gonzalez O’Brien: Nationally, violent crime rates have been trending down and are now back to pre-pandemic levels. And while crime rates vary from city to city, state to state, there is no evidence that an increase in the undocumented population actually leads to an increase in crime. Research has found that immigrants, both documented and undocumented, actually offend at lower rates than the native-born population, including when it comes to violent crime.
* WaPo | Trump immigration raids alarm cities, but ICE arrests fewer than in 2017: The White House said immigration agents have arrested 538 undocumented immigrants and deported “hundreds” more. Those numbers are relatively modest for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge operations — a possible indication that the Trump administration’s show of force has so far outpaced the government’s capacity to deliver on the president’s lofty goals.
* The Daily Beast | Mayor Rages as U.S. Military Vet Nabbed in Trump’s Much-Hyped ICE Raids: About 10 or 12 ICE agents raided a Newark, New Jersey, seafood wholesaler and restaurant on Thursday and arrested three people, including the Puerto Rican warehouse manager, Ocean Food Depot owner Luis Janota told PIX11 news. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. […] The ICE officers also didn’t have a warrant, in “plain violation” of the Fourth Amendment, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement. “One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned,” he said. “Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized.”
* NBC | Experts saw Samoa’s plunging vaccination rates as a crisis. RFK Jr. saw an opportunity: Months after Kennedy’s visit, the question of what would happen to Samoa’s unvaccinated babies was answered. A measles outbreak swept the country, sickening thousands and killing 83, mostly small children. As measles raged, Kennedy stayed connected to the island, writing to the prime minister to raise concerns about the vaccine and providing medical guidance to a local anti-vaccine activist who posted false claims about the vaccination campaign and promoted unproven alternative cures.
Many Illinois residents believe their abortion rights and access are “Trump proof,” thanks to many years of legislative victories in Springfield. It’s true that Springfield has put important protections into place in recent years, such as the Reproductive Health Act, the expansion of Medicaid and private insurance coverage for abortion care, and protections for patients and providers from criminalization. But the scary truth is, our rights remain at risk with Donald Trump in the White House with control over the Supreme Court and both the House and Senate. […]
First, contrary to talk on the campaign trail, President Trump wouldn’t need to sign a nationwide abortion ban to meaningfully restrict access — including in Illinois. His cabinet can do the “dirty work” for him. One of the many ways Trump could enact a national ban is by directing the Department of Justice to enforce an obscure existing law called the Comstock Act, passed in 1873, that could drastically restrict access to the tools needed to provide abortions and other pregnancy care. That could include mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortions and miscarriage management, and it could also even affect access to standard medical supplies used for all types of procedures.
Second, despite increased abortion bans around the country, more people are accessing abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. One factor for the increase is the FDA’s updated 2021 guidance allowing medication abortion via telehealth. Trump could direct the FDA to rescind that guidance in addition to removing other regulations on medication abortion, or he can revoke approval of medication abortion drugs entirely. Nearly two-thirds of abortions provided in the American health care system are medication abortions.
• The Comstock Act – an 1873 anti-vice law banning the mailing of obscene matter and articles used to produce abortion – could be used by a future presidential administration opposed to abortion rights to sharply restrict abortion nationwide. A literal interpretation of the Act could potentially also apply to materials used to produce all abortions, not just medication abortions; would not have exceptions; and could affect other medical care, such as miscarriage management.
• The Biden Administration’s Department of Justice has determined the Comstock Act only applies when the sender intends for the material or drug to be used for an illegal abortion, and because there are legal uses of abortion drugs in every state including to save the life of the pregnant person, there is no way to determine the intent of the sender. This interpretation, however, is not binding on future administrations.
• Anti-abortion organizations have asked federal courts to interpret the Comstock Act as a ban on the mailing and distribution of mifepristone– one of two drugs in the medication abortion regimen. While former President Trump has not publicly endorsed the enforcement of the Comstock Act, enforcement of the law has been outlined as a strategy recommended by conservative and anti-abortion leadership and may emerge as a key issue in the 2024 presidential election.
Meteorologists at 27 local TV news stations are facing uncertainty about their jobs after Allen Media Group announced a new local weather initiative with The Weather Channel.
The group, which owns TV stations in 21 markets across the country, said Saturday it is rolling out a new format for weather coverage that will have “additional visual storytelling capabilities” across its stations in 2025. […]
The plan involves meteorologists at The Weather Channel in Atlanta producing content for local stations across the country. The team under the new initiative will be led by Carl Parker, a meteorologist at The Weather Channel, and include some meteorologists from local TV stations moving to Atlanta, the media group said in a statement.
* WTHI-Indiana meteorologists Patrece Dayton and Kevin Orpurt announced their layoffs last week with a tearful goodbye…
* Yesterday The Desk, a tech and business publication, reported Allen Media reversed its decision to lay the local meteorologists off, at least partly…
Allen Media Group has reversed some of its plans to lay off more than 100 local television meteorologists and outsource regional weather forecasts to its production facilities in Atlanta, The Desk has learned. […]
The overwhelming majority of Allen Media’s TV forecasters were to be laid off as part of the plans, and some meteorologists had already received pink slips. […]
“After receiving significant feedback across various markets, Allen Media has decided to pause and reconsider the strategy of providing local weather from the Weather Channel in Atlanta,” a sales manager at one of the Allen Media stations told The Desk by e-mail.
Less clear is whether Allen Media intends to hire back some meteorologists who were already laid off before the plans were announced. A spokesperson for Allen Media declined to comment when reached by The Desk on Thursday.
The company is still moving forward with plans to build a regional production hub out of the Atlanta studios of The Weather Channel, which Allen Media fully acquired last year.
A few stations (WSIL, WAAY) have announced they will be keeping their meteorologists.
* WREX Rockford was one of the of the stations facing layoffs. I spoke with Congressman Eric Sorensen, former Chief Meteorologist at WREX for his reaction early this morning…
Sorensen: I worry that this is going to be something that these big corporations are going to consider in the future. As you know, the big corporations are, they’re working for the shareholder and not for the consumer of the product. And so they are going to look for ways to cut costs, you know, at any price.
And I saw that in my career, in my 22-year career as a broadcast meteorologist, to see the TV stations that I worked for, they would cut positions and not replace people. Instead of having 100 people working in a newsroom, you had 50, and then you had 20, and then you had 10.
And it concerns me because as we look forward, if we don’t have these trusted sources for information, then it’s just going to open us up to risk of people who, who don’t have a degree in meteorology, people who don’t have journalistic ethics could lead us in our communities astray.
Isabel: What was your reaction when you heard this news?
Sorensen: My first thought when I heard that the TV station that I watched when I was a kid, WREX Rockford, Illinois. As a kid, I watched Eric Nefstead do the news. He did the weather. He talked with me and got me through the fear of weather to the point where I wanted to emulate him. I wanted to be him. That TV station was -that allowed me to create a dream in my head as a small child, and I wanted to be a meteorologist.
And so I strived through school to become a meteorologist. I worked in Texas for five years, and then I had a call, Eric, do you want this job at WREX? And I said, yes, absolutely. And so I got to work at the same TV station that that the person that guided me as a child. I worked there.
It was a little bit of a gut punch, because I left WREX in 2014 when I moved to Moline, Illinois, and WREX had the same chief meteorologist since the person that replaced me is still working there as the chief meteorologist, Alex Kirschner. And so it hit me like a gut punch when I heard that this corporation was considering getting rid of all of their meteorologists. And I thought, wait a minute, does that mean I’m the second to last chief meteorologist WREX will ever have? How close was I to not achieving my own dream? And so it was personal to me. And I thought to myself, you know, my community, my hometown, deserves better than that.
WREX has yet to issue a statement about whether its meteorologists have been spared. I’ve reached out to the station’s lead meteorologist. I’ll update with any response.
* The Illinois General Assembly’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is out with a new report entitled “2024 Illinois’ National Rankings - A State-by-State Comparison of Tax Rates, Tax Revenues, Government Spending, and Employment Trends.” Let’s take a quick look at the categories, but the whole thing is worth a read…
Category 1: State Government Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 13th in the nation with an amount of $5,019 per capita. Illinois’ value was higher than the national per-capita rate of $4,275.
Category 2: State Government Individual Income Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 16th. Illinois’ per-capita rate of $1,738 was above the national average of $1,412, but remains well below the 1st ranked state in this category, Oregon, at $3,136 per capita.
Category 3: State Government Corporation Net Income Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 6th with a per-capita rate of $786, notably higher than the national per-capita rate of $427. Illinois’ per-capita value was the highest in the Midwest Region.
Category 4: State Government General Sales Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 31st in the nation with a value of $1,235, which was below the national average per-capita value of $1,375. As shown in Table 7 below, in the Midwest Region, only Missouri (44th) ranked lower than Illinois on a per-capita basis.
Category 5: State Government Tobacco Product Sales Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 19th with a value of $63 per capita. New Hampshire is the highest-ranked state on a per-capita basis with a value of $155.
Category 6: State Government Alcoholic Beverage Sales Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 17th in the nation with a value of $25 per capita. Washington is the highest-ranked state on a per-capita basis with a value of $63 per capita.
Category 7: State Government Motor Fuel Tax Revenue
(O)n a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 13th in the nation in 2023 with a per-capita rate of $207, which was higher than the national per-capita rate of $165. Illinois was the 4th highest ranking state on a per-capita basis in the Midwest Region.
Category 8: State Government Motor Vehicle Tax Revenue
Illinois had the 5th highest per-capita ranking in this category, collecting $180 per capita, which was well above the national per-capita value of $101. Only Iowa (ranked 1st) had a higher ranking than Illinois in the Midwest Region at $242 per capita.
Category 9: State Government Insurance Premium Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 47th in the nation with a value of $44, well below the national average of $97. Only Wisconsin (48th), Indiana (49th ) and Oregon (50th ) had lower per-capita rates than Illinois. Louisiana had the highest per-capita rate at $269.
Category 10: State Government Tax Revenue as a Percent of Personal Income
As shown in Table 17, Illinois ranked 15th in the nation in 2023 in the category of state government tax revenue as a percentage of personal income with a value of 7.1%. In 2023, the national average percentage was 6.2%. The highest-ranking state was New Mexico at 12.4%
Category 11: Local Government Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 8th at $7,672 per capita and was the highest- ranked state in the Midwest Region. New York was first at $11,186 per capita. A major reason for Illinois’ high rankings in this area is because Illinois has more units of government (over 8,0003) than any other state in the nation.
Category 12: Local Government Property Tax Revenue
On a per-capita basis, Illinois also ranked 6th and was the highest-ranked state in this category in the Midwest Region. Illinois’ per-capita rate was $2,606, which was well above the national average of $1,883.
Category 13: State and Local Government Total Expenditures
[Illinois] ranks 18th in terms of per-capita spending. … Illinois’ per-capita spending rate was $13,299, which was just above the national average rate of $12,903. Illinois had the highest amount of total expenditures in the Midwest in total dollars and on a per-capita basis.
Category 14: Elementary and Secondary Education Expenditures by State and Local Governments
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 6th at $3,130 per capita, which was above the national average of $2,499. New York was the highest-ranked state on a per-capita basis at $4,198. Illinois had the highest per-capita ranking in the Midwest.
Category 15: Source of Elementary and Education Funding
49.4% of Illinois’ portion of education funding in [Fiscal Year 2022] came from local sources, 39.9% came from state sources, and 10.7% came from federal sources. Illinois’ local government portion of elementary and secondary education is among the highest in the nation. In the year shown, Illinois ranked 12th in the nation. Illinois ranks 3rd in the Midwest after Ohio (6th) and Missouri (9th). [State pension payments and personal property tax replacement revenue are included in this calculation.]
Category 16: Higher Education Expenditures by State and Local Governments
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 36th at $893 per capita, which was below the national per-capita value of $1,021. Utah was the highest-ranked state on a per-capita basis at $1,905. In the Midwest Region, only Ohio (38 th) and Missouri (45th) had a lower ranking than Illinois.
Category 17: State and Local Government Expenditures for Police Protection
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 8th in the nation with a value of $493 per capita, above the national average of $420. Illinois was the highest-ranked state in the Midwest Region in total dollars and on a per-capita basis. The highest-ranked state on a per-capita basis was California with a per-capita value of $621.
Category 18: State and Local Government Expenditures for Corrections
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 38th with a value of $199 per capita, which was below the national per-capita rate of $274. The highest-ranked state on a per-capita basis was Alaska with a per-capita value of $613. Illinois’ ranking on a per-capita basis had steadily declined over the past few decades. Illinois was ranked 29 th in 1997, 38th in 2004, 43rd in 2006, and fell to as low as 48th in 2016. However, the trend appeared to be reversing itself in the past decade as the per- capita ranking rose from 42nd in 2017 to 28th in 2018, but it has since fallen again to its latest ranking of 38th. The highest-rated state in the Midwest is Wisconsin with a per- capita value of $311 and a ranking of 12th.
Category 19: State and Local Government Expenditures for Housing and Community Development
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 15th with a value of $256, which was above the national average of $222. Illinois was the highest-ranked state in the Midwest Region.
Category 20: State and Local Government Expenditures for Parks and Recreation
Illinois, on a per-capita basis, ranked 7th with a per-capita value of $223, which was above the national average of $153 per capita. Illinois was the highest-ranked Midwest Region state. North Dakota had the highest per-capita ranking overall with a value of $382.
Category 21: State and Local Government Expenditures for Public Welfare Programs
Illinois, on a per-capita basis, ranked 24th with a per-capita value of $2,755, which was below the national average of $2,913 per capita. Kentucky (8th ) was the highest-ranked Midwest Region state with a per-capita value of $3,715. New York had the highest per-capita ranking overall with a value of $4,715.
Category 22: State and Local Government Expenditures for Highways
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 22nd with a value of $685, which was above the national average of $632. Illinois’ per-capita ranking has fluctuated in past years going from 10th in 2015 to 27th in 2019, and now to its latest ranking of 22nd . Illinois was the third highest-ranked state in the Midwest Region on a per-capita basis behind Iowa (ranked 9th) at $964 per capita and Wisconsin (ranked 16th) at $759 per capita. The highest-ranked states on a per-capita basis were Alaska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Category 23: State and Local Government Debt Outstanding
On a per-capita basis, Illinois ranked 12th with a value of $10,641. This amount was above the national average of $9,470 per capita. Illinois has consistently been the highest-ranked state in the Midwest Region in both total dollars and on a per-capita basis over the last several years. New York had the highest per-capita value of $17,939.
It’s a really good cheat sheet for arguments about our taxing and spending here.
The report then delves into employment-related issues, which COGFA has already partially covered (as have we), but we will go over those numbers soon.
Johnson’s campaign folks said they’d actually raised $200K during the quarter, but that it wasn’t reported.
* Turns out, they were apparently allowing the campaign checks to pile up before they deposited them, which they finally got around to doing. Tribune…
A new campaign finance report filed by Mayor Brandon Johnson includes over $200,000 his campaign had discussed but not officially reported. […]
State law requires politicians to report contributions greater than $1,000 within five business days of depositing the contributions. While Johnson may have been given checks for the large contributions months earlier, he appears to have followed campaign finance law by reporting the money shortly after depositing it, Illinois State Board of Elections spokesperson Matt Dietrich said.
Politicians often hold on to uncashed checks until elections get closer, he added. But for regulators, what matters is the deposit day.
“It’s not the day they had this big fundraiser, it’s the day they took all the money they raised at that fundraiser and put it into their bank account,” Dietrich said. “By our system, this has been done by the rules.”
It’s unclear whether any of those checks were received but not cashed during the Democratic National Convention last year, because the mayor’s third quarter report only disclosed about $3500 in receipts.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign fund has returned most of a $50,000 contribution it accepted a year and a half ago from a political action committee led by a City Hall lobbyist whose law firm has a city contract to collect outstanding utility bills.
Chicago ethics rules bar campaign contributions to a mayor by city lobbyists and city contractors. The Friends of Brandon Johnson campaign fund appears to have repeatedly violated those restrictions since Johnson took office in May 2023, prompting tens of thousands of dollars in refunds, the Chicago Sun-Times has reported.
The latest give-back appears to have been prompted by City Hall Inspector General Deborah Witzburg finding that the $50,000 given by the Chicago Latino Public Affairs Committee in June 2023 “exceeded the contribution limits set forth in” Chicago’s city code.
…Adding… It’s always a self-inflicted drip, drip, drip with this administration…
Friday, Jan 24, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department
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Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that a no-knock search warrant shall not be issued when the only offense alleged is possession of a controlled substance unless there is probable cause to believe that the controlled substance is for other than personal use. Provides that when an officer, having a warrant for the search of a dwelling, executes the search warrant, the officer shall: (1) execute the warrant between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. unless the judge, for good cause, expressly authorizes execution at another time; (2) be readily identifiable as a law enforcement officer in uniform or wearing a visible law enforcement badge that clearly identifies the person as a law enforcement officer; (3) In counties of 90,000 or more inhabitants, be a member of a special weapons and tactics team or special response team, or another established team or unit trained and tasked with resolving high-risk situations and incidents, who has received appropriate training in the execution of arrest and search warrants authorizing entry without notice; (4) wear and activate a body-worn camera as required by the use of force in execution of a search warrant when entering a premises for the purpose of enforcing the law; (5) have a certified or licensed paramedic or emergency medical technician in proximity and available to provide medical assistance, if needed; (6) be prohibited from pointing firearms at individuals under 18 years old, unless there is clear and present danger to the officer or another person; and (7) knock and announce the officer’s presence at a volume loud enough for the officer to reasonably believe the occupants inside can hear, allow a minimum of 30 seconds of time before entering given the size of the dwelling for someone to get to the door, and delay entry if the officer has reason to believe that someone is approaching the dwelling’s entrance with the intent of voluntarily allowing the officer to enter the dwelling; except that this provision does not apply if the circumstances known to the officer at the time provide an objectively reasonable basis to believe that a no-knock entry or not waiting a reasonable amount of time is necessary because of an emergency threatening the life of or grave injury to a person, provided that the imminent danger is not created by the law enforcement officers executing the search. Makes other changes.
A bill has been introduced in Illinois that would amend the Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act, providing if an athlete earns $250K+ from the use of their #NIL, then any academic scholarship granted to them shall be reduced by $1 per dollar the athlete earns over $250K. pic.twitter.com/XiWpBJ2UW1
Amends the Department of Children and Family Services Powers Law. Repeals a provision that grants the Department of Children and Family Services the power to appoint members of a police and security force to act as peace officers and have all powers possessed by police officers in cities and sheriffs under certain circumstances. Effective immediately.
To ensure more skilled health care professionals can practice in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes introduced legislation to better support the state’s physician assistant workforce and improve access to care.
“Before my work in the General Assembly, I worked with health care providers to resolve issues of inaccessibility, and I saw firsthand how it can take weeks or months to see doctors and other health care providers, leading to worse health outcomes for the patient seeking treatment,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “By streamlining the process of becoming a licensed physician assistant, patients will be able to receive medical help sooner.”
According to a 2020 workforce report prepared by the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center, Illinois currently has a shortage of more than 15,000 nurses. With projections of a shortage of more than 6,000 doctors by 2030, patients could face significant delays in seeing a provider, which can negatively impact their health.
To expand patients’ access to care, particularly for residents in his district on Chicago’s south and southwest side, Cervantes’ legislation would allow physician assistants with more than 2,000 clinical hours to practice without a supervising physician. With similar training as nurses and doctors, PAs can provide high-quality health care, but have run into difficulties getting their license approved due to a long, tedious paperwork approval process. […]
Senate Bill 271 waits to be assigned to a committee for consideration.
A new bill has been introduced in Illinois to hold corporations and institutions accountable for profiting off chattel enslavement and systemic anti-Black discrimination, marking a significant step forward for the reparations movement.
HB 1227, the Enslavement Era Disclosure and Redress Act, requires corporations or institutions seeking to do business with the State of Illinois to disclose any ties to the trafficking and enslavement African people and their descendants.
Introduced by State Representative Sonya Harper, the legislation also calls for the creation of a Redress Fund. Any potential contractor with ties to slavery would be required to submit a statement of their past or planned contributions to that fund.
The resources would then be put toward economic and educational programs in communities historically harmed by discriminatory laws and policies of the Jim Crow apartheid era. […]
“Corporate, institutional, and individual complicity to the crimes of the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement was very broad in the US. Many of these actors are still benefiting from and building on the stolen wealth,” Kamm Howard, executive director of Reparations United, said in a statement.
Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Ratifies and approves the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows for the issuance of multistate licenses that allow nurses to practice in their home state and other compact states. Provides that the Compact does not supersede existing State labor laws. Provides that the State may not share with or disclose to the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators or any other state any of the contents of a nationwide criminal history records check conducted for the purpose of multistate licensure under the Nurse Licensure Compact. Makes conforming changes.
Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Prohibits a landlord or lessor from refusing to rent to, deny housing to, or impose conditions on a lessee or tenant based on the breed of a dog or dogs in residential housing that contains more than 3 units of housing. Provides that nothing in the Act affects the ability of a unit of local government to enforce provisions of the Animal Control Act regarding a dangerous dog or vicious dog. Provides that if a lessor or landlord violates these provisions, upon request of the affected lessee or tenant, the Illinois Housing Development Authority must investigate the matter. Provides that if the Authority finds that a lessor or landlord has violated the Act, it must commence an action or proceeding in the circuit court of the county in which the premises are situated to stop the violation either by mandamus or injunction. Provides that the amendatory Act applies to a renewal or modification of residential leases that contain more than 3 units of housing after the effective date of the Act and for new residential leases entered into after that date.
Federal prosecutors continued their closing arguments Wednesday in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, accusing the longtime Democratic powerbroker of using Chicago Ald. Danny Solis’ positions of power “to gain private benefits.” […]
“He (Madigan) wanted Solis to reach out the developers because the developers weren’t going to say no to Danny Solis – not when Solis held those cards in his hand as alderman and zoning board chair,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur told the jury in her closing arguments Thursday. […]
MacArthur alleged Madigan chose to ignore Solis’ flagrantly illegal suggestions because he was more concerned with his “desire for private gain,” which she dubbed the “Make Mike Madigan Money Plan.”
That plan, the prosecutor said, stretched to all 23 counts Madigan is charged with, including alleged bribery schemes involving electric utility Commonwealth Edison and telecom giant AT&T Illinois.
MacArthur plays the video where Solis tells McClain he's been able to "steer some work" to Madigan in the past, and that the Chinatown guys will play ball. Just because McClain is loyal to Madigan, MacArthur says, "does not mean that McClain can commit a crime on his behalf."
MacArthur acknowledged that Solis brings a historic amount of baggage to the table — including allegations of bribery involving campaign contributions, prostitution and Viagra. She told the jury “there is a lot to consider about [Solis] when you assess his credibility. And please do so, with caution and great care.”
But, she told the jury, “Danny Solis was a walking microphone — and sometimes even a sitting camera — when he interacted with Madigan and when he interacted with McClain.”
Madigan testified earlier this month. During cross-examination, he seemed to struggle to explain his continued dealings with Solis after Solis said the words “quid pro quo” in a June 2017 conversation with Madigan about an apartment project in the West Loop.
Solis told Madigan its developers “understand how this works, you know, the quid pro quo.”
“Danny Solis was not subtle,” MacArthur told jurors Thursday.
Madigan later advised Solis not to talk that way at a meeting that was secretly videotaped on July 18, 2017.
“Three weeks for Madigan to challenge in some way, some form, the words Solis had used,” MacArthur said.
MacArthur said Counts 19-22 against both Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain involve the Chicago Chinatown parcel and land transfer legislation in 2017 and 2018.
“Madigan supported the transfer of this property because he wanted the real estate tax business from the developer,” MacArthur said. “This was a fraud, this was a scheme to defraud.”
MacArthur said it doesn’t matter that the Chinatown project did not move forward.
MacArthur: "You've heard again and again in this trial about the power of Michael Madigan to decide whether to move forward, or not, with legislation."
In the above calls, she says, "you can observe Michael Madigan making that decision."
A few weeks after the land transfer bill passed without the Chinatown amendment, news broke that Solis was a government mole, which put an end to Madigan’s work with him on transferring the Chinatown property, MacArthur said.
Earlier Thursday, the prosecution’s arguments focused on the AT&T and ComEd allegations. Madigan was so important to ComEd’s legislative agenda in Springfield that the utility was willing to bend over backwards to make the then-powerful House speaker happy, showering his cronies with do-nothing contracts, giving special treatment to 13th Ward internship applicants, and putting a Madigan-recommended candidate on its board of directors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz told jurors.
Schwartz played a wiretapped recording in which then-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore told McClain just how valuable the speaker’s influence had been.
“You take good care of me and so does our friend, and I will do the best I can to take care of you,” Pramaggiore said in May 2018, using McClain’s favored euphemism for Madigan.
* Related…
* Tribune | Attorney general: Ex-Speaker Mike Madigan’s chief of staff should forfeit state pension: The legal question before the attorney general’s office was whether Mapes should lose his pension permanently because his grand jury testimony came nearly three years after he was ousted from Madigan’s government and political organizations in 2018 amid a sexual harassment scandal. Under state law, a felony conviction triggers the loss of a state pension only if the crime in question was connected to a person’s government job.
* ICYMI: Illinois, other states win temporary block of Trump order ending birthright citizenship. Sun-Times…
- U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ruled in the case brought by the states of Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon, which argued that Trump’s executive order violates the 14th Amendment and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- According to the Associated Press, Coughenour called the executive mandate, a “blatantly unconstitutional order.”
- The suit, brought by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with three other attorneys general, was seeking a temporary restraining order, which Coughenour granted on Thursday. It is also seeking to invalidate the executive order and to enjoin any actions taken to implement it.
* Governor Pritzker will be at the Oak Lawn-Hometown Early Learning Center at 10 a.m. to announce new preschool seats through Smart Start Illinois. Click here to watch.
*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***
* Sun-Times | Illinois, other states slam DOJ memo threatening to prosecute state officials who ‘impede’ deportation efforts: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and 10 other attorneys general pushed back Thursday on a memo from the Department of Justice calling for the investigation of state and local officials who “threaten to impede” enforcement of the Trump administration’s immigration initiatives. In a memo first obtained by The Associated Press, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directed federal prosecutors to investigate any state or local officials who stand in the way of enforcement of immigration laws under President Donald Trump’s administration.
* Block Club | Proposed Southeast Side Dump Expansion Would Violate State Law, Regulators Say: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates a 43-acre “confined disposal facility” in neighboring Calumet Park, which stores material dredged from the Calumet River and five other federally maintained waterways in the city. The facility is on land owned by the Park District, which does not charge the Army Corps for its use. […] Now, state regulators say expansion plans would amount to “open dumping” — an issue that can’t be solved by seeking a state permit, given a ban on new or expanded landfills in Cook County.
*** Statehouse News ***
* Investigate Midwest | Campaign cash flows from ethanol and corn sectors as Illinois lawmakers weigh carbon capture regulations: Since 2021, Harmon has received $147,500 from Marquis Energy, according to the campaign finance database Illinois Sunshine. […] “I support additional safeguards to protect our drinking water and the Mahomet Aquifer specifically,” Harmon said in a written statement to Investigate Midwest. “Given the moratorium that’s already in place and uncertainty of the new federal administration, I think it makes sense to pause and see what shakes out in D.C., and then consider our options. Our only priority is protecting clean drinking water.”
* Capitol City Now | New state grant program for disadvantaged small businesses: Gov. JB Pritzker Thursday announced a grant program for small businesses in the state. He said the program gives businesses some “breathing room” for investment. […] There is also capital in the $10 million program for really, really small businesses, those with up to ten employees. Anybody interested can go online: dceo.illinois.gov.
* Rep. Steve Reick | Illinois cannot afford the pension reforms in Fair Retirement and Recruitment Act: There are two aspects of Illinois’ pension crisis that need to be kept separate if we’re to have a sensible discussion of how to fix either one. The first is the “normal” cost, which is the amount that must be set aside each year to pay for current-year accruals to the pension funds. That’s an ongoing obligation that, for lack of a better description, is forward-looking based upon salaries paid in the current year. The other aspect, and to my mind the more difficult one, is the debt that has been allowed to pile up over past years because of chronic underfunding, investment performance that hasn’t kept up with investment assumptions and overly generous benefits granted without thought of how they were going to be paid for.
*** Statewide ***
* Daily Herald | State education board issues guidance to schools on Trump immigration actions: Regardless of students’ immigration status or that of their parents or guardians, all children are entitled to equal access to basic public elementary and secondary education, State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders wrote in his weekly message to schools. That standard has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, even in instances when a student may be undocumented, he added.
*** Chicago ***
* WBEZ | Chicago teachers strike threat elevated as CTU leader cries foul: “It is deeply frustrating [to be at this point],” said CTU President Stacy Davis Gates. “To force our hand to take a strike vote is a very cruel and mean joke.” State law requires that an arbitrator be called in before the CTU can move to strike. The arbitrator, called a fact finder, is hearing from both sides this week and is expected to issue recommendations in early February.
* Vintage Chicago Tribune | The mass deportation of Mexicans in 1954: Millions of Mexican farmworkers, known as braceros, began arriving legally in America during World War II to temporarily help harvest crops. The Bracero Program, an agreement between the U.S. government and the Mexican applicants, was supposed to provide a low wage, room and board, which was paid for by taxpayer subsidies. But many laborers were mistreated. In August 1945, the Tribune reported a group of about 20 braceros were “stranded without funds” despite signing a six-month contract. The Mexican Civic Center, 868 Blue Island Ave., provided food and lodging and found work for the men in South Bend, Indiana.
* NYT | Of course, the Bears wanted Ben Johnson. Surprisingly, he wanted them even more: Johnson wanted to be the Bears head coach. He wanted to continue to coach in the NFC North. And he wanted to make the Chicago area his home. For the last 10 years, he and his family have made visiting the city and attending Cubs games an annual trip. “The first words out of his mouth were, ‘I want this job,’” chairman George McCaskey said. “The last thing he said before we turned off the camera was, ‘Did I tell you that I want this job?’ I was especially struck, and he referenced it in his comments, that this is the toughest division in football, and he wants to be here. He wants to go up against (Dan) Campbell, (Matt) LaFleur and (Kevin) O’Connell and wants to succeed in the toughest environment possible. I was very impressed by that.”
* Tribune | ‘Troubled’ Housing Authority of Cook County spent more than $60,000 at Six Flags: The money came out of HACC’s roughly $22 million annual budget, dollars meant to be spent on providing public and subsidized housing to some of the lowest income residents in the county. “This wasn’t a frivolous use of taxpayer funds,” said Richard Monocchio, executive director of HACC for 12 years before he took his current job at HUD in May 2023, in an interview with the Tribune. “This was good governance.” Monocchio was in charge when the Six Flags trips occurred and went on three himself, describing the outings as a reward for his employees to show appreciation for their hard work. The trips were held in lieu of holiday parties that HACC threw in past years at a similar expense, Monocchio said.
* Lake County News-Sun | Fortune Brands plans Deerfield headquarters expansion, hundreds of new jobs; ‘A great endorsement of Lake County’: Considine said the Fortune 500 company has been headquartered in Deerfield for well over a decade with about 130 employees, a number that will increase dramatically in the next few years as it makes its move “literally” down the road from its current location. The move was supported by an Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit, a state incentive for companies that create new jobs. As part of the EDGE tax credit, Fortune has committed to creating at least 400 new jobs, while retaining the 128 existing full-time positions.
* Daily Herald | FEMA remap could lift flood insurance burden from Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights property owners: Levee 37 has provided property owners along the Des Plaines River with much-needed flood control. Now, an intergovernmental agreement between Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights could lead to flood insurance relief for hundreds of homes and businesses near the levee. The villages recently agreed to split the $57,000 cost of hiring Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd.
* Daily Herald | 2025 is bringing major changes to malls in Bloomingdale, Lombard and West Dundee: Suburban shoppers will see significant changes as demolition work continues on malls in Bloomingdale and Lombard and will soon start in West Dundee. Three malls — Yorktown Center in Lombard, Stratford Square in Bloomingdale and Spring Hill in West Dundee — are in the midst of a transformation as villages and ownership reimagine the retail centers.
*** Downstate ***
* WCIA | Champaign Co. Board approves 12-month carbon sequestration ban: “The County Board is taking a prudent and necessary step to ensure we’re prioritizing public health and safety,” said Pam Richart, Co-Director of Eco-Justice Collaborative. “This moratorium gives us the time we need to put in place regulations that protect our water for future generations.”
* WCIA | Decatur high school suing health clinic over location: St. Teresa High School is off Water St., where Heritage Behavioral Health Center said their new location will be. In the lawsuit, St. Teresa’s said the clinic would be within 100 feet of their building, and the school is complaining the clients loiter around their current facility and that feces has been found on sidewalks.
* WSIL | Rend Lake College awarded nearly $800,000 in grants: The grants awarded come to a total of $790,000. This is for five separate grants. This will help students with learning valuable skills for the careers of their choice, along with expanding access critical mental health resources. […] “With the recent grants awarded to RLC, we will expand resources, enhance programs and provide greater opportunities for our students’ success,” said Kim Wilkerson, Vice President - CTE & Student Support. “These funds will open new doors and ensure our students have the tools necessary to be successful.”
* IPM | Former deputy governor Jesse Ruiz becomes new chair of University of Illinois Board of Trustees: “I’ve got a long complicated history with the University of Illinois,” Ruiz told the trustees. “I never thought this is where I’d be sitting in the spring of 1984.” After a stint at community college, Ruiz returned to U of I and graduated in 1988. He later became a lawyer and served on the Chicago Public Schools and Illinois boards of education. He also served on a federal education commission during the Obama administration and was a deputy governor for JB Pritzker in 2018.
* SJ-R | One of Springfield’s original pizza parlors reopens dining room after 5 years: Gabatoni’s – one of Springfield’s original pizza parlors – once again is inviting customers to have a seat. […] “It means a lot to me to open this staple up. My dad brought me in when I was a kid,” said William “Bill” Pope, who purchased Gabatoni’s last October. Prior to that, the green-roofed restaurant always had been owned by a member of the Lynn family since it opened in 1951.
*** National ***
* NYT | People With A.D.H.D. Are Likely to Die Significantly Earlier Than Their Peers, Study Finds: A study of more than 30,000 British adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or A.D.H.D., found that, on average, they were dying earlier than their counterparts in the general population — around seven years earlier for men, and around nine for women. The study, which was published Thursday in The British Journal of Psychiatry, is believed to be the first to use all-cause mortality data to estimate life expectancy in people with A.D.H.D. Previous studies have pointed to an array of risks associated with the condition, among them poverty, mental health disorders, smoking and substance abuse.
* You can click here and here to follow the Madigan trial. 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.
Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard’s lawsuit claiming a caucus improperly named state Sen. Napoleon Harris the Democratic nominee for supervisor was thrown out by a Cook County judge.
The decision, filed Tuesday and entered Thursday morning, affirms the caucus results, meaning the only option to elect Henyard as supervisor will be for voters to write in her name on Thornton Township’s April 1 ballot. […]
Judge Caroline Moreland wrote the lawsuit was improperly filed originally and since transferring to the correct court decision, passed the filing deadline. The upcoming election comes too soon for the court to hear arguments about the caucus process, according to the judge’s opinion.
“Since the deadline for filing objections has passed, it is clearly apparent that there is no set of facts that would entitle (Henyard) to recover in this case,” the judge wrote in her ruling.
Today Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), state and local leaders at the Will Group to announce $10 million in funding for the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program to help small businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs through capital improvements. This grant program is designed around equity to uplift businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups and very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
“Creating economic opportunity for diverse and small businesses demonstrates our commitment to investing in all of our people and growing the economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In communities across Illinois, small businesses are sustaining quality jobs, anchoring downtowns and commercial districts, providing vital goods and services, playing an integral role in supply chains, and anchoring the overall strength and diversity of our economy.” […] Capital resources can be used for eligible projects including planning, land and building acquisition, buildings, additions, or structures, site improvements, rolling stock, and durable equipment. The Governor announced this grant opportunity at The Will Group, who received DCEO grant funds from an earlier iteration of this program to expand their manufacturing presence on Chicago’s West Side.
Governor Pritzker’s administration has made investing in small businesses a priority, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Back to Business (B2B) and Business Interruption (BIG) grant programs through DCEO provided more than $705 million in grant funding to small businesses in hard-hit industries. Governor Pritzker also revitalized Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), defunded under previous administrations, to expand access to community navigators and other resources designed to help aspiring small business owners.
*** Madigan Trial ***
* Tribune | Feds in Madigan trial continue to lay out ‘corrupt exchange’ between ex-speaker and ComEd: In continuing to lay out the government’s evidence in her closing argument to jurors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz played a wiretapped recording where then-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore told Madigan’s longtime confidant and co-defendant, Michael McClain just how valuable the speaker’s influence had been.
* Capitol News Illinois | In closing arguments, prosecutor alleges Madigan was driven by ‘power and profit’: “Power and profit: that’s what drove Madigan, with the help of McClain, to break the law time and again,” she said. Along with the overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, Madigan faces 22 other counts of bribery, extortion and other corruption charges. McClain is also charged in several of those counts, though he has already been convicted for his role in bribing Madigan along with three other former lobbyists and executives from electric utility Commonwealth Edison.
*** Statewide ***
* Capitol News Illinois | Illinois schools prepare for immigration enforcement: The “non-regulatory guidance” on immigration enforcement actions was issued Wednesday, Jan. 22, two days after President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term in the White House. […] “All children in the United States are entitled to equal access to a basic public elementary and secondary education, regardless of their actual or perceived immigration status, or the status of their parents/guardians,” State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders said in his weekly message posted on the ISBE website.
* WJBD | Illinois State Police Crack Down on Firearms Licensed Dealers: Since the Illinois State Police (ISP) began conducting inspections of Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers, the number of guns stolen from dealers has decreased. In 2024, the number of firearms stolen from FFL dealers in Illinois dropped almost 80% compared to 2023, and 92% compared to 2022.
* NPR | Illinois’ expands police body camera law: Since 2022, larger police departments have been required to wear body cameras. Now, the law also applies to smaller jurisdictions. While they can be costly, advocates say it’s important to see video evidence of what happens in the field.
* WGN | DEI policies rollback threatens future of minority, women contractors in Illinois: With the dismantling of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, or DEI policies, minority and women contractors in Illinois are bracing for major changes they say will impact their small businesses and futures. For the last decade, Jeannette Chavarria-Torres has worked to not only build her business, but make connections and shatter glass ceilings. She said the Trump administration’s rollout of reeling in DEI policies is adding more hurdles for her in a male-dominated business.
*** Chicago ***
* WBEZ | Feds sent subpoenas to Chicago charter school Urban Prep about its former CEO: Federal authorities are conducting a long-running criminal investigation at an embattled charter school operator on Chicago’s South Side, according to grand jury records obtained by WBEZ and sources with knowledge of the probe. Investigators in the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago launched their probe at Urban Prep Academies in 2022 and have sought a wide range of records from the charter network — including many documents pertaining to Urban Prep’s founder and former CEO, Tim King.
* WTTW | Johnson’s Anti-Violence Effort ‘Just Getting Started,’ 1 Year After It Began, Officials Say: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s push to focus his administration’s anti-violence efforts on 10 of Chicago’s “most vulnerable” areas on the city’s West and South sides is “just getting started,” according to an evaluation of the plan released Wednesday by city officials. […] While homicides dropped 7.6% citywide between 2023 and 2024, homicides dropped 30% in the Englewood (7th) Police District and 35% in the Harrison (11th) Police District, which included areas targeted by the mayor’s public safety plan, according to city data.
* Chicago Reader | Don your beaver suit: Hundreds of Beavers is back: I did not expect the screening would sell out, nor that I’d find people in line dressed up as beavers. The Music Box has played Hundreds of Beavers just a handful of times; the film will screen for the seventh time at the theater on Friday, January 31. Beavers cost $150,000 to make and had a small budget for promotion; director Mike Cheslik sent the movie on a small touring circuit that involved adults in animal costumes wrestling at screenings. In the past 12 months or so, Beavers has grown a sizable cult—one that caught the attention of the New York Times last March.
* Axios | Chicago Fire FC sign 15-year-old from Niles: urdean hails from Niles and attends the Chicago Fire Academy, which is an accredited middle and high school specifically designed for soccer student-athletes. His decision to choose the Fire over major European clubs speaks volumes about the environment we’re building and our commitment to developing local talent,” Fire FC coach Gregg Berhalter said in a statement.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* ABC Chicago | Demolition of former Tinley Park Mental Health Center begins: Last February, the park district purchased the 280-acre property for $1 from the State. […] A spokesperson added that the park district secured $15 million in state funds to pay for the site to be cleaned up for redevelopment.
*** Downstate ***
* Capitol News Illinois | Former southeastern Illinois police chief faces federal charges: Under Illinois law, prosecutors can initiate a process called criminal forfeiture to seize property, assets and proceeds. Forfeiture is a civil action, separate from the criminal case. To gain control of the property, prosecutors must show a judge that it was either used in the commission of the crime or purchased with the proceeds of the crime. That’s not how Brown, who said he hasn’t had a driver’s license since 1977 and admitted he has more than 20 driving under the influence convictions, lost Elvira. In his case, he agreed to give the bike to Wayne City Police Department as part of a plea agreement in an aggravated DUI case. A repeat offender, Brown was facing prison time.
* SJ-R | ‘An easy way to handle this’: Six massage parlors have still not responded to city demands: “In conjunction with the massage parlor ordinance being passed (last summer), City staff identified massage parlors operating within the corporate limits,” city attorney Gregory Moredock said via email. “An initial letter was sent with a copy of the ordinance putting establishments on notice of the new regulations.” […] From September to Dec. 21, 48 locations were determined to be unlicensed parlors. After three rounds of letters from the city, three locations closed voluntarily.
* Crain’s | Stellantis to build trucks in Belvidere, but what else?: Stellantis said yesterday it will employ about 1,500 people building new trucks, with an expected investment of $1.2 billion. It didn’t say whether those trucks will be electric, hybrid or conventional vehicles. As for the rest, the company said: “We are currently assessing plans for both the Belvidere battery plant and the Mega Hub and have nothing further to share at this time.”
* River Bender | Ameren Illinois Upgrading 6 Miles of Natural Gas Infrastructure In Madison County: Ameren Illinois customers driving in and around Illinois Route 203 from World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison to Granite City near U.S. Steel facilities in Madison County will see energy at work now and throughout July as the company upgrades a major natural gas transmission pipeline to comply with enhanced federal transmission pipeline regulations established in 2019. Illinois is replacing 1960s era pipeline along a six-mile stretch with new steel pipeline, while adding three new regulator stations and two new control valve stations as part of the Ameren Illinois’ multi-year plan for all of its gas transmission pipelines to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2035 deadline for overall completion.
*** National ***
* WTTW | New PBS Documentary Tells Story and Impact of Successive Waves of Black Migration: Between 1910 and 1970, approximately 6 million Black people left the American South for what they hoped would be a better future in the North in what’s known as the Great Migration. A new four-part documentary series hosted and executive produced by Henry Louis Gates Jr. tells not only that story, but also modern-day stories of Black migration — both back to the American South, and from Africa and the Caribbean.
We have your letter inquiring whether, pursuant to section 14-149 of the Illinois Pension Code (the Pension Code) (40 ILCS 5/14-149 (West 2022)), Timothy Mapes, a member of the State Employees’ Retirement System, has forfeited his pension benefits because of his convictions for the offenses ofperjury (18 U.S.C. § 1623(a) (2018)) and attempted obstruction of justice (18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2) (2018)). For the reasons stated below, Mapes’ felony convictions related to, arose out of, or were in connection with his service as a State employee, thereby requiring the forfeiture of his pension benefits.
BACKGROUND
According to the records of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois provided to this office, on May 26, 2021 , a special grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Mapes. On August 24, 2023, a jury found him guilty of both counts.
Section 14-149 of the Pension Code requires the forfeiture of a participant’s retirement annuities and other pension benefits upon his conviction of a service-related felony and provides, in pertinent part:
Felony conviction. None of the benefits herein provided for shall be paid to any person who is convicted of any felony relating to or arising out of or in connection with his service as an employee.
The purpose of the felony forfeiture provisions in the Pension Code is to discourage official misconduct and to implement the public’s right to conscientious service from those in governmental positions by denying retirement benefits to public servants convicted of violating the public’s trust. […]
Illinois courts have employed three alternative tests for evaluating whether the requisite nexus exists. […]
“But For” Test
[…] Although Mapes made the false declarations triggering the perjury and attempted obstruction of justice convictions in March 2021 , after Mapes ceased his employment with the House of Representatives, Bauer makes clear that felony forfeiture provisions do not exclusively apply to felonies committed while the pension claimant is employed […]
The Indictment indicates that the federal investigation Mapes sought to obstruct concerned certain actions and communications that occurred, in part, while Mapes was still employed as Chief of Staff. Regardless of when Mapes made the false statements, there can be little question that Mapes knew about and sought to obstruct the matters that were the subject of the federal investigation because of his State employment. Additionally, while the Indictment refers to Mapes’ role as Executive Director of the Democratic Party, his conviction was for conduct that was not limited to that role […]
But for Mapes’ service as Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Mapes would not have been privy to the communications or activities at issue during his questioning before the grand jury. […]
“Material Element and Substantial Factor” Test
The court records likewise show that Mapes’ position as Chief of Staff was a material element and substantial factor in bringing about the subsequent criminal acts. […]
(A) nexus existed between Mapes’ felonies of perjury and attempted obstruction ofjustice and his service as Chief of Staff. As alleged in the Indictment, Mapes’ criminal conduct that resulted in his convictions was undertaken to hide certain actions and communications that occurred when Mapes was Chief of Staff for the Speaker, and involved the Speaker, other current and former members of the House of Representatives, current and former lobbyists, and others with legislative business before the House. […]
“Causal Connection” Test
[…] The court records available to this office also establish that Mapes’ felonies arise out of his employment as Chief of Staff or his knowledge gained from that position. […]
In sum, Mapes was in a position to commit these offenses because of the knowledge gained in his capacity as Chief of Staff for the Speaker. Mapes was employed as a senior aide to the Speaker for over 25 years. In this role, he obtained information related to the activities of the Speaker, as well as other current and former elected officials, and took actions and communicated with others in that capacity. Mapes attempted to hide these communications and actions. Mapes’ false statements, and the corresponding obstruction, thus clearly related to his public employment
CONCLUSION
Based on the records of the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois provided to this office, Timothy Mapes was convicted of felonies requiring the forfeiture of his pension benefits under the State Employees’ Retirement System pursuant ot section 14-149 of the Illinois Pension Code. However, pursuant to Illinois case law, he does retain the right to a refund of his contributions ot the system.
This is not an official opinion of the Attorney General. If we may be of further assistance, please advise.
…Adding… Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
I agree with Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s opinion that Tim Mapes’ state pension should be forfeited.
As I have stated all along, it is my personal opinion that anyone convicted of violating the public trust should be stripped of their taxpayer-funded pension.
The Justice Department has ordered the civil rights division to halt much of its investigative activity dating from the Biden administration and not pursue new indictments, cases or settlements, according to a memo sent to the temporary head of the division that was obtained by The Washington Post. […]
A separate memo sent to Wolfe on Wednesday says the civil rights division must notify the Justice Department’s chief of staff of any consent decrees the division has finalized within the last 90 days. That directive suggests that police-reform agreements the Justice Department has negotiated with cities including Minneapolis, Louisville and Memphis could be in jeopardy. […]
In December, the department announced a federal oversight agreement with the city of Louisville, where the 2020 police killing of Breonna Taylor helped spark nationwide justice protests. In early January, the civil rights division forged a police accountability plan with city leaders in Minneapolis, where the police killing of George Floyd galvanized the nationwide protests even further. Neither has been approved by a judge.
Q: Governor, what’s your response to people who might say that Democrats are the ones sowing chaos, confusion and fearmongering when talking about mass deportations that haven’t even happened in Chicago?
Pritzker: How can you say that we’re overreacting somehow? We’re not. They’re the ones, I’m talking about Donald Trump and his administration, Tom Homan, people at the Department of Homeland Security. They’re the ones that are threatening people, again, who are law abiding, who are often the anchors of their communities, who are paying taxes in this country. They’re the ones who are threatening people. We’re just standing up for people who live in our state and in our city. […]
Q: But rather than spending that amount money, focusing here, the amount of money you’ve spent on harboring illegals for the last four years and protecting them. And after Mayor Johnson’s email that just went out yesterday saying they’re going to spend more money on protecting illegals at the expense of American citizens, in particular on the West Side and the South Side, got representatives here, you got politicians over here why not invest that money there? And the second question is-
Pritzker: No, sit down, I’m going to answer that question. No we’re going to move on, we’re going to move on. Let me answer.
[cross talk] Q: President Trump- [cross talk]
I’m going to answer your question. The money that we spend in the state of Illinois is about protecting the residents of the state of Illinois.
Q: Citizens! Citizens!
Pritzker: That is what it is about. We will stand up for anybody who is standing up for the law. We follow the law in the state of Illinois, I’m very concerned that Donald Trump and the federal government is not going to be following law. Indeed, they have proposed getting rid of birthright citizenship for many families. Imagine, I mean my own family, many families that came to this country years ago, right? Who who have made successful lives over many years, that opportunity would be completely cut off. It’s unconstitutional. What they’re suggesting. It’s in the Constitution that we protect birthright citizenship. We all ought to stand up for the Constitution. This president does not. […]
Q: What about the Venezuelans? Why don’t you collaborate with ICE? [cross talk]
Please pardon any transcription errors.
* ISBE…
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released Non-Regulatory Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Actions, providing actionable steps for schools to take to prepare to respond to immigration enforcement actions on school property under the Trump Administration. […]
When adopting policies on the level of cooperation - or non-cooperation - with ICE, ISBE guidance advises that school boards and superintendents should consider the following course of action:
• Adopt policies and set forth administrative guidance that clearly explains the steps their schools should take in the event immigration enforcement personnel seek to carry out an enforcement action or otherwise request information from schools.
• Establish a point person or department where ICE personnel can be directed should they arrive on campus. This might include a legal office, superintendent, or chief executive officer.
• Establish a point person or department to review records requests or subpoenas arriving from ICE or other related authorities as well as keep track of ICE requests in case this information is needed for future reference.
• A school’s policy should be made available to and discussed with instructional staff, administrative staff, and other staff and faculty members who might otherwise be on campus.
• Schools should ensure that their student data-sharing policies are up to date and that such policies are readily available to all faculty and staff as well as all third-party contractors who might have access to student data.
• Instructional staff, administrative staff, and other staff and faculty members should receive appropriate training to ensure proper implementation of school policies.
• Schools should encourage parents to keep their child’s emergency contacts updated and accurate.
• Schools are encouraged, to the extent possible, to have policies and procedures in place in the event a student’s parent is detained or deported.
* These numbers are not huge, to say the least. But it’s early…
According to U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE), the agency reported more than 460 arrests in a time period spanning Tuesday to Wednesday in a nationwide effort that included Illinois, Utah, California, Minnesota, New York, Florida, and Maryland.
Those arrested had criminal histories, including sexual assault, robbery, drug and weapons charges, and domestic violence, the agency said.
ICE also issued 420 detainer requests, which request that jails notify ICE when undocumented individuals are released from custody.
* Tribune | Chicago schools, churches and hospitals vow to protect migrants in US illegally after Trump lifts ban that limited immigration arrests in safe spaces: During a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago said that the reports of the mass deportations in Chicago are “disturbing,” according to a news release. “The Catholic community stands with the people of Chicago in speaking out in defense of the rights of immigrants and asylum-seekers,” he said, adding that the church “would also oppose all efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other government agencies to enter places of worship for any enforcement activities.”
JOINT STATEMENT FROM ELEVEN STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL: STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT CANNOT BE COMMANDEERED FOR FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, today issued a joint statement addressing a memorandum from a Trump political appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice addressing state and local involvement in federal immigration enforcement:
“It is well-established — through longstanding Supreme Court precedent — that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws. While the federal government may use its own resources for federal immigration enforcement, the court ruled in Printz v. United States that the federal government cannot ‘impress into its service — and at no cost to itself — the police officers of the 50 States.’ This balance of power between the federal government and state governments is a touchstone of our American system of federalism.
“Despite what he may say to the contrary, the president cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution. The president has made troubling threats to weaponize the U.S. Department of Justice’s prosecutorial authority and resources to attack public servants acting in compliance with their state laws, interfering with their ability to build trust with the communities they serve and protect. Right now, these vague threats are just that: empty words on paper. But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions.
“As state attorneys general, we have a responsibility to enforce state laws, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute crimes, regardless of immigration status. We will not be distracted by the president’s mass deportation agenda.”
It is a movement gaining strength on several fronts: a push to establish a recall election for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
There is no provision for such an election under Illinois state law, but Representatives Anthony [DeLuca] and [La Shawn] Ford this week introduced House Bill 1084, which would create a process for clear and effective process for doing so.
“I think there is a push now much greater than It’s ever been,” said Ford, a fellow Democrat, who in the past has worked closely with Johnson.
“It’s not about Brandon Johnson, it’s about good government and making sure that this mechanism is on the books,” Ford said.
* My old pal Zack Stamp emailed me about this bill a few days ago. He said that in 1980, when Harold Washington was in the state Senate, the Senator introduced a bill to recall the mayor, who was Jane Byrne at the time. The bill failed, but after Harold was elected mayor, Senate Minority Leader James “Pate” Philip reintroduced the same bill. While testifying in favor of his bill in the Senate Executive Committee, Pate read aloud Washington’s floor speech word for word. The proposal died along party lines.
It seems to me that… the people of Chicago should have some right, in reason, to periodically, if they so desire, in their sound wisdom, to say we want a vote of confidence. There’s nothing unusual or unique about that. It’s as American as mother…apple pie.
The floor debate got a bit weird. Sen. Jeremiah Joyce (D-Chicago) was a big supporter of the bill and said he had drafted an amendment which would have “provided for a psychiatric examination upon petition.” He never moved it forward.
Ouch.
You can read about the first time Pate sat down with Harold after the 1983 mayor election in Zack’s book, “Things as I Remember Them.”
* Anyway, I saw Zack yesterday at the annual “Has-Been Caucus” in Punta Gorda, Florida. The caucus is mostly comprised of former Illinois legislators, lobbyists, staff, etc. who spend some or all of their winters in the citrus state. I came as a special guest and gathered them together and took a photo, but some folks had already left by then…
Anyway, discuss whatever. This post is kinda all over the place.
Prosecutors in the historic corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan on Wednesday attacked the credibility of the defense’s star witness: Madigan himself.
“What you heard on the witness stand was a facade,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz said during more than 2 ½ hours of the prosecution’s closing argument, taking the jury through some of the more damaging wiretapped recordings and emails that she said repeatedly showed Madigan was in on schemes to enrich himself and enhance his power.
Despite his repeated and rigorous denials from the witness stand this month, Schwartz said Madigan, the most powerful politician in the state and head of the Democratic Party of Illinois, knew full well that ComEd was secretly funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars to some of his top associates in a bid to influence him on the utility giant’s legislation.
Schwartz said Madigan wasn’t just involved in the scheme, and he was not just looped in by his co-defendant Michael McClain. He was steering the whole thing.
Schwartz shows the jury the allegedly falsified ComEd invoices. "As Jay Doherty said, this was set up this way on purpose, to make it look like Doherty was making a jillion dollars and that no subcontractors were being paid." Doherty got a $1,000 for his troubles, she said.
“Power and profit. That’s what drove Madigan, with the help of McClain, to break the law,” Schwartz told the jury. […]
Schwartz focused on ComEd on Wednesday, walking jurors through multiple emails, secretly recorded phone conversations and secretly-taped videos she says demonstrated Madigan knowingly maintained a this-for-that arrangement with the energy company.
The government claims five subcontractors — Chicago political workers Ed Moody and Ray Nice, former Democratic state representative Eddie Acevedo and former Chicago aldermen Frank Olivo and Mike Zalewski Sr. — were paid about $1.3 million collectively between 2011 and 2019 from law and lobbying firms that contracted with ComEd and were operated by Madigan associates. Despite receiving the payments, the government claims the five men did little to no actual work benefitting ComEd in that time.
“They were ghosts. This whole arrangement was a sham,” Schwartz said of the ComEd subcontractors, claiming they were meant only to secure Madigan’s favor as speaker. […]
Schwartz also touched on ComEd’s contracts with the law firm Reyes Kurson, of which Madigan’s associate Victor Reyes is a partner. Reyes Kurson inked a contract with ComEd in late 2011, and the energy company renewed the contract in 2016. The Illinois legislature passed two major bills benefitting ComEd and its parent company Exelon in that time, the so-called Smart Grid bill in 2011 and the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016.
After jurors left the courtroom to head home Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu told U.S. District Judge John Blakey that the feds’ initial closing argument would likely continue through the end of the day Thursday.
In an unusual move, that initial argument will be handled by two prosecutors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur is expected to take the baton from Schwartz at some point Thursday.
When Schwartz and MacArthur are done, jurors will hear from attorneys for Madigan and then McClain. But prosecutors have the burden of proof, so they will also make a rebuttal argument — giving them the last word. […]
Before Schwartz’s argument began Wednesday, Blakey spent two hours instructing jurors on the law in the case. In doing so, he told them how they should define the word “corruptly.” It’s a controversial question in the case, tied to U.S. Supreme Court arguments last spring.
[Ted Kaye of the North American Vexillological Association] and fellow flag enthusiasts have even put together their own edits of some of the final designs, which had been whittled down from a field of nearly 5,000 by members of the Illinois Flag Commission.
The fundamental changes made to the finalists center around simplicity and being able to identify a flag at a distance.
“I think it’s very important to get back to that fundamental purpose of discernibility and memorability,” Kaye said. “Each of these designs could be made more simple and more effective as a design. There are some that just don’t really say Illinois, and others that really do. And those that say Chicago.”
For instance, Kaye said he’d change every flag with a six-point Chicago star for a classic five-point star to better represent the entirety of the state.
Through Feb. 14, you can vote once every 24 hours on 10 finalists. Click here to vote.
What are your thoughts? Are these redesigned flags any improvement?
…Adding…[By Rich] From Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation on not being selected as a finalist by the state panel…
“As leaders of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, we express our profound disappointment in the decision not to select a new design for the Illinois state flag that acknowledges the historic and enduring contributions of Tribal Nations to the region.
“Illinois takes its name from the Illiniwek Confederation, a collective of Indigenous Nations whose lands, cultures and governance shaped this region long before statehood. Tribal Nations, including the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, maintain deep connections to these lands and continue to contribute to the state’s cultural and historical richness.
“A new state flag was a meaningful opportunity to educate the public, honor the past, and demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples of this land.
“We urge Illinois leaders and residents to reflect on the significance of inclusion and to consider how the state can better represent and honor its shared history. A future where Illinois acknowledges its Indigenous foundations is not only possible but necessary for fostering mutual respect and understanding.
“The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation remains committed to dialogue and partnership, and we stand ready to support efforts that center truth, respect and recognition in the state’s symbols and policies.”
* ICYMI:Subscribers were told about this on Tuesday. Reforming Tier 2 pensions could cost the state $30 billion, actuary says. Crain’s…
- An Illinois pension reform bill would increase contributions to the state’s three largest retirement systems by nearly $30 billion through fiscal year 2045, according to a study by Segal Group.
- The bill, HB5909, is a result of the Tier 2 benefit structure’s increasing noncompliance with the “safe harbor” requirement for those who are not covered by Social Security,
- The study calculates only the impact of the benefit enhancements for the $73 billion Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System; $25.7 billion Illinois State Employees’ Retirement System; and $24.7 billion Illinois State Universities Retirement System, due to the “constraints of available data.”
* Chalkbeat Chicago | Parents of premature babies struggle to get help their children are entitled to: An hour before release, a physical therapist showed Heath how to help the babies gain strength by gently stretching their legs out. A nurse gave her a quick tutorial on how to use the oxygen tanks they would need for the next couple of months. And Heath gathered together basic necessities and a few mementos: diapers, pacifiers, blood pressure cuffs, and tiny hospital bands. But no one at the hospital — one of Chicago’s largest — told Heath or her husband what she felt would have been the most helpful advice in the long run: The triplets’ low birth weight alone meant they were automatically eligible for what’s known as early intervention services, which can include speech, physical, occupational, and other therapies.
* Daily Herald | Metra fare hikes, 40% service reduction looms without funding fix: The clock is ticking for transit agencies facing a crater-sized budget hole, Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski warned at a Wednesday meeting. “If we do not see the funding gap filled through a legislative solution by June of this year, we will have to begin the arduous work of a budget process that involves both fare increases and service cuts,” Derwinski said.
* Tribune | Planned Parenthood of Illinois announces clinic closures amid statewide surge in abortion patients after the fall of Roe: The agency cited various reasons for the financial shortfall, including “rising health care costs for in-person care, increase in patient volume needing financial assistance, uncertain patient care landscape under a new national political administration and the need to create a sustainable future after the overturning of Roe v Wade.” Planned Parenthood of Illinois officials did not immediately answer Tribune questions about the amount of the financial shortfall nor did the agency give any details in their statement.
*** Chicago ***
* NBC Chicago | Illinois Child Care for All Coalition delivers 1,800 signatures to mayor calling for livable wages: “Right now, childcare in Chicago is in crisis. Parents can’t access affordable childcare and workers are struggling to get by on low wages and lack of benefits,” Toni Frazier of SEIU healthcare said. […] The group said 58% of the population in Illinois lives in an area where there aren’t enough nearby childcare providers to meet the need.
* The Athletic | New Bears coach Ben Johnson excited to take charge of ‘sleeping giant’: “I don’t think many people understand how set up for success this place is.” Johnson acknowledged that quarterback Caleb Williams is a big reason for that.“There’s no doubt Caleb played a large component in my decision,” Johnson said. “He is a phenomenal talent that had, as many quarterbacks do, an up-and-down rookie year. I see my role as a supporter of him. This offense will be calibrated with him in mind.”
* Sun-Times | Here are the 22 Chicago James Beard Awards 2025 semifinalist nominations: Chef Lee Wolen of Boka is nominated in the category of Outstanding Chef and, as in many years past, Chicago chefs dominated the category of Best Chef Great Lakes Region with 10 nominations. The recently Michelin-starred Cariño earned its first Beard nomination, in the category of Best New Restaurant, while Feld restaurant’s chef Jacob Potashnick earned a first-time nomination in the category of Emerging Chef.
* ABC Chicago | Governor JB Pritzker reports for jury duty in Chicago: The governor’s officer shared the following statement: “Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was summoned to jury duty at George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse. As instructed, he arrived prior to 9 a.m. The Governor sat with other potential jurors for a several hours while waiting for the selection process to commence. The Governor was not selected as a juror and was dismissed this afternoon.”
* Naperville Sun | Censured Naperville D203 board member called out for abdicating responsibility on monthly bill review: “Essentially it’s the district’s checkbook,” Cush said. “We have the opportunity to ask questions on behalf of the community as to what the bills were, what the claims were, what each dollar basically was spent on.” Cush said he had a “major concern” that Kelley Black, who had been assigned the task, did not perform her duty. The schedule for when each board member would do the review was set in August, but Kelley Black notified the board president by email Jan. 14 to advise her she would not be doing the review this month, he said.
* Tribune | Ranked choice voting could boost election fairness, supporters say. But it faces a steep uphill climb in Cook County: While proponents hope voters in Evanston and Oak Park, or possibly other locales, will walk into voting booths as early as 2026 or 2027 and choose their candidates from a ranked choice voting ballot, their enthusiasm is facing headwinds. The Cook County clerk’s office, which runs elections in the county’s suburbs, has thrown a wrench into Evanston’s plans, leading to a court battle that is still pending.
* Naperville Sun | Say No To Coal consortium packs Naperville council meeting to fight electric contract extension: Alongside NEST, which is an official Naperville advisory body, other consortium members include the League of Women Voters of Naperville, First Congregational UCC Naperville, Accelerate Climate Solutions and Green Scene North Central College. About 18 people spoke at the meeting about Naperville’s electric utility and its contract with IMEA. All but one speaker on the matter urged the city away from renewing the deal or encouraged officials to be prudent in any contract decisions.
* Sun-Times | 3,000 hens at Matteson farm die in bird flu outbreak: The flock produced about 2,000 eggs a week for the online marketplace and has resulted in a huge financial loss, Marty Thomas said. Now the farm is under a 150-day quarantine, and the owners are seeking help to keep their farm running until they can begin selling again in June.
* Daily Herald | Arlington Heights OKs disability housing plan, but one trustee calls process ‘despicable’: The lone holdout, Trustee Scott Shirley, acknowledged he likes the changes, but criticized how developer Full Circle Communities approached the process. “It’s lousy the way this whole thing went down,” Shirley said. “And I think Full Circle — you’re going to be a terrible neighbor if you treat these people the way you did during this process. I hope you turn that around. Because this was just despicable.”
* Daily Herald | Fox Lake flip wins ‘Ugliest House of the Year’ award from national company: The house had many additions over the years, and every time another addition was put on the original house, it got another layer of siding, too. “There were five layers of siding. Now there are six,” Albrecht said, because taking off some of the old siding was too problematic.
*** Downstate ***
* WPSD | Heartland Women’s Healthcare to end privileges at Carbondale hospital: According to a Tuesday statement from Heartland Women’s Healthcare, its providers will be unable to deliver babies at the Carbondale hospital after that date. A news release from SIH said the decision was made due to the practice’s “strategic goals and operational plans.”The practice said it would continue to provide obstetric care at its offices in Carbondale, Harrisburg, and Marion offices, and at other hospitals, and encouraged patients to talk to their providers about any changes to their delivery plans.
* WICS | Injunction filed to void Chuck Redpath’s appointment to city clerk: The injunction alleges that Redpath’s appointment was unlawful and raises issues of improper influence. It requests the court to nullify Redpath’s appointment. The filing states, “By casting a vote in favor of his own appointment, Defendant Redpath effectively influenced the decision-making process in a manner that benefits him personally, disregarding the ethical standards required of public officials.”
*** National ***
* NYT | CNN Plots Major Overhaul as It Enters a New Trump Era : On Thursday, the company announced that it would eliminate about 200 jobs focused on CNN’s traditional TV operations, and add about the same number for new digital roles like data scientists and product engineers. CNN is aiming to hire 100 of those people in the first half of the year, Mr. Thompson said.
* You can click here and here to follow the Madigan trial. 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.
