Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Subscribers were told about this last week. Capitol News Illinois…

Twelve of 36 seats on the Illinois Democratic State Central Committee were contested in Tuesday’s primary election. As expected House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch secured a spot on the committee, which serves as the governing body for the Democratic Party of Illinois. At the same time, embattled state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, lost his race. […]

14TH: It’s still a mystery as to why Benton was booted from the House Democratic caucus. He was unopposed in his primary for state representative. But in the one race he faced an opponent, he lost. Wheatland Township Supervisor Michael Crowner (25%) defeated Benton (23%) by just under 1,500 votes to secure a spot on the DSCC. Incumbent Christine Benson (51%) didn’t face an opponent.

* Sun-Times…

Cook County’s top prosecutor argued Tuesday that a bid to name a special prosecutor to investigate the federal agents behind last fall’s Operation Midway Blitz amounts to a “frivolous” and “heavy handed” attempt to usurp her authority — and could come at a cost. […]

The commentary came in a 24-page response to the high-profile bid for a special prosecutor, launched earlier this month by a coalition of more than 200 elected officials, clergy, journalists and attorneys. They say O’Neill Burke has turned a “blind eye” to myriad crimes committed by federal agents during the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation blitz last fall. […]

“Petitioners are claiming that the state’s attorney has an actual conflict because she is not abdicating her prosecutorial discretion to elected officials and the public or succumbing to political pressure,” she argued in her filing.

O’Neill Burke again pointed to a 2017 Illinois Supreme Court decision she says limits her ability to investigate the agents. But coalition attorney Steve Art insisted that every special prosecutor “takes on the role of an elected state’s attorney and investigates and prosecutes” a crime.

*** Statehouse News ***

* Capitol News Illinois | Insurance bill combining homeowners and auto regulation passes House, awaits Senate action: Those two proposals, which started as separate pieces of legislation, were combined into a single bill that passed the House March 19. The combined bill now awaits Senate approval before being sent to Gov. JB Pritzker. Pritzker initially called for rate review authority over homeowners insurance last summer after Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance announced it was raising rates in Illinois an average 27.2%, citing losses it had incurred from weather-related disasters in the state.

* Tribune | Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledges ‘real failures’ in immigration system after Loyola student killing: “This has been a terrible tragedy, and I know that the Gorman family has suffered mightily…There have been real failures. Those failures, of course, extend beyond the borders of Illinois. That’s — they’re national failures, a failure to have comprehensive immigration reform, a failure of the president to follow his own edict to go after the worst of the worst,” Pritzker said at an unrelated event, referencing that the Trump administration stepped up immigration enforcement efforts last year in Chicago and other cities where he vowed to seek deportations of noncitizens with criminal records who are in the country illegally. […] On Monday, Pritzker said he has reached out to “local officials” who have talked to Gorman’s parents “to express my condolences, my wife’s condolences as well” but said it’s not the right moment to speak with them as they grieve.

*** Chicago ***

* WTTW | CPD Officer Accused of Repeatedly Violating Rights of Black Chicagoans Suspended Again: Officer Richard Rodriguez Jr., who was a member of the Near North (18th) Police District tactical team until he was stripped of his police powers last month, was suspended for at least 30 days after improperly searching a Black man just after 10 p.m. Sept. 25, 2023, by ripping the man’s pants and exposing his underwear, according to documents published Friday by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. In all, Rodriguez has been suspended for at least 68 days in connection with seven incidents of misconduct, records show.

* Tribune | NBC Chicago downsizes in its namesake tower with new $70 million TV newsroom: “We have condensed our space, but it also feels like we’re in a bigger space,” Kevin Cross, 57, president and general manager of NBCUniversal Local Chicago, said during a recent tour of the new digs. “I think that’s a pretty cool thing to happen.” From a giant wall-to-wall video screen tracking weather, trending stories and reporter assignments to an illuminated ring orbiting an endless ticker above the center of the futuristic newsroom, NASA’s Mission Control doesn’t have much on the new NBC Chicago facilities. The downsized offices for NBC’s 200-plus employees also include studios with the latest in robotic cameramen, a game room, a lounge and panoramic views of Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.

* Amtrak shifts Empire Builder onboard staffing to Chicago :KING5 | The Empire Builder rail service spans more than 2,200 miles, making it one of Amtrak’s iconic long-distance routes. King Street Station in Seattle serves as one of its anchors, a hub that hums with the steady rhythm of departing trains and boarding passengers. For crew members, the station has long been the center of their professional lives. In a statement, Olivia Irvin, a senior public relations manager for Amtrak, said the company is “streamlining onboard staffing on the Empire Builder to Chicago,” describing the consolidation as a measure designed to boost efficiency and strengthen long-distance service. Amtrak did not provide details on how many Seattle-based employees would be affected by the transition, nor did the company respond to requests about the timeline for the changes.

* Forbes | University Of Chicago Board Chair Gives The Institution $50 Million: David M. Rubenstein, Chair of the University of Chicago’s Board of Trustees, has given the institution $50 million, according to a university news release. The gift will be used to renovate and modernize Ida Noyes Hall, a well-known campus building constructed and opened in 1916, into a gathering place for students, visitors and the university community. In recognition of the donation, the new hub will be named the David M. Rubenstein Commons.

* Fox Chicago | Frank Thomas sues White Sox, retailers over jersey sales: Thomas filed the lawsuit March 19 in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging violations of the Illinois Right of Publicity Act. The complaint claimed companies including Nike, Fanatics and the White Sox sold “City Connect 2.0″ jerseys featuring Thomas’ name and his No. 35 beginning in April 2025 without his consent or compensation. According to the filing, the jerseys were marketed and sold with team branding while using Thomas’ identity for commercial gain.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Daily Southtown | Recently resigned Harvey Clerk Rosa Arambula appointed as alderperson: Former Harvey City Clerk Rosa Arambula was appointed 1st Ward alderperson Monday, filling the role left vacant by acting Mayor Shirley Drewenski. “I cannot think of one other better person, and I’m honored to call Rosa Arambula 1st Ward alderman,” Drewenski said. Arambula resigned from her position as clerk at the beginning of the year without public comment or explanation, something 2nd Ward Ald. Colby Chapman drew attention to ahead of the appointment.

* Daily Southtown | Will County committee OKs 2,400-acre solar farm in Crete unincorporated area: While members of the public were largely against the project when it was presented to the Crete Village Board March 9, feedback was more mixed at last week’s more than four-hour long meeting in Joliet. Earthrise Energy, based in Arlington, Virginia, received preliminary approval for a special use permit that allows it to construct a solar farm that will span about 1,900 acres of unincorporated Will County. Crete already annexed about 200 acres along the village’s boundaries and plans to annex 620 more acres.

* Daily Herald | DuPage Forest Preserve executive director leaving for city manager job in Florida: Friling announced Tuesday that she is leaving the top administrative post to become the city manager of Sarasota, Florida. Friling was hired as the conservation agency’s executive director in 2021. She will remain with the district through May to help with the leadership transition. “Serving the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been an incredible honor,” Friling said in a statement. “I have truly enjoyed my time here and am grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and talented board and staff. The District is a very special place with an important mission, and I am confident its work will continue to thrive.”

* Daily Herald | Barrington-Area Robotics Team advances to world championship: With the win, Stealth Robotics has qualified for the FIRST Championship, an international robotics competition taking place in Houston this April. The event brings together thousands of students from around the world to compete and showcase their engineering and programming skills. In addition to success in competition, the team has made a significant impact in the community. This season, Stealth Robotics helped launch two new FIRST robotics teams, an all-girls FIRST Tech Challenge team and a new FIRST LEGO League team, expanding opportunities for more students to explore robotics and engineering.

*** Downstate ***

* WICS | Sangamon County opens domestic violence court to speed up cases, support victims: The court officially opened in May of last year. Since its inception, the court has seen about 150 felony cases and 350 misdemeanors. According to the Sangamon County state’s attorney, John Milhiser, out of the 150 felony cases, 65 have been resolved. “That’s one of the main goals of the domestic violence court,” Milhiser said. “To get these done faster, so we can help the victim and also help the offender. Get them treatment if they have substance abuse issues or whatever else is going on in their life, get them the help they need.”

* WGLT | Bloomington Police unveils plans for $550K federal grant updating real-time crime data center: U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, helped secure the $556,900 grant as part of a $19 million investment in community projects and infrastructure across his Central Illinois district that includes parts of Bloomington-Normal. LaHood toured the facility Monday morning and met with law enforcement and community leaders for a ceremonial check signing at the Bloomington Police Department [BPD].

* 25News Now | ‘Close, but likely not enough’: Peoria school board hopeful congratulates apparent winner: Doug Shannon posted a statement on his campaign’s Facebook page that his bid for a seat on the Peoria Public Schools’ Board of Education was “close, but likely not enough.” Monday, the Peoria County Election Commission said opponent Sarah Howard had a lead of 86 votes over Shannon in District 3, with an updated count of mail-in ballots expected on Tuesday. On election night, Howard’s lead was just 44 votes. Howard currently has 3,117 votes to Shannon’s 3,031.

* WSIL | Crews continue prescribed burns at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge: Fire management teams have been conducting prescribed burns in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge throughout the month of March. These controlled fires restore ecosystems, support wildlife, reduce wildfire risk and manage vegetation. Crews were seen on Monday south of Highway 13 in Williamson County, burning sections between S. Greenbriar Road and S. Division Street.

* 25News Now | French Canyon access at Starved Rock closed for improvement project: Closures include the trailhead access to the top of French Canyon, the trails from the Starved Rock Lodge parking lot, and the trail leading to French Canyon from behind the visitor center. That includes parts of Brown Bluff and Campanula Trails. IDNR added that other existing closures include Tonti Canyon and Tonti Bridge, the trail from LaSalle Canyon to Tonti Canyon, and the staircase from the west entrance to the boat ramp area.

*** National ***

* Bloomberg | JPMorgan sees ‘national security risk’ in old grid networks: All of that adds up to “major tailwinds for grid investments,” Sarah Kapnick, author of the report and JPMorgan’s global head of climate advisory, said in an interview. It’s “a massive investment opportunity,” she said. On the one hand there’s artificial intelligence, electrification and the re-industrialization of developed nations, which on their own account for “massive growth in electricity demand,” Kapnick said.

* The Hill | Delta suspends special congressional services amid shutdown: Among the services being suspended are airport escorts and so-called “red coat” services. The Capital Desk, a reservations line, will remain open. The decision, first reported by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, comes days after the Senate unanimously approved a proposal to end the preferential treatment lawmakers receive at airports, including allowing them to skip the line at security checkpoints.

Comment

There’s an argument to be made here, but the governor didn’t make it

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Isabel asked Gov. Pritzker today about how President Trump has canceled wind, solar and EV subsidies and has apparently agreed to pay a French company a billion taxpayer dollars not to build an off-shore wind farm and instead invest in fossil fuels. With energy prices rising during the war with Iran, Isabel wanted to know his reaction…

We need energy policies that actually support people, affordability, making sure that people can both preserve the environment, because lots of individuals out there in the world really want to do the right thing. And also we all collectively, I think, want to make sure that we’re preserving our planet, and electrification is an important part of that. This President obviously had some problem with electrification. It may have something to do with his dementia. He doesn’t understand that the world has changed and that we need to address this problem, and adding more fossil fuel pollution to the environment is very negative for not just us who are living in this moment, but also for our children, our grandchildren are going to have to live with the consequences of the policies that he’s rolled back. So meanwhile, here in the state of Illinois, we’re doing everything we can with the resources that we have to promote electrification and to promote clean energy, build more clean energy. Those are the things that I’ve been focused on, and I think will help us bring down costs for average families.

A much simpler response would’ve been: Spiking petroleum energy prices during yet another war in the most volatile part of the world clearly show why we need to diversify our own power supply, not narrow it. But, whatevs. He loves running up his word-counts.

* Pritzker did talk about Iran later…

And, you know, as was mentioned earlier, when oil prices and gas prices are going up, it hurts everybody, especially hurts people who live in rural areas, who have to travel by car much farther than everybody else [and that] costs and more. Who’s done that? Donald Trump. Donald Trump decided to go to war with Iran. They did not come after us. It was a decision by him to go after them, and we’re now in this war. I know he’s saying that there’s some kind of negotiation with Iranians, or denying that any of that is happening. And indeed, after he made that announcement, they attacked. So doesn’t seem like there actually is a peace that’s being talked about. But we need to get out of Iran. We need to get out of that conflict right now, in part because we need to bring our economy back, because he’s going to take us into a recession.

But he didn’t close the circle on energy diversification.

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Pritzker backs Sacks, disagrees on AIPAC

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Michael Sacks writing in the Tribune: “Why I support AIPAC and a big tent Democratic Party”…

I am a proud Democrat, and I have always proudly supported Israel. And because I support Israel, I support the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, though my journey there has not been a straight line.

I was an AIPAC supporter from the late 1980s through 2017, when I stepped away over the organization’s opposition to President Barack Obama’s 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Whether it was my view of the agreement, the wisdom of challenging a president I supported or the way it strained relationships among Democrats and pro-Israel Americans, I quietly voted with my feet. I did not reengage until after Oct. 7, 2023.

In the immediate wake of Hamas’ terror attack, even before Israel responded, I watched anti-Israel sentiment accelerate within my party, including in Illinois.

We saw elected officials on Oct. 8 implying the Hamas attack was justified resistance. Two of the 15 Democrats who opposed or abstained from a congressional resolution standing with Israel were from Chicago. One was among eight Democrats who previously opposed Iron Dome funding — not long-range missiles or bunker busters, but a defensive system that protects civilians from rocket attacks. Having been in Tel Aviv in July 2014 through days of rockets targeting civilians, I witnessed its lifesaving value.

So I reached out to AIPAC asking how I could help ensure we didn’t send more people to Congress from Chicago who would deny Israel access to even essential defensive weapons.

* Gov. JB Pritzker was asked today whether a “big tent” Democratic Party includes AIPAC and candidates backed by AIPAC…

A big tent Democratic Party includes people who may have differences of opinion with one another, but who share in common the historical values of the Democratic Party. We’re the party of civil rights and human rights. We’re the party of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security. We’re the party that stands up for the middle class, working class and the most vulnerable. And when it comes to the question of foreign policy, we’re also a party that stands up for peace and for security. And so I believe that what a lot of us share in common, and doesn’t mean everybody in the Democratic Party, a lot of us share in common, is a desire not only to have a peaceful and secure state of Israel, but also a Palestinian state that gets created. That’s been the position of the United States for many years now, from George HW Bush to Bill Clinton to George W Bush to Barack Obama. We need to focus on this concept of making sure that we have a peaceful homeland for Palestinians, as we do for Jews, becoming a witness test though.

Look, I mean, I think I’ve expressed myself about AIPAC. I really think the organization about more than 10 years ago became a kind of a right-leaning, Trumper-leaning organization. It was one that I just couldn’t continue to support. That doesn’t mean that others can’t do that. I just have felt like, as a Democrat, giving money - by the way, it was not a PAC that I want to make sure everybody understands. AIPAC, even though it’s got the words, the letters P, A, C in it means Public Affairs Council. They then went, I don’t know what year, but about 15, 16, 17, they became a political action committee, a super PAC, collecting money and then giving that money away. The concern about that, from my perspective, is when you give money to AIPAC, you’re then as a Democrat anyway, you’re giving money potentially, to Republicans. That’s not something that I would want to do, and certainly not under Donald Trump. And so that’s one of my differences with them.

Do I think that people who have supported AIPAC can be good Democrats? I can tell you Michael Sachs is a very good, decent, honorable human being who cares deeply about the Democratic values that I expressed to you just a moment ago. And I think it’s very unfair for people to have targeted him when what he believes is the same thing that I just expressed about the security of the State of Israel and the security of the Palestinian people at the very same time.

Please pardon any transcription errors.

* Back to Sacks…

I am staying in the Democratic Party and will continue supporting Personal PAC, Equality Illinois, Everytown for Gun Safety, Chicago Public Media, the Democratic National Convention Committee and, yes, AIPAC, when they seek local Democratic donors to support solid local Democrats.

Many pro-Israel, pro-two-state-solution Jewish Democrats don’t like the current Israeli government’s direction. Many of those same Democrats don’t like what’s happening in Washington. You might even share those views.

But ask yourself: Do you believe other countries should boycott, divest or sanction (BDS) American businesses, scientists, athletes or artists because of our government’s policies? Of course not. So why are some Democrats embracing BDS against Israel? If we don’t want others to hold all Americans responsible for the actions of our government, why are we holding all Israelis, and their supporters, responsible for the actions of theirs?

A bill to lift the state’s anti-BDS law has picked up several House co-sponsors, but is assigned to a subcommittee.

18 Comments

Pritzker publicly punts Bears issue to legislature

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From today’s press conference…

Q: The Arlington Heights Mayor recently said that they’re feeling like the bears will not wait till May 31 for a mega projects bill, or like a deal to come through that they want to get something done by the end of this month. Obviously both chambers are not in next week, like this is the last week they’re both in [this month]. So I guess one, do you feel pressure from the team to get something out by Thursday? And also, do you feel like that’s likely to happen?

Gov. Pritzker: I think we all feel like this needs to happen sooner rather than later, and it is in the hands of the legislature. As you know, we’ve done a lot of work in our administration to try to put something together that will work for both the state, the legislature and their concerns and the team itself. It is a pretty good deal that’s been put on the table that I think seems to have support broadly by the Bears ownership and so it really now is in the hands of the House of Representatives and then the Senate, to get something done in a timely fashion.

As subscribers know, Pritzker was much more nuanced about the responsibilities for passing bill during an interview with me last week. For broad public consumption, however, it’s “Legislators are now responsible.”

7 Comments

The Chicks booked for Illinois State Fair

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Press release…

The Illinois State Fair announces Superstar Trio The Chicks to take the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Saturday, August 22, 2026, bringing their powerhouse vocals and award-winning catalog to an already stacked Grandstand line-up.

Earning universal recognition as the biggest-selling U.S. female band of all time, The Chicks have sold more than 30.5 million albums and are among an elite group of artists, and the only female group, to achieve multiple “diamond” selling (ten million copies) releases. The trio—Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer—has received 13 GRAMMY® Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, and numerous Country Music Association Awards, among many other accolades throughout their groundbreaking career. Since their breakout album Wide Open Spaces, the band has delivered hit after hit, including fan favorites like “Cowboy Take Me Away,” “Landslide,” and “Not Ready to Make Nice.” Known for their tight harmonies, masterful musicianship, and powerful live performances, The Chicks continue to connect with audiences across generations.

“We’re proud to continue bringing top tier entertainment to the Illinois State Fair, and The Chicks are a fantastic addition to this year’s lineup,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “Their music has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with fans of all ages. We’re excited to welcome them to Springfield this August.”

After a nearly 14-year hiatus, The Chicks released their fifth studio album Gaslighter in July 2020 via Columbia Records. The 12-track record was co-produced by award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff and has been hailed as some of the band’s most uninhibited, modern, progressive, and original work to date, reaffirming their place as one of the most influential groups in music.

“The Chicks are known for putting on an unforgettable show,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “With a catalog of songs that so many people know and love, this will be a special night at the Grandstand that fairgoers won’t want to miss.”

Tickets for The Chicks will go on sale Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.

Tier 3 - $88 / Tier 2 - $93 / Tier 1 - $113 / Track - $128 / Blue Ribbon - $168
*A $30 Pre-Show Party ticket is offered as an additional upgrade for all paid concerts.

2 Comments

Unclear on the concept

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Center Square…

Illinois plans to pump $5 million into alternative protein research at state universities, aiming to boost the plant-based and fermentation food-tech sector and make the state a hub for agricultural innovation.

But not everyone is on board.

State Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, voiced skepticism about the initiative, questioning whether taxpayer money would be better spent supporting traditional farmers directly.

The state’s planning to spend $5 million? I wouldn’t be too sure about that since the bill in question was not even assigned to a Senate committee.

One of the reasons why I started doing the “It’s just a bill” posts is precisely because of goofy stories like this.

Not trying to say that the provision could be included in the final budget. Just saying there’s no evidence of that yet, so claiming that the state is planning to spend the money is ludicrous.

It’s. Just. A. Bill. Stuck. In. Committee.

18 Comments

HB 3799 Raises Premiums And Destabilizes A Stable Insurance Market

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Illinois’ competitive system protects consumers and keeps carriers investing here—let’s not break what works. Independent research shows slow, uncertain rate reviews push insurers out and costs up. HB 3799 was already defeated in Veto Session—keep it that way. Vote NO.

Protect affordability. Vote NO on HB 3799.

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It’s just a bill

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Illinois State University…

Illinois State is again publicly supporting the proposed Public Higher Education Equitable Funding Formula legislation – Senate Bill 13 (SB 13) and its replica, House Bill 1581 (HB 1581), House Amendment 1.

The House bill is scheduled to be heard in a subject matter hearing in the House of Representatives Higher Education Appropriations Committee on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 8 a.m. The legislation would revolutionize how public higher education institutions are funded through state allocation and significantly increase operational funding for Illinois State.

* Press release…

A coalition of Illinois public universities today released the following statement in support of legislation to provide equitable funding for public universities (SB13/HB1581), which may be heard in committee as soon as Thursday:

“Illinois public universities are the foundation of our state and regional economies, preparing the skilled workforce employers depend on, driving research and innovation, and fueling development throughout our communities. The future of our state depends on the strength of public universities and their ability to advance student and community achievement. For these reasons, we stand united in support of the equitable funding formula, which will provide stable, predictable funding for every public university. That stability will help ease pressure on tuition, strengthen recruitment and enrollment, improve student outcomes, increase graduation rates, and grow economic investment – all of which will lead to a stronger, more successful Illinois.”

- Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, JD, President, Chicago State University
- Dr. Jay Gatrell, President, Eastern Illinois University
- Dr. Joyce Ester, President, Governors State University
- Dr. Aondover Tarhule, President, Illinois State University
- Dr. Lisa C. Freeman, President, Northern Illinois University
- Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, President, Northeastern Illinois University
- Dr. Dan Mahony, President, Southern Illinois University System
- Dr. Kristi Mindrup, President, Western Illinois University

* ACLU Illinois…

More than 5,000 communities across the country – including hundreds here in Illinois – are using automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) to monitor cars moving throughout their community. ALPRs scan and store license plate data from thousands of cars each day in our state, allowing police and other government agencies to track people when they drive and wherever they go.

As we have learned over the past few months, federal agencies and out-of-state law enforcement officers can – and have – accessed ALPR data collected in Illinois to target immigrants, people seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care, and anyone else the government decides is a threat.

Currently there are no statewide standards for ALPRS and no regulations about the use of the data captured by the array of cameras in place across Illinois.
HB 5151– the ALPR Act – fixes this problem by creating statewide, common sense standards and regulations for when and how law enforcement agencies and government entities can use ALPRs.
The ALPR law sets standards for:

- When ALPRs can be used
- How long ALPR data can be retained
- Who can access ALPR data
- Minimizing warrantless surveillance
- Increasing transparency
- Vendor, law enforcement and government accountability

Many community groups across Illinois are working to cancel contracts with ALPR companies and remove them from their town or city. As those efforts continue, the ALPR law provides some basic safeguards and transparency around the use of this powerful surveillance tool.

* Illinois Environmental Council CEO Jen Walling…

Big Tech is coming to Illinois, and we’re not ready. The rapid expansion of data centers could derail our climate goals, pollute communities and strain already-stressed water resources.

Illinois has worked hard to position itself as a clean energy leader and recently passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act to accelerate renewable energy development. But data centers pose a serious threat to that progress while also jacking up electricity rates for everyday Illinoisans. […]

The POWER Act proposes a commonsense solution: require data centers to pay 100% of the costs they impose on the grid. If a private corporation’s operations require expensive new infrastructure, Illinois ratepayers shouldn’t be stuck with the bill. Data centers must pay their fair share.

Unchecked growth also threatens Illinois’ climate commitments. Massive new electricity demand risks prolonging the life of expensive coal plants or spurring new methane gas facilities — locking in decades of additional carbon pollution. The POWER Act embraces a smarter path, built around the principles of Bring Your Own New Capacity and Clean Energy (BYONCCE), which ensures new data centers bring clean power online. Projects that do the right thing will be prioritized, giving data centers an incentive to bring more solar, wind and battery storage projects to our grid.

* Press release…

Small Business Owners, Advocates to Call for “APR for All” Legislation
Illinois small businesses lose $1.25 million per day as a result of non-transparent loans

WHO:
Mike Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer
Mary Beth Canty, State Representative (D-Arlington Heights)
Horacio Méndez, President & CEO, Woodstock Institute
Andres Solarte, Government and Community Relations Director, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Geri Aglipay, Senior Fellow, Small Business Majority
Gloria Hicks, Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)
Nikki Bravo, Small Business Owner, Momentum Coffee

WHAT:
A press conference featuring small business owners, legislators and advocates calling on Illinois lawmakers to pass the Small Business Financing Transparency Act (HB744 HA #1), also known as APR for All.

The legislation would require non-bank lenders to disclose the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of loans offered to small businesses, saving Illinois small businesses an estimated $1.25 million per day. APR is the gold standard for understanding the true cost of loans, allowing small businesses to make a clear apples to apples comparison between different loan products.

WHEN:
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
11-11:30 am

WHERE:
Illinois State Capitol Blue Room

* WCIA…

Illinois lawmakers are considering a proposal that would ensure law enforcement officers across the state have access to paid mental health leave following traumatic incidents in the line of duty.

State Representative Patrick Sheehan (R) introduced House Bill 4715, also known as the Law Enforcement Mental Health Leave Act, earlier this year.

“Law Enforcement officers see things every day that most people never have to experience in their entire lives,” Sheehan said in a news release. “When an officer goes through a traumatic event, we owe them the basic support needed to recover and continue serving safely. HB4715 is one way we can help protect the men and women who protect us.” […]

HB4715 would ensure that officers suffering from a mental illness as a result of a traumatic event would be granted five days of paid mental health leave during any 12‑month period. It would also require every law enforcement agency in the state to adopt clear mental health leave policy, including, but not limited to, the following:

* Capitol News Illinois…

[Sen. Jil Tracy’s (R-Quincy)] Senate Bill 2702 aims to expand the market for raw milk and allow sales at, for example, a farmers’ market. It hasn’t been assigned to a committee since she introduced it in October. Previous efforts to deregulate raw milk have also drawn little support in past General Assemblies.

Tracy said she sought the regulatory changes after speaking with a farmer in her district who was struggling with the restrictions placed on selling raw milk. Tracy said she is aware of the health concerns around raw milk but believes it can be sold safely in Illinois, comparing its risk to that of other farm products like vegetables. […]

Concerns about the safety of raw milk were amplified during a recent outbreak of Campylobacter infection in 11 people in Illinois that appeared to be connected to the consumption of raw milk. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of Campylobacter infection include diarrhea, stomach cramping, vomiting and fever. It can often be confused with food poisoning.

According to the USDA, raw milk consumption was linked to 3 deaths, 2,645 illnesses and 228 hospitalizations in the U.S. between 1998 and 2018.

10 Comments

Chaos Coming July 1: Illinois’ Radical Credit Card Law Could Upend Everyday Purchases

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Starting July 1, Illinois families could face chaos when paying for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, or a dinner out because of a new state law that changes how credit cards work.

At the checkout line, shoppers may suddenly be told they cannot use their credit cards to pay for sales taxes or tips, forcing them to split payments or pay those portions in cash.

It is a radical change that only benefits corporate mega-stores, while small businesses, local banks, and consumers are left to deal with the fallout.

Experts who understand the global payments system have been sounding the alarm for months:

Before chaos hits on July 1, lawmakers should reverse course and repeal the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act.

Learn more at: guardyourcard.com/Illinois

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Surprise! Federal government’s accusatory fishing expedition on foreign CDL-holders apparently comes up empty

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Last month on Fox News…

Illinois could lose millions in federal funding if it does not clean up its driver’s licensing system after the U.S. Department of Transportation warned Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and the state’s top licensing official that one in five commercial licenses issued to noncitizens were issued illegally.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a written ultimatum to both the Hyatt Hotels heir and Kevin Duesterhaus, the state director of driver services under Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and listed several cases of drivers from El Salvador to Ukraine who were in violation of the law.

“I need our state partners to understand that they work for the American people, not illegal immigrants who broke the law illegally entering our country and continue to break it by operating massive big rigs without the proper qualifications,” Duffy said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. […]

“In addition, if the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues a final determination of substantial noncompliance, the agency may decertify Illinois’ CDL program,” Duffy wrote.

* Daily Herald…

On Thursday, [Illinois Secretary of State] Driver Services Director Kevin Duesterhaus said in a letter to FMCSA the state had followed federal rules and that nothing the government presented “would justify potentially cutting the $128 million in federal highway funding that Illinois receives.”

Federal regulators said the agency had issued commercial driver’s licenses to numerous people whose Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) allowing them to be in the U.S. had expired, and also had failed to verify if some applicants were in the country legally. […]

Secretary of state officials reviewed the 29 cases and responded that the government had ignored an exemption extending EADs for 540 days as a result of pandemic backlogs.

Regarding another allegation that the agency had not made copies of immigration documents presented by applicants, Duesterhaus said federal regulations at the time did not require such records.

* From the Secretary of State’s letter…

Every Non-Domiciled CDL applicant in Illinois presented validly issued immigration documents to SOS at the time of their Non-Dom CDL transaction. In addition, since the Entry-Level Driving Training (ELDT) requirement took effect in 2022, all first-time applicants have undergone the necessary federal training and testing required to drive a truck.

In addition, Illinois has not issued any Non-Dom CDLs since FMCSA issued its interim rule in September 2025. The goal of SOS is to continue to work collaboratively with FMCSA to promptly resume issuing Non-Domiciled CDLs. […]

Eleven Non-Dom CDLs correctly issued to persons presenting an EAD and an I-797C

FMCSA incorrectly asserts that SOS improperly issued Non-Dom CDLs to applicants who presented an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and an I-797C, claiming their EAD was expired. […]

On November 18, 2016, due to extended processing times by USCIS for EAD renewal applications DHS published a final rule, effective January 17, 2017, that automatically extended certain categories of EADs for 180 days if the holder of the EAD filed a petition to renew their EAD prior to its expiration in the same category indicated on the face of the EAD. […]

DHS subsequently issued two temporary final rules increasing the 180-day extension to 540 days. On December 13, 2024, DHS published a final rule, effective January 13, 2025, that permanently increased the automatic extension from 180 days to 540 days.

Seven Non-Dom CDLs correctly issued to applicants with 1-94 Records

FMCSA identified seven records (WH, LNC, GVP, WS, RW, PVR, and IZ) where applicants provided an 1-94, but incorrectly asserts that SOS did not provide evidence that each applicant also presented an unexpired foreign passport to accompany the I- 946. The seven applicants presented an unexpired foreign passport at the time of the Non-Dom CDL transaction as required by federal regulation at the time. SOS policy has always required applicants to provide a foreign passport when an 1-94 is presented. […]

Two Non-Dom CDLs correctly issued to applicants presenting an EAD

FMCSA incorrectly asserts that two Non-Dom CDL applicants (MLC and DM) presented expired EADs and were issued Non-Dom CDLs. In both instances, the driver presented a valid and unexpired EAD for their respective transactions on February 26, 2025, and November 6, 2024, which was noted on their applications. Both applicants presented valid an unexpired EADs at the time of the transaction, which SOS documented in its records. However, SOS inadvertently provided FMCSA with expired EADs from a previous transaction in its initial response.

One Non-Dom CDL correctly issued to an applicant with an l-20 form (student application)

FMCSA incorrectly asserts that JY - a student - failed to submit an approved I-94 to accompany the passport or an unexpired EAD. An 1-94 issued to a student reflects an “admitted to” date of “D/S,” or Duration of Status, that allows them to stay in the U.S. during the duration of their academic program, and which the applicant supplied. Clearly, D/S is not an expiration date that can be printed on a Non-Dom CDL. An applicant admitted as a student is issued an I-20 which is the document that contains the student’s program or authorized practical training completion date. The student has 60 days from the program or authorized practical training completion date to depart the United States. In this instance, the applicant submitted an I-94 that indicated D/S and an I-20 that reflected the program completion date with copies retained by SOS. SOS conservatively tied the expiration date of the Non-Dom CDL to the program completion date, even though a student is authorized to remain in the United States for 60 days after program completion. As such, the Non-Dom CDL issued to JY was properly issued.

One Non-Dom CDL correctly issued a full-term credential as an asylee

FIMCSA incorrectly asserts that the expiration date associated with the Non-Dom CDL issued to ZAB (an asylee) was incorrect. ZAB presented an I-94 reflecting approved asylee status which authorizes ZAB to work incident to status. Had ZAB presented a valid foreign passport the expiration date of the Non-Dom CDL would not be tied to the passport as the passport does not indicate the length of authorized stay. ZAB was correctly issued a full-term credential based on the approved asylee status.

Emphasis was in the original. I added links to explain some terms.

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‘Why Risk It?’ 340B Bill Helps Patients And Providers, NO State Funding Needed – Pass HB 2371 SA 2

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Seven in 10 patients of Sinai Chicago are covered by Medicaid. Looming federal funding cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are expected to leave 10-15% of Illinois Medicaid patients without coverage. When people lose Medicaid, they often go without needed prescription drugs and healthcare. Passage of House Bill 2371 SA 2 is urgently needed, said Sameer Shah, PharmD, President of Mount Sinai Hospital, to restore the 340B program in Illinois after five years of unlawful restrictions imposed by drugmakers.

“Our job and our mission is to take care of the communities we serve,” said Shah, noting those without insurance have few options. “They come to the hospitals. They come to the health system. They come to the clinics. It’s our responsibility to make sure the patients leave the hospital and are set up for success with their medications.”

Sinai Chicago is one of Illinois’ largest safety net providers. 340B has meant it can offer low-income patients discounted medication. It has also helped the health system expand clinical services and invest in meeting the community’s growing and diverse healthcare needs.

Hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers will lose a vital lifeline for their patients—and face additional financial challenges—unless House members pass HB 2371 SA. “Given all the curveballs coming our way and all the cuts, why risk it? Let the 340B program continue to work the way it was designed.”

Stand with patients and providers: Vote YES on HB 2371 SA this legislative session. Learn more.

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Isabel’s morning briefing

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: Suburban counties lose bid to blame Illinois for unconstitutional property tax sales. Crain’s…

* At 9 am, Governor JB Pritzker will give remarks at Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day and announce the 2026 Illinois State Fair headliner. Click here to watch.

*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***

* Press release | ICC 2025 Supplier Diversity Report shows robust investment from Illinois’ largest utilities: The Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) Office of Diversity and Community Affairs’ (ODCA) 2025 Annual Report shows the state’s largest investor-owned utilities’ diverse spending remains robust at over $1.7 billion. The 2025 report, which covers data from the 2024 calendar year, found that Illinois’ six largest utilities averaged nearly 35 percent of their total spending with diverse suppliers, including minority, women, veteran, and small business enterprises, with some utilities reaching as high as 43 percent total diverse spend.

* Press release | CTU: Gov. Pritzker Needs to Lead Decisively, Not Leave Room for Mendoza’s MAGA Privatization Plan in School Voucher Fight: A statement from the Chicago Teachers Union Executive Vice President Jackson Potter on Governor JB Pritzker’s inaction and Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s support for a MAGA private school voucher scheme “At a time when working families in our city are demanding affordability, stability and investments in their neighborhoods, it is deeply disappointing to see Governor Pritzker hesitate while other governors–including Democrats like Andy Beshear in Kentucky—have drawn a clear line against Trump’s schemes that would siphon public dollars into the hands of privatizers.”

*** Statehouse News ***

* Journal & Topics | Chicago Voters Prove Tough Task For Walker In State Central Committeeman’s Race: Outgoing Wheeling Township Democratic committeeman and State Sen. Mark Walker (D-27th) lost in his bid for the 5th District state central committeeman’s seat on Tuesday. Voters were asked to vote for two in a three-way race among Democrats, which saw John Cullerton and Margaret Croke elected to the party post. The role of a party state central committeeman is like that of a party township committeeman: to work to see candidates successfully elected to office from their party.

* TSPR | WIU advocates to rally for equitable higher ed funding in Springfield:
“It doesn’t matter whether the governor is Democratic or Republican. What we’ve seen in the state of Illinois for the last 23 years is a steady decline in state funding for higher education, and that needs to turn around now,” said Merrill Cole, president of the Western Illinois University chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois, which represents faculty at WIU. The Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding hopes to convince lawmakers to turn around funding for the state’s public colleges and universities. The organization will hold a Higher Education Advocacy Day in Springfield on April 16. It expects to draw hundreds of advocates from across the state.

*** Chicago ***

* Fox Chicago | Fired top aide to Chicago mayor alleges Brandon Johnson has ‘hostility’ toward law enforcement: Whitfield was fired alongside then Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood, with senior Johnson staff members claiming they wanted to go in a different direction. Whitfield said some of the discord stems from the fact that he and Gatewood placed an employee on probation for poor performance and failure to show up for work. Whitfield said that the employee is close with the mayor and senior leadership and was placed on a performance improvement plan with the Department of Human Resources. But instead of disciplining the employee, Whitfield said he and Gatewood were fired instead.

* Sun-Times | Top business leader demands end to stalemate over City Council’s pick for Zoning chair: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President Jack Lavin said more than 40 development projects have been stalled by City Council’s failure to agree on new permanent chair for the powerful Zoning Committee. He wants Mayor Brandon Johnson to forge a compromise to break the stalemate.

* Sun-Times | United Center owners’ massive 1901 Project could get nearly $55 million property tax break: Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed a nearly $55 million property tax break for the United Center’s 1901 Project — a benefit the arena’s owners say is an essential piece to get their self-funded $7 billion project underway. Johnson introduced the estimated $54.7 million in property tax incentives to the City Council on March 18. Under Cook County’s Class 7b special assessment, the project’s property tax rate for the first phase would be 10% for the first 10 years, 15% for Year 11, then 20% for Year 12. The 1901 Project’s first phase is valued at $500 million. Projects must be valued at $2 million or more to be eligible for Class 7b incentives, according to the city.

* WTTW | Chicago Taxpayers Have Spent $1.76M to Defend Officer Who Shot 13-Year-Old Boy Without Justification, Leaving Him Paralyzed: The Civilian Office of Police Accountability determined that Officer Noah Ball’s decision to shoot the boy was unjustified, a conclusion endorsed by Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling, records show. Cierra Corbitt, the boy’s mother, has sued the city, alleging Ball “recklessly, callously, and wantonly” shot her son — identified in court records by his initials, A.G. — in violation of his civil rights as he obeyed officers’ orders to surrender after a brief foot pursuit near Chicago and Cicero avenues in Austin on May 18, 2022.

* Sun-Times | Bears QB Caleb Williams moves to trademark ‘Iceman’ moniker: A search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office shows Caleb Williams Inc.’s “Iceman” applications for sporting goods, footballs, sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, jerseys, jackets, vest, water bottles, mugs, bags, backpacks, luggage, sunglasses, posters and downloadable trading cards. Williams has already filed trademark applications for his name, initials, bear claw logos and other quarterback images.

* Sun-Times | Chicago women embrace ‘Hot Girl Walk’ trend to build confidence, community: Lind said she hopes women continue the Hot Girl Walk movement beyond the meetups. “If we’re only bringing this positivity to the world at our events, then we’re not doing our jobs,” she said. “We want to carry that momentum of women supporting women, whether that means giving a girl a compliment on her shoes as she’s walking by, or giving your barista an extra tip.”

* WBEZ | Axolotls! Where to see the TikTok famous amphibians in Chicago: And at the Brookfield Zoo, which began displaying one axolotl in a habitat last year, it’s an even bigger hit than the penguins right across from it, said Mike Masellis, lead animal care specialist for aquatics. “It’s fun to see someone look at a penguin and then scream about an axolotl,” he said. Last year, the Brookfield Zoo took in 20 rescued axolotls after they were confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as they were illegally brought through O’Hare from Indonesia.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Shaw Local | Yorkville could approve 2 more data center projects, including 540-acre Project Steel: The city of Yorkville has two more large data center projects on the agenda for its Tuesday meeting, this coming on the heels, of a near six-hour meeting over the of the 1,034-acre Project Cardinal data center. Both the 540-acre Project Steel data center and the recently downsized, 80-acre Meyer data center campus could take significant steps forward with City Council approval. The planning and zoning commission on Jan. 14 unanimously voted to not recommend the Meyer data center for approval.

* Daily Southtown | Will County judge orders former Homer Township collector to pay $45,901 in damages: A Will County judge awarded $45,901 in damages to a Homer Glen woman who said Homer Township collector Michael Gondek harassed her by falsely suggesting she was celebrating Donald Trump’s 2024 assassination attempt. The case is likely the first of its kind to reach a verdict under the Civil Liability for Doxing Act, which took effect Jan. 1, 2024. Ellen Moriarty said Gondek spread a doctored image attributed to her that claims she was celebrating the July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, when Trump was a former president campaigning again for the office.

* Daily Herald | Former Hersey High School coach resigns from teaching job amid wrestling program probe: Former John Hersey High School wrestling coach Joe Rupslauk — who had already been stripped of his coaching responsibilities amid a probe into residency and recruiting violations — has resigned from his teaching position at the Arlington Heights school. Rupslauk’s resignation from his special education teaching job took effect last Friday, following approval of personnel actions by the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school board Thursday.

* Daily Herald | College of DuPage board approves another tuition increase: The COD board of trustees has authorized a $4-per-credit-hour increase for students who live within the community college district. Those students will end up paying $160 per credit hour, including fees, starting with the fall 2026 term. The Glen Ellyn-based school will charge Illinois students from outside the district $368 per credit hour, up from $359.

* Shaw Local | Driver sues over Cary police pursuit that led to crash, serious injuries: The lawsuit, filed Friday in McHenry County court, claims willful and wanton conduct against the village of Cary for the police pursuit on July 8, 2025, that started in the village and led to a crash at the intersection of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road in Crystal Lake. The driver who filed the lawsuit, Munividyasgar Mokkala, cited “personal injuries” in the crash, which have resulted in both past and future damages, including but not limited to medical expenses, lost wages and earning potential, loss of normal life, disability, disfigurement and pain and suffering,” according to the complaint. Mokkala is seeking over $50,000 in damages.

*** Downstate ***

* SJ-R | Emotional plea helps lead to data center vote being tabled: The vote to table it came after an emotional plea from Sangamon County board member Craig Hall, whose district the proposed data center would fall in. “We’re not for sale; I would like to ask this board to listen tonight and I would like to ask if we could take another vote to table this… please.” A rally of cheers and equally dismayed faces washed over environmental advocates who went home cheering at the decision to table the vote. It is unclear if the board will vote on the data center during its next meeting April 7.

* WGLT | Residents bring objections to the idea of a data center to Bloomington City Council: Ten of the 11 people who spoke during the public comments portion of Monday’s Bloomington City Council meeting voiced opposition to a perceived possibility of a data center development on 375 acres south of the intersection of Ireland Grove Road and Abraham Road. “Basically, data centers have never been profitable. They don’t create significant numbers of long-term jobs,” said Katherine Scheck. “That’s not a long-term investment, and it’s going to ruin our community in the process.” At the outset of the meeting, Mayor Dan Brady said the item authorizing a three-party agreement between the city, Central Illinois Regional Airport and CES Farm, LLC, was removed from the night’s consent agenda.

* WMBD | The effort to stop O’Brien Steel’s purchase of Detweiller Marina: It’s a battle between industry development and green space priorities, as O’Brien Steel Service Company is moving to purchase most of the park area around Detweiller Marina. Opponents to the move said there has been little transparency around the potential purchase, only learning about it in a Peoria Park District meeting in March. An issue that even has state Sen. Dave Koehler concerned. “This is exactly the way you don’t want to do any kind of development in the community,” said the Peoria Democrat.

* WGLT | Bloomington OKs revised development plan for former State Farm building downtown: The Bloomington City Council on Monday approved revisions to an existing agreement with UEP Bloomington on a $68 million project to convert the former State Farm office building along East Street into a mixed-use residential and commercial center called “G.J. Lofts.” “As is the case with projects of this size and scope, they sometimes change over time. Financial markets change, constructions costs change, etc, etc.,” Senior Deputy Assistant City Manager Billy Tyus told the council during the 95-minute meeting.

* IPM News | Vanderbilt eliminates Illinois women’s basketball from the March Madness Tournament: Once the second quarter began, Illinois began to crumble as it missed consecutive shots and repeatedly turned the ball over. This led Vanderbilt to go on a 10-point run and grab an 11-point lead heading to halftime. Vanderbilt maintained the momentum in the second half. Illinois sophomore guard Berry Wallace tried to get the team back in the game as they were able to cut the lead back into single digits.

*** National ***

* Politico | It’s 3 times harder for blue states to get disaster funding under Trump: He approved just 23 percent of disaster funding requests from states with a Democratic governor and two Democratic senators since returning to office 14 months ago. For states with a Republican governor and two Republican senators, it’s the opposite — Trump has approved 89 percent of their requests.

* NPR | Despite state bans and restrictions, the number of abortions in the U.S. holds steady: Since the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022, anti-abortion rights advocates have continuously pursued laws and court cases to make access to abortion more difficult. A report published Tuesday finds those efforts haven’t worked in one basic way: The number of abortions in the country hasn’t budged. “There were an estimated 1,126,000 abortions provided by clinicians in the U.S. in 2025 — that’s pretty much unchanged from 2024,” says Isaac Maddow-Zimet, data scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit research organization that supports abortion access.

* NYT | Trump, Who Calls Mail-in Voting ‘Cheating,’ Just Voted by Mail: According to voter records on the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections website, Mr. Trump voted by mail in Palm Beach County, home to his Mar-a-Lago Club. Records show he has been registered to vote there since 2019 — and that he mailed his ballot at least one other time, in 2020.

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Good morning!

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Joan Baez…

* What’s going on?

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

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Selected press releases (Live updates)

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

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Live coverage

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Click here and/or here to follow breaking news on the website formally known as Twitter. Our Bluesky feed…

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