Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Chalkbeat…
Some Illinois schools will likely experience major shifts this school year as federal COVID relief funds end, district budgets get tighter, and students continue to recover from school disruptions during the height of the pandemic. […]
Chalkbeat Chicago sat down with [State Superintendent Tony Sanders] to talk about what’s next for the state board after COVID relief funds end in September, support for schools that have seen an increase in newcomer enrollment, the state’s literacy plan, and other education issues. […]
The state board’s share of federal COVID-19 relief dollars is also expected to end in September. The state board created initiatives like a digital equity grant and a mentorship program for teachers among other initiatives. Will the state board continue some of these programs without federal COVID relief funds or will they disappear?
This year within the state budget, we were able to work with the governor’s office and legislators on sustaining some of these programs. For example, we were able to secure some state dollars to support our Student Care Department — which monitors restraint, time-out, and student isolation — which was created using COVID relief funds. We’ve been able to use the extension on COVID relief funds that the federal government gave us to continue programs such as SEL [Social Emotional Learning] Hubs, teacher mentoring, and principal mentoring. One of the things you didn’t see make it into this year’s budget was high-impact tutoring. It was effective, but it was also very expensive.
Next fiscal year, the State Board of Education will have some deeper conversation to see what programs local school districts or the state will help us support or if there are other grants or opportunities for us to start seeking out.
* WHBF…
Team Illinois continued to dominate Team Iowa, winning Tugfest 2024 10-2.
The Port Byron side of the tug took the first three tugs with teams from Declercq Farms, Black Fabrication and Peacocks Tavern. The LeClaire side got on the board with Carsten’s Flooring. Port Bryon bounced right back with wins from Duey’s Corner Tap and Guither Tree Service. A new team from Picknick Real Estate gave LeClaire a second win. It was all Port Bryon from there with teams from Signature Big Timbers, Larson Pump, Rosenow Farms, Hillsdale Storage winning. The final tug was a battle between Riverdale High School and Pleasant Valley High School, with Riverdale wining for the Illinois side.
Tugfest is the nation’s only cross-river tug of war, with 2,700 feet of rope stretched between Port Bryon and LeClaire. Port Byron keeps the coveted Alabaster Eagle trophy for another year.
For those interested, Noon Whistle paid a $1,000 fine to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission after selling cicada infused Malort.
*** Statewide ***
* Brownfield Ag | New ‘Illinois Grown’ label debuts: The executive director of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association says a new “Illinois Grown” label is headed to market shelves. Reghala Scavuzzo tells Brownfield: “There’s always been a discussion we really want to highlight what’s been actually grown in Illinois.” She says, “And so, the Illinois Department of Agriculture this week is launching the Illinois Grown brand and relaunching their branding program.”
* Tribune | A new state law mandates new homes be equipped with EV-capable parking, but for many buyers, home chargers aren’t yet an essential amenity: Although a new Illinois law went into effect seven months ago requiring all new homes and multifamily apartments to be equipped with EV-capable parking spaces, home charging stations aren’t yet an essential feature for many potential homebuyers or renters. Developers and realtors say that most homebuyers and renters are only interested in electric vehicle chargers if they already own an EV, which is a small percentage of drivers. But many in the real estate industry are still incorporating charging capability into their marketing, seeing the potential for it to become a more valuable amenity in the future. When Valentine put his Kildeer home up for sale, his realtor recommended that the property’s EV charging capability be advertised in the listing.
*** Chicago ***
* WTTW | Repeated Police Misconduct by 200 Officers Cost Chicago Taxpayers $164.3M Over 5 Years: Analysis: Cases that involved at least one officer with repeated claims of misconduct accounted for nearly 43% of the cost borne by taxpayers to resolve police misconduct cases between 2019 and 2023, according to the analysis. In 2023 alone, the city spent $34.4 million to resolve lawsuits that named officers whose alleged misconduct more than once cost Chicago taxpayers money, accounting for approximately 40% of the total cost to taxpayers, according to WTTW News’ analysis.
* Block Club | City Street Festivals Are Underestimating Crowds By Tens of Thousands, Endangering Attendees: Vegandale organizers were prepared to manage a crowd of 16,000 people, according to permit data from the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. But advertisements for the event called for a crowd of 30,000. […] But CBS Chicago and Block Club found festival organizers are submitting paperwork to the city saying they expect smaller crowds — while their advertisements say tens of thousands more people will come. The discrepancy can create potentially dangerous conditions, an expert said. In Chicago, safety planning for street festivals relies on crowd estimates, according to at least two city ordinances related to special events.
* Block Club | Loretto Hospital Dangerously Understaffed, Nurses Say In New Labor Complaint: Loretto has lost 30 percent of its nursing staff since 2020 and is down to 93 full-time nurses, with only a portion of them working full time as leaders try to cut costs that “undermines the hospital’s ability to provide adequate care to patients,” according to a union news release. The union is asking the National Labor Relations Board to compel Loretto to release daily schedules, payrolls and other staffing documents that they say have not been turned over during negotiations — in violation of federal labor law.
* Crain’s | Chicago tries a progressive approach to its mental health crisis: The Chicago Department of Public Health estimates about 140,000 Chicagoans were experiencing serious psychological distress in 2023 that wasn’t being addressed. Recognizing the severity of this critical moment, Chicago’s public and private sectors are putting more resources into addressing the root causes of deteriorating mental health, while also seeking to treat those already suffering. But there’s a particular focus in Chicago right now on expanding the public social safety net and its role in the broader health care system.
* Tribune | ‘There is not enough pie’: When companies file for bankruptcy, workers with unpaid wage claims are left in limbo: In March, a federal judge ruled that Luna and her former coworkers were owed $1.52 million in back pay and benefits under the WARN Act, an amount which would work out to an average of about $11,500 per former staffer. The ruling was a default judgment because The Signature Room’s parent company, Infusion Management Group, never responded to the workers’ lawsuit. Luna and her coworkers haven’t seen a penny. Just weeks after Unite Here filed its WARN lawsuit, Infusion Management filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy law dictates that secured creditors — those whose claims are backed by collateral — get paid first. Unsecured creditors who are also owed money — a category that includes employees — are paid out afterward, but there isn’t always money left to pay them.
* Block Club | Developer Wants To Open Salon Suites At Chicago’s Last Black-Owned Bank: A developer wants to convert the former site of the city’s last Black-owned bank into suites for beauty entrepreneurs. But leaders at the troubled bank said they haven’t decided to sell the building, even as the developer meets with neighbors and the local alderman to get their support.
* Sun-Times | Connie Wilkie, ‘gruff drill sergeant’ who kept the Sun-Times newsroom running, dies at 85: Ms. Wilkie died Aug. 5 of COVID-19 at Liberty Village in downstate Pittsfield. She was 85. “Connie was a rock in the Sun-Times newsroom, efficiently ensuring that phone calls into the city desk from sources, reporters, cranky readers and others were channeled in the right direction,” said Alan Henry, a former editor. “Graced with a kind heart and a dry sense of humor, she was a pleasure to be around and was one of the ‘characters’ who helped make the newsroom a fun place to work.”
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Lake County News-Sun | Plans for Gurnee homeless shelter appear to be in trouble: Evidence is mounting that Lake County PADS has picked the wrong location for a fixed-site homeless shelter. Gurnee residents on the village’s east side have been adamant in their opposition to the proposal, and there’s a good chance village officials will deny the request. The Village Board is slated to decide the issue at its Aug. 19 session, where opponents and proponents undoubtedly will make final pleas to trustees for the proposed 90-person lodging for the unhoused. The county’s homeless population is estimated at 701.
* Sun-Times | Majority of Marquette Bank ATMs still out of service after criminal attack: “Among other financial institutions in the region, multiple Marquette Bank ATMs were targeted by criminals over the Fourth of July holiday,” the company said in an emailed statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, Marquette Bank and its ATM vendor have taken most of the ATMs offline in order to upgrade and strengthen the security of the bank-owned ATMs.” […] The Orland Park-based company said 20 of its 23 machines were down. As of Aug. 9, the locations back online include the drive-up locations in Mount Greenwood, 3435 W. 111th St., and Tinley Park, 16700 Oak Park Ave., as well as a walk-up and drive-up site at 6155 S. Pulaski Rd. in West Lawn.
* Crain’s | Northwestern lands naming rights deal for temporary lakefront stadium: Northwestern University’s temporary football stadium along the lakefront now has a name: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The university and Northwestern Medicine struck a deal on a two-year exclusive naming rights agreement, one of the first in the country that capitalizes on a new rule in college football allowing commercial sponsorship advertisements on the field. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
* Daily Herald | ‘The girls didn’t stop screaming’: When Beatlemania hit suburban theaters 60 years ago: The premiere of “A Hard Day’s Night” at 500 theaters nationwide only served to build the anticipation of the film’s release weeks later in the Chicago area, coinciding with the Beatles’ North American tour that included a Sept. 5 stop at the International Amphitheatre. […] Larry Andres, then 13, also was at the first showing. “We stood in line. I remember the line stretched down Evergreen (Avenue) in front of the theater, around the side, and went all the way down Arlington Heights Road,” said Andres, a retired Buffalo Grove Fire Department lieutenant. “The girls didn’t stop screaming. They screamed from the moment the movie started until the movie ended. You couldn’t hear a thing. You couldn’t hear the lines to the movie. Every time the Beatles opened their mouths, the girls screamed.”
*** Downstate ***
* Telegraph | Fundraising gap: Nikki Budzinski’s $3.2 million vs. Joshua Loyd’s $26,000 in Illinois 13th: As of June 30, the most current information available, Budzinski’s total contributions were $3.27 million while Loyd received $26,636.44. Through the end of March, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) showed that Budzinski had received $2.6 million and Loyd had garnered $18,584.51. Between April 1 and June 30, Nikki For Congress brought in $643,524.73, and Loyd for Congress generated $8,215.52 in contributions.
* WSIL | Southern Illinois winery wins statewide award: The Blue Sky Vineyard was recognized with a first-place award at the 2024 Illinois Wine Competition. The Makanda-based winery was recognized as “Best in Show” for its Chambourcin Reserve. The reserve is grown on site and features cherries and other berries surrounded with mild tannins and a smoky finish. Blue Sky recommends drinking it alongside a steak, stew or pasta.
* PJ Star | ‘Very important part of downtown’: Peoria proposal would funnel more money to Dozer Park: The Peoria City Council plans to review a proposal to raise Dozer Park’s tax increment by 5% in order to meet rising inflation and also help fund renovations at the baseball stadium in Downtown Peoria. Dozer Park, which opened in 2002, serves as the home for the Peoria Chiefs, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Chiefs have been in Peoria since 1983.
* WGEM | Western Illinois 4-H members well represented at state fair Sunday: Marissa Mintle, of Liberty, created an interior design project by making a jewelry cabinet. She said her and her family all share jewelry, and her project will help put it all in one space. […] ”I really enjoy that there’s so much versatility, a lot of people think that 4-H is just showing animals or being a farm kid, I didn’t grow up on a farm, I live in a town, so through 4-H I was able to express my hobbies and kind of show what I like and find something that fit me,” Mintle said.
*** National ***
* NYT | Here Are the Olympic Moments We Won’t Forget: Whenever and wherever American athletes competed, there always seemed to be a hip-hop icon cheering them on. Flavor Flav, the Public Enemy rapper, went all in for women’s water polo. But it was Snoop Dogg who became ubiquitous, amplifying the athletes through his role as a special correspondent for NBC and his endlessly wide-eyed perspective of the action during prime-time broadcasts. He swam with Michael Phelps. He danced with Simone Biles. He rode a horse at equestrian.
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* Tribune…
A federal judge on Friday ordered Illinois prison officials to move most of the people incarcerated at Stateville Correctional Center to other prisons around the state by Sept. 30 after civil rights lawyers argued the living conditions at Stateville were too hazardous for those housed there.
The court order from U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood gives the clearest first steps yet for the Illinois Department of Corrections to begin the process of closing the sprawling facility after state officials announced earlier this year a plan to dismantle the prison and build a new one on the Stateville grounds.
The plan is part of a nearly $1 billion project that includes tearing down Logan Correctional Center, a women’s prison in downstate Lincoln, and possibly rebuilding that as well on the Stateville site in Crest Hill, near Joliet.
* From the order [fixed link]…
Defendants also have confirmed that for purposes of resolving Plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion, they will not oppose entry of a preliminary injunction that imposes the least intrusive means necessary to correct the risk of harm class members face from falling concrete at Stateville by requiring the Department to transfer class members who remain housed in Stateville’s general housing units (Quarter House and X House) by September 30, 2024. Defendants acknowledge that such an order is consistent with the State’s publicly announced plan to begin closing Stateville 180 days after the start of the closure process required by Illinois law. Defendants do not dispute that this relief is narrowly drawn and extends no further than necessary in that rather than ordering the Department to make extensive repairs to Stateville’s facilities, ordering the transfer of class members out of Stateville’s general housing units is consistent with the State’s publicly announced plan to begin closing Stateville 180 days after the start of the closure process required by Illinois law. Defendants also do not dispute that the relief is the least intrusive means necessary in that the Department maintains its discretion to develop its own plan to transfer class members and implement that plan in a time and manner of the Department’s choosing, provided that the Department completes the required transfers by the Court’s deadline of September 30, 2024. […]
The Court defers to the Department to develop its own plan to transfer class members and implement that plan in a time and manner of the Department’s choosing, provided that the Department completes the required transfers by the Court’s deadline of September 30, 2024.
* Illinois Department of Corrections…
The Department previously indicated to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) that it would not begin to wind down operations at Stateville Correctional Center until at least 180 days from filing its notice to COGFA. The Department did not oppose the preliminary injunction entered on Friday, and our anticipated timeline for transfers is in line with the order issued by the court. Our priority is ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of everyone involved during the transfer process, along with a smooth transition to the new facility when the time comes. Once the rebuilds are complete, the Department will have modern facilities with the technological and structural capabilities necessary to provide a safe and secure environment for staff and individuals in our custody, enhancing rehabilitation and reentry opportunities and fostering safer communities.
* AFSCME Council 31…
“The closure of Stateville would cause immense disruption to the state prison system, its employees, individuals in custody and their families. We are examining all options to prevent that disruption in response to this precipitous ruling.”
* Sen. Ventura…
Following a federal judge’s ruling that the Illinois Department of Corrections must move most of the incarcerated individuals out of the Stateville Correctional Center by the end of September, State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) released the following statement:
“After working intimately with system impacted individuals at Stateville, I recognize how important educational programs are at the facility. As the state transitions individuals out of Stateville, I am advocating for them to be placed in facilities that meet their needs, including those pertaining to education, accessibility and workforce and restorative justice programming.
“I encourage the Department of Corrections to work with all stakeholders, including AFSCME, universities, families and restorative justice programs to make sure the transition fulfills the needs of those impacted.
“We must keep stakeholders, families and employees in mind during this transition and be cognizant of their limitations and financial barriers when it comes to transporting these individuals and job relocation. I will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure all parties are given full transparency.”
* Background…
* Stateville may close as early as September under Pritzker’s prison plan: Top officials with the Illinois Department of Corrections testified in front of a key panel of state lawmakers. The 12 members on the General Assembly’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability face a mid-June deadline to make a recommendation on the governor’s plan to close and rebuild a pair of prisons in central Illinois and in Chicago’s south suburbs. But no matter what the panel decides, the Pritzker administration can go ahead with its plans so long as money is built into the state’s next budget. “I want everybody to understand that (any) recommendation that comes from this commission here is advisory,” COGFA Co-Chair Dave Koehler, a Democratic state senator from Peoria, said after 1 ½ hours of testimony on the matter in front of his panel Friday.
* Attorneys Say People Housed at Stateville Prison Should Be Transferred Over ‘Dire Injury’ Risks at Aging Facility: An IDOC spokesperson said the department cannot comment on active litigation, noting IDOC previously indicated it would not begin to wind down operations at Stateville until at least 180 days from the time it officially filed its notice of the closure. That would put the wind-down date at Sept. 13.
* I Watched My Neighbor Die a Preventable Death Due to Scorching Heat in Prison: As I write this, I am sitting in a tiny, unventilated cell five stories high at Stateville Correctional Center, a prison located about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. It is a decrepit, 100-year-old prison deemed unfit for human habitation. When the temperatures outside rise into the mid-90s, which has been occurring repeatedly this summer, the heat index in my cell rises to at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
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* Press release…
Today, Governor Pritzker signed SB3514, designating the Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the “giant puffball,” as the official mushroom of the State of Illinois.
Senate Bill 3514 began as an initiative led by elementary school students from Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton, who embarked on a civic journey to see their chosen mushroom recognized as a state symbol.
“Today we celebrate not only a new state symbol, but the hard work and dedication of our state’s young leaders,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The giant puffball will now stand as a testament to the curiosity and determination of the bright students of Illinois, who have shown us that even the youngest among us can make a difference.”
“Thanks to the passionate advocacy of the Prairie School students, Illinois is deepening our connection to the natural world,” said Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton. “Now a cherished state symbol, the giant puffball invites us to marvel at the inherent beauty that exists in and on our land. In recognizing this state mushroom, we are collectively exploring, preserving, and passing on the joy of discovery to future generations.”
Beginning in November 2023, the students from Prairie School conducted research, collected data, and surveyed over 100 stakeholders across Illinois to determine the most fitting mushroom to represent the state. The giant puffball was ultimately chosen after the students voted in a school-wide election. To see their proposal turned into law, they actively participated in the legislative process by presenting their findings, testifying in committee hearings, and gathering public support through witness slips.
The giant puffball can be found all across grassy areas statewide and is known for its size, sometimes reaching nearly 20 inches wide. While most of the fungus remains hidden underground, the giant puffball’s large, round, white fruiting body is what people commonly see. As it matures, its thin outer layer flakes away to reveal yellow to green-brown spores inside. This unique and temporary appearance makes it one of the most recognizable mushrooms in the state. […]
“At Prairie School of DuPage, we strive to nurture life-long learners, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on, real-world challenges. When one of our students, Charlotte DiGangi, asked, ‘What is the Illinois State Mushroom’? Her question led the class to a deep investigation of the fungal biome of Illinois, the state political system and legislative processes,” said Liza Moraitis, Head of School at Prairie School of DuPage. “We encourage our students to use their observations to enact meaningful social contributions through research, investigation, and collaboration. The empowering opportunity to use personal curiosity and community activism to create positive change is a cornerstone of our education and as a responsibility as global citizens.”
* A pic…
* You can apparently eat these things…
Since the puffball’s flavor is so understated, I think they taste best with some extra seasoning. My favorite method was to saute some minced garlic in butter, then add the puffball slices and season them with salt and pepper. After cooking them for a few minutes, I flipped the slices over and added a couple of tablespoons of white wine to the skillet. I continued cooking the mushrooms until the wine evaporated and the mushrooms were golden-brown on both sides.
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DNC Chicago coverage roundup
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ABC Chicago…
Monday marks one week until the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Parking restrictions went effect Monday morning. Neighbors will start to see fencing and other security measures going up as well.
At around 8 a.m., forklifts came in and dropped off fencing materials. […]
Monday begins build out for the convention at the United Center and McCormick Place.
Click here for the United Center and McCormick Place security perimeters.
* Sun-Times Audience Engagement Specialist…
Click here to sign up.
* Tribune…
Metra will run hourly shuttles between O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago for much of August, as the city prepares for the Democratic National Convention to bring tens of thousands of expected visitors, many of whom will be flying into the major hub.
The boost in service is the latest way the city’s transportation agencies and companies are preparing to move the influx of politicians and visitors to and around the city. Hometown airline United Airlines is adding 118 flights to and from Chicago in August. And the CTA has committed to provide up to 250 of its buses to transport convention participants as part of a “secured transit system,” despite concerns about the agency’s ability to provide reliable regular bus service.
The Metra shuttles mark a dramatic increase in the rail agency’s typical service to its station near O’Hare’s rental car facility, reachable from the terminals via the “people mover” train. The agency usually runs six North Central Service trains between Chicago and O’Hare on weekdays, and none on weekends.
But between Aug. 12 and 30, trains will run every hour on both weekdays and weekends, in addition to the six regular trains. The shuttles will make two stops in addition to Chicago Union Station and O’Hare, with the last shuttle leaving O’Hare around 10:45 p.m.
Um…
* More…
* Block Club | A Locals’ Guide To Getting Around During The Democratic National Convention: Residents who live inside the pedestrian-restricted areas will be required to show a government-issued identification card with their correct address to access their homes. Those who do not have a government-issued ID card or one with a matching home address should sign up for a CityKey, according to the City Clerk’s Office.
* WTTW | What We Know About Chicago’s DNC Safety and Security Plans: According to police officials, the 2,500 CPD officers who will be assigned to DNC duties will receive 48 hours of training beforehand. The department is also planning to cancel officers’ days off during the DNC as police will be working extended hours during the convention.
* Tribune | DNC cleanup aims to improve Chicago beyond the convention, but also echo 1996 efforts: Much of the most noticeable work being done is within the several square miles bordered by Lake Michigan on the east, the United Center on the west, the Gold Coast on the north and McCormick Place on the south. Indeed, on Friday, crews were cutting the grass, whacking weeds and trimming trees in the shadow of the United Center by the corner of Wood and Monroe streets. The last time Chicago hosted a political convention, the Democrats in 1996, the city’s showing was widely credited with improving Chicago’s national image. Still, then-Mayor Richard M. Daley bristled at the criticism that he cleaned up just enough of the city to make convention delegates comfortable but turned his back on immediate needs outside the zone where the out-of-towners would be.
* ABC Chicago | Some Chicago residents frustrated with DNC preparations as parking restrictions set to begin: There are some businesses near the United Center that are actually benefiting from the security perimeter. That includes a taco shop on Wood Street, right outside of the perimeter. They are preparing for an uptick in business. “We’re very excited because this has never happened before here,” Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco employee Ashley Franco said. “We’re gonna also have a lot more workers at that time, and we’re gonna set up a taco stand out here so people can come in and out very quickly.”
* Sun-Times | ‘Misunderstood’ Gen Z voters fight cynicism, gear up for DNC VoteFest: “Being a part of the excitement around the political process is exciting to young folks, which feels like it’s counter to the stereotype of young people being disengaged, not caring,” said Purvi Patel, the IOP’s director of civic engagement. “When you actually are talking to young people, they have a lot of desire to be engaged in the process. They have a lot of opinions, and they want their voice to be heard.”
* Sun-Times | DNC protests planned over Gaza, other causes as one organizer says, ‘People feel betrayed by the Democratic Party’: Protesters are expected to hit the streets on the first, third and last day of the convention — Aug. 19. Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 — marking the kickoff and the acceptance speeches of both Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the vice presidential candidate, and Harris. The largest of the planned demonstrations, the March on the DNC, are scheduled to start at noon Aug. 19 and 5 p.m. Aug. 22 with rallies at Union Park on the Near West Side. Speakers from community organizations will take turns on the mic, and organizers aim to book a few noteworthy politicians and celebrities, after which those gathered will march to the vicinity of the United Center, where the DNC main events will be held.
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Bill Holland
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Bill’s family sent me his obituary today…
William G. Holland (Bill), distinguished public servant, loving father, and adoring grandfather, died peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Seattle, Washington on August 10, 2024. He was 72.
Bill was born in Joliet, Illinois, on November 22, 1951, to Edward James Holland and Jane Murdock Holland. Raised in Prairie Village, Kansas, he was the fifth of six children. In 1970, he moved to Seattle to attend Seattle University, graduating in 1974 with a degree in Public Affairs. While at Seattle University, Bill met Liz Meagher, currently Liz Bernahl, and the two married after graduation. They later divorced, but remained friends until his death and together raised three beautiful children.
Bill worked proudly in public service to the state of Illinois for 41 years. Early in his career, Bill served as director of the Illinois House Majority Appropriations Committee Staff and the first director of the Illinois General Assembly’s Washington D.C. Office. In 1983, he was appointed chief of staff for Illinois Senate President, Phillip J. Rock, a position he held for nearly 10 years.
In 1992 Bill was appointed Illinois Auditor General by the 87th Illinois General Assembly. As the state’s longest-serving auditor general, Bill’s career spanned the administrations of five governors, five state treasurers, and six state comptrollers, earning him establishing him a well-earned reputation for fairness, objectivity, and high ethical standards. He loved each day as Auditor General, and was quick to deflect credit and recognition to his staff and their hard work.
As Auditor General, Bill was a committed member of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT), serving as its President and ultimately being inducted into the NASACT Hall of Fame in 2022. Bill cherished the many friends he made over the course of his career. He retired from public service in 2015.
While Bill loved his work in state government, he was most proud of his three children, their spouses, and his seven grandchildren. Known for his sense of humor, his favorite and most frequent punch line was himself. He was a skillful handyman, principled gin player, above-average golfer (at times), fervent Fighting Illini basketball fan, dedicated saloon enthusiast, and consummate good neighbor.
After his diagnosis of colon cancer, Bill moved to Seattle to live his best life near his children and grandchildren. Never one to complain, Bill plowed through cancer, finding joy working on house projects, attending sporting events and playing cards with his grandkids, re-discovering Seattle on an electric bike, and watching the ships come into port from his living room window overlooking the Puget Sound.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edward James Holland and Jane Murdock Holland. He is survived by his siblings, Edward James Holland, Jr. (Bridget), James Holland (Julie), Mary Schmidt (Chuck), Jack Holland (Karen), and Jan Stacy (Jim); his children, Meghan Squires (Greg), Tom Holland (Catherine), and Jack Holland; and grandchildren, Madeleine, Maggie, Lydia, Johnny Holland and Charlotte, Rudy and Peter Squires. Bill’s legacy of family, friendship, good humor and doing-the-right-thing will be carried forward by his family and friends.
Bill will be remembered as a public leader of high integrity, a dear friend to many, and a father and grandfather full of wise cracks and wisdom.
His children, Meghan, Tom and Jack, will host a Memorial Party in Springfield in the fall. Details T.B.D.
Memorial contributions may be made to the PJR Center and School Foundation – https://www.pjrfoundation.org/.
He was one of the finest public servants this state has produced.
* The Sun-Times published this story on his retirement in 2016…
William Holland, the Illinois auditor general who has shaken up Springfield for decades with his critical reports of state agency spending and performance, announced Wednesday that he is retiring at the end of the year.
Holland has served in the post since 1992 when he was first appointed to the job by the General Assembly.
Holland had a longtime, ironclad hold on his office and is known as a non-partisan, independent auditor despite previous partisan jobs in the General Assembly.
In 2014, his scathing audits of the state’s Neighborhood Recovery Initiative became campaign fodder for Gov. Bruce Rauner’s election campaign.
The audits showed that Gov. Pat Quinn promised millions of dollars in state money to a series of neighborhood groups before his 2010 election. Some of the grants went to questionable recipients.
His office also issued a scathing audit of the state’s Department of Central Management Services under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration.
Holland said that audit received the “worst” pushback out of the thousands that his office had done over the year.
* From one of his exit interviews…
Q: Back in 2005, your office came out with an explosive audit of the state’s purchasing agency under former Gov. Blagojevich’s administration. The audit found that the agency shelled out more than half a million tax dollars to contractors for questionable expenses. Some of it was used to pay for their wining and dining and for parking at a Chicago Bulls game. You got a lot of heat for that audit, right?
A: When we released that audit in 2005, the public was in a love affair with Blagojevich. I think we were the first people who cast some doubt about the quality of the administration. We saw that what was being executed was not described in their press releases. His administration went to great pains to discredit the audit. They selectively leaked portions of it before it was released and claimed they had solved the problems.
The day I released the audit, I had a press conference, and I had never had done that before. I said: Here’s what our findings are. I answered every question. I documented it. Days later, the Blagojevich administration did a flip and accepted all the findings.
He was unearthing things about Blagojevich years after that guy was removed from office. And he had the guts to push back against some simple-minded reforms proposed after Blagojevich’s conviction.
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Meanwhile… In Opposite Land
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* AP…
Even as the Biden administration has publicly warned hospitals to treat pregnant patients in emergencies, facilities continue to violate the federal law.
More than 100 pregnant women in medical distress who sought help from emergency rooms were turned away or negligently treated since 2022, an Associated Press analysis of federal hospital investigations has found.
Two women – one in Florida and one in Texas – were left to miscarry in public restrooms. In Arkansas, a woman went into septic shock and her fetus died after an emergency room sent her home. At least four other women with ectopic pregnancies had trouble getting any treatment, including one California woman who needed a blood transfusion after she sat for nine hours in an emergency waiting room.
The White House says hospitals must offer abortions when needed to save a woman’s health, despite state bans. Texas is challenging that guidance and, earlier this summer, the Supreme Court declined to resolve the issue.
* Idaho…
An Idaho law banning minors from receiving healthcare without parent approval has created a thorny new legal problem. If a child is raped by their parent, Idaho medical providers now require that parent’s permission to administer the rape kit that would prove their own guilt.
Preventing young people from receiving medical care of their own accord has long been a priority for Republicans throughout the Gem State. A provision asserting that parents have “the supreme authority” to make medical decisions for their children was published in the Idaho GOP’s platform in June.
Idaho Senate Bill 1329 brought that platform item to fruition this July, giving parents ultimate discretion over their children’s medical decisions after a national conservative push to keep young people from receiving gender-affirming medical care.
“Children…often lack maturity and make choices without considering either immediate or long-term consequences,” the bill’s statement of purpose said.
* Florida…
Florida is one of 13 states that give prosecutors unfettered power to try children as adults without getting sign-off from a judge. And when judges determine the penalties for those kids, they give them higher sentences on average for felony crimes than older, adult offenders, according to a Miami Herald investigation. […]
Florida judges have the option to give teenage offenders “juvenile sanctions,” which send them to a juvenile facility rather than prison, or classify them as “youthful offenders,” resulting in either probation or being confined at a camp with other convicted young adults for up to six years. […]
Only one in 10 of the more than 20,000 children tried as adults in Florida were given juvenile sanctions and less than 5% received a “youthful offender” designation, the Herald found in an analysis of the last 15 years of state court system sentencing data from 2008 to 2022. […]
Children tried as adults were sentenced to a little more than three years in prison on average for third-degree felonies — around 50% longer than the average sentence given to adults for the same class of offense. The vast majority of all felony charges are third-degree offenses, which are the lowest class of felony crimes and include burglary, some types of assault, drug possession and certain DUI offenses.
* Louisiana…
Here’s a look at other new regulations passed during Louisiana’s legislative session and signed by [Gov. Jeff Landry] that will impact schools this year.
“Don’t Say Gay:” Act 681 bans K-12 school employees and “other presenters” from discussing gender or sexual orientation.
Pronoun punishments: Act 680 prevents school employees from being punished for refusing to use a student’s preferred name or pronouns.
Bathrooms: Act 436 bans people from using bathrooms that don’t match their sex assigned at birth when in public schools, domestic violence shelters and correctional facilities.
* Texas…
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed an executive order Thursday requiring hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status to help the state determine the cost of providing healthcare to noncitizens.
Beginning Nov. 1, Abbott is directing hospitals in Texas to gather data on “patients who are not lawfully present in the United States,” as well as the number of inpatient discharges and emergency visits and the costs of care.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission must provide regular reports to state authorities, the order said. […]
The executive order is likely to be challenged by immigration rights advocates. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.
* Iowa…
Iowa can enforce a book ban this school year following a Friday ruling by a federal appeals court.
The U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a district judge’s earlier decision that temporarily halted key parts of the law, including a ban on books depicting sex acts in school libraries and classrooms.
The law, which the Republican-led Legislature and GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds approved in 2023, also forbids teachers from raising gender identity and sexual orientation issues with younger students.
Reynolds said in a statement that the ruling reinforces the belief that “it should be parents who decide when and if sexually explicit books are appropriate for their children.”
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It’s a law
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Governor Pritzker signed 265 bills on Friday. Center Square…
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced [265] measures were enacted Friday, ranging from regulations over artificial intelligence, offering digital driver’s licenses and requiring climate change education in public schools.
The Illinois General Assembly this year approved more than 450 measures. Pritzker hasn’t vetoed any of them so far. […]
Effective immediately, Senate Bill 3455 has the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to evaluate the property tax system in the state. […]
Local media outlets looking to sell to out-of-state buyers must notify the state and the company’s employees 180 days in advance of the sale beginning Jan. 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 3592.
* WAND…
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to prohibit landlords from retaliating against their tenants.
The new law will ban landlords from terminating leases, increasing rent, decreasing services or threatening lawsuits.
It also states that landlords can no longer refuse to renew a lease after a tenant complains about code violations or seeks help from elected leaders. […]
The new law takes effect January 1.
* WTVO…
Governor JB Pritzker signed a law to protect police officers from disability-related retaliation on Friday. […]
The law prohibits municipalities from discharging an officer from their duties based on their application for disability-related pension benefits.
This protection was previously given only to firefighters; the new law brings police officers into the fold.
All previously injured officers who return to work must now be reinstated to the same rank they held before going on leave, according to the law.
* WAND…
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to educate more drivers about vehicles transporting hazardous materials. The legislation was filed in direct response to the tragic accident in Teutopolis that killed five people and left 11 others injured last fall.
The law requires the Illinois Secretary of State to include education on hazardous material placards in the Illinois Rules of the Road book students read during driver education courses.
Local lawmakers hope this change can help young drivers know they need to drive more cautious.
“We have to include hazardous material placards so they know that when they get around larger trucks or larger vehicles that have these hazardous material placards that they should be a little bit more careful as they decided to pass,” said Rep. CD Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville).
* Mahomet Daily…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill on Friday that will cap the monthly cost of prescription inhalers at $25 for people with health insurance. The new law, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, will also prohibit health insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage for these essential medications starting Jan. 1, 2026.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 850,000 adults and 160,000 children in Illinois are diagnosed with asthma. Currently, many of these individuals pay between $180 to $300 per month for rescue and controller inhalers. […]
Kristina Hamilton, Illinois Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association, praised the bill’s signing.
“We applaud Governor Pritzker for signing Illinois Senate Bill SB3203 into law and helping to reduce the financial burden of rising inhaler costs for Illinoisans. This new law will not only make these life-saving medications more affordable for Illinois residents but also more accessible,” Hamilton said. “People with chronic lung disease often need two to three inhalers. Nearly one in four adults who take prescription drugs report difficulty affording their costs. Nationwide, the annual per person medical cost of asthma was $1,830 for prescriptions alone.”
* Sen. Natalie Toro…
State Senator Natalie Toro’s legislation to protect people with disabilities from violent encounters with police has just become law.
“Autism sensitivity training will make interactions with police much more comfortable for people with disabilities and prevent tragic misunderstandings,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Through learning about the unique communication challenges people with autism may face, especially in stressful situations like encounters with police officers, members of law enforcement will be able to respond with empathy and de-escalate before a situation turns tragic.”
People with autism may experience unique challenges when interacting with police. Without proper training on how some people with autism communicate, law enforcement officers may interpret their behavior as being noncompliant with questioning or instructions. This has caused interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism to escalate quickly, resulting in unnecessary use of force, trauma and even death.
Senate Bill 3201 requires law enforcement to go through training on autism-informed responses, as well as best procedures and techniques when engaging with individuals with autism, including those who may be victims. Under the new law, all law enforcement officers must complete this training every three years.
People with disabilities are seven times more likely than people without disabilities to have an encounter with law enforcement, underscoring the importance of the new training requirement. […]
Senate Bill 3201 was signed into law Friday. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
* WAND…
A new state law will require DCFS caseworkers to develop hair care plans with youth in care and their parents.
The DCFS Youth Advisory Board worked with Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet (D-Chicago) and Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) to make their recommendation into legislation. […]
Every youth in care will have a hair care plan that accounts for their racial, cultural, gender, religious or other identities unless the child indicates they don’t need a hair care plan. DCFS will also be required to develop training for caregivers to provide culturally-competent hair care by June 1, 2025. […]
The law allows DCFS to adopt rules to facilitate implementation of the changes, including responsibilities of caseworkers and placement plan specialists in developing the hair care plan, engaging parents regarding the hair care needs of youth and procedures to follow if the parents cannot be contacted, and factors to consider in granting children increased autonomy over hair care decisions.
“It’s going to be up to DCFS to determine how the cost will be covered and what cost will be covered,” Du Buclet said. “So the cost could potentially fall on DCFS, the foster parents or from a youth’s allowance.”
* Sen. Michael Hastings…
State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ new law opens the door for Illinois drivers to have their license on their phone. […]
Hastings – in tandem with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias – led a new law to allow the Secretary of State’s Office to create a program and technology to give Illinois residents the option of receiving a digital copy of their ID or driver’s license.
A key feature of Hastings’ law is the requirement that mobile driver’s license and IDs use an electronic credential system – such as a barcode system – to certify there is no requirement for individuals to surrender possession of their mobile device to the requesting party. This ensures residents maintain control and privacy over their mobile devices at all times.
Additionally, an individual displaying their mobile driver’s license or ID would not constitute consent to have the device searched, further safeguarding the privacy of the user. […]
House Bill 4592 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.
* WGLT…
Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday signed a battery recycling law sponsored by State Rep. Sharon Chung of Bloomington and State Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria.
Under the law, battery sellers or distributors will have to develop a recycling stewardship program for small- to medium-sized batteries by 2026. Medium-sized batteries include those made for electric bikes and scooters.
Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel. […]
There also will have to be recycling labels attached to all batteries by 2029.
* WAND…
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to prohibit landlords from retaliating against their tenants.
The new law will ban landlords from terminating leases, increasing rent, decreasing services or threatening lawsuits.
It also states that landlords can no longer refuse to renew a lease after a tenant complains about code violations or seeks help from elected leaders. […]
The new law takes effect January 1.
* Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel…
To protect youth from the dangers of vaping, e-cigarettes will no longer be shipped to Illinois under a new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.
“The internet has made it very easy for kids to get vapes,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Manufacturers are making e-cigarettes look like school supplies, making it difficult for teachers to decipher if it’s a vape or not. After hearing from local elected officials who were seeing an uptick in the usage of vapes in schools, it was clear we had to put guardrails in place to protect kids from the dangers of smoking.”
Senate Bill 3098 prohibits electronic cigarettes purchased by mail, online or through other remote sale methods from being shipped to anyone in the state other than a distributor or retailer. Loughran Cappel’s law came in response to students obtaining e-cigarettes that are designed to look like everyday objects, such as highlighters. […]
Senate Bill 3098 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
* Sen. Elgie Sims…
If a person’s license plate or sticker is stolen from their car, they won’t be on the hook for paying the replacement fee under a new law led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.
“Imagine the stress of seeing someone violated your personal belongings,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Now imagine the exacerbated stress of wondering how you are going to pay to fix the problem so you don’t get fined. We should never penalize victims – no matter how big or small the price.”
Under Sims’ law, if a person’s license plate or registration sticker is stolen, they will be able to receive a new one at no cost. Previously, drivers would have to pay either $6 for a new plate, or $20 for a new registration tag if stolen.
According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, 651 drivers reported their plates stolen over a three-year period.
“There’s no reason someone should have to open up their pocketbook because of someone else’s wrongdoing,” said Sims. “Public safety isn’t just about keeping our communities safe – it’s also about protecting and uplifting victims.”
Senate Bill 3471 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.
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Open thread
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
8 Comments
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ICYMI: Judge orders Stateville Correctional Center inmates transferred by the end of September. Tribune…
A federal judge on Friday ordered Illinois prison officials to move most of the people incarcerated at Stateville Correctional Center to other prisons around the state by Sept. 30 after civil rights lawyers argued the living conditions at Stateville were too hazardous for those housed there.
The court order from U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood gives the clearest first steps yet for the Illinois Department of Corrections to begin the process of closing the sprawling facility after state officials announced earlier this year a plan to dismantle the prison and build a new one on the Stateville grounds. […]
State officials previously said they would not begin “to wind down operations” at Stateville until at least September and that plans to tear down and rebuild Stateville and Logan were expected to take three to five years. In addition to the lack of specific dates for each phase of the plan, officials have not laid out a plan for how those housed in Stateville will be handled during the transition. […]
Wood’s decision was based on a court motion filed by civil rights lawyers representing people housed at Stateville, originally requesting that IDOC transfer or release them by Sept. 20, citing the aging prison’s “degradation and deterioration.” The motion was filed as part of 2013 litigation that’s meant to address the horrid conditions at the nearly century-old facility.
*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***
* WAND | Amid pressure from community activists, politicians, Sheriff Campbell announces retirement: Campbell had previously maintained that he would not resign and that he planned on upholding his responsibility as sheriff during “this difficult time.” In Friday’s statement, the sheriff said the “current political climate has made it nearly impossible” for him to continue effectively in his role and that some individuals would rather see the community divided and in turmoil.
* NYT | Black Men Rally for Kamala Harris, and Confront an Elephant in the Room: “Sometimes as Black men we get confused as to what strength is, and sometimes we think that standing behind a Black woman as a leader does not display strength as Black men,” said Kwame Raoul, the attorney general of Illinois. “I’m here to tell you all tonight that it does the opposite of that, it displays strength.” Mr. Raoul then drove home his point. “I’m standing behind a Black woman to be president of the United States, and it doesn’t make me any less of a Black man,” he said. “I’m asking all of you all to do the same.”
* Tribune | Team USA and Illinois Olympians bid adieu to Paris Games: Illinois athletes made a solid contribution to Team USA’s medal count, with half of the state’s three dozen athletes bringing home medals. That total doesn’t include the historic medal ceremony in which the 2022 U.S. figure skating team members — including Addison native Alexa Knierim — finally received the gold they’d won at the Beijing Games.
*** Statehouse News ***
* WBBM | With new law, Illinois joins states making it easier to expunge some juvenile offenses: The Juvenile Court Act, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed into law, will eliminate some of the red tape when people seek to have juvenile offenses expunged from their records. Instead of people having to go to court to seek hearings for expungement, those hearings will be automatically scheduled.
* WAND | New Illinois law will ban landlord retaliation, add protections for tenants: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to prohibit landlords from retaliating against their tenants. The new law will ban landlords from terminating leases, increasing rent, decreasing services or threatening lawsuits. It also states that landlords can no longer refuse to renew a lease after a tenant complains about code violations or seeks help from elected leaders.
*** Statewide ***
* Sun-Times | DraftKings is taking a big gamble by adding fees in high-tax states such as Illinois: Chicago native Sam Panayotovich, betting analyst for the New England Sports Network and Fox Sports, says there is “no way” he’d shop at a book that taxes triumphs. “They already tax you 10%,” he says of the typical -110 wager, “on the average loss in basketball and football, now they want to take money when you beat the house? That’s BS. No platform or technology is worth that.” Panayotovich knows Chicago “street guys” who are “ecstatic.”
* Tribune | Illinois State Board of Education launches bilingual campaign to recruit teachers amid ongoing shortage: The program, called “The Answer Is Teaching,” will use targeted advertising, digital platforms and partnerships with educational institutions and community groups to recruit potential teachers across Illinois. The campaign’s messaging is centered around the rewards of being a teacher, including testimonials from current teachers also featured on a promotional website. The website includes a form for interested candidates to fill out to begin the process of becoming a teacher.
* Tribune | ‘A movement, not just a moment’: Inside the arduous work of Illinois’ reparations efforts: Illinois was the second state to create such a commission, born out of legislation passed in 2021 amid a national racial reckoning following the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville. But its existence has been somewhat overshadowed by similar efforts elsewhere. Since the commission’s official formation on Jan. 1, 2022, its output has largely centered on educating the public about the commission and on orchestrating a study on possible reasons for reparations. That study began last month and is projected to take more than a year to complete.
* SJ-R | Despite new assault weapons ban, gun sales increased last year in Illinois: Gun sales in Illinois went up 5% in the past year despite a recently enacted ban on assault weapons, according to data compiled by a national home safety and security news site.
*** DNC ***
* Sun-Times | Pritzkers throwing big Salt Shed party with John Legend on second day of Dem convention: Known for hosting lavish inaugural balls, Gov. JB Pritzker and first lady MK Pritzker are throwing a big party in Chicago with musical guest John Legend on Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention. Invitations to the Salt Shed concert on Aug. 20 were sent Friday. Pritzker, who helped bring the convention to Chicago, along with U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, is also expected to speak at the convention on the same day.
* Sun-Times | An insider guide to the Democratic convention in Chicago with Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: Krishnamoorthi has emerged as a major national fundraiser. His first bucket is filled with fundraising events. He is a member of the Harris Victory Fund National Finance Committee, and he is also a member of the Harris for President AAPI Leadership Council. Krishnamoorthi was born in India, and he came to the U.S. as a youth. His second bucket is around Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders events and fundraising. Turning out the AAPI voters in the swing states will be critical for Harris, whose father is from Jamaica and mother from India.
* Tribune | DNC cleanup aims to improve Chicago beyond the convention, but also echo 1996 efforts: “You cut the grass, you may plant flowers, you may decide to buy new patio furniture, you may decide to buy a new grill. It doesn’t mean that you weren’t taking care of those things before, but when you decide that you’re going to host … you want to make sure that when your guests show up that they have a wonderful experience,” Chicago Chief Operating Officer John Roberson said in an interview with the Tribune. “And part of that is doing things like painting light poles. Do we paint light poles on a day-to-day basis? Absolutely. But the ability for us to accelerate that type, that level of enhancement and aesthetic in advance of the DNC, just makes our city look more beautiful.”
* Tribune | On eve of DNC, a summit that centers racial equity will bring together elected officials and community leaders: The day before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Journey for Justice Alliance will convene a summit centering racial equity at Insight Hospital and Medical Center on the Near South Side, where community leaders, elected officials and educators will come together to discuss urban policy reform. “That is our mission and agenda — being in the room with grassroots leaders and progressive mayors from around the country talking about how do we truly uplift Black people in the United States,” said Angel Gober, a 23-year community organizing veteran and executive director of 412 Justice, a grassroots nonprofit in Pittsburgh.
* Sun-Times | Pritzker serves up a cold one, debuts JBeer — two new Chicago craft beers for Democratic convention events: “I think that there’s a lot to see across the city of Chicago and a lot of places to visit. We have some James Beard restaurants, as well as some great hot dog joints that are outside of that circle that you’re talking about, around the convention center, and people want to go check it all out,” Pritzker said. “We’ve got sites to see. Beautiful architecture. You can’t see all of that when you’re just around the United Center.”
* Block Club | Abortion Rights Group Gets Permit To March Downtown During DNC: Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws sued the city after being denied a permit to demonstrate outside the DNC, set for Aug. 19-22. The group intended to protest in support of protecting and strengthening abortion laws and bodily autonomy as well as call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The coalition argued its First and Fourteenth Amendment rights were violated by the city’s decision to deny a permit to protest along Michigan Avenue the day before the DNC.
*** Chicago ***
* Tribune | Parking meter deal violation could cost Chicago over $100 million: Chicago Parking Meters, the private company with a monopoly on the city’s paid street parking, filed a lawsuit in April asking the court to enforce an arbitration panel’s ruling that determined the city twice shorted the company under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Experts hired by the city and CPM agree the cost of one of the rulings, over an alleged scheme by the city to take advantage of parking space value fluctuations, could be more than $100 million, according to court records.
* Tribune | Cook County judge who was reassigned amid investigation into alleged racist comments retires: Judge William Hooks, who was appointed in 2008, retired in July, more than a year after he was taken off judicial duties in the wake of an investigation into alleged derogatory remarks made about Middle Eastern men during during a conference in chambers Jan. 17, 2023. During his time as a criminal judge at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Hooks presided over a number of high-profile cases, including the infamous third trial for Jackie Wilson, whose case was critical to unveiling systemic practices of torture at the Chicago Police Department by notorious former Cmdr. Jon Burge and other investigators.
* Tribune | Chicago wrestler Kennedy Blades brings home a silver medal in her Olympic debut: ‘A huge accomplishment’: Chicago’s Kennedy Blades won a silver medal Sunday to finish a remarkable Olympic debut and usher in a new era of U.S. wrestling. Blades, 20, lost to reigning world champion Yuka Kagami of Japan in the 76-kilogram final. The 3-1 defeat marked Blades’ lowest-scoring effort over four matches at the Champ-de-Mars Arena.
* Tribune | Mike Myers of ‘Wayne’s World’ and ‘Austin Powers’ will return to Chicago in October: Mike Myers, a 1988 member of Chicago’s Second City ensemble, returns to town Oct. 19 to collect the 2024 Chicago International Film Festival career achievement award. The writer-performer best known for “Saturday Night Live,” “Wayne’s World” and the “Austin Powers” trilogy will be the subject of “An Evening with Mike Myers.” He’ll be interviewed by friend and fellow Canadian comedy veteran Dave Foley of The Kids in the Hall ensemble and the NBC-TV sitcom “Newsradio.”
* Tribune | Let us now praise famous bluesmen: Buddy Guy is retiring at age 88: Buddy Guy, who just turned 88, will be officially retired from the road by early fall. Only, before that happens, before the Chicago legend slows, a few facts demand context. For one, retirement doesn’t mean he’ll never play again. Just less often. Also, though his current tour is billed as his farewell to the touring life, he could tour again. Who knows? Depends on how he feels. Bluesmen, those around him like to repeat, never really retire. They just don’t do sound-check anymore.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Patch | GOP Challenger Attacks Incumbent Democrat Over ‘Sweetheart Plea Deal’ For Shorbonia Poole: As the race to become Lake County’s next top prosecutor heats up, first-term Democratic Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart is facing accusations of being soft on crime from Republican challenger Mary Cole over a plea deal with a Round Lake Beach man who now faces murder charges.
* WSPY | Former Kendall Chief Assistant SA Accused of Criminal Battery and Video Recording by States Top Legal Watchdog: Mark A. Shlifka, the former Chief Assistant State’s Attorney of Kendall County, is facing a law license review following allegations of criminal misconduct by the States top Legal Watchdog. The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) has brought forth charges against Shlifka, claiming he committed criminal acts, including unauthorized video recording and battery, during his final year as Kendall County’s Chief Assistant States Attorney.
* Daily Herald | Bears to host stadium focus groups in Schaumburg and downtown Chicago next week: But will fans be asked about their preferences on a location for the new stadium — either the team’s current proposal for a dome on the Chicago lakefront, or the shelved plan at the 326-acre Arlington Park property the NFL franchise owns in Arlington Heights? Bears spokesman Scott Hagel said Friday he didn’t have a list of the specific questions, but said the forums are likely to focus more on amenities that would be found in a stadium in general — no matter its geographic location.
* Daily Herald | For the second time this year, Barrington’s police chief leaving for another suburb: Months after its longtime police chief took over the Elk Grove Village Police Department, Barrington is again seeking a new top cop, as the village is set to lose its chief to another suburb. Lake Forest officials on Friday announced the hiring of John Burke as the city’s new police chief. The city council is scheduled to confirm his appointment at its Sept. 3 meeting.
* ABC Chicago | Lightfoot investigation found some Dolton police officers received staggering overtime pay: Expenses are up nearly 30%, including administration and administration compensation, which are up 47%. One item highlighted was overtime for former Acting Police Chief Lacey, which totaled over $215,000 from 2022 to 2024.
*** Downstate ***
* WCIA | ‘Chemical drift’ depleting crops, Central IL farmers say: Sola Gratia is an Urbana farm using organic production methods to bring locally grown produce to people in the area. But this year, farm manager John Williams said they haven’t produced as much as they expected. […] They figured out herbicide residue was drifting onto their fields, and it wasn’t just affecting leaves. Williams and Barkley said plants weren’t producing as much fruit. “We’re talking about, likely, an event where a product was applied a quarter-mile away or half-a-mile away,” Barkley said
* WCIA | Send-off ceremony to be held this week for U of I Paralympic athletes: While the Summer Games have wrapped up, the Paralympic Games are just 17 days away. Around two dozen students, alums and trainees from the University of Illinois will be heading to Paris. You can send them off this Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. right outside the Disability Resources and Educational Services building on Oak Street.
*** National ***
* Sun-Times | Why would Illinois Democrats knock on doors in Wisconsin? ‘The election is likely to be decided there.’: The volunteers tended to be older, many retirees, while the organizers skew young, like Carter Gulyas, 19, a history major at Illinois State University, and today’s canvass captain. He’s seen a big change since President Biden took himself out of the race. “It’s like turning a new chapter — people are really getting excited,” he said, noting that about 50 people signed up for today, double what it had been previously. “This is going to be our biggest turnout yet.”
* ProPublica | Inside Project 2025’s Secret Training Videos: “Eradicate climate change references”; only talk to conservative media; don’t leave a paper trail for watchdogs to discover. In a series of never-before-published videos, Project 2025 details how a second Trump administration would operate.
* NPR | FDA gives thumbs down to MDMA for now, demanding further research: It represents a significant setback for the company and the broader movement to bring psychedelics into the mainstream of mental health care. […] Many in the psychedelics industry had viewed this as a pivotal moment. The FDA decision on MDMA could be seen as a bellwether for other drugs that are in the pipeline like psilocybin and LSD, which are both considered “classic psychedelics” unlike MDMA.
* Pantagraph | Despite continued losses, Rivian’s second quarter could redefine its future: Between April and June, the automaker announced a second generation of its flagship vehicle model and a partnership with Volkswagen that could ultimately be valued at up to $5 billion. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe called the second quarter a “defining” period for his company.
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Live coverage
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* You can click here or here to follow breaking news. It’s the best we can do unless or until Twitter gets its act together.
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