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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Sun-Times…
For working families across our state, delivery is a lifeline, NOT a luxury. From groceries and meals to essential household items, people from all walks of life depend on delivery services to make ends meet, save time, and stay safe. A new delivery tax would hit seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working parents juggling multiple responsibilities. It’s a burden Illinois families simply cannot bear. Learn more today about how a delivery tax could impact your household. * Click here for some background. WTTW’s Heather Cherone…
* Punchbowl News congressional reporter Ally Mutnick…
* Block Club | Border Patrol Agents Descend On Little Village, Sparking Fury, Fear In Neighborhood: Federal agents, including Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, were spotted at various locations in Little Village and Cicero throughout the morning, making stops at a local Home Depot and laundromat. They caused at least two car crashes, said Rep. Edgar Gonzalez, one of many who came to the area to document the agents’ actions. At one point, agents, including Bovino, stopped near 26th Street and Cicero Avenue, where they faced off with neighbors and local officials. Locals recorded the agents as they held long guns and pepper-sprayed at least one man. * Sun-Times S| Immigration agents arrest CPS vendor outside North Side school: Decatur Classical School officials said no students witnessed the vendor being taken or interacted with federal agents, according to the email, which was sent at 1:39 p.m. Afternoon physical education classes were held indoors out of an “abundance of caution,” though after-school programming went ahead as planned. School officials emphasized CPS would not work with federal agents or let them inside school buildings unless they present a criminal judicial warrant. * Block Club | Weeks After Being Detained By ICE, Chicago Father Elects To Leave Country Voluntarily: The woodworker was arrested Sept. 22 at an I-94 weigh station in Chesterton, Indiana, while on his way to Michigan to deliver furniture. After a brief detention at the ICE facility in Broadview, he was transferred to southeast Texas near the border. Despite Jose and his family having legal status and a pending asylum application, Jose was charged under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under that law, people who entered the United States without official approval — or at the wrong place or manner — can be denied a visa or an admission, said Kalman Reznick, an attorney who initially consulted with the family in the days following Jose’s arrest. * Crain’s | Trump can slow Red Line extension funding, but can he stop it? Maybe not: “They can delay it,” says Ray LaHood, former secretary of transportation in the Obama administration from 2019 to 2013. “Unless there’s a violation on the side of the CTA, some disagreement as to complying to what they agreed to, that money should be golden. They have a legal grant agreement with the CTA, and they’re obliged to comply with that, as is the CTA.” * Daily Herald | Carpentersville prohibits immigration agents from using village-owned property: Carpentersville trustees Tuesday unanimously approved the measure just days after immigration agents were in the village for days of enforcement activities, including some carried out in front of village hall without notice to Carpentersville officials. “I’m not happy about seeing masked people with guns,” said Jeff Frost, referencing immigration agents who were in Carpentersville last week. * Aurora Beacon-News | Batavia City Council approves 3.5% raises for some city employee positions: The city’s employee positions and their corresponding pay grades can be found in documents included in Monday’s agenda. They also outline the set wages for on-call members of the Batavia Fire Department and for Emergency Service Disaster Agency members of the department. On Monday, the council also approved removing the city’s Water and Wastewater Superintendent position, and changing the city job titled Software Deployment Analyst to Enterprise Application Specialist, per Bednarek’s memo. * Crain’s | Batavia’s fast-growing meal brand Factor is cooking up a retail move: This year, the Batavia-based company rolled out a rotating menu of 100 weekly meals, up from its previous 40 options, along with other customization additions such as smoothies, juices and health supplements. The expanded menu comes as it prepares to enter retail stores next year and boost the slumping sales of parent company HelloFresh. * WCIA | The Trial of Sean Grayson: Live Updates: he first witness to testify was called to the stand: Lieutenant Eric Weston of the Illinois State Police. A member of the Division of Criminal Investigations, Weston supervises criminal investigations in 23 Central Illinois counties, with specializations in narcotics, violent crime and officer-involved shootings. Weston told Milhiser that he’s investigated between 12 and 20 officer-involved shootings that he was either directly or indirectly involved with, and he explained how they are typically investigated. Agents obtain reports, search the scene for evidence and get body camera footage. * SJ-R | Jurors hear Sonya Massey’s 911 calls during Sean Grayson murder trial: Cathryn Barton, a Sangamon County dispatcher, gave a short testimony about 911 calls under examination by Sangamon County First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers. Sonya Massey’s 911 calls, which originated at 12:49 a.m. on July 6, 2024, was played. Barton, who has been with the agency now 7 1/2 years, verified that call was marked as “a prowler” outside of Massey’s house. Massey said on the call that it sounded like someone “was banging” on the side of her house. Barton, on the 911 call, asked if Massey had seen the person. * BND | Belleville alderman wants to bring back vacant property program that city ended: The Ward 4 alderman had initiated the pilot program in 2018. His goal was to reduce the number of vacant homes and other buildings by establishing a timeline for owners to register them, get them inspected and renovate or demolish them to avoid fines. Ovian argued that greater control over vacant buildings would also help alleviate problems with rental housing that was deteriorating under the ownership of what he called “slum landlords.” * Tri States Public Radio | A year after statewide picket, Galesburg prison still plagued by drugs, violence, understaffing: Illinois prisons are now scanning most physical mail and delivering it to incarcerated people electronically to prevent drug-soaked paper from entering the facilities. That’s after AFSCME reps and prison employees picketed across the state a year ago, demanding safer working conditions. But drugs and violence remain a serious concern inside Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg, with a series of major events inside the prison in a matter of days. * Capitol City Now | Another attempt to rein in landlords: Ald. Roy Williams is renewing an attempt to pass a landlord registration ordinance in the city of Springfield. He’s tried it before but said Tuesday he is upset it never got anywhere. “I call it a stall game,” he said, “and it makes them mad, but I’ll just say we haven’t produced as a council, and back then, people were here, saying they had a problem with their housing. So I would like for you to know that I’m submitting an ordinance, and you will be hearing from folks from here until we go through the process.” * WCIA | Champaign greenhouse ready for students to learn growing, harvesting, teaching skills: A Champaign teaching kitchen working with hundreds of students says that after two long years, they have a structure that will help them take their skills to the next level. Ann Swanson is a teacher with the READY program and partners with Prosperity Gardens to teach children how to grow, harvest and cook their own produce. But, they were limited in what they could do because they didn’t have a greenhouse. Now, Swanson says this building allows them to teach year-round with a 20° difference from outside temperature to inside the greenhouse. * Nature | People with some cancers live longer after a COVID vaccine: A vaccine that helps to fight cancer might already exist. People being treated for certain deadly cancers lived longer if they had received an mRNA-based vaccine against COVID-19 than if they hadn’t, finds an analysis of medical records. Follow-up experiments in mice show that the vaccines have this apparent life-extending effect not because they protect against COVID-19 but because they rev up the body’s immune system. That response increases the effectiveness of therapies called checkpoint inhibitors, the animal data suggest. * DW | AI chatbots fail at accurate news, major study reveals: DW found that 53% of the answers provided by the AI assistants to its questions had significant issues, with 29% experiencing specific issues with accuracy. Among the factual errors made in response to DW questions was Olaf Scholz being named as German Chancellor, even though Friedrich Merz had been made Chancellor one month earlier. Another saw Jens Stoltenberg named as NATO secretary general after Mark Rutte had already taken over the role. * Bloomberg | Rivian mobility spinoff readies $4,500 e-bike as first product: Called TM-B, the class 3 e-bike, which don’t require a driver’s license, will launch in spring 2026, offering riders pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour and, where allowed, a throttle reaching 20 mph. The $4,500 Launch and Performance editions share features, while a cheaper standard model, priced below $4,000, will follow later next year.
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Judge wants lawsuit over troop deployment in Illinois to move forward as Supreme Court weighs case
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * The Tribune…
* Sun-Times federal court reporter Jon Seidel…
* Back to the Tribune…
* More…
* Crain’s | Trump administration slams Illinois, says National Guard power is solely president’s: The Trump administration today fired back at Illinois and Chicago in a U.S. Supreme Court reply brief, calling one of their key arguments “outlandish” and saying the question of whether to call up the National Guard is “committed exclusively to the president’s discretion.” The reply comes one day after Illinois and Chicago urged the court not to lift an order blocking the deployment of Guard troops in the city or suburbs and arguing that state and local police have been able to handle “isolated” protests. * Capitol News Illinois | Trump agrees to extend judge’s block on deploying National Guard as Supreme Court weighs case: Lawyers for the state of Illinois shot back in its own filing Monday, citing two U.S. Supreme Court decisions from the last century, including one “invalidating presidential seizure of steel mills during the Korean War.” “Furthermore, ‘federal courts are fully empowered to consider’ claims ‘resulting from military intrusion into the civilian sector,’” lawyers in Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office wrote, citing a 1972 decision. “There are numerous indications that the questions presented here … fall within this duty.”
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It’s Time To Bring Safer Rides To Illinois
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Waymo is ready to bring safe, reliable, autonomous rides to Illinois – but we need your help! Waymo is designed to follow all traffic laws and obey speed limits, and the data shows Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are involved in five times fewer injury-causing collisions compared to humans (as of 6/2025, see waymo.com/safety). Let’s bring safer rides to Illinois.  Waymo’s autonomous vehicles can improve access to transportation for Illinois residents with travel-limiting disabilities like vision impairment, to reach medical care, groceries, and social activities. Waymo’s all-electric autonomous vehicles also provide a more sustainable way for people to get around, preventing 315+ tons of carbon emissions with every 250K trips provided through our ride-hailing service.
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It’s just a bill
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet filed HB4175 yesterday…
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill that would’ve similarly banned personal care products with glitter. Newsom said in his veto message that the bill might also block biodegradable or natural alternatives. Rep. Du Buclet’s bill, though, clearly spells out what kind of glitter would be banned. * Another bill introduced by Rep. Du Buclet would bar state and local governments from meddling in museum exhibits or programming…
* WAND…
* Covers…
Rep. Didech added a few new co-sponsors to his bill, including Republicans John Cabello and Jeff Keicher and Democrats Larry Walsh Jr. and Katie Stuart. * Sen. Sara Feigenholtz…
* The Alton Telegraph…
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When RETAIL Succeeds, Illinois Succeeds
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] The Macomb square is home to Bird’s Nest Knit & More where owner Jackie Sullivan creates a welcoming hub of knitting and crafting supplies allowing hobby enthusiasts to share ideas and projects. Jackie stresses that lawmakers should know small retail is not trying to dodge laws but seek to provide needed products and comfortable spaces in communities. Findings of a recent economic study are clear: the retail sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy and crucial to our everyday lives. Retail in Illinois directly contributes more than $112 billion in economic investment annually – more than 10 percent of the state’s total Gross Domestic Product.
Policies that support small businesses help communities thrive as retailers like Jackie are better equipped to meet local needs. We Are Retail and IRMA are showcasing the retailers who make Illinois work.
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Roundup: Pritzker on Mayor Johnson’s head tax, transit fix and the Bears stadium
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Bloomberg…
* Tribune…
* Crain’s…
* Daily Herald…
Thoughts? * More…
* NBC Chicago | Pritzker strongly opposes corporate head tax, key part of Johnson’s budget plan: Johnson’s proposal to reinstate the head tax, which former Mayor Rahm Emanuel got rid of in 2014, appeared to be on life support the day the mayor first proposed it. The governor’s opposition certainly won’t help. Johnson said his budget proposal avoids having to increase taxes for “working people” and instead would charge the “ultra-rich.” However, Pritzker sees it as antithetical to his economic goals for the city. “(The tax) penalizes the very thing that we want, which is we want more employment in the city of Chicago. And it makes it very hard to attract companies from outside of Chicago to come in to Chicago and harder for companies that are in Chicago to stay,” Pritzker said. * ABC Chicago | Gov. Pritzker says he opposes Mayor Johnson’s proposed Chicago corporate head tax: Former commerce secretary Bill Daley said he was surprised to hear Pritzker’s direct opinion. Mayor Johnson championed the head tax as a way to raise $100 million for anti-violence programs and youth summer jobs. Business groups are hoping the mayor heeds the governor’s concerns.
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Help Strengthen Illinois Healthcare: 340B Hospitals Benefit Communities Through Financial Assistance And Essential Services
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Hospitals participating in the federal 340B program benefit patients and communities in numerous ways—from financial assistance and charity care to new services that enhance care for low-income residents. Illinois’ 100 340B hospitals contributed to $8 billion in community benefits last year. Illinois hospitals are having a positive impact on individual lives and the health and well-being of the communities they serve. Our state’s hospitals take their role seriously. They’re working to ensure all Illinoisans have access to care so they can achieve optimal health, no matter their income level. The 340B drug discount program requires drugmakers to sell drugs at a discount to healthcare organizations, including many hospitals. Yet Big Pharma in 2020 decided to change the rules. Since then, drugmakers have been limiting access to 340B drug discounts. As a result, hospitals that are themselves struggling financially are less able to pass medication discounts to their patients. Hospitals are also facing tough decisions on keeping programs made possible by 340B. Communities win when local hospitals are strong. Pass the Illinois Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act (HB 2371 SA 2) to strengthen Illinois healthcare. HB 2371 SA 2 will safeguard the 340B program and protect patient access to affordable care. Learn more.
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Isabel’s morning briefing (Updated)
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: ICE agents accused of pointing gun at state Rep. Hoan Huynh in Albany Park. Sun-Times…
- He and the staffers drove to Montrose and Kimball avenues to warn others of the federal agents by honking and yelling when six agents in two vehicles blocked Huynh’s vehicle from the front and back. - Rep. Huynh said one of the agents pointed a weapon into the open passenger window and demanded they identify themselves as another agent threatened to break another window. He said he didn’t immediately take his phone out to record the incident fearing the agent would think he was reaching for a weapon and open fire. …Adding… Heather Cherone…
* Related stories… Sponsored by Ameren Illinois
* Tribune | Illinois elections board divided, meaning nearly $10 million fine against Senate President Don Harmon unlikely: The tie vote of the eight-member board — comprising four Democrats and four Republicans — left the issue of a $9.8 million fine levied against Harmon in limbo as his attorney, veteran Democratic Party attorney Michael Kasper, said state election law requires a majority of five votes to issue a final order. Such an order was required to make a finding that Harmon violated the law and to impose a fine, he said. Deadlocked board members ultimately agreed to hold the issue over until the board’s scheduled November meeting at the latest, as its legal staff and Kasper explored what, if any, past precedents provide guidance on the situation. * Capitol News Illinois | Illinois video gambling mogul to seek GOP gubernatorial nomination: Rick Heidner, a Barrington Hills real estate developer and the owner of Gold Rush Gaming, formed a gubernatorial campaign committee on Tuesday, according to a filing with the State Board of Elections. It comes less than two weeks before the petition filing deadline for the March primary. Candidates for governor must attain at least 5,000 signatures to secure a place on the ballot. Heidner’s running mate is Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike, according to petitions being circulated. * Tribune | Republican race for Illinois governor already spiraling downward over questionable campaign tactics: At a brief news conference, GOP governor candidate Ted Dabrowski refused to discuss the public disclosure of a years-old draft harassment complaint involving rival Darren Bailey and his 2022 campaign. The allegations, stemming from Bailey’s failed 2022 bid for governor, were never formally filed in court and have not been verified, but were linked to a politically motivated news article shared online. * The family of former Governor George Ryan and First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan is liquidating their estate. Click here for more details. * Crain’s | City Council grills Johnson team on head tax, new revenue plans: Opponents of the mayor criticized the bevy of new taxes as either anti-business or unlikely to materialize in 2026 and supporters were careful not to commit their vote before ensuring their favored services are adequately funded. Budget Director Annette Guzman said the administration is open to discussions over how to tailor the head tax to focus on the city’s larger corporations. * Sun-Times | City pursuing the idea of installing slot machines at O’Hare and Midway airports, Council members told: “We’ve had a conversation with Bally’s about moving that forward. … We have been in conversation with them about investigating that. They have expressed interest,” Jaworski said. “There are some technical challenges that we have to deal with — ensuring that we’re complying with all the regulations that are at the airports. But those conversations have been ongoing. They have identified a site at Midway and we continue to work to move that forward.” * NBC Chicago | ‘Unbearable’: Katie Abraham’s mom pens op-ed on daughter’s role in immigration operation: “Losing a child unlocked a pain I never knew existed. Losing a child to a crime adds to the depths of despair. Having my child’s legacy be associated with a politically charged and controversial operation instead of the positivity and light she contributed to those within her community is simply unbearable,” Lorence wrote in an op-ed for the Chicago Tribune. The 20-year-old Glenview woman was killed alongside a friend in January in Urbana, Illinois, when the vehicle they were riding in was struck by a suspected drunk driver who was believed to be an undocumented immigrant. The alleged driver fled the scene of the crash and was later arrested by Urbana police and charged in connection with the crash. * Legal Newsline | Plaintiffs forfeit in face scan class actions vs Cubs: The Chicago Cubs appear to have quickly beaten class action lawsuits lobbed against them under Illinois’ biometrics privacy law, which had accused them and certain security contractors of improperly scanning the faces of people visiting Wrigley Field. On Oct. 8, attorneys representing plaintiffs in Chicago federal court filed a notice indicating they were withdrawing their legal claims against the Cubs and co-defendants Blue Star Security, of Rosemont, and Security Services Holdings, which does business as Protos Security. * Chicago Mag | A Sweeping Yoko Ono Immersion at the MCA: “It’s an Onopalooza here at the MCA,” says Museum of Contemporary Art senior curator Jamillah James. The museum’s new exhibition, Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, opens October 18 and runs through February 22, 2026 — its exclusive U.S. appearance. […] “The exhibition will really open a lot of eyes, so people will realize how much Yoko Ono has done for the arts,” says Tatsu Aoki, a Chicago-based musician, filmmaker, and School of the Art Institute professor who has collaborated with Ono. “I felt the same way about the David Bowie exhibition the MCA had [in 2014]: People didn’t know that David Bowie was also a designer, a painter — so much besides pop music. I think Music of the Mind will awaken people like that.” * ABC Chicago | Family fights for man’s release from ICE custody, details conditions at Broadview facility: In the surveillance footage shared with the ABC7 Chicago I-Team, federal agents dressed in fatigues exited the van, talked to Cabrera and his nephew, and, in less than three minutes, the men were escorted to the van, which drove off. The Cabrera family found themselves in the same situation as many families of loved ones caught up in “Operation Midway Blitz,” the administration’s codename for increased immigration enforcement happening across the Chicago area. * The Triibe | ‘Chiraq Team 2’: Oak Park attorney catches glimpse of federal agents’ group chat during arrest: Ten days later, Sakiyama ended up in the back of a vehicle used by federal immigration agents himself. The masked agents detained him at gunpoint on the morning of Oct. 20 and brought him to the same Broadview ICE facility. He sat in the vehicle with agents for about a half hour outside the facility before another agent gave him a citation for impeding a federal officer. They then returned him to his own car and wished him a good day, he said. The federal agents’ actions, Sakiyama said a day later, left him shaken. * Tribune | Amid criticism of police tactics, Broadview protesters begin appearing in court: So far, Illinois State Police, the Cook County sheriff’s office and the Broadview Police Department have arrested around 70 people at the protests, which have happened periodically since the September launch of “Operation Midwest Blitz.” The majority of the initial charges have been for resisting arrest, misdemeanors that at least on paper could mean a short amount of time in custody. At least three cases have been filed as low-level felonies. At least four arrests are listed for battery or battery to a police officer, and other charges include disorderly conduct and disobeying a police officer. The majority of the arrests have been made by the Illinois State Police. * Daily Herald | Palatine cafe closes following repeated visits by immigration agents: The business has seen great success despite opening four years ago during COVID, said Judith Martinez, who owns the cafe with her husband, Omar Garcia. But things began to change about three to four weeks ago, when federal agents arrived and started to approach customers, she said. Two masked agents encountered customers while they were eating breakfast and asked to see their papers but took no one into custody. Agents visited about a week later. This time, Martinez locked the front door when she saw them driving around the parking lot. * ABC Chicago | Harvey residents react as suburb furloughs more than 40% of staff amid budget crisis: “It’s a disappointment,” Harvey resident Destiny Martin said. “I mean just look at the city of Harvey. We need every piece of work that we can get.”Days after Harvey city leaders said they were facing a financial emergency, dozens of city employees and first responders got notices they were out of the job, for now. * Daily Herald | Democratic incumbents dominating fundraising in suburban congressional races: In the 6th District, Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove is facing challenges from a member of his own party and two Republicans — and he’s leading in fundraising. Casten has raised nearly $1.2 million and spent $579,970 so far this cycle, records show. His campaign started the third quarter with less than $1.1 million and finished September with nearly $1.3 million in its war chest. Democratic challenger Joey Ruzevich of Chicago has raised just $5,501 and spent $6,175 since he started fundraising in August, finishing September in a $674 hole, documents show. * Daily Southtown | Orland Park touts emergency response drone program as it looks to expand eyes in the sky: The six drones in the police department’s arsenal are deployed to improve response times when emergency situations arise, such as missing persons cases and traffic crashes, allowing officers to assess situations from above. “So if we have a robbery in progress at a jewelry store, as soon as dispatch has information, they could hit a button and that drone launches and flies straight to the scene,” Rossi said. * Daily Southtown | Homer Township Civic Center future murky amid funding woes: ‘It’s haphazard at best’: The prior Township Board under former Supervisor Steve Balich began building the civic center, 15774 151st St., in August 2024. Balich previously said the multipurpose building would be ready for use by May or June 2025. About $2.3 million has been spent on the project so far. But the township does not have the money to finish the project, the new township administration said. The new township board, which ousted Balich’s administration and was installed in May, said at least $550,000 to $700,000 more will need to be invested in the civic center to complete it. * Crain’s | Amazon plans to add 1,200 warehouse jobs in the southwest suburbs: Amazon has leased a big warehouse in Bolingbrook with plans to add 200 jobs there by the end of next year and is poised to build a massive new sorting facility in far southwest exurban Wilmington that could bring upwards of 1,000 new hires to the area. The e-commerce giant confirmed it has inked a 10-year lease for 575,000 square feet at 775 Veterans Parkway in Bolingbrook, where it will open its fifth Chicago-area “sub same day” fulfillment center. Such facilities are designed to serve customers ordering things they need to be delivered within a few hours rather than a day or two. * CBS Chicago | Jury chosen in murder trial of former Illinois sheriff’s deputy who killed Sonya Massey: By 5 p.m., a panel of 12 jurors and three alternates had been chosen. The main jury consists of nine men, and three women; 11 of them White, one of them Black. Opening statements have been set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The case is likely to rely heavily on body camera footage that captured what occurred in the early morning hours of July 6, 2024. * WGLT | McLean County Board approves long-delayed 2024 audit at special meeting: Val Laymon, who chairs the county board’s finance committee, recommended the county take action after sharing several complaints about how the elected auditor, Michelle Anderson, runs the auditor’s office. “Not only putting in place target dates for basic actions of the office, but also seeing an increased level of accountability and pride in doing the great work for the people of McLean County so we do not experience the same conversation in nine months time,” Laymon told the board. * WICS | Mayor Buscher to unveil community project funded by opioid settlement: The event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at 825 E. Capitol Ave. The announcement will be made alongside city dignitaries and local community partners, including Fire Chief Nick Zummo, Police Chief Joe Behl, and Ethan Posey, director of community relations. * WMBD | Landmark agreement signed between local fire departments to improve public safety: Brimfield, Yates City, Farmington, Elmwood and Williamsfield fire departments signed a joint agreement on Tuesday to expand their work relationship and reduce their response time. Called the Heartland agreement, the five volunteer fire departments will work together in joint training sessions, share high-tech equipment and share in bulk purchases. * AP | Anti-science bills hit statehouses, stripping away public health protections built over a century: More than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year, part of an organized, politically savvy campaign to enshrine a conspiracy theory-driven agenda into law. An Associated Press investigation found that the wave of legislation has cropped up in most states, pushed by people with close ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The effort would strip away protections that have been built over a century and are integral to American lives and society. Around 30 bills have been enacted or adopted in 12 states. * WGN | What happened to focusing on ‘the worst of the worst?’: Pressed to provide the data, Homan made another claim: “Nearly 70-percent of everybody ICE arrests are either public safety threats or national security threats.” However, 71-percent of people currently in ICE detention have no criminal convictions, according to data obtained by tracreports.org, which gathers and tracks government immigration data. * Modern Healthcare | Politics puts a target on the AMA and its role in medical billing: Kennedy has long been a critic of the AMA’s role in medical coding, and so has Sen. Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Cassidy wrote a pointed letter to the AMA demanding the group justify its monopoly on medical billing codes and reveal how much money it earns from licensing CPT codes to users. But Cassidy also labeled the association “anti-patient, anti-science” because it opposes policies to bar access to gender-affirming care for children and supports diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
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Good morning!
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * I’ll be out of the office most of the day today, so be nice for Isabel… Kindness don’t ask for much but an open mind
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news on the website formally known as Twitter. We’re experimenting this week with a new app which feeds Bluesky posts. Still tweaking it…
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * From Rich: Background is here if you need it. The Illinois State Board of Elections voted 4-4 on party lines today on whether to accept Senate President Don Harmon’s appeal of an board hearing officer’s ruling that he pay almost $10 million in fines for violating the state’s campaign contribution limits law. All board actions require a 5-vote majority “for any action of the Board to become effective.” So, it’s all basically in perpetual limbo. I’ll have more for subscribers tomorrow. From Harmon’s spokesperson…
* Tribune…
For working families across our state, delivery is a lifeline, NOT a luxury. From groceries and meals to essential household items, people from all walks of life depend on delivery services to make ends meet, save time, and stay safe. A new delivery tax would hit seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working parents juggling multiple responsibilities. It’s a burden Illinois families simply cannot bear. Learn more today about how a delivery tax could impact your household. * WAND…
* WAND | Democratic lawmakers demand hearing on bill repealing restrictions on companies boycotting Israel: “This is a shame. This is a stain on our state’s history,” said Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Berwyn). “It’s something that ought to be repealed immediately. Immediately.” Rashid told reporters in Springfield he is elated there is a ceasefire in Gaza, but he argues the absence of continued genocide is not lasting peace or justice. * Sun-Times | Mayor Johnson’s proposed tax on social media companies likely to face legal battle: Mayor Brandon Johnson may want to find a $31 million budget fallback for his proposed tax on big social media companies. One constitutional expert predicted it’ll end up “a complete loser” when it’s inevitably challenged in court by opponents in the big tech industry. But Johnson’s office contends it’s a legal “amusement tax” that they’d be slapping on Meta, TikTok and other sites that many experts say can harm the mental health of young people. The mayor last week proposed taxing social media companies to help close a $1.15 billion shortfall, dinging at a rate of 50 cents per user after the first 100,000 users, similar to tax structures that have been floated — but not approved — in Minnesota and Washington state. * Tribune | Immigration officials tell federal judge aggressive street tactics were response to agents being in danger: But at the same time, the officials told U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis that all agents had been fully briefed on the judge’s temporary restraining order restricting the use of tear gas and requiring body-worn cameras for all officers in the field to be turned on during enforcement actions. “We take these (temporary restraining orders) very seriously,” Kyle Harvick, deputy incident commander for Customs and Border Patrol, told Ellis, adding that in addition to being emailed to every agent in the field, Ellis’ orders have been discussed at length during daily morning briefings. * Sun-Times | Judge permits questioning of top Border Patrol boss in lawsuit over treatment of protesters in Chicago: However, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis put strict limits on Bovino’s deposition, in which he’ll have to answer questions under oath from the lawyers who brought the case. Ellis said Bovino’s deposition will be limited to “how” federal officers are enforcing the law, and whether they are violating people’s constitutional rights. She said Bovino should not be asked, more broadly, “why” Chicago has been targeted. * Sun-Times | Ald. Fuentes seeks $100K in damages after allegedly roughed up by ICE agents: The federal tort claim filed by Ald. Jesse Fuentes (26th) seeks $100,000 in damages and is a prelude to a federal lawsuit. Fuentes said she could “care less about the money,” adding her motive is to hold federal agents accountable for “terrorizing and brutalizing” her constituents in the name of immigrant enforcement. “What I want to prove is that federal agents who are supposed to be law enforcement are not above the law. They’re coming to Chicago and believing they can violate every single local law we have,” Fuentes told the Sun-Times. * Block Club | A Chicago High Schooler Had Just Returned From Chemotherapy. Then ICE Arrested Her Father: On Saturday afternoon, Ruben Torres was coming out of a Home Depot at 8650 Dempster St. in Niles when federal agents called for him by name, family members said. Photos and video show signs of forced entry to Ruben Torres’ truck. The passenger-side window was cracked in multiple spots. […] Ruben Torres, 40, has no criminal record apart from minor traffic infractions, according to court records his attorney filed. He’s been his family’s sole provider, working for the same boss for 20 years, while Sandibell cares for their children, Ofelia and 4-year-old Nathan. * Crain’s | O’Hare sets record for summer travel: This summer was the busiest ever for O’Hare International Airport, with 24.3 million passengers passing through the city’s largest airport between June and August. The three-month total topped the previous record, set before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, by 1.2%, the Chicago Department of Aviation says. * ABC Chicago | Repairs may have been made to SUV CBP agent drove to Maine after alleged Brighton Park car-ramming: Federal prosecutors on Monday acknowledged that a Customs and Border Patrol agent’s SUV that was involved in an alleged “ramming” incident, which led to the agent shooting a woman on Chicago’s Southwest Side earlier this month, was released to the agent and driven back to his home base in Maine before the woman’s defense attorneys could inspect the vehicle. A prosecutor also told the court that repairs to the SUV had been authorized but he couldn’t say whether the repairs had actually taken place because they don’t yet have a report from the mechanic. * WGN | Hazel Crest school board under fire for travel, hotel spending: Records show nearly $100,000 was spent on food and hotel costs between Jan. 2024 and June 2025. Notable charges include more than $7,700 at the Bellagio Hotel in Oct. 2024 for board members to attend the Cube Conference. […] The district paid more than $15,000 to the Marriott in Oak Brook last month for a team-building retreat, $13,317 to the Marriott in Schaumburg in July 2025 and over $10,000 at the Oak Brook Marriott again in Feb. 2025. * Daily Herald | District 203 board member censured for second time in less than a year: Kelley Black, who was first censured in January, rebuked the latest reprimand by questioning its legality. She says she wants an independent review by the Regional Office of Education or the Illinois State Board of Education to determine if the board’s action is retaliatory. She also questioned what she described as a “lack of evidence” against her. * Daily Herald | Schaumburg launches new 24/7 AI assistant, a resource for residents with questions: The village of Schaumburg is launching a 24/7 AI assistant on its website to help answer community related questions and refer residents to resources. “Serena Says” is named after Serena the swan, who lives in a pond at the village Municipal Center. The chatbot launched publicly Tuesday after a “soft launch” on Oct. 9, according to Schaumburg’s Director of Communications and Outreach Kassondra Schref. * Daily Herald | Shift in work hours for Arlington Heights patrol officers, under new contract: Arlington Heights police officers will get a 3% raise — and those who patrol the streets will work a slightly different schedule — under a new one-year labor agreement approved Monday. The new schedule for beat cops puts in place a nine-hour work day, in which they’ll report for duty five days straight, then get three days off. * Capitol City Now | Witness testimony discussed at Day 2 of Sean Grayson trial: Because twelve jurors and three alternates were picked quickly Monday, that left Tuesday to deal with some motions filed by the prosecution and defense this past Friday. They’re essentially motions in limine — or, motions that often limit the restrictions of certain witness testimony. Three witnesses were of concern. At issue was what those witnesses could say and not say during testimony. Defense attorneys were concerned with the ability of some witnesses to be able to describe medical-related issues, while others dealt with the use of words like reasonable and justified, among others. In one case, terminology in law enforcement standards nationally, versus those in Sangamon County, were discussed. * WQAD | Court testimony: Some Mercer County students’ medical records shared with district’s teachers union rep: According to testimony from an Aledo Police Department detective, the high school nurse was in contact with the local health department regarding hand, foot and mouth disease spreading in the school. The nurse said she was advised that if the cases reached a certain threshold, she would be required to disclose that information to the health department but would not have to disclose names or identifying information. It was at that time that Farquer allegedly demanded names, contact information, the date the student was diagnosed and vaccination status from the nurse, the detective’s testimony claimed. According to charging documents, Farquer accessed these records in early September of this year. There is currently no vaccine for hand, foot and mouth disease. * KFVS | Pulaski County, Ill. to hold bid auction real estate sale: Pulaski County, Illinois will hold a sealed bid auction for delinquent real estate properties that are now available to the public for sale. There will be around 101 items available. All sealed written bids must be in the Pulaski County Treasurer’s Office at 500 Illinois Avenue in Mound City, no later than the close of business on October 31. * WGLT | McLean County Chamber pitches new healthcare plan to business groups statewide: Moore says since Health Alliance announced plans to end coverage, the chamber has found another provider, United Healthcare, and an opportunity to make it available on a larger scale, across the state, through the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “In talking with Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, we realized that if we could pool our resources and put lives together, we could have better buying power and a better opportunity for businesses if we join forces,” Moore said. * WCIA | Danville School Board will consider dismissing administrator: Narcissus Rankin currently holds the position of Director of Business for the Danville School District. But, according to the Board of Education’s meeting agenda, board members will discuss several changes relating to Rankin’s position on Wednesday night. First, the board will discuss a motion to adopt a resolution to dismiss Rankin from her position immediately. Next up is a motion to adopt a “Notice of Charges and Bill of Particulars” authorizing the dismissal of Rankin as a tenured teacher in the district. Finally, the board will discuss a motion to place Rankin on unpaid administrative leave, pending her dismissal as a tenured teacher. * WSIL | Cave-in-Rock Ferry shuts down due to high winds: The Cave-in-Rock Ferry closed temporarily at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 21, due to high winds. The ferry authority stated they will update the public about its reopening on their Facebook page. The ferry connects KY 91 with Illinois Route 1 across the Ohio River between Crittenden County, Kentucky, and Hardin County, Illinois. * WCIA | Champaign Co. Drug Court graduates ready to take next step back into normal life: On Monday, the Champaign County Drug Court recognized and celebrated seven people who have much to be proud of thanks to their hard work. Even though there weren’t any caps or gowns, it had the same excited faces. The graduates didn’t just receive a piece of paper, but a whole new mindset and outlook on life. * WGLT | Normal council purchases 4 sculptures for planned park at One Normal Plaza: The cost is $69,750 for the art pieces, all crafted by Illinois artists and are planned to be installed this spring with a grand opening soon after. The planned sculpture park was approved by the council in June 2024. The contract with Hitchcock Design Group was to create a master plan for the green space in the center of the circle drive at 1110 Douglas St. After costs exceeded estimates, the council in April rejected new bids that also were seen as higher than anticipated. In July, the work was awarded to Otto Baum company after a second bidding process. * WGLT | Roundabout at College and Rivian raises farm concerns: Right now, it’s a T-intersection, although the intersection is closed this season. Rivian is extending facilities to the west of Route 150, which will make College Avenue a four-way intersection. Instead of traffic signals, there will be a roundabout. Farmers have used Rivian Motorway by preference over some township roads. McLean County Farm Bureau Director Anna Ziegler said it offers advantages over some township roads. * WCIA | ‘This is like a museum that came to you’: Holocaust exhibit debuts in Champaign: Alex Lyon is a board member for the Jewish Federation and is on the Holocaust Education Center Committee. She said students are not learning about the Holocaust in depth. “[It’s] also an opportunity to really think about our place in the world. How can we all fight for a more just society and learn from the mistakes of the past,” Lyon said. * WSIL | Video: Longtime radio broadcaster Tom Miller talks with News 3 about retirement * AP | Newspapers closing, news deserts growing for beleaguered news industry: An estimated 365,460 people worked at newspapers in 2005, and now that number is down to 91,550, the report said. Two decades ago, 71% of journalists worked at newspapers and now just 29% of the nearly 42,000 working journalists are at newspapers. * Bloomberg | Millionaire Tax That Inspired Mamdani Fuels $5.7 Billion Haul in Massachusetts: In the two years since the state started charging a 4% surtax on incomes over $1 million, the effort has created a $5.7 billion windfall, with the surplus being used to fund bridge repairs, bolster literacy programs and address the transportation system’s budget deficit. * Bloomberg | Supreme Court Is Told Trump Tariffs Are Illegal $3 Trillion Tax: The justices are set to determine if Trump legally issued the tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president a panoply of financial tools to address national security, foreign policy and economic emergencies. The US trade court ruled against Trump in a decision that was upheld by a federal appeals court. Trump says his tariffs are authorized legally under the law, known as IEEPA, because a key provision of the statute says the president can “regulate” the “importation” of property to address an emergency. * The Atlantic | ICE’s ‘Athletically Allergic’ Recruits: More than a third have failed so far, four officials told me, impeding the agency’s plan to hire, train, and deploy 10,000 deportation officers by January. To pass, recruits must do 15 push-ups and 32 sit-ups, and run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes. “It’s pathetic,” one career ICE official told me, adding that before now, a typical class of 40 recruits had only a couple of candidates fail, because the screening process was more rigorous.
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Critical 340B Program Needs Federal Reforms
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] A federal program created in 1992 to support safety-net clinics with the care they provided to uninsured patients is being abused by for-profit pharmacies and large hospital systems. The 340B program has become a cash cow with profits flowing away from the very patients and communities the program was meant to help. Reform at the federal level is critical to ensure that the 340B program works as it was intended by providing necessary funds to safety-net clinics that serve some of the neediest patient populations in Illinois and across the country. Multiple investigations have found that the program has created perverse incentives for hospitals to prescribe more and higher-cost medicines, as well as buy up smaller independent clinics and practices to benefit from their prescriptions as well. Meanwhile for-profit pharmacies are making millions of dollars off hospitals, with no requirements to provide low-cost medicines to patients. Sisters Working It Out supports reforms that increase transparency and improve oversight to help return 340B to its original purpose of helping low-income patients and the safety-net clinics they rely on. Congress must act to reform this critical federal program.
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Campaign news: Heidner; Remap; Fine; Pritzker (Updated)
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * Rick Heidner filed paperwork with the Illinois State Board of Elections this morning to raise money for his Republican gubernatorial campaign. Politico…
More background on former Bailey aide Corrigan is here. Corrigan is listed as Heidner’s campaign finance chair, by the way. Interesting twist. I went through Heidner’s quite interesting background with subscribers this morning. He looked to be in big trouble at one point, but it all went away. …Adding… Per a commenter, Heidner will have to answer for a boat-load of campaign contributions to Democrats over the years, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County Board President Tony Preckwinkle and many, many others. * Meanwhile, US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a call with Black Caucus leaders over the weekend about changing Illinois’ congressional district map to help the Democrats pick up an additional seat. That prompted this text message to some state legislators from Chicago Ald. Jason Ervin…
The 7th is Danny Davis’ district. The Punchbowl newsletter in DC keeps reporting on this map change like it’s gonna happen. But I just don’t see it. * Evanston Now…
The two are vying to replace Sen. Laura Fine, who is running for Congress.
[Isabel Miller contributed to this post.]
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What Illinois Can Learn From Texas On Battery Energy Storage
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] As Illinois confronts skyrocketing electric bills, legislators are on the hunt for solutions that provide relief as quickly as possible. Battery energy storage is our best and most cost-effective solution. But last session— without evidence —opponents attempted to claim that battery energy storage wouldn’t work. Try telling that to Texas, where the rapid deployment of battery storage has already prevented blackouts and saved consumers billions. Called “Ground Zero for the US Battery Boom” by Bloomberg, Texas added enough storage in 2023 to power 3 million homes and drop grid emergency risk during peak hours from 16% to less than 1%. The result? Storage saved consumers an estimated $750 million in 2024. Texas has proven that storage is the quickest, cheapest, most reliable way to get consumers relief from skyrocketing, demand-induced price spikes. Storage is a nimble way to address growing populations, power-hungry data centers, and meet other electrification-related power needs. These are benefits Texas saw from storage even as the state reduced its gas generation capacity by 166 MW last year. Illinois lawmakers should follow Texas’s lead and pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Act this fall to deploy 6GW of energy storage by 2035. Click here for more information.
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It’s just a bill
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * From Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget…
The proposed sports betting tax could generate $26.2 million according to the city. * Rep. Daniel Didech this morning…
* From the bill…
Thoughts? * More…
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It’s Time To Bring Safer Rides To Illinois
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Waymo is ready to bring safe, reliable, autonomous rides to Illinois – but we need your help! Waymo is designed to follow all traffic laws and obey speed limits, and the data shows Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are involved in five times fewer injury-causing collisions compared to humans (as of 6/2025, see waymo.com/safety). Let’s bring safer rides to Illinois. Waymo’s autonomous vehicles can improve access to transportation for Illinois residents with travel-limiting disabilities like vision impairment, to reach medical care, groceries, and social activities. Waymo’s all-electric autonomous vehicles also provide a more sustainable way for people to get around, preventing 315+ tons of carbon emissions with every 250K trips provided through our ride-hailing service.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Campaign news
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Your Support of 340B Is Crucial To Low-Income And Uninsured Patients – Hospitals Want To Provide More Services; Big Pharma Only Sees Profits, Not Patients
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Why do hospitals want to protect the federal 340B program? Because it helps them care for patients. The 1992 program, created by Congress, has allowed hospitals serving many uninsured and low-income patients to “stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services.” Pharmaceutical manufacturers agreed to expand 340B in 2010 to include more hospitals, but in 2020 began imposing restrictions on 340B providers to protect their bottom line and hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue. Big Pharma claims patients aren’t benefiting from 340B. Here’s the truth: • Hospitals put 340B savings toward addressing critical community health needs. The Illinois Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act, House Bill 2371 SA 2, reinforces 340B through the State’s authority to regulate the distribution of drugs and protect access to healthcare. Big Pharma’s 340B restrictions have slashed the savings from discounted drugs that over 100 Illinois hospitals rely on to reduce drug costs for patients and expand healthcare services.
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: Illinois Lottery no longer state’s top gambling tax generator, but still best-performing lotto in nation. Sun-Times…
- That trailed the $871 million churned out for the state by the tens of thousands of slot machines in bars, restaurants and other establishments, marking the first time since 2007 that the lottery didn’t serve as Illinois’ biggest gambling cash cow. - The state also racked up $380 million in tax revenue from sports betting, $186 million from casinos and $7 million from horseracing, adding up to an all-time high $2.2 billion jackpot for Illinois government coffers. Sponsored by Ameren Illinois
* Governor Pritzker will participate in a fireside chat at the Economic Club of Chicago at 12:30 pm. Click here to watch. * WBEZ | University of Illinois Chicago drops race, gender as factors in financial aid and faculty hiring: The University of Illinois Chicago is eliminating the consideration of race, color, national origin, sex and gender from financial aid and hiring, promotion and tenure decisions to align with a new University of Illinois System policy and “current legal standards,” according to a message posted by university officials. That’s despite an August court decision ordering the Trump administration to scrap guidance instructing schools to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or risk losing federal funding. * WCIA | The Trial of Sean Grayson: Live Updates: Seven hours after starting jury selection for the trial of Sean Grayson, the prosecution and defense will rest with 15 jurors selected — 12 primary jurors and three alternates. A total of 48 people entered the courtroom currently occupied by Judge Ryan Cadigan on Monday to be vetted as potential jurors. In groups of 12, they were questioned by Cadigan, State’s Attorney John Milhiser and Grayson’s attorney Daniel Fultz on whether they could remain impartial and make a decision based solely on what is presented in court. * Inside Climate | Illinois Wants Climate Education in Schools. Now Teachers Need to Figure Out How to Make It Happen.: But Illinois hasn’t allocated funding to support the rollout of the climate education mandate. And the federal government, busy rolling back climate protections and censoring references to global warming, won’t be picking up the slack. Education advocates are coming together to fill in the gaps so teachers have the resources they need to work climate change into their lessons. * Tribune | DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accuses Gov. JB Pritzker and media of ‘trying to demonize’ immigration officers: Noem, speaking in Florida, defended the ramped-up actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol and other federal agents under the direction of President Donald Trump and said “we have to stop the rhetoric,” which she contended gave cover to allow people to “perpetuate violence against those who enforce our laws.” During her comments, Noem recited several administration talking points without providing any evidence to back up the claims, including that agents have arrested nearly a half-million individuals living in the a country without legal permission and that most of those people had criminal records. * ABC Chicago | Mayor Brandon Johnson discuses budget plan, lawsuit against President Trump: “Ninety-seven percent of businesses will not be impacted by this revenue stream,” Johnson said. “In fact, only three percent of businesses will be impacted. And here is what those dollars are going toward: It is going to ensure that we provide mental and behavioral resources for our first responders, it is going to provide resources for domestic violence survivors, it is going to fund youth employment, which we have seen the greatest influx of receiving jobs over the summer and it is going to fund our CVI program, it’s our Community Violence Intervention workers.” * Daily Herald | ‘Timely justice?’ Shutdown means case delays, no pay for staff at federal courthouse in Chicago: aturday marked the start of “Phase 2” of shutdown consequences, said Virginia Kendall, chief judge of the Northern District of Illinois. That means most employees will be working without pay and inadequate funding will shrink the number of cases the courthouse can handle. In addition, the clerk’s office will be staffed at 78% of authorized levels. * WGN | Town hall educates Chicagoans on their rights during ICE encounters: The event was organized by Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), who is speaking on a panel alongside Aldermen Bennett Lawson and Matt Martin, representatives from the ACLU and the Resurrection Project. Quigley says increased immigration enforcement in Chicago has led to the separation of families in his district, which includes parts of the North Side. * WBEZ | Chicago Public Schools wants parents, students to help interview CEO finalists: CPS employees, students, parents and alumni, as well as Chicago residents and representatives of community organizations, are eligible to join the panel. CPS will hold a lottery to choose up to 15 panel members, who will get training before interviewing the finalists in mid-November, CPS said. Panelists will submit a survey with their impressions of the candidates to the board. * Daily Herald | Lake County bans use of its properties for staging areas and other immigration enforcement activities: North Chicago and Carpentersville are expected to join a growing list, including Chicago, Cook County, Evanston and Broadview, keeping properties they own or control off limits for staging areas, processing locations or bases of operations. In Lake County, signs banning those uses have or are being placed at county parking and vacant lots and garages following pre-emptive action last week approved by the Lake County Board. The signage is being installed at 28 locations. * Tribune | West suburban men accused of impersonating police officers during ‘No Kings’ protests: The men are accused of conspiring with each other Saturday — when “No Kings” demonstrations drew thousands to protest across the Chicago area — to “dress like peace officers” by each wearing a tactical vest “while traveling to numerous political protests,” according to the release from the state’s attorney. Capp, Knight and Sarros also each allegedly “knowingly possessed firearm ammunition” without a FOID card, the release said. Further, authorities allegedly found fake flash bangs and lighter fluid in their vehicle, and Capp allegedly wore a “camo face mask while in possession of an airsoft rifle and handgun without an orange tip that appeared to be legitimate firearms,” the release said. * ABC Chicago | Harvey to furlough 17 firefighters amid major budget issues, union says: That’s nearly half of the Harvey Fire Department. The furlough takes effect on Tuesday. Just last week, the village city council started the process of allowing the state to review their finances. The mayor says the village is more than $160 million in debt. * Shaw Local | $260,000 settlement reached in federal lawsuit against ex-Joliet city manager, others: The City of Joliet has reached a $260,000 settlement with a former employee who claimed in a federal lawsuit that a former city manager and two others fired her in 2022 in retaliation for exercising her constitutional rights. On Oct. 8, Tamara Edmonson signed an agreement that stipulates the city agrees to pay her $260,000, of which $88,464 will go to her attorneys with Chicago law firm Avery and Kill, according to the agreement obtained by The Herald-News in a Freedom Of Information Act request. * NBC | Trial begins for former Illinois deputy accused of killing Sonya Massey: On Monday, Grayson appeared in court wearing a navy blue suit, a striped tie, loafers and glasses. He sat unbound at the table between is lawyers in the presence of the jurors, sat up straight and was attentive to the questions being asked, Massey’s father, James Wilburn sat in the mostly-empty courtroom gallery. Lawyers representing the family said in a statement that as the trial begins, “The family of Sonya Massey continues to grieve her senseless death but also is fiercely committed being present throughout the trial as they continue their hope for full justice for Sonya.” * WGLT | Officials: Late audit reports cost McLean County government: At the county board finance committee meeting this month, Veterans Commission Chair Art Rodriguez asked for help getting money approved for programs like helping wounded veterans get outdoors to see woods and wildlife. Rodriguez said he contacted the auditor’s office. “And all of a sudden we find out Monday that the paperwork starts moving after we filed that complaint,” said Rodriguez, adding it’s very frustrating. * The Hill | FAA says air traffic controller staffing issues cause delays amid shutdown: About 7,850 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were delayed on Sunday, according to FlightAware. Over 1,000 flights have been delayed so far on Monday. FAA has chalked up delays in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Newark over the weekend to staffing issues, according to Reuters. The FAA also noted possible delays in Las Vegas and Phoenix due to shortages. * National Independent Venue Association | The State of Live: The First Economic Research Study of the Independent Live Sector: The study reveals that, in 2024 alone, independent live venues, festivals, and promoters contributed $86.2 billion directly to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), more than the U.S. beer, gaming, and airline industries. Independent stages generated a staggering $153.1 billion in total economic output, including indirect effects from fan spending, tourism, and local businesses. The independent live sector supported more than 907,000 jobs across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and paid more than $51.7 billion in wages and benefits. Independent stages have a significant impact on tourism, accounting for approximately 9.2% of total U.S. travel and tourism revenue, translating into over $10.62 billion in annual visitor spending on lodging, dining, shopping, and local transportation.i * News Center Maine | Nirav Shah to run for Maine governor as a Democrat: Shah led the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2019 to 2023, appointed by Governor Janet Mills, after Shah had led the Illinois Department of Health. He subsequently worked as the principal deputy director, the number two job, at the US CDC during the Biden administration. Shah currently teaches at Colby College, in Waterville, a visiting professor in the Department of Statistics. He lives with his wife in Brunswick in the home they bought upon moving to Maine six-and-half years a
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Open thread
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Live coverage
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news on the website formally known as Twitter. We’re experimenting this week with a new app which feeds Bluesky posts. Still tweaking it…
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