Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Monday, May 4, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

After months of debate, legislation inspired by a Tribune investigation into some Chicago-area hospitals’ questionable use of the state’s guardianship system has advanced from the Illinois House as supporters seek to strengthen court oversight and other protections for the rights of vulnerable adults. […]

After months of discussions with opponents, supporters say the amended version of [State Rep. Marti Deuter’s] bill represents a compromise but still would set important safeguards around private guardianship appointments.

For example, the bill would require employees of private guardians to undergo criminal background checks every five years and get the education necessary for national certification. And a private guardian corporation would have to submit to annual independent audits if it manages more than $1 million in assets. […]

The hospital association still objects to the part of the bill that would require the private guardian to meet with the hospital patient prior to accepting the appointment, citing concerns that such a requirement may slow the process as well as timing issues concerning medical consent.

* Tech-Safe Learning Coalition co-founder Rose Bronstein…

Illinois legislators have taken a step forward with Senate Bill 2427, which bans student cellphone use during the school day. This bill excludes students in independent schools and it only mandates a bell-to-bell ban — from arrival to dismissal — for elementary and middle schoolers, giving high schools the freedom to set more lenient policies. These critical loopholes leave thousands of students unprotected. […]

I am advocating for federal and state online safety reform and fighting to hold schools accountable when they fail to protect students. That’s why I’m deeply concerned about the shortcomings of SB2427.

The experience of some Illinois communities offers proof that phone bans work. Antioch Upper Grade School now requires students to lock their phones each morning using Yondr pouches and unlock them as they leave.

The results have been transformative, with a dramatic decrease in discipline referrals and behavioral incidents, according to Antioch Elementary District 34 Superintendent Aron Borowiak. When digital noise is removed, students choose to look at one another, talk and engage.

If Illinois politicians are serious about protecting children from online harm, this law must apply to all Illinois students, bell to bell. Anything less betrays parents and signals that equal protection is optional.

* Illinois Health and Hospital Association President AJ Wilhelmi…

The April 29 oped, “Hospitals stash billions overseas — and want Illinois to expand their drug discounts,” mischaracterizes both the purpose of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and the realities facing Illinois hospitals.

Contrary to the author’s assertion, the 340B program is not a “profit center” — it is a lifeline for patients and communities. It allows hospitals that care for large numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients to purchase outpatient drugs at a discount and reinvest those savings directly into patient care. Across Illinois, these funds support free and reduced-cost prescriptions, behavioral health services, cancer care, maternity services, and rural and urban clinics that would otherwise close their doors.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers — many located overseas, earning tens of billions of dollars in annual profits — are actively working to restrict hospital access to 340B discounts. Limiting these resources does not lower drug prices; it reduces the ability of providers to deliver care to those who need it most. […]

Importantly, despite what the author suggests, Illinois hospitals are not seeking to “expand” 340B. House Bill 2371 simply preserves the status quo by preventing pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting access to federally authorized discounts. Similar legislation has been enacted in more than 20 states, and those laws are being upheld in court.

* Center Square…

House Bill 5295, also known as the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act, would require health providers to segregate records related to abortion and gender-affirming care and limit their disclosure – particularly to out-of-state entities. […]

[Rep. Mary Beth Canty] said records would be automatically segregated, with patients able to release them if they choose, adding the restricted information is “not medically necessary” and that abortion-related complications could be treated as a miscarriage. […]

“How about an emergency department for an unconscious patient?” [Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton)] asked. “Wouldn’t it be vital to see the complete medical record of the patient?”

Canty responded that such patients would be treated regardless and reiterated that the restricted information would not be necessary for care. […]

The measure has passed the Illinois House and is now in the Senate for consideration.

* WTVO…

House Bill 5151, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D‑Chicago), would create the Automated License Plate Recognition System Act, setting statewide rules for when license plate reader data can be collected, how long it can be kept, and who it can be shared with.

The bill would explicitly make it illegal for police or government agencies to use the technology for immigration enforcement or to monitor access to lawful health care, including abortion, which is legal in Illinois.

License plate readers, often mounted on squad cars or fixed locations, automatically scan passing vehicles and log license plate numbers along with the date, time, and location. The technology is commonly used to identify stolen vehicles or locate missing persons.

Under HB5151, law enforcement agencies would only be allowed to use license plate readers for specific purposes, including: locating stolen vehicles, investigating hit-and-run crashes, finding vehicles connected to missing persons alerts; identifying vehicles tied to outstanding felony warrants; and investigating serious violent crimes.

HB5151 has not moved out of the House.

* More…

* Jeremy Wolff | We can’t clear our way out of homelessness. But we can’t ignore the encampments either: The General Assembly is considering House Bill 1429, which would prohibit cities from fining or arresting people for “life-sustaining activities” such as “lying down, sleeping, protecting oneself from the elements, eating, drinking and storing such personal property as needed to shelter oneself.” It also states that cities can “maintain public access to a property or address serious and imminent risks to public health and safety.” While the bill doesn’t specifically allow tents, a broad interpretation might prevent the city from sweeping an encampment. At first glance, this seems like a good thing. […] Parks have many moving pieces, and HB1429 complicates the city’s job without offering additional support.

* WMBD | Proposal advances in Illinois legislation that would require business to accept more cash: A bipartisan proposal that would require businesses in Illinois to accept cash as a method of payment is making its way through the Illinois legislative process. On Thursday, state lawmakers advanced a plan that would require businesses to accept cash for purchases up to $500.

* WAND | Sen. Rose files bill to allow IL police to coordinate with immigration authorities: Rose has filed a plan to amend the Illinois TRUST Act and remove restrictions that currently limit communication, information sharing and coordination between local and federal authorities. “This would apply when federal law enforcement comes with a valid, enforceable federal warrant,” Rose said Thursday. “That’s critical. This is not a question of, ‘hey, we just picked up some guy off the street.’ This is a valid, enforceable federal warrant. It’s a big deal.”

* Press release | Katz Muhl Passes Legislation to Empower Local Libraries in E-Book Negotiations with Publishers: “As an avid e-book reader and library patron, I was stunned to learn that publishers were routinely overcharging libraries for e-books and audiobooks,” Katz Muhl said. “This legislation ends checkout limits and prices exponentially exceeding the market rate–both of which take advantage of taxpayer dollars. Thank you to the libraries for lifting up this issue and fighting for a level playing field in negotiations.” Katz Muhl’s House Bill 5236 advanced to the state Senate after being passed by the House in a bipartisan vote and has been sponsored in that chamber by state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel.

2 Comments

Credit & Debit Cards May Not Work For Tips, Starting July 1

Monday, May 4, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

The IFPA—the Credit Card Chaos law—could hurt Illinois’ tipped workers. Servers, stylists, rideshare drivers and other gig workers who rely on tips could see their income drop if customers can’t tip on cards and are limited to the cash they carry.
Why should tipped workers pay the price for Springfield’s bad policy?

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

Learn more at: guardyourcard.com/Illinois

Comments Off

Despite pledge, Pritzker hasn’t pushed state constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights

Monday, May 4, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Gov. JB Pritzker’s second inaugural address…

One thing last year proved is that if given the chance, a bunch of right-wing judges and legislators will take away women’s rights. Well, Illinois spoke loudly and decisively in 2022 and declared that in the Land of Lincoln, we trust women! The right to privacy and bodily autonomy demand that we establish a constitutional protection for reproductive rights in Illinois. The extremists still want to take away a woman’s right to choose, and I don’t intend to let them. That’s why yet again, on women’s rights, Illinois will lead.

* When asked about his promise last week, the governor said…

I don’t think there’s anybody who would challenge that I have been the most pro-choice governor in the history of the state of Illinois, that we passed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019 that I have made it abundantly clear that if you are seeking refuge from another state where they have outlawed abortion, that we will do everything we can to make available to you the services that you need. So we’ve done everything that’s in our power, and we have enshrined into law in the state of Illinois, all of the things that I just said, and much more. So what I have talked about is that we need a national, a federal constitutional amendment. And wherever people have a ability to put this on the ballot, and where they do not have their rights. And therefore an amendment would reverse and that and and trying their rights into the Constitution. We’ve done it. I think you’ve seen in 10 states that I’ve engaged, in 10 states to try to help them. These are states where their rights are at risk or they’ve been taken away entirely. And in I think eight of those 10 states we have, well, we’re on the verge of it in Nevada, but I mean, they we’ve reversed the prohibition against it in those states. But in Illinois, I don’t think anybody feels like this government or this legislature or the state of Illinois is aiming to take away their reproductive rights.

* From the Tribune reporter who asked the question…

With Republican-led states enacting new restrictions since the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision and in some cases targeting patients who seek abortion services in more permissive states, time, energy and money are better spent passing amendments elsewhere and shoring up protections for Illinois providers and their patients, said state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat who was one of the lead sponsors of the 2019 Reproductive Health Act that Pritzker signed into law.

“Do I wish that our (state) constitution had those protections? Yes,” Cassidy said. “Do I think we’re at risk right now (because of the absence of an amendment)? No.” […]

While lawmakers’ attention is divided among a broad range of issues, even abortion rights advocates haven’t been putting public pressure on Pritzker or legislative Democrats to push for a state constitutional amendment.

That’s in large part because any efforts by conservatives to undo the existing protections for abortion rights under Illinois law would require a seismic shift in the state’s political landscape, said Sarah Garza Resnick, president and CEO of Personal PAC, a pro-abortion rights political action committee.

Discuss.

2 Comments

It’s Time To Bring Safer Rides To Illinois

Monday, May 4, 2026 - 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 already mapping Chicago’s unique streets and traffic patterns to lay the groundwork for operations.

Never tired or distracted, Waymo provides hundreds of thousands of fully autonomous rides every week across ten major U.S. cities, from Los Angeles to Atlanta — from multi-lane expressways to dense city streets, including the demands of winter weather. The data shows Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are involved in thirteen times fewer injury-causing collisions compared to humans (as of 3/20/26, see waymo.com/safety). Let’s bring safer rides to Illinois.

Ready to ride? Help bring Waymo to Illinois.

Comments Off

Bears bill frames major progressive taxation push

Monday, May 4, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…

More than a year ago, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget was projecting a $3.2 billion deficit for what is now the current fiscal year.

Part of the problem was that existing revenues were flat while spending was growing, according to the budget office.

This is a recurring problem in Illinois. The previous fiscal year’s projections were also astonishingly poor. The Chicago-based Civic Federation issued a report last week that delves a bit deeper into why it is a recurring problem.

Next fiscal year’s spending plan achieves balance “through a mixture of modest spending restraint, tweaking existing taxes and levying new ones,” the Civic Federation reported.

New tax increases, not natural revenue growth from taxation derived from economic expansion, have helped keep the state afloat.

Since the income tax was raised in the summer of 2017, receipts from personal and corporate income taxes and sales taxes have grown 7.4% every year, the group found. That’s above the annual non-Medicaid core expenditures (“K-12 education, human services, transportation, and other services”) of 6.6% annual growth.

Without that 2017 income tax hike, annual income and sales tax growth since then would’ve been just 5.2% — which is well below the 6.6% annual non-Medicaid core spending growth.

“The good news is that over the past decade, the State’s growth in expenditures has essentially been met with commensurate revenue growth,” the Civic Federation reported. “The bad news is that this recent revenue growth is not sustainable.”

The state will eventually run out of options, the group predicted.

And while cutting state spending is always mentioned as an option, it’s important to remember some things. The state’s K-12 education funding law mandates annual increases. Medicaid costs rise with medical inflation (which pretty much always outpaces the headline inflation number). And pension costs increase every year. Those three things represent most of the annual spending increases, meaning that other state programs would have to be slashed even further.

Also, keep in mind that spending on core services this coming fiscal year is projected to be 13% lower than it was in fiscal year 2000 under Gov. George Ryan, according to the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.

This helps explain why progressive groups and legislators are demanding new taxes on the wealthy. With the added fiscal pressures imposed by the Trump administration, on top of the inability of the state to fully fund pretty much any social services program it has, they’re fed up, and more people are recognizing the problem.

The Senate Progressive Caucus, the Affordability and Tax Justice Coalition and the Illinois Revenue Alliance all issued statements in the wake of the House’s passage of the Bears/megaprojects, demanding the same urgency and effort be focused on progressive revenue ideas.

Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, for example, had this to say about the House action on Bears/megaprojects and its refusal to take up a millionaire’s income tax surcharge: “Illinois families were told there was not enough time to ask the wealthiest few to pay more. Yet there was time to move a Bears package that even the Bears management themselves say still needs changes. When Springfield decides something is urgent, it finds the time. Working families deserve to be treated as urgent too.”

The Affordability and Tax Justice Coalition has several progressive legislators on its executive committee and is pushing bills to create a digital advertising tax, close corporate loopholes and further decouple from federal corporate tax cuts, enact “world wide combined reporting” and “close luxury loopholes for millionaires.” The group demanded that those bills “must now become the central focus of our work for the next four weeks.”

The Illinois Revenue Alliance had this to say: “On May 1st, thousands of Illinoisans will begin losing SNAP benefits, while the ultra-rich and megadevelopers continue to get tax breaks. [The House’s] vote on the megaproject bill is proof that when there is political will, there is a way.”

I’ve seen these progressive revenue pushes come and go for decades. But the legislators and the groups behind them seem (to my eyes) much more organized, disciplined and mindful of the requirements needed for passing major legislation than before.

So this could very well be the biggest story to watch during the rest of the spring legislative session. It would definitely be quite something if a Bears stadium deal helped achieve a decades-long progressive policy goal.

But the Civic Federation warned about another Illinois problem: Economic growth. The state is lagging badly in employment and gross domestic product growth. What we could end up with is continuing the trend of substantially more revenues from ever-lower growth.

* Related…

* The state budget has grown even less than I thought: More importantly, though, the legislator then factored in the evidence-based school funding formula and state pension contributions and discovered that the increase for everything else has been only 1.92 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars [since FY2019].

12 Comments

Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work

Monday, May 4, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the perfect time to visit Anandi Fashions in Buffalo Grove. The vibrant Indian boutique offers authentic, hand-selected clothing and jewelry. Owner Kalpana Boyina manages the boutique alongside her husband, Santosh. Known as a local favorite and a destination shop, it draws customers seeking colorful, comfortable designs rooted in India’s rich textile traditions.

Retail provides one out of every five Illinois jobs, generates the second largest amount of tax revenue for the state, and is the largest source of revenue for local governments. But retail is also so much more, with retailers serving as the trusted contributors to life’s moments, big and small.

We Are Retail and IRMA are dedicated to sharing the stories of retailers like Kalpana and Santosh in Buffalo Grove who serve their communities with dedication and pride. Please visit https://WeAreRetail.IRMA.org/.

Comments Off

Isabel’s morning briefing

Monday, May 4, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: Illinois Municipal League pitches alternative housing plan, drawing Realtor backlash. The Real Deal…

* Related stories…

• Sun-Times: Gov. Pritzker’s affordable housing plan tests his relationship with local leaders
• A City That Works: Local governments come out swinging against more housing
• Capitol Fax: IML tries outflanking Realtors on housing bill

* Gov. JB Pritzker has no public events scheduled today.

*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***

* Tribune | New Illinois auditor general takes office as report faults his former agency for audit failures: A report issued on April 21 by the outgoing auditor general found that the state agency the new state auditor had previously led, the Illinois Finance Authority, lacked a required full-time internal audit program. The report from retiring Auditor General Frank Mautino about the IFA led by Chris Meister was based on a two-year review period ending June 30, 2025. But the report also said the absence of such an “appropriate full-time” internal audit program within the finance authority was known for several years prior to the review period and that the IFA “has been unsuccessful in implementing a corrective action plan.”

* IPM News | Today 11am-6pm: Blowing Dust Advisory in Central Illinois: Meteorologists say blowing dust is expected this afternoon across central and eastern Illinois, east of the Illinois River and north of I-70. Loose topsoil paired with gusty winds up to 40 mph could lead to blowing dust and low visibility in rural areas. Forecasters advise you to avoid the dust plume. If you encounter dense dust, slow down and pull off the roadway as far as possible.

* Crain’s | Purdue Pharma’s $7.4B opioid settlement begins, with Illinois in line to get nearly $150M: As states’ $7.4 billion opioid settlement with the Sackler family and its Purdue Pharma goes into effect today, Illinois and its local governments are set to receive about $148.8 million from the payout. Most of that take, meant to go toward addiction services, will be doled out over the next three years, with the rest to be paid over 12 years, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a press release.

* CBS Chicago | Chicago gas prices soar past $6 a gallon in some areas, Illinois gas nearly 50 cents above national average: In Bucktown, one Shell station on Armitage, right off the Kennedy Expressway, regular gas is now $6.29 for a gallon of regular; $5.99 a gallon if you pay for a car wash. Gas prices climbed above $5 a gallon starting at the end of last week across much of the Chicago area. At some stations the prices have hit more than $6 a gallon.

*** Statehouse News ***

* Capitol News Illinois | Illinois State Board of Education wants to revamp how it counts low-income students: The Illinois State Board of Education is asking lawmakers this year for $200,000 to develop a new way of counting low-income students. Although that’s only a small fraction of the overall $10.9 billion general revenue fund budget the agency is seeking to fund preK-12 public schools next year, the request points to a larger issue that public schools could be facing over the next several years as the number of students officially counted as “low-income” is expected to drop.

* Daily Herald | Why some lawmakers defected from the party line in megaproject bill affecting Bears stadium: Instead, the measure stalled, and “that delay is costing real money. Billions. Lobbyists are making hyperbolic claims of 40 years of never-ending tax increases, cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria. Proponents are saying the structure is so perfect — it’s a big, bold, beautiful bill that will be the envy of all future developments. “The reality is somewhere in the middle,” McLaughlin said. “If done correctly, “it will look like Rosemont on steroids. It is good for property tax owners in the long run and great for regional businesses.”

* Subscribers know more. Cook County Record | After SCOTUS ruling, IL sidelines Welch’s race-based districting plan: However, Harmon and his counterpart in the General Assembly, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, along with Gov. JB Pritzker asserted the effort to somehow still require race be used in Illinois’ redistricting process is not ended, but merely paused while they try to find a path around the Supreme Court’s new ruling. “We will dissect this decision, find a path forward and continue to protect the rights of all Illinoisans. I would ask for patience and time for our state’s top legal experts to work through this,” Harmon said.

*** Chicago ***

* Politico | 2 names join the mayoral mix: Nine months out from Chicago’s next municipal elections, the mayor’s race is largely unfolding behind the scenes — with longtime political power broker Jeremiah Joyce meeting with potential candidates and (scoop!) Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas starting an exploratory committee. About Joyce: He’s a former lawmaker and Southwest Side businessman with deep City Hall ties, who has begun meeting privately with potential candidates as they test support and assess their paths against incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson. Joyce wants to help, but he first wants to know their game plan for running.

* Chalkbeat Chicago | Chicago Public Schools marks May Day after tense debate over canceling school: Districtwide, CPS officials said about 13% of its teachers were absent amid a national “day of no school, no work, no shopping” — about 3,320 absences in all, compared with 2,615 per day on average for this week, including Friday. Most requested the day in advance as the district had asked. CPS, which employs about 43,000 people, enlisted more than 2,600 substitute teachers and about 940 support staff subs to fill in for absent employees. Central office staff deployed to help out at 76 schools.

* Block Club | Republicans Win Top Spot On Ballots After Libertarians Claim Lottery ‘Staged’ By Dems: Republican candidates will appear first on Chicago ballots for the 2026 midterms, a decision decided by a Thursday lottery — which attracted Libertarians with fishy feelings about the Democrats’ prior winning streak. Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, a Democrat, drew cards representing the three parties — Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians — from a plastic bowl in an unceremonious ceremony that lasted less than fives minutes at the county administrative building, 69 W. Washington St. The randomly selected order — Republicans first, Democrats second and Libertarians third — will be how party candidates appear on ballots in the Nov. 3 election.

* Sun-Times | Swedish Hospital police shooting highlights critical security fail points: Chicago Police Department policy lays out at least two searches in this scenario: after Talley’s initial arrest and before Talley was transported to the hospital. Officers — not the ones who were shot — searched Talley after his arrest and found stolen cash in his pockets but no gun, according to prosecutors, who claimed Talley “had been concealing [the gun] from the moment he was arrested.” It remains unclear if anyone, either Chicago officers or hospital security, patted down Talley again once he was at the hospital.

* WTTW | Lawsuit Involving Disgraced Ex-Detective Set for Trial, As Lawyers Reach Settlement With Wrongfully Convicted Man Sent to Death Row: In response to an inquiry by WTTW News, Chicago Department of Law spokesperson Kristen Cabanban declined to reveal how much it would cost taxpayers to resolve Solache’s lawsuit until the agreement is presented to the Chicago City Council. That indicates the agreement is for more than $100,000. Settlements of less than that amount can be authorized by Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson Lowry, according to city rules.

* Crain’s | Arlington Heights stadium consultant tapped to help Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago announced it has hired Chicago-based Hunden Partners to conduct a strategic review of the nonprofit tourism group. Hunden is tasked with creating a “data-driven, community-informed strategic plan to guide Choose Chicago’s priorities, investments and leadership over the next three to five years,” Choose said in a statement.

* Tribune | Northwest side Chicago school board member Jennifer Custer seeks top seat: Jennifer Custer, who represents parts of the Northwest Side, was elected with the support of the Chicago Teachers Union in 2024. But she has frequently broken with the union in key votes, a divide that has become more pronounced in recent months as elections approach. Custer announced in March that she is running for school board president. “Throughout this year-and-a-half process, there’s been so many times that I reflected on, ‘What if we did that differently?’” said Custer, who represents District 1B. “I think that I can set this board up for success in the future.”

* ABC Chicago | More than 100 Brookfield Zoo Chicago workers go on strike: Workers walked off the job after contract talks broke down, accusing zoo management of unfair labor practices and disputes over healthcare coverage. Brookfield Zoo shared a statement saying, “The Zoo was notified this morning that a portion of the union-represented employees have begun to strike. At this time, our animal care specialists are continuing to provide uninterrupted care for the animals at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, which will remain our highest priority. The Zoo remains open with normal daily operations, and leadership is committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal wellness, guest experience, and employee support that define the institution.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Daily Herald | An airborne assist: Drones becoming new first responders in suburban policing: Thomas is researching Hoffman Estates’ potential purchase of a first-responder drone next year and chairing a committee of the 13-member Arlington Heights-based Northwest Central Dispatch that’s considering multijurisdictional use of the technology. They will gather in June to watch the three top vendors demonstrate their services. “I think a lot of our departments see it as something that can increase safety,” Northwest Central Dispatch Executive Director John Ferraro said. “Sure, everybody’s talking about it in the region.”

* Tribune | Southwest suburban school district faces controversy over multiyear attempt to add Arabic language curriculum: But the argument has not gone smoothly. Despite a sizable population of Arab American students and groundswell of support from many parents, Orland Park-based High School District 230 is facing controversy over a proposal to create an Arabic language program. Many proponents expressed frustration with the school board and administration as multiyear efforts to bring Arabic language instruction to District 230 appeared to stall, culminating with the recent resignation of the only Arab American member of the school board.

* Aurora Beacon-News | Kane County’s Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve, home to new bison herd, opens to the public: As of Friday, the public can officially visit the small herd of bison that recently made their home in Kane County. The Kane County Forest Preserve District reopened the Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve’s gates May 1 following some renovations meant to better accommodate additional visitors to the site. Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve lies on the border of Kane and DeKalb counties, 60 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. A portion of the preserve has never been broken by a plow, according to the Forest Preserve District.

*** Downstate ***

* WCBU | Tazewell County takes first step to prevent data centers: Tazewell County has taken a first, temporary step toward preventing data centers from being built on county land. The county board on Wednesday approved a zoning code amendment that prohibits “any use of land which is not explicitly allowed under the code or as adopted by supplemental ordinance.” The word “prohibits” replaces the phrase, “shall be … allowed under [the] category … to which it is most analogous.”

* WGLT | McLean County Clerk says it’s ‘game on’ after police question staff about overtime pay: “Just as you do in trying to guesstimate each year your yearly family budget, or your small or large office budget, you’re never gonna be spot on, are you?” Michael said. “But you give your best estimate, and sometimes we’re wrong.” The clerk’s office has overspent the last four consecutive years, most recently, in fiscal year 2025, tallying a net loss of over $400,000.

* WGLT | After governor’s remarks, ISU tells mediator it’s willing to return to bargaining table with striking AFSCME: ”The university is making this effort in good faith after the governor’s request that both parties return to the bargaining table,” ISU spokesperson Chris Coplan said in a statement. At an unrelated news conference on Tuesday, Pritzker called on the two sides to work on coming to an agreement.

* WGEM | ‘If I could save one life, this whole day is worth it’: 4-H hosts second annual Ride Right Rally: Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike and Schuyler Counties were represented at the event, where students learned how to safely operate off-road vehicles and equipment, including ATVs, mowers, bicycles, power take off (PTO) equipment, small tractors and more. Instructors discussed the importance of wearing proper protection, using seatbelts and safety harnesses, and using sound judgment — whether students are helping on the farm or taking an ATV for a joyride.

* WMBD | Maifest returns to Peoria, celebrating German culture and the arrival of spring: A long-standing spring tradition returned to Peoria on Sunday as the German American Central Society hosted its annual Maifest at the Lindenhof. The event celebrates the arrival of warmer weather, rooted in German tradition as a time for communities to come together after the winter months. Throughout the afternoon, guests enjoyed live music, authentic food, and cultural activities.

*** National ***

* The New Republic | Trump Makes It Harder to See if Drugs Are Laced With Fentanyl: CBS News, citing a letter from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, reports that government funds can’t be used to purchase the strips anymore, increasing the risk of drug overdoses. The strips also test for other dangerous substances such as xylazine and medetomidine, which are normally used to sedate animals and have been linked to overdose deaths in people. Public health organizations are shocked at the move, because test strips only cost about $1 each and can be used to check illicit drugs in powder or pill form. The director of federal policy at the Drug Policy Alliance, Maritza Perez Medina, called them a “critical, life-saving tool.”

* KFF News | Medigap premiums leap, leaving consumers with few alternatives: Jaggi, who with his daughter co-owns Jaggi Petry Insurance & Investments in Forsyth, a city in central Illinois, says he eventually found other options for many of those 80-plus clients with the large increase, which came from an insurer that had previously been the lowest-cost option. But it wasn’t easy — and continuing increases are expected. “These are unbelievable increases,” says Jaggi, who is seeing premium hikes exceeding 15% this year across a range of insurers.

* NRP | How well can EVs handle the heat — and the cold? AAA put them to the test: AAA has been testing exactly how big an effect temperatures have on modern EV batteries. In its latest research, shared exclusively with NPR, it found that hot temperatures reduced range by an average of 8.5%. Cold weather cut vehicles’ range by a whopping 39%.

2 Comments

Good morning!

Monday, May 4, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Nina Simone…