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*** UPDATED x1 *** Sen. Bennett has died

Friday, Dec 9, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller

* This is just so sad. He was only 45 years old…

Champaign County Coroner confirms Senator Scott Bennett died of natural causes at 1:15pm today at Carle hospital.

— Kevin Lighty - WCIA 3 Chief Meteorologist (@KevinLighty) December 9, 2022

Updates will likely be posted here.

…Adding… Rep. Gordon-Booth…

State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, released the following statement on behalf of the members of the House Public Safety Working Group:

“The loss of Senator Scott Bennett is an unexpected tragedy. Senator Bennett’s collegiality and dedication was instrumental to the work of refining and enhancing the SAFE-T Act, and his dedication to his community was paramount. His passing is a sad moment for our state as a whole, and his community, his friends, and his family in particular. We are united in grief with all who loved Senator Bennett, and wish peace and comfort for his family.”

* SEIU Local 73…

SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer issued the following statement on the death of Illinois State Senator Scott Bennett.

“Scott Bennett was an ally to the labor movement in Illinois. He stood up for working families by supporting the Workers’ Rights Amendment and supported our members in their fight for a fair contract at the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign.”

“On behalf of the members of SEIU Local 73, I send our condolences to Scott’s family.”

* Treasurer Frerichs…

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs On the Passing of Illinois Senator Scott Bennett

“I can’t believe Scott is gone. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and to me, one of my closest friends.

“He fought for people as an assistant state’s attorney and continued to fight for people as an Illinois State Senator. He was not afraid of the difficult issues and there was no challenge too big for him to tackle.

“Scott had a big laugh and an even bigger heart. He made friends easily, understood the value of hard work, and was quick with words of encouragement at just the right time. Certainly, he learned these truths from his family, which date back five generations in East Central Illinois. Today, they remain deeply committed to helping neighbors, especially their fellow farmers, because it simply is the right thing to do.

“Where he really shined, however, was with his wife, Stacy, and their twins. My heart breaks for their loss and the unimaginable grief and emptiness they must feel. I pray the memories they have of better times will strengthen and sustain them in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. I pray they will strengthen and sustain me too.”

“Farewell, Scott. You always will be my friend.”

Bennett was appointed to the Senate seat held by Frerichs after he was sworn-in as Illinois State Treasurer in 2015.

* Gov. Pritzker…

Following the passing of state Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Today, the state of Illinois mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and devoted father. Senator Scott Bennett was a good man who always operated with the best interest of his constituents in mind. Throughout his time in Springfield, he fiercely advocated for the institutions that shaped his life, from his upbringing on a Gibson City farm, all the way to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The entire state is a better place thanks to his service. MK and I send our thoughts to his loving wife Stacy and their two beautiful children during this difficult period.”

* News-Gazette…

Both Champaign and Urbana mayors said they relied heavily on Sen. Bennett, and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family.

“I can’t imagine their loss and grief,” Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen said.

When there was legislation that was going to impact the local area, Feinen said, “he was my first phone call. He was always in contact,” Feinen said. “I will miss that, but what I will really miss is his kind nature, his care for our community and his hilarious sense of humor. He made me laugh every time I talked to him. He was just the best.”

“We have lost a wonderful man way too soon,” Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin said. “I deeply respected Sen. Scott Bennett and, more importantly, just plain liked Scott Bennett very much.”

* Comptroller Mendoza…

What terrible, shocking news to hear of State Sen. Scott Bennett’s passing today. This is a heartbreaking and tragic loss for his wife and children. It is also an immeasurable loss for the state Senate, his constituents and the entire state of Illinois. He was a beloved colleague to all he served with. I had the honor and pleasure of working with Sen. Bennett – including recent discussions to increase awareness of autism in the workplace. He will be remembered for his warmth and wit. Not only was he one of the kindest legislators, but one of the most effective. May his family find peace as they grieve this tremendous loss. We will all miss him, and though his life was all too short, he leaves a lasting legacy. May he rest in God’s peace and eternal glory. To his family, thank you for sharing him with us. Scott will forever remain in my heart as well.

*** UPDATE *** From the family…

State Senator Scott M. Bennett (D-Champaign) passed earlier today surrounded by his wife, family and loved ones at Carle Hospital in Urbana from complications of a large brain tumor.

His wife Stacy released the following statement:

“We are devastated to share that our beloved Scott has passed away. We remain in complete shock because it was all so sudden and unexpected.

“Scott will forever be known for being an extraordinary father, husband, and friend. His quick humor and wit could light up any room he entered. We will miss his stories, the way he could always make people laugh, and his genuine kindness.

“Scott lived a life full of service and constantly looked for ways to lend his time and energy to helping our community and state. He worked tirelessly to find solutions to society’s most pressing issues by finding common ground and compromise. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement.

“We appreciate the amazing care he received at Carle Foundation Hospital and thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff who provided Scott with excellent care and support for his family. We are also grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Scott’s impact on our community is very evident.

“At this time, we ask that our privacy is respected as we navigate this difficult time.”

…Adding… The family is asking that people not send flowers. Information about memorial donations will be made available in the near future.

…Adding… If you live in the area, there is a Meal Train signup.

* Senate President Harmon…

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) statement on Senator Bennett’s death

“I was devastated today to learn of the death of Senator Scott Bennett.

“My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his wife Stacy and their children during this unimaginably difficult time.

“I ask the media and others to respect their privacy.”

* Leader McConchie…

Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie released the below statement following the news of the passing of Senator Scott Bennett:

“The shocking news of the passing of Senator Bennett is absolutely devastating. My heart breaks for his wife and children, who lost him way too soon. Senator Bennett was one of the most genuine individuals and embodied what it means to be a true public servant. Today, the Illinois Senate lost a Senator who was truly serving to make a difference for the state of Illinois. I mourn with my Senate colleagues and the Senate Democratic Caucus. My prayers go out to his loved ones as they grapple with this unexpected and sudden loss.”

* Sen. Rose…

State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) released the below statement following the news of the passing of Senator Scott Bennett:

“The entire Rose family is deeply saddened to hear of the news of the passing of Senator Scott Bennett. Scotty was a great guy, who worked tirelessly for the folks of Champaign and Vermilion Counties. I always enjoyed the fact that when it came to local issues, we would work together without partisanship.

“I always looked forward to seeing him around town whether at the YMCA or the Buffalo Wild Wings, where we could occasionally run into each other with our kids. The world needs more Scott Bennetts, not less. Our prayers go out to his entire family.”

* Sen. Curran…

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), a member of the Illinois Senate since 2015, passed away on Friday. Upon learning of the Senator’s passing, Senate Republican Leader-Elect John Curran (R-Downers Grove) issued the following statement:

“This is a devastating loss. Senator Bennett was a true statesman who was a master at the use of humor to disarm one in a debate. He displayed great passion and wisdom in crafting public policy and it was a privilege to work with him in the General Assembly. While it was evident that he enjoyed his work in the Legislature, nothing was more important to him than his family. The Senator’s wife, children, and extended family are in my prayers during this most difficult time.”

* Chair Hernandez…

Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement regarding the death of Senator Scott Bennett:

“The Democratic Party of Illinois mourns the passing of Senator Scott Bennett. He was a colleague, public servant and dedicated family man committed to improving the lives of his constituents. We uplift his wife Stacy and their children in our prayers during this time of ineffable loss.”

* Sen. Peters…

Following the death of his esteemed friend and colleague, State Senator Scott Bennett, State Senator Robert Peters released the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened to learn about Senator Bennett’s passing. It was just last week we were sitting next to each other and working on legislation together.

“More than a hard worker and state senator, he truly had a divine sense of humor. He was always making us laugh, and he was a pleasure to work with. He knew how to diffuse a tense negotiation with a perfectly timed joke or comment.

“My condolences are with wife his wife and children, and I know he will not be forgotten.”

* Speaker Welch…

Speaker Welch’s Statement on the Passing of Senator Scott Bennett

“I want to extend my deepest condolences to Senator Scott Bennett’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Senator Bennett was a fierce advocate for his community and never wavered in his pursuit to make his district, and all of Illinois, a better place to call home. We are all better for knowing Senator Bennett, and I pray his loved ones find comfort in their most cherished memories during this time of mourning.”

* Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton…

Today, Illinois lost a dedicated public servant, an incredible leader, and a loving family man. I lost a fellow Illini and a friend. It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of State Senator Scott Bennett.

Scott was a brilliant and loyal fighter who not only worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents but also to uplift people throughout the state. Scott understood that being a leader requires the courage to speak up and the heart to listen.

He collaborated with members from both sides of the aisle and always put what was best for Illinois first.

Scott and I are both proud graduates of the University of Illinois. We would often greet each other with alumni pride. Scott brought energy and joy whenever he entered a room. I know that the halls of Springfield will have less joy because he is now gone.

My husband Bryan and I extend our condolences to his wife, Stacy, and their children. We are praying for the family and all who love him including his colleagues in the General Assembly. May we all find comfort during this difficult time.

* Sen. Loughran Cappel…

Following the death of her friend and colleague, Scott Bennett, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel released the following statement.

“The passing of Senator Scott Bennett is a devastating loss to the Senate and to the State of Illinois. He was an incredible legislator, and I have a deep respect for his leadership both on and off the Senate floor.

“Scott was a good, upstanding man whom I looked up to. He brought humor into everything he did. I’m going to miss him as a colleague, but most of all, I’m going to miss him as a friend.

“My heart is with his family and all who knew him.”

* Sen. Sims…

Following the death of his friend and colleague, Scott Bennett, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. released the following statement:

“To say that I am devastated by the loss of my friend and colleague Scott Bennett is an understatement.

“Senator Bennett always led with much grace and dignity, and I will forever be grateful for his stewardship, partnership and friendship.

“Scott worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, evidenced most recently by his work on the subsequent trailer bills of the SAFE-T Act where he willingly sacrificed time with his family over the holiday weekend to improve the lives of people he would never meet. His service is indicative of his commitment to his District and the people of Illinois.

“I will forever remember his smile, words of encouragement, quick wit and unmatched sense of humor.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Stacy, two children, and all who knew him. Scott loved the people he represented, but he loved his family more — they truly were his pride and joy. His legacy will forever live on.”

* AG Raoul…

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Senator Scott Bennett.

“I am shocked and saddened to hear we have lost a devoted husband, father, friend, and public servant today. I had the honor to serve beside Senator Scott Bennett and I called him a friend. We worked closely together on numerous pieces of legislation to protect the people of Illinois. Senator Bennett was a passionate advocate for his constituents and was able to fight for them while maintaining genuine and unwavering civility. At a time of increased rancor and partisan divide, Scott treated those around him with dignity and garnered respect from both sides of the aisle. This is a tragic loss to the state of Illinois. My heart breaks for Scott’s wife and young children, and I wish them peace and comfort as they mourn their husband and father.”

* Sen. Hunter…

State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement after the passing of her respected colleague State Senator Scott Bennett, who she worked closely with on the Executive Appointments Committee:

“The unexpected news of Senator Bennett’s passing is incredibly saddening. He was a wonderful colleague who loved his job. He was a natural at it all, and he always had ideas on how to make a bill stronger. In just seven years, he made a great name for himself in the Senate.

“As the chair of the Higher Education Committee, and member of many other committees, he was a very passionate and active professional whose work will live on. He was dedicated to the betterment of his constituency, impacting his community and Illinois at large.

“More than that, he was funny, charismatic and genuine. He adored his wife Stacey and children, and my prayers are with them at this time.”

* Flags lowered…

I’ve ordered flags lowered to honor Senator Bennett and his service to the people of Illinois.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) December 10, 2022

* Rep. Ammons via WICS…

State Representative Carol Ammons (D- 103rd District) said she was with Bennett’s family shortly after he was admitted to the hospital on Thursday.

“We sat until the evening, so that we could see that he was stabilizing,” Rep. Ammons said. “We really wanted to know if he was stable and if the doctors could figure out what was wrong.”

She planned to return Friday to check on him, but then she got the news.

“I was shocked,” Ammons said with tears in her eyes.

* More quotes in this WCIA story, including several from social media posts…

"Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz has asked if any constituents have campaign yard signs of Bennett to put them back out in his memory" https://t.co/ExAkyetVf9

— Capitol Fax (@capitolfax) December 10, 2022

* News-Gazette…

“Scott embodied professionalism and bipartisanship in his role of senator, and I will be forever grateful for all the accomplishments we were able to bring to the great people of Champaign and Vermilion counties,” said state Rep. Mike Marron, R-Fithian.

21 Comments

Live coverage

Friday, Dec 9, 2022 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive…

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Respiratory viruses leading to highest hospital bed usage since January, but ICUs not yet flooded

Thursday, Dec 8, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller

* CNN…

Hospitals are more full than they’ve been throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a CNN analysis of data from the US Department of Health and Human Services. But as respiratory virus season surges across the US, it’s much more than Covid that’s filling beds this year.

More than 80% of hospital beds are in use nationwide, jumping 8 percentage points in the past two weeks.

Hospitals have been required to report capacity information since mid-2020 as part of a federal effort to track the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hospitals have been more than 70% full for the vast majority of that time. But they’ve been 80% full at only one other point: in January, during the height of the Omicron surge in the US.

The broader respiratory virus season is in full swing across the US. All but six states are experiencing “high” or “very high” respiratory virus as seasonal flu activity remains “high and continues to increase,” according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

* Illinois hospitals are now at 82 percent capacity, according to IDPH. Only 5.7 percent of those beds are being taken up by COVID patients.

The last time utilization was this high was back on January 4th, when 5,344 beds were available during the Omicron surge. There are just 5,435 hospital beds available in Illinois today.

On that same day in January, just 260 intensive care beds were available. Today, that number is 403.

…Adding… By the way, the governor’s executive orders that the IPI and pointy wires constantly complain about allow IDFPR to approve out of state and inactive healthcare professionals to work in Illinois at a time when hospitals are still bleeding workers.

4 Comments

Sen. Bennett hospitalized

Thursday, Dec 8, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller

* News-Gazette…

State Sen. Scott Bennett, D-Champaign was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital early Thursday morning.

A spokeswoman for the Illinois Senate Democrats relayed information from Bennett’s wife, Stacy, confirming that he is receiving medical attention for an undisclosed problem, but his condition was not available.

First responders were called to the couple’s Champaign home just before 3 a.m.

Hoping for nothing but the best for both Senator and Mrs. Bennett.

You’ll know more when I do.

…Adding… Gov. Pritzker…

In response to the hospitalization of state Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Scott Bennett is genuine, kind and dedicated to serving his constituents. MK and I are keeping Scott, Stacy and his entire family and community in our prayers.”

11 Comments

Afternoon news roundup

Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller

…Adding… Get well soon!…

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after being diagnosed with COVID-19 today:

“At the guidance of the Attending Physician, I will be working in isolation through the end of this week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 today to keep my family, colleagues and staff as safe as possible. My symptoms remain mild and I am thankful that I’m fully vaccinated and double boosted, as I—and families of the more than one million Americans we’ve lost to this pandemic—know it could be much worse. I cannot encourage my fellow Americans more strongly to get vaccinated and continue getting your boosters as advised by medical professionals across the country and around the globe.”

* Crain’s…

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says cannabis delivery, which is currently illegal in Illinois but offered in other states, is an idea worth considering. […]

Delivery services are legal in states such as Michigan, Florida, California, Maryland, Nevada and others. Uber Eats recently began delivery in Toronto.

Full Pritzker quote when asked about the topic today during the governor’s visit to Ivy Hall Dispensary…

I think we’ve got to look into, you know, there are other locations across the country where this has become, you know, legally allowed and it’s something that I think we should just examine, what the impact has been there. But I don’t want, first blush and without the data in front of me, I think that as long as it is regulated, as long as we make sure that the person who’s ordering it, gets it and that they’re legally allowed to, then it would seem to me like the same as somebody coming into a store.

Ever wonder if he partakes?

* Our very own (but unrelated) US Rep. Mary Miller was one of the “No” votes…

17 Republicans vote against a bill that would “reauthorize a program for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns, infants, and young children, and for other purposes." pic.twitter.com/yS7QPON3Ac

— Acyn (@Acyn) December 6, 2022

* Putting things into perspective…

Aaron Judge just singed a $360M contract to return to the New York Yankees. That's only 7% less than NY markets saw in political ad spending this cycle.

In total, MLB free agents have signed on for $1.9B so far, equal to the ad expenditure of 2022's top 8 races. pic.twitter.com/hiQS4opRdO

— AdImpact Politics (@AdImpact_Pol) December 7, 2022

* WBBM Radio…

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) management has been accused by a candidate for president of one of the CTA workers’ unions of unfairly and illegally attempting to thwart his campaign.

Erek Slater said management has repeatedly ordered him to leave CTA property when he’s attempted to meet with workers to campaign or discuss issues. […]

Slater said CTA management opposed his campaign because of his promises to confront the transit agency on issues including service delays and worker safety.

The CTA declined to comment on Slater’s claims.

* Press release…

Today, Illinois Mentor workers represented by SEIU Healthcare Illinois delivered petitions to five company locations. The petition addresses grievances including poverty wages, scheduling difficulties, understaffing, insufficient benefits, and a lack of dignity and respect.

SEIU Healthcare Illinois is currently at the bargaining table with Illinois Mentor, working to secure the first contract for workers.

Illinois Mentor, which recently acquired Sevita, has programs throughout the state, including host homes, supported living and in-home support. Despite worker shortages and skyrocketing inflation, Illinois Mentor management is refusing to put forward the full rate increase they received from the State that could go directly to their staff that directly support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Instead, the company only passed on a partial amount of the money, even though its parent companies paid out a total of $475 million shareholder dividends the last three years.

Illinois Mentor locations where petitions were delivered include Carbondale, Swansea, Springfield, Tinley Park and Rockford.

“It’s not right that Illinois Mentor workers, even those who get full-time schedules, are living in poverty. Our families are suffering while the company rakes in millions in profits,” says Savannah McCoy, an Illinois Mentor worker from Springfield and an SEIU Healthcare member. “Illinois Mentor receives money from the state to boost our wages but doesn’t give us the full amount we’re entitled to. It’s time for the company to invest in those of us who serve on the frontlines.”

“Our Illinois Mentor workplaces have such high turnover due to the low wages, unaffordable health benefits and restrictive schedules, resulting in hardship for both workers and our clients,” says Rayniesha Gines, a worker with Illinois Mentor from Swansea and an SEIU Healthcare member. “Illinois Mentor is losing experienced Direct Support Professionals, which makes our jobs more difficult and creates unnecessary disruption for the individuals we support.”

“Benefits at Illinois Mentor are almost non-existent. Our health insurance premiums are so expensive that only 15% of workers sign up,” says Octavia Wheeler, a worker with Illinois Mentor from Alton and an SEIU Healthcare member. We’re working hard at the bargaining table, demanding that Illinois Mentor respect us, protect us, staff us and pay us, but today we took our message beyond the bargaining table and we’re ready to continue this fight until our voices are heard.”

* Durbin press release…

U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced a new requirement today to have extensive protective netting in place at all Professional Development League (PDL) ballparks. The fan safety initiative was adopted at the 2022 Winter Meetings after being unanimously approved by the MLB PDL Executive Board.

In June 2019, after repeated incidents of MLB fans being hit by foul balls, Durbin and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to MLB Commissioner Manfred urging him to have all 30 MLB teams extend protective netting to the right and left field corners at all ballparks. In December 2019, MLB announced that all 30 teams would extend protective netting during the next season. Durbin has continuously met with baseball safety advocates to discuss fan safety at MLB and Minor League Baseball games. […]

The requirements—which resulted from a comprehensive review of all 120 PDL ballparks that began several months ago—include the following:

• PDL Clubs are required to install netting from foul pole to foul pole unless the configuration of the ballpark makes such coverage unnecessary.
• The height requirement for the netting from behind home plate to the end of each dugout will be standardized across the PDL system.
• PDL Clubs are to work with their respective facilities to complete installation as soon as practicable but in no event later than 2025 Opening Day.
• Teams will be subject to discipline for non-compliance, including significant fines.

* Isabel’s roundup…

Sun-Times | Single-family lending drives neighborhood disparities, new report finds:

* Crain’s | Who has final say over election rules? Illinois files a brief with Supreme Court.: The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments today in a major election-law case involving the “independent legislature theory,” which, if embraced by the justices, would keep state courts from oversight of federal election practices such as congressional remaps or laws on ballot access.

* NBC Chicago | Illinois Lawmakers Seek to Ban Assault Weapons with HB 5855. Here’s What It Does: Currently, seven states have laws on the books that ban assault weapons in at least some capacity, including California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Rep. Bob Morgan, who was an eyewitness to the tragic shooting at the Fourth of July parade in suburban Highland Park earlier this year, is the chief sponsor of the bill.

* WGN | Gov. Pritzker celebrates state’s first ‘social equity licensee’ dispensary in Illinois: Located at 1720 N Damen Ave., the business is named Ivy Hall and bills itself as a “sensory dispensary” on its website. Two more locations are in the works for Crystal Lake and Montgomery. During the event the governor noted all 192 of the state’s social equity licenses have been conditionally approved and he expects many of the related businesses to open in the coming months.

* Tribune | Chicago Ald. Leslie Hairston says she turned down Mayor Lightfoot’s request to serve as ethics chair: ‘I am not a product of the machine’: “I am not a product of the machine. I am the product of an independent, proud community that works, that has values, and that’s who I represent,” Hairston said at the monthly “First Tuesdays” political discussion forum. But, she added, “I was offered, recently, a committee, which I turned down.”

* NBC Chicago | Juul Settles Thousands of Lawsuits for Undisclosed Amount Amid Teen Vaping Concerns: Juul Labs has reached settlements covering more than 5,000 cases brought by about 10,000 plaintiffs over the e-cigarette company’s marketing practices that have been blamed for the teenage vaping crisis. Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Juul said that it has secured an equity investment to fund it. The settlement resolves cases related to personal injury, consumer class action, government entity and Native American tribes’ claims.

* Crain’s | Absurd political hijinks abound in another Chicago election season: Electoral hijinks are nothing new in Chicago politics, and just as the ballot for next year’s election is coming together, a trio of feuds has emerged to remind us that time is a flat circle. In the mayor’s race, a simmering feud between candidate Ja’Mal Green and Willie Wilson adviser Ricky Hendon was reignited. In late 2018, Green and Hendon had a war of words after Hendon challenged Green’s petition for the 2019 election. Green eventually dropped out of the race, blaming the fight, while Wilson finished fourth.

* NPR | Annual art contest will help interpret Illinois students’ perception of home: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education come together each year to sponsor this themed student art contest. Christina Shutt is the executive director of the museum. She said the theme “Home is” pairs with the museum’s new exhibit “Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois.”

* Block Club Chicago | Irish Nobleman Owner Wonders If Santa’s Eviction From Bar’s Holiday Display Was La Spata’s Political Payback: Ald. Daniel La Spata said he sent inspectors to review the bar’s outdoor decorations because they were blocking the sidewalk. But the owner thinks it’s because the bar hosted fundraisers for two of his election rivals.

* Block Club Chicago | Bally’s Casino Plan Cuts Unpopular Outdoor Music Venue, Adds Riverfront Park Instead : In addition to more green space, updated plans now include more parking and a dog park. A traffic study on the area is set to be released soon.

* Tribune | Owner of ‘The Mix’ didn’t defame former assistant who accused host Eric Ferguson of misconduct, judge rules:A former assistant producer for Ferguson, Cynthia DeNicolo, had alleged the company defamed her last year by stating it found no evidence to corroborate her allegations that Ferguson engaged in illegal workplace conduct at WTMX-FM 101.9.

* WBBM | $2.6M goes to Lake County workers allegedly fired for supporting boss’ political opponent: A jury awarded more than $2.6 million to three former Lake County employees who claimed they were fired by Circuit Court Clerk Erin Cartwright Weinstein because they supported her opponent in the 2016 election.

* Sun-Times | From casino plans to building preservation, 2022 was a busy year in Chicago architecture: The year 2022 was a busy one on the Chicago architecture beat. The city grappled with trying to figure out the fate of a likely Bears-less Soldier Field, while the CTA took steps to secure funding for the planned $3.6 billion Red Line extension. And a lot of things happened in between. Here are some of the highlights:

* Crain’s | Jamie Dimon on crypto: ‘Why do we allow this stuff to take place?’: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon likened crypto tokens to “pet rocks,” continuing his long history of skepticism about the digital assets.

* CBS | What to know about Moore v. Harper, the high-stakes elections case before the Supreme Court: “Incredibly disruptive.” Wreaking “havoc.” “Potentially damaging for American democracy.” Those are just some of the characterizations of a legal theory that is at the center of a case set to be argued before the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

* Medilite | Whoops! These Pollsters Told Fox News Viewers Republicans Would Win Every Tossup Senate Race: Democrats already secured control of the Senate in November’s midterm elections after they defended every seat they already held and also picked up a seat in Pennsylvania. The Georgia campaign was the only outstanding race left, as neither candidate notched a majority of votes last month, which necessitated Tuesday’s runoff per Georgia state law.

* Tribune | Editorial: Republicans, make Illinois safer. Support the proposed state assault weapons ban.: When a bullet from an assault rifle strikes someone’s body, the destruction usually is far worse than the damage a bullet from a handgun does. An AR-15 bullet wields so much speed and energy — three times more than a round from a handgun — that it damages tissue several inches on either side of the path it cuts. The bullet’s exit wound is gaping, at times the size of an orange.

* Washington Post | Items with classified markings found at Trump storage unit in Florida: The former president’s lawyers have told federal authorities no classified material was found in additional searches of Trump Tower in New York and his golf club in Bedminster, N.J.

* ABC | Trump hosts event featuring QAnon, ‘Pizzagate’ conspiracy theorist at Mar-a-Lago: A prominent adherent of the QAnon and “Pizzagate” conspiracy theories posed for photos with former President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort Tuesday night after speaking at an event hosted at the club, according to photos and videos posted to social media.

* Herald and Review | Two Decatur mayoral candidates face petition challenges: Mayoral candidates Abeer Motan and Mary Williams had their petitions challenged by Phil Romano, chief operating officer of the construction company. Another challenge to Motan’s petitions was filed by Decatur resident Jacob Hamm. The objections will be heard before a three-member panel on Monday, Dec. 12.

* Daily Journal | End of vehicle sticker? Kankakee targets January vote: The Kankakee administration is expressing optimism the $35 vehicle sticker tax will be eliminated, which means there will be no need to acquire the windshield decal this summer. Alderman Mike O’Brien, D-2, who is chairman of the city’s council Budget Committee, said the matter will be up for discussion at Monday’s Budget Committee meeting.

* NBC Chicago | Cubs’ Pat Hughes Elected to Hall of Fame, Earns Ford C. Frick Award: Longtime Cubs radio play-by-play man Pat Hughes is headed to Cooperstown.Hughes was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday as the 2023 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award — which honors excellence in baseball broadcasting.

* Crain’s | Nutella ice cream? This deal might make it so.: Italian confectionary giant Ferrero Group is buying Blue Bunny ice cream maker Wells Enterprises, marking a merger of sweets companies that could add some flavor to the ice cream aisle. Ferrero Group is a major player in the global chocolate market, making such brands as Nutella, Kinder and Ferrero Rocher. Does this deal mean consumers should expect Nutella ice cream?

* Patch | How To See Moon Cover Mars In ‘Lunar Occultation’ In Illinois: A “lunar occultation” — a rare astronomical event in which the moon passes in front of a planet and obliterates it from view — will occur for about an hour on Wednesday evening. You’ll be able to see it with the naked eye, weather permitting in Illinois.

* CBS Sports | College basketball rankings: Illinois surges in Top 25 And 1 after thrilling overtime victory over Texas: Illinois trailed by double-digits with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation Tuesday night, wasn’t getting a good performance from Terrence Shannon Jr., and seemed on the verge of becoming the latest team to fall to Chris Beard’s Texas Longhorns. Then a switch flipped.

31 Comments

Your feel-good news for Wednesday

Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller

* SIU’s women’s basketball team is playing Tennessee State today at the Banterra Center. This morning’s game is being played in front of thousands of elementary school students…

Good morning from Banterra Center, where the SIU women will tip off with Tennessee State at 11 a.m. in front of about 3,000 or so elementary school kids who get the day off from classes to see a Division I game.
Salukis (2-5) coming off a 115-57 rout of Chicago State Thurs. nite.

— James (Bucky) Dent (@writingump) December 7, 2022

Student arrival is in full swing as we tip at 11 am against Tennessee State. pic.twitter.com/ozJTRxMLNg

— Saluki Women's Hoops (@SIU_WBasketball) December 7, 2022

We’re excited to welcome our local elementary schools to Banterra tomorrow as we take on Tennessee State at 11 am.

Get your 🎟️ now: https://t.co/wFLZPMwz9X pic.twitter.com/w6bu3wduNC

— Saluki Women's Hoops (@SIU_WBasketball) December 6, 2022

What a cool thing to do. Plus, it may be the first time that many of these kids have been on the campus. Not a bad recruiting idea. Also, a pal texted me this earlier…

I love the idea of universities being active parts of the regional community.