Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

The Illinois Gaming Board reported nearly $92 million in adjusted gross sports betting revenue for April on Thursday, while handle topped $1 billion for the eighth consecutive month.

Operator winnings were up 2.7% from April 2023, which lagged behind the 22.8% surge in handle to $1.1 billion. Last year’s hold was just shy of 10% compared to this year’s 8.3% win rate. Handle dipped 12.7% compared to March’s $1.26 billion, while revenue was 7.5% lower.

Illinois became the fourth state along with New Jersey, New York, and Nevada to surpass $35 billion in handle in the post-PASPA era. April marked the 13th time the Prairie State reached $1 billion in monthly wagers, trailing only New York (26) and New Jersey (19).

* Injustice Watch…

Eighteen people died while incarcerated at the jail in 2023, the most deaths at the jail since 2013, when the daily population was twice as high. It marked the jail’s highest mortality rate since at least 1995, according to an Injustice Watch analysis of public records and historical jail death figures compiled by University of Illinois researchers.

A review of thousands of pages of internal jail records, police investigations, and autopsy reports found inadequate supervision and medical care preceded at least half of those deaths, almost all of which have gone unpunished.

There was the 26-year-old with an undiagnosed brain tumor whose repeated complaints about severe headaches were ignored; the 28-year-old whom officers failed to check on for more than an hour only to end up brutally murdered by his cellmate; and the 33-year-old found hanging in his cell while the understaffed jail’s medical wing personnel failed to check on detainees every half-hour as required.

Sheriff Tom Dart — who’s overseen the jail for close to two decades — failed to properly inform state regulators and the deceased’s family members of the troubling circumstances behind the deaths in his custody, despite Illinois law requiring his office to provide them with those answers.

*** Statehouse News ***

* Pantagraph | Two Illinois journalism bills made it to Pritzker’s desk, with one already signed into law: One measure that made it into the state’s budget package involves tax credits to local news organizations that are not publicly traded and have no more than 5% ownership by a publicly traded company. House Bill 4951, the revenue bill in that package, passed through both chambers around Memorial Day and was signed into law by Pritzker on June 7.

*** Statewide ***

* WMBD | Illinois Secretary of State’s Office Mobile DMV offering service on the go: According to Giannoulias, the first electric-powered mobile DMV will launch later this month in Chicago, with three more coming later this summer that will hold events around the state. “Since taking office, it’s been our mission to make it easier and more convenient for Illinois residents to access government services without having to wait or travel to a DMV facility,” Giannoulias said. “Our DMV on Wheels program will build on the success of our digital programs, saving time by offering efficient ways to do things like renew your driver’s license or get a vehicle sticker without leaving their communities.”

* WTTW | Cicada-Induced Vitamin Deficiency Linked to Mystery Disease in Illinois Birds: The current theory is that baby birds are harder hit by the lack of vitamin A because they have a higher need for it and lower body storage than adults. But there’s no rhyme or reason regarding why the affected species are almost exclusively blue jays, grackles, starlings, cowbirds and sparrows, Reich said. The good news is that with the threat of infectious disease off the table, the sick birds can be treated rather than euthanized. A number of birds have turned around after being given vitamin A and eye medications, Reich said. So far, more than 50 birds have been brought to the center with telltale symptoms.

*** Chicago ***

* Tribune | Rule curtailing lobbyist donations to Chicago mayors stalled amid Johnson pushback: The ordinance to fine or suspend lobbyists who make contributions to a mayoral candidate’s political fund was blocked by two aldermen during a City Council meeting via a parliamentary tactic. The legislation, crafted in an apparent rebuke of how Johnson handled lobbyist donations his political committee received, could come up for a vote at the next council meeting.

* NBC Chicago | Bally’s says it’s on track for Chicago casino despite Johnson comments: A spokesperson for Bally’s said plans for a permanent Chicago casino in the River West neighborhood are still on track despite comments by Mayor Brandon Johnson this week published in the Chicago Sun-Times. In that interview, the editorial board asked the mayor if he believes the permanent casino will ultimately be built. Johnson was noncommittal, saying that was “still to be determined.”

* Block Club | Bronzeville Was Promised A Grocery Store. 6 Years Later, The Land Is Still Empty: A plan to build a Pete’s Fresh Market dates to 2018. Ald. Pat Dowell says it’s still “under consideration,” but the Mayor’s Office, a developer attached to the project and the grocer won’t say if they are still committed to the store.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Sun-Times | Lawyer was handcuffed to chair after Cook County judge ordered him removed from courtroom, sparking state inquiry: A lawyer at a top Chicago law firm was handcuffed to a chair after a judge ordered him removed from her courtroom last month, touching off an inquiry by the state’s judicial oversight agency. Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans signed an order Friday referring misconduct accusations against Judge Kathy Flanagan to the Judicial Inquiry Board, which will decide whether to file charges. Flanagan is the acting presiding judge of the Law Division.

* Daily Herald | ‘This plan is completely unnecessary’: Kane County OKs climate action plan over objections from some board members: But at least nine members disagreed and voted against it on Tuesday. Board member David Young was the most vocal critic, detailing at least 20 statements or goals in the 144-page plan with which he disagreed. […] The vote was 13-10 in favor.

* Daily Southtown | Harvey residents, business owners protest fines, water rates and withholding of business licenses: Business owners said their licenses were not being issued if they did not pay at least $2,500 in fines for delinquent property taxes, pastors were outraged over a Harvey law requiring churches to obtain business licenses and residents protested a water rate hike. Protesters marched from Transformation Community United Methodist Church to the municipal building before the monthly City Council meeting.

* Lake County News-Sun | Zion, school districts at odds over how to divide $330M in compensation funds; ‘We … regret we trusted everybody to do what we agreed to do’: A provision of Illinois’ 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) designed to provide relief to Zion taxpayers now has the intended beneficiaries fighting for what they believe is their fair share of about $330 million in environmental compensation over the next 22 years. State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, who crafted the part of the law affecting Zion, said figuring out how to compensate those who sustained economic losses after the Zion Nuclear Power Station closed in 1998, leaving the fuel rods buried there, was complicated.

* Shaw Local | Prosecutors seek to revoke ex-Joliet housing official’s pretrial release: Prosecutors are requesting a former Joliet housing official return to jail over allegations that he violated the conditions of his pretrial release in two felony drug cases. On Tuesday, prosecutors filed a petition to revoke the pretrial release of Robert Hernandez, 62, of Joliet, who was arrested twice earlier this year on felony drug charges. Hernandez is a former commissioner for the Housing Authority of Joliet.

*** Downstate ***

* Daily Journal | Judge releases Shapiro defendant following detention hearing: A Shapiro Developmental Center employee charged with battering a resident last year was released Monday from jail. Natalie J. Rose, of Gilman, was released following a detention hearing before Circuit Judge William Dickenson. […] Rose must report to pretrial services, wear GPS monitoring devices and have no contact with Shapiro Developmental Center, the victim or a witness.

* WAND | Helping Paws reunites Logan Correctional Center inmates with mobility service dogs they trained: Helping Paws, an Illinois Correctional Industries Program at Logan Correctional reunited women in custody with mobility service dogs they trained. “They put so much time and energy into training the dogs, so it’s really neat to bring them back together,” said Michelle Yuen, Director of Animal Intake and Care for Paws Giving Independence.

*** Sports ***

* Tribune | Chicago Red Stars forced to move Sept. 21 match because of Riot Fest relocation to SeatGeek Stadium: ‘It is unfair and unfortunate’: The Red Stars have played at SeatGeek since 2016. The stadium’s distance from the city center and lack of transit access have been key points of criticism for the franchise as the team continues to slip behind competitors in fan attendance. The Chicago Fire in 2019 paid more than $60 million to leave SeatGeek for Soldier Field. The Red Stars’ SeatGeek lease will expire at the end of 2025. New ownership helmed by Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts has made it clear that relocating the franchise to a stadium inside the city limits is a driving goal for the organization.

* Lake County News-Sun | Chicago Bears training camp to feature 9 public sessions at Halas Hall in Lake Forest: Specific times will be announced later, according to a team spokesman, who cautioned the times and dates of individual sessions can be changed with little notice. In 2023, attendance ranged between 1,300-1,700 people during every public training camp session, according to the team. However, while intense interest is expected this year due to the presence of Williams, the top pick in the 2024 NFL draft, capacity will remain limited to 1,700 people per session.

*** National ***

* WaPo | Hundreds of police have sexually abused kids. How do they avoid prison time?: Child sex crimes are among the most difficult cases to investigate and prosecute. Kids are often frightened and embarrassed. They may have been groomed to feel protective of those accused of exploiting them — or may fear for their safety if they admit what has happened. The hurdles are even higher when the abusers are members of law enforcement wielding the power of their badges and guns. The Post identified dozens of officers who were charged with trying to thwart investigations, destroy evidence or intimidate victims and their families.

* Prospect | Administration Playing From Behind on Domestic Solar Production: Last Friday, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted unanimously to advance investigations of solar imports from Chinese-headquartered companies in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, stating that “there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured” by the shipments. Though the Southeast Asian companies claim to engage in actual manufacturing at these sites, U.S. solar manufacturers allege that Chinese components are merely routed through there to avoid tariffs and restrictions.

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‘Potential for criminal prosecution’ appears to be driving down medical residency applications in anti-abortion states

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Katherine Davis at Crain’s…

States with abortion restrictions and bans saw sharper year-over-year drops in the number of applications from graduating U.S. medical students compared to states where the procedure remains legal, the data shows.

Applications are down across the board because of new restrictions on how many residency programs a student can apply to have reduced the total number of applications across specialties. But the numbers are down further in states where abortion is restricted or banned. […]

OB-GYN applications in Illinois dropped by 8.8%. Meanwhile, states with outright abortion bans, like Missouri and Alabama, saw drops of as much as 25% and 21%, respectively. […]

“The potential for criminalizing what most physicians view as a normal part of health care, I think, is really concerning,” says [Dr. Atul Grover, executive director at the AAMC’s Research & Action Institute], one of the lead authors on the AAMC study. “The potential for criminal prosecution is really scary for people for just doing the best that you can for patients.”

7 Comments

CTA would need to increase ridership by 50+ percent to meet Carter’s 2024 goal

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Sun-Times…

In a statement, [CTA chief Dorval Carter] said he expected all bus and rail service to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.

Gonna be a tough hill to climb in the second half of the year…

But CTA ridership is a fraction of what it was before the pandemic. The CTA recorded an average of 912,749 weekday riders in March, compared with more than 1.4 million in 2019. That’s about 62% of pre-pandemic ridership.

* Meanwhile, the CTA helped pay for a study with a sophomore dorm premise…

Public transportation is so important, researchers found, that taking it away would result in the cancellation of two million daily activities and the annual loss of $35 billion in direct economic activity. Jobs would be lost, businesses would close, the cost of living would increase, and peoples’ health would be negatively impacted.

The South and West sides would be hardest hit. Women and those with lower incomes would be negatively affected too.

And without public transit, more people would buy cars, each of which cost $10,000 a year in maintenance. Along with more traffic, the increased emissions would create an uptick in particulate matter that can contribute to respiratory disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Literally nobody in power is talking about doing away with public transportation.

C’mon.

A far more useful study would be the impact of CTA’s current reduced service levels on the region’s economy.

* Carter told his board last month that the study, and not governance reforms, will be central to the CTA’s push for more state funding…

CTA President Dorval Carter said the agency will use the [MIT and Argonne National Laboratory] report as “a major foundational point for our overall advocacy of the transit system,” an effort to get Springfield lawmakers to address the fiscal cliff facing transit when billions in federal COVID-19 relief funding runs dry.

But Carter didn’t address another huge measure introduced in the General Assembly last week that would see CTA, Metra and Pace merged into a single transit agency replacing the current Regional Transportation Authority. […]

While board chair Lester Barclay and one public commenter briefly mentioned the proposed governance reforms, Carter kept mum on the issue and focused his comments on funding and the MIT/Argonne report.

“We’ll be incorporating this into our broader strategy down in Springfield as we continue the conversation around the fiscal cliff,” he said.

The CTA appears to be using the same strategists as the Bears.

14 Comments

Bears continue to confuse PR messaging with passing legislation

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Sun-Times…

[Bear’s president and CEO Kevin Warren] offered little update on the Bears’ downtown stadium push other than to reaffirm that their preference is to build on the lakefront rather than in Arlington Heights. He wants a stadium to begin construction next year and open in 2028, although that sounds ambitious given the blowback from local and state politicians.

“We live in a complicated world,” he said. “This is an election year. We have people that don’t have meals to eat. We have people sleeping on the street. We have a lot of complex issues we’re dealing with. I’m a realist to understand these projects aren’t just something you do over a weekend.”

* Ben Szalinski…

Warren acknowledged there are more important funding priorities for the state. But he also said benefits from the stadium should be part of those conversations.
“It’s just important that our people here recognize what a stadium project will do for the city," Warren said #twill https://t.co/qkRN0QnpGQ

— Ben Szalinski (@BenSzalinski) June 12, 2024

* NBC Chicago…

“I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in anything. I understand these are big projects,” Warren said when asked if he was disappointed the Bears weren’t included. “They take time, energy and effort to come together. They’re expensive. You have to have foresight, you have to have vision, you have to have wisdom.

“I understand this is part of the process. I strongly believe we need a new stadium. For Chicago to have never hosted a Super Bowl, a Final Four, a College Football Playoff, these mega-events. We’re losing out.”

It’s important to note the Bears did not ask for a bill or legislation to be passed during this session. However, during the Bears stadium proposal presentation in late April, Warren was hopeful of getting something done as quickly as possible.

It’s well-documented that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker isn’t steadfast in helping the Bears’ stadium plans with public dollars. His press secretary called the Bears’ funding plan a “non-starter for the state.”

* Daily Herald…

The McCaskey family isn’t considering selling a minority stake in the team to free up cash to get a Bears stadium deal done in Chicago.. […]

“That’s something that we have not talked about. That’s something that is not on the table at this point in time,” Warren said when asked if Bears ownership would sell minority shares to help pay for a stadium. “It’s just not, and I don’t ever visualize that becoming a part of the discussion. We don’t think it’s necessary to do.” […]

Warren also was asked what would become of the former Arlington Park racetrack, which the team purchased for $197.2 million early last year just as he was beginning his tenure as Bears president.

He wouldn’t say if or when the NFL club intends to put the large tract of land on the market. […]

Attendees of the noontime event in downtown Chicago included Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, who this week renewed his pitch to bring the Bears to town.

Warren called Irvin an “astute” businessman and politician, but didn’t further address the mayor’s proposal.

36 Comments

Write better laws

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller

* This is what I told subscribers back on April 30th…

WRITE BETTER LAWS The complaint filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections alleging illegal coordination between Dan Proft’s independent expenditure committee (People Who Play by the Rules PAC) and Darren Bailey’s 2022 Republican gubernatorial campaign has highlighted some gaping holes in state campaign laws and rules.

State law prohibits coordination between independent expenditure committees and the campaigns they’re supporting. But the law doesn’t define what coordination actually is beyond forbidding “an electioneering communication in connection, consultation, or concert with or at the request or suggestion of a public official or candidate, a public official’s or candidate’s designated political committee or campaign, or an agent or agents of the public official, candidate, or political committee or campaign during any 12-month period.” The Board of Elections’ rules are basically silent beyond that.

And because this is the first such IE coordination complaint ever filed in Illinois, we have no case law, either. But it’s fairly certain that we eventually will have some case law because whoever loses at the board level will undoubtedly appeal to the courts, where just about anything could happen.

So, the judicial branch is going to decide something that probably should’ve already been laid out by lawmakers and the Board of Elections.

It was a long piece, but that’s the basic gist.

* Tribune…

A hearing officer has recommended that the Illinois State Board of Elections dismiss a complaint filed by the state Democratic Party contending political operative and right-wing radio show host Dan Proft and former state Sen. Darren Bailey coordinated campaign spending in Bailey’s unsuccessful 2022 race against Gov. J.B. Pritzker. […]

While state and federal laws say independent expenditure PACs are not allowed to coordinate campaign spending with a candidate, hearing examiner James Tenuto basically said that the complaint against Proft’s PAC cannot be sustained because the state lacks rules to define such coordination.

Tenuto said an examination of the facts and evidence presented “does not demonstrate ‘an agreement or some other activity which indicates some level of material involvement in the decision making between the independent committee and candidate of his campaign.’ Thus ‘coordination’ among the respondents has not been proven.”

Tenuto noted that Democrats cited federal rules and regulations to try to establish proof of coordination between Proft and Bailey. But, he said, “Illinois has not adopted any rules and regulations concerning independent expenditures” and said rules or statutory changes are needed to “clarify which activities are acceptable and/or prohibited in regards to independent expenditures.”

Tenuto recommended the board either dismiss the complaint or find that the alleged violations of coordination had not been proven.

Stay tuned.

13 Comments

Open thread

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…

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Isabel’s morning briefing

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: Hearing officer recommends elections board dismiss illegal coordination complaint against Dan Proft, Darren Bailey. Tribune…

A hearing officer has recommended that the Illinois State Board of Elections dismiss a complaint filed by the state Democratic Party contending political operative and right-wing radio show host Dan Proft and former state Sen. Darren Bailey coordinated campaign spending in Bailey’s unsuccessful 2022 race against Gov. J.B. Pritzker. […]

While state and federal laws say independent expenditure PACs are not allowed to coordinate campaign spending with a candidate, hearing examiner James Tenuto basically said that the complaint against Proft’s PAC cannot be sustained because the state lacks rules to define such coordination.

Tenuto said an examination of the facts and evidence presented “does not demonstrate ‘an agreement or some other activity which indicates some level of material involvement in the decision making between the independent committee and candidate of his campaign.’ Thus ‘coordination’ among the respondents has not been proven.”

Tenuto noted that Democrats cited federal rules and regulations to try to establish proof of coordination between Proft and Bailey. But, he said, “Illinois has not adopted any rules and regulations concerning independent expenditures” and said rules or statutory changes are needed to “clarify which activities are acceptable and/or prohibited in regards to independent expenditures.”

*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***

* ABC Chicago | Former Mike Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes reports to prison: He was sentenced to 30-months in prison. The website for the Federal Bureau of Prisons shows he’s in Pensacola, Florida at a minimum security federal prison camp.

* Crain’s | Judge dismisses Madigan-related whistleblower suit against St. Anthony: A U.S. District Court judge has dismissed charges brought by a former employee at St. Anthony Hospital who alleged the hospital and its CEO showed contracting favoritism to the son of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Plaintiff Stella Wolf, who had served as chief human resources officer at St. Anthony for four years, was let go in June 2020 as part of a pandemic-era reduction in force. In the 2021 lawsuit, Wolf said the hospital retaliated against her for challenging alleged political corruption and for taking medical leave. Wolf made claims under the Illinois Whistleblower Act and the Family & Medical Leave Act.

*** Statehouse News ***

* WAND | State lawmakers work to protect students, bridge gap in communication: “If a parent, or a teacher, a community member- thinks that a teacher’s actions are egregious enough to warrant removal from the classroom, potential licensure sanctions- there is a process for that,” Jeff Aranowski, the Executive Director of Safe and Healthy Climate for ISBE, told WAND News. But WAND News has learned, there is little communication from other investigating agencies, to ISBE, about staff accused of abuse or neglect. WAND Investigates whether existing laws are working and why new rules may be on the horizon.

* WAND | Mendoza honors central Illinois LGBTQ leaders during Pride Month celebration: The Democrat told reporters at her Springfield office that Pride Month is a critical time to celebrate the bravery LGBTQ+ people have shown in response to ignorance and hate. Mendoza said Illinois believes in equity and inclusion, the right and freedom to be yourself, love who you love and live a life with respect and dignity.

*** Statewide ***

* Chicago Reader | How the Illinois Department of Corrections fails to protect transgender prisoners: Hannah Finnegan transferred to Lawrence Correctional Center in southeastern Illinois in May of 2021. She’d previously been imprisoned at Centralia Correctional Center, another men’s prison about an hour outside Saint Louis. At Centralia, Finnegan, a transgender woman, experienced harassment and abuse from staff and others incarcerated alongside her. She received letters expressing unwanted sexual and romantic interest. She often had to rely on friends she met inside for physical protection. The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) classified Finnegan as “vulnerable,” meaning she was supposed to be housed alone or with others whom staff determined to present a low risk of danger. But at Lawrence, officials assigned her to a cell with someone who’d been convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault, and who was already under investigation by the IDOC for allegedly abusing a past cellmate. While housed together, Finnegan’s cellmate sexually assaulted her in June of 2021.

* WCIA | ISHA announces shot clock for basketball in 2026: The Illinois High School Association announced on Tuesday that starting with the 2026-27 school year, boys and girls varsity basketball games will begin using a shot clock. Teams will have 35 seconds to hit the rim or turn the ball over.

* WQAD | IL DOT hiring for more than 70 jobs: Most of the jobs are in construction and road maintenance, but there’s also openings in engineering, design and office roles. On Tuesday, June 11, IDOT held a job fair at the Rock Island Holiday Inn, offering 18 positions in the Quad Cities area. IDOT says IL Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois plan, which puts money into state roads and infrastructure, means more opportunities for them.

*** Chicago ***

* NBC Chicago | CPD releases new drafts of crowd control, arrest, protest policies ahead of DNC: The directives, which were recently posted on CPD’s website, are the second chance for public engagement. Initially, CPD’s mass arrest policy was available in February to review. Public comment is now open through June 30. After that, CPD will review the additional feedback received to guide future revisions to the drafts.

* CBS Chicago | Bollards coming to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile this summer to prevent crash-and-grabs: More than 40 protective bollards will be set up on the designated stretch of the Mag Mile. […] The bollards, which will be placed in front of stores, are designed to stop a speeding car. Some retailers this year told CBS 2 they have considered leaving Chicago after their businesses were crashed into and burglarized.

* CBS Chicago | Migrant arrivals have slowed in Chicago, but new shelter opens as need continues: Now, a shelter at St. Bartholomew Church, 3601 N. Lavergne Ave. in the Portage Park neighborhood, is helping migrants who have newly arrived at the city’s landing zone. “With children sleeping on the street, and outside of police stations, and so forth, it was just unconscionable that we would, in this time in history, we would be experiencing that,” said Fr. Michael O’Connell of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish.

* NBC Chicago | New Chicago migrant shelter a joint effort of governments, faith organizations: The Archdiocese and Zakat Foundation tell NBC 5 that there is no 60-day shelter limit here. Right now they have a six month agreement and will determine what happens next once that time approaches.

* Sun-Times | Push to monitor Chicago police traffic stops under federal court order faces stiff resistance from community groups: U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer called the hearings to get input about requirements for traffic stops that could be added to a consent decree that took effect in 2019 and mandates sweeping police reforms. Speakers argued the consent decree isn’t the proper way to address a pressing issue that came under increased scrutiny earlier this year after Reed was killed in a gunfight with police tactical officers who purportedly stopped him for not wearing a seat belt.

* Sun-Times | Judicial giant Harry D. Leinenweber dies at 87: ‘He was the coolest judge I’ve ever seen, on TV or off TV’: U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber took senior status in 2002, but he continued to preside over blockbuster trials 20 years later. They included the trial of former R&B star R. Kelly in 2022 and a major corruption trial involving four political insiders tied to ComEd. “He was an honorable judge and an honorable man,” said Kelly attorney Jennifer Bonjean.

* Fox Chicago | ‘Chicago is why the show is so good’: Gyllenhaal on new Apple TV+ series: Jake Gyllenhaal said that Chicago is the reason why his new AppleTV+ series “Presumed Innocent” is so good. The series follows a Chicago prosecutor who is accused of the murder of a woman he was having an affair with – the eight-episode limited series (which was once a 1990 movie starring Harrison Ford) is set in Chicago. However, despite some beautiful exterior shots of the Chicago skyline, most of the series was filmed in California.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Fox Chicago | Dolton Park District president accuses Mayor Tiffany Henyard of political retaliation: Dolton Park District President Cleo Jones said Henyard is retaliating after the park district allowed four of her political opponents to use a field house for meetings. Jones said part of the retaliation came in the mail last week. “I have four tickets issued from the Village of Dolton,” said Jones. “Each ticket is $500 apiece. That is $2,000 in tickets that I have here.”Jones said they were stunned when they received the citations for doing work without a permit. Two of the tickets were issued for spreading fresh mulch on district playgrounds.

* Fox Chicago | Some Stateville employees push back against prison closure and reassignment plans: Some staff workers said that the state’s plans to demolish and rebuild Stateville will unnecessarily disrupt their lives as the facilities they’d be re-assigned to would require commutes of up to two hours each way. […] State Sen. Rachel Ventura, who represents Joliet, said the timeline doesn’t make sense to her. “To completely shut down Stateville in September when we’re at least a year away from any additional aspects of that, I would say that let the courts say it then because right now you’re the ones making that decision to impact all of these people’s lives,” said Ventura.

* Center Square | Plans to raze and replace Stateville prison get public hearing: During a Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability meeting Tuesday night in Joliet, Department of Corrections Acting Director Latoya Hughes said Stateville is too far gone to be repaired. “The current living conditions at Stateville are not conducive to rehabilitation,” said Hughes. “The infrastructure is antiquated and inefficient, and delaying action only increases risks to all involved.”

* Aurora Beacon-News | Fox Valley domestic violence shelters running out of space: When Linda Maranda took over the reins of Mutual Ground in August, the new CEO of Aurora’s domestic violence shelter knew she would be dealing with a generous community but also plenty of challenges. Calls to hotlines all across the state are on the rise, according to a recent report that indicated the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline recorded a 90% increase in calls, texts and messages since the pandemic, and a record high 17,972 contacts for requests for shelter in 2022, up 45% from the previous year. Simply stated, says Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, which runs the hotline, Illinois is not equipped to meet that need.

* Daily Herald | Warren: Bears not ready to sell Arlington Park or minority stake in team: The McCaskey family isn’t considering selling a minority stake in the team to free up cash to get a Bears stadium deal done in Chicago. They’re also not ready to put their 326-acre Arlington Heights property — initially envisioned to be home of the team’s new domed structure — up for sale. […] “Never say never,” Kevin Warren later added. “But that is not something that we would ever focus on.”

* WGN | Filmmaker Jon Siskel’s ‘Memorial’ captures Highland Park shooting’s impact: “We don’t show any of the archive,” said filmmaker Jon Siskel. “You don’t hear any gunshots. it’s kind of a very meditative, poetic film.” Siskel, nephew of the late film critic Gene Siskel, created the 20-minute film ‘Memorial’ after he visited Highland Park, calling the village an unforgettable place after seeing it covered in orange yarn and hand-written notes the community helped weave in the weeks and months after the shooting.

*** Downstate ***

* Rock River Current | Hard Rock Ramps Up Hiring With Hundreds Of Jobs To Fill As It Prepares To Open Rockford Casino: The company extended offers to more than 120 prospective employees Monday during Day 1 of an RSVP-only mass hiring event at the Northern Illinois University Conference Center, which is about a mile east from where the casino is being built. It hopes to extend at least that many offers during the second day.

* WAND | Springfield City Council discuss new ordinance, eliminating alcohol sales after 1 a.m.: “The people who come here from Decatur don’t care about our community,” said Chief Ken Scarlette of the Springfield Police Department. “They come here to do what they want and wreak havoc and go home.”Owners of restaurants and bars pushed back on the restrictions, saying it will prohibit them from making enough to sustain their businesses.

* WCIA | ‘Having to go 20 minutes one way to get one item is a nightmare:’ Central Illinois grocery store filling need for fresh produce, meat in the community: One Central Illinois grocery store is making sure people don’t have to travel far to buy all kinds of foods from fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, soup, and pasta. […] Market on the Hill is the only grocery store in the community. After the local grocery store in the community shut down several years ago, it raised concerns about where people could shop for food. “The community actually came together and realized that we needed somewhere local to buy produce, fresh meat and other groceries, because otherwise we had to travel all the way to Lincoln or Decatur,” Scattergood said. “It was just going to [be a] 15 or 20 minute drive.”

*** National ***

* Tribune | ‘I was terrified,’ accuser testifies in rape trial of Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr.: The woman’s testimony took up much of the morning’s court proceedings. The afternoon was largely focused on testimony from the Lawrence police detective who led the investigation into her allegations, and included black-and-white surveillance footage that appeared to show Shannon and the woman moments before — but not during — their alleged encounter inside the Jayhawk Cafe’s Martini Room.

* WCIA | Rep. Miller files legislation to suspend new Title IX rules: Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) filed a resolution Wednesday to prevent schools from losing federal funding if they don’t follow the Title IX policy; 67 of her House Republican colleagues have signed on for the bill. Miller criticized the president for the changes, claiming women and girls would be “at risk” under the law.

* CBS | FBI quarterly report shows 15% drop in violent crime compared to last year: The latest preliminary quarterly crime figures from the FBI show dramatic decreases: a 26% drop in murders, robberies down by nearly 18% and violent crime overall down 15% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to last year in the same period. The FBI released only percentages Monday, however, and not the underlying figures, because at this point just 72% of law enforcement agencies have provided their crime data. The bureau will disclose more complete figures once 80% have participated.

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

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Live coverage

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* You can click here or here to follow breaking news. It’s the best we can do unless or until Twitter gets its act together.

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Selected press releases (Live updates)

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

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Isabel’s afternoon roundup

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ABC Chicago…

The longtime chief of staff for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is scheduled to report to a federal prison Tuesday.

Tim Mapes is required to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons before noon. […]

He was sentenced to 30-months in prison.

It is unclear where Mapes will serve his time. He requested to serve his term at a facility in Pensacola, Florida.

* Axios…

The number of partisan-backed outlets designed to look like impartial news outlets has officially surpassed the number of real, local daily newspapers in the U.S., according to a new analysis. […]

There are least 1,265 websites identified as being backed by dark money or are intentionally masquerading as local news sites for political purposes, according to a new report from NewsGuard, a misinformation tracking company.

As of last year, there were only 1,213 daily local newspapers in the U.S. That number may have gone down significantly in the time since, but the researchers who track that data have yet to release an updated figure for 2024. […]

Nearly half (45%) of the sites observed as part of the study were targeted to communities or regions in swing states, according to an Axios analysis of the sites. The most frequently targeted states are Illinois, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, Michigan and Georgia.

*** Statewide ***

* Fox Chicago | Illinois State Museum seeks Route 66 memories to honor iconic roadway: Video recordings and interview transcriptions will be made available to the public through an online database as part of the anniversary celebration. “These interviews will help illustrate the significance of this important transportation achievement,” said Erika Holst, the museum’s curator of history.

* 21st Show | How did women access abortions in Illinois before Roe v. Wade?: Before Roe v. Wade recognized a constitutional right to abortion across America, women still found ways to end their pregnancies. In Illinois, that meant seeking help from an underground, feminist abortion service operating under the code name “Jane.”

* WAND | Illinois Free Fishing days to coincide with Father’s Day weekend: According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, from June 14 through the 17, anglers can fish without purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp. Information about fishing spots, regulations, and angling basics can be found at IFishIllinois.org.

*** Chicago ***

* WTTW | Facing Shortfall of Nearly $400M, Chicago Public Schools Pushes Back Budget Release to July: CPS on Tuesday announced the CPS CEO Pedro Martinez had informed network and school leaders the final draft of its FY25 budget would now be presented in July as the district continues “finalizing the total budget.” “The District will use this additional time to collaborate with CPS stakeholders and do further diligence since the budget model is new and being implemented for the first time,” a CPS spokesperson said in a statement. “The District will finalize a FY2025 budget that will continue to support strong academic progress.”

* Block Club | Could ‘Newcomer Liaisons’ Help Migrant Students Struggling In Chicago Schools?: Calls for more support for migrant students come as the district faces a large budget shortfall for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. With pandemic relief dollars drying up, the district is facing a nearly $400 million budget deficit while the state has its own financial challenges.

* Sun-Times | CPS teacher residency program growing, helping fill classrooms: Five years in, the program is making good progress — including growing by the hundreds. A cohort of 193 teachers was honored at an induction ceremony Monday after finishing their year of residency and earning a teacher license. They’ll have their own classes in the fall. CPS has already recruited 225 prospective teachers for next year’s program.

* Sun-Times | Buddy Guy bringing ‘that Chicago sound’ to NASCAR Chicago: If you missed Buddy Guy’s incredible Blues Festival closing-night set on Sunday, or if you were there (and thousands were) and you’re hoping to catch the blues icon one more time on a stage near you, you’re in luck. Guy will be among the music lineup for NASCAR Chicago, it was announced Tuesday morning. The Chicago legend will perform on the main stage at Grant Park Festival Field from 1:15 -2 p.m. July 6, following a special 40th Anniversary Chicago House Music showcase.

* Crain’s | United gears up for DNC with more flights: The convention would boost United’s total to more than 530 flights a day at O’Hare on peak days, which would be its busiest schedule since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline says. The biggest increase comes, not surprisingly, between O’Hare and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with 38 more flights, or a 40% increase.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Tribune | Dozens of supporters hail convicted ex-Ald. Ed Burke as devoted public servant ahead of his sentencing: Among the dozens of letter-writers: high-profile names in local legal circles and law enforcement, Burke’s family members, a former defensive end for the Bears, and several local Catholic clergymen. A now-retired firefighter wrote that Burke pulled strings to make sure his severely disabled son would not be denied insurance coverage. The former principal of a Southwest Side elementary school said Burke helped the struggling school get two playgrounds, an electronic message board, and support for its pre-K program.

* Crain’s | Cook County allots $44 million to mental health efforts: The money will be spread among 53 organizations, including Alivio Medical Center and Alianza Americas. The grant program, dubbed “Stronger Together: Building a More Equitable Behavioral Health System in Cook County Initiative,” is funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars. Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle said at a press conference today the investment will help support services and programs addressing behavioral health inequities. The goal is to expand access to early intervention and prevention, treatment and recovery programs for those with depression, anxiety, behavioral and substance abuse disorders.

* Naperville Sun | With a deadline pending on its electricity contract, Naperville council rejects hiring energy consultants: Naperville is starting the process of looking at how it will supply the electricity used by residents and business owners after 2035, when the contract with its current provider, the coal-heavy Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA), is set to expire. The agency wants the city to extend its contract by mid-2025 instead of waiting until closer to the expiration date. The consultants requested by staff would have explored what the energy world will look like in 11 years to help determine the options available. The two contracts would have cost a total of $250,000, but were rejected by the council last week because of concerns over timing, necessity and the bid process.

*** Downstate ***

* SJ-R | More than $20M in state funds going to City of Springfield. Here’s how it will be used: After hinting at its possibility earlier in May, Pritzker signed the $53.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2025 on last week which included $4 million to design and construct a park at the grass lot north of the Governor’s Mansion. The 2.25-acre lot served as the home of the YWCA and has set empty since 2017. […] [Mayor Misty Buscher] added that she wants the new development to include an amphitheater and to allow for the continuation of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Requests for comment from IDNR regarding when the project could start and be completed went unreturned prior to publication.

* WGLT | McLean County to consider eliminating elected auditor, adding advisory panel for mental health funding: The language of the proposed referendum for the November 2024 ballot indicates the county would save money based on “the elimination of redundant functions,” referring to external audits the county must contract for, beyond the scope of the elected auditor. “There are some functions that are required by state law to be completed by an outside firm and then there are other responsibilities that only a CPA [certified public accountant] can do,” said county administrator Cassy Taylor, noting that current county auditor Michelle Anderson lacks those credentials; there are no qualifications required for elected office.

* SJ-R | ‘This is history’: Supporters urge Springfield Race Riot site to become national monument: The Rev. T. Ray McJunkins noted that several years ago it was a small group of people in Springfield championing the site of the 1908 Race Riot to become a national monument. After Monday’s listening session at his home parish, Union Baptist Church, once in the sights of those same rioters when it stood at 12th and Mason streets, McJunkins admitted he felt “overwhelmed” seeing more than 400 people in the church hall.

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Today’s quotable

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the very last graf of the Tribune story entitled “Dozens of supporters hail convicted ex-Ald. Ed Burke as devoted public servant ahead of his sentencing”…

Burke earned infamy in the 1980s for trying to thwart virtually every major move of Harold Washington, Chicago’s first Black mayor, during the volatile “Council Wars.” Gathering immense power, he paved the way for his wife to become chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, ran the council’s Finance Committee like his own personal fiefdom and oversaw a law firm that constantly put him into ethically questionable positions.

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It’s almost a law

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* WTTW…

Transgender Illinois residents may soon have a path to change birth certificates that were issued in other states.

That’s if Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs a bill recently passed by state lawmakers.

The bill allows Illinois residents to get a judicial order to alter the name and sex on birth certificates and other documentation issued in another state.

Currently in Illinois, the process no longer requires certification from a health professional, making it easier to request this change.

* WAND…

A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk could require school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans.

Sponsors and advocates told WAND News that Illinois saw 109 cardiac events involving students under 18 during 2022 alone.

The legislation requires school districts to work with local paramedics to create an evidence-based plan to use AEDs in case of a cardiac event. […]

House Bill 5394 passed unanimously out of the House and Senate.

* Journal Gazette…

A bill that would allow the Shelby County Rescue Squad to remain in operation is on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk after passing the state legislature late last month.

The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, explicitly gives the Shelby County Board permission to oversee and operate a volunteer rescue squad that delivers first responder services like locating drowning victims and extricating people from crashed vehicles. […]

Under current law, rescue squads must be created via referendum and operate as their own taxing district — unless a specific exception is made.

Last year, state lawmakers passed and Pritzker signed an essentially-identical bill that allowed for Sangamon County to continue operating its rescue squad under the county’s umbrella. […]

“I hope this legislation is able to provide some peace of mind for the people of the county, knowing that the brave members of the squad can stay on the job,” McClure said.

* Effingham Radio…

Opponents of a measure on Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk are concerned poll watchers won’t be able to verify vote-by-mail procedures conducted in nursing homes where voters may be physically and mentally incapacitated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, under emergency order, nursing home voters were legally able to cast ballots through vote-by-mail procedures. Now, State Representative Maurice West, the bill’s sponsor, wants to codify the temporary procedures in statute.

In Illinois, opponents fear the proposed law will allow incapacitated voters to be coerced into turning in incomplete ballots by ballot harvesters. State Representative Patrick Windhorst said before, those voters only cast ballots on the premises.

Proponents argue the change will expand voter rights and provide convenience to older voters. Along with codifying vote-by-mail procedures in Illinois nursing homes, the proposed law would remove all caps on transfers from political party committees to candidates during primary elections. Previously, caps were only absent in general elections.

* WGEM…

Black women in Illinois are three times as likely to suffer from a pregnancy-related medical condition compared to white women according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). It’s why Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, both Democrats, worked with state lawmakers to pass a bill aimed at improving birth equity and outcomes across the state. […]

The bill would require private insurance companies to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives. This includes home births, home visits and support during labor.

Insurers would also be required to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids. […]

Illinois’ fiscal year 2025 state budget includes $4 million for IDPH to award grants to community-based providers. It also has $6 million earmarked for the Illinois Department of Human Services to spend on several programs, including a $1 million diaper distribution pilot program.

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This is not the way to get anything done

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Capitol News Illinois and the Saluki Local Reporting Lab…

Through passage of a law known as the Intergenerational Poverty Act [in 2020], they decreed an ambitious plan: to cut deep and persistent poverty by 50 percent by 2026, lift all children from poverty by 2031 and eliminate poverty entirely in Illinois by 2036.

This law created a 25-member commission made up of private and public sector officials to study the root causes of poverty and racial disparities that plague many of Illinois’ poorest communities, including their lack of safe, affordable housing, high unemployment rates and child care shortages.

But like most of the commissions and blue-ribbon panels that lawmakers create, it has no authority to fix the problems it finds. It can only make recommendations to lawmakers and the governor. […]

And the commission, which has seven vacancies, is a long way from meeting its goals. […]

Cairo Mayor Thomas Simpson said he’d never heard of the commission on poverty elimination, though it did hold a listening session in the town in March 2023. […]

As for the commission’s future, with an impending goal of cutting deep poverty in half in less than two years, it continues to meet and develop policy solutions that it plans to present to the governor and lawmakers.

Always fixin’ to get ready, but never actually getting ready and never actually accomplishing anything.

There’s so much more, so click here.

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Some people will complain about literally everything, including bills they vote for

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Center Square…

Gov. J.B. Pritzker could soon sign a massive tax credit bill on his desk that gives breaks to specific industries, like electric vehicle manufacturers, quantum computing companies and semiconductor manufacturers.

Illinois Republicans called House Bill 5005 a bailout for big corporations.

Um, not mentioned in the story is that HB5005 received 90 votes. By my count, 18 Republicans voted for the bill, including this legislator who is quoted in the story bashing the bill…

State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, called the bill counter productive.

“We need to entice businesses to come to Illinois so our people have jobs. We are still doing nothing to fix the business climate in Illinois, that is the underlying problem,” Ugaste said. “There’s over taxation, over regulation and high cost from litigation. So here we are voting on a bill to try and entice businesses by offering them tax incentives and telling them, ‘your taxes will be lower,’ and yet later we will vote to raise taxes on businesses by over $700 million, almost a billion. Let’s not waste our time.”

* To the sponsor…

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, argued corporations will not get tax breaks unless they actually provide jobs.

“So this is not a bailout … in fact, the money that’s going to come in to the state of Illinois, $20 billion, over the next 30 years is going to end up creating more small businesses and more jobs for the state than I think any of us can even imagine,” said Vella.

The bill also renews a number of tax incentives the state has already offered like the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles tax credit. Gotion, an electric vehicle battery manufacturer, took advantage of this credit. Gotion continues getting their tax break of over $530 million in exchange for providing 150 jobs by 2028.

Hilarious. The squareheads left out something from the agreement…

Gotion will establish its lithium-ion battery cell, module, pack and energy storage system integration manufacturing campus in Manteno, Illinois. Gotion will create 150 Full-Time Employees by the Benchmark Date and 1,651 Full-time Employees by December 31, 2029. The Company or its Affiliate, as applicable, anticipates creating an additional 961 new jobs for a total of 2,612 jobs created for the Project during the term of the Agreement.

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Mayor Johnson says CTA is ‘moving in the right direction’

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sat down with the Sun-Times editorial board…

Also during Monday’s board meeting, Johnson said the CTA is “moving in the right direction” under embattled President Dorval Carter Jr. The mayor refused to discuss Carter’s long-term future, but argued it is “not unheard of” for Carter to be targeted by critics because he is African-American, as Carter suggested to a Council committee.

22 Comments

Illinois and Ontario sign agreement to promote trade, investment

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Press release…

Today, Ontario and Illinois finalized a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote increased trade, attract investment and foster ongoing collaboration across key sectors such as automotive, agriculture, energy and advanced manufacturing.

The MOU was signed by Premier Doug Ford and J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois, following a meeting in Toronto. […]

Ontario and Illinois have a close trading relationship, with total trade valued at over $29 billion (CAD) in 2023. Ontario is Illinois’ second-largest export market and Illinois is Ontario’s fourth-largest export market in the U.S.

The new MOU promotes economic cooperation between the two jurisdictions by supporting regular business missions, sharing market information and promoting investment. Ontario and Illinois will also explore opportunities for cooperation on emerging technologies that are transforming industries, including sharing best practices on skills training to prepare workers for in-demand and technology intensive jobs.

In addition, both jurisdictions will establish a Procurement Cooperation Council as a forum for sharing information on procurement policies and to advance opportunities for suppliers in each jurisdiction.

“With supply chains inter-linked across North America, it’s more important than ever for Ontario and Illinois to partner on our shared economic goals to remain globally competitive,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The MOU identifies tangible areas where we can work together to our mutual advantage. These include fostering greater two-way trade and investment, sharing best practices to boost workforce skills and expanding academic cooperation – all avenues to greater prosperity on both sides of the border.”

The agreement with Illinois is part of Ontario’s strategy for trade with the United States. As part of the strategy, Ontario is pursuing additional agreements with other state-level trading partners to improve access to investment pipelines and export opportunities for Ontario businesses.

Ontario and the U.S. build things together with deeply integrated supply chains employing millions of workers on both sides of the border. Ontario was the number one export destination for 17 U.S. states and the number two export destination for 11 U.S. states in 2023.

QUICK FACTS:

- The new MOU will increase collaboration in sectors such as automotive, including electric, connected and autonomous technologies, agriculture, food processing and agri-food technology, advanced manufacturing and materials, life sciences, energy and information and communications technologies.

- Ontario’s total trade with the U.S. in 2023 was valued at around $500 billion (CAD), an increase of about $100 billion (CAD) since 2018.

- In 2023, Illinois ranked fifth in terms of foreign direct investment from U.S. states into the province, with inbound investment valued at $155 million (CAD).

- One in five jobs in Ontario depend on trade. If Ontario were a country, it would be the U.S.’s third-largest trading partner after Mexico and China in 2023.

- The signing with Illinois is the fourth agreement stemming from Ontario’s U.S. trade strategy and follows agreements signed with, Michigan, Nevada and Indiana.

The MOU is here.

* The ceremony…

* Meanwhile… from Bloomberg…

Last fall, Hershey Co. repurchased a factory outside Ottawa that it closed more than a decade earlier. Blommer Chocolate Co., a US rival, is expanding in Ontario while it shutters an 85-year-old Chicago plant. Oreo-maker Mondelez International Inc. says it has invested $250 million in Ontario manufacturing facilities just in the last few years.

Although Canada is far too cold to grow enough sugar for its candy industry, it has managed to attract hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in recent years to expand capacity. Some of that can be attributed to a rising population, but many in the industry say it’s the long-standing protectionist measures in place south of the border that are sweetening Canada’s appeal. […]

The US sugar industry is heavily protected, and buyers such as confectioners and processed-food makers can only import certain amounts of raw and refined sugar before incurring hefty tariffs. The decades-old regulations are intended to protect US farmer profits and prevent other countries from flooding the country with sugar. But critics say it also keeps US sugar prices artificially high, burdening American sweets companies and refineries trying to operate at home. […]

The volume of sugar contained in finished goods flowing from Canada to the US last marketing year was the highest in close to two decades, Agralytica data show. Last year, $1.98 billion in chocolate and $615 million in other sugar confectioneries were shipped from Canada to the US for consumption — both all-time highs — according to data from the US Department of Agriculture. Although some of that increase can be attributed to higher chocolate prices due to cocoa’s rally, chocolate imports into the US from Canada last year were still the second-highest ever in data going back about 35 years, surpassed only by the volumes recorded for 2022.

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Rides For Moms Provides Transportation To Prenatal Care

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Surgo Ventures partnered with Uber Health and local health centers to provide transportation assistance to expectant mothers facing transportation challenges to their prenatal appointments. Across one city, the initiative covered over 30,000 miles, ensuring over 450 participants reached their prenatal appointments without hassle. One participant shared, ‘There were days when I didn’t want to get up from bed. Knowing that someone was going to pick me up… made me feel safer.’ With programs like Rides for Moms, transportation is no longer a barrier for new mothers to access essential medical care. Learn more

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Senate releases veto session schedule

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Two weeks in a row instead of straddling a holiday…

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Open thread

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…

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Isabel’s morning briefing

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* ICYMI: 1908 Springfield race riot site could be national monument. Dave Dahl…

Springfield community members are calling on President Biden to commemorate the site of 1908 Springfield Race Riots as a national monument.

On Monday, the Department of Interior held a public meeting at Union Baptist Church to discuss the topic. Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, attended the meeting and heard from community leaders as they expressed support for President Biden to use the Antiquities Act to designate a national monument in Springfield.

The Springfield site would be the first national park to tell the history of race riots in the U.S. and would document one of the country’s worst examples of mass racial violence, where a White mob attacked and lynched Black residents of Springfield and burned their homes and businesses within blocks of the former home of Abraham Lincoln.

“Making the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot a National Monument will give all Americans the chance to know their history so something so horrible as this will never happen again,” said Ken Page, President, Springfield ACLU.

*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***

* Tribune | Feds want 10 years in prison for ex-Ald. Edward Burke, saying he was ‘no novice’ when it came to corruption: The sentence requested by the U.S. attorney’s office would mean that Burke could very well die in prison. But it’s a punishment prosecutors say is warranted, given the “mountain” of evidence in the case — including hundreds of undercover recordings — that captured Burke in his own words and make it “obvious that Burke was no novice when it came to corruption.” “Burke operated as a seasoned professional when it came to identifying new potential clients for his law firm and exploiting his power and position in order to secure their business,” prosecutors wrote.

* Sun-Times | Obama visits presidential center as signature tower reaches full height: The site of the presidential center and museum is “about 56%” complete, according to workers at the site, and former President Barack Obama briefly spoke and shook hands with dozens to celebrate the latest milestone — the museum building hitting its full height of 225 feet.

*** Statehouse News ***

* WAND | Illinois Senate could pass plan tackling deepfake cyberbullying during veto session: “House Bill 299 arrived in the Senate as a new House bill on May 22, two days before our scheduled adjournment,” said Liz Mitchell, a spokesperson for Senate President Don Harmon. “As such, time did not allow for the Senate to take it up in the spring session. It will be reviewed.”

* WGEM | Bill awaiting Gov. Pritzker’s signature aims to improve birth equity in Illinois: The bill would require private insurance companies to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives. This includes home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurers would also be required to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

*** Statewide ***

* Sun-Times | New initiative to expand gender-affirming care across Illinois: Despite Illinois serving as a blue haven for those seeking gender-affirming care, Illinois officials said many LGBTQ+ adults avoid seeking care due to disrespect and discrimination from providers, and they hope this new initiative will address prejudices. Lawmakers in 2019 approved legislation that directs coverage of gender-affirming surgeries for Medicaid members age 21 and older who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

* SJ-R | Planned Parenthood sees ‘unprecedented’ surge in out-of-state patients at Illinois clinics: Planned Parenthood said that it has seen patients from 41 states over the course of the past two years, now encompassing some 25% of all patients seen at the 19 in-person facilities and two virtual facilities across Illinois. Overall, the group said that it had experienced a 47% increase in overall patients over the past two years since the Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that the U.S. Constitution did not guarantee the right to an abortion, overruling the landmark 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision and the 1992 Planned Parenthood vs. Casey decision that upheld the former.

*** Chicago ***

* Crain’s | Chicago weighs up to $3 billion of debt for O’Hare upgrades: The City Council’s Finance Committee held public hearings today and then approved a series of proposals from the Johnson administration that could add up to more than $4 billion in debt Airport debt makes up the bulk of the proposals with a plan to issue up to $3 billion in general airport senior lien revenue bonds and passenger facility charge revenue bonds for O’Hare capital improvements.

* Sun-Times | Bally’s a bad bet? Johnson casts doubt on permanent casino in River West: “I liken it, frankly, to the airlines deal that was negotiated two administrations ago. There were some challenges in there,” said Johnson, who recently hammered out a cost-cutting deal with United and American airlines, clearing the massive O’Hare expansion plan for takeoff. “I wish I could say something definitive today. I know our team is working with ownership to figure it out like we figured out some of the other things that I’ve inherited. It just has to make absolute sense. … I think that one’s still to be determined, to be perfectly frank with you.”

* Sun-Times | Mayor Johnson opposes 8 p.m. downtown curfew for minors: “The data indicates that setting … arbitrary curfews does not yield results that are favorable,” the mayor told the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board Monday. “For my administration, it’s not just about youth employment. … We have to create safe spaces for [young] people. … The more activity that you have in neighborhoods, including downtown, that actually creates safer spaces,” Johnson added.

* Tribune | City demands thousands of Chicago police officers pay off pension error: Thousands of Chicago police officers received an unwelcome letter from their pension fund this week: thanks to a payroll error spurred by officers’ latest contract, approximately 3,000 are required to cut a check to their pension fund, plus interest. The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 7, which represents most rank-and-file cops, said it planned on filing a grievance over the error so that the city would have to pay that interest charge instead of workers.

* WTTW | CPS, CTU to Hold First-Ever Contract Negotiation Session Open to the Public Friday: The CTU announced the sides have agreed to schedule an open contract bargaining session Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Marquette Elementary School, 6550 S. Richmond St., in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood. According to the union, this session will be focused on “Healthy, Safe, Green Schools” and how schools can be updated to support student learning.

* Chakbeat | Reputation vs. reality: A closer look at four Chicago high schools: In the 2022-23 school year, 44.51% of elementary school students and 76.18% of high school students opted out of attending their zoned neighborhood schools. As the city shifts its focus to neighborhood schools, Chalkbeat spoke with community members and alumni at four Chicago high schools about how reputation affects their schools and communities, and how they’re trying to change the narrative.

* ABC Chicago | At least 5 taken to hospitals after CTA bus hits building, cars in Bridgeport: Surveillance video from the scene shows the out-of-control bus also hit a building before slamming into the cars. CPD said there were a total of 11 vehicles involved in the crash. At least five people had to be taken to the hospital.

* Tribune | Chicago White Sox are the 1st team to lose 50 games this season — and they did so in grand fashion: Cal Raleigh hit a game-ending grand slam in the ninth inning against reliever Jordan Leasure as the Seattle Mariners stormed back to beat the Sox 8-4 in front of 23,027 at T-Mobile Park. The Sox had a 4-0 lead going into the bottom of the eighth, only for the Mariners to pull even — with three of the four runs allowed in the inning by Michael Kopech. The Mariners loaded the bases with two walks and a single in the ninth, setting the stage for Raleigh’s walk-off slam.

*** Cook County and Suburbs ***

* Daily Herald | No Ribfest planned for this year: Exchange Club of Naperville president: “We never planned one this year, so we didn’t really cancel it because we never scheduled it,” said Emy Trotz, president of the Exchange Club of Naperville, the civic group in charge of Ribfest. “We had other things going on that we didn’t have the capability to put it together.”

* Crain’s | Wilmette residents irate after park district fences off lakefront beach: Furious Wilmette residents are set to rally in opposition to the park district’s recent decision to fence off and charge admission to the beach at Gillson Park. The rally, which will take place at Wimette’s village hall tonight at 7:00, comes as residents say the fence was erected without proper notice and their input. Beachgoers are now required to pay $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents for admission, which was formerly free. Park advocates say the move restricts access for “community members including seniors, families and individuals with disabilities, who rely on the open space for recreation and relaxation.”

*** Downstate ***

* Illinois Times | Rebuilding the Catholic Church: The future central Illinois school just hired its first president, Kent Lasnoski, who is moving to Springfield from Wyoming, where he led another Catholic college. He hopes to open the doors for San Damiano in the fall of 2025 on the campus of the former Chiara Center, located on the grounds of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Springfield. The Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross operated the St. James Trade School there from 1928 to 1972.

*** National ***

* AP | Justice Alito questions possibility of political compromise in secret recording: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is heard questioning whether compromise between the left and right is possible in a conversation posted on social media Monday. The conservative justice is also heard agreeing with a woman who says the United States should return “to a place of godliness.” The audio was posted on X by liberal filmmaker Lauren Windsor. She said it was recorded at the Supreme Court Historical Society’s annual dinner last week.

* The Athletic | Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shows anything’s possible for her at Paris Olympics and beyond: McLaughlin-Levrone declared before the race she was aiming for the American record. And as she glided down the final 100 meters, resisting the Manhattan wind, she almost got it. She clocked in at 48.75 seconds, just shy of Richards-Ross’ national record of 48.70 set in 2006. “So close,” McLaughlin-Levrone told reporters afterwards. “But you know what, it’s all good. There’s so much time to do that. It’s always just about refining it and learning the race.”

10 Comments

Live coverage

Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* You can click here or here to follow breaking news. It’s the best we can do unless or until Twitter gets its act together.