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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Tribune…
* Dave Byrnes… 
* The $2 million will go to 113 public libraries across the state…
* A cute moment from Violet, Rep. Dan Didech’s “assistant”… The whole video is adorable, and you can watch it here. * Illinois Times | Legislation passes to help BOS Center expansion: A bill recently passed by the Illinois General Assembly increases the likelihood a proposed $93 million expansion of Springfield’s convention center will become reality, a state lawmaker says. “ I do think this project is something that will really benefit and save the downtown,” state Rep. Mike Coffey, R-Springfield, told Illinois Times on June 3. * WSPY | Aurora state rep. happy with education funding in state budget: [State Rep. Barbara Hernandez[ says she would have liked to see funding for one of her initiatives to provide student teachers with a stipend that didn’t make it into the budget this time around. She says she wants to do something to reduce the property tax burden, but notes that the pandemic left many people needing more services from the state in addition to the recent migrant crisis. * Brownfield Ag News | IL Ag Director: “We remain committed to conservation”: The Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says the administration remains committed to conservation despite funding cuts in the next state budget. Jerry Costello says the funding to soil & water conservation districts decreased due to a lack of specific action in the General Assembly. * WBEZ | Ditch microwave popcorn? With toxic ‘forever chemicals’ on the rise, here’s how to limit exposure: But these chemicals can be hard to avoid on your own, said Erik Olson, senior strategic director of health at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “You can’t completely shop your way out of this,” Olson said. “That’s why we need EPA and controls to stop industries from discharging this stuff.” * Tribune | Chicago leaders react to Biden’s executive order ahead of convention limiting asylum-seekers at the U.S. border: Gov. J.B. Pritzker told reporters Wednesday that Biden’s executive order was “imperfect” but rejected the premise that it was election-year politicking. “In my view, we now have a proposal from the president that is, again, it’s not a perfect solution,” Pritzker said. “We’d like the Congress to take action, but the Republican-controlled House is unwilling to do so. … And so, the president is using whatever tools he has to do what is necessary.” * Block Club | What Do New Restrictions For Migrants At The Border Mean For Chicago?: In a statement Wednesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson called on Congress to pass “permanent solutions” for “Dreamers, spouses of American citizens and long-term workers.” “It is time for Congress to finally work with President Biden to pass comprehensive immigration reform and create fair and functional policies for our country,” Johnson’s statement said. * Tribune | As another Chicago summer begins, stakeholders in anti-violence efforts dig in: Along with city leaders and public safety advocates, Douglas and his colleagues at the University of Chicago trauma center have spent months preparing. And this summer will bring extra challenges as the city prepares to welcome waves of tourists, delegates and party officials for the Democratic National Convention in late August. While doctors, nurses and surgeons have made sure they have what they need to treat the wounded in their emergency rooms, city leaders say they are prepared with law enforcement strategies as well as violence interruption and emergency response plans. * Tribune | City poised to offer DNC protesters route near United Center: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is poised to offer protesters at the Democratic National Convention a route near the United Center to potentially settle a federal lawsuit claiming the city of Chicago is violating protesters’ First Amendment rights by blocking plans to march within “sight and sound” of the convention hall. The development was revealed at a hearing Thursday in the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, which is seeking an injunction blocking the city from confining protesters to places far from the convention site, such as Grant Park. * WTTW | Pay $50M to 4 Men Who Each Spent Nearly 20 Years in Prison for Double Murder They Didn’t Commit, City Lawyers Recommend: The Chicago City Council’s Finance Committee is set on Monday to consider the proposed settlement, which calls for taxpayers to pay $21 million and the city’s insurance company to pay $29 million. A final vote of the City Council could come on June 12. […] All four defendants, who became known as the “Marquette Park Four,” were exonerated in 2017 after Cook County prosecutors dropped the charges against them. Styles, who was 16 at the time of the murder, and Johnson, who was 19 at the time of the murder, had been sentenced to life in prison. * Sun-Times | How the seizure of a woman’s purple gun led to a Chicago police corruption scandal: One of the officers grabbed the handgun, then made an unnerving comment. “We understand why you have this weapon. We’ll let you go,” recalled German, a legal gun owner who didn’t have a license to carry publicly. “This never happened.” After hearing those parting words and realizing the officer had taken the gun, German said she knew there “was some B.S. going on.” The officers, identified as Daniel Fair and Jeffery Morrow, later claimed they had recovered the gun while responding to a ShotSpotter alert a mile from the bus stop. * WTTW | Chicago Spent More Than 1 Million Overtime Hours on ‘Scarecrow’ Police Shifts Since 2022 Before Abandoning the Approach: Despite past and current pledges to reduce costs of overtime, records provided to WTTW News show the monthly total of hours assigned for [strategic deployment initiative] shifts reached its highest level under Snelling in the final three months of operation. […] CPD did not respond to questions about how it judged the efficacy of the SDI plan. The city did announce this year’s summer safety plan before the Memorial Day weekend. The plan would continue canceling officers’ days off to make up for staffing issues as it has in the past. * WGN | No Fourth of July fireworks in Chicago this year: The city has offered no explanation, but reminds residents that Navy Pier holds its twice-a-week fireworks display every Wednesday and Saturday through Labor Day. * Daily Herald | How Illinois’ new child tax credit will affect suburban parents: Parents of children 12 and younger who also qualify for the state’s earned income tax credit (EITC) are eligible for the tax break that could net as much as $300 for one child. Refunds would be higher for parents with multiple children in that age bracket, but the value is staggered similar to the EITC. “It is an important step and it is really exciting because we have seen similar policies work at the federal level and in other states,” said state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, an Arlington Heights Democrat who helped champion child tax credit legislation in Springfield. “It can be the difference in families buying school supplies, diapers, new shoes or what have you. Those types of expenses that keep our families and kids on track for future success.” * CBS Chicago | Mayor of Chicago suburb of Markham says pandemonium in Dolton is creeping into other communities: The City of Markham is one of 17 municipalities in Thornton Township, and Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa said he felt compelled to speak out about the cloud hanging over Henyard after insisting she is trying to paint Markham in a bad light for her benefit. Homeowners in the south suburbs saw an increase in their property taxes recently, and Markham is no exception. * SJ-R | Proposed multimillion dollar warehouse could bring hundreds of jobs to Springfield: Frito-Lay has another warehouse in Springfield that operates at 5400 International Parkway. That warehouse is currently hiring for part time positions in the warehousing industry anywhere from $21.89 to $22.88 an hour. While absolute numbers are not available currently for the project, President and CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance Ryan McCrady said that similarly sized constructions in the city would range from $30 to $50 million for a warehouse of that size. * NBC | Elon Musk’s X app ran ads on #whitepower and other hateful hashtags: While the hashtags make up a small percentage of what is posted daily on X, they add to previous examples showing how the platform has struggled to maintain control of its ad network and how it intersects with hate speech — an issue that has plagued the platform for years. The placements allow X to monetize extremist content more than 18 months after Musk said that he would demonetize hate posts on the platform he owns. * WaPo | Several Pa. House Republicans boo officers who defended Capitol on Jan. 6: Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and former sergeant Aquilino Gonell were introduced on the floor Wednesday as “heroes” by House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D) for having “bravely defended democracy in the United States Capitol against rioters and insurrection on Jan. 6.” As the two men — both of whom were injured by rioters on Jan. 6 — were introduced, the House floor descended into chaos. According to Democratic lawmakers, several GOP lawmakers hissed and booed, with a number of Republicans walking out of the chamber in protest. * NPR | ‘Washington Post’ publisher tried to kill a story about allegations against him. It wasn’t the first time.: The Washington Post has written twice this spring about allegations that have cropped up in British court proceedings involving its new publisher and CEO, Will Lewis. In both instances Lewis pushed his newsroom chief hard not to run the story. According to several people at the newspaper, then-Executive Editor Sally Buzbee emerged rattled from both discussions in March and in May. Lewis’ efforts were first reported by the New York Times. The second Post article in May, which was thorough and detailed, ran just days before Lewis announced his priorities for the paper, which is financially troubled. * Smithsonian Mag | Martha Gellhorn Was The Only Woman to Report on the D-Day Landings From the Ground: Gellhorn was one of the first journalists—and the only female correspondent—to view that hellish scene 80 years ago. Lacking proper credentials, she lied her way onto a hospital ship traveling from England to France, then rode in a water ambulance to the still-dangerous Normandy shore as artillery shells from battleships roared overhead. Among other hazards, she endured snipers, landmines and strafing by German warplanes, all to get the story.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Revenue update
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Notorious ’swatter’ sentenced to federal prison, partly for Illinois crimes
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller * US Attorney’s Office from the Western District of the state of Washington..
* The two 2022 Illinois crimes…
Neither Isabel nor I could find any news coverage about those two swatting crimes. * KOMO reports on how he was busted…
It is kind of amazing to me that the FBI still has no way to trace these calls. But good on them for catching him. * More from the plea agreement…
Click here for the entire plea agreement. And click here for sentencing document, Memorandum regarding detention. Thoughts? [Isabel significantly contributed to this post.]
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MLB open thread
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller * House Speaker Chris Welch was on 670 The Score’s the Mully & Haugh Show. The hosts asked him all sorts of questions about public financing for professional sports stadiums, but Welch shot them all down. No real news there. This quote from Cub fan Welch wasn’t exactly news either, but it’s time for an MLB open thread, so here you go…
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Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Retail provides one out of every five Illinois jobs, generates the second largest amount of tax revenue for the state, and is the largest source of revenue for local governments. But retail is also so much more, with retailers serving as the trusted contributors to life’s moments, big and small. We Are Retail and IRMA are dedicated to sharing the stories of retailers like Dani, who serve their communities with dedication and pride.
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They’ll come back to it
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Play USA…
A bill eliminating the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities failed to pass the General Assembly ahead of its May adjournment, although sponsors say they hope to pass it when lawmakers return in the fall. * WBEZ…
* SJ-R…
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Open thread
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller * What’s going on?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: Judge blocks law that would have banned newly slated candidates from ballot. Capitol News Illinois…
-“The General Assembly could make the revisions effective for the next election, rather than in the midst of the current election,” Noll wrote. - Neither the attorney general’s office nor attorneys for House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch immediately responded to a request for comment as to whether they would appeal the ruling. * You can watch the Governor’s fireside chat here…
* Daily Herald | Arlington Heights trustee tapped for 53rd District House seat: A panel of Northwest suburban Democratic leaders picked Arlington Heights village Trustee Nicolle Grasse as the new state representative for the 53rd District. Grasse will fill the vacancy created when Mark Walker left the post last month to fill the seat in the 27th District Senate left vacant when Ann Gillespie accepted Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s appointment as head of the Illinois Department of Insurance. * WGLT | Orders of protection are plentiful in McLean County — compliance less so: Sergio Ponce, senior court advocate with the program, said there are certain riskier times for women trying to break ties with their abusers because abuse is a lot about control. […] Using orders of protection as a tool requires calling police when there are violations for it to work. Ponce pointed out some remedies in the order of protection are not enforceable by police. * Shaw Local | Former Illinois Republican campaign aide makes first court appearance in obscenity case: On Wednesday, Timothy Pawula, 32, of Chicago, made his first court appearance with his defense attorney, Doug DeBoer, before Judge Ken Zelazo at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet. State records list Pawula as the treasurer for Ozinga for Illinois, the candidate election committee for former Republican state Rep. Tim Ozinga of Mokena. […] “I’ve never seen a criminal charge filed in this manner,” DeBoer said to Zelazo regarding the bill of particulars. * Sun-Times | Budget balancing act? Pritzker signs $53.1 billion spending plan, dismisses Democratic discord: The signing of the spending plan in the West Loop’s State of Illinois building featured no fanfare — unlike Pritzker’s last two budgets, in which he stood flanked by cheering rank-and-file Democratic lawmakers. But Pritzker swept away the notion that the low-key event was due to any intraparty feuds, saying he is backed by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, who stood alongside him, in addition to House Speaker Pro Tempore Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, state Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. * Tribune | Democrats declare ‘Illinois is on the right track’ as Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs $53.1 billion budget: Pritzker has yet to sign a revenue package that includes roughly $750 million in tax hikes necessary to balance the budget, but said Wednesday he plans to do so without making any changes. While the budget passed comfortably in the House by a 65-45 vote and more convincingly in the Senate by a vote of 38-21, negotiations in the Democratic-controlled chambers stretched into overtime and seven Democrats in the House and two in the Senate joined Republicans in voting no. * SJ-R | Pritzker signs $53.1B budget, touts investments in education, economic development: That measure includes increases on the sports wagering and video gaming taxes, which will net the state an additional $235 million in revenues, in addition to an extended cap on corporate net operating losses to prevent what would have been a $526 million loss for the state. * Fox 2 Now | Illinois legislators approve law against landfill’s airborne waste: The bills require landfills in Madison, St. Clair, and similar-sized counties to have facilities on site to clean mud from truck wheels and undercarriages before they leave the landfill after dumping their trash. Truck drivers must also secure tarps over the tops of their loads to prevent flying trash. Tarp violations can bring $150 fines and additional $150 fine per violation beyond a fourth offense in a single year. * Block Club | Alderman Pushes For 8 PM Downtown Curfew For Minors After Teens Attack Couple In Streeterville: Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) is pushing for a stricter Downtown curfew for minors after two teens attacked a couple in Streeterville last week. The attack happened around 9:15 p.m. Friday in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue, police said. A woman, whose age was not given, and a 40-year-old man were on the street when a group approached them. […] After the woman described the attack in an anonymous interview this week with FOX32, Hopkins announced in his newsletter he is working to establish an 8 p.m. curfew law for all unaccompanied minors in the Central Business District. * Block Club | South, West Side Youth Groups Get $600,000 From City To Boost Kids’ Programs: More than 60 community organizations will get grants averaging about $10,000 each in an effort to get more kids involved in activities like gardening, summer camps and trades programs. * Crain’s | Downtown rents moderating as new apartments hit the market: So far this year, 2,400 new apartment units have become available downtown, with a total of 3,600 projected to be delivered in 2024 as developers complete projects that were financed before the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, according to the Chicago office of Integra Realty Resources. That’s a jump from about 2,900 units brought to market in 2023 and 1,500 in 2022. * Tribune | White Sox bullpen can’t hold late leads in consecutive losses to Cubs in City Series sweep: ‘It sucks’: The White Sox had what appeared to be comfortable leads Tuesday and Wednesday in the City Series against the Cubs. Both advantages disappeared, as the Sox continued their spiral with crushing defeats. And in the process, they tied a single-season franchise record with their 13th consecutive loss. They reached that dubious distinction Wednesday, falling 7-6 in front of 40,073 at Wrigley Field. * NBC Chicago | Dolton disorder spreads as records show mayor used village funds for personal makeup artist: An itemized payroll sheet for the township sent to NBC Chicago from May of last year lists Brandon Momon as an administrative assistant, but when we reached out to him, he told us he’s Henyard’s make-up artist. “It is just once again a long series of things done incorrectly – or possibly illegally,” said Chris Gonzalez, a Thornton Township trustee. * Crain’s | What will become of Aon’s massive Lincolnshire office complex?: San Diego, Calif.-based Realty Income has hired brokerage CBRE to seek a buyer for the 4 Overlook Point office complex in the northern suburb, according to a marketing flyer. The site in the heart of the 330-acre Lincolnshire Corporate Center campus is a longtime office of insurance giant Aon, whose lease for the entire 818,686-square-foot office complex on the property is due to expire at the end of this year. * Daily Herald | Suburban World War II veterans mark D-Day anniversary in Normandy: Today, three World War II veterans from the suburbs are there once more to mark the 80th anniversary of what Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called the “Great Crusade.” Dick Rung, 99, of Carol Stream, Jack Kinyon, 101, of Bartlett, and Edward “Bud” Berthold, 104, of Fox River Grove, made the trip with other veterans through the Best Defense Foundation. The California-based nonprofit provides opportunities for World War II veterans to return to their battlefields for closure, camaraderie and remembrance. * Crain’s | We now know how much Oberweis Dairy sold for — and its new owner’s plans: The price tag for Oberweis Dairy, which was recently sold through a bankruptcy auction, was $21.25 million. The investment arm of Winnetka-based private-equity firm Hoffmann Family of Cos. won the bidding on May 29, but the price was not immediately made public in court documents. * WCIA | More details shared in train vs. semi crash in Southern Illinois: Amtrak officials have shared more details regarding a train-vs.-semi crash on Wednesday in Southern Illinois. An Amtrak train was traveling from Chicago to Carbondale, making several stops at stations across Central Illinois. The train was just north of its final destination, when at 2:30 p.m., it collided with a semi that was obstructing the tracks. […] Amtrak officials said the train was able to continue its journey to Carbondale after a nearly 3-hour delay. * SJ-R | ‘A happy return:’ New music director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra has ties to state: In Chicago, Fukumura was the assistant conductor of the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Chicago Philharmonic, while directing two youth orchestras at the Merit School of Music. He also conducted the Northwestern Medical Orchestra, made up of students, faculty, residents, researchers and staff members in the Northwestern medical community. […] A native of Tokyo who grew up in Boston and started his musical studies on the violin at age 3, Fukumura is acclaimed for his dynamic stage presence and musical finesse. * Reuters | D-Day anniversary 2024: World leaders, veterans, commemorate Normandy landings: “I want to pay my respects to those who didn’t make it. May they rest in peace,” veteran Joe Mines said, in words read by actor Martin Freeman. “I was 19 when I landed, but I was still a boy…and I didn’t have any idea of war and killing.” “I tried to forget D-Day but I can’t,” Royal Navy veteran Ron Hendrey said in words read by actor Douglas Booth. “I’ve lived 80 years since that day, my friends have remained under the earth.”
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Uber Partners With Cities To Expand Urban Transportation
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Uber is leading the charge to close critical transportation gaps, ensuring reliable access to its services in places that need it most, such as underserved areas like Englewood. This is a part of Uber’s broader commitment to augment and expand the reach of Chicago’s transportation ecosystem, focusing on overcoming the first-mile/ last-mile hurdles that have long plagued residents in farther afield neighborhoods. Uber aims to extend the public transit network’s reach, making urban transportation more accessible and efficient for everyone. Discover the full story on how Uber is transforming city transportation for the better.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Live coverage
Thursday, Jun 6, 2024 - Posted by Rich 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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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Jon Seidel’s thread on Ex-Ald. Ed Burke’s bid for acquittal or a new trial…   Burke’s sentencing is set for June 24. * In case you missed it…
* WCIA | Governor J.B. Pritzker signs budget: “Overall, our fiscal foundation is getting stronger every year,” Pritzker said Wednesday. The governor was joined by legislative leaders Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch (D-Westchester) and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). Also in attendance was Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton and chief budgeteers Rep. Jehan Gordon Booth (D-Peoria) and Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago). * NBC Chicago | 3 key components of Illinois’ budget as Pritzker signs legislation: Among the three key components of the bill was to eliminate the state’s 1% tax on groceries, which is paid out to municipalities. The tax is levied on all items “meant to be consumed off the premises where they are sold,” and according to text of the bill will be eliminated on Jan. 1, 2026. “If it reduces inflation for families from 4% to 3%, even if it only puts a few hundred bucks back in families’ pockets, it’s the right thing to do,” [Pritzker said] said. * Center Square | Bill allows Illinois local government to get loans from state climate bank: A measure ready to be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker would allow local governments to apply for loans through the Illinois Finance Authority Climate Bank in an effort to expand so-called “green energy” infrastructure across the state. State Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, advanced Senate Bill 3597, which would allow local governments to apply for loans through the Illinois Finance Authority Climate Bank for projects including solar power installations. * WCIA | Illinois state parks face off in fundraising competition: A competitive fundraising effort is underway for Illinois state parks. Throughout June, every donated dollar will equal one “vote” towards your favorite parks. […] Illinois is one of only seven states that do not require an entrance fee for state parks. Officials say donations help make this possible. * Streetsblog | At 2nd People’s Lobby Transit Town Hall, politicians and riders discussed how to create a world-class system: The panel of elected officials concerned with transit at the event included State Representative Kam Buckner (D-26th), who has introduced several bills designed to improve transportation in the Chicago region. “What I’ll just say about a transit system that works for the people is that it’s a system that’s irresistible,” he said. “I mean, the system where it makes way more sense for you to get on the Green Line, or the Jeffery Jump than it does to get in a car or call an Uber. This is, to me, not just about buses and trains. This is about mobility, and mobility is a human right.” * Block Club | Not All Peaceful Protests Constitutionally Protected, Police Chief Says Ahead Of DNC: Police Supt. Larry Snelling warned organizers that not all peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment ahead of August’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, drawing immediate criticism from local civil liberties groups. “First Amendment protection is only there if you’re not committing a crime, and you can be acting out peacefully but still breaking the law,” Snelling said at a press conference Tuesday to discuss safety at the political convention. * Sun-Times | 4 Chicago police officers face dismissal for allegedly stealing cash and drugs, lying about gun seizures: Officers Daniel Fair, Jeffery Morrow, Kevin Taylor and Rupert Collins are accused of engaging in misconduct the Civilian Office of Police Accountability deemed “substantial and irrefutable.” In one case, Fair and Taylor took cash and marijuana during a vehicle search, COPA said in a report dated Jan. 26. GPS records show they drove to Fair’s block after the search and the contraband was never inventoried. * Block Club | Homeless Residents Relocated In Humboldt Park For Fest Season: On Tuesday, people living in 12 tents at the central and south ends of the park were moved to the north end near North Avenue, where there was already a cluster of at least 30 tents. City officials, Park District staff, Ald. Jessie Fuentes’ (26th) office and Chicago Union of the Homeless volunteers helped relocate people’s tents and belongings, officials said. The move was to make room on the southern end of the park for the Puerto Rican Festival and Parade this weekend and to “streamline the process of serving and connecting our unhoused neighbors with housing services” in closer proximity, Fuentes said in a release. * WBEZ | The transfixing, cathartic experience of rocking out in a Chicago cemetery: When Kim Gordon comes to Chicago on Saturday to perform songs off her new record The Collective, she won’t be appearing at Metro or the Riviera or even a summer music festival. Instead the iconic former leader of Sonic Youth, now two albums into an acclaimed solo career, is performing in a cemetery. In front of a mausoleum. Surrounded by 1,500 adoring and utterly alive fans. * Tribune | WNBA rescinds 2nd technical foul on Angel Reese after Chicago Sky rookie’s ejection during loss: Coach Teresa Weatherspoon said the officiating crew declined to explain the decision to the Sky coaching staff. “I tried to get an explanation and I did not,” Weatherspoon said during her postgame news conference. “I don’t know at this moment what has happened.” * Daily Herald | ‘Unprecedented demand’: Proposed 160-acre data center would be the largest in Lake County: Based on a rough estimate of construction costs, the T5 proposal when built out would represent an investment of $2.25 billion or more, according to Richard Gatto, executive vice president of the Alter Group. […] “Demand for data centers is incredibly high with the rapid evolution and integration of AI (artificial intelligence) into all aspects of business operations,” explained Ron Lanz, business development director for Lake County Partners, the county’s economic development arm. * Aurora Beacon-News | Pay increased for many elected county offices in Kane County: In a split vote on May 29, the Kane County Board approved an increase in pay for four elected positions — circuit clerk, recorder, auditor and coroner — to $109,242, with 2% yearly increases for the following three years. This will equalize the positions’ salaries, which previously varied by around $2,000, and will match the current salaries for the treasurer and county clerk, which were set in 2022. * Daily Herald | Hundreds of acres in Huntley to become Kane County forest preserve — but some land set aside for development:: Hundreds of acres of open land in Huntley could soon become a Kane County forest preserve, though the village has asked that some of the property be set aside for future development. The potential new forest preserve, southwest of where Route 47 meets Interstate 90, would consist of a shelter and trail looping around the property, in addition to parking, Kane County Forest Preserve District Executive Director Ben Haberthur said. * SJ-R | Vietnam War veteran, proponent of veterans issues around Lincoln and central Illinois dies: Joe Schaler, a U.S. Marine who served in the Vietnam War and championed veterans issues in the Lincoln, Ill., area after moving there in 2005, died May 29. […] Schaler was one of the proponents of and later chaired the Veterans Assistance Commission, which assists with individual Veterans Administration claims and points veterans in the direction of VA benefits, including job-training programs. The Commission also helps veterans and their families with short-term emergency assistance. * Reuters | World hits streak of record temperatures as UN warns of ‘climate hell’: Speaking about the findings, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized how quickly the world was heading in the wrong direction and away from stabilizing its climate system. “In 2015, the chance of such a breach was near zero,” Guterres said in a speech marking World Environment Day. With time running out to reverse course, Guterres urged a 30% cut in global fossil fuel production and use by 2030.
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Pritzker on federal money, next year, transit fiscal cliff, Mendoza, Crespo, pensions, historic preservation
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller * Gov. Pritzker was asked today after he signed the budget if the budget process next year will be more difficult…
Please pardon all transcription errors. * Another question about next year…
* Background is here if you need it. Regarding Mendoza…
* Background on this question is here if you need it…
The governor undoubtedly knows that the budgeteer process doesn’t allow people like Rep. Crespo to pitch the governor about budget matters. Everything has to go through the budgeteers and the respective leaders. And Crespo told me today that he did present his ideas to his budgeteer. Click here to see Rep. Crespo’s actual proposal. * On to pensions…
* Historic preservation…
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Budget signing react
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
Click here and scroll to the bottom for links to the walkdown and the highlights. * SGOPs…
* US Rep. Mary Miller had a similar take…
* Sen. Sims…
* Arne Duncan at CRED…
More budget statements have already been posted on our press release live feed, and I’ll post new releases there as they come in.
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C’mon, people
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller * Capitol News Illinois…
Yeah, they’re gonna leave all that money behind. But if they do, then what happens, other than maybe we don’t have to watch their endless TV ads on local stations? They basically don’t directly employ anyone in Illinois aside from lobbyists, so layoffs wouldn’t be a problem, except for the lobbyists. But they’re some of the most resilient people I know. And if they did leave Illinois, the smaller operators could expand and/or rush in to fill the void. One thing those two huge companies definitely don’t want to see is the smaller operators gaining a foothold anywhere. If that happened, the smaller outfits might build up strength and then expand into other states, which could damage the sportsbook duopoly. * And the Illinois tax increase is definitely tilted in favor of the smaller companies. Center Square…
Wait, what? Now somebody is saying that the smaller operators are gonna leave? Which is it? * As we’ve discussed before, perhaps the biggest issue here is tax “contagion.” Some other states have kept their tax rates low, so they’ll likely look at what happens in Illinois…
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Uber Partners With Cities To Expand Urban Transportation
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Uber is leading the charge to close critical transportation gaps, ensuring reliable access to its services in places that need it most, such as underserved areas like Englewood. This is a part of Uber’s broader commitment to augment and expand the reach of Chicago’s transportation ecosystem, focusing on overcoming the first-mile/ last-mile hurdles that have long plagued residents in farther afield neighborhoods. Uber aims to extend the public transit network’s reach, making urban transportation more accessible and efficient for everyone. Discover the full story on how Uber is transforming city transportation for the better.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Fundraiser list
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Figure it out
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller * Mike Miletich…
* Press release…
* The same group sent out this release after the bill was approved in the Senate…
Some legit business owners were worried the legislation could put them out of business. It apparently needed more time to percolate. * But while the legislation is percolating, things are advancing on the ground. “That’s a barrel of smokable hemp being sold at a trade show in Rosemont,” said a friend who sent me this pic yesterday…  People could buy it by the pound…  * Fox32…
Lovely.
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Governor, top officials go after Comptroller Mendoza
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller * I told subscribers about this earlier, so I’ll just leave these here for y’all. Let’s start with the comptroller…
* The governor’s policy/legislative person was not amused…  * And neither was the Deputy Governor for Budget & Economy…  The full story, entitled “Illinois comptroller pleased with ‘vanilla’ budget,” is here…
* Meanwhile, Capitol News Illinois’ newsletter went out after I’d finished writing, but take a look at this…
Thoughts?
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Open thread
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller * What’s going on? Keep it Illinois-centric please…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: How Illinois’ hands-off approach to homeschooling leaves children at risk. ProPublica…
- Educational officials say this lack of regulation allows parents to pull vulnerable children from public schools then not provide any education for them. - No oversight also means children schooled at home lose the protections schools provide, including teachers, counselors, coaches and bus drivers — school personnel legally bound to report suspected child abuse and neglect. At 11 Governor Pritzker will sign the FY25 state budget. At 4:30 the governor will participate in fireside chat at Social Innovation Summit. Click here to watch. * Tribune | For special education students, transitional schools bridge the gap between high school and full-time employment: Under Illinois state law, students with significant cognitive disabilities are entitled to up to four years of continued education at what are known as “transitional schools” after their traditional four years in high school, up until they turn 22 years old. But for special education graduates, transitional schools like Southside can provide a bridge from school to the workforce through specialized instruction, social-emotional learning and opportunities to complete paid work at Chicago companies throughout the school year. * Journal & Topics | Democratic Township Leaders Expected To Fill 53rd State House Seat Wednesday: The open appointment meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 in Meeting Room A of the Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. Those wishing to attend are asked to send an RSVP via email to ElkGroveTownshipDemocrats@gmail.com. * WAND | Pritzker, advocates hope House passes hemp regulation proposal during veto session: “There’s no restriction on who gets it, how much they get, etc,” Pritzker said. “So, I really believe that we need to step back and ask what is in the best interest of the health of kids and adults across the state. I think regulating it is proper.” * WTTW | From Gun Control to Public Transit Rescue, A Look at What Didn’t Pass the Illinois General Assembly This Spring: Advocates who say lives are on the line are hoping Karina’s Bill — named in honor of a Chicago mother shot and killed after getting an order of protection from her abuser — will have a chance come fall. A judge who grants an order of protection can revoke an abusers’ Firearm Owners Identification card, meaning the individual can no longer legally have a gun. But that doesn’t mean that person actually gives up their firearms. * WRAM | Farm Family Preservation Act Not Included in Illinois’ Passed Budget: Last week, Illinois legislature passed a $53.1 billion state budget. One priority for the Illinois Farm Bureau that was not included in the budget was the Farm Family Preservation Act. Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau Manager Ashlyn Quinn explains: “The Farm Family Preservation Act, which is the estate tax law that was going to help increase that, which is so vital for all farm families to have that passed. We did make it all the way to final negotiations on that, but unfortunately it did not get included. So, right now it is sitting at $4 million, this would raise it to $6 million. It did also change it so that it was an exemption and not a threshold, so only those dollars over the $6 million would be taxed, as opposed to right now where the entire estate is taxed if the threshold is reached. It does tie the $6 million exemption to inflation. We were told it is not a no, it is just a not right now.” * WSIU | Inaugural Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees announced: The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association has announced the inaugural class of inductees into the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame, which recognizes the people, products and companies that have made a substantial and indelible impact on manufacturing in Illinois. The inductees include Abraham Lincoln: The first and only U.S. President with a patent; Lincoln Logs; the cell phone; Cracker Jack; Caterpillar and the University of Illinois system. * PJ Star | Here’s why it could be a bad summer for disease-spreading ticks in Illinois: Experts have suggested Illinois may be seeing more and earlier tick activity. “We’re seeing less severe winters, which might lead to more ticks,” Maureen Murray, assistant director of the Urban Wildlife Institute at Lincoln Park Zoo, recently told the Chicago Tribune. “Fewer ticks die during the winter, and ticks can be active sooner in the spring, just because it warms up faster.” * AP | Chicago police tweak mass arrests policy ahead of Democratic National Convention: Chicago police have received fresh de-escalation training, while about 3,000 officers are undergoing specialized training to “respond directly to civil unrest and the possibility of riots,” according to Snelling. Proposed changes to the way police deal with mass arrests, which are still being finalized, include more supervisor review onsite and debriefings afterward to see what worked and what didn’t. * Tribune | Lawyers for ex-Ald. Ed Burke to make in-person pitch to toss corruption conviction: Six months after ex-Chicago Ald. Edward Burke’s landmark corruption conviction, his lawyers will be back in court Wednesday in a long-shot bid for a retrial on some counts and an outright acquittal on others. […] Burke is scheduled to be sentenced June 24. Before that, however, U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall must deal with a motion by Burke’s attorneys to toss out the jury’s decision and acquit the former alderman on almost all counts. * Sun-Times | Loop’s safety and hospitality ‘ambassadors’ program expands for summer: The advocacy group Chicago Loop Alliance is expanding its ambassadors safety and hospitality program starting this week to the central Loop — beyond its normal focus on State Street — for four months through the busy summer tourism and festival season and the Democratic National Convention in August. Unarmed paid ambassadors wearing yellow and black uniforms are trained in de-escalation tactics and help prevent violence, illegal activity and “unwanted behavior.” * CBS Chicago | DCFS stops sending children to Chicago center after abuse allegations: The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said it stopped sending kids in its care to a center in Chicago earlier this year after two workers there were accused of abuse. The men accused worked at Aunt Martha’s, a temporary care center with a facility for foster children on South Michigan Avenue. CBS 2 learned one of the workers has been charged with sexual abuse and another was on the run. * Tribune | Why are so many Chicago medical residents unionizing? Activity follows pandemic, shifting attitudes: Thousands of residents and fellows in the Chicago area have voted to unionize in the last year — at University of Chicago Medicine in May, Northwestern Medicine in January and West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park in November. University of Illinois at Chicago residents and fellows unionized in 2021. Residents have long had to work many hours for relatively low pay, as they train to become specific types of physicians after medical school. Traditionally, residents have been expected to put their heads down and grind, for years, as they gain on-the-job experience and progress toward more lucrative, prominent careers. * Tribune | Kevin Warren presses ahead on Bears stadium pitch as Johnson, Pritzker stay quiet on the subject: The Chicago Bears’ bid for billions of dollars in public assistance to build a new lakefront stadium was the elephant on the agenda Tuesday at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting. With a crowd of high-powered business leaders watching, Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren repeated his pitch for the new domed stadium in a keynote address. He presented the stadium as a surefire growth starter for downtown Chicago. * Daily Southtown | Republican walk out prevents Will County vote on raises for elected officials: The Will County Board did not vote on pay raises for county elected officials Tuesday after Republicans left the board room in the middle of a special meeting, resulting in no quorum to conduct official business. Because votes were not taken, countywide elected officials and board members who are up for election in November will have their salaries unchanged for the next four years. * SJ-R | ‘This is ultimately to make everyone safer.’ Massage parlors will have to register with city: The ordinance, crafted after one adopted by the Village of Chatham several years ago, also mandates proof of State of Illinois licensure of the parlor’s massage therapists. “This is ultimately to make everyone safer: people who do massages, people who go in for massages and the neighborhoods where the massage establishments exist,” insisted Ald. Jennifer Notariano, who has a number of the parlors in her inner-city Ward 6. * Pontiac Daiy Leader | Primary winner in state’s 53rd Senate District has eyes on November, ears on residents: Unless there’s a write-in candidate or the Democrats make an effort to get a name on the ballot, Chris Balkema of Channahon, winner of the Republican primary in March will be the next state senator to represent the Pontiac area in Springfield. Balkema won the primary with nearly 50% of the vote. His opponents were Jesse Faber of Pontiac, Mike Kirkton of rural Gridley and Susan Wynn Bence of Watseka.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Jun 5, 2024 - Posted by Rich 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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