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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Tribune…
Illinois is paying the price for 340B medicine markups. Through the federal 340B program, nonprofit hospitals can buy medicines for pennies, then charge huge markups – even on life-saving medicines. Those markups have become big business for large hospital systems, driving higher costs for Illinois patients, employers and taxpayers. And the problem is getting worse. The program’s lack of oversight has allowed 340B to become a revenue stream for hospitals, PBMs, private equity firms and big chain pharmacies — with no requirement that the money be used to help patients afford medicines. It’s time for Washington to hold hospitals accountable and fix 340B. Read more. * Attorney General Kwame Raoul…
* IPM News | Higher education funding reform stalls in Illinois House: Though the deadline has passed for lawmakers to approve the bill this spring session, supporters and advocates are hoping to revive the proposal during the fall veto session or the 2027 session of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 13 and House Bill 1581 would establish a funding model tied to student and institutional needs while creating new accountability measures for how funds are spent. * Daily Herald | Citizens Utility Board urges state authority to reject merger of 2 water suppliers: A proposed merger between the parent companies of the state’s two biggest private water utilities — Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois — would not serve the public interest, according to experts at the Citizens Utility Board. The consumer watchdog group recently filed testimony urging the Illinois Commerce Commission to reject such a union over concerns about market consolidation, aggressive acquisitions of municipal systems and shoddy service quality. […] CUB said the companies have a poor track record in Illinois and challenged claims by corporate officials that the deal will allow them “to continue providing superior customer service at affordable rates.” * The Triibe | New details emerge surrounding 2025 incident that led to a Black man being ‘choked’ by the feds in Chicago: After relaying information to Chicago police, federal agents walked the man over to a CPD vehicle and released him, according to the stop report. (Documents don’t indicate how many agents were involved.) The identity of the officer who filed the report is unknown. Their name and star number were also redacted; however, the officer who wrote the report is part of the 11th District — Harrison. The unidentified beat officer conducted a field interview with the man, who said he was crossing the intersection at Congress and California when he was almost hit by the two vehicles involved in the traffic crash. “He didn’t know that the people jumping out of their vehicles were federal agents, and he started running, at which time he was detained by federal agents,” the stop report reads. * Crain’s | Fulton Market project lands $102M construction loan, among Chicago’s largest in years: Weldon’s plan for a large two-tower apartment complex between North Ogden Avenue and North Elizabeth Street first emerged as a pivot from an earlier proposal for a 16-story life sciences lab building on the site. Weldon acquired the land from its former owner, developer Mark Goodman, in April 2024, according to Cook County property records. Plans submitted to the City Council indicate the development will include two buildings containing 383 and 341 apartments, respectively. Of the 724 units, 146, or about 20%, will be marketed at affordable rates to comply with the city’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance, according to Weldon’s website. * Bloomberg | WGN parent’s merger plans on hold until final court ruling, judge says: In a 52-page ruling, the judge said that allowing WGN-TV’s parent Nexstar to move ahead with its integration of Tegna would hurt DirecTV and the state plaintiffs, reduce competition and result in newsroom layoffs and shutdowns. Nunley said the merger is likely to increase retransmission rates, referring to the fees local broadcasters charge for content from cable companies, which can lead to higher bills for consumers. Nexstar and Tegna closed their $3.5 billion deal March 19 after receiving approval from the US Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission. In the same week, a group of states, including Illinois, and satellite television company DirecTV filed separate suits, alleging the merger will hurt competition for broadcast television in dozens of markets around the country. * Block Club | How 2 Siblings Are Bringing Chicago’s Koreatown Back To Life: Their father, Johnny Lim — a graphic designer who made logos for businesses, many of which were Korean-owned — built a website in 2004 to highlight those local shops and restaurants. For awhile, that website sat idle. But now, more than two decades later, Dean and Tarah Lim’s efforts to update the site have “grown into something much bigger,” said Dean Lim, who was born in Albany Park before his family moved to the suburbs. The neighborhood was once known as Chicago’s Koreatown, with a stretch of Lawrence Avenue dubbed Seoul Drive. * Daily Herald | Brace for backups: What to expect from 2026 road work and where the worst gridlock lurks: * Aurora Beacon-News | Aurora Mayor John Laesch shares vision for the future at State of the City address: He linked that vision to his focus on energy, particularly energy-efficiency, which he said was important because of global warming and “an unprecedented, rapid demand for new energy” largely due to data centers. Aurora has the chance to lead by building both energy-efficient housing and a renewable energy grid, according to Laesch. His long-term goal is to make Aurora the green building capital of Illinois and the Midwest. “I believe that we can put Aurora’s people to work with living-wage jobs rebuilding our city with energy-efficient housing and renewable energy,” Laesch said. “We can’t continue to settle for poverty wage jobs. If we want a strong local economy, then we need to make sure that our people can earn a living wage.” * Sun-Times | How the war in Iran is affecting Chicago colleges, from canceled research to uncertain post-grad plans: In recent weeks, some colleges have evacuated students or staff from the Middle East. Northwestern University, for example, relocated “a small number” of graduate students doing research in the area, a spokesperson said. Northwestern also increased safety measures at its Qatar campus after Iran launched a retaliatory strike on a U.S. air base 16 miles away. That has included shelter-in-place orders, remote work and evacuations, according to the school’s student newspaper, The Daily Northwestern. * Daily Herald | ‘Very important to this town’: Naperville weighs funding options for India Day: After the group did not receive any funding this year through the Naperville Special Events and Community Arts, or SECA, grant program, Chakka and others urged the city council to reconsider. On Tuesday, council members will discuss potential funding options for India Day, an event that over the years has featured a vibrant parade, food vendors, fireworks and even Bollywood performers. * Fox 5 Atlanta | Fulton board approves Tiffany Henyard for commissioner race: The Fulton County Registration and Elections Board voted Monday to accept Tiffany Henyard as a candidate for the District 5 commissioner seat. Henyard is running as the only Republican in an area that typically favors Democratic candidates. The challenge centered on a lease Henyard provided for a home in the Chatterton Springs subdivision in South Fulton, which was dated May 1, 2025. Board Chair Sherri Allen noted that Henyard was still serving as a mayor and township supervisor in Illinois during that period, with her term there officially ending May 5, 2025. * Cook County Record | Downstate sheriff can’t be sued over mishandled child porn: Appeals court: The plaintiffs, whose identities are not disclosed, said the issue dates to 2019 when the Stark County Sheriff’s Office learned of “Blue Breeze,” a Dropbox file containing sexually explicit images of local girls. According to their allegations, Sheriff Steven Sloan assigned the investigation to Gary Bent, a deputy sheriff and Toulon Police Chief. They say Bent then sought help identifying victims from Jason Musselman, an auxiliary Toulon officer who served on the department’s information technology staff and had been the county’s Emergency Services Disaster Agency director. […] Although Musselman was an untrained auxiliary officer, the panel said, finding for the plaintiffs would require recognizing a new right suitable for due process protection and doing so without a showing of a suitable historical inquiry. * WCIA | Coles Co. Sheriff says mental health services expanded after suicide attempts at jail: Sheriff Kent Martin previously told WCIA that jail staff responded to a series of incidents involving four separate suicide attempts by people housed within the county jail. None of the attempts resulted in a loss of life, Martin said. Now, the sheriff’s office is providing more context and information on the ongoing mental health challenges within the facility. […] Martin said mental health services are available for those in custody. Now, however, access to these services has been expanded, and those impacted by the recent incidents — including the witnesses — have been offered mental health support. * WAND | Giannoulias, Frerichs call on ISU to settle with striking workers: Giannoulias said trash is piling up and student dining options are limited. “As a statewide elected official representing voters in communities throughout Illinois, I have watched the work stoppage at Illinois State University carefully and with concern. And as an employer myself, I know from experience that - while it may not always be easy - it is always possible to reach an agreement with employees that benefits everyone,” Giannoulias said. “I commend the workers, who deserve justice and their union, which has been seeking compromise. I am troubled by the refusal of ISU administration to negotiate when given another chance. This strike has gone on too long already.” * Illinois Times | New leadership for Sangamon County Democrats: Diana Carlile, 64, a former Illinois Bell operator and AT&T engineering department employee who retired in 2011, was unanimously elected April 15 in a weighted vote of the local Democratic Party’s precinct committeepersons. Carlile, a former member of the Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, will take over the volunteer role from [Bill Houlihan], 72, a Springfield resident. * Illinois Times | Sangamon Auditorium to reopen in October with major upgrades: The UIS Performing Arts Center has been closed since June 2025 to make way for a major plumbing replacement throughout the building. It’s not the most glamorous upgrade, but it was essential. Every water and wastewater pipe serving restrooms, sinks, fountains and dressing room showers has been replaced as part of a state-funded project. With most of that work now complete, the finish line is in sight. * Illinois Times | A welcoming place: Gay rabbi and his family relocate to Springfield: Then came a new presidential administration, and the warm breezes of Charleston turned politically chilly when it came to LGBTQ rights. “Southern politicians, it seemed like, were trying to outdo each other to curry favor with the president, at the expense of me and my family,” Kanter said. “And so, we wanted to come to a part of the country where we didn’t have to worry about that stuff.” Springfield became that place. For about 18 months now, Rabbi Kanter has led Temple B’rith Sholom on Fourth Street, a Reform Jewish congregation since 1858. Kanter said Springfield has made him and his family feel welcome, although he still does a lot of explaining to people who meet him for the first time.
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Buckner says he’s had talks with SDG about opposition to Bears stadium bill (Updated)
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * Hmm…  Meanwhile, Buckner says he has it covered…
More here. …Adding… Mayor Brandon Johnson on Fox 32…
Mayor Johnon’s basic belief here is that if the Bears don’t stay in the city, then he’d rather let them go to Indiana.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update to today’s edition
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Judge dismisses Illinois lawsuit over National Guard deployment after orders rescinded (Updated)
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * The Tribune…
* Sun-Times federal court reporter Jon Seidel…
* Attorney General Kwame Raoul…
…Adding… Gov. JB Pritzker…
* More…
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It’s just a bill
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Rep. Mary Beth Canty…
* AAA director of public affairs Nick Jarmusz, Mothers Against Drunk Driving regional executive director Erin Doherty and Families for Safe Streets president Amy Cohen…
* WCIA…
* Sen. Laura Ellman…
* WCIA…
* More… * Capitol News Illinois | 150,000 Illinois households may lose federal food assistance beginning May 1: “Not feeding people is a choice,” Guzmán said at the rally. “This is not about waste. This is not about fraud, and this is not about responsibility. This is about cruelty. This is about power.” Guzmán is a sponsor on Senate Bills 3277, 3276 and 3167, the three bills that Save our SNAP is championing. The House versions have all missed the committee deadline, although that doesn’t mean they won’t come back later. The Senate bills are still being considered in committee. The measures call for funding but don’t provide funding sources, meaning lawmakers would have to separately allocate money in the budget process. * Press release | Belt’s measure to ban AI for teacher evaluations passes Senate: Senate Bill 2909 would prevent school administrators from using AI to write teacher evaluations. A teacher evaluation is a formal process used to measure an educator’s effectiveness, instructional skills and classroom performance. The use of AI while writing these evaluations brings up many transparency and privacy concerns for teachers. The measure recognizes that AI might become an integral part of the teacher evaluation process one day, but the technology is not there yet. The measure would not stop evaluators from using AI for administrative tasks. If the evaluator chooses to use AI assisted tools, they must name and specify the purpose of the tool used in the evaluation and share that information with the teacher being evaluated. * WAND | Home for Good: IL House passes bill expanding housing, support services for people returning from prison: State representatives passed a bill Friday to create safer and stronger communities by improving housing and support services for people returning home from prison. Roughly 15,000 people leave Illinois prisons annually, but the vast majority of those Illinoisans are unable to find stable housing. Sponsors said that is due to inequities in the housing market and gaps in human services. […] House Bill 624 passed out of the House on a 63-34 vote. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration. * Center Square | Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety: Critics argue public housing assistance should have stricter eligibility rules based on criminal history, especially for violent offenses, to balance rehabilitation with public safety. Vollen-Katz disagreed, saying conviction history alone doesn’t reliably predict future behavior and that many people do not reoffend due to rehabilitation and aging out of crime. “Too often we exclude people based on their history without looking at who they are now,” she said, emphasizing the role of reentry programming and skill development in reducing risk after release. * Press release | Rep. Morgan Passes Bill in House Establishing New Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship: In a landmark step to strengthen protections for Illinoisans with disabilities, chief bill sponsor State Representative Bob Morgan passed House Bill 862 in the Illinois House of Representatives. Pending Senate passage, this bill establishes the Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship (DAG), transforming the existing Guardianship and Advocacy Commission from a quasi-independent body into a Cabinet-level state agency. HB 862 creates a new department which will be led by a Governor-appointed Director and confirmed by the Senate, bringing greater transparency and accountability to agency leadership. The legislation also creates an 11-member Advisory Council (also appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate) to provide guidance on guardianship services, legal representation, and disability rights. * Press release | Mason Passes Bill Protecting Against Stormwater Pollution: House Bill 4418 expands the Environmental Protection Act to require the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. This plan directly targets small lentil-sized plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, that are often found in the plastic product manufacturing process. These small bits of plastic are melted and molded into everyday products, but have often found their way outside of the production process. Because of their small size, these pellets are regularly spilled during transport to manufacturing facilities, easily swept into drains or are thrown away when they fall on the manufacturing floor and become contaminated. When not properly disposed of, these pellets can pollute stormwater, which typically runs into larger bodies of water, causing an environmental threat to marine life and human health.
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SB 1486 Raises Premiums And Reduces Consumer Choice
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Illinois is home to one of the most competitive insurance markets in the nation. Hundreds of insurers fight for consumers, leaving families better protected than those in other states. SB 1486, described by the Daily Herald as “controversial legislation,” could eliminate that system and, in its place, leave Illinois with the most extreme regulatory framework in the nation. This legislation could:
• Cause insurers to scale back coverage • Result in companies leaving the marketplace entirely These policies have been tried in other states, leading to skyrocketing costs for consumers and limited options for coverage. Don’t bring California style overregulation to Illinois. Click here to learn more.
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Caption contest!
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Credit & Debit Cards May Not Work For Tips, Starting July 1
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] The IFPA—the Credit Card Chaos law—could hurt Illinois’ tipped workers. Servers, stylists, rideshare drivers and other gig workers who rely on tips could see their income drop if customers can’t tip on cards and are limited to the cash they carry. Before chaos hits on July 1, lawmakers should reverse course and repeal the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. Learn more at: guardyourcard.com/Illinois
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Poll: Illinoisans overwhelmingly want to impose strict rules on data centers
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * Background is here if you need it. My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
Click here for the toplines. Discuss.
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When RETAIL Succeeds, Illinois Succeeds
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] At Fit Foundation in Crest Hill, founder and owner Angie Aegerter is redefining grab-and-go with healthy, homemade meals designed for busy lives. Built from her background as a personal trainer, Angie created Fit Foundation to give customers convenient, nutritious options without sacrificing quality or flavor. Come check out the four-time “Best Lunch Restaurant in Will County” and wellness community favorite. Findings of a recent economic study are clear: the retail sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy and crucial to our everyday lives. Retail in Illinois directly contributes more than $112 billion in economic investment annually – more than 10 percent of the state’s total Gross Domestic Product. Policies that support small businesses help communities thrive as retailers like Angie in Crest Hill are better equipped to meet local needs. We Are Retail and IRMA are showcasing the retailers who make Illinois work. Please visit https://WeAreRetail.IRMA.org/.
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Capitol News Illinois | Barbara Flynn Currie, 40-year veteran of Illinois House, trailblazer for women in Springfield, dies: State Rep. Curtis Tarver, D-Chicago, who was elected in 2018 to replace Currie after she announced she wouldn’t seek a 21st term, was emotional as he summarized her legacy as a “trailblazer” in a speech on the House floor in Springfield. He said she “raised her children first, finished her degree later, in what she described as ‘doing it on the motherhood plan.’” “That mattered,” Tarver said. “It shaped how she saw people, how she approached policy and how she understood their real lives behind the decisions we make in this chamber.” * Hyde Park Herald | Barbara Flynn Currie, Hyde Park’s state legislator for four decades, dies at 85: The legislative record of Currie’s majority leader years is sweeping. In 2011, she co-sponsored the bill abolishing capital punishment in Illinois. In 2013, she co-sponsored the bill legalizing same-sex marriage. She led the charge on school funding equity — in 2016 chairing a bipartisan task force that added $350 million to address the inequalities created by Illinois’ reliance on property taxes to fund schools. She worked for decades on criminal justice reform, extended voting hours, free mammograms for low-income women and protections for nursing home residents. * Sun-Times | Barbara Flynn Currie, ‘trailblazer who opened doors for generations of women’ dies: With women making up a record 32% of state legislatures across the country, it might be difficult to remember the male world that Currie entered. When she was elected in 1978, fewer than 11% of Springfield lawmakers were women. When she announced her retirement in 2017, that figure was more than a third, and in 2025 the Illinois Legislature was 42% female. […] ”Republican women gave me flowers,” Currie later recalled. “Secretaries and staff in the Capitol were thrilled. One of my girlfriends nearly ran her car off the road. The depth of excitement was really quite thrilling.” * Tribune | Barbara Flynn Currie, Illinois’ first female House majority leader and a progressive champion, dies at 85: “At first, when I met her, she seemed a little intimidating because she was so brilliant,” said state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, a Chicago Democrat who previously served in the House for many years with Currie. “One of the strongest characteristics of Barbara Flynn Currie was how she mentored people, and she would very gently give you ideas and thoughts about how to do things better.” Sponsored by The Association of Safety-Net Community Hospitals No Cuts. No Closures. Fund Safety-Net Hospitals. For decades, Illinois has underfunded safety-net hospitals, the lifelines for Black and Brown communities. Now, the “Safety-Net Moonshot” and the Medicaid-defunding legislation it has spawned, threatens deeper cuts to these critical health providers. Any reduction inspired by the “Moonshot” would be a killshot to the care our most vulnerable residents rely on. Weakening safety-net hospitals won’t improve care. It will slash essential services, eliminate jobs, and push entire communities into healthcare deserts and economic instability. The state cannot balance its budget on the backs of Black and Brown community hospitals. These institutions are not line items to cut, they are the foundation of care for families who have nowhere else to turn. Disinvestment will deepen inequities and worsen outcomes. When safety-net hospitals are funded, communities are healthier, workforces are stronger, and economies are more resilient. Illinois must fully fund safety-net hospitals. For the communities they serve, it is life or death. * Gov. JB Pritzker has no public events scheduled today. * Tribune | Names of dead people on juror list raises legal challenge to Illinois jury pool process: Mertes, a criminal defense attorney, was alarmed by the glut of dead people whose names turned up on a recent list of potential jurors in rural Whiteside County. Now, he and county prosecutors are wondering whether Illinois has sufficient safeguards to purge the deceased from its jury pools. The issue could potentially affect other criminal trial cases — making the case the “canary in a coal mine” for the statewide jury system, Mertes said. “It’s extremely difficult to believe this problem doesn’t exist in other counties,” Mertes said. “Our system of justice is predicated on the idea that a jury represents a fair cross section of the community, so you get different perspectives. Then you can have faith in the integrity of that verdict.” * CBS Chicago | Devastation in Lena, Illinois, after tornado last week: Preliminary reports from the National Weather Service indicate that an EF-2 tornado affected Lena, about 48 miles west of Rockford, and destroyed businesses and homes. The tornado had peak winds of around 130 mph, the NWS said. […] “The magnitude of the disaster was so huge, and so we have people from all over, as you know,” she said. “I’m in Dakota. [Illinois]. We didn’t know some of these folks. Most of them, we didn’t know until we showed up, but they just need so many help. * Sun-Times | ICE says 81% arrested in Operation Midway Blitz had no convictions, falsely asserts no citizens arrested: In the letter, Lyons claims that no U.S. citizens were arrested by federal immigration officers during Operation Midway Blitz — despite documented reports of citizens being arrested. According to ProPublica, at least 170 citizens were detained in the first nine months of the Trump administration, and as of mid-October, about two dozen U.S. citizens had been held for more than a day without being able to contact anyone. Durbin’s staff has also documented the reported detention of at least 40 citizens in Illinois between late August and early November 2025. * Capitol News Illinois | Illinois lawmakers claim progress on Bears stadium legislation: A change that’s been floated, according to sources involved in negotiations, is eliminating two investment tiers aimed at smaller megaprojects ($250 million and the creation of 50 jobs or $100 million and the creation of 100 jobs). This would make the minimum investment to qualify $500 million. Some lawmakers believe the smaller investments simply don’t meet the definition of a “megaproject,” but Pritzker has pushed for tiers so the tool can be used across the state. * Sun-Times | Bears bosses and Hammond mayor meet on proposed stadium site: The meeting, which included other Bears and Hammond officials, took place at Lost Marsh Golf Club near Wolf Lake, where the Bears would build if they decide to move to Indiana. A statement issued by a team spokesperson said the Bears “continue to work together with Indiana leaders on our commitment to finish the necessary due diligence work for the Hammond site.” * Tribune | Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey seeks distance from Trump, but MAGA shadow looms: Bailey told the Tribune: “Well, they’ve got seven months to learn it.” He has rented a South Loop Chicago apartment to spend the next several months “to simply earn the trust and, ultimately, the vote of the people there.” “I’m ready to stop some of the political rhetoric that I’ve been a part of in the past. I admit it, understand it and I want to turn away from that,” he said in Springfield after a gun-owners’ rights rally. * NBC Chicago | GOP governor candidate Darren Bailey tries to walk back calling Chicago a ‘hellhole’: Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey tried on Sunday to walk back his past negative comments about Chicago, a city he has repeatedly called a “hellhole.” Bailey addressed the “hellhole” comments directly in a video shared to social media on Sunday that he filmed alongside Aaron Del Mar, his running mate. […] “Aaron, listen, I said something dumb and I am certainly not too proud to admit when I’m wrong, so, I love Chicago, I love everything this city has to offer and I can’t wait to experience it,” Bailey said at the end of the video. * Daily Herald | ‘Don’t give up’: On visit to suburbs, Bailey opens up about crash that killed son, grandchildren: Wednesday will mark six months since Republican gubernatorial nominee Darren’s Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law and their two young children died in a Montana helicopter crash. “You live life and you just think … that there’s going to be a tomorrow,” Bailey told the congregation of Lakewood Chapel in Arlington Heights Sunday. * Sun-Times | Juliana Stratton talks about the fight she’s bringing to Washington at Power Rising Summit: Stratton also took aim at President Trump, vowing to push the Democratic Party to be more “courageous.” “There’s a need to use my voice in the bully pulpit that I will be given, but there’s also a need to push our party — and I’m a Democrat — to be more courageous in this moment, because this is not a normal president, he’s not a normal person,” Stratton said. “So you don’t go about business as usual with somebody who is not normal.” * Daily Herald | Fight over Illinois’ swipe fee law heats up as implementation deadline nears: Arlington Heights Democratic state Sen. Mark Walker and Chicago Democratic state Rep. Margaret Croke have both filed bills seeking to repeal the law. Neither has made it out of committee so far. There’s also an ongoing lawsuit filed by financial institutions aimed at stopping the 2024 law from going into effect. The initial court battle delayed implementation by a year, but a federal judge ultimately sided with the state and set up a process for compliance ahead of implementation. * Chalkbeat Chicago | More than $550,000 has poured into historic Chicago school board races: More than six months ahead of Chicago’s historic school board races, candidates are starting to ramp up fundraising — and political action committees are gearing up to spend big. About 40 active school board candidate committees have already raised roughly $555,000 as of March 31 since last October, according to data Chalkbeat analyzed after a deadline this week to file campaign cash disclosures for the first quarter of 2026 with the Illinois State Board of Elections. * Sun-Times | As Chicago’s indie venues struggle, local musicians face their own financial burdens: In the meantime, Chicago venues are still struggling, and local artists are feeling the financial burden. In addition to working multiple jobs, they are seeking out alternative spaces and advocating for systemic change. ”It makes me sad because that’s my favorite way to experience music,” Brennan said of going to shows at indie spots. “I go to smaller, mid-sized venues where I might even know the owner or the booker, and just feel super comfortable in a space where independent artists are empowered.” * Tribune | In Chicago, robots are serving up food deliveries, as well as some mishaps: A review of recent robot safety incident reports shows the March crashes were not the first time the robots had run-ins with the city’s mass transit infrastructure. Earlier this year, a Serve robot named Veruca was cruising down the sidewalk near the CTA’s Chicago Blue Line stop when it approached the station’s entrance and tumbled down the subway stairs, according to an incident report the company submitted to the city. * Sun-Times | White Sox rookie Noah Schultz shines in second start, Murakami homers again in win: There was Japanese phenom Munetaka Murakami admiring his towering home run for a third consecutive game. There were Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas tagging their own impressive blasts, plus Chase Meidroth scratching out two hits. Never mind a few late bullpen hiccups, because most importantly, there was left-hander Noah Schultz dealing through five strong innings in the second start of his career — and letting his 97-mph sinker answer any lingering questions about his shaky Chicago debut last week. * Daily Herald | Des Plaines River cresting, but flooding along Fox expected to worsen: Forecasters predict the Fox River to continue rising in coming days, cresting just below 12 feet — considered major flood stage — Thursday in Algonquin. According to a flood warning issued Sunday, at 12 feet structures would be threatened along River Street, Johnson Street and Maiden Lane in East Dundee; North Harrison Street in Algonquin; and Washington Street in Carpentersville. Bayview Road and low-lying areas of Festival Park in Elgin also would be at risk, according to the alert. * WGN | Former Hinsdale Central lacrosse coach charged after allegations of improper conduct with student from another district: Buetikofer was a freshman lacrosse coach at Hinsdale Central but was fired from the position after the allegations came to light, Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Superintendent Dr. Michael Lach confirmed to an inquiry from WGN News. In a letter sent to district staff and families, Lach said the allegations of improper conduct against Buetikofer were related to his employment as a teacher in a separate school district that’s not affiliated with District 86 and that District 86 “ceased all association” with Buetikofer last month when it learned of the allegations. * Crain’s | Helmut Jahn-designed Naperville office building sold for half of 2015 price: Real Capital, meanwhile, is among the real estate firms wagering on a comeback for well-located office buildings with amenities that companies crave. The MetroWest acquisition comes a few months after it paid $132.5 million for the 35-story office building at 401 N. Michigan Ave., the priciest downtown office transaction since 2022. The Naperville property “is exactly the type of opportunity we’re focused on,” Real Capital Chief Acquisitions Officer Adam Abeln said in the statement. “It’s a well-located asset that’s been repriced due to capital market pressures. We’re acquiring it at a basis that allows us to create value through execution.” * WGLT | Strong storm damages Rivian plant and B-N homes and businesses; thousands still without power: One of the buildings at the Rivian auto plant in west Normal sustained damage that appeared to be a partially collapse wall and roof. The building is on the far southeast part of the sprawling complex, just north of College Avenue, where many new buildings were constructed to support production of the new R2 model. The damaged section appears to be a receiving area with a row of semitrailer truck stalls. The EV company said no one was injured. “We are currently evaluating the extent of the damage,” the company said. * ICYMI: ”sewer explosion” in downtown Springfield…
* WGLT | UIS faculty strike ends: Marathon bargaining sessions over the weekend resulted in a tentative three-year agreement with the school. Details have not been released, and the agreement must still be ratified. “During the 17-day strike forced upon us by Chancellor Gooch, we were supported by many students, staff, faculty, alumni, retirees, former employees, faculty colleagues at other Illinois public colleges and universities and community members. We are grateful for their support!” the UIS United Faculty posted on social media early Monday. * WGLT | George Wendt remembered as conservative ’stalwart’ of McLean County government: Republican county board member Geoff Tompkins served with Wendt on the board and knew each other as GOP precinct committeepersons. Tompkins said Wendt will be a remembered as a “stalwart advocate” of conservative principles. “George Wendt has left an indelible mark of service to McLean County and all that have worked with him,” Tompkins said. “George’s insights and institutional knowledge, particularly in the area of property taxes, will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.” * Fox2 Now | Massive hole forms on I-64 bridge in East St. Louis: FOX 2 took a peek at the hole Saturday afternoon from Trendley Avenue. It appears a board has been placed over the hole, providing a temporary way for drivers to navigate a busy stretch of the highway. Traffic appeared to be moving much slower in Woods’ video Friday out of caution, but conditions seemed closer to normal by Saturday afternoon. Repairing the bridge, both in the short and long term, would fall under the responsibility of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). * WaPo | In red states, anti-immigrant bills are failing as businesses push back: In Utah, Republican state Rep. Cheryl Acton called a bill that would have denied public services to undocumented immigrants a “violation, really, of the Sermon on the Mount.” The measure never got a sponsor in the state Senate, after being introduced by Republican state Rep. Trevor Lee, who told The Post that the White House was “very supportive” of the bill. When asked if the White House pressured him to introduce the bill, Lee demurred “I wouldn’t call it pressure, more just what can we do to help you guys now that we have the border sealed,” Lee said about the White House’s role advocating for the bill. “What can we do as a state [to help the White House]”? * LA Times | How gangs connected to India are terrorizing a California immigrant community: More than 250,000 Sikhs live in California, the largest population in the U.S. Like other members of the diaspora, they retain strong ties to India, with many regularly traveling to visit their families or ancestral homes. California law enforcement agencies say the combination of wealth, tight relationships and cross-border movement has made them attractive targets for criminal networks with roots in India’s northern and western states — Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi and Rajasthan. […] Bishnoi gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi is incarcerated in an Indian prison, but federal investigators in recent criminal indictments say he has continued to direct his global network of extortion and target killings by using encrypted messaging applications, cross-border coordination and a cadre of U.S.-based associates to extort victims in both countries. * Crain’s | American Airlines pours cold water on United merger talk: “American Airlines is not engaged with or interested in any discussions regarding a merger with United Airlines,” the Fort Worth-based airline said in a written statement released this afternoon. “While changes in the broader airline marketplace may be necessary, a combination with United would be negative for competition and for consumers, and therefore inconsistent with our understanding of the administration’s philosophy toward the industry and principles of antitrust law.” * The Guardian | As e-bike crashes send an increasing number of people to the hospital, cities search for solutions: “When we think about e-bike crashes and deaths related to e-bikes, the vast majority are cars and trucks killing people on e-bikes as opposed to people on e-bikes injuring somebody else,” said Alexa Sledge, director of communications for Transportation Alternatives, an organization dedicated to making New York’s streets safer.
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Good morning!
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Live coverage
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news on the website formally known as Twitter. Our Bluesky feed…
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Reader comments closed for the weekend
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * The late great Todd Snider will play us out… But what’s puzzlin’ you
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
Illinois is paying the price for 340B medicine markups. Through the federal 340B program, nonprofit hospitals can buy medicines for pennies, then charge huge markups – even on life-saving medicines. Those markups have become big business for large hospital systems, driving higher costs for Illinois patients, employers and taxpayers. And the problem is getting worse. The program’s lack of oversight has allowed 340B to become a revenue stream for hospitals, PBMs, private equity firms and big chain pharmacies — with no requirement that the money be used to help patients afford medicines. It’s time for Washington to hold hospitals accountable and fix 340B. Read more. * Crain’s…
* Fortune | Illinois is OpenAI and Anthropic’s latest battleground as the state tries to assess liability for catastrophes caused by AI: Experts told Fortune that SB 3444 is unlikely to pass as it’s a markedly weak approach to corporate liability in the case of catastrophe while Illinois has been a leader on AI regulation. Last year, the state banned AI therapy while allowing its use in administrative and support services for licensed professionals. * WTTW | CPS Reaches Deal With CTU to Hold May Day Classes, Allow Students to Attend Afternoon Rally: Chicago Public Schools will hold classes on May 1 after reaching an agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union that will allow students and staff to attend a rally as part of the annual “May Day” labor holiday. The announcement comes after a push by the CTU and some Board of Education members to close schools and allow for demonstrations that day. “This agreement preserves the classroom time students deserve and respects our staff and families who must be able to trust CPS to uphold the academic school year calendar,” CPS CEO Macquline King said in a statement. “At the same time, the agreement honors the proud history of civic action in Chicago and beyond.” * Sun-Times | Officer Krystal Rivera’s partner hid after fatally shooting her and failed to provide aid, new video shows: Body camera footage released Friday shows that Chicago police officer Carlos Baker sat in a stairwell for more than 90 seconds after shooting his partner Krystal Rivera last summer, leaving her bleeding from a gunshot he initially said had been fired by someone else. […] Rivera’s mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit last year alleging Baker was struggling to accept her daughter’s decision to end their romantic relationship when he fatally shot her during the foot chase. * Crain’s | Feds crack down on Federal Savings Bank over misleading ads for VA loans: Federal regulators have clamped down on Chicago-based Federal Savings Bank for the second time in five years, this time finding the mortgage lender used deceptive ads to trick customers into refinancing into Veterans Affairs-backed loans with higher interest rates and bigger fees. The consent order between the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Savings, which promotes itself as founded and owned by veterans and features a tab on its homepage dedicated to VA home loans, comes after regulators found its operations were unsound and needed improvements in consumer protection in 2021. * Block Club | Ford City Mall A ‘Death Trap’ That Could ‘Cave In,’ Ald. Says As Its Closure Looms: Business owners have seven days to come up with a plan to “spare the tragic consequence that might come to both the individual business owners and their employees and the neighbors and consumers” or prepare to vacate, Murray said. He denied a request from a JCPenney representative to have 30 days to respond to the motion. “My expectation is that you will have a meeting of the minds over the next seven days,” Murray said. “Let’s get to the bottom of this if we can, but if not, my job is to save lives, and it may well require the shutting down of this structure in order to prevent loss of life to anyone.” * Sun-Times | Arthur Loevy, attorney who worked police misconduct and wrongful conviction cases with his son, dies at 87: Mr. Loevy worked out of a conference room at the firm’s West Loop office. Younger attorneys regularly stopped in to pick his brain. “He could come up with a strategy and could get to the bottom of a matter in like 10 seconds,” said attorney Matt Topic, who learned how to be confident at the negotiating table from watching Mr. Loevy. * Evanston Now | Over $22M spent in House primary: Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss was outspent by his two top opponents, whom he emerged victorious over in last month’s Democratic congressional primary, campaign records filed Wednesday show. In total, between individual campaign spending and outside spending, over $22 million was dumped into the 9th Congressional District Democratic primary, more than any of the other local Democratic primaries on last month’s Illinois ballot. * Shaw Local | Ex-Joliet City Council member loses lawsuit against former police chief, deputy chief: A former Joliet City Council member lost his lawsuit against a former police chief and a deputy chief that claimed they used him as an “unwitting tool” in their conspiracy against the former mayor. On Friday, Kankakee County Judge Lindsay Parkhurst issued a court order that granted summary judgment in favor of retired Joliet Police Chief Al Roechner. * Daily Herald | Cash for concerts, roads in new $6.9 million Deer Park budget: That spending estimate is down about 15% from the current year’s $8.1 million total, Village Administrator Beth McAndrews said. Expenses are decreasing, she said, because improvements at Town Center Park and Charles E. Brown Park are nearly complete. No major parks upgrades are planned for the new fiscal year, which begins May 1. Playground equipment, pickleball courts and other amenities were added at Town Center Park, 21880 W. Field Parkway. * BND | East St. Louis punished for obstructing discovery in housing authority lawsuit: But Judge David W. Dugan has entered a default judgment against the city of East St. Louis and City Manager Robert Betts on all claims against them, in addition to at least $10,871 in monetary sanctions, because of their “flagrant bad faith” in the discovery process. The price includes $7,771 in plaintiffs’ attorney fees and $3,100 in unpaid daily penalties of $100 per business day, which will continue to accrue until they pay the sanctions and fully comply with every remaining discovery obligation. * WCIA | U of I researchers creating “AI virtual try-on technology” to ease online shopping stress: “It really started seeing a problem everyone faced,” he said. “People shopping online, seeing an outfit, but having no idea how it will actually fit on their body. Online shopping can feel more like a guessing game.” He and his team wanted to take the “guesswork” out of the shopping experience and developed AI technology to do so. “We are not just copying and pasting onto the person. We are creating a real-life preview of how that outfit actually looks,” Wang explained. * Joural Courier | SIU asks for community member thoughts for next strategic plan: A “strategic plan” is typically a set of goals and guidelines set up by a university. SIU’s strategic plan will go over the goals for the university that will go until 2031. Officials are asking for input from alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members about upcoming goals. […] The survey link can be found at siusystem.edu. It asks people how relevant things like academics, anti-racism, community impact, creative activities, professional development of employees, infrastructure are as university goals. * AP | For sale: Illinois house where George Harrison visited his sister before Beatlemania: The bed-and-breakfast closed in 2010. Benton resident Grady Adams has since operated it as regular bed-and-bath apartments but now wants to sell, listing it for $105,000. Brian Calcaterra, Benton’s director of economic development, suggested the city draft an ordinance to protect the house from demolition by a new owner, but Benton Mayor Lee Messersmith said the city council has not discussed the matter. * Press release | Illinois State Fair Arena Tickets To Go On Sale Tuesday, April 21: The Arena kicks off with two nights of rodeo excitement presented by N Rodeo Company on Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14, both beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fans can experience classic rodeo competitions and thrilling performances. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. * USA Today | Pope Leo XIV to visit with Notre Dame, Villanova basketball teams in Rome: When the Notre Dame and Villanova men’s and women’s basketball teams face off in Rome, Italy, to start the 2026-27 season on Sunday, Nov. 1, the athletes will get a chance to meet Pope Leo XIV. Per a press release from Notre Dame, “student-athletes from two of the United States’ top Catholic universities will travel to Rome and Vatican City for a one-of-a-kind international experience to begin their college hoops season — including a planned audience with Pope Leo XIV set to take place ahead of the game.” * NYT | Supreme Court Sides With Oil Companies in Louisiana Coastal Lawsuits: The ruling is a significant victory for oil companies, led by Chevron and Exxon Mobil, in their legal battle with Louisiana state officials over who should pay for the state’s coastal erosion. The companies have been supported by the Trump administration. The justices unanimously agreed to allow the oil companies to fight the lawsuits in federal court rather than state court. “Congress has long authorized federal officers and their agents to remove suits brought against them in state court to federal court,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote.
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Zooming out and digging in to some campaign spending numbers
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * Tribune…
You have to read to the sixth paragraph before the rest of the spending is discussed in any detail. And no grand totals were included, so I totaled up the Trib’s spending numbers for you…
* Krishnamoorthi/Pro-Krishnamoorthi/Anti-Stratton: $39.9 million Robin Kelly spent about $4.1 million and benefited from some independent expenditure ads that promoted both her and Krishnamoorthi. * Meanwhile…
Bailey spent $557,141.85 during the first quarter. His largest expenditure was “Direct Mail Fundraising,” for which he spent $279,110.70. That’s just a tad over half his total spent. Hat-tip: This parody account.
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Barbara Flynn Currie (Updated)
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Rich wrote this in 2017…
 * Rep. Theresa Mah…
* House Speaker Chris Welch…
* Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias…
* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
* Former House Majority Leader Greg Harris…
* Former State Rep. Ed Sullivan…
…Adding… Illinois AFL-CIO…
* Senate President Harmon…
* Rahm Emanuel…
* Attorney General Kwame Raoul…
* Treasurer Michael Frerichs…
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It’s just a bill
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * WHBF…
PhRMA spokesperson Will May…
* Reps. Daniel Didech and Rep. Mary Beth Canty…
* Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz…
* Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea and Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter…
* Tribune…
* Attorney General Kwame Raoul…
* Sen. Laura Ellman…
* Sen. Graciela Guzmán…
* Home for Good coalition…
* Sen. Laura Ellman…
* Rep. Natalie Manley…
* More… * WTTW | Advocates Push for Wage Increases for Home Care Workers in Illinois: Home care workers with SEIU Healthcare Illinois and state legislators gathered Thursday in front of the Illinois Capitol Building in Springfield to rally in support of a bill that would raise wages for home care workers serving seniors through the state’s Community Care Program. […] The proposed bill would increase rates for in-home services provided through the state program in order to increase hourly wages for home care workers by $2, making it $20.75 per hour, according to advocates. * WAND | Home for Good: IL bill expanding housing, support services for people returning from prison heads to House floor: House Bill 624 passed out of the House Housing Committee on a partisan 11-4 vote Wednesday. It now heads to the House floor for further consideration. “Home for Good ensures there is a bridge between the Department of Corrections and back into our community,” said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). “That’s how we reduce recidivism. That’s how we are in a position to reduce crime and increase our tax base so we can talk about lowering taxes.” * WAND | IL Senate passes bill requiring insurance coverage for seizure detection devices: This bill requires group insurance companies to provide coverage for medically necessary devices with a maximum cost-sharing amount of $50 per year. “Expanding access to these devices is a critical step to ensuring longer and healthier lives for everyone,” said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By requiring coverage through health insurance plans, we’re creating new pathways for those who suffer from a seizure disorder to get the care they deserve.” * WAND | IL House Democrats pass plan requiring K-12 Latin American history: The plan requires school districts to include Latin American history curriculum in social studies classes starting with the 2027-2028 school year. Rep. Eva Dina-Delgado (D-Chicago) said students could learn about Latino contributions to the economic, cultural, social and political development of the United States and Illinois. * Press release | Ford Measure to Repeal Punishing Anti-Borrower Student Loan Rules Passes the House: “At a time when Washington is deprioritizing education and dismantling social safety nets, we cannot sit by while hardworking people lose their livelihoods because of financial hardship,” said Ford. “The law as it is written today disproportionately harms lower-income state employees and undermines the government’s ability to recover repayment when those in default lose their jobs.” Ford’s House Bill 4687 passed the House with unanimous support from Democrats and Republicans, reflecting a shared understanding of the harm caused by the current law, which stems from the more than 30-year-old Education Loan Default Act. * WCIA | Illinois bill aims to improve worksite conditions for menstruating, lactating people: bill which would improve working conditions on construction sites in Illinois — particularly for those who are menstruating or lactating — is one step closer to becoming law. State Senator Graciela Guzmán (D-Chicago) said Senate Bill 3465 focuses on providing sanitary conditions, reasonable accommodations and menstrual products on job sites. The bill passed the Senate on April 15 and now moves on to the House. * Press release | Fine advances stronger PFAS monitoring for Illinois: Currently, PFAS oversight falls largely within the existing regulatory framework of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. However, inconsistent reporting requirements have made it difficult for the state to fully understand the scope and sources of PFAS contamination. Senate Bill 3917 would establish new monitoring requirements for PFAS in wastewater discharges, sludge, and biosolids at major facilities and land application sites. The legislation would strengthen environmental protections by requiring periodic sampling and reporting under certain water control permits. * Press release | Ortíz Passes Bill Increasing Tuition Assistance to Community College Students: Ortíz’s House Bill 5135 removes the maximum reimbursement rate per credit hour for community colleges, allowing for more tuition assistance to flow to in-state adult learners pursuing their education. Currently, state adult education fund rules unnecessarily reflect federal requirements found in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other regulations. Ortíz’s plan would remove the state from this self-imposed restriction, providing greater flexibility to prioritize adult learner funding. * Press release | Joyce measure to expand mental health counseling to coroners passes Senate: State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a measure through the Senate that would ensure county coroners and medical examiners are able to receive mental health counseling if needed. “Coroners are critical in assisting law enforcement and our judicial system,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By taking care of these employees we can prevent turnover and burnout.” Senate Bill 2770 would add coroners, deputy coroners, county medical examiners and deputy county medical examiners to the definition of first responders for the purpose of providing them mental health counseling without any cost-sharing. * Press release | Hastings: ‘Storm chasers’ have no place in Illinois: Senate Bill 3029 would prohibit a contractor from offering home repair or remodeling services while a loss-producing event, such as a fire or storm, is occurring at the premises; while the fire department or emergency personnel are engaged at the premises; or between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. The measure would still allow consumers to initiate solicitation with contractors during these scenarios. * WAND | IL Senate passes bill expanding access to menopause treatment, addressing healthcare provider bias: Healthcare professionals in Illinois are already required to complete a one-hour implicit bias training during their license renewal period. However, this bill would allow a course covering perimenopause and menopause to satisfy the requirement. “These are real medical experiences that deserve informed, evidence-based responses,” said Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan). “When providers are equipped with better knowledge, patients receive better healthcare.”
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Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] If you’re looking for the best classic deli favorites in Chicagoland, head to family owned Once Upon a Bagel in Highland Park. The flagship of the Once Upon Family of Restaurants has been a staple of the North Shore for decades. Whether it’s your first visit or a weekly ritual, co-owners Adam Dlatt and Ira Fenton make customers feel right at home. 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 Adam and Ira from Highland Park who serve their communities with dedication and pride. Please visit https://WeAreRetail.IRMA.org/.
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: Johnson has just $813,125 in campaign cash months before mayoral race; Giannoulias has $18.3 million. Sun-Times…
- Giannoulias is the overwhelming front-runner in the money sweepstakes, followed by retiring state Comptroller Susana Mendoza ($1.6 million); businessman Joe Holberg ($735,374); 34th Ward Ald. Bill Conway ($705,451); lobbyist John Kelly Jr. ($670,594); U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley ($302,637); Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas ($278,349) and businessman Liam Stanton $121,166. - Mayoral candidates will start circulating their nominating petitions July 28 and must file by Oct. 26. * Related stories… Sponsored by The Association of Safety-Net Community Hospitals No Cuts. No Closures. Fund Safety-Net Hospitals. For decades, Illinois has underfunded safety-net hospitals, the lifelines for Black and Brown communities. Now, the “Safety-Net Moonshot” and the Medicaid-defunding legislation it has spawned, threatens deeper cuts to these critical health providers. Any reduction inspired by the “Moonshot” would be a killshot to the care our most vulnerable residents rely on. Weakening safety-net hospitals won’t improve care. It will slash essential services, eliminate jobs, and push entire communities into healthcare deserts and economic instability. The state cannot balance its budget on the backs of Black and Brown community hospitals. These institutions are not line items to cut, they are the foundation of care for families who have nowhere else to turn. Disinvestment will deepen inequities and worsen outcomes. When safety-net hospitals are funded, communities are healthier, workforces are stronger, and economies are more resilient. Illinois must fully fund safety-net hospitals. For the communities they serve, it is life or death. * At noon, Gov. JB Pritzker will deliver remarks and host a discussion on housing and his BUILD Initiative at the City Club of Chicago. Click here to watch. * BlueRoomStream.com’s coverage of today’s press conferences and committee hearings can be found here. * Tribune | Darren Bailey, lacking big fundraising help, spent just $2.30 per vote to win Illinois GOP governor primary: Bailey’s spending was a far cry from four years ago, when he had millions of dollars to spend in both the primary and general election. He ultimately lost to Pritzker, the billionaire business owner and heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, by about 13 percentage points. Since Bailey won the GOP nomination last month, the former state lawmaker and farmer from downstate Xenia has only received about $25,000 in large-dollar donations, the reports show. * Daily Herald | DuPage County forced to pay bill after vendor disables election equipment: DuPage County Board members this week approved a $629,068 expenditure after learning that election-related equipment had been disabled and wouldn’t be reactivated until a vendor was paid. Vendor Hart InterCivic billed the DuPage County clerk’s office in September. The invoice was for services related to the county’s electronic poll books. Election officials use the devices to review and process voter information. County board members did not learn the bill was unpaid until after the company contacted DuPage on April 1. […] Board members expressed frustration about their long-running battle with DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek over bills from her office. They once again reiterated concerns that she is not following state procurement laws by awarding no-bid contracts. * Capitol City Now | ‘Four Tops’ speak to IL Chamber Day: “I’m not trying to win the game; I’m trying to keep playing,” said Welch. “And when you keep playing, the goal is: I want to get better. I want to do better than I did yesterday.” Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) could barely hide her dissatisfaction with how the supermajority Democrats are running the state. “We can, and we must, do better,” she said. “That starts with a more predictable tax environment, and it also means stopping policies that make it harder to do business in Illinois.” * Tribune | Gov. JB Pritzker pumped $10 million into Juliana Stratton’s Senate primary win through outside PAC: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker contributed more than $10 million to help his two-time running mate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, win last month’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, nearly all of it funneled through an ostensibly independent political action committee whose spending on the race more than tripled that of Stratton’s own campaign. While Pritzker’s backing was no secret, the full extent of his financial support was only revealed in new federal campaign disclosures filed this week and covering the weeks immediately before and after the March 17 primary, in which Stratton topped a field that included two veteran members of Congress. * Sun-Times | Power Rising Summit draws Kamala Harris and Juliana Stratton to harness the collective power of Black women: “We try to speak to the totality of our experience. So some women come and they’re into technology. There’s something for them,” Daughtry said. “For some women, they’ve been displaced by the economic times. There’s a workshop for them to talk about how they pivot. Some of us are political animals. Some of us are into the resistance and how do we fight back?” This year’s summit is co-covened by Daughtry, chairperson of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, and Minyon Moore, chairperson of the 2024 DNC, held in Chicago. * Tribune | Mayor Brandon Johnson says, ‘May 1 is happening,’ despite pushback from CPS CEO: Mayor Brandon Johnson said Wednesday that “May 1 is happening,” signaling his support for the nationwide day of protest as the Chicago Teachers Union continues to urge the school district to cancel classes so that students and staff can participate. “We have an opportunity in this moment to push the narrative, not just at the federal level, but for Chicago and the state of Illinois to show up on behalf of working people,” said Johnson, a former CTU organizer and close ally of the union. * Sun-Times | Chicago cabbies conflicted about fare hike intended to save ‘dying’ taxi industry: Several cabdrivers who spoke with the Sun-Times said, a decade ago, they could make up to $650 during an eight-hour shift. Now, it could take up to 16 hours to just make $250. Most of them aim for around $150 to $200 a day. The value of their taxicab medallions have also plummeted. A medallion that once sold for as much as $400,000 is now valued at $5,000. * Tribune | CPS restores disability support funding in Catholic schools: The reversal follows an announcement from the archdiocese last week accusing CPS of ending services for Catholic school students under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, just two months before the last day of school. The district and Catholic school administrators had traded blame over who was at fault. In a statement Thursday, however, the archdiocese said it was “delighted” to announce that funding would restart Monday and continue through May 22 as originally planned. * Tribune | FAA orders flight cuts at O’Hare amid airline arms race: In an order posted Thursday, the FAA capped daily operations at O’Hare to just over 2,700 takeoffs and landings per day between May 17 and Oct. 24. On peak days this summer, the cap will result in just under 400 fewer operations than airlines had planned at the airport. The order comes as O’Hare’s two dominant airlines, United and American, ramped up planned flights out of Chicago as they compete over gate space at the airport, which is allocated based on how much the airline flew the previous year. * Crain’s | Chicago Loop Alliance names former Illinois Medical District, Sterling Bay exec as CEO: Suzet McKinney will take the helm as the downtown business group’s president and CEO on May 11, the organization announced today. McKinney most recently served as principal and director of life sciences at Chicago-based developer Sterling Bay and spent five years running the IMD prior to that. * Daily Southtown | Will County Board OKs solar farm near Crete, reverses rejection on six farms: The Will County Board voted Thursday to approve a 2,400-acre solar farm near Crete and reversed course on six previously denied solar projects near New Lenox, Wilmington, Shorewood and Channahon. County Board members voted 11-9 to approve Earthrise Energy’s project near Crete. The vote was split largely along party lines, with most Republicans voting against the proposal. * Lake County News-Sun | Wauconda pursues annexation to stop solar farm: ‘Developing in a manner inconsistent with our long-term plan’: Wauconda officials were initially unaware of the project until last month. Madison, Wisconsin-based OneEnergy Renewables indicated an interest in building a five-megawatt solar energy facility at that location. “The village received formal word of the potential solar utility system to be located in unincorporated Lake County, directly behind the homes of Wauconda residents, during the company’s due-diligence phase,” Village Administrator Allison Matson said. The proposal calls for solar panels to be just 150 feet from existing homes. * Aurora Beacon-News | After a rezoning request is withdrawn, Yorkville mayor says city’s ‘had enough’ data center proposals: Recently, a developer withdrew a request to rezone a property for a potential data center campus due to a lack of support from Yorkville’s City Council, and the city’s mayor has since indicated future projects are unlikely to secure city approval going forward. Yorkville has become a sort of hub for data center developments, in part due to the area’s proximity to a ComEd substation. The city has approved three major data center projects in recent years. * Sun-Times | Burdened by costs of an ICE facility in town, Broadview reckons with a spotlight it never wanted: Just as the village had gotten its financial house in order, it was hit with nearly $400,000 in unexpected costs as a result of last fall’s campaign — around 10% of the small municipality’s discretionary budget. That’s in sharp contrast to local governments elsewhere in the country that have contracted with the federal government to have their costs covered — and more — for detaining immigrants in local jails. * Daily Southtown | Will County Board OKs solar farm near Crete, reverses rejection on six farms: The Will County Board voted Thursday to approve a 2,400-acre solar farm near Crete and reversed course on six previously denied solar projects near New Lenox, Wilmington, Shorewood and Channahon. County Board members voted 11-9 to approve Earthrise Energy’s project near Crete. The vote was split largely along party lines, with most Republicans voting against the proposal. Earthrise Energy expects to start construction on its 260-megawatt solar farm that will cross farmlands in Crete, Washington, Will and Monee townships early next year. When fully operational, the facility will generate electricity for 50,000 households, said Rob Kalbouss, Earthrise Energy’s director of development. * WGLT | ISU faculty union files unfair labor practice complaint amid AFSCME strike: Illinois State University’s faculty union said Thursday it’s filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the university and its Board of Trustees after its members were allegedly asked to do the work of striking workers from another union. When the strike began, United Faculty of Illinois State University [UFISU] was reminded their contracts do not permit any members to join in a labor stoppage. Keith Pluymers, associate professor and UFISU’s vice president, said the union has complied with that request. * WGLT | Farm bureau announces a $1 million investment in McLean County fairgrounds: The McLean County Farm Bureau has announced a $1 million investment to improve the McLean County Fairgrounds over the next three years. In 2026, the Mclean County Fair will mark 30 years at the current fairgrounds west of Bloomington. The McLean County Fair is held yearly and organized by the McLean County Farm Bureau. One of the largest county 4-H fairs in Illinois, it features agriculture exhibits, carnival rides and entertainment. * WAND | Sangamon County celebrates one year of new domestic violence court system: The new system means domestic violence cases are put on an expedited docket, with one judge who handles all of the cases. This means victims don’t have to rehash cases with multiple judges. “That judge can also follow that case beyond conviction, beyond plea,” said Hon. Jack Davis, an associate Circuit Judge in Sangamon County and the presiding judge over the domestic violence court. “It makes sense, and it is a huge benefit to have one judge being able to monitor that progress of that case to ensure that it not only stays on track, but also that there’s some real follow-up and there’s some real accountability for those involved.” * WICS | Historic Jacksonville theater to remain operating as is: Last year, the Jacksonville Center for the Arts announced its intentions to raise $8.8 million to repurpose and restore the Illinois Theater. But despite a few pledged donations, the arts board ultimately halted their plans—citing a lack of sufficient funds and capital required to support the changes. The goal was to transform the theater into a civic center and performing arts venue. Sam Hampton was working as a manager at the Illinois Theater during this time. While Hampton explains that the sale was initially explored partly due to the theater struggling with attendance after Covid, things had started to improve. * BND | Belleville’s new economic development director eyes growth, vacant buildings: Austin Albert also served more than four years as a U.S. Army intelligence analyst and four years as a reservist before earning a master’s degree in city and regional planning. Albert sees himself as a “utility player” whose varied background can be an asset in guiding Belleville’s growth. The city of about 41,000 people continues to attract new business but struggles with problems related to vacant and derelict buildings. * USA Today | DOGE cuts prompt scramble to feed troops at remote US base: The document, a legal justification for an emergency no-bid contract awarded to staff the fort’s dining facility, blamed the issue on staff retirements combined with a federal hiring freeze and a buyout program launched by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration last year. Contracting officials warned that the food service disruption could have resulted in “mission failure” if the deal hadn’t gone through to hire additional staff via Alaska’s state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. * SBJ | The future of the cheap seats: Why teams are rethinking upper decks: “You’re not seeing the massive upper decks you’ve seen in the past,” said Jeff Goode, HNTB design principal and seating bowl expert. “Owners, they want larger lower bowls. We’re hearing that in all the leagues. ‘Pack more fans down low.’ When you do that, it pushes those middle and upper tiers further out.” It’s getting harder for upper-deck seats to compete with watching a game in more comfortable surroundings, and upper-deck economics are shakier with season-ticket sales’ gradual decline.
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Good morning!
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller I love his love and love, it grows This is an Illinois open thread. Have at it.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news on the website formally known as Twitter. Our Bluesky feed…
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