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Reader comments closed for the weekend
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * Billy Strings covers Old & In The Way… Until he sank so low there was
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * WTTW…
* Capitol News Illinois | What Trump’s cuts to federal climate research could mean for Illinois: Illinois researchers have always played a role in the National Climate Assessment. University of Illinois emeritus professor Donald Wuebbles has contributed to all five previous reports, including serving as a lead author of the fourth assessment in 2017. He said his greatest concern is that the report could now move forward under a different team of scientists hand-picked by President Donald Trump, who has a history of denying climate change as a “hoax.” * 25 News Now | New safe digging regulation in Illinois law takes effect: One of the biggest changes revolves around the required waiting period. The time and day of the call no longer counts toward that waiting period, meaning Illinoisans must call at least three business days in advance before starting any project that requires digging. * Press Release | DCEO Invites Filmmakers to Enter Shortcuts Short Film Contest: “DCEO’s Illinois Film Office continues to serve as an integral partner for the 815HORTS festival,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “I encourage eligible filmmakers throughout the state to submit their short films to the Shortcuts contest for their chance to be featured on the big screen as part of Illinois’ world-class film industry.” The Shortcuts winner will receive $250 and be screened at the 815HORTS festival, a short film festival based in Rockford scheduled November 14-15, 2025. All Shortcuts submissions received by August 31, 2025, will be automatically submitted for screening consideration at 815HORTS. * Semafor | JB Pritzker: ‘I put my money where my mouth is’: “ I’ve also supported candidates financially wherever I could, and the Wisconsin race is a great example of that. Compared to Elon Musk, you might say that I got an awfully great return on investment. I think it’s $30-$40 million that he spent, not to mention offering, what, a million dollars a piece to a few people to get them to vote Republican? That seems illegal to me. But yes, I put my money where my mouth is. I happen to have the ability to support people financially.” * Daily Southtown | Dolton picks new village administrator, chief of staff in flurry of appointments: He said he and trustees want to be thorough in filling jobs, including police chief, and said he is heartened by the number of potential applicants. “We have had the blighted image as a community,” House said Thursday morning. “It’s encouraging to see so many people willing to work with the community.” Keith Freeman will “transition” out of his job as Dolton’s village administrator, being replaced immediately by Charles Walls, House said. Walls will be paid $100,000 annually, the mayor said. * Daily Herald | ‘Education and enforcement’: Why you can expect to see more police on Route 59 today: If you can’t drive 55, you probably want to stay off 59 today. Police departments across the suburbs — from Wauconda up north to Naperville down south and nearly everywhere in between — are teaming up for a regional traffic safety initiative all day Friday along the Route 59 corridor. That means more officers out on patrol looking for speeders, texters, seat belt skippers and other traffic scofflaws. * Lake County News-Sun | Waukegan, New Trier students learn about segregation fight; ‘This shows what activism can do’: After Waukegan students journeyed to Winnetka in November, learning about redlining by banks to make it harder for Black people to get mortgages, New Trier students came to Waukegan in March for a class about the desegregation of Whittier Elementary School in the 1960s. “That was something I thought was only about the South,” New Trier senior Anna Hill said. “We learned how the people made a change in their community,” Alex Palmer, another New Trier senior, said. * Aurora Beacon-News | Juan Sifuentes ousts longtime East Aurora school board president Annette Johnson from top role: In the latest leadership shake-up at East Aurora School District, board president Annette Johnson was ousted from her role as president by fellow board member Juan Sifuentes at a board meeting Monday. At the same meeting, the board swore in Johnson, who won reelection on April 1, along with two challengers – Mayra Reyes and Vannia Valencia – who defeated incumbent board members Bruce Schubert and Theodia Gillespie during the election. * Tribune | Meet Jim Downey, the Joliet guy who had the secret sauce to transform 50 years of ‘SNL’: Downey, you see, contains words the way a flood contains water. He’s 72, and despite more than 50 years as a revered godhead of comedy writing, the riverbed has never run dry. The first time we talked, the interview went four hours. The second time, five. Mulaney said that when they both wrote at “Saturday Night Live,” Downey would often call him to craft the week’s cold opening: “Once Jim got on the phone, I knew it was my afternoon.” * Sun-Times | Mayor Johnson’s bid to reshape Chicago Fire Department explains four-year wait for new contract: During a mid-term interview with the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, Johnson offered his most pointed explanation to date for why the acrimonious negotiations with Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 are headed for arbitration that poses risks for both sides. With a $1.12 billion shortfall and $3 billion more in federal funds on the chopping block, the mayor is determined to confront a cost-cutting challenge his predecessors avoided. * Sun-Times | CPS Board president rips into outgoing CEO and budget-cutting proposals: The president of the Chicago Board of Education is tearing into the school district’s embattled CEO, saying that the budget proposals he produced for next school year are “unsatisfactory and incomplete,” and that Pedro Martinez’s planned June exit from the school district should be accelerated. “The current CPS CEO’s recent focus has been on his professional future and not on the long-term stability and success of our school district,” Sean Harden said in a statement. “His actions have undermined our Board’s ability to make the best decisions on behalf of CPS students.” * Nadig Newspapers | $503,000 owed in property taxes for Portage Theater; owner not at building court hearing: According to city attorney Glenn Angel, Manuel Glicksberg had been the lead person on the LLC which owns the theater but that he lost the theater in a divorce settlement. The new owner of the LLC was identified as Jamie Glicksberg, who reportedly is a partner in the law firm of Croke Fairchild Duarte and Beres. Angel said that she is believed to be residing outside the country. * WGLT | Bloomington plans to formally endorse shelter village: The city council will vote on the resolution during its 6 p.m. Monday meeting at the Government Center. The move would jumpstart negotiations on a sale of the property to Home Sweet Home Ministries [HSHM] which would operate The Bridge, a shelter of 48 tiny sleeping cabins that would be located at Main Street and Oakland Avenue. * WCIA | Going back in time at Bresee Tower: Danville is waiting to see when a more than 100-year history will come to an end. Bresee Tower has long been a pillar downtown, but crews are ready to get started with demolition. City officials said demolition could have started as early as 2 p.m. on Thursday, but that time has come and gone. * CNBC | China’s exports surge as shipments to Southeast Asian countries offset plunge in U.S. trade: Imports slumped by just 0.2% in April from a year earlier, compared with economists’ expectations of a 5.9% drop. China’s shipments to the U.S. plunged over 21% in April year on year, while imports dropped nearly 14%, according to CNBC’s calculation of official customs data. Chinese U.S.-bound shipments had risen 9.1% in March, as exporters rushed to frontload orders ahead of tariff hikes. * Business Insider | Trump’s deal with Paul Weiss is being turned against him in court: For the law firms choosing to fight Trump’s executive orders targeting them, rather than striking deals with the president, the Paul Weiss deal has turned into a potent weapon. They’ve cited Trump’s quick revocation of the order — just six days after it was initially issued — to argue that the orders never had any legitimacy in the first place. The order, had it been carried out, would have revoked the security clearances of Paul Weiss lawyers out of “the national interest” and barred them from entering government-owned buildings, potentially including even courthouses and post offices.
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Illinois Medicaid: Working Together To Support The Health Of Our Families, Communities, And State
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Helping Logan manage his neurological disability and gain independence Turning 18 is a significant milestone. But for people with complex health conditions, becoming a young adult can be overwhelming. “Logan,” a Medicaid member, was feeling the weight of his newfound responsibilities. He was hopeless, anxious, and depressed. Born with spina bifida, Logan requires a shunt, a thin tube passed from the head to the abdomen. It allows the necessary drainage of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. As a young adult navigating the healthcare system, Logan struggled. He needed new supplies for his shunt. He had also outgrown his leg braces and his wheelchair was broken. While he did not know where to start, help was on the way. Given Logan’s need for specialized support, his Medicaid health plan assigned him a care coordinator, Caitlin. With a care coordinator in Logan’s corner, his overwhelming feelings started drifting away. Caitlin helped him secure new medical supplies, including a custom-fit wheelchair. Logan restarted physical therapy and began seeing a mental health counselor. “Through the help of my managed care plan and Caitlin, now it’s easier taking care of myself properly,” Logan says. Paid for by the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans
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Bost announces reelection with Trump’s ‘complete and total endorsement’
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * Press release…
Bost was also endorsed by Trump when he defeated Darren Bailey by three points in the 2024 Republican primary. Thoughts?
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Report: Belvidere plant will still reopen, but without a $3.2 billion battery factory and parts hub
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * Crain’s…
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Repeal IFPA Now
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.]  IFPA Will Harm our Members and our Communities. “My members would be so frustrated.” Stop the Chaos for Our Hard-Working Educators! Paid for by Illinois Credit Union League.
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Second candidate announces for Sen. Fine’s seat
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Subscribers were told earlier this morning. The North Shore Record…
* Evanston Now…
* More…
* Evanston Round Table | Local Dem leaders running for state senator open midterm downballot contests: Both Ruttenberg and Hanley’s announcements in the state Senate race are downstream of the bigger contest developing further up the ballot for the U.S. congressional seat currently held by longtime Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th District). Schakowsky announced Monday that her current 14th term will be her last, joining U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in voluntarily ending their long tenures representing Illinois at the national level. Since these announcements, both now-open races have seen rapid campaign rollouts by aspiring Democrats and open speculation about who else might join the fray. * Tribune | Glenview state Sen. Laura Fine joins race to replace US Rep. Jan Schakowsky: Fine, a longtime resident of Glenview, may end up part of a crowded primary field of Far North Side, and north and northwest suburban Democrats running to replace the 14-term Schakowsky in the strong Democratic district. A progressive critic of the far right and social media content creator, Kat Abughazaleh, had already announced she was joining the race even before Schakowsky said she planned to retire. Abughazaleh also has a head start in fundraising for next year’s race. The primary will be held on March 17.
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Illinois Medicaid: Working Together To Support The Health Of Our Families, Communities, and State
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Home visit shows Gus the upside of care coordination Over 400,000 Illinoisians are dual eligible, receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Most are older adults with fixed incomes below the poverty level. “Gus,” age 74, falls into this category. He lives alone, is a lifelong smoker, and has a medical history including hypertension and shingles. When his health plan called to engage Gus in care coordination, he shut down the idea, saying he “didn’t need the extra help.” Measured by its ability to ensure members receive an annual wellness visit, the plan kept trying. Gus begrudgingly agreed to a home The home visit was a game-changer. Gus’s hypertension was severely uncontrolled, and he was prescribed new medication and a blood pressure monitor. A social worker and care coordinator assisted with food and utilities resources. With a team by his side, Gus has a new outlook. Dietary changes have him feeling better, and he’s working with his landlord on needed home repairs. “Gus was a prickly pear at first,” says Brandon, his care coordinator. “Through progress and setbacks, we’ve built a trusting relationship—and helped keep him out of long-term care.” Paid for by the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans
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It’s just a bill
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Sen. Cristopher Belt…
* Crain’s…
Today marks SB2385’s deadline to get out of the Senate, while HB3350 remains in the House Rules Committee. * WAND…
* Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton…
* WAND…
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Support SB 2385/HB 3350 To Protect The 340B Drug Discount Program And Invest In Healthcare Services
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Without the federal 340B drug pricing program, Graham Medical Group health and urgent care clinics in Williamsfield, Glasford and Galesburg wouldn’t exist. Thanks to 340B, Graham Health System now provides convenient options for primary and urgent care. In addition, the system uses 340B savings for financial assistance to patients who can’t afford care. In Canton, where Graham Hospital is located, 14% of the population live in poverty. The poverty rate is almost 21% in Galesburg and over 14% in Glasford. 340B savings have helped the system maintain an operating margin that allows it to remain independent and keep services in the rural communities they serve. Like other hospitals and health systems, though, Graham Health System has been subjected to restrictions drugmakers began imposing in 2020. “We are a safety net provider in a rural area. Without us, our patients would need to travel 45 minutes or more for healthcare. Many don’t have the means or the resources to do so,” the system said. Over 100 Illinois hospitals participate in 340B to provide increased access to care and comprehensive health services. Support Senate Bill 2385 and House Bill 3350 to ensure they can continue to do so. Learn more.
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Open thread
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * What’s going on? Keep it Illinois-centric please…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Subscribers know more. ICYMI: Advocates urge CTA board to conduct nationwide search for new president.Sun-Times…
- Following the public comments, board members met in a closed session for about an hour, then adjourned the meeting without discussing any business. - “The Board takes very seriously its responsibility in appointing the next leader of the CTA and will fairly and consistently assess any candidate that is formally presented before the Board for consideration,” the transit board said in a statement. * Related stories…
∙ Crain’s: Johnson faces pushback over CTA pick as advocates push for broader search
Illinois business leaders overwhelmingly agree: Early childhood services are a fundamental economic priority, to be preserved and strengthened. Our FY26 state budget should reflect that, investing further in affordable, high-quality child care for working parents. We desperately need to improve early childhood teachers’ compensation and shore-up Early Intervention therapies for young children with developmental challenges, whose families face lengthy service delays. At the federal level, it’s crucial that we protect Head Start’s vital, comprehensive services for kids from birth to age 5, and for their families — an important piece of our early learning system. In a recent poll of 400 Illinois employers and managers, two-thirds of respondents reported that child care insufficiencies have hurt their employees and business productivity. Four out of five noted their struggles to recruit skilled workers. And to tackle these challenges, 91.5% of business leaders said they support “greater public investments in high-quality child care and early childhood education” for their proven power to stabilize today’s workforce as well as help prepare a better-skilled workforce for tomorrow. There’s a reason 93% of surveyed business leaders believe our state’s multiyear approach to improve birth-to-5 services — based on the recommendations of a bipartisan commission — will “positively impact the workforce in Illinois.” Let’s stick with that plan; it’s good for business. * BlueRoomStream.com’s coverage of today’s press conferences and committee hearings can be found here. * Capitol City Now | Legislative leaders eye budget: “This is going to be an incredibly difficult year, just as a baseline, before our budget negotiations are completely upended by a tweet,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “We’ve conditioned our members to understand how tight this budget year is going to be. This is a different year than last year or the year before.” * WTTW | Former Death Row Inmates on the Complicated Legacy of Late Illinois Gov. George Ryan: One of those men was Illinois Prison Project Director of Education Renaldo Hudson, who attended Ryan’s memorial Thursday in Kankakee. “I had these mixed kind of feelings about Gov. Ryan, and, I’ll be honest with you, today, it’s like it landed with me the weight of the decision that he made, if that makes sense?” Hudson said. “When I was in the midst of my own stuff, like you can have what’s called tunnel vision. And so I have to admit that I was wallowing in that, and when I sat there and listened to his heart being shared through the people that was the closest to him, I really melted. You know the yesterday began to melt away.” * Capitol News Illinois | Illinois state parks draw highest number of visitors in more than a decade: Illinois state parks saw more visitors in 2024 than any point in the past 15 years, according to new data from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Illinois’ 290 state parks and 56 historic sites recorded more than 41 million visitors last year, which was the most in 15 years, following several significant capital projects to upgrade and improve many of the parks. * Sun-Times | The rush in Illinois to become a U.S. citizen amid immigration crackdown: Advocates say these changes are pushing more green card holders to move quickly. “People want to protect themselves in case anything happens,” said Idalia Flores Guzmán, director of programs administration with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights. Flores Guzmán says their citizenship applications are higher in 2025 after ticking up slightly in the three prior years. Other organizations are also seeing more applicants: Once a month on Saturdays, the lunchroom at Instituto del Progreso Latino on the Southwest Side is packed with green-card holders hoping to start the naturalization process. Since January, that number has grown. * Sun-Times | Chicago and Illinois politicians praise ‘Da Pope’: Chicago politics isn’t dominated by Irish Catholic officials like it used to be, but local leaders of all faiths hailed the selection of the South Side’s own Robert Prevost as the next pope. “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a post on the social media platform X. “Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon.” * CDC Gaming | Illinois casino revenue up 18.7% year-over-year in April: Illinois’ 17 casinos reported $162.6 million in adjusted gross receipts last month, a year-over-year increase of 18.7% compared to the previous year’s $136.9 million. The Illinois Gaming Board reported in its casino summary report that of the AGR, electronic gaming devices made up $122 million, rising from $104 million, a 17.3% year-over-year increase. Table games produced $40.5 million in AGR, an increase of 22.8%, rising from $32.9 million recorded last year. * Subscribers were told about this yesterday. Evanston Now | Ruttenberg running for state senate: She says he has endorsements from Illinois House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, State Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, State Rep. Bob Morgan, State Rep. Daniel Didech as well as Northfield Township Trustee Daniel Schack, Skokie Trustee Lissa Levy, Committeeperson Emeritus Mike Kreloff, and former Evanston Democratic Committeeperson Eamon Kelly. “Rachel has the experience and determination to stand up for residents of the 9th district and make sure Illinois remains strong in the face of our upcoming challenges,” Gabel said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work together in the General Assembly.” * Sun-Times | Former Gov. Ryan remembered at Kankakee service: ‘Nobody is the worst thing they ever did in their life.’: Among family members and loved ones in the front row of Asbury United Methodist Church was Andrea Lyon, nicknamed the “Angel of Death Row” for having represented many facing the death penalty. Lyon, who represented Ryan in his legal case, still contends he was targeted for political reasons. She said the loss of the Willis children broke his heart even if there were others who Lyon felt deserved more of the blame. She described Ryan, on his tougher days, as “imperfect and loyal to a fault,” unfortunately trusting those he shouldn’t have and leading to a period of disgrace for him. * Sun-Times | Two years in, Mayor Brandon Johnson admits he’s made some missteps, gaffes: In spite of those successes, Johnson’s public approval rating is languishing in the single digits in some polls and in the best surveys, in the low 20% range. “I don’t give much attention to polling,” Johnson said. The mayor appears to be betting that his road to recovery lies in revving up the Black base that carried him to a general election victory over Paul Vallas in 2023. He won 29 of 50 wards, including a clean sweep of all majority Black wards. * WBEZ | CPS Board president rips into outgoing CEO and budget-cutting proposals: The president of the Chicago Board of Education is tearing into the school district’s embattled CEO, saying that the budget proposals he produced for next school year are “unsatisfactory and incomplete,” and that Pedro Martinez’s planned June exit from the school district should be accelerated. “The current CPS CEO’s recent focus has been on his professional future and not on the long-term stability and success of our school district,” Sean Harden said in a statement. “His actions have undermined our Board’s ability to make the best decisions on behalf of CPS students.” * Sun-Times | Contractor who made $14M in Bridgeport bank scheme, testified against brother-in-law, gets 5½ years: A Chicago contractor who made $14.3 million in an embezzlement scheme that tanked a politically connected Bridgeport bank was sentenced Thursday 5½ years in prison. Boguslaw Kasprowicz could have faced twice as much time for his role in the Washington Federal Bank for Savings fraud, but he “provided substantial assistance” to federal prosecutors by testifying against major players in the case — including his brother-in-law. * Block Club | DePaul Student’s ‘Grant Slam’ Music Fest To Draw 500 Attendees — And It All Began In His Dad’s Basement: “I was in a band, a couple of friends were in bands,” Lendvay said. “In the heat of it, running around and moving stuff, planning what people were going to do and when, it was the most gratifying feeling I’ve ever had.” That party has grown into an annual music festival with city permits, four porta-potties and small paychecks for the talent. The crowd has gone from 30 people in his father’s basement to more than 300 on the Little League baseball outfield grass of Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave., in Lincoln Park. * Daily Herald | West Chicago mayor faces pushback after appointing new city administrator, attorney: Bovey’s actions prompted most of the 14-member city council to question the legality of the changes. Both sides spent much of the three-and-a-half-hour meeting debating whether Bovey had exceeded his authority as mayor. Council members eventually decided to pause the meeting and reconvene on May 19. * Sun-Times | Illinois paper straw business craters after Trump’s push for plastic: Boss Straw touts its product as the “best, earth-friendly paper straw in the world.” But since February, sales have plummeted 85% at the paper straw maker in Woodstock. Nearly 14 million paper straws are sitting in limbo at Boss’ warehouse, about 1½ hours from Chicago. President Donald Trump issued an executive order “to end the use of paper straws” on Feb. 10 and barred federal agencies from procuring them. Following Trump’s mandate, many U.S. distributors have stopped ordering paper straws even for the private sector and reverted to plastic, said Guy Spinelli, founder of Boss Straw. “If it keeps up the way it is, [Trump] will drive me out of business by the end of this year,” said Spinelli. “It would be the end of the story.” * Daily Herald | ‘I didn’t resign’: Carpentersville board replacing village manager: John O’Sullivan, who was hired as village manager in 2023, was let go more than a week ago. Tuesday’s agenda includes a formal vote by trustees removing O’Sullivan as village manager. O’Sullivan, who served as a village trustee before becoming village manager, confirmed he was fired after the board met behind closed doors on April 29. He said he cleared out his office the following day. […] In a written statement, Village President John Skillman said it was time for the village to move in a different direction. * Fast Company | You can buy the new pope’s childhood home for $199,000: Listed on Redfin for $199,000 at the time of publishing, the home matches an address and tax records first reported by South Cook News. It also aligns with Prevost’s personal history. Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, he spent most of his life in the region. The home, constructed in 1949, is typical of this neighborhood, which is filled with single-family homes built in the mid-century as families were attracted to lawn life and nearby train lines that could bring them into the city. Dolton is an area that HBO’s show Southside once perfectly dubbed, the “south side of the Southside.” * Daily Herald | Mount Prospect trustees approve Lions Club events, address conflict complaints: Four of six village trustees are Lions Club members, including club President William Grossi and past president Vince Dante. Both Grossi and Dante abstained from Tuesday’s vote, noting they’ve done so for all Lions-related matters. “Some of us wear three hats in the village,” Dante said. “None of us had any financial gain by any organization we’re part of. We’re all just volunteers.” * Illinois Times | Urban farming in Jacksonville: The 21-year-old Caballero is a student at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville. In April he began working for the Jacksonville Mainstreet Farms Initiative as part of a year-long partnership funded by AmeriCorps VISTA. A typical day may find Caballero planting seeds, moving plants, weeding one of the city’s community gardens or operating a lawn mower. The work is challenging but rewarding for Caballero, who has retinitis pigmentosa. This condition affects primarily his central and distance vision, and the way that light hits his eyes can make things better or worse, depending on the situation.[…] However, the Trump administration notified AmeriCorps April 25 that approximately 85% of the agency’s staff were being placed on leave and ended nearly $400 million in grants. According to America’s Service Commission: “This sudden termination will shutter more than 1,000 programs and prematurely end the service of over 32,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers.” AmeriCorps has now filed a lawsuit alleging the administration does not have the power to unilaterally cut or end AmeriCorps grant or service programs. * WCIA | U of I study finds alcohol use by Illinois teens double the national average: The study is conducted every other year and collects data on health and social issues like substance use, bullying and other issues in Illinois students in 8th, 10th and 12th grades. In 2024, data showed that alcohol use by teens in Illinois was nearly double the national average. 13.7% of Illinois students said they had consumed alcohol during the last 30 days, compared to 6.9% of students nationwide. * BND | Judge temporarily blocks Trump from slashing relief funds from metro-east school: A federal judge issued a preliminary order this week blocking the Trump administration from cutting off states’ access to hundreds of millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds for public schools — including $19 million for the East St. Louis school district. U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos, of the Southern District of New York, on Tuesday issued a preliminary injunction preventing the enforcement of an order issued in late March by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Live coverage
Friday, May 9, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news. Hopefully, enough reporters and news outlets migrate to BlueSky so we can hopefully resume live-posting.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update to today’s edition
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Chalkbeat Chicago | Chicago school board members raise concerns about Illinois labeling schools: Illinois is poised to change how it measures student and school performance — including changing the scores needed to be deemed proficient on math and reading tests. In Illinois, schools are given one of five designations based on a variety of data about how well their students do on math and reading tests and how often students miss school. How many students graduate and how many freshmen are passing their classes are factors for high schools. “Exemplary” schools are the top 10% of all schools statewide and “intensive support” schools are those in the bottom 5%. * Fox Chicago | Funeral held for former Illinois Gov. George Ryan today: His memorial service started at noon at the Ashbury United Methodist Church. Ryan, the 39th governor of Illinois, died last week at age 91 after a brief stay in hospice care. Ryan passed away peacefully at his home in Kankakee, surrounded by his family. He was remembered as a “loving and attentive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” his obituary said. * Tribune | Gov. JB Pritzker signs order protecting autism data in response to federal research plan under RFK Jr: Pritzker’s order prohibits state agencies from collecting or disclosing personally identifiable autism-related data unless it’s required for care, legal compliance or program eligibility. Even then, such efforts must still follow strict privacy and data minimization rules. Contractors, vendors and grantees who work with state agencies must follow the same restrictions, and are barred from storing the data. Any disclosures of autism-related information must also be limited to the minimum amount of information and anonymized when “allowed and practicable,” according to the order. * Capitol News Illinois | Illinois regains access to $77M in federal education funds following judge’s order: The effect of McMahon’s order was to immediately cut off access to funds that states said they had already committed to spend but not yet made the actual expenditures. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 17 states in suing the federal government to block McMahon’s order. “The Trump administration’s shortsighted and illegal decision to attempt to rescind already-appropriated education funding would hurt vulnerable students the most and could wreak havoc on the budgets of school districts throughout Illinois and the nation,” Raoul said in a statement Tuesday. * WAND | Dedicated FAFSA assistant could be added to all high schools under IL plan: The bill would not create a new role at schools. Instead, a current staff member or teacher would be taught the application process, where they would be able to assist all students with their FAFSA forms. […] Another FAFSA proposal would give students time during school to fill out their forms. Both policies passed the Senate education committee unanimously. They will now head to the Senate floor, where lawmakers could talk about it before session ends. * Illinois Times | Sangamon County Republicans host 2025 Lincoln Day Dinner: The Sangamon County Republican Committee hosted the annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Wednesday, May 7, at the BOS Center in Springfield. The keynote speaker was Johnny “Joey” Jones, a FOX news host and U.S. Marine corps veteran who lost both legs above the knee while serving as an explosive ordinance disposal tech in Afghanistan. Jones is also the author of the book Unbroken Bonds of Battle: A Modern Warriors Book of Heroism, Patriotism, and Friendship. * Block Club Chicago | The Fight To Save State’s Immigrant Health Care Program: ‘We Are Not A Burden. We Contribute’: “I’m really concerned about not having health insurance. Without it, I’m going to stop getting [many] treatments,” said Gabriela Piceno, a Southwest Side neighbor and recipient of the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program. The program provides health care for low-income adults ages 42-64 who are not eligible for Medicaid due to their immigration status. Amid a projected state budget deficit and previously underestimated program costs, state officials announced it won’t be renewed next year. A similar program for people older than 65 will continue, state officials said. * WBEZ | Chicago mayor criticized for pushing his chief of staff for interim CPS leader: The majority of board members are aligned with the mayor and at least one member made the argument that the board needs someone who they know and is in step with their values. Johnson’s education agenda has been thwarted by his conflict with Martinez, which is why Johnson’s appointees fired him. The Chicago Tribune first reported that the mayor’s chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, is being considered to temporarily replace Martinez. * Tribune | Robert Prevost was ‘the pride and joy of every priest and nun’ at St. Mary’s on Chicago’s South Side: “When I heard the news of the new Holy Father at that moment, at least here in Chicago, the sun came out,” said the Rev. Greg Sakowicz, rector of Holy Name Cathedral. Some would say the sunny weather was just a coincidence, Sakowicz acknowledged. But “a coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous,” he added. Prevost’s Catholic roots were planted in Chicago’s south suburbs, where he lived in Dolton with his parents and two brothers. He grew up in St. Mary of the Assumption parish on the Far South Side, attending school there and serving as altar boy. * Block Club Chicago | 28 Vacant Lots To Be Turned Into Affordable Homes In Back Of The Yards: In the coming weeks, the nonprofit The Resurrection Project plans to break ground on 28 city-owned vacant lots that will be turned into single-family homes by the end of the year, said Lizette Carretero, director of financial wellness for the Resurrection Project. The Pilsen-based nonprofit is part of Reclaiming Chicago, an initiative to build or rehab 1,000 homes on the South Side and 1,000 homes on the West Side. In partnership with other local organizations, the nonprofit has already completed 20 homes in Back of the Yards. * WBEZ | Chicago favorites and jazz greats set to perform at Chicago Jazz Festival 2025: Esperanza Spalding: A masterly bassist, the singer-songwriter has won five Grammys, and was the first jazz performer to be named Best New Artist in 2010. spalding was most recently nominated for her 2025 album “Milton + esperanza,” a collaboration with Brazilian artist Milton Nascimento. She’ll close out the opening night. * Block Club | Swan Paddle Boats At Humboldt Park Are No More: The company had operated out of the lagoon boathouse, 1301 N. Humboldt Park Drive, since 2018. But business had been slow since the pandemic, and sales never picked back up, said franchisee co-owner Rodney Knight. “It didn’t make financial sense after COVID,” Knight said. “Over the winter, we looked at numbers in the past year and the trends where things are going and just couldn’t come up with a solution to … make the numbers work.” * WGLT | ‘Moment of great significance’: Peoria Bishop Louis Tylka celebrates first American pope: “We welcome the news of the election of the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, with hearts full of joy and hope,” said Tylka in the statement. “As the People of God, we pledge support and fidelity to Pope Leo XIV as the Successor of Peter. United with the universal Church , we are ready to walk in faith alongside our new Holy Father, trusting in God’s providence and grace.” * WGLT | Connect Transit ready to take over rural public transit in McLean County starting in July: Connect Transit plans to replicate these routes, and fares will not be required because Show Bus hasn’t charged since COVID-19. Normal’s Town Council voted to let Connect Transit provide services outside of Bloomington-Normal’s corporate limit a month ago. The City of Bloomington has not yet approved the change. * WCIA | Village of Savoy approves redevelopment contract in downtown plaza project: Developers said it’s a step in the right direction and the CEO of the project, Kyle Kirchhoefer, said the contract will help them get a better time frame of when the work will start. After connecting with the community through surveys and focus groups, the goal is building them a downtown area they don’t want to leave. “Having a downtown that kind of looks like it’s always been there, but it’s new,” Kirchhoefer said. “Some smaller shops where we can have local businesses that can come in and they want to have their ice cream store, or kids haircut place, or arcade or whatever it might be that we want to build this so it’s feasible for them to do that. We want to have it local for the community.” * WSIL | Southern Illinois marks May 8th storm with emergency prep advice: On May 8, 2025, the 16th anniversary of “the May 8th Storm” or otherwise known as the “Super Derecho” is being observed. This significant date serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies, such as power outages. The Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association encourages residents to assemble a basic emergency supply kit. Essential items include water—one gallon per person per day for at least three days—and a three-day supply of non-perishable food. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio with NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries is also recommended. * Daily Southtown | Downtown Flossmoor business owners share concerns during Small Business Administration visit: For each small business Willette LeGrant stepped into in downtown Flossmoor Wednesday, the more she said she felt connected to the community as a whole. “I do not feel like I was talking to small businesses,” the Illinois district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration said after the tour, guided by Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson. “I felt like I was talking to members of my family.” […] LeGrant was welcomed to Flossmoor with open arms, given free food samples and even a confetti filled balloon with her name on it from Balloon Bar and Party Supplies, a storefront that Javanah Barnes opened only a month ago. * Aurora Beacon-News | Aurora City Council set to consider new $35 million fire department headquarters: The new fire station and headquarters building would be located on the site of the current Aurora Police Department headquarters, which is located on Indian Trail, to create a combined Aurora Public Safety Campus. Aurora Fire Department officials have said this move would improve the department’s operations in multiple ways, including lower fire and emergency medical response times, much-needed expanded office space for department administration and a new storm-hardened, high-tech Emergency Operations Center. * Inside EVs | Another Tesla Cybertruck Promise Goes Bust: The accessory—essentially a large, secondary battery pack for boosting range—had been delayed time and time again since it was first announced. This led to onlookers claiming that the accessory was just vaporware and would never be delivered. Well, it turns out that these conspiracy theories were right, as Tesla announced to reservation holders on Wednesday that it wouldn’t be delivering the Range Extender and would be refunding deposits in full. * AFP | Alphabet’s share price plunges on traffic drop testimony: Shares in Google parent Alphabet plunged more than seven percent on Wednesday after an Apple executive told a federal court that the search engine’s traffic fell on Apple products last month. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, testified at an antitrust trial in Washington that Google search volume was losing traffic to AI alternatives such as ChatGPT or Perplexity, according to US media reports. * Tribune | US retires database tracking billions of dollars of climate change-fueled weather damage: The agency said its National Centers for Environmental Information would no longer update the Billion-dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database beyond 2024, and that its data — going as far back as 1980 — would be archived. For decades, it has tracked hundreds of major events across the country, including destructive hurricanes, hail storms, droughts and freezes that have totaled trillions of dollars in damage. The database uniquely pulls information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s assistance data, insurance organizations, state agencies and more to estimate overall losses from individual disasters.
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Cole Henke’s Emma Shafer story is a must-watch
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * Heckuva story by WCIA’s Cole Henke… * Transcript…
Please pardon any transcription errors. * More from Henke…
* Members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus were also at the Noem event yesterday…
* Rep. Ann Williams asked those members why they were at the event during a floor speech today. Here’s an excerpt…
Not one Freedom Caucus member rose to defend their strong approval of yesterday’s events. And I’m told Reps. Chris Miller, Brad Halbrook and Jed Davis stayed seated the entire time Williams was speaking, while everyone else in the chamber stood. Discuss.
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More like this, please: MPs granted training reciprocity to become Illinois police officers
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * I briefly embedded with the Illinois National Guard’s 233rd Military Police Company in Iraq back in 2003. Those soldiers were professional and highly trained. This is a good move…
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Powering Illinois’ Energy And Economic Future
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] What if Illinois could expand its energy grid, attract AI and emerging tech companies to the state, and provide over 60,000 new jobs with no impact on communities or the environment? SOO Green makes it possible. Built along existing rail corridors, this underground transmission project will deliver 2,100 MW of low-cost reliable power making the electric grid more resilient in the face of extreme weather while unlocking billions in economic investments for Illinois. The SOO Green Advantage:
• 60,000+ new jobs • Lower energy costs for families and businesses • $26 billion in economic benefits statewide • $9.8 billion in health benefits by reducing emissions With SOO Green all ratepayers will enjoy a more reliable grid, protection from rising energy costs, and a stronger economy for Illinois. Learn more at www.soogreen.com.
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It’s just a bill
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Mark Maxwell at KSDK…
* John Cullerton and Jason Barickman…
* Economic Security Illinois Action Director of Policy and Advocacy Erion Malasi…
* WAND…
* Electrification Coalition Senior Communications Associate Liam Condon…
* Sen. Karina Villa…
Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel…
* WAND…
* Sen. Robert Peters…
* WAND…
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The legal front: AG wins court order ’stopping Trump administration from dismantling three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide’
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * Click here for the court order. Press release…
* Click here for the lawsuit. Press release…
* Click here for the motion. Press release…
* More…
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Don’t Greenwash Discrimination: Demand Inclusive Labor Standards In Energy Storage Legislation
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] As Illinois charts its path toward a clean energy future, lawmakers must remember the promises made under CEJA—the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. CEJA was never just about clean energy; it was about equitable clean energy. That means creating good-paying union jobs for all workers, especially those from historically excluded Black and Brown communities. Yet today, a new energy storage bill threatens to undo that vision. Without strong, inclusive Project Labor Agreement (PLA) language, this legislation risks handing energy jobs to a narrow slice of the construction industry—jobs that will go disproportionately to white, politically connected workers, while locking out the very communities CEJA aimed to uplift. We can’t let Illinois’ clean energy transition be built on the backs of exclusion. Labor unity means every union has a seat at the table—not just the favored few. Ironworkers, roofers, painters, bricklayers, glaziers, boilermakers, cement masons, carpenters, millwrights and many other crafts helped build this state and deserve a shot at building its future. Lawmakers: don’t sell out working families. Reject any energy storage legislation that doesn’t include inclusive PLA language. Because when we say “green jobs,” we should mean jobs that are union, local, and equitable. This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about justice, too.
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Former Gov. Jim Edgar: Last hundred days ’scariest of my life’
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * Former Gov. Jim Edgar was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February. But he had a strong and cogent voice last night as he spoke to attendees at his annual Edgar Fellows fundraiser in Springfield… * Transcript…
Please pardon all transcription errors. Thoughts?
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Healing Communities: Pinckneyville Community Hospital
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] When money is tight, healthcare can become an afterthought, especially when people feel well. Yet part of maintaining good health is preventing chronic conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes, as well as other health issues, before they take a toll. Pinckneyville Community Hospital makes it easy and affordable for individuals to monitor their overall health through bloodwork. Four times a year, the hospital offers discounted lab screenings as part of its ongoing commitment to preventive health and wellness. The screenings—held at the hospital in February, May, August and November—are for critical insights into liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels, average blood sugar, and more. “These low-cost labs are an excellent opportunity for individuals to take charge of their health, detect potential issues early and make informed decisions with their healthcare providers,” said hospitals leaders, adding that the screenings “are a great resource for those who may not have regular access to healthcare or simply want to keep a closer eye on their wellness.” Leaders, clinicians and staff at Pinckneyville Community Hospital know that individual and community health depend on hospitals addressing community needs and providing accessible care. Learn more about how Illinois hospitals are healing communities.
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Open thread
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * A bit of Bob in the morning… In a world of steel-eyed death, and men who are fighting to be warm What’s up?
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: Clock counting down to secure state funding before drastic service cuts to CTA, Metra, Pace. CBS Chicago…
* Related stories… Sponsored by the Illinois Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance
* BlueRoomStream.com’s coverage of today’s press conferences and committee hearings can be found here. * Subscribers know more. WCIA | Emma Shafer’s family says Noem used her name to advance ‘heartless political agenda’: While Noem was in Springfield, she also claimed that state law blocks local and state law enforcement from sharing information with ICE officers. But, U.S. Marshals have actively been involved in the case from the beginning. And, the TRUST Act does not prevent local law enforcement from working with federal law enforcement on any case involving a criminal warrant. * Illinois Answers | Amid Budget Tensions, City Council Members Push to Bring Some Sunshine to City Spending: Cities like New York, San Diego and Pittsburgh have robust, well-staffed budget analysis offices that comb through mayoral budget proposals and poke holes in flimsy projections. A similar Illinois agency plays a critical role in vetting financial data coming from the governor’s office. In Chicago, the City Council Office of Financial Analysis has rarely had more than two employees and routinely misses deadlines for the basic reports required of it. It has no guaranteed funding, limited access to data and depends on the mercies of the top city finance officials whose work it’s supposed to analyze and critique. * Tribune | School board president paves way for interim CEO to lead CPS without required license: Board members say Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handpicked school board president, Sean Harden, is leading an effort to vote down a resolution requiring the next interim leader of Chicago Public Schools to have a superintendent license, in order to install the mayor’s chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, to serve in the temporary role. If approved, the appointment would be a major shift in Johnson’s administration and elicit strong reaction from critics of the mayor and his strongest ally, the Chicago Teachers Union. * Farm Journal | Bacon Draws a Crowd at the Illinois State Capitol: “Illinois Bacon Day is an opportunity to educate our stakeholders about our industry and discuss the issues currently facing pig farmers,” says IPPA president Josh Maschhoff. “We understand many stakeholders don’t represent rural districts, and Bacon Day is a great way for pork producers to connect with legislators on a personal level.” * 25News Now | Illinois becomes first state to restrict collection of personal autism records: Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order Wednesday that restricts state agencies and departments from sharing personal information about people with autism. It states that personally identifiable information may only be shared when legally required, necessary for care, or with written consent. * Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun | Why I’m endorsing Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton for United States Senate: Not only does Lieutenant Governor Stratton have the track record of progress needed to succeed in Washington, she’s also proven that she’s prepared to represent every Illinoisan – no matter who they vote for or where they fall on the political spectrum. As Lieutenant Governor, she’s traveled to every corner of the state, speaking to Illinoisans of all stripes about the challenges they face and their hopes for the future. * Sun-Times | Less than half of CPS schools have herd immunity for measles, state data shows: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 97% of Chicago Public Schools students overall were vaccinated against measles, one of eight vaccinations required by the state. But as of the 2024-25 school year, that percentage has fallen to 93%, according to data from the Illinois State Board of Education. Each October, Illinois schools submit their students’ vaccination numbers for that school year to the state board. The CDC says a vaccination rate of 95% provides communitywide immunity and protects vulnerable students, like younger children who have yet to complete the required series of shots, or kids with weakened immune systems. * Crain’s | Council OKs Johnson-backed plan to let Chicago become a residential developer: A skeptical City Council spent nearly a month probing the necessity of the $135 million so-called Green Social Housing program amid other housing priorities and raised questions over the structure of the nonprofit. But when put to a vote on the City Council floor today, the body approved the ordinance establishing the nonprofit in a 30-to-18 vote. Moments later, a victorious Mayor Brandon Johnson stood with allies on the measure, including lead City Council sponsor Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, 48th, and told reporters, “The people of Chicago called for more affordable units, and that’s exactly what we’re building.” * Tribune | Miche Fest’s cancellation comes amid ‘political climate’ and issues with artist visas: While some have criticized the organizers for the sudden 2025 cancellation, co-founder Fernando Nieto said, many of their fans have been loyal to the festival for the last seven years. He said the cancellation felt like the right thing to do. “Outside of the effect that it (the cancellation) might have on our business, we felt like it was a responsible thing to do for our fanbase,” said Nieto on Wednesday. “We’ve built up an extremely loyal fan base since day one, and we felt, due to the uncertainty with what’s going on, it would be irresponsible to move forward without a clear path.” * Sun-Times | Congressional Republicans accused of political witch hunt in antisemitism hearing involving DePaul president : At several points during Wednesday’s hearing, conservative members appeared to threaten Manuel and two other college presidents who were called to testify, Wendy Raymond of Haverford College in Pennsylvania and Jeffrey Armstrong of California Polytechnic State University . “For anyone who doubts my commitment to fighting on these issues, no matter what side of the aisle they’re on, they can go talk to the two chairmen of the board and the one university president in Florida who no longer have their jobs because of me,” Randy Fine, a Republican congressman from Florida, told the university presidents across the witness table. “So I encourage you to keep that in mind when you answer my questions.” * Sun-Times | Chicago animal control unveils free 24-hour microchip scanning station to find lost pets: The station is open to the public all day, every day outside at the city’s Animal Care and Control shelter at 2741 S. Western Ave. The free scanner is intended to be a faster way for lost pets to reunite with their family faster, the agency said in a statement. * Tribune | Chicago White Sox match 2nd-worst start in franchise history through 37 games with 2-1 loss: The Sox have lost a club-record nine straight to the Royals and a franchise-record 10 straight at Kauffman Stadium. “We’re right there and we’ve just got to keep going,” Venable said. “These guys are playing well. We have to continue to fight and battle and get that one more hit, that one more pitch, that one defensive play, whatever it might be. “But we’re right there. These guys never stop fighting. Proud of our effort, but we’ve got to find a way to win some of these games.” * Tribune | Cook County housing authority facing potential multimillion-dollar budget shortfall as agencies brace for funding cuts: The Housing Authority of Cook County is facing a potential multimillion-dollar funding shortfall that could have broad repercussions throughout the real estate market as the struggling agency looks to cut costs, possibly leading to greater expenses for its housing voucher holders and a decline in the number of the people it serves. The agency attributes the shortfall to an increase in its voucher usage rate and rising rents, which eat into its limited dollars allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. * Daily Herald | After delays, controversial church proposal heads to South Barrington village board: After months of public inaction, a controversial plan to construct a church and school in South Barrington has cleared a key bureaucratic hurdle and is headed to the village board Thursday night for consideration. But the fate of the landowner’s legal push to disconnect the property from the village hasn’t yet been decided. * Naperville Sun | Expert panel to help Naperville decide future development of Fifth Avenue land: Next month, a panel of experts will gather in Naperville for two days to help decide how city-owned land around the Fifth Avenue train station north of downtown should be developed. The Naperville City Council received an overview of the upcoming expert panel, which will be hosted by the Urban Land Institute (ULI), at its meeting Tuesday night. Council members also endorsed a list of stakeholders — from local school districts to property owners — they’d like to see involved in the process. The panel is scheduled meet June 10-11. * CBS Chicago | New Aurora, Illinois data portal tracks economic impact of performing arts venues: The city’s Data and Analytics Division launched the Downtown Revitalization Open Data Portal along with the Aurora Civic Center Authority, The Venue, and The Riverfront Playhouse. The growth and evolution of downtown Aurora is in large part anchored by performing arts entertainment venues — including the Copley Theatre, the Paramount School of the Arts, the Paramount Theatre, the Stolp Island Theatre, the Riverfront Playhouse, The Venue, and RiverEdge Park. * Aurora Beacon-News | Aurora searching for new alderman at-large: The Aurora City Council has two alderman at-large seats, which unlike the other alderman seats represent the whole city rather than a single ward. One of the current aldermen at-large, John Laesch, was recently elected to be the city’s next mayor, so applications are now open to fill his seat. “This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated resident to help shape Aurora’s future as a member of its legislative body,” said a city news release sent out on Wednesday. * Patch | Only IL Brewery To Earn Two Medals In 2025 World Beer Cup Might Surprise You: The World Beer Cup recently announced its 2025 list for the best beers in the country, with one Naperville brewery making the list, earning medals for two of its nonalcoholic beers. Go Brewing, which opened in 2022, received the silver medal for Disarm in the hoppy nonalcoholic beer category. The brewery also earned a bronze medal for New School in the specialty nonalcoholic beer category. * WSIL | Southern Illinois expands mental health care at SIH Mulberry Center in Harrisburg: The expansion aims to increase the center’s bed capacity from 30 to 42, addressing the urgent need for mental health care in Southern Illinois. The project is supported by a consortium of regional healthcare and educational institutions. “Too often, patients in crisis have had to travel hours away or wait days in an emergency room to find an open psychiatric bed,” Smith said. “This expansion will change that reality for our region.” * SJ-R | ‘Flagship Center’ DMV opens in Springfield with expanded services. What to know: The facility, located at 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, temporarily closed in 2023 for major renovations and recently reopened. revamped building, now labeled a “Flagship Center,” expands services offered under one roof and adopts the “one stop-shop” model that cross trains employees. Springfield’s facility has served as DMV since 1975 is the second such center in the state to open, following one that opened in downtown Chicago. * WGLT | After flying solo initially, retiring coach Bob Conkling sees ISU gymnastics soar: When Bob Conkling arrived as Illinois State’s women’s gymnastics coach, he wasn’t looking 20 years into the future, or even a week ahead. There was no time for that. Conkling was the program’s only coach in 2005 and constantly on the go. He had no assistant coach to help train ISU’s existing athletes or recruit new ones. “I knew that I had some work to do,” Conkling said. “You really do need at least a minimum of two coaches with four different events. I knew that had to happen soon.” * WCIA | Springfield hosting 26th annual Old Capitol Farmers Market: The 26th season of the Old Capitol Farmers Market is beginning with a soft opening on May 14 and a ribbon cutting on May 17 at 9 a.m. Every market starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m., with the season continuing on every Wednesday and Saturday through Oct. 25. * Inside Higher Ed | The First U.S. Campus in India Is Finally Opening: On Wednesday, the Illinois Institute of Technology announced it had reached an agreement with India’s University Grants Commission to establish a branch campus in Mumbai, opening to students in fall 2026. It will be the first degree-granting U.S. institution on Indian soil and IIT’s first international branch campus. For decades, a complicated legal and tax system prevented U.S. institutions from opening campuses in India. Then, in 2020, the Indian government issued a new National Education Policy paving the way, officials promised, for a much easier pathway to fruitful academic partnerships.
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and some campaign news
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller
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Live coverage
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news. Hopefully, enough reporters and news outlets migrate to BlueSky so we can hopefully resume live-posting.
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