Afternoon roundup
Thursday, Sep 14, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* IDES…
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 4.1 percent, while nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, down -100, in August, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. August total nonfarm payrolls remained above the pre-pandemic number of total nonfarm payroll jobs. The July revised unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, unchanged from the preliminary July unemployment rate. The July monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +11,200 to +3,400 jobs. The August unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
In August, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Educational and Health Services (+4,400), Leisure and Hospitality (+800), and Manufacturing (+400). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job declines included: Professional and Business Services (-3,300), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-1,100), and Other Services (-700). […]
The state’s unemployment rate was +0.3 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for August. The national unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in August, up +0.3 percentage point from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was down -0.4 percentage point from a year ago when it was at 4.5 percent.
Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +75,600 jobs, with gains across most major industries. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Educational and Health Services (+39,900), Government (+28,400), and Leisure and Hospitality (+25,200). Professional and Business Services (-15,300), Manufacturing (-9,400), and Information (-5,200) reported the largest declines in payroll jobs. In August, total nonfarm payrolls were up +1.2 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +2.0 percent in the nation.
The number of unemployed workers was 266,200, up +4.4 percent from the prior month, and down -8.0 percent over the same month one year ago. The labor force was almost unchanged (0.0 percent) over-the-month and down -0.2 percent over-the-year.
* Crain’s…
Chicago will be home to a new math and biology research institute funded by a $50 million grant from the National Science Foundation and the Simons Foundation.
Northwestern University will lead the research institute in partnership with the University of Chicago that will involve 80 faculty and 120 graduate and post-doctoral students from the two schools. The National Institute for Theory & Mathematics in Biology will be focused on basic research and will be housed in Streeterville near Northwestern’s medical campus.
It’s the second major new biomedical research facility announced in Chicago in less than a year, joining the Chan Zuckerberg Institute that will be located in Fulton Market. The NSF grant is a prestigious win for Northwestern and U of C.
* The Tribune on some legislative react to the Chicago Bears’ announcement that it won’t try to move a bill during veto session…
[ Rep. Marty Moylan] on Wednesday said that “obviously, our bill wasn’t ready yet and they want to explore other options.
“And good for them. And I say, ‘Let’s go Bears.’”
State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, an Arlington Heights Democrat who worked with Moylan on the legislation, emphasized that “megadevelopment” projects should benefit local governments and not just the team and its stadium. She said Wednesday’s announcement was “not a terrible position for the Bears to take.”
“I didn’t see much interest in Bears-specific legislation in Springfield in the spring and it seems unlikely that support for Bears-specific legislation would grow over time,” Canty said. “So, I think that’s right for them to stay focused on what they’re trying to do, what they’re trying to accomplish and what they can control.”
* Gaming Board…
The Illinois Gaming Board (the “IGB” or “Board”) marked an historic summer overseeing the opening of three newly authorized casinos and a new sportsbook, among other significant actions as reported during today’s September meeting.
The summer began with the IGB conducting pre-opening operations assessment/audit and practice gaming sessions under IGB Rules 3000.230(e) and (f) at the new Golden Nugget Casino in Danville from May 22 through May 25. Based on the results, IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter issued a temporary operating permit (“TOP”) and on May 27, Golden Nugget Danville opened to the public as Illinois’ 13th casino. Golden Nugget Danville paid $25.3 million in upfront fees that were deposited into the Rebuild Illinois Projects Fund for use on capital and infrastructure projects throughout the state.
Following the June and July public Board meetings, the IGB conducted the pre-opening operations assessment/audit and practice gaming sessions at Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Carterville from August 21 through August 24. After the successful testing at Walker’s Bluff, Administrator Fruchter issued a TOP and on August 25, the casino commenced operations as Illinois’ 14th casino. Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort will pay approximately $28.3 million in upfront fees into the Rebuild Illinois Fund.
After the Labor Day holiday, the IGB conducted the pre-opening operations assessment/audit and practice gaming sessions at Bally’s Chicago temporary casino at Medinah Temple from September 5 through September 8. Administrator Fruchter issued Bally’s Chicago a TOP and on September 9, Bally’s Chicago opened as Illinois’ 15th casino. Bally’s Chicago will pay $135.5 million in upfront fees into the Rebuild Illinois Fund.
Following enactment of the 2019 gaming expansion law, five newly authorized casinos have opened in Rockford, Waukegan, Danville, Carterville, and Chicago since November 2021.
* Press release…
Today, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) announced it will resume offering abortion care on Monday, September 18. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) saw a 600% increase in patients from Wisconsin. Starting in July of 2022, PPWI and PPIL shared a unique partnership where PPWI clinicians traveled to the PPIL Waukegan health center to provide care.
“Today we celebrate with Wisconsinites as they regain access to essential abortion care.” Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. “More access to care benefits everyone. We are thrilled Wisconsin patients have a choice and are not forced to flee their state for health care and clinicians can provide care in their home state. We are proud to serve patients from Wisconsin and look forward to continuing our partnership in a meaningful way. Our doors are open as we continue to fight for everyone to have access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care.”
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup…
* WBEZ | Downstate leaders say they will need help handling the historic end to cash bail: “Our state might as well be in two different countries,” Cass County Sheriff Devron Ohrn said. “I think this would have been a great [law], if this is what Cook County wants. But don’t do it down here. The views and the needs of the people here are so much more different.” But backers of the law said concerns are overblown, and any implementation challenges are a worthwhile trade-off for a more just system. Ben Ruddell, an attorney at the ACLU of Illinois, said much of the opposition is because county officials are worried about losing out on revenue. “I think what they’re really concerned about are their own budgets, in terms of sheriffs, and people like that, who have concerns that perhaps their jails aren’t going to be as full as they’d like them to be,” Ruddell said.
* Bloomberg | DeSantis offers $5,000 bonus for Chicago cops to relocate to Florida: The Republican Governor is funding an advertising campaign in the Greater Chicago area to recruit Illinois law enforcement to his home state of Florida, offering a $5,000 signing bonus to relocate, according to a statement. The effort is part of a broader 2022 recruitment law signed by DeSantis that so far has lured 2,700 officers to Florida — though only about 37 from Illinois.
* Chicago Law Bulletin | Lea Gutierrez named new ARDC administrator: The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Lea S. Gutierrez as the new administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), making her the first person of color to lead the agency. The appointment marks a return to the ARDC for Gutierrez, who previously served as the founding director of diversity and inclusion. She will take the administrator role effective Oct. 23, the ARDC said Thursday. Jerome Larkin, who joined the agency in 1978 and was named administrator in 2007, is retiring.
* SJ-R | Springfield postal workers among 19 indicted on fraud charges related to COVID-19 loans: A federal grand jury has indicted 19 U.S. Postal Service workers, including 10 from Springfield, on wire fraud charges. All are accused of defrauding people through various COVID-19 relief programs in 2020 and 2021. Shawntelle Lynn, 31, was indicted in October in U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois on two counts of wire fraud. Patrice Green, 47, and Diamond Vinson, 29, were charged in August on four counts of wire fraud.
* Crain’s | No-show workers add wrinkle to Stellantis-UAW union contract talks: Stellantis has made fixing absenteeism a priority in contract talks with the UAW for its 43,000 unionized workers. The absentee rate at its US plants was 23% last year, according to a copy of the company’s initial contract proposal reviewed by Bloomberg. Absent workers led to $217 million in lost sales in 2021 and 2022, the company estimated.
* Sun-Times | Far South Side residents divided on migrant camp landing on their turf: Many residents at the often tense meeting said they were sympathetic to the migrants’ plight, but were opposed to the idea of a tent city in the area. They raised concerns about whether the migrants had been vaccinated, if they had background checks, where they would learn English, how the tent city would be kept clean and if it would affect property values.
* Sun-Times | Nearly 65% of homeless population in Chicago lives in doubled-up, temporary housing: “These doubled-up families are not in typical home-sharing situations,” said Paler-Ponce. “It’s situations of poor Chicagoans that can’t afford to live on their own or formerly contributed to household costs. These are precarious, often overcrowded, always temporary situations that are often missing in data.”
* Tribune | Revised property transfer tax plan, a hallmark of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign to address Chicago homelessness, takes a step forward: Johnson’s team this summer hammered out a new version that offers a tiered tax rate system designed to hit the most expensive properties hardest. The measure applies to all sales of homes, commercial and apartment buildings in Chicago, though it decreases the tax rate on buildings priced below $1 million and increases it on those above that threshold.
* Tribune | South Shore affordable housing protections to be proposed at City Council amid fears of Obama center gentrification: A group of community advocates and residents, along with Aldermen Desmon Yancy, 5th, and Jeanette Taylor, 20th, plan to introduce an ordinance Thursday at the City Council in an effort to preserve and create more affordable housing in the South Shore and Woodlawn neighborhoods, two communities where fears of gentrification and displacement from people like Robinson run high as the Obama Presidential Center takes shapes in nearby Jackson Park.
* NBC Chicago | Can’t remember when your last COVID shot was? Use your Illinois digital vaccine card: If you don’t remember when your last COVID shot was — or you’ve misplaced your original COVID vaccine card, you can check your Illinois vaccine record using the Illinois Department of Health’s “Vax Verify” system. Following a registration and verification process, Illinois residents through the “Verify Vax” portal can check their immunization record, including their most recent COVID shots.
* AP | Planned Parenthood to resume offering abortions next week in Wisconsin, citing court ruling: Planned Parenthood announced Thursday that it will resume offering abortions in Wisconsin next week after a judge ruled that an 1849 law that seemingly banned the procedure actually didn’t apply to abortions.
* Daily-Journal | Former NFL player to take over strength training for Kankakee High School: On Monday, the Kankakee School Board approved a contract with Johnson Training LLC, owned by retired NFL player Charles Johnson. Johnson spent seven years as a wide receiver for teams including the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers.
* Block Club Chicago | Gilligan The Pig Is Living His Best Life At Belmont Harbor: The portly swine is named after the lead character in the 1960s sitcom “Gilligan’s Island.” He spends plenty of time on The Penalty Box while Tom Serbin gets people out on the water with his charter boat company, S.S. Charters Chicago, 2 W. Belmont Harbor Dr. Michele Serbin is a graphic designer who has made merch featuring their pet.
* Sun-Times | Ken Griffin, a character in ‘Dumb Money,’ slams movie’s ‘false implications and inaccuracies’: “The original script contained numerous fabrications, and Citadel felt an obligation to flag those to Sony. Thanks to our letter, Sony corrected them and the final film did not include a number of falsehoods that would have been blatantly misleading to the audience,” said a statement from Tom A. Clare, an attorney representing Citadel.
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Caption contest!
Thursday, Sep 14, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* WCIA…
Clearview Farm, Mahomet-Seymour High School’s Future Farmers of America and others took on a big planting project on Wednesday. But most may need a bird’s-eye view to take in the full picture.
They all joined together to create an Illinois-shaped pollinator garden, located at Clearview Farm in Champaign. The farm got the idea from a garden in Kane County, then started making their own plans last fall. They started planting with help from students and the community. […]
The garden is called a native pollinator garden, and it contain plants native to the region. It’s meant to be a better food source and habitat to reproduce. […]
The native pollinator garden is 500,000 square feet with over 900 plants.
Here it is…
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* WGN…
Theauntae Jones says he hopes to head to college next year in Ohio but the road there hasn’t been easy.
“My mom was struggling really hard and this helped her a lot,” the Leo Catholic high schooler said of the ‘Invest in Kids’ program. “Mom came into my room and she was really happy (and) said, ‘We got the scholarship.’ It gave her $8,000.”
The Illinois Invest in Kids Scholarship Program allows taxpayers a 75% credit for every dollar donated towards the funding of scholarships that help send students from low-income families to private schools. The program is due to sunset by the end of the year, however, and will go away entirely by January 2025 unless lawmakers step in to save it.
More than 9,000 kids are on scholarship, with about 26,000 more on the waiting list. It’s why hundreds, including Rev. Michael Pfleger, gathered at St. Sabina on Wednesday, demanding action from officials in Springfield.
“We can’t keep talking about children reaching their purpose and then block them from the education they deserve,” Pfleger said. “I fight for this school cause I want the best thing for the kids in this neighborhood and the opportunity for them to achieve their goals and dreams.”
* NBC 5…
Stacy Davis gates is certainly not the only member of the CTU who sends her child to a private school. In fact, NBC 5 has learned a key member of the Illinois Education Association also sends his children to Catholic schools. So how might these decisions change the union’s fight right now to end those tax credit programs?
The pressure is on from these students and parents and educators for why they believe the Illinois General Assembly should continue to fund the Illinois Invest in Kids program. […]
NBC 5 has also learned IEA Government Relations Director Sean Denny, seen here in an IEA Facebook posting, sends his children to a Catholic school in Springfield. Both unions strongly oppose the tax credits basis. This IEA video calls the scholarships ‘a scheme.’ […]
This afternoon the IEA responded to our questions saying it will continue to fight against what it calls a voucher program until it ends because public dollars belong in public schools, according to the IEA.
* Illinois Times…
Three of Jasmine Bland’s five children have been able to attend St. Patrick’s Catholic School, and she hopes state lawmakers continue to help low-income families like hers afford high-quality educational options.
“The culture there is more like family, which I prefer,” said Bland, a single parent who lives with her children on Springfield’s east side, works a minimum-wage job and recently began a second job waiting tables.
Bland, 41, said she wants to make sure her children have access to Catholic schools even though she and her kids aren’t Catholic because she has seen her children face more distractions in public schools.
Officials from St. Patrick’s – a prekindergarten through fifth-grade school and a stable presence in its east side Springfield neighborhood since 1910 – hope the Illinois General Assembly listens to Bland and other parents like her.
* Journal & Topics…
Northfield Township Republicans will host a discussion on education from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 on Invest In Kids, an Illinois State Board of Education school voucher program.
The scheduled program speakers are Dan Vosnos, executive director of One Chance Illinois, and Nathan Hoffman, director of state policy and legislation for ExcelinEd.
A press release on the event, to be held at the Glenview Public Library, said the two speakers would also be, “shedding light on the educational reform movement that has been gaining momentum around the country.”
* Center Square…
Anthony Holter of scholarship granting organization Empower Illinois said the program being shut down would create problems for parents and students alike.
“So many of these families do not have the financial resources to continue without these scholarships and would be forced to face this really impossible choice,” Holter said. “They would have to try and find a way to keep their child there, knowing very well that they can not afford it and that it is best for them.”
Lawmakers return to session on Oct. 24 and could discuss a possible extension of the act.
* Sun-Times…
Theantae Jones, a senior at Leo Catholic High School, said the scholarship gave him the opportunity to attend a better school than the public school near him. Jones said he commutes from the West Side to the South Side during the week.
“Every morning I start my day at 5 a.m., and I leave the house at 6 a.m. for an hour and half commute,” Jones said. “I do my homework on the bus, miss out on sleep. I make the sacrifices to attend Leo [High School] because it’s the best place for me.” […]
“I’m willing to work with the program if it gets extended or to figure out how we would wind down the program if it doesn’t get extended,” Pritzker told reporters in July.
Pritzker’s noncommittal statement means he won’t be actively working to kill or support the program. In the past, it had been used as leverage during bill negotiations.
But teachers unions this year requested that Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch carry the program in a standalone bill and not include it in a budget bill, making its passage even more difficult. That would have been a risky move, with primary elections approaching and lawmakers’ votes being picked apart, according to a Democratic lawmaker with direct knowledge of the bill.
There have been discussions about enacting a wind-down period so as not to negatively affect the children already enrolled in the program, the lawmaker said.
It’s definitely an uphill legislative climb, and attacking Democrats’ friends and allies in the teachers’ unions likely won’t help much.
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* The basic crux of the matter from the Tribune…
(T)he suit alleges that the Sox do not currently offer season tickets for accessible seats online. It also alleges that not all accessible seats in the stadium are offered at every game.
Forty-four of the 63 sections on the lower deck of Guaranteed Rate Field have wheelchair-accessible seats. Of 36 upper-deck sections, six include accessible seating.
This is also allegedly an abrupt change from Sox policy of past years.
* The lawsuit is here. Press release…
Access Living, a leading disability service and advocacy center, and Much Shelist, P.C., a Chicago law firm with a history of advancing disability rights, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on Sept. 13, 2023, alleging the Chicago White Sox, LTD have discriminatory ticket sales practices and that the organization refuses to offer equal benefits to people with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The suit alleges that the White Sox refuse to sell ADA accessible season tickets on their website. This forces people with disabilities who want season tickets to call to make a purchase, limiting the seats they can purchase to the few offered over the phone instead of allowing them to choose from all unsold accessible seats like standard season ticket purchasers can do on the website.
The suit also alleges the White Sox have discriminatory restrictions on the website sale of accessible single game tickets, only offering a small percentage of accessible seats for sale, and frequently limiting them to only certain areas of the stadium or certain games during the year. For the majority of this season, the suit alleges that the White Sox website primarily offered accessible seating in the outfield or upper deck. Only after the White Sox were assured of not making the playoffs did the Sox release some accessible seats for sale closer to the infield on the main level.
Access Living brings the suit on behalf of two plaintiffs with disabilities: Ralph Yaniz, a former regional vice president for the AARP and counselor, and Douglas McCormick, a longtime season ticket holder who worked for the scaffolding company that was part of the construction of Guaranteed Rate Field where the White Sox play.
McCormick, who now needs mobility assistance, tried to change his season ticket seats to accessible seats and was told no.
“Imagine helping in the construction of the home stadium for your team and being told you can’t buy season tickets to go to games there,” said McCormick. “Well, that’s exactly what the White Sox told me after decades of supporting them.”
Yaniz, who also has mobility needs, was turned away when he tried to buy season tickets online, and he’s struggled to find appropriate accessible seating for individual games for sale online as well, describing the options as limited. […]
The suit asks the court to:
• Declare that the White Sox current practice of not offering for sale all unsold wheelchair accessible seats in White Sox Park for season tickets and individuals game tickets violates the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Declare that the White Sox current practice of limiting single game tickets for wheelchair accessible seats to only certain areas of the White Sox Park despite the wide availability of wheelchair accessible seating in the Park itself violates the Americans with Disabilities Act; with initiating a preliminary and permanent injunction against the Defendant ordering them to:
o offer season tickets for wheelchair accessible seats on its website and through all other methods of ticket purchase.
o offer all unsold wheelchair accessible seats for sale on its website and through all other methods of ticket purchase during the same stages of ticket sales as are available to purchasers who do not require accessible seats.
o offer all unsold wheelchair accessible seats for sale on its website and other methods of ticket purchase for all areas of White Sox Park that have accessible seating.
* ABC 7…
“Go back to the old system. Where you could go online,” McCormick said. “I would be able to go online a couple hours before the game, you hit the filter button, you could see what’s accessible, you could buy your ticket and you go to the game. It was an easy system. Don’t know what changed or why they changed it. But it has changed.”
The two said even single game tickets were impacted, with only a small percentage of accessible seats listed for sale.
“Last year I went to 40 games,” McCormick said. “This year, I think I went to ten games.”
* Fox 32…
“They do have in the stadium, a lot of accessible seating,” said Charles Petrof, senior attorney for Access Living. “But that’s not what this is about. This is about them actually selling the seating.”
“Starting back in November of last year, I really attempted to buy season tickets for my second year and what happened is they had blacked out all season tickets for wheelchairs online,” said Ralph Yaniz, a plaintiff in the lawsuit. “So I had an email conversation with them at that time, and basically they said no they weren’t going to put them online.”
* Daily Herald…
“We are disappointed by this lawsuit as the White Sox always hope to accommodate the needs of all our fans at the ballpark,” the Sox said. “The White Sox comply with all legal requirements and provide significant accessible seating at our games for our guests. We strongly believe that White Sox baseball is for everyone. While litigation is pending, we will not have any additional comment.”
Discuss.
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* Research consultant Mari Gallagher writing in Crain’s…
Retail attracts retail, and like attracts like, in either a positive or negative direction. The conundrum is that quality retail typically goes where quality retail is already. With a more careful and granular data analysis, we see that there are way more hundred-dollar bills than imagined. Not everyone is poor where retail choices are lacking.
In 2006, our firm released “Examining the Impact of Food Deserts on Public Health in Chicago.” Efforts in Chicago and across Illinois enjoyed some short-term success in opening needed stores. But over time, many communities suffered severe and disappointing setbacks, with newly built, subsidized stores closing while other areas were unable to recruit any quality food stores at all.
We and many others have always stressed that plopping down a grocery store and cutting the ribbon in front of the cameras does not mean the problem is solved. In fact, over the long run, opening stores without a sustainable plan does more harm than good. We could pin these failures on the “local economy,” but that would be disingenuous. Markets are complicated. So are people and their food choices. People just want at least the basics of living and shopping like everyone else. […]
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration should consider a few municipally owned or nonprofit grocery options and a community engagement effort that uses existing carrots and sticks to set a new commercial tone that, over time, other retailers match. Some local independent food stores aspire to step up, but they don’t have the purchasing power of dollar and convenience store chains. Why not help them with a collective purchasing initiative? Good grocers go where good grocers are already, and they, in turn, will attract other types of quality stores that people want and need. Leading by example will begin the long, hard work of market repair.
That’s not a bad idea at all, and the mayor is showing interest…
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is exploring a city-owned grocery store, hoping to promote food equity. […]
The exploration is being done in partnership with the Economic Security Project, a nonprofit dedicated to building economic power for Americans. Senior adviser Ameya Pawar said in a news release that a municipally owned grocery store would operate similarly to a library or post office, offering “economic choice and power to communities.”
But I hope they’re not just thinking about plopping down another grocery store without considering some other factors. Crain’s has been focusing on this topic lately.
* Here, for example, is William Towns, “an adjunct professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and national market president for community revitalization and public housing at Gorman & Company”…
Retail isn’t merely a place to buy goods and services; it’s a social epicenter. Local shops, markets, and restaurants serve as gathering spots where friends and neighbors convene to exchange stories, celebrate milestones and, increasingly, provide flexible working environments for remote professionals. These establishments form the lifeblood of a community, fostering a sense of belonging and local pride. […]
Simultaneously, housing serves as the fuel upon which the retail social epicenter thrives. Affordable housing attracts residents who, in turn, become patrons of local businesses. This symbiotic relationship between housing and retail creates a feedback loop where the prosperity of one bolsters the other. […]
When redevelopment prioritizes retail without housing, businesses often lack the density necessary for sustained profitability. Conversely, when housing leads the way, it may lack the amenities that homeowners and renters seek, making the area less attractive. By recognizing the essential interplay between retail and housing, communities can harness this synergy to nurture inclusive, vibrant, and resilient places for people to live and prosper.
By ensuring no housing plans exist without considering a retail strategy and no retail strategy moves forward without considering its contribution to a housing plan, we can weave stronger, more connected communities that benefit everyone. It’s a model that safeguards the essence of neighborhoods and enriches the lives of those who call them home.
* Crain’s reporters Ally Marotti and Corli Jay…
Chicago TREND, a commercial real estate developer, is deploying a strategy that allows residents to invest in commercial retail properties. A social enterprise formed in 2016, it focuses on transforming retail economics in communities of color. It owns three neighborhood shopping centers in the city and one in south suburban Olympia Fields, with plans to buy two more Chicago properties in the next year.
Chicago TREND hired local property managers and local leasing agents who put equity into the properties. It identifies, acquires and improves service-oriented community shopping centers in urban neighborhoods by partnering with entrepreneurs and residents. The enterprise has deployed this model at two properties in Baltimore. […]
South Shore, too, with its oversaturation of fried food joints, beauty shops and dollar stores, is looking to take a similar approach. The Chamber of Commerce is set to launch a model in late 2024 that would allow residents to invest in commercial properties. Trice, of the South Shore Chamber, says allowing residents to take ownership is one of the only ways to really control which businesses open in a community.
* More on Chicago TREND from Andrew Beideman, chief strategy officer for the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, writing in Crain’s about revitalizing strip malls…
What if we were more intentional in harnessing the potential of these familiar sites to create community assets? What if this type of overlooked real estate could improve access to healthy food and needed retail? What if the properties themselves could be a vehicle to build wealth for nearby residents? […]
Led by entrepreneur Lyneir Richardson, Chicago TREND will leverage impact investment capital to buy overlooked commercial centers in underserved communities. It will then partner with entrepreneurs of color to upgrade the properties and improve each center’s retail offerings to meet community needs. Most exciting, an innovative crowdfunding structure will enable nearby residents to participate in each purchase for as little as $1,000 and benefit from future appreciation.
This comprehensive approach can turn everyday strip malls into drivers of community change — improving access to quality retail like restaurants and pharmacies, turning eyesore properties into community assets and creating pathways for nearby residents to generate wealth.
The Pritzker Traubert Foundation believes that Chicago succeeds when its residents live in strong, supportive and vibrant neighborhoods. We are partners with the Kresge Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, the Surdna Foundation and others to launch the TREND fund, which we believe is an important step toward this goal.
Many smaller strip malls already serve as de facto business incubators. This particular plan appears to be upping the game.
Your thoughts?
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* From the FDA last November…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed its first pre-market consultation for a human food made from cultured animal cells. We evaluated the information UPSIDE Foods submitted to the agency and have no further questions at this time about the firm’s safety conclusion. The firm will use animal cell culture technology to take living cells from chickens and grow the cells in a controlled environment to make the cultured animal cell food.
* CNN…
In a nutshell, lab-grown meat — or cultivated or cell-based meat — is meat that is developed from animal cells and grown, with the help of nutrients like amino acids, in massive bioreactors.
This happens in a production facility that looks a lot like a brewery: When you picture it, don’t think of people in white coats and hairnets peering through microscopes into petri dishes, but instead people in white coats and hairnets wandering between giant vats.
* From UPSIDE Foods…
Saturday, July 1st, 2023, marked an epic milestone as UPSIDE Foods made its mark in history books as the first-ever cell-cultivated meat company to sell its product in America.
Food pics are here.
* Today…
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced today that UPSIDE Foods – a leading cultivated meat, poultry and seafood company will locate its first commercial-scale production facility in Glenview. As the first cultivated meat company to receive FDA approval, UPSIDE’s new Glenview facility marks a major milestone for cultivated meat production – supporting Illinois’ ecosystem and adding to the state’s dominance in the food processing industry. Bolstered by one of the first EDGE for Start Ups agreements, the company will invest at least $141 million and create a minimum of 75 new jobs. […]
“We’re excited that the next chapter of our journey towards building a more sustainable, humane, and abundant future will be in Illinois,” said Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and Founder of UPSIDE Foods. “Establishing our plant in this region allows us to tap into a remarkable talent pool, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and a notable history of meat production. We are grateful for the collaboration and partnership that we have built at the state, county, and local levels in our site selection process.” […]
The 187,000-square-foot facility in Glenview will open with production of ground cultivated chicken products, with plans to expand to other species and whole-textured formats in the future. Millions of pounds of cultivated meat products will be produced at the new facility, with the potential to expand to over 30 million pounds – a significant step toward creating a more humane, sustainable, and resilient food system. Cultivated meat is an innovative solution to helping solve the climate crisis by ensuring animals aren’t harmed while using less land, water, and emissions during production.
As one of the world’s largest and most advanced commercial cultivated meat facilities, the state-of-the-art facility in Glenview will house cultivators with capacities of up to 100,000 liters. UPSIDE Foods’ cultivated meat is already being served to diners in California.
As part of the State’s comprehensive incentive package, the company received one of the first Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups tax credits, which stipulates a goal of making a $141 million investment and creating 75 new full-time jobs. A link to the full agreement can be found here.
The EDGE program was expanded to include startups in 2022 to spur additional investment for newer companies that are in their growth stage. In order to do this, EDGE for Start Ups provides a benefit that allow companies to reduce their payroll withholding instead of their Illinois corporate income tax credit. This enables start-up companies without corporate income tax liabilities to maximize their incentive to reinvest into their expansion project.
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Today’s quotable
Thursday, Sep 14, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Let’s revisit yesterday’s NPR story about Anita Dunn’s firm consulting for Speaker Madigan while assisting Alaina Hampton…
Friends of Madigan continued to pay SKDK for “media consulting” through the end of September 2019. A review of campaign records show that Madigan’s committee paid SKDK more than $200,000.
NPR asked Madigan’s attorneys whether they were aware of SKDK’s connection to Hampton’s case. They declined to comment.
Former Madigan chief of staff Timothy Mapes said in an email, “Sorry I can’t answer your questions as I wasn’t involved in those discussions.” (The evidence from Mapes’ trial showed that he was recorded on the wiretap discussing Dunn’s representation, and was also sent emails discussing SKDK’s work for Madigan in 2018.)
Click here for a phone conversation and here for an email.
Give him credit. Mapes is living up to his reputation as a convicted liar.
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Open thread
Thursday, Sep 14, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Thursday, Sep 14, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* Tribune | Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan’s work with DC public relations firm sparks #MeToo anger, apology: In 2018, as the #MeToo movement was sweeping the nation and the speaker was facing accusations he ran an office for years plagued by sexual harassment, Madigan employed the Washington, D.C.-based public relations firm SKDK for guidance. The speaker met with Anita Dunn, a Democratic PR guru who helped found SKDK and currently advises President Joe Biden, and Madigan paid the firm more than $200,000 through his campaign fund, court documents and state records showed. At the same time, however, SKDK was working with the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, a women’s advocacy group, to help arrange local public relations support for a former Madigan campaign worker who was the first to call out the mistreatment of women inside Madigan’s state and political organizations.
* Sun-Times | Top Biden adviser was advising Madigan on #MeToo crisis while her firm was helping woman suing former speaker: While Dunn was advising Madigan, Hampton received support in her case from Dunn’s firm, which partnered with the anti-harassment charity Time’s Up. Dunn’s work for Madigan was specifically focused on responding to allegations stemming from Hampton’s lawsuit. As a result, SKDK (the D stands for “Dunn”) was on the one hand supporting Hampton in her harassment and retaliation case through its partnership with Time’s Up, and on the other getting paid by a defendant in that very lawsuit.
* Crain’s | Bears hold off stadium-subsidy efforts in Springfield — for now: Bears CEO Kevin Warren issued a statement Wednesday afternoon declaring that the franchise won’t pursue such support from Springfield during the legislature’s upcoming fall session as the team continues to explore the possibility of continuing to play its home games in Chicago or pursuing a stadium project in another suburb.
* WAND | DCFS grilled by Illinois lawmakers for enforcing nonexistent daycare policy: DCFS allowed assistants at daycare centers to watch children under two for up to three hours per day over the past few years to help address the worker shortage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency tried to cut that time frame down to 90 minutes per day, but state lawmakers rejected that rule in July.
* Shaw Local | State Rep. Jeff Keicher to seek reelection in 2024 for Illinois House 70th District: State Rep. Jeff Keicher, a Republican lawmaker who lives in Sycamore, announced Wednesday he’ll seek reelection in 2024 to represent the 70th District which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties.
* Pantagraph | Sharon Chung announces run for 2nd term in Illinois House: During a campaign announcement on Wednesday at Miller Park, the former McLean County Board member said she is working to invest more in schools, job training and infrastructure, and that Illinois can be both a fiscally responsible state and a compassionate one.
* Tribune | Supervisor denies DCFS workers were ‘lazy’ at endangerment trial in death of 5-year-old AJ Freund: [ Polovin’s attorney, Matthew McQuaid, Ruzicka] said Polovin had a reputation and history of closing cases hastily without being thorough, and she counseled him about it — but when asked if the defendants were “lazy,” Ruzicka replied, “Oh, no.”
* Tribune | Fermilab’s $1 billion accelerator project remains on hold during investigation into May accident that injured construction worker: James Daniels, 46, fell from the top of a two-story wall during his first day on the job. Hospitalized for several months, he has filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against Fermi Research Alliance, which operates the site, as well as the contractor and subcontractors in charge of the construction project.
* Sun-Times | Delta-8, other mind-altering hemp products would be tightly restricted in Chicago under new proposal: Downtown Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) said he plans to introduce an ordinance at Thursday’s City Council meeting to address “a public health crisis” that has emerged as sales of the trendy substances have ramped up.
* The Southern | What are STAR bonds and how are they used?: STAR bonds are an incentive that use the state’s incremental sales tax and local incremental sales tax within a STAR bond district to encourage a developer to transform the area into a retail and entertainment destination. STAR bonds mature in 23 years. They are paid from the incremental sales tax, or the part of the tax that grows with development. Risk is assumed by the purchaser or the bonds. The city and its taxpayers assume no risk.
* Center Square | Some parents would quit job to home school if Invest in Kids not extended: Sabrina Sibby of southside Chicago has four boys involved in the program. She said if the program is cut, she may have to quit her job to home school her children to avoid placing them back into Chicago Public Schools. “I probably would opt for homeschooling,” Sibby told The Center Square. “That would be difficult for me because then I would have to quit my job and work on making sure he gets the things he needs to get. I’m still sure it would be a financial burden on me because I would have to purchase certain things.”
* Sun-Times | Private school leaders fight to save Invest in Kids Act scholarships: Backed by Republican lawmakers and local religious leaders, the program was ultimately slipped into what became the school funding bill in 2017 — which was intended to put new money for education into the state’s poorest and neediest districts. The Invest in Kids Act provides a tax credit of 75 cents for every dollar donated to fund scholarships for Illinois students from low-income families to attend private schools.
* Vox | The unconstitutional plan to stop women from traveling out of state for an abortion, explained: Notably, this list of anti-abortion localities includes Mitchell County, Texas, a sparse community of about 9,000 people. This matters because Interstate 20, the route that many people traveling from Dallas to New Mexico to receive an abortion will take, passes through Mitchell County. Several other counties with major highways or airports are also considering similar laws.
* Crain’s | Arwady visits Lori Lightfoot at Harvard: In a statement to Crain’s late Wednesday, Lightfoot said Arwady participated in a discussion with students about her experience leading Chicago through the COVID-19 pandemic. “Dr. Arwady used her experience leading a big city health department during the height of COVID as a backdrop for a discussion about macro and micro public health questions around preparedness, establishing a single point of truth to help people cut through misinformation and disinformation, and the importance of developing strong internal and external communication and collaboration systems, all with an eye toward equity, among other topics,” Lightfoot said in the statement. “Students were thrilled to hear from and be in dialogue with such a nationally recognized public health leader.”
* AP | Federal judge declares DACA is illegal; issue likely to be decided by US Supreme Court: “While sympathetic to the predicament of DACA recipients and their families, this Court has expressed its concerns about the legality of the program for some time,” Hanen wrote in his 40-page ruling. “The solution for these deficiencies lies with the legislature, not the executive or judicial branches. Congress, for any number of reasons, has decided not to pass DACA-like legislation … The Executive Branch cannot usurp the power bestowed on Congress by the Constitution - even to fill a void.”
* Capitol News Illinois | State Fair reports nine-year attendance high: The state Department of Agriculture, which hosts the fair each year, reported on Tuesday that about 708,000 people attended the fair, an 11 percent increase from 2022. Department officials attributed the increase to good weather, renovations of fairgrounds facilities and a discounted admission fee for one of the fair days.
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Live coverage
Thursday, Sep 14, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ScribbleLive is still down. Twitter has stopped allowing people to embed list feeds on websites. So, click here or here to follow breaking news.
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* NPR correspondent Tom Dreisbach…
A top adviser to President Joe Biden, whose prominent communications firm helped launch a high-profile effort to assist victims of sexual harassment, rape and assault, was also a paid adviser to a powerful Illinois politician while he was being sued by one of those victims.
Anita Dunn, co-founder of the communications firm SKDK and widely considered a member of the president’s inner circle, provided “crisis communications” assistance to Michael Madigan, the then-Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, from 2018 to 2019. That work netted Dunn and her firm more than $200,000, according to campaign finance disclosures.
Madigan, who was also the leader of the state Democratic Party at the time, was not personally accused of sexual misconduct, but was being sued by a former employee of his political committees. That former employee, Alaina Hampton, alleged that Madigan retaliated against her when she reported that her direct supervisor had repeatedly harassed her over text messages.
While Dunn was advising Madigan, Hampton received support in her case from Dunn’s firm, which partnered with the anti-harassment charity Time’s Up. Dunn’s work for Madigan was specifically focused on responding to allegations stemming from Hampton’s lawsuit.
As a result, SKDK (the D stands for “Dunn”) was on the one hand supporting Hampton in her harassment and retaliation case through its partnership with Time’s Up, and on the other getting paid by a defendant in that very lawsuit.
There’s lots more, so go read the whole thing.
* A brief mention was made of this in the Tribune’s August 27th Mapes trial roundup, which I regrettably didn’t read because I was on vacation at the time…
In one email to Mapes, McClain described how Madigan’s operation hired SKDK to “handle this problem” and develop a plan to be “assertive” and met with the firm’s Anita Dunn, a top player in the Obama and Biden administrations, to develop a strategy that included beginning with an op-ed.
Mapes had initiated the email exchange on Sept. 21, 2018, the day a Madigan-signed a commentary in the Tribune said he took responsibility for failing to “do enough’ and promising to do more to address inappropriate behavior in Springfield.
Records showed the “Friends of Madigan” campaign fund paid more than $200,000 to SKDK over 2018 and 2019 for advice on how to address the #MeToo issues.
It came around the same time that McClain gathered a group of utility lobbyists — including political gurus Tom Cullen and Will Cousineau — to work out arrangements to send checks to help Kevin Quinn after Madigan had tossed him from the speaker’s organization due to the longtime lieutenant’s own #MeToo scandal.
…Adding… A new Tribune story was just posted…
“If I knew SKDK was working with Mike Madigan, I wouldn’t have even applied for funding from Time’s Up,” Hampton said in an interview with the Tribune. “It’s a clear conflict of interest that the communications firm SKDK was working with Mike Madigan while also working with the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund when I was a client and the legal defense fund was paying money for my legal fees and public relation fees.”
Following days of Tribune questions, SKDK issued an apology Wednesday morning.
“We understand the concerns that have been raised,” SKDK partner Jill Zuckman said in a statement to the Tribune. “In retrospect, we realize that the decision to work with then-Speaker Madigan’s campaign on these matters was an error in light of the support Ms. Hampton was receiving from another firm through a separate initiative we were proud to support.
“We apologize to Ms. Hampton and her allies and reiterate our full support for the survivor community,” Zuckman said.
To Hampton, though, the apology fell flat: “It feels like they’re gaslighting me. Even now.”
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* I’m told the talks with Chicago have been going very well and the talks with and about Arlington Heights have not gone well…
Statement from Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren:
“Our process to find the best stadium solution for our franchise, our fans and the region continues to be methodical and intentional. Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson and his team, we have recently engaged in positive and productive discussions with the City of Chicago. We also continue to have dialogue with officials in Arlington Heights and other Chicagoland locations about a Chicago Bears stadium project. At this time, we want to appropriately explore all opportunities for the development of a world-class stadium and therefore will not be pursuing legislative support for mega projective incentive legislation in the Illinois General Assembly’s Fall Veto Session.”
Good news for the city. But it’s not like they had much of a chance in the veto session. Still, at least they’re learning.
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Afternoon roundup
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* IDPH…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today endorsed the recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the newly FDA-approved COVID-19 shots for everyone over the age of 6 months. The federal agencies have given the green light for updated mRNA vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer that target the currently circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus.
Heading into the fall, IDPH is closely monitoring data on COVID-19 as well as other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV. The federal guidance comes as data indicates an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois and the nation, with a seven percent increase statewide in the week ending September 2, the most recent period for which data is available. There are currently 12 Illinois counties at a medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations according to the CDC national dashboard, meaning they exceed ten new cases per 100,000 population in the last week.
* When this bill was proposed in 2010, I repeatedly called it the worst bill ever. It allows local governments to use state sales tax money for local developments. Not a fan. Comptroller Mendoza is a fan and here’s her press release…
I’m so happy the city of Marion has approved the state’s first STAR Bonds project, which will bring welcome economic investment, jobs, new businesses, entertainment, fun and great opportunities to Southern Illinois.
I was very proud to work on the original legislation that former State Rep. John Bradley passed in 2010. Speaking on the House floor in favor of the bill, I outlined my language about Angel Investment Tax Credits that formed part of the Innovation Development and Economy Act, which paved the way for this district. That same year, Marion created its STAR Bonds District.
My Deputy Director of Outreach and Community Affairs, Josh Downs, read my letter of support for this project before the vote at last night’s Marion City Council meeting.
The Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are paid for by future sales taxes collected by businesses that locate in the district.
The new businesses anticipated at Marion’s Oasis Outdoors development include sports complexes, expanded golf and pickleball complexes, go-karts, virtual reality, bowling alleys, climbing walls, arcades, restaurants, a redevelopment of the mall to showcase one of the world’s largest RV dealerships, and so much more.
This project will be an economic driver for Southern Illinois and will attract significant out-of-state tourism dollars.
Congratulations to developers Rodney Cabaness; Shad Zimbro, Millennium Destination Development LLC, Marion Mayor Mike Absher and everyone else who is working on this innovative project.
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/communities/marion/marion-approves-first-star-bond-project-during-a-special-council-meeting/article_575e41a4-51dc-11ee-9194-d739486b68fd.html
* Leader Curran…
Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) released the following statement on Saving Illinois Tax Credit Scholarships
“All Illinois children, regardless of their parents’ bank accounts or connections, deserve access to the best quality education possible to fit their individual needs. This access has been increased for over 9,000 lower-income families in Illinois through private donations in the Invest in Kids Scholarship program. The innocent children receiving these life-changing scholarships, and the thousands more on the waitlist, should not be caught in the middle of political or ideological fights, but instead should be given the certainty of a permanent program so they can continue to excel in their family’s school of choice. The Senate Republicans are united in our commitment to making permanent the Invest in Kids program this coming Veto Session, and will continue to prioritize empowering lower income parents to make the best educational choices for their children.”
* Press release…
Skokie, IL – The Women’s Board (WB) of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (IHMEC) raised more than $350,000 at its annual signature Soirée. More than 400 guests came together on Sept. 7th at Bryn Mawr Country Club to support the Museum’s mission to preserve the stories of Holocaust Survivors and continue their legacy into the future.
“We were thrilled to have everyone come together for such a wonderful night,” said Sue Spinello, Women’s Board co-president. “We appreciate everyone’s support of the Soirée as these critical funds will go a long way in helping the Museum achieve its mission,” said Leslie Schaffel, co-president. […]
“With the rise of antisemitism and other hate crimes, connecting the lessons of the Holocaust to present day continues to be as urgent as ever,” said Bernard Cherkasov, Museum CEO. “While our primary focus is on education and awareness, social events such as the Soirée are another way to work toward our mission.” […]
The Soirée raises funds to support the Museum’s mission to combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference, and to inspire visitors to become Upstanders who speak out for what’s right – turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions today. The WB specifically earmarked funds from this event to support upcoming special exhibitions, field trips to the Museum (virtual and in-person) for students in under-served communities, and Law Enforcement Action and Democracy (LEAD) Training.
* Women Employed press release…
Women Employed (WE) today announced it was named to the Crain’s Chicago Business 2023 list of Best Places to Work. For 50 years, Women Employed has relentlessly pursued equity for women in the workforce, from shaping policy change, expanding access to educational opportunities, to advocating for fair and inclusive workplaces so more women, families, and communities can thrive.
Ranked 22 out of 100 employers, WE was recognized in the top 25% for its deep commitment to equity that starts in its own workplace. As a small non-profit organization of 26 staff members, WE provides top-tier benefits, prioritizes fairness and inclusivity, and is highly responsive to staff needs. To ensure they are aligned with what they advocate for, WE offers family-friendly and employee-centered benefits such as generous sick time, paid leave, vacation, and health insurance, plus hybrid work and flexible scheduling options, allowing staff to manage responsibilities inside and outside of work. The leadership team holds itself accountable for organizational culture, staff development and nurturing and supporting the overall well-being of staff.
“We couldn’t authentically pursue equity for women in the workforce without ensuring equity, inclusivity, support, and flexibility in our own workplace,” said Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed. “We believe our staff members deserve the best working environment to achieve success for themselves and our mission. We are thrilled to be recognized alongside so many other notable organizations that are doing right by their workers.”
* Oppo dump!..
On September 13, Eileen O’Neill Burke is set to hold a “Women Lawyers” fundraiser at the law offices of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard.
The first host listed on the invitation is Kristin Barnette – wife of disgraced and racist former Chicago Police Chief Garry McCarthy. Barnette donated a total of $23,120 to her husband’s mayoral campaign. Several other hosts of Burke’s upcoming fundraiser were also supporters of McCarthy’s Rudy Giuliani-supported mayoral run.
In total, the hosts of this event gave $30,600 to McCarthy’s Mayoral run. In addition to his wife, McCarthy received donations from:
• Sarah King - $500: Clifford Law Partner Sarah King gave $500 to McCarthy’s mayoral bid.
• Beth McCormack - $250: Beerman Partner Beth McCormack gave $250 to McCarthy’s mayoral bid.
• Clare McWilliams - $250: Judge Clare McWilliams gave $250 to McCarthy’s mayoral campaign.
• Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard - $2,500: The law firm where the fundraiser will take place gave $2,500 to McCarthy’s mayoral run.
• Patrick Salvi - $2,000: The firm is chaired by Patrick Salvi who gave $2,000 to McCarthy’s mayoral bid.
• Patrick Salvi Jr. - $2,000: The firm’s Chicago Managing Partner Patrick Salvi Jr. also gave $2,000 to McCarthy’s mayoral bid.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Daily Herald | Witness says ex-DCFS workers were ‘ultimately responsible’ for AJ’s safety: Acosta, 57, of Woodstock, and Polovin, 51, of Island Lake, each are charged with two counts of endangering the life of a child and health of a minor and one count of reckless conduct related to their handling of the child’s case. Defense attorneys have argued the child welfare agency’s Woodstock field office, from which AJ’s case was handled, was “overwhelmingly overworked and understaffed.” […] To each question, Ruzicka said neither Acosta nor Polovin adhered to training and did what was required.
* Shaw Local | Grundy County chairman Chris Balkema announces candidacy for 53rd District senate seat: The district includes Grundy, Bureau, Ford, Iroquois, La Salle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties. During Balkema’s tenure, he said he defended Grundy County residents against gun regulations and executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said his firm stance ensured the rights of Grundy County residents were never compromised.
* Crain’s | White Sox attendance too low for over a decade for team to owe state fees: The management agreement between the ISFA and the White Sox requires the team to pay a base rent per season, plus net ticket fees if paid attendance exceeds 1.93 million tickets (excluding “comp” tickets, which are given away to sponsors).
* Crain’s | White Sox sued over alleged discriminatory ticket-sales practices: The lawsuit, filed today on behalf of Sox fans Ralph Yaniz and Douglas McCormick, alleges that the White Sox failed to offer equal benefits to people with disabilities, required under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, by refusing to sell accessible-seat season tickets on its website.
* WBEZ | Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vows he won’t raise property taxes to close $538 million budget gap: The gap is fueled in part by the ongoing effort to support migrants being sent to the city, as well as rising personnel costs and pension payments, the budget forecast released Wednesday reads. At least $149 million of the shortfall is driven by support for new arrivals. But in a news release, Johnson vowed to follow through on a campaign promise to produce a budget that “holds the line on not raising the base property tax levy.”
* WCIA | ADM East plant evacuated again days after explosion: An ADM spokesperson said that an employee noticed smoke during a walk-through of the plant. Out of an abundance of caution, the spokesperson said the immediate area was evacuated and the fire department was called for support. The area was deemed safe by 11 a.m. and employees are allowed to reenter the area. The spokesperson added that ADM is taking additional precautions to ensure the safety of the area and to inform employees about the issue and resolution.
* WCIA | Fourth ADM worker released from hospital after explosion: “As we continue the process to assess the damage to our processing complex in Decatur and begin the process to restore operations, our priority remains offering to support our four injured colleagues who remain in the hospital as well as their families,” ADM officials posted to their website Tuesday night. “One colleague has been released. We are also providing counseling resources to colleagues on-site.”
* SJ-R | More than 700 IEMA workers will move to White Oaks Mall; here’s an update on construction: The mall project is in the second construction phase with CDB turning much of the former retail space into an office for more than 700 workers. Upgrades to electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and security systems are underway along with installation of new flooring, lighting, windows, restrooms, and sewer. But workers also have had to navigate a series of change orders – nearly $6 million worth – caused by the aging condition of the building.
* Chalkbeat | Schools face a funding cliff. How bad will the fall be?: Some advocates had hoped that even more federal dollars would be on the way. For instance, the Los Angeles teachers union had sought to make federal relief permanent. But this is not going to happen. The recent deal that President Joe Biden struck with Congressional Republicans limits new federal spending on education for the next couple years.
* BND | Is it legal to hang items from your rearview mirror in Illinois? The law changes in 2024: On Jan. 1, 2024, Illinois police officers will no longer be allowed to lawfully stop or search vehicles solely because they have something hanging from their rearview mirror, though it will still be considered a violation if the item materially obstructs the motorist’s view.
* The Pantagraph | Illinois State University hires firm for presidential search: A statement Wednesday from ISU said Parker Executive Search was selected as the hiring and consulting firm to assist the search, and will be reimbursed $110,000, plus expenses. University leaders are seeking a replacement for former President Terri Goss Kinzy, who abruptly resigned in February after less than two years on the job. The board and Kinzy, the university’s first female president, agreed not to comment beyond an initial statement that said she would “pursue other opportunities.”
* Tribune | UAW may strike at small number of factories if it can’t reach deals with automakers: At the Tuesday meeting, Fain didn’t say whether the union would target vehicle assembly plants or component factories, one of the people said. Strikes at parts plants could force production halts at multiple assembly factories. He also didn’t say how many workers would walk off their jobs.
* Daily Herald | Electrifying 30% of heavy-duty vehicles could save hundreds of lives, billions of dollars: If the region surrounding Chicago took 30% of its heavy-duty vehicles and made them electric, 610 lives and $5.8 billion would be saved each year, according to a new study out of Northwestern University.
* Block Club | Southwest Siders With Kias, Hyundais Can Get A Free Steering Wheel Lock Next Month: Vehicles must be registered to owners in the 8th District, which includes parts of West Lawn, Chicago Lawn, Ashburn, Midway, Gage Park and Archer Heights. […] Over 7,000 Kias and Hyundais were stolen from Chicagoans in 2022, prompting Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to demand a federal recall of the vehicles. Raoul was one of several officials across the country to sign a letter asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to take action.
* County approves nearly $750,000 in ARPA funding: The Kankakee County Board approved three requests for American Rescue Plan Act funds at its meeting on Tuesday, providing nearly $750,000 to the Helen Wheeler Center, a circuit court remodel and for the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department’s old jail.
* Shaw Local | Woman charged with falsely reporting a bomb threat at Geneva High: A Geneva woman has been charged with making a false report of a bomb threat at Geneva High School. Terry L. Thomas, 54, of the 600 block of Willow Lane, is also charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated assault and resisting a peace officer.
* SJ-R | Springfield council to consider new Lincoln Library director; Yazell returns to former job: With no discussion at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting, the council moved Gwendolyn Harrison’s appointment as Lincoln Library’s director to the full city council’s agenda on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Val Yazell, the interim director of the Office for Planning and Economic Development, will move back to permanent director pending council approval.
* Block Club Chicago | South Loop Neighbors Want To Block Data Center Expansion Near McCormick Place: The $500 million expansion would include a new, 565,069-square-foot, 13-story building with seven data center suites between the third and ninth floors with a bridge connecting the new building with the existing one. A chiller plant would be installed on the 10th floor, with additional cooling towers on the roof.
* Daily Herald | Why some people complained about pot-friendly music festival in Mundelein: Christine Spisla was the first person who spoke about the festival during the public comment portion of the meeting. She said the performances rattled her windows, shook the floors and made her walls vibrate. In response, Village Administrator Eric Guenther said sound levels sporadically were checked by police officers during both days of the festival, and the decibel outputs never reached unacceptable levels.
* Journal Star | Lead water line replacement is ramping up in Peoria: On Tuesday, Illinois American Water updated the Peoria City Council on where it stands in that process and is asking Peorians to help its census by self-reporting lead water pipes in their homes. By April 2024, Illinois American Water must have an inventory submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency of where lead water lines still exist in Peoria, the company told the council.
* WGLT | State to fund Illinois State University area traffic safety study: Normal Public Works Director Ryan Otto said the cost of the study to begin next year will be $450,000. “It will start with a larger overall review of crash reports, some surveys of students and community members, to try to identify points of conflict people see on the street. We’ll do a deep dive into geometrics, traffic counts, and things like that in specific areas,” said Otto.
* Daily Herald | Done deal: Texas data center firm closes on deal for Sears campus in Hoffman Estates: “We are very pleased to welcome Compass Datacenters to Hoffman Estates,” Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said in a statement. “The redevelopment of the former Sears headquarters into a data center campus begins a new chapter for this high-profile property and continues the technology diversification of our tax base. Although still preliminary, the investment by Compass will be in the billions of dollars and will have positive effects for our community for years to come.”
* Block Club Chicago | Englewood’s Only Sit-Down Restaurant Has Been Closed For Years. City College Plans To Bring It Back To Life: Kennedy-King received a historic $5 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2021. About $500,000 of that lump sum will go towards refreshing the restaurant, said Jewel Mideau, executive dean at the college’s Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute.
* AP | The iPhone 12 emits too much radiation and Apple must take it off the market, French agency says: French regulators ordered Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12, saying it emits electromagnetic radiation levels that are above European Union standards for exposure. The company disputed the findings and said the device complies with regulations.
* Daily Beast | And Now Gannett Wants a Beyoncé Reporter to Join Its Taylor Swift Reporter: The headline-making job listings come as Gannett, the largest U.S. newspaper chain, has gone through a series of layoffs over the last two years that have affected dozens of its local newsrooms, most recently shedding six percent of its news division in December. A Gannett spokesperson wrote to The Daily Beast that “we have hired 260 journalists and have more than 100 more open roles which are actively being recruited for as we grow our audience.”
* BND | Metro-east golfer shoots holes-in-one both left-handed and right-handed, a very rare feat: One day in 2021, for reasons he cannot explain, he found he could no longer grip a golf club from his natural left side. “All I know is one day I woke up and couldn’t hit the ball left-handed,” Martintoni said. “ I got up and we were playing and the next day I couldn’t hold the clubs and I couldn’t hit them anymore, so I struggled with that for a couple of months.”
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* Not a lot of details in this pretty thin story, but it raises several questions: Are private organizations really responsible for two-thirds of the migrant influx? If so, which organizations are they? Are these aid groups really shipping migrants to Chicago knowing they can’t help the migrants once they get to Chicago and that the migrants then have nowhere to go? And approximately what percentage of these trips are paid for with federal dollars? Also, if the feds are paying for this travel, why isn’t the federal government paying to house and feed them at their destinations?…
About a third of new arrivals are bused here by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, but many are also sent by Texas and Denver organizations using federal money without coordinating with Chicago officials.
Department of Homeland Security officials confirmed to Axios last week that the federal funds they provide to local organizations can be — and are — used to buy bus, train and plane tickets for migrants to come to Chicago. […]
[First Deputy Chief of Staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas] first got wind of the issue from migrants arriving at O’Hare this month who told Chicago officials that FEMA had paid for their tickets.
As far as the numbers go, Gov. Abbott claimed last week that his state has shipped about 7,200 migrants to Chicago since last year. NBC 5 reported at the end of August that Chicago “has received over 13,500 migrants in the past year from Texas, and as 6,500 are spread among the 15 currently operating shelters.” So, that’s a little over half the total, not a third. But he could be including private groups in that total.
Whatever the case, it would be nice to know who these groups are so that we can ask them for their rationale about what the heck they’re doing. I have an inkling about who one of those groups might be, but I’m still waiting on a reply.
* Back to the story…
Other priorities, according to Pacione-Zayas, include … Taking a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to share information about Chicago’s challenges and “the forecasting of a brutal winter.”
Talking to these groups might be helpful. It would also be helpful if the rest of us knew who those groups are.
*** UPDATE *** From the Tribune last month…
Buses to Chicago are sent not only by Abbott, but also by the city of Denver and Catholic Charities in San Antonio. Denver began providing free transportation for people to other destinations in mid-December, much to the exasperation of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who in January demanded in a letter to Colorado’s governor that the city stop. Months later, under a new mayor, the buses keep arriving. […]
Denver has received more than 14,000 migrants since December, and has bought about 6,400 bus and Amtrak tickets for over $2.3 million since then, according to Victoria Aguilar, a spokesperson for Denver Human Services. Roughly a third of those have gone to Chicago, according to Denver data.
A spokesperson for Catholic Charities in Chicago told me this afternoon she was not aware of any direct collaboration with Catholic Charities in San Antonio, but would check.
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Old school corruption
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
The former police chief of west suburban McCook [Mario DePasquale] pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring with the tiny town’s then-mayor to extort two businessmen out of tens of thousands of dollars. […]
DePasquale who became McCook’s police chief in 2013, admitted in his 20-page plea agreement with prosecutors that in 2016 he conspired with Tobolski to shake down a business owner who ran a restaurant at a McCook-owned facility and needed the mayor’s approval to host events with liquor.
The charges stated DePasquale demanded the restaurant owner — identified only as Individual A — pay $1,500 in bribes for each “themed event” that he wanted to host. DePasquale later picked up the money in person, and he and [then-McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski] split the cash, according to the plea. […]
DePasquale also admitted to a second extortion scheme involving another new business owner in town, identified as Individual B. According to the plea, beginning in 2015, DePasquale and Tobolski demanded $1,000 monthly payments from Individual B, who agreed to pay out of fear of losing the business.
When Individual B asked what would happen if the payments were not made, DePasquale said words to the effect that “it would not be good” for the company according to the plea.
Straight-up mobsters.
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* Mark Maxwell…
In St. Clair County, home to some of the most severe poverty anywhere in the state, taking money bonds out of the system amounts to a major disruption, both for the government entities tasked with upholding justice and for many of the private attorneys that make their living defending the accused.
“Lawyers won’t want to do this work anymore,” one attorney quipped. “This is going to eviscerate the private bar.”
Defense attorneys who take cases to represent their clients often make their money by placing a lien against the bond payments. Now that the system is removing those funds from the equation, private lawyers and county clerks stand to lose significant streams of reliable revenue.
If the incentives for private attorneys dry up, then the public defender’s office could see their workload swell even larger. In addition to the expectation of higher caseloads, the county workers anticipate more vigorous work in the early phases of their client’s cases when the judge assesses their risk.
“I don’t have enough lawyers to handle both the beginning and end stages of the case in great detail,” [St. Clair County public defender Cathy MacElroy] said. “There’s only so many hours in a day.”
* PD MacElroy, by the way, has just five full-time public defenders on staff. In addition to their daily caseloads, MacElroy told Maxwell that her defenders represent 360 of the 474 people currently sitting in the county jail, many of whom have filed for pretrial release.
The General Assembly appropriated $10 million in new, additional funding for suburban and Downstate public defenders, but the Illinois Supreme Court has not yet distributed the money. *Heavy sigh*
*** UPDATE *** From the Illinois Supreme Court…
Rich,
I noticed your comment on the PD Fund (created by PA 102-1104). This has been stayed until Sept. 18 so is not possible to distribute the funds before then. There has been a lot of work to prepare for the distribution. This was included in the release we just sent out on preparations for the end of cash bail:
The 101 counties that are a part of the fund will receive from $77,000 up to $147,555 using a formula based on several factors. This additional funding is expected to be transformative for public defenders and their clients across Illinois. It is expected to be distributed in the next few weeks.
* Meanwhile, ABC 7 got a look at a new $20 million renovation and expansion of DuPage County’s judicial facilities…
“What people need to realize in DuPage County is, we are the second biggest judicial circuit in this state. We have 48 judges, the second biggest number of judges in this state,” said 18th Circuit Chief Judge Kenneth Popejoy.
Popejoy called the new $20 million renovation and expansion “necessary tools.” […]
The improvements include new courtrooms, a new, expanded grand jury room, more space for the public defender and a renovation of space for the state’s attorney. The new square footage means more space for additional staffing necessary to navigate new challenges brought on by the SAFE-T Act.
“We are going to be seven days a week, 365 days a year having detention hearings. These hearings must take place within 24, 48 or 72 hours. We have to be available Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 in the afternoon to do hearings. Bond court never used to be that way; 15-20 minutes, this bond, this bond, this bond, this bond, go home,” Popejoy said.
Cash bail let the system off easy. We’ll see if the actors are up to the new order.
* Cook County Public Defender Sharone Mitchell Jr. described Chief Judge Popejoy’s “15-20 minutes, this bond, this bond, this bond, this bond, go home,” depiction in highly stark terms…
“You go to a bond hearing, it sounds like a slave auction. People are talking very fast. They’re putting price tags on people’s freedom.”
* Context from the AP…
Between 1970 and 2015, there was a fivefold increase in the number of people jailed before trials, according to the 2022 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights report. Data shows more than 60% of defendants were detained prior to trial because they couldn’t afford to post bail, and that nearly 74% of the 631,000 people jailed daily in the United States are awaiting trial.
* Last item…
Excerpt…
Some members of your association have opposed this legislation and spread misinformation about it from the moment it was introduced and have continued to engage in fear-mongering about its impact even after it was upheld by our highest court. Others have supported this reform from the beginning, while more came to the table to collaborate on making modifications in the trailer bill. Some prosecutors have acknowledged your collective responsibility to abide by the law in the wake of the recent ruling. Every member of the State’s Attorneys Association has a responsibility to call on its members to cease all continued attempts to deliberately obstruct the law’s implementation. Ample time and space was provided to craft this policy and prepare to enact it—now it’s time to put differences aside to protect community safety and the rights of those harmed and those accused
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Subscribers know much more about this, but here’s an ILGOP press release…
IL Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford Fundraises for Democrat Candidates
On Saturday, Rochford violated the Illinois Supreme Court’s Code of Judicial Conduct by being the keynote speaker at the Lake County Democratic Women PAC’s annual fundraiser.
NORTH CHICAGO — This past Saturday, September 9, Rochford was the keynote speaker at the Lake County Democratic Women Political Action Committee’s annual fundraiser. The fundraiser’s online donation page states ticket sales will benefit the PAC, whose purpose, according to their filings with the Illinois State Board of Elections, is “to support the election of Democratic women candidates in Lake County, IL.”
The Illinois Supreme Court’s Code of Judicial Conduct (Canon 4, Page 48-50) is clear: sitting judges who aren’t up for election shall not speak at political functions supporting the election of candidates:
“Except as may be specifically authorized in the context of judicial election campaigns, Rule 4.1 prohibits judges and judicial candidates from “publicly” endorsing or making “speeches” on behalf of political candidates or organizations.”
“Paragraphs (A)(2) and (A)(3) prohibit judges and judicial candidates from making speeches on behalf of political organizations.to prevent them from misusing the prestige of judicial office to advance the interests of others.”
As recently as 2021, the Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee issued a clear opinion on this very issue: “…an incumbent judge who is a judicial candidate may appear as a guest of honor at a political party’s fundraising event, but a judge not presently a candidate is forbidden from doing so.”
The Code of Judicial Conduct makes clear why these ethics rules for judges are so important: “Public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary is eroded if judges or judicial candidates are perceived to be subject to political influence.”
“Illinois voters deserve a fair and impartial state Supreme Court that’s free of and from politics, which does not appear to be the case here,” - Illinois Republican Party Executive Director Shaun McCabe
* Politico…
Watch for a complaint to the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board.
For what it’s worth, attendees said Rochford opened her speech saying she wouldn’t get political. And she didn’t. There was no discussion of reproductive rights or gun legislation, both high-profile subjects facing the court and pitting Republicans and Democrats in Illinois. “It was actually really a boring speech,” said one attendee.
* Justice Rochford sent me this statement…
I receive speaking requests from many groups and organizations. I believe it is important for judges to appear in public and help educate people about the Judicial Branch. My speech at this event was about the work of the Illinois Supreme Court, its non-partisan nature and the collegiality that is fostered by our unique lodging arrangement during court terms. The content of my speech was not political in any way and so should not be construed to have been provided on behalf of any political candidate or organization.
* The Question: Should Illinois Supreme Court justices, appellate justices and judges be officially sanctioned for making speeches to groups like this when they’re not in an active campaign cycle? Explain and stick to the topic at hand, please.
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Another rash of library bomb threats
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
A new Illinois law that seeks to deter book bans and restrictions in public schools and libraries came under the scrutiny of a U.S. Senate panel Tuesday during a hearing that revealed stark partisan divisions over education and parental responsibility while also raising questions about the federal role in what is traditionally an area of local control.
Democratic Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who championed the law, was questioned by the committee’s ranking Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who initially sought to change the subject of the hearing to immigration policy under President Joe Biden before returning to the issue of book policy. […]
In addition to warning of threats made to librarians, Giannoulias told senators that several libraries in the Chicago suburbs were forced to close a few weeks ago due to bomb threats. Only hours after his testimony, it happened again, with bomb threats reportedly made to the Harold Washington Public Library in Chicago and to libraries in Addison, Aurora, Evanston, Hanover Park, Schaumburg and Streamwood.
* Daily Herald…
In Schaumburg, a threat made via an online chat message led to the evacuation and a police response to the Schaumburg Township District Library at 130 S. Roselle Road. The district closed that building and branch facilities in Hanover Park and Hoffman Estates as a result.
Schaumburg police Lt. Christy Lindhurst said that as of 4 p.m., police had found no evidence that the threat was legitimate, but their investigation is ongoing.
Aurora police said officers responded to all three of the city’s libraries after a bomb threat was made through an online source. Officials said no explosives were found.
* Fox 32…
Inside Chicago’s largest library, an employee alerted police to a disturbing message. Officials say an anonymous email stated that a bomb was located somewhere inside the Harold Washington Library. The Bomb Squad and K9s searched the premises, but nothing was found. […]
In Addison, police were alerted to a bomb threat at the Addison Public Library on Friendship Plaza. As a precautionary measure, both the village and library campuses were closed to the public. The DuPage County Bomb Squad conducted a thorough search, ultimately determining the threat to be baseless.
In Evanston, police received reports of a bomb threat at the Evanston Public Library on Orrington Avenue. While no substantiated threat was found, the Cook County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad was called to the scene, and the building was evacuated. A cautionary advisory to avoid the area was issued. […]
Additional reports suggested that further threats were made to other libraries in the Chicago area, making this an ongoing investigation.
* NBC 5 yesterday…
Aurora police have shut down downtown streets after a reported bomb threat against the city’s public libraries Tuesday afternoon.
According to authorities, the threat targeted the library in the 100 block of South River Street, with officers currently evacuating workers and closing down streets in the area.
Police have deployed officers to all three libraries in the community after the threats, according to officials.
River Street remains closed in both directions between Cross Street and Benton Street, according to authorities.
* Not a library, but it is a school in Springfield…
Lanphier High School students and teachers were returning to classes Tuesday afternoon after receiving an “all clear” following a threat of a bomb on campus.
Springfield Police and Illinois Secretary of State Police, who operate K-9 units, deemed the building clear after a search, according to Springfield District 186 officials.
The threat was called into the school at 12:30 p.m.
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Open thread
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* What’s going on in your part of Illinois?…
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Here you go…
* NBC Chicago | Bomb threats target Chicago-area public libraries: The Harold Washington Library in Chicago was the subject of one threat, according to Total Traffic. Police activity has been reported at Van Buren and State Street, and an investigation remains underway. Police in suburban Aurora have also shut down downtown streets after a reported bomb threat against the city’s public libraries Tuesday afternoon.
* Sun-Times | Giannoulias, Durbin push back against book bans at Capitol Hill hearing as GOP senators urge parents to ‘speak up’: The debate is over what books should be in taxpayer-funded libraries, and who gets to decide what to put on the shelf — librarians or parents, or some combination of both. […] According to a March report from the Chicago-based American Library Association, the vast majority of the most threatened books “were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.”
* Sun-Times | PPP fraud found among Illinois state workers leaves investigator ‘disappointed but not surprised’: The 177 workers suspected of defrauding PPP — one of the federal government’s COVID-19 relief efforts — have been referred to the Illinois attorney general’s office for possible prosecution. None has been charged with any crime “as of yet,” according to Haling, who said her investigation is “far from being finished.”
* WREX | Governor Pritzker announces retirement of outstanding debt from 2010: On Tuesday, Governor Pritzker announced $49 million in tobacco bonds have been retired through a contract that voided the bonds. The bonds were what remained of a $1.5 billion debt associated with the Great Recession dating back to 2010.
* WBEZ | Illinois’ election board is fielding questions about knocking Donald Trump off the ballot: An aide to second-term Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker declined comment on that question. But his spokeswoman, Jordan Abudayyeh, acknowledged “a lot of people are waiting to see how this plays out.”
* Tribune | Merits of ‘poverty simulation’ debated at Highland Park meeting; ‘I am saddened by the viral meanness that exploded over (it)’: “We have arrived at the intersection of poverty, racism and violence with devastating results, and instead of supporting our leaders who have decided it’s time to address these issues, some of my neighbors just want to argue over optics,” Ashbey Beasley said.
* Capitol News Illinois | Copay requirements paused for noncitizens on state health plan: The state has paused a new policy requiring certain noncitizens enrolled in a Medicaid-like health insurance plan to pay copayments for certain services, instructing health care providers to refund any such payments they have already collected.
* Sun-Times | Chicago facing 2024 budget shortfall of $538 million — more than a third of it tied to migrant crisis: Mayor Brandon Johnson didn’t take his predecessor’s word for it when Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she’d left the city in great financial shape, with an $85 million shortfall. And it’s a good thing the new mayor was skeptical, his top aides told some City Council members in a budget briefing.
* Shaw Local | Grundy County chairman Chris Balkema announces candidacy for 53rd District senate seat: Balkema, a Republican, has served as Grundy County chairman for the past six years. He said he has brought financial stability to the county during challenging financial times.
* The Southern | Illinois State Treasurer makes stop in Carbondale: Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs covered a wide range of topics during a 45-minute discussion at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale Tuesday. The third-term Democrat talked about his role as state treasurer, ideas about his office merging with the state comptroller’s and the process of returning unclaimed funds and property to Illinois residents.
* Sun-Times | As abortions keep rising in Illinois, support for women seeking care is more important than ever: Illinois experienced a 70% increase in abortions this year, the Guttmacher Institute found. Money, volunteers and other support for abortion providers is critical.
* Tribune | US Senate confirms Illinois judge to the federal trial bench: Cummings, a 1987 graduate of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, will become the fifth judge President Joe Biden has appointed to the Northern District of Illinois. He was named after Judge Robert Dow of the Northern District of Illinois was appointed to be counselor to U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
* Sun-Times | Proposed rewrite of Chicago’s hate crime ordinance would create additional category of ‘hate incidents’: The ordinance Ald. Debra Silverstein plans to introduce would create the category of a noncriminal “hate incident,” which Chicagoans could report either by calling the city’s 311 nonemergency number or by using the 311 app.
* AP | CDC OKs updated COVID-19 vaccine, clearing way for shots to begin this week: Chicago public health officials have said the CDC approval was all they needed to “begin the rollout” of the vaccine, which will be free for all city residents. “We already have the vaccine in Chicago,” Dr. Geraldine Luna, medical director for the Chicago Department of Public Health, said Monday.
* Crusader | Lt. Governor Stratton continues leading Illinois delegation to Japan with state and business leaders: Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton continues to lead the Illinois Delegation at the 53rd Annual Joint Meeting of the Midwest U.S. – Japan Association Conference (MWJA) in Tokyo, Japan. Lt. Governor Stratton has held meetings with Japanese Governors, dignitaries and corporate business leaders to discuss opportunities to strengthen connections and economic partnerships between Illinois and Japan.
* Sun-Times | Blackhawks project, Fulton Market towers get OK from City Council zoning panel: In the largest of the approved plans, the committee endorsed a zoning change to allow Vista Group to proceed with a three-tower residential or commercial complex at Kinzie and Morgan streets. The long-term plan, with a reported budget of $448 million, allows for up to 1,450 residences.
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Live coverage
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ScribbleLive is still down. Twitter has stopped allowing people to embed list feeds on websites. So, click here or here to follow breaking news.
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