* Freshman Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Inverness) was asked recently by former Rep. Mike Zalewski whether she’d had any moments when she thought that maybe she shouldn’t have run for office…
I remember after the assault weapons ban passed. I didn’t vote on that. That was before I was inaugurated. And I got some messages, some letters that not only I got, but my future colleagues were getting, requesting me to burn my hijab, and they were related to the assault weapons ban. And I was looking at that, you know, they were, on one page, they were talking about how we shouldn’t support the assault weapons ban, and on the other page, they’re talking about how Nabeela Syed should burn her hijab. And that was a moment where I was like, you know, maybe I signed up for this too quickly in life. [Laughs.] But I think it comes with the job. And it was nice to get that early on because I’ve gotten some more stuff since and it’s been easier to kind of shrug it off because someone told me to burn my hijab even before I was here. [Laughs.]
She has a heckuva spirit.
* IDPH…
The department is reporting 10,772 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois in the week ending February 26, and 52 deaths. … As of last night, 921 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 113 patients were in the ICU and 41 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
Amazon.com Inc. is pausing construction on its sprawling second headquarters near Washington, a decision that coincides with the company’s deepest ever job cuts and a reassessment of office needs to account for remote work.
* Press release…
Vallas for Mayor is announcing its second key endorsement of the runoff campaign, this time earning the support of former Chicago School Board President, State Board of Education Chairman and mayoral candidate Gery Chico. Chico joins legendary former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White in endorsing Vallas and reflects the growing consensus that Paul Vallas is the right choice to be Mayor.
“Paul Vallas is unequivocally the most qualified candidate to be mayor,” said Chico. “Throughout his time in city government and leading our public schools he has taken on tough challenges and delivered real results for the people of Chicago. I know Chicagoans will make the right choice on April 4th.”
Vallas and Chico worked closely together during their years of collaboration as CEO and Board President of Chicago Public Schools. That collaboration resulted in increased student test scores, labor peace with no teacher strikes, expanded enrollment by over 33,000 students and almost $1 billion in surplus for the district.
“When Gery Chico and I worked together at Chicago Public Schools we raised test scores, built new schools in underserved neighborhoods and created what President Bill Clinton at the time called a national model for public education,” said Vallas. “We’re building a broad coalition in this campaign and with leaders like Jesse White, Gery Chico and more standing beside me, I feel very proud of the team we are putting together.”
Longtime Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) is backing Paul Vallas in the mayoral runoff.
The alderman told Block Club he plans on formally backing Vallas at a campaign event Saturday. The endorsement comes after Burnett’s mentor, former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, endorsed Vallas on Thursday.
When Frank Sinatra sang in Chicago, he’d often dine afterward at Gene & Georgetti, a white-tablecloth steakhouse in River North.
Sinatra would come to dinner after hours in search of privacy, said managing partner Michelle Durpetti, whose family has operated the restaurant since 1941. Though no plaque at the oxblood leather booth commemorates Sinatra’s years holding court there, the table is in demand from those in the know, Durpetti said. So is the booth next to it, which has hosted many famous diners, including Sting, Nat King Cole and members of Fleetwood Mac.
Now, Gene & Georgetti has found a way to capitalize on those starry legacies. Diners eager to guarantee a meal at either booth can pay to reserve their spot on a booking platform called Tablz, a Toronto-based startup that allows restaurants to charge fees for desirable tables.
Maybe Saputo’s could charge extra for a certain booth in their restaurant?
* Crain’s | After 2024 buzz, Pritzker reportedly named to Biden re-election advisory board: In addition to the three state executives, the Post reports that the group will also include other Dem politicians who, alongside Pritzker and his peers, will coordinate on a bevy of 2024 campaign issues and act as surrogates in the runup to what’s expected to be another raucous national race.
* Daily Herald | A flurry of filings as SAFE-T Act fight heads to state Supreme Court: Among those weighing in was Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7, which called the SAFE-T Act “a recipe for increases in crime, recidivism, dysfunction in the criminal prosecution system, and danger to police officers and the communities they serve.”
* Politico | The 23-year-old ready to take on Illinois: Enter Nabeela Syed — the youngest Democrat in the Illinois state House — who broke barriers when voters overwhelmingly voted to send her to Springfield. At just 23 years old, Syed, the daughter of Indian immigrants, became the first Muslim woman to win a General Assembly seat and did so by flipping a district held by two-term GOP state Rep. Chris Bos. She’s one of two new youngest lawmakers in the Assembly.
* NPR Illinois | Illinois offers guide explaining reproductive rights under state law: The guidance covers scenarios and examples of discrimination in a variety of settings, including in the workplace, housing, health care, schools, retail and service establishments, and other public accommodations. It is intended to help Illinois residents, employers, housing providers, and the business and health care communities better understand their rights and responsibilities concerning reproductive autonomy and how to avoid engaging in discrimination.
* Tribune | Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s signature Invest South/West program is 3 years old. But some of its big projects were already planned when she took office.: Some of the largest investments were already on the launchpad when Lightfoot took office. Others were for standard repairs to existing buildings. And many of the projects are still in the conceptual phase and have not even begun to be built. Of the more than $750 million that the city counts as part of the public spend for Invest South/West, more than half has been allocated toward those kinds of expenditures rather than new or groundbreaking projects, the Tribune found.
* SJ-R | Windy, rainy conditions causing power outages in central Illinois: The outages have come about thanks to a large, dynamic storm system moving through much of the state, bringing with it severe weather. The National Weather Service in Lincoln said that 0.92 inches of rain have fallen in Springfield since the storm began, with 1.5-2 inches on the way once the storm ends.
* WGEM | Several local Illinois fire departments and EMS providers awarded grants: The program provides grants up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. 296 applications were received for this grant period and 64 fire departments and EMS providers were awarded across the state. Seven local departments were selected as recipients.
* The American Prospect | The Useful Idiots Fueling the Right-Wing Transphobia Panic: Many centrist and liberal journalists are doing the same thing, only in a passive-aggressive fashion. The repeated front-page investigations in The New York Times over the past year are, just like Reed’s article, based almost entirely on anecdotes—some of them from openly transphobic organizations that are not identified as such—rather than actual studies, which have overwhelmingly found that transition is quite rare, detransition relatively unlikely, the regret rate of gender affirmation surgery low, and treatment difficult and expensive to access.
* WREX | ‘House Hunters’ television show episode features Rockford: The IMDb synopsis of the episode reads: “A young couple looks to buy their first home together after relocating for work to Illinois. He’s looking for a newer ranch-style house with a big yard, but she’s hoping for an older Craftsman with unique details.”
* Herald-Whig | ‘You definitely can grow ginger in Illinois’: “It’s just another crop that farmers are adding to their palette of fruits and vegetables they sell and offer to their customers,” he said. “If we’re able to offer a local source, it’s going to become more a part of our diet.”
State Senator Doris Turner has introduced a measure that would create a commission to develop a new Illinois state flag.
“After more than 100 years of the same design, I think it’s time to rework it,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’d like to see us take a community approach to create a new design for Illinois’ official state flag.”
Senate Bill 1818 would create the Illinois Flag Commission to develop new state flag designs. The commission would make recommendations to the General Assembly deciding whether the current state flag should be replaced with a redesigned state flag by Sept. 1.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources explains Illinois’ state flag history. There have been two official state flags – the first was adopted in 1915. The second was adopted in 1969, which did not change the original design of the flag but added “Illinois.”
In 2021, Utah passed a similar law creating the Utah State Flag Task Force which provided design toolkits to libraries, schools and other institutions. The task force received around 7,000 flag designs and over 44,000 public comments. According to Utah’s Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, students, educators, families and more were invited to participate in the process of choosing Utah’s new state flag.
“This initiative would promote public involvement and embody civic pride for our communities and state,” Turner said. “For years, Illinois was seen as fiscally irresponsible. We have turned that around and returned Illinois to the great state it is and our flag should reflect that.”
Senate Bill 1818 is assigned to the Senate State Government Committee.
* Old Utah state flag…
New Utah state flag…
My family lived in Utah for a couple of years, so it has a special place in my heart. I do like that flag. More here.
* So, what do you think? Has the time come to set up a commission like Utah did and replace this flag?…
Today Governor JB Pritzker visited Streamwood High School in Elgin to highlight a new teacher pipeline initiative aimed at addressing chronic shortages in the state’s most understaffed districts. The proposed Teacher Pipeline Grant Program will direct $70 million per year over the next three years to the 170 school districts with the greatest need to fill teaching positions.
“When it comes to our kids, we can always do more. And when that comes to our schools, that means not just more funding, but more resources — and most crucially, more educators,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “All across the nation, school districts are fighting the impact of teacher shortages — as education professionals struggle to weigh their passion for their classrooms with their own mental, financial, and personal wellbeing. So as part of my education investment plan, I’m proposing an additional $70 million annually specifically targeted at addressing teacher shortages.”
Governor Pritzker was joined by, Dr. Tony Sanders, who began his tenure as state superintendent on Feb. 23. He previously served as the superintendent of School District U-46, which is based in Elgin and is the second largest school district in Illinois, for nearly a decade. […]
The Teacher Pipeline Grant Program will allow districts maximum flexibility to use the funds in innovative, creative, and evidenced-based ways, such as offering signing bonuses, housing stipends, down-payment assistance, or loan repayments; paying tuition and fees or providing residencies or apprenticeships; and sustaining current teachers by providing materials, supplies, coaching, and school culture supports.
ISBE will also utilize $6 million in federal funds to procure a multimedia advertising and marketing firm to develop and implement a statewide teacher recruitment campaign. […]
However, teacher shortage data recently released by ISBE show that Illinois schools reported 3,558 unfilled teaching positions as of October 2022; these unfilled teaching positions are concentrated in high-need subjects and in under-resourced schools. The vacancies in the 170 districts targeted for the Teacher Pipeline Grant Program account for 80 percent of all unfilled teaching positions and affect 870,000 students.
This announcement comes as the Illinois Education Association released a study showing concerning numbers of teacher and education employee shortages.
Additionally, 83% of Illinois schools are underfunded, and these concerns could potentially impact student performance.
“Persistent vacancies in under-resourced schools still exist, and we need to do something about it now,” said Tony Sanders, state superintendent of education.
The study also showed Illinois residents support policy changes to help turn things around, including changing the pension system, loan forgiveness for educators and higher pay. […]
Right now, there are 3,500 open teaching positions across the state.
* Last month, the governor signed four bills addressing the teacher shortage. SJ-R…
Pritzker announces new proposal to address shortage of teachers. […]
The four bills mostly deal with making it easier to hire and keep substitute teachers in classrooms. The first of the four, HB 4246, was sponsored by Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur. The bill lowers the fee for reinstating a lapsed teaching license from $500 to $50. […]
SB 3907, shifts the number of days a short-term substitute can teach in a row from five to 15. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, was passed unanimously and goes into effect immediately, though it does only apply in the event of a disaster declaration. […]
A third bill, HB 4798, removes a requirement that substitute teachers have a bachelor’s degree and instead requires that subs have 90 credit hours of college education. This is roughly equivalent to two years of a four-year degree or a completed associate’s degree. […]
SB 3988 lowers the minimum age for paraprofessionals from 19 to 18 years old.
* Pritzker during today’s press conference…
Before I take any questions, if we have any, I just wanted to acknowledge a group that hasn’t gotten a lot of acknowledgement yet today. And that’s the parents out there that support teachers. There are so many parents who really do care about the teachers and know how important the work is that you do.
I know there’s a loud minority out there of folks who want to attack teachers, frankly, with misinformation and other things. And I think it’s important for us just to acknowledge that parents want what’s best for their children, there’s no doubt about it. And I appreciate very much all the parents out there who know how important teachers are, and who are willing to stand with us in investing in the existing teachers, as well as our teacher pipeline.
* I think a big part of the answer to this Injustice Watch reporter’s observation is probably the “defund the police” topic…
Interesting how Gov Pritzker is still on the sidelines of the Chicago mayoral election. The state’s most powerful and most popular Democrat won’t say who he’d vote for, even though there’s a progressive choice — that’s how Pritzker describes himself too — and then there’s Vallas.
The issue polls horribly, and for good reason. There’s also Johnson’s various tax hike proposals and whatever else might be out there. Not to mention that Pritzker and Jesse White have been staunch political allies going back at least to Pritzker’s first bid for governor, and White, a CTU member himself, endorsed Vallas yesterday.
* On the other hand, Paul Vallas regularly and disturbingly cozies up to folks on the far right. “After listening to Shannon Adcock’s speech, I think she should run for governor,” Vallas says in this video. Awake Illinois has called the governor a “groomer” and the governor is currently battling against the group’s school and library board candidates…
In March 2021, @PaulVallas suggested Awake IL President @Shannon_A_IL run for Governor during a Reopen Schools Rally.
* And here Vallas is agreeing with the pointy wires guy that teaching Black kids about racism will push them into a life of crime…
A reminder of who Paul Vallas is. He will cut pensions, destroy schools, and hang with dangerous racists. In fact, he and his right wing friend here think being anti-racist is causing crime. Don’t believe me, just listen: pic.twitter.com/qduxPnIO8R
You may recall that a different Wirepoints official spoke at a Downstate secessionist convention last year, but Vallas regularly recommends Wirepoints as a good information source, even though quite a bit of their arguments have been debunked.
* Vallas also loves fellow Greek-American and Indiana resident John Kass, who regularly launches over the top attacks on Pritzker, and who Vallas vigorously defended against claims of antisemitism.
* The Question: Should Chicago resident JB Pritzker endorse either of the mayoral candidates or stay on the sidelines? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
A new bill in the Illinois House aims to stop schools from working with police to issue students tickets for minor misbehavior, a harmful and sometimes costly practice that many districts have continued despite pleas to stop from the state’s top education officials.
An investigation by ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune revealed last year that school-based ticketing was rampant across Illinois, with police writing citations that can result in a fine of up to $750 for conduct once handled by the principal’s office. […]
The new legislation, introduced last month, would amend the state’s school code to make it illegal for school personnel to involve police to issue students citations for incidents that can be addressed through a school’s disciplinary process. […]
Ford’s legislation deals only with school tickets, which are issued for civil violations of local laws and often are adjudicated in administrative hearings. The bill is not intended to stop police from arresting students for crimes. It would also not prevent schools from seeking restitution from students for lost, stolen or damaged property.
* The proposal was referred to Senate Assignments on February 28. From WICS…
The Illinois Constitution could be seeing some changes.
A proposed amendment would see all gender-specific language change to gender-neutral terms.
This Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (SJRCA) would allow the State to be more inclusive.
Phrases such as “governments are instituted among men” have been included since as early as 1970.
Senate Bill 2211 would restrict grocery stores from providing or selling plastic or paper bags to customers. […]
Senator Mary Edley-Allen sponsors the bill and said that they have been working on this for quite some time.
“I don’t know, I just think, wouldn’t it be a lovely sight to not see these bags hanging from tree limbs after there’s a big storm and a big wind? It seems like they’re just everywhere after the fact,” said Senator Edler-Allen.
She also said that a big reason why it has not passed yet is because of the inclusion of paper bags.
Though paper bags are more of a rarity, citizens have told lawmakers that they want to keep at least one of the two.
* SB2193 was assigned to Senate Executive on Feb. 28. From WIFR…
Illinois brew pubs may soon have a new way to increase their business after a bill that would allow them to ship their suds to remote customers was filed Thursday.
Senate Bill 2193 creates the “Brewer Shipper’s License” that mirrors the permit that lets winemakers ship their products to customers in other states using third-party delivery services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
Reed Sjostrom, co-founder of Prairie Street Brewing Co. in Rockford, says says if the bill becomes law, it will mean more sales and an opportunity to promote the Forest City.
“I think it will be huge to be able to represent Rockford and our brewery outside of our area,” Sjostrom said. “And if we can ship beer to all the states that can legally accept alcohol shipping, we can start sending beer to so many more people. And so many more people will know about our brand and our wonderful city.”
State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, has introduced a bill that would prohibit auto insurers in the state from considering consumer credit information in setting rates. After a Feb. 28 hearing, the bill was sent to a subcommittee, a signal that it may not be considered by the full House this term.
If the measure were to pass, Illinois would join five other states that ban or limit insurance companies’ use of credit scores in determining policy rates. Outside of those states the practice is common; Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO), which created the concept of credit-based insurance scoring, estimates that 95% of auto insurers use credit-based insurance scores as a factor in setting premiums.
* HB29 was assigned to the House Judiciary Criminal Committee Tuesday. Here’s KHQA…
Illinois State Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat, filed a bill that would create the offense of parental bullying.
Under House Bill 0029, a parent or legal guardian of a minor commits parental bullying “when he or she knowingly and with the intent to discipline, embarrass, or alter the behavior of the minor, transmits any verbal or visual message that the parent or legal guardian reasonably believes would coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to the minor.”
The bill states parental bullying would be classified as a petty offense.
If convicted, a fine would be imposed and a portion of the fine would be placed in escrow for the purchase of a certificate of deposit for use by the victim when he or she attains 18.
Efforts are underway to help improve literacy and add classes to Illinois public schools.
State Representative Amy Elik of Alton says one way to help kids learn how to read is to go old school and teach phonics. She is supporting legislation that requires phonics to be taught to kids.
“In education when you look back over a number of decades, there are things that work and suddenly they change. And I think there is always these new methods of instruction out there and are worth trying, it’s also important to recognize what works and to go back to it if need be.”
There’s also a proposal requiring high school juniors and seniors to take a course on personal finance. Another bill mandates a course on recognizing the signs of anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses.
* Check out the politically diverse House sponsorship of HB3203…
Rep. Tony M. McCombie - Wayne A Rosenthal - La Shawn K. Ford, Will Guzzardi and Michael J. Coffey, Jr.
Amends the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act. Provides that a pharmacist may sell fentanyl test strips over-the-counter to the public to test for the presence of fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, or a drug adulterant within a controlled substance. Provides that a county health department may distribute fentanyl test strips at the county health department facility for no fee. Amends the Drug Paraphernalia Control Act. Provides that “drug paraphernalia” does not include equipment, products, or materials to analyze or test for the presence of fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, or a drug adulterant within a controlled substance.
Florida Sen. Jason Brodeur (R-Lake Mary) wants bloggers who write about Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and other members of the Florida executive cabinet or legislature to register with the state or face fines.
Brodeur’s proposal, Senate Bill 1316: Information Dissemination, would require any blogger writing about government officials to register with the Florida Office of Legislative Services or the Commission on Ethics.
In the bill, Brodeur wrote that those who write “an article, a story, or a series of stories,” about “the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, a Cabinet officer, or any member of the Legislature,” and receives or will receive payment for doing so, must register with state offices within five days after the publication of an article that mentions an elected state official. […]
Failure to file these disclosures or register with state officials, if the bill passes, would lead to daily fines for the bloggers, with a maximum amount per report, not per writer, of $2,500. The per-day fine is $25 per report for each day it’s late.
The nation’s second-largest pharmacy chain confirmed Thursday that it will not dispense abortion pills in several states where they remain legal — acting out of an abundance of caution amid a shifting policy landscape, threats from state officials and pressure from anti-abortion activists.
Nearly two dozen Republican state attorneys general wrote to Walgreens in February, threatening legal action if the company began distributing the drugs, which have become the nation’s most popular method for ending a pregnancy.
The company told POLITICO that it has since responded to all the officials, assuring them that they will not dispense abortion pills either by mail or at their brick-and-mortar locations in those states.
The list includes several states where abortion in general, and the medications specifically, remain legal — including Alaska, Iowa, Kansas and Montana. For example, Kansas’ law that patients only obtain the pills directly from a physician is blocked in court.
I reached out to Walgreens this morning and found out that this decision does not apply to Illinois, where the company continues to seek certification to dispense the medication. “We have only indicated we won’t dispense in the 20 states that their AGs signed the letter to us on Feb 1,” texted Fraser Engerman, Walgreens’ Senior Director of External Relations.
* It will apply to these states, according to CBS News…
In addition to Missouri, the attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and West Virginia signed the letter.
* Gov. Pritzker sent a message to the company last night…
Women across the nation will be denied their right to access healthcare they are legally entitled to because of this awful corporate decision. @Walgreens must rethink this policy.
To all the other pharmacy providers, we’ll stand with you so you can provide this lifesaving care. https://t.co/8i65lRLxsT
Pritzker’s office reached out to Walgreens last night, asking to schedule a meeting for today to discuss the issue, though they are still nailing down the exact time, Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh told Crain’s. Walgreens declined to comment about the meeting.
*** UPDATE *** AG Raoul..
Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement regarding the availability of the medication abortion drug mifepristone at Walgreens stores throughout the United States.
“My office has advocated historically to ensure that Walgreens and other pharmacies dispense proven-safe medications for abortions. I understand that the legal landscape around abortion is uncertain and shifting every day. In fact, some states have laws on the books, have proposed legislation or pending litigation that create challenges for expanding medication abortion access. Today I had the opportunity to speak directly with the global chief legal officer at Walgreens, as a company headquartered in Illinois, and I was assured that where Walgreens can legally and operationally dispense mifepristone, its pharmacies will continue to do so. Their commitment included the state of Illinois, where more than half of abortions are medication abortions. I encourage the other major pharmacies and medication abortion distributors to make a similar commitment, and provide mifepristone everywhere it is legally allowed.
“I commend Walgreens for seeking certification to dispense mifepristone in stores, despite the FDA’s onerous and overly-burdensome process. Mifepristone has been used safely and effectively for decades more than 5 million times in the United States, which is why I and 11 other state attorneys general have filed a federal lawsuit in Washington to request the FDA lift the unnecessarily stringent restrictions that apply to mifepristone. We are pleased that more states will be joining our coalition. Ample evidence has shown that mifepristone is safe with fewer serious side effects than common drugs like Tylenol or Viagra, which are not subject to the same FDA restrictions. Mifespristone, a medication doctors recommend as the ‘gold standard’ for administering medication abortion, should not be classified the same way as fentanyl.
“My concern first and foremost is ensuring Illinois remains a reproductive health care oasis in the Midwest. As we are surrounded by states attempting to restrict access to abortion, including to mifepristone, I am committed to working beyond Illinois’ borders to protect access to safe abortion medication.”
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Thursday filed a brief defending Illinois’ assault weapon ban, arguing the weapons restricted by the newly enacted law aren’t commonly used for self-defense and that large capacity magazines are accessories — not “arms.”
It also argues the country’s founding fathers owned guns that could only fire a single shot before reloading — proving assault weapons and large capacity magazines weren’t in “common use” when the Constitution was ratified.
“The assault weapons restricted by the Act are not commonly used for self-defense; by design and in practice, they exist for offensive infliction of mass casualties,” the brief states.
It also argues the term “arms” refers to weapons and not “accessories,” and that large capacity magazines are therefore not protected under the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms.
Those are among the key arguments in a 72-page brief filed by Raoul, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly in the Southern District of Illinois — in response to challenges to the ban in four federal lawsuits that were consolidated on Feb. 24.
* What follows is the brief’s table of contents, which will give you the highlights. But click here for the whole thing…
Even if Plaintiffs meet their textual burden, history and tradition allow regulating these weapons and accessories
Large capacity magazines are not “arms”
Neither large capacity magazines nor assault weapons were in common use when the Second and Fourteenth Amendments were ratified
The Act restricts weapons and accessories not commonly used for self-defense today
1. The restricted weapons are for war—not individual self-defense
2. Sales and ownership numbers do not show commonality or use
The Act responds to dramatic technological changes and unprecedented societal concerns
There is a historical tradition of regulating dangerous and unusual weapons associated with increased criminality and violence
1. From the Founding Era through the 19th century, legislatures enacted categorical restrictions on dangerous and unusual weapons, including specific firearms 43
2. This tradition continued when 20th century legislatures regulated machine guns and assault weapons
The Act is relevantly similar to historical regulations
1. The Act’s minimal burden on the right to self-defense is equivalent to, or less than, comparable historical regulations
2. The Act’s justifications are the same as historical analogues, but even more compelling 58
3. Plaintiffs’ attempts to distinguish the Act from the historical tradition of regulating dangerous and unusual weapons will fail
Argue away, but do your utmost to keep the conversation civil. Thanks.
* Capitol News Illinois | One year after Madigan’s indictment, former House speaker’s allies prepare for trial: The anniversary comes roughly two years after Madigan’s fellow Democrats forced him to cede the title of longest-serving speaker of any legislature in U.S. history. His ouster in January 2021 was followed by his resignation from both the House seat he’d held since 1971 and as chair of the state Democratic Party he’d molded in order to further consolidate power.
* WAND | IEA: Retirement age forcing teachers out of Illinois: The General Assembly passed a measure a decade ago requiring teachers who were hired after 2011 to work until age 67 before they can collect full retirement benefits. IEA President Kathi Griffin says the age requirement forces teachers to either find another career or leave the state.
* Bloomberg | Chicago’s Next Mayor Must Have a Plan to Tackle the City’s $34 Billion in Pension Debt: The city has long struggled with pension debt and chronic structural deficits. With about one out of every five budget dollars going to pensions, there’s less money available for crucial services like policing. This comes as the city struggles with rising crime, a key issue that contributed to Lightfoot’s loss. Both Vallas and Johnson have promised to make the city safer and more equitable for residents but differ on how to fund their plans.
* Jim Dey | ‘It’s just politics’? Maybe that’s one of Illinois’ problems: Get ready to hear that defense raised as four alleged ringleaders of the Commonwealth Edison bribery conspiracy prepare for their mid-March trial while former House Speaker Michael Madigan seeks dismissal of charges against him.
* Michael Frerichs | Climate change poses financial risks. Why would officials want investors to ignore that fact?: That ongoing risk and reward analysis is what the investment industry is all about. That’s why there are whole subfields of analysts who study the short- and long-term horizon of the economy, the fluctuations of specific industries and the growth prospects of individual companies. And as part of that responsibility, institutional investors, such as large asset managers running mutual funds or state treasurers managing public funds, are legally required to identify risks that can pose material harm to returns.
* Tribune | Chicago police union President John Catanzara faces election challenge: Elected in 2020, former CPD officer and firebrand Catanzara helped secure a long-awaited raise for officers during his first term. But as a loud and often confrontational union figurehead who traded verbal jabs with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Catanzara has faced criticism for souring relationships with city leaders and making controversial statements.
* Press release | Rep. Ann Williams Selected as NCEL State Lead for Illinois : State Representative Ann Williams, D-Chicago, has been named the 2023-2024 Illinois State Lead for the National Conference of Environmental Legislators. In this role, Williams will serve as Illinois’ liaison to the leading national organization of state legislators focused on environmental issues, clean energy policy and growing the green economy.
* If you go to Tom DeVore’s law firm website and sign up to be a client in a new assault weapons ban case, you’ll eventually get to this information…
ATTORNEY’S FEES. The amount Attorney will receive for attorney’s fees for the legal services to be provided under this agreement will be:
(a) Non-refundable flat fee of $200.00.
Well, the Illinois Supreme Court issued some new rules this week. They take effect on July 1st and include this bit…
Nonrefundable fees and nonrefundable retainers are prohibited.
There is some debate over whether that rule would apply to DeVore. The court’s spokesperson referred me to the ARDC instead of answering my question.
* According to the Center for American Women and Politics, 2,414 women serve in state legislatures, which is 32.7 percent of 7,383 total seats. Of those, 1,583 are Democrats, 805 are Republicans, 20 are non-partisan and 6 are independents. Illinois’ General Assembly is 41.2 percent female (62 Democrats, 11 Republicans), but it’s not even in the top ten…
Nevada (60.3%)
Colorado (50.0%)
Arizona (47.8%)
Washington (46.3%)
Vermont (45.0%)
New Mexico (44.6%)
Rhode Island (44.2%)
Maine (44.1%)
Oregon (42.2%)
Maryland (42.0%)
West Virginia (11.9%)
Mississippi (14.4%)
Tennessee (14.4%)
South Carolina (14.7%)
Alabama (17.1%)
Louisiana (19.4%)
Oklahoma (19.5%)
Wyoming (22.2%)
Arkansas (23.7%)
North Dakota (24.1%)
Illinois is ranked 13th. And the House Republican Leader is a woman.
* Speaking of women, this is from the House Democrats…
On Thursday, the Illinois House of Representatives elected Nicole Hill to become the chamber’s first female chief doorkeeper. Hill, a Springfield resident, was selected from a pool of more than 80 applicants and comes to the House with an impressive resume. Prior to this role, Hill led security efforts at Springfield Public Schools for more than a decade, she’s currently a certified nursing assistant, and holds an associate degree in criminal justice.
“I’m honored to have been selected as the new doorkeeper for the Illinois House,” said Hill. “As someone who was responsible for keeping children safe in schools for 12 years, I understand the importance of maintaining security and I do not take this responsibility lightly. I look forward to getting to know members and staff and welcoming their friends and loved ones into the House chamber.”
As doorkeeper, Hill will oversee the enforcement of House Rules and decorum, ensure order in the chamber, work with the Secretary of State Police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of members and guests, and more. In addition to her background in security, Ms. Hill is also certified in CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed FIRST AID, and she began her work as a CNA back in 2006.
“One year ago, I had a medical emergency on the House floor. Quick intervention made a serious situation more treatable. So, I’m very grateful to know Ms. Hill has the nursing training that could potentially save a life,” said state Rep. Barbara Hernandez. “We count on our doorkeepers to keep us safe, and Ms. Hill is extremely qualified to step into this role.”
This is the first new doorkeeper elected in more than two decades, after Lee Crawford retired from the position at the conclusion of the 2022 legislative session. After being elected by the chamber on Thursday, Hill will begin her official duties as doorkeeper next week.
“As the leader of this chamber, safety of all members, staff, and guests is my top priority,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “I frequently bring my young children and loved ones to the Capitol and many of our members do as well. This isn’t just a ‘job’ to Ms. Hill; protecting and caring for people truly is her calling. After a very thorough application and interview process, I can say with certainty she is the perfect fit to be our House doorkeeper.”
* Center Square | Madigan asks judge to toss out 14 of 23 corruption counts: “After years of investigation, thousands of hours of wiretaps and consensual recordings, wide-ranging searches of homes and offices, and countless witness interviews, the government’s case against Michael J. Madigan comes down principally to this: He recommended people for jobs with ComEd and AT&T while legislation of interest to those utilities was pending before the Illinois House of Representatives,” according to a motion to dismiss filed by his attorneys.
* Crain’s | New U of I NIL collective seeks big-money donors: “The collectives that are most effective are the ones that have some pretty narrow focuses, versus the ones who are there to sort of be all things to all people,” Knight said. “We are here to be excellent at what we do and compliment the other collective, which I think will benefit all student athletes.”
* KFVS | License plate reader technology coming to Sikeston, Carbondale: License plate reader (LPR) technology is coming to two more Heartland communities. The Sikeston Department of Public Safety and Carbondale Police Department will adding the technology in an effort to combat criminal activity.
* Tribune | Lake County Board Republicans say ‘patronage’ behind former state Sen. Melinda Bush’s Metra board appointment: Lake County Board Chair and District 13 member Sandy Hart, D-Lake Bluff, countered that Hunter’s statements were “extremely disappointing and offensive,” noting that he claimed incorrectly on the board floor that Bush still chairs the committee. … Hart said outgoing Metra board representative Norm Carlson, whose retirement created the vacancy, District 6 County Board member John Wasik, D-Grayslake, and herself agreed Bush was the right fit after interviewing all three applicants. “I don’t even understand the (criticism),” Hart said. “I don’t get it.”
* Crain’s | Walgreens cuts its stake in Option Care Health: The Deerfield-based pharmacy giant said it sold about 15.5 million Option Care shares for $30.75 per share. With the sale, Walgreens’ ownership stake in Bannockburn-based Option Care falls from 14% to 6%.
* Tribune | Mi Tocaya throwing birthday taco party with all-star lineup of top women chefs in Logan Square: “Each all-star chef will have a station serving two different tacos they’ve created based on their personal style of food or preferred cuisine,” according to a release. “Guests will also enjoy birthday sweets and an array of beverages provided by Casa Humilde Cerveceria, Madre Mezcal and San Pellegrino and Aqua Panna. DJ Tess, known for her vibrant energy on stage mixing old school into contemporary music, will create the ultimate dance party for in between bites.”
Lightfoot touted her record of investing in neighborhoods and supporting workers, such as by increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. She also noted that the city had navigated unprecedented challenges such as the pandemic and its economic and public safety fallout to protests over policing.
Asked if she was treated unfairly because of her race and gender, Lightfoot said: “I’m a black woman in America. Of course.”
Feeling like she’d been treated unfairly because of her race and gender and directly attributing her election loss to race and gender are two very different things. So, the AP did not report that she blamed her loss on race and gender.
More importantly, Sarah Burnett of the Associated Press told me that the Lightfoot quote was from “a few days before the election.” And two people at the Lightfoot campaign told me the mayor did not say that on election night.
* Let’s move on to a NY Times columnist writing about Lightfoot’s loss…
It was a stunning rebuke.
Lightfoot’s job approval rating has been a nuclear dumpster fire for months and months.
* Speaking of which…
A longtime Lightfoot aide sums up her re-election loss: “Lessons: You can’t run on a platform and then completely abandon it. You can’t run against the status quo, and then fill your administration with the status quo. And you can’t be mean to everyone who tries to help you.”
* WBEZ | Three things to know about Chicago’s City Council races: Unlike incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot, nearly two-thirds of the City Council will remain unchanged as voters reelected their current incumbent aldermen — allowing them to avoid a runoff election and hold onto their seats.
* Triibe | Lightfoot won majority-Black wards, but it wasn’t enough to make the runoff: In all of the city’s Black wards, which are on the South and West sides, Lightfoot performed better than the seven other Black mayoral candidates. For example, Lightfoot won the 20th Ward with 1,832 votes, Johnson came in second with 1,386 votes, and Wilson in third place with 1,266 votes. And in the 37th Ward, Lightfoot received 2,977 votes over Johnson’s 1,134 votes and Wilson’s 1,573 votes.
* Politico | Chicago’s messy election will only get nasty in the runoff: “It’s going to be nasty,” Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner, who also ran for mayor, said in an interview. “People will pick sides — people with a history when it comes to racial sensitivity. There will be a lot of talk about race and class and schools and crime.”
* WTTW | Incumbent Chicago City Council Members Hang On, as 14 Races Likely Headed to Runoffs : In fact, none of the City Council members appointed by Lightfoot, who lost her bid for a second term as mayor on Tuesday, won their seats outright. Instead, Ald. Nicole Lee will face Anthony Ciaravino to hang on to the 11th Ward seat; 24th Ward Ald. Monique Scott will face Creative Scott in a runoff to represent North Lawndale; and 43rd Ward Ald. Timmy Knudsen will face Brian Comer for the right to represent Lincoln Park on the City Council.
* Crain’s | How Johnson, Vallas answered 10 important education questions: Whoever wins will take office in late May and will get to appoint a school district CEO and seven school board members to oversee the nation’s fourth largest school district, its $9.5 billion budget, 635 schools, and the education of 322,000 children. They will also be the last mayor to have control of Chicago Public Schools before the district transitions to being governed by an elected school board.
* WGN | Chicago area law enforcement sees rise in machine gun conversion device recoveries: In early February, the ATF released a 700-page report, its first in 20 years, on gun crimes in the United States. In it, the agency said the number of illegal machine gun conversion devices recovered by law enforcement agencies jumped 570% during a period of 2017 to 2021, compared to the previous five years.
* Crain’s | Fritz Kaegi picks another assessment fight with Chicago landlords: After trying unsuccessfully to push through big commercial assessment hikes in Chicago last year, the Cook County assessor is trying again with more than 200 major downtown buildings, including the Aon Center, Prudential Plaza and the Old Post Office. If Kaegi succeeds, many downtown office landlords could face steep property tax hikes at an especially bad time, as they grapple with the worst office market in decades.
* The original post was accidentally deleted. Sorry about that. Not sure what the heck happened. Here’s Fran Spielman…
Newly-retired Jesse White, the first African-American elected as Illinois Secretary of State, is endorsing Paul Vallas, giving Vallas a leg up in his quest to claim the 20% share of the Black vote he needs to win the April 4 mayoral runoff against Brandon Johnson. […]
An African American elected official, who asked to remain anonymous, predicted White’s endorsement would have a domino effect on other establishment Black elected officials and, more importantly, on older, more conservative Black voters.
“It’s a huge first step toward Paul galvanizing support he needs desperately in the Black community,” the politician said.
“Jesse White is loved throughout the entire state. Senior citizens listen to him. The seniors who stuck with Lori Lightfoot or went with Willie Wilson are gonna start gravitating toward Paul because of his message on public safety, his expertise on budgeting and their fear that Brandon Johnson would defund the police and impose a head tax, a hotel tax a commuter tax — whatever tax. The city can’t take it.”
The hope is that White’s endorsement will lead to endorsements from Alds. Burnett, Harris, Dowell, Ervin and maybe even US Rep. Danny Davis.
*** UPDATE *** Here we go…
Vallas and Brandon Johnson are now able to accept unlimited contributions through the runoff.
— Reform for Illinois (@Reform4Illinois) March 2, 2023
…Adding… An aide confirms that Jesse White is a CTU member. That’s gotta sting.
* WCBU interview of Secretary of State Giannoulius…
Q: I was curious about your stance on House Bill 0867. It’s a “one license plate” bill, it’s something that’s been suggested a few times in the past. Would you support a single license plate bill in Illinois or not?
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulius: I’m going to have to take a look at it. But right now, we do not support it.
Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the definition of “gambling device” to include any vending or other electronic machine or device, including, without limitation, a machine or device that awards credits and contains a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits that offers a person entry into any contest, competition, sweepstakes, scheme, plan, or other selection process that involves or is dependent upon an element of chance for which the person may receive a gift, award, or other item or service of value if that offer is incidental to or results from: (A) the purchase of an item or service of value; or (B) the purchase or gratuitous receipt of a coupon, voucher, certificate, or other similar credit that can be redeemed for or applied towards an item or service of value from such machine or device or elsewhere. Provides that participants in a game of skill or chance where money or other things of value can be won but no payment or purchase is required to participate shall not be convicted of gambling except where participation in such game of skill or chance is accomplished using a gambling device prohibited by these changes to the definition. Provides that a gambling offense involving such a gambling device is a Class 4 felony. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Removes a provision allowing for the use of a game device without a license if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Effective immediately.
This bill would essentially criminalize “sweepstakes” machines, which have been operating in a gray area of the law for years. Sen. Cunningham told Rich today that the Senate has passed his bill before, but it stalled in the House. Some background from 2018…
Thanks to these machines — often referred to as “sweepstakes” — [Chicago] has become studded with what effectively are mini-casinos in gas stations, convenience stores and even a laundromat.
Unlike the video poker machines that the state has regulated and taxed since 2012, these other machines don’t pay state or local government taxes. And the state does not conduct background checks of sweepstakes machine operators or the businesses that install them, as is required for video poker licenses.
A WBEZ investigation found that some bars that were deemed unfit for video gambling have simply installed sweepstakes machines instead.
The owner of a video sweepstakes company has been indicted as part of a federal bribery case filed last year against former Illinois State Rep. Luis Arroyo, accusing the pair of bribing an Illinois state senator for his support on legislation beneficial to the video gambling industry.
James Weiss, 41, was added as a co-defendant in a superseding indictment unveiled against Arroyo on Friday. The indictment charges Weiss with bribery, wire fraud, mail fraud, and lying to the FBI. Arroyo is charged with bribery, wire fraud, and mail fraud.
* Illinois PIRG…
Bloomington-based State Farm finalized a $182 million Illinois car insurance rate hike on Friday, adding $58 to the average customers’ annual bill. The rate hike will impact more than 3 million Illinois drivers. Combined with $388 million in State Farm rate hikes in 2022, car insurance rates for Illinois State Farm customers have gone up by more than half a billion dollars in less than one year.
The rate hike follows a $63 million rate hike by Northbrook-based Allstate in January. Combined with $229 million in Allstate rate hikes in 2022, car insurance rates for Illinois Allstate customers have gone up by $292 million since the start of 2022. Earlier analysis by Illinois PIRG Education Fund and Consumer Federation of America found that combined, top car insurance companies raised Illinois drivers’ rates by more than $1.1 billion in 2022.
State Rep. Will Guzzardi, with the support of State Sen. Javier Cervantes and the Illinois Coalition for Fair Car Insurance Rates, recently introduced legislation to address unfair and excessive car insurance rates in February. Even though Illinois requires every car owner to buy insurance, it is one of only two states that doesn’t protect insurance customers from excessive or unfair rates. The legislation, HB2203, would empower the Illinois Department of Insurance to reject or modify excessive rate hikes, and end the use of non-driving factors, such as credit scores, to set rates.
State lawmakers want to require a personal finance course for high school students to help tackle this issue. Rep. Curtis Tarver II (D-Chicago) told the House School Curriculum & Policies Committee that all high school students should complete a course on financial literacy before they graduate. His proposal includes instruction of behavioral economics, banking, bills, investing, managing credit, and paying for college. Tarver would also like to see students learn about insurance, taxes, budgeting, home ownership, and financing for personal transportation.
“I think we’d have a lot less of the bills talking about predatory loans, payday loans, and things along those lines if children, or students I should say, knew earlier on about financial resources and had more financial literacy,” Tarver said Wednesday morning.
The Illinois State Board of Education would be in charge of approving the personal finance education standards for the course. House Bill 1375 also states the curriculum could be updated every five years. ISBE is currently concerned that the legislation would be an unfunded mandate for school districts. Government Relations Director Hector Rodriguez said the board is also trying to negotiate with Tarver to change the proposed semester course to lessons spread out from 9th-12th grade.
“Currently, statute gives districts the flexibility to incorporate the consumer education requirement into their course work,” Rodriguez said. “And, as drafted, House Bill 1375 would’ve created or would create a stand-alone course.”
Last month, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford introduced House Bill 00001, the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogenic (CURE) Act. The Illinois CURE Act would allow for regulated and supervised therapeutic use of entheogens, a class of psychoactive substances that produce an altered state of consciousness like psilocybin and LSD. The CURE Act would also decriminalize psilocybin in Illinois to protect providers and clients.
Research from respected institutions like John Hopkins Medicine and UCLA has demonstrated that psilocybin can be effective in treating mental disorders such as depression, end-of-life anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addictions. […]
The Illinois CURE Act would allow individuals to try a new, alternative form of treatment that is safer and potentially more effective in treating their symptoms. For people with treatment-resistant mental health conditions, entheogenic care gives them hope that something will work for alleviating their condition.
Misconceptions and the lack of education surrounding entheogenic substances like psilocybin is what motivates the push-back on this kind of legislation. Education is imperative, especially when discussing the therapeutic effects of controlled substances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already labeled psilocybin therapy a “breakthrough therapy,” which recognizes the therapeutic potential of this drug.
* Press release…
On Tuesday, House Bill 2963 was assigned to the Energy & Environment Committee. In response, Representative Bradley Fritts (R-Dixon) released the following statement:
“As a lifelong resident of Dixon, Illinois, I am dedicated to ensuring that the people of my hometown are given a voice. Years ago, Dixon Park District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources made a deal regarding a plot of land in Dixon. The IDNR would give them the land, contingent on the fact that the land could not be developed.
“After numerous conversations with local elected officials and constituents, I learned that the people of my district want to add solar panels to this land but are restricted from doing so by this old agreement.
“All parties involved, including both of the departments who made this deal, are in favor of adding solar panels. The panels will also add a guaranteed revenue stream to the park district without raising property tax assessments.
“The only remaining obstacle is amending the previous law, which is why I introduced HB 2963. This committee assignment is a step forward for making this bi-partisan bill law.”
99th District State Representative Randy Frese is sponsoring legislation in the Illinois General Assembly this Spring that will appropriate $67.6 million to demolish and remediate buildings on the Jacksonville Developmental Center grounds.
Former Governor Pat Quinn announced the closure of the facility in September 2011 with the last of the facility’s residents moved out in late November 2012. The buildings have been sitting dormant since then.
The State of Illinois’ Central Management Services placed barriers up around the property in April 2020 after fires, vagrants, and vandalism plagued the property. Later in 2020, the buildings on the property were boarded up to prevent further issues with squatters. The City of Jacksonville had problems with CMS’ mowing schedule on the grounds last year after they became overgrown. Eventually CMS contracted with balers and heavy mowers for upkeep on the property.
Frese says the property is a health, life, and safety issue to Jacksonville: “For the City of Jacksonville, they’ve got these buildings that already are and have been for a number of years now, a threat to the safety of the people around there. You don’t want abandoned buildings. You don’t want half fallen-in buildings, especially in an area of Jacksonville where, if those were gone, some development could be done. I think it’s time for the state to take action. I know there is several other of my colleagues that are looking at some buildings that Illinois has kind of abandoned and should be doing something with. I’d say, let’s at least eliminate the possibility of someone getting hurt in these buildings by doing something to get them down.”
* Black Energy Justice…
A coalition of Chicago, statewide and national organizations focused on consumer rights, environmental justice, energy and the environment are joining forces to push for legislation to improve affordability of utility service in response to decades of Illinois utility rate increases with no end in sight. The People’s Utility Rate Relief Act (PURR Act, HB 2172) will protect the interests of Illinois consumers and keep families safe by minimizing disconnections of essential utility services and requiring the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to specifically assess affordability in all of its decisions. Its chief sponsor is State Rep. Will Davis, D-Hazel Crest. The Bill is the product of the Campaign to End Energy Poverty sponsored by Blacks in Green (BIG™) which held an inaugural campaign retreat at BIG’s Woodlawn headquarters in July 2022.
Opponents have worked with state legislators to introduce bills this month limiting carbon dioxide pipelines, which if passed could apply to Navigator’s proposal.
One, SB 1916/HB 3803, would create a moratorium on carbon dioxide pipeline construction for two years or until the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has adopted revised federal safety standards for the transportation of carbon dioxide. The safety administration announced new rulemaking around carbon dioxide pipelines in the wake of a 2020 pipeline rupture in Sartartia, Mississippi, that sickened many.
The other Illinois state bill, HB 3119/ SB2421, includes multiple curbs and safeguards including a ban on the use of eminent domain and the creation of a fund — paid into by companies — for problems with pipelines and sequestration and for training first responders.
That bill also holds pipeline companies fully liable for any carbon dioxide leaks from pipelines or sequestration sites, and it requires pipelines to be approved by 100% of surface landowners along the route. It also requires a life-cycle carbon emissions analysis of proposed pipelines, and requires that the Illinois Commerce Commission consider alternative project proposals that would result in similar greenhouse gas emissions reductions to what the pipeline companies promise.
Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by J.B. Pritzker and key civic and business leaders to announce MATTER - a new startup center for next-generation healthcare technology companies. A priority in the Governor’s 2014 State of the State address, the not-for-profit BioHub will drive entrepreneurship in the rapidly expanding medical and biotechnology fields. Supported by a $4 million state investment, MATTER is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.
“We are committed to taking our medical technology industry to the next level,” Governor Quinn said. “MATTER will serve as a central location to empower entrepreneurs and spur economic growth, while advancing Illinois’ role as a national leader in life sciences and health innovation.”
As a not-for-profit organization, MATTER will be located in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. Its collaborative workspace will allow interaction among entrepreneurs, academics and investors in order to create and grow new companies in healthcare information technology, medical devices, medical diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals. 1871, the digital startup hub what will be MATTER’s neighbor in the Merchandise Mart, has followed that same recipe for success, resulting in more than 200 start-ups and creating more than 1,000 jobs since its launch in 2012.
A group founded by Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg and his wife will spend $250 million to create a new biomedical research hub in Chicago where scientists from Northwestern University, University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will study human disease.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, named for Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, plans to invest $250 million in the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago over a decade. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has also committed $25 million in state dollars to support the project. […]
The biohub will also have its own dedicated staff of scientists and researchers. Leaders hope to start operations in April.
Northwestern, UChicago and UIUC beat out proposals from about 60 other teams across the country to win the funding. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative spent about a year narrowing down the applicants, until the Chicago universities emerged as the winner, said Steve Quake, head of science at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Pritzker committed the $25 million in state capital funds during that selection process.
To lead the Chicago Biohub, Chan and Zuckerberg selected Shana O. Kelley, a professor of chemistry and biomedical engineering at Northwestern who has focused on sensors and sensor technology, and has cofounded four companies based on technologies that have come out of her research. (One, Geneohm Sciences, was acquired by medical technology firm Becton Dickinson in 2006 for a reported $230 million.) Her expertise on sensors is tied to the groundbreaking work that the Chicago Biohub aims to tackle.
“The idea is to take human tissues and embed thousands of sensors into them, to make a completely new kind of measurement,” Kelley says via Zoom from Chicago. The experiments will use small samples of human tissue collected with consent during surgical procedures. Next, says Kelley, they will “watch what’s happening with cells and tissues–watch them communicating with one another to understand what happens when a tissue goes from being normal to being inflamed,” with the goal of comprehending how inflammation works and how it drives disease. More than 50% of deaths are attributed to diseases with some form of inflammation, she points out. The first experiments will start with skin tissue.
The three universities each contribute an area of expertise to the Biohub, says Kelley: Northwestern is strong in sensing, University of Chicago excels in inflammation and in quantum sensing, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers have developed microfabrication systems and the ability to make miniaturized devices, which will be needed for making the ultra-tiny sensors.
My goodness, @jkimpictures w/a simply superb photo of Patrick “Street Juice” Doherty, political operative and red light camera company consultant, leaving Chicago federal court after being sentenced to more than 5 years in prison for corruption. UPDATE:https://t.co/lM1Vv2Xswkpic.twitter.com/LfPTUtflVm
Longtime Chicago-area political operative Patrick Doherty didn’t mince words a few years ago when an associate brought up the prospect of doing business in the notoriously corrupt suburb of McCook.
“It’s all contingent on what you can give,” Doherty told the associate, Omar Maani, about the obligatory campaign donations to Doherty’s boss, then-McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski, according to court records.
Maani, who was secretly recording the September 2019 conversation for the FBI, said, “It’s like you’re paying a little tax.”
“Right. Juice,” Doherty replied, according to court records. “Street juice….I hope we can get it before (Tobolski) goes to jail. I hope we can retire.”
Tobolski last year pleaded guilty to charges and agreed to cooperate with investigators, and is awaiting sentencing.
Across a half-dozen schemes between 2015 until his indictment in 2020, Doherty paid or coordinated a total of at least $148,000 in bribes. Payouts included $2,000 monthly payments routed to state Sen. Martin Sandoval, who sat on the Transportation Committee, as well as making payments on Sandoval’s mortgage.
Doherty also brokered a $25,000 payout to Sandoval from a trucking business owner to arrange the purchase of a parcel of state-owned land in McCook. Doherty also tried to arrange a no-show job for the son of a trustee in another village where he was seeking a camera deal, and paid dozens of people to do campaign work for suburban officials in exchange for village business.
In an emailed statement, a SafeSpeed spokesman said the bribes were paid out without the company’s knowledge, blaming them on a rogue shareholder.
“I feel sorry for what I’ve put my family through, what I’ve put the system through,” [Doherty] said. “We will lose our home, we will lose everything we had. I hope you’ll consider my family and what I’ve done to my family and my friends.”
Handing down his sentence, U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman noted that Doherty’s schemes spanned years, and that often he was the one driving the outreach to public officials.
“This was not just a way of doing business, this was a way of life,” Guzman said.
“The defendant’s conduct in this case was not out of character, it was not a mistake, a bad judgment, a spontaneous event.”
* Crain’s | Pritzker’s not endorsing anyone for mayor. For now.: Gov. J.B. Pritzker is keeping his options open — wide open — about whether he’ll endorse someone for mayor of Chicago and, if so, whom. Asked at a press conference today if he’s finally ready to tip his hand now that voters have made former Chicago Public Schools chief Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson the mayoral finalists, Pritzker, who enjoys high popularity in the city, said it’s too early to make up his mind. But he didn’t close the door on anything.
* Center Square | Lawmakers criticize DCFS hirings: State Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, said DCFS is losing good people because of the complicated hiring process. “Rethink whatever it is that you’re doing here, because this reminds me of a clogged sink, and when the stuff backs up, it stinks,” Flowers said.
* WGLT | Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulius says ‘modernization’ is key: Well, I think more broadly, we have to modernize the Secretary of State’s office. That’s why I’ve been traveling across the state visiting our facilities. We have to bring new technology and modernization into every element of the Secretary of State’s office. We want to eliminate the time tax that people are paying just to access government services. So one of the components of that, eventually will be digital IDs, digital driver’s license.
* WTTW | New Era of Police Oversight Dawns with Election of District Council Members: Starting in May, each of Chicago’s 22 police districts will be overseen by a three-person council as part of an effort to rebuild trust in the Police Department, which is governed by a court order requiring city leaders to change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers.
* Tribune | US Attorney John Lausch formally announces resignation, plans to step down March 11: Lausch’s last day in office will be March 11. His departure, which was first revealed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland during an unrelated news conference in Washington in January, will officially kick off a search for a replacement that will be led by Illinois’ two Democratic senators, Dick Dubin and Tammy Duckworth.
* Patrick Joyce | We are better when we work together: There are many quotes from Mr. Lincoln that have resonated throughout history. But I think this one rings true in Springfield: “If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.” As we begin the earnest work of the 103rd General Assembly in 2023, I am co-chairing one of two Senate committees where my fellow co-chair is a Republican.
* Vox | The Chicago mayor’s race shows Democrats still have a crime problem: The city has also seen high-profile shootings, increasing crime in downtown, constant media coverage about the violence, and heated rhetoric about how bad crime has become by the police union and Lightfoot herself. Those conditions have meant Chicago’s mayoral race has echoed local races in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC over the last two years.
* Sun-Times | 14 runoffs — maybe more — likely in City Council races: Things were only marginally better for the four City Council members Lightfoot appointed over the last year. Three apparently were unable to tally more than 50% of the vote and are likely headed for two-person runoff elections in April.
* Tribune | 34th Ward race: Billionaire’s son emerges as winner, set on addressing crime and development: Bill Conway — a former Cook County assistant state’s attorney, Navy veteran and son of the billionaire co-founder of the private equity firm The Carlyle Group — rebounded from his unsuccessful run for state’s attorney in 2020. According to unofficial returns, he won a commanding 67% over his opponent, Ascot Realty CEO James Ascot.
* Crain’s | What will happen to Invest South/West, LaSalle Street revival without Lightfoot?: Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s impending exit from City Hall raises big questions about the future of economic development and real estate-focused initiatives she championed over the past four years. Lightfoot’s wide-ranging Invest South/West program, her recent push to incentivize a LaSalle Street revival with affordable housing, the planned Bally’s riverfront casino she has pushed forward and even future city support for an annual NASCAR race around Grant Park that Lightfoot has touted are among the high-profile efforts that hang in the balance for the next mayor, with little clarity about what will continue, what won’t and who will be making those decisions.
* WBEZ | United Center food and beverage workers on brink of strike: Workers in the Unite Here Local 1 chapter authorized a strike in a 98% “yes” vote last month. Last Friday members signed up for the $300-per-week strike benefit from the union just before a Bulls game that night.
* AP | Legal fight over student debt a prelude to political battle: “The president still has the responsibility to ensure that we see this become a reality,” said Wisdom Cole, national director of the NAACP Youth and College Division. “There are folks that are still suffering, and we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to see relief.”
