Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

April 2020 Posts

IDHS reports 208 staffers and 257 residents have tested positive, while 5 staffers and 4 residents have died (04-30)
Ezike and Pritkzer talk testing - 65 new test sites open - Pritzker talks about May 1 easing - Responds to new federal lawsuit, references Trump plan - "We're gonna keep doing what we need to do to keep people safe" - Again references how state is following Trump's phase-in plan - Nobody's gonna "run in and break up a gathering of churchgoers" - Repeats that convening is up to the legislature - Asked if non-existent state agency could help with unemployment claims - Explains that, just like Indiana, Illinois cities can imposes tighter restrictions - Points out to complaining Rockford reporter that he lives in a hot spot - "Good dialogue" with GOP delegation - Repeats that the legislature has authority over rent control - Points out Chicago has responsibility for cleaning mass transit - Dr. Ezike explains dropping positivity rates - Ezike explains "excess deaths" - Says state will test factory and retail workers "As fast as possible" - Explains airbridge - Again references White House's re-opening plan - Talks face masks - Ezike talks what happens after food manufacturer outbreak (04-30)
2,563 new cases, 141 additional deaths (04-30)
Breen files federal lawsuit against Pritzker EO on behalf of church (04-30)
Caption contest! (04-30)
Everyone has their own priorities (04-30)
Um, that's the White House plan (04-30)
Mark Brown is on rumor patrol (04-30)
More than 1 in 6 American workers have filed for unemployment benefits (04-30)
Illinois Kidney Care Alliance Working To Protect Patients And Health Care Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic (04-30)
Pritzker: Illinois now at R1.25, which is just below Germany's peak (04-30)
Our Democracy Could Be Decided By A Coin Toss (04-30)
Read the AG's appeal of the Bailey case (04-30)
Open thread (04-30)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-30)
Officials on alert in Rep. Darren Bailey's district after COVID-positive resident violates local self-isolation order (04-29)
Pritzker unveils new decontamination system - Announces recent additions to nursing home assistance - Ezike: 14,478 tests in past 24 hours - Pritzker says Cabello lawsuit "grandstanding" - Explains current stance on small businesses - "There's nothing barring the legislature meeting" - Says will offer guidance to GA on how to convene - Says (again) that virtual GA meetings are not allowed - "That's up to the legislature" - Says AG has filed for leave to appeal Bailey suit to IL Supreme Court - Concealed carry permit holders can wear masks - Workers "should be provided PPE by their hospital" - Dr. Ezike urges "stay the course" - More questions on regionalization - Updates on McCormick Place - Wants to help frontline workers with some sort of aid - Will look into firing range question - Explains what can happen to businesses that reopen without permission - Addresses "excess deaths" issue - Says he has listened to Downstaters - Property tax deadlines are local matters - Says (again) that he isn't closing borders - Biz should refuse service to those who don't wear masks - Would like to see hair salons opened "sooner rather than later" - Says not enough worker protection in new DPA order on food processors - Not involved in SEIU strike talks - Says IDOC release number includes prisoners who have completed sentences - Says EO is not indefinite - Talks about hospitalization - Says letters from mayors "extremely instructive" - (04-29)
2,253 new cases, 92 additional deaths (04-29)
COVID-19 roundup (04-29)
Question of the day (04-29)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Read Rep. Cabello's lawsuit against the governor's EO (04-29)
Credit Unions Are Better for Illinois (04-29)
As long as the generals are in bunkers, I'm staying in my house (04-29)
Saint Anthony Hospital down to two days cash on hand (04-29)
"Excess deaths" way up in Illinois, other states (04-29)
Again: It's not all about residents, it's also about the staff (04-29)
Open thread (04-29)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-29)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-29)
Cabello's suit; Clay County laughs it off; Sen. Collins' plea for help; An ode to Dan Petrella's aunt (04-28)
About that poll the governor mentioned (04-28)
Pritzker goes off on Bailey: "This ruling only applies to one person, because it was only ever about one person" - Dr. Ezike talks hospitalization data, recovery rates - Explains power of local health authorities - Denies that stay at home order is a quarantine order - Explains how multiple EOs issued during floods - Rep. Cabello filing lawsuit today? Pritzker responds: "shameful acts on the parts of these partisan actors" - Dr. Ezike talks about caution fatigue - Trying to spin up contact tracing - Talks again about antibody testing - Asked whether he's contemptuous of the judiciary, Pritzker says it's a "ridiculous question" and has "great respect" for judiciary - Explains federal blood donation law - Says no partisan divide, just people taking "political advantage" - Tax relief "in the works" - Dr. Ezike explains danger of opening public swimming pools - Addresses lack of testing at Bloomington site - Doesn't disclose any backup plans for lawsuit - Expresses condolences to Trib reporter - Says more National Guard involvement likely (04-28)
2,219 new cases, 144 additional deaths (04-28)
A quick COVID-19 roundup (04-28)
Healthy Illinois Supports The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance (04-28)
Hang in there, Lee! (04-28)
McConnell walks back bankruptcy talk, sticks to pension guns, floats tort reform (04-28)
Not to nitpick, but get it together, man (04-28)
WalletHub: Vast majority of states are getting hit harder than Illinois (04-28)
¯_(ツ)_/¯ (04-28)
AFL-CIO vows to continue fight, while biz groups push back (04-28)
This isn't just about nursing home residents, it's also about the workers (04-28)
"It will become all one thing or all the other" (04-28)
Open (almost) thread (04-28)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-28)
*** UPDATED x7 *** Pritzker: "This ruling has put the people of Illinois at risk" (04-27)
Pritzker talks about hospitalization numbers, Downstate infection rates - "Of the top five counties by infection rate, two of them are downstate" - Pritzker apologizes for claim about dentists - Explains that testing has moved us up the list of most cases - Responds to Trump tweet - Says federal government offered more help with testing - Asked about pension reform - Asked whether it was time to lay off workers and if state workers are actually working - Asked about conventions and large gatherings - Says phone lines at IDES still a big problem - Explains why he's not following Ohio's lead - Explains how 14-day decline is defined - Watching meat industry, but doesn't yet believe a meat shortage is imminent - Refuses to undermine Lightfoot on boating ban - Explains death rate - R0 still above 1 - Working with legislators on workers' comp changes - Says Pence says Trump still wants to help state and local governments - Will ask GA to expand mail-in balloting (04-27)
1,980 new cases, 50 additional deaths (04-27)
COVID-19 roundup (04-27)
If you want to be governor, run for governor (04-27)
Multiple disaster declarations are actually common - And a look at that appellate prosecutor's memo (04-27)
Our Democracy Could Be Decided By A Coin Toss (04-27)
Illinois' COVID-19 death toll is probably significantly higher than what's being reported (04-27)
*** UPDATED x1 - Pritzker admin responds *** Trump asks why Americans should be "bailing out" states like Illinois (04-27)
Fair maps group won't demand a vote before the upcoming deadine (04-27)
Report: 90 people will be allowed into Rep. Bailey's court hearing today (04-27)
Some have become heroes, others not so much (04-27)
Open thread (04-27)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Toplines and crosstabs (04-27)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-27)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-27)
Governor says he hasn't seen party video, but urges people to stay at home - Talks about enforcement powers - Says courts need to address the question of his EO powers - McCormick Place staff being redeployed - Repeats that dentists can be open - Hasn't watched Jordan documentary - Has not spoken with Missouri governor about Metro East - Looking at cuts or changes to budget - Defends Dr. Birx, praises Dr. Fauci - Wants to know if Illinois Republicans agree with Haley about Illinois undeserving of federal help - Stumped on question about anything reporters have missed - Talks about how gyms can reopen - Rockford a hotspot - Teachers should prepare for both e-learning and in-person learning this fall - Says some IDPH public guidance on testing is wrong (04-26)
2,126 new cases, 59 additional deaths (04-26)
Read the newly revised stay at home order (04-26)
Pritzker praises volunteers - Dr. Ezike bemoans "significant increase in calls to the Illinois Poison Center" - "Injecting, ingesting, snorting household cleaners is dangerous" - Ezike says state ran 11,985 tests in last 24 hours - Dr. Ezike asked about rumors - Encourages those who've had it to donate plasma - Reporter asks question posed by front group - Yet another question about summertime activities - Asked about boating - Ezike says she's looking at allowing drive-in theaters - Pritzker counters WIND reporter: "We actually never closed dentists or doctors offices" - Says lakefront and city golf reopening is up to mayor - Reporter mischaracterizes memo - Says why county-by-county approach won't work - Still no humidity guidance - Talks about limitations on rapid test machines - Says workers' comp commission revisiting emergency rule - Deflects gotcha question on Trump - Dr. Ezike again explains nursing home reporting system - No housecalls for hairdressers - Says it's possible state could allow independent pharmacies to do tests - Pleads for more federal help for small businesses (04-25)
2,119 new cases, 80 additional deaths (04-25)
Mission accomplished for Bailey, and others start to chime in (04-25)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Workers' Comp Commission to withdraw controversial rule after judge issued TRO (04-25)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-25)
Reader comments closed for the weekend (04-24)
Pritzker announces huge increase in testing capability over past 24 hours - Latest batch of positive tests drop to 17 percent from average of 21 - Vows to continue push test numbers up - Says state now has 112 public testing sites - Governor says scientists skeptical of antibody tests and state won't rush in - Dr. Ezike announces hospitalization numbers, says 37 longterm care facilities have received test materials - Says he's not saying people shouldn't have antibody tests if they want - Hopes baseball returns - Explains IDES hiring process, federal mandates - Says he's unaware that nursing home wants National Guard - Ezike explains lack of recovery numbers - Compares mask mandate to shoes in restaurant mandate - Calls Bailey lawsuit "a political maneuver" - Says sheriff who won't enforce order is "going to let people get sick" - No plan to re-check autopsies from earlier - Explains that new EO language counters false claims and rumors - Mayors can make more stringent local rules - Confident test results will continue coming back quickly - Says EO won't impact legislative session - Calls out "ridiculous" argument against $600 unemployment boost - Says workers with underlying conditions who are ordered back should call IDOL - Says he hopes no one listened to Trump's disinfecant injection talk - Talks about Illinoisans coming together - Answers odd question on special session - Debunks rumors - I MESSED UP MY OWN QUESTION - Warns Harrisburg city council against violating order - Explains where to get info about masks - Confirms gown shortage - Says he expects to sustain 10K tests per day (04-24)
2,724 new cases, 108 additional deaths (04-24)
More about increasing humidity as a possible step to mitigating some of this mess (04-24)
COVID-19 roundup (04-24)
What the media is missing about the governor's clemencies (04-24)
"I want the entire pool scrubbed, sterilized and disinfected!" (04-24)
About that mask requirement (04-24)
Open thread (04-24)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-24)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-24)
Third party, independent candidates granted easier ballot access (04-23)
House cancels next week's session (04-23)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Judge grants temporary restraining order blocking new workers' comp rule (04-23)
*** UPDATED x2 *** Leader Durkin says he is "pleased with today’s actions" while one of his members files lawsuit to block order (04-23)
Pritzker takes reporter questions: Hospital procedures addressed - Union contract negotiations will stay in effect - Ezike unaware of China restaurant study - Rebuffs Durkin on modeling - Says Republican claim he's living in a bubble is "ridiculous" - "States are not allowed to declare bankruptcy, and it's a good thing" - Explains why he can't open Downstate - Ezike talks about alternatives to ventilators - Answers questions about testing - "We're not encouraging police officers to stop people and arrest them" for not wearing masks - Asked again about rent/mortage payments - Ezike: "Fecal shedding" a danger in pools - Pritzker says state doesn't own the models and can't release them - "We're not going to be sending police out to look at every boat and count people" - Corrects reporter who isunclear on essential businesses - Ezike repeats rise in cases is due to increased testing - Reporter asks why Pritzker doesn't "quarantine Chicago and the suburbs" - New budget projections factored in "reasonably long" recession - Explains what he's asked feds for - Said he would "absolutely" be willing to meet with Trump (04-23)
Pritzker explains modeling - Explains new stay at home order - "This is the part where we have to dig in" - Says his team finalizing next step for "reopening in phases" - "No amount of political pressure would ever make me allow such a scenario for our state" - Making progress on contact tracing - "These are not choices that are made arbitrarily" - Warns he will bring back restrictions if people violate the order - "This is a battle that you never asked to fight" - "I'm asking you to hold on for just a little while longer" - Prof. Goldenfeld: "Modeling an epidemic is not rocket science. It's harder" (04-23)
1,826 new cases, 123 additional deaths (04-23)
Pritzker issues modified stay at home order (04-23)
New study of studies published by Rand Corp. on gun policy (04-23)
Illinois Kidney Care Alliance Working To Protect Patients And Health Care Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic (04-23)
Musical interlude (04-23)
COVID-19 roundup (04-23)
Calm down, please (04-23)
Question of the day (04-23)
The peak "will probably be more of a plateau" (04-23)
*** UPDATED x1 - 102,736 new Illinois claims *** Another 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week (04-23)
Open thread (04-23)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-23)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-23)
Pritzker announces two new drive-through testing sites - Gives PPE update - Ezike talks hospitalization numbers - Asked about the purpose of the order and opening up the economy - "We're just not there yet" on opening the economy - Chicago is "indeed doing better" - Feds not working with states on modeling - Asked if unemployed should call his office - Asked again about summer camp - Has had no luck working with Missouri's governor - Looking at allowing elective surgeries - Asked if McConnell's idea is something he would consider: "No" - Has not had a haircut - Says he's speaking with mayors about their reopening views - Dr. Ezike: 2500 healthcare workers have contracted virus, potentially 8 deaths - Hints that restaurants will have to wait - Says McConnell is just one person - "Absolutely have considered" reopening state parks - Denies claim that he didn't consult with business before changing workers' comp rule - Reminds reporter who asked about reopening Metro East that it has a hotspot - Higher test numbers = surge in positive results today - Talks about his thoughts on modeling (04-22)
Message to commenters (04-22)
Get it together, IDOC (04-22)
2,049 new cases, 98 additional deaths (04-22)
COVID-19 roundup (04-22)
*** UPDATED x1 - Pritzker responds *** Calm down (04-22)
TRS says it lost $4 billion since end of 2019, but assets are at $50.18 billion (04-22)
Who Should Control The Remap Process? (04-22)
Everyone has their own priorities (04-22)
Legislators warn nursing homes as industry asks for more state money (04-22)
Do better (04-22)
Your moment of Zen (04-22)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Business groups file lawsuit over new workers' comp rule (04-22)
Pritzker administration pushes back against nursing home association (04-22)
Moody's tries to explain its Illinois outlook revision (04-22)
Federal judge hands Greens, Libertarians some wins (04-22)
Open thread (04-22)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-22)
Pritzker announces student loan relief, expanded SNAP benefits - Dr. Ezike talks hospitalization, highlights "encouraging news" about recoveries - Asked if he would lift order before the peak (not a joke) - Talks McCormick place costs - Pretty much confirms that May concerts will be canceled - Says won't be "mass openings" on May 1 - TV reporter pleads with governor to reopen golf courses - Says he talks to Congress members "quite often" - No work done yet on Vibra - Dr. Ezike is worried about second wave this fall - Talks about face coverings - Asked what he'd say to people "who feel the shutdown is a punishment" - Pushes back against nursing home association - Cautions on antibody tests - Ruled out following Georgia's lead - Says hoping for federal aid - Says he doesn't feel comfortable governing by executive order - Explains why he's released some prisoners (04-21)
Everyone has their own priorities (04-21)
1,551 new cases, 119 additional deaths (04-21)
COVID-19 roundup (04-21)
The unmitigated gall of Congressman Mike Bost (04-21)
Today's must-read (04-21)
Question of the day (04-21)
Illinois Kidney Care Alliance Working To Protect Patients Safety During Pandemic (04-21)
The debate over testing capacity (04-21)
A look at the numbers (04-21)
Open thread (04-21)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-21)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-21)
Republican delegation tells Harmon to withdraw graduated income tax, institute pension reforms, cut state and local spending (04-20)
Pritzker talks about hospitalization numbers - Hospitalizations still rising, but slower - Talks about nursing home testing plans - Warns "bad actors" in nursing home management - Dr. Ezike explains challenges in reporting nursing home data "The data is as good as the data that went in" - Dr. Ezike working with nursing homes, hospitals to identify when residents can go home - Pritzker explains why White House claims on testing are not full story - Outlines how "air bridge" really works - Addresses question about when enough testing to reopen economy - Will address IDES issues in two days - Hints again that mask requirement could be in revised EO - Says regionalized reopening under consideration - Says White House admits antibody tests inadequate - Working with budgeteers - Repeats that we'll need 14 days of numbers going down to start reopening process (04-20)
1,151 new cases, 59 additional deaths (04-20)
COVID-19 roundup (04-20)
The nursing home dilemma (04-20)
Who Should Control The Remap Process? (04-20)
Study: Before legalization, Illinois had the 3rd highest rate of racial bias in cannabis arrests (04-20)
Question of the day (04-20)
Unsolicited advice (04-20)
The protesters are a super-minority of a super-minority (04-20)
How remains the question (04-20)
Open thread (04-20)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-20)
Governor's briefing will only have pool reporters going forward (04-19)
1,197 new cases, 33 additional deaths (04-19)
Pritzker praises National Guard - Announces new PPE shipment - Talks about emergency child care - Taking temperatures of workers is not enough - Asked when is it going to be over - Explains difference between testing and testing capacity - Hints at mask order - Order could happen as adjustments are made to EO - Says doctors make decisions on hydroxychloroquine not him - State has threatened meat processing facilities with closure - "Having a slightly higher profile" has helped state - Reagent shortage preventable with Defense Production Act invocation - People "absolutely should wipe down items that they buy at the stores" (04-19)
COVID-19 roundup (04-19)
Humidity, masks and nursing homes (04-19)
1,585 new cases, 125 additional deaths (highest death toll so far) (04-18)
Pritzker expands telehealth program to all of Illinois - Praises local efforts - Dr. Ezike: "Although our numbers continue to climb, it is with some guarded optimism that we say that the growth is slowing" - Asked about advice for people planning summer events - Asked when he'll make decision about extending order - Asked about easing restrictions as it warms up - Asked about opening county by county - Asked about reducing nursing home cases - Asked why state won't buy PPE from Willie Wilson - Says he feels no heat to reopen because he listens to scientists - Talks about budgetary needs for DCFS - Amy Jacobson again hogs the mic - Repeats what he likes about White House guidance - Says Prisoner Review Board votes on all commutations - Did not talk to Harmon before SDems sent letter - Says Harmon ask was different than his - Ezike says hopes for more research on humidity levels as a cause of spreading virus - Addresses protesters: "I want to remove the restrictions as much as anybody else does, and I'm going to do it based on science" - Offers reason for not releasing individual nursing home data earlier, but will do it now - Addresses Judd Deere criticism (04-18)
Despite Harmon letter, Pritzker has not asked feds for pension aid (04-18)
COVID-19 roundup (04-18)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-18)
Pritzker closes schools for rest of the academic year - "This was not a decision that I made lightly" - New EO to modify teacher licensing requirement - Outlines federal aid - Asks for understanding on grades - Has messages for teachers and students - Superintendent Ayala: "Closing the digital divide will be pivotal" - IDPH is tracking cases of healthcare workers, hasn't made them public yet, but will - McCormick Place has five patients - Leaves door open for summer school - Hasn't contemplated allowing parents to redo school year - Dr. Ezike: "I don't think we've peaked" - Pritzker: "We have not peaked" - No specific action available to force a downward curve - Shies away from a mask requirement: "We don't live in a dictatorial society" - Asked about large state facilities in southern Illinois (04-17)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Updates (04-17)
Reader comments closed for the weekend (04-17)
1,842 new cases, 62 additional deaths (04-17)
COVID-19 roundup (04-17)
Supreme Court justices rule against teacher, declare fantasy sports betting a game of skill (04-17)
Today's heroes: SIUC's School of Biological Sciences (04-17)
Question of the day (04-17)
The CTBA has more bad budget news (04-17)
AFSCME says proper pandemic procedures at IDES "are being followed in most instances" (04-17)
We need more than words (04-17)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today's edition (04-17)
Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, And Obesity—The Leading Causes of Kidney Failure (04-17)
Everyone has their own priorities (04-17)
Nursing home residents, families and employees are being kept in the dark (04-17)
Hospitals start bleeding out (04-17)
COVID-19 Assistance (04-17)
Open thread (04-17)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-17)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-17)
Pritzker says testing problems finally addressed - Virtually eliminated supply problems for VTM and swabs - Expands testing eligibility - Working to choose best immunity tests - Cooperating with regional governors to share "best ideas" - Says Illinois did not get "scammed" on PPE - Claims unemployment insurance application process is improving - Asked multiple times about extending the stay at home order - Asked why Iowa is not on regional cooperation list - Dr. Ezike says some medicines are in short supply - Expanding shifts at state testing labs - Working to release names of nursing homes where patients/staff have tested positive - Explains process for prisoner release (04-16)
House cancels next week's session (04-16)
White House releases its plan (04-16)
Fitch: "Illinois will be challenged to maintain its investment-grade" status (04-16)
1,140 new cases, 125 additional deaths (04-16)
COVID-19 roundup (04-16)
Death threat made on Rep. Ammons' daughter (04-16)
Statehouse protest stays within 10-person limit (04-16)
Pritzker to work in "close coordination" with regional governors about how and when to reopen the economy (04-16)
A look at the revised budget numbers (04-16)
Speaker Madigan paid $462K to law firm in 1st quarter to "monitor ongoing investigations" (04-16)
Pressed to release thousands of prisoners, Pritzker criticized for commuting 13 sentences (04-16)
*** UPDATED x1 - 141,000 new Illinois claims last week *** 22+ million have filed for unemployment aid since national emergency declared (04-16)
Today's attempt at an imperfect analogy (04-16)
Open thread (04-16)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-16)
GRF forecast revised down $2.7 billion for FY20 and $4.6 billion in FY21, but $6.2 billion with borrowing and $7.4 billion if no graduated income tax - Says Fair Tax needed now more than ever - Talks about "secret flight" - Addresses plan by GOP state senators to reopen economy when ICU capacit is sufficient - Asked about death counts - Roseland backlog addressed - Asked about summer camp - Asked about rent control protesters - Says he is considering a mask order - No state border checks - Talks about contact tracing - Asked about pushing the curve down, but nothing new on that front yet - Asked about churches and pot dispensaries - Says state will make decision to lift, not locals - No position on municipal plea to AG on FOIA - Praises National Guard (04-15)
Dueling graduated income tax press releases (04-15)
Plan by eight Senate Republicans is a bit on the ghoulish side (04-15)
1,346 new cases, 80 additional deaths (04-15)
Slowing the upward curve is just not enough (04-15)
Question of the day (04-15)
COVID-19 roundup (04-15)
March saw largest ever recorded decline in retail and food sales (04-15)
About those Tillman op-eds (04-15)
Today's heroes: Advocate's hospital workers (04-15)
Businesses say new workers' comp rules are illegal as Pritzker issues another EO halting wage garnishment (04-15)
West Side United Supports Illinois Kidney Care Alliance (04-15)
Who Should Control The Remap Process? (04-15)
Pritzker plans to secret millions of masks and gloves out of China (04-15)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today's edition (04-15)
Grid operator to power companies: Economic recovery possible in 2023 (04-15)
The decline may not be as fast as the rise (04-15)
Open thread (04-15)
*** UPDATED x2 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-15)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-15)
Pritzker points to improved doubling rate, increased hospital capacity - 3600 out of state and retired healthcare professionals have signed up to join fight - Survey shows 69% recovery rate after 28 days - Talks about regional cooperation - Cooperation not a reaction to Trump comments - Repeats that state offers to Chicago for election day assistance were all rejected - Open to leaders meeting - Refuses to take Trump bait - Will talk about budget later this week - Decision "relatively soon" on state fairs (04-14)
1,222 new cases, 74 additional deaths - 23,247 total cases, 868 total deaths (04-14)
Question of the day (04-14)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Brady sends out press release asking Pritzker to convene leaders meeting (04-14)
"The fundamental problem with the economy right now is the pandemic" not the stay at home orders (04-14)
COVID-19 roundup (04-14)
Today's quotable (04-14)
Comptroller says state has spent $174 million on COVID-19-related supplies (04-14)
"I wonder about you sometimes, Henry. You may fold under questioning." (04-14)
Pritzker's three "T's" to reopening: Testing, tracing and treatment (04-14)
Republican calls for mask requirement in stores and restaurants (04-14)
Open thread (04-14)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-14)
*** UPDATED x1 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update (04-13)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Rate IRMA's new PSA (04-13)
Pritzker outlines IDES issues - Praises IDES workers - Dr. Ezike says workers' comp can help with financial impact - INA claims some hospitals fighting with nurses over workers' comp - Again points out he didn't have the authority to cancel an election - Returns fire on Republicans - Explains why reporters ommitted from workers' comp list - Asked again about Trump - Asked again about school closures - Asked again about lifting the order - Asked again about lifting the order - Says gig workers can apply now, but fed $ won't be there until May - Explains workers' comp rules - Explains why it's difficult to shift workers to IDES - Asked about ISP cease and desist for Pekin country club - Says those "most able to pick up the tab" will pay for workers' comp costs - Explains federalism and separation of powers (04-13)
1,173 new cases, 74 additional deaths - 22,025 total cases, 794 total deaths (04-13)
New workers' comp rule slammed by business groups (04-13)
Monday COVID-19 roundup (04-13)
Support For Fair Maps Gains Momentum (04-13)
House Republicans slam Pritzker's IDES response, claim lack of communication, even arrogance with legislators (04-13)
Pritzker administration outlines steps taken to process unemployment claims (04-13)
Question of the day (04-13)
Feds limit new 1099 unemployment insurance as Illinois problems persist (04-13)
IPI privately telling business owners it's trying to "pressure the governor to reopen the state’s economy" (04-13)
Open thread (04-13)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-13)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-13)
Pritzker thanks Apple for delivering 100,000 N95 masks to Illinois - Progress on testing - Positive tests level off for the last two weeks - Asked about process for reopening business - Asked what crisis has taught him about himself - Repeats that he didn't have the constitutional authority to stop the primary - Asked why he isn't wearing a mask while he speaks - Talks about abandoning most of spring agenda - Asked about nursing home spread prevention - US Department of Labor's new gig worker rules inadequate - Asked about mail-in voting plans (04-12)
1,672 new cases, 43 additional deaths - 20,852 total cases, 720 total deaths (04-12)
Sunday COVID-19 roundup (04-12)
1,293 new cases, 81 additional deaths (total of 19,180 cases, 677 deaths) (04-11)
Pritzker announces emotional support text line - New digital patient monitoring program - Virtual town hall for kids - Will hold brief presser tomorrow - Dr. Ezike: "Please cancel" Easter church services - Dr. Ezike: "We must endure with patience" - Addresses IDES backlog - Not satisfied with PPE supplies - Opines that Pekin country club should not reopen golf course - Recover rate numbers next week - Why aren't people at the podium wearing masks? - Questioned about antibody tests, but no firm response - Ending stay at home orders "up to governors" - Yet another question about when and how it will end (04-11)
Governor's office says IDES has requested police assistance "to ensure the safety of staff" (04-11)
Saturday COVID-19 roundup (04-11)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-11)
Reader comments closed for the weekend (04-10)
1,465 new cases, 68 additional deaths (04-10)
Pritzker unveils new PSA - More tests in African-American communities - Federal contracts extended on two drive-through sites - $51 million from feds for community health centers - Rapid test machine distribution includes state DD facilities, prisons - Issues new guidance on vulnerable populations - Housing program announced - COVID-19 equity team formed at IDPH - Mortality rates among blacks in their 70s ten times higher than whites the same age - State needs to do more testing - "Merely suggesting" people reconsider large gatherings - Comments on death of CPD officer - "We'll deliver" if first responders can't get PPE - Not poaching Chicago-area workers for McCormick Place - Talks about projections - Surprised a community health center closed - Urges people to stay home at Easter - Curve is flattening, but not yet bending downward - Talks about testing in rural counties - Asked how he celebrated Passover (04-10)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update (04-10)
*** UPDATED x1 *** "The staff is desperate for this protective gear" (04-10)
COVID-19 roundup (04-10)
Today's heroes: Lindsay Ippel Douglass' friends and neighbors (04-10)
"There are only bad and less bad choices" (04-10)
More transparency, please (04-10)
Your turn, Gov. Pritzker (04-10)
Everyone has their own priorities (04-10)
Worth a thousand words (04-10)
Illinois Kidney Care Alliance Members Protect Dialysis Patients During COVID-19 (04-10)
Hospital strains starting to show (04-10)
Good morning! (04-10)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-10)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-10)
Pritzker thanks Abbott Labs - "Our rate of rise is looking less and less exponential" - Praises local groups for pitching in - Shoutout to #SpritzersWithPritzker - Dr. Ezike: "If you think you don't have a case in your zip code that's probably not actually the case" - Pritzker defends pending minimum wage hike - Still no date for IDES fix - Could come back in the fall - More testing in African-American areas - Curve not bending down yet - Will be posting PPE contracts online - Following Gov. Baker's lead on contact tracing - Dr. Ezike outlines DHS DD center readiness - Addresses federal halt to funding drive-through testing - "I think everybody needs to think seriously about canceling large summer events" - Plans to pursue workshare program (04-09)
1,344 new cases, 66 additional deaths (04-09)
Ted E. Leverenz (04-09)
COVID-19 roundup (04-09)
Worst case scenario: "Illinois could lose more than $28 billion between calendar years 2020 and 2023" (04-09)
Today's heroes: Tony and Lisa Yuscius (04-09)
Question of the day (04-09)
The testing situation (04-09)
Still no word on when gig workers can access Illinois unemployment insurance (04-09)
*** UPDATED x1 *** National stockpile runs dry as feds stop supporting drive-through sites (04-09)
6.6 million new jobless claims (04-09)
Open thread (04-09)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-09)
*** UPDATED x1 - 50 at Shapiro, 29 at Ludeman *** Several Murray Developmental Center residents, 1 staff test positive (04-08)
A little bit of hope, but stay frosty (04-08)
Pritzker says state won't reach 10,000 tests per day this week - Test machines aren't producing reliable results - "The buck stops with me" - Three shifts at one lab - More than 6,000 tests done in past 24 hours - Feds supplied only 10 tests per rapid test machine - $28 million raised for private grants - 250 negative-pressurized tents being flown in tonight - CDC determination could help restart economy - Locals will make liquor sales decisions - Ezike: Increase "not looking exponential" - Ezike: "We're hoping that we're getting close to either the peak or the plateau" - Repeats he hasn't ordered public mask-wearing - Praises federal workers and Corps of Engineers - Pritzker: "We are seeing a change in those numbers" - Pritzker says it's "devastating" to see impact on small biz - Claims to have made unemployment insurance approval process "much faster" (04-08)
1,529 new cases, 82 additional deaths (04-08)
This is why we stay home (04-08)
Our sorry state (04-08)
Question of the day (04-08)
Um, Jeanne? That info is available (04-08)
COVID-19 roundup (04-08)
Support For Fair Maps Gains Momentum (04-08)
Public universities here estimate $224 million in losses so far (04-08)
Don't treat workers like garbage, including garbage workers (04-08)
"That must be very peaceful" (04-08)
Mendoza moves money around in face of pandemic (04-08)
Associates In Nephrology Supports The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance (04-08)
Another day, another projection, but this one has a catch (04-08)
John Prine (04-08)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-08)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-08)
Everyone has their own priorities (04-07)
There's a simple explanation for this (04-07)
1,287 new cases, 73 additional deaths (04-07)
Pritzker says one of his office employees has tested positive - Largest single-day death toll so far - 3680 hospital patients yesterday - "43% of our total hospital beds are available and 35% of our ICU beds are available" - Non-COVID hospital visits drop due to stay at home order - Usage trend up 8 percentage points for ICU beds and 5 points for ventilators in a week - Some Chicago-area ICU units "near max capacity" - Peoria and Edwardsville see available ICU beds dropping - New cases in 23 more counties in last week alone - Thanks Gov. Newsome for 100 ventilators - Placed orders for 3620 more ventilators - 25 percent reduction in detained juvenile population - No "regular close contact" with infected staffer - Pritzker not tested - Won't comment about report of 12,000 body bags ordered - State and locals checking records for missed COVID-19 deaths - Not encouraging arrests - No special policing orders issued - Asked about regrets - Responds to Rep. Wilhour - No plan for regional stand down of order - Responds to Trump's latest claim - Addresses EO on prisoner release (04-07)
Where does Illinois rank in comparison? (04-07)
Question of the day (04-07)
Credit Unions Throughout Illinois Offering Modifications To Existing Loans (04-07)
Dr. Pliura goes to court (04-07)
NRCC escalates rhetoric against Casten, calling him "an asset for China’s Communist Party" (04-07)
What's up with this new EO? (04-07)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Playing a belated game of catch-up (04-07)
ACLU urges police restraint (04-07)
Rep. Wilhour wants "discussion" about herd immunity (04-07)
To Flowbee or not to Flowbee (04-07)
The numbers behind the bickering (04-07)
Good news, bad news (04-07)
Open thread (04-07)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-07)
Please, don't be a Covidiot (04-06)
Pritzker says PPE "burn rate" far outpaces federal supplies - Good advice to avoid grocery stores for two weeks - Could be more restrictions coming - Where is he getting ventilators? - Federal medical help coming - "I'm going to turn into a hippie at some point here" - Listened to CDC when he said risk was low - Looking at ways to balance budget, but will need federal help - Addresses high African-American cases - "Nobody wants to have police patrolling the parking lots of churches, or synagogues or mosques to break people up. It's not right." (04-06)
1,006 new cases, 33 additional deaths (04-06)
Question of the day (04-06)
COVID-19 roundup (04-06)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Am I missing something here? (04-06)
Today's heroes (04-06)
Another group gears up for battle to pass Pritzker's "Fair Tax" (04-06)
Health care providers granted immunity from civil liability (04-06)
Fair Maps Momentum Grows (04-06)
*** UPDATED x1 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today's edition (04-06)
Illinois death projection again revised upward (04-06)
*** UPDATED x2 *** An emergency within an emergency (04-06)
Caption contest! (04-06)
Yesterday's back and forth (04-06)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-06)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-06)
Rep. Stava-Murray: "My doctors suspect I have COVID-19" (04-05)
899 new cases, 31 additional deaths (04-05)
Pritzker enters press conference wearing mask - All essential workers now qualify for state's childcare assistance program - Federal Headstart not keeping up - Second Stateville person dies - 30 percent of cases are African-American - Expects cases in all 102 counties - "The rules are being written as we go here" - Claims enough PPE for healthcare workers - Governor says stricter orders are possible - Virus might return - Details info to legislators - Dr. Ezike talks mental health front - Pritzker praises federal workers, disses White House (04-05)
COVID-19 roundup (04-05)
S&P moves Illinois a tick closer to junk status (04-05)
Pritzker explains projections (04-05)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-05)
Pritzker says frontline state workers are "our heroes" - Manteno Veterans Home worker tests positive - 88 percent of DCFS workforce no longer reports to an office - Too early to say if African-Americans are more susceptible - No word yet on when mass serology testing will be available - State checking all ventilators to make sure they work after California debacle - More time-wasting questions - Pritzker does not say if state has contingency plan in case stores are overwhelmed with sickouts - Pritzker: Report non-compliance - Frustrated with states that haven't issued stay at home orders and with the feds for not doing it nationally - Slams White House on DPA - Report companies that order sick employees back to work - Most folks are taking it seriously, the few who aren't are either "not paying attention to the news or they're stupid" (04-04)
1,453 new cases, 33 additional deaths - State tops 10,000 cases, nearly 250 dead (04-04)
Please, don't be a Covidiot (04-04)
*** UPDATED x1 *** COVID-19 roundup (04-04)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-04)
Reader comments closed for the weekend (04-03)
McCormick place facility "larger than the largest hospital in Illinois" - New alt site in Springfield - 140 staff at McCormick Place site - "Wearing something to cover your face is a good idea" - Lightfoot says couldn't have been done without DuPage Medical - Site director can't say if PPE is adequate - 425 hotel rooms open for healthcare workers - Lightfoot: "We shouldn't have to beg the federal government" - Pritzker explains modeling and the peak - EO waives liability (04-03)
1,209 new cases, 53 additional deaths (04-03)
The opposite of crying wolf (04-03)
COVID-19 roundup (04-03)
Republican leaders not enthused about statewide vote by mail (04-03)
The defiant Dr. Pliura (04-03)
Like Charlie Wheeler says, always read the bill (04-03)
Illinois Kidney Care Alliance Welcomes Nephrology Associates (04-03)
A complete waste of resources (04-03)
Change Is Often Fast Amid National Crisis (04-03)
COGFA reports revenues up in March, but there's a big catch (04-03)
"We all need somebody to lean on" (04-03)
#AllInIllinois launches (04-03)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-03)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-03)
OK, I'm ordering a lockdown (04-02)
WalletHub: Illinois had the 8th smallest increase in unemployment last week due to coronavirus (04-02)
715 new cases, 16 additional deaths (04-02)
Pritzker says fourth temp hospital to open, with another coming for Downstate - "We're also adding additional beds" - New initiative called "All in Illinois" - President's "air bridge" is only for private companies, not states - Advice for Wisconsin? - Explains why gun shops are "essential" - 15 rapid testing machines delivered today from Abbott Labs (04-02)
Question of the day (04-02)
COVID-19 roundup (04-02)
Cannabis sales held steady in March (04-02)
And the 2020 Golden Horseshoe Award for goofiest state legislator goes to... (04-02)
MLB open thread (04-02)
US bankruptcy judge rules against Bill Brady and his brothers (04-02)
Time to prepare the public, mayor (04-02)
6.6 million new unemployment claims filed - 178,000 in Illinois (04-02)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Federal civil rights lawsuit filed to force state prisoner release (04-02)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-02)
Pritzker says state received over 1,100 applications to rejoin healthcare service here - Ezike: "As we develop more cases, we are going to have more deaths" - Should people wear masks? - 45 percent positive rate for Stateville tests - Addresses concerns at Shapiro - ICU shortage in Taylorville - Talks about possible session - Easter service should be online - Unable to project budget changes (04-01)
986 new cases, 42 additional deaths (04-01)
JCAR meets during pandemic (04-01)
National Guard to help with medical care at Stateville (04-01)
Question of the day (04-01)
Learn something new every day (04-01)
COVID-19 roundup (04-01)
Tiny green shoots (04-01)
Support For Fair Maps Gains Momentum (04-01)
Is it starting to work? (04-01)
U of I won't publish March Flash Index (04-01)
Controversial Champaign testing put on hold (04-01)
Open thread (04-01)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (04-01)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (04-01)

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