Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

May 2020 Posts

Pritzker implores protesters to "not force a difficult second rebuilding on our small businesses in the course of expressing your very justified pain" (05-31)
Reader comments closed for the weekend (05-29)
Pritzker thanks Dr. Ezike, extends financial protections, points to progress, says no more daily COVID-19 briefings - Calls Trump tweets "reprehensible" - "I want to send my condolences to the family of George Floyd, and also to every African American in this country" - Defends budget decisions - Credits Illinoisans for progress against virus - No bill signing ceremonies - Hopes testing progress continues - "It seems as if President Trump is withdrawing us from the rest of the world" - No out of state travel plans - Talks contact tracing - Asks Illinoisans to be careful during reopening - Will sign Medicare for undocumented seniors bill - Refuses to criticize Lightfoot for Trump comments - Talks about difficulties in securing testing locations - Dr. Ezike and Pritzker respond to question about what they've learned about themselves and leadership - "We're no longer in a stay at home order" (05-29)
1,622 new cases, 86 additional deaths (05-29)
*** UPDATED x1 *** What in the heck is going on in Rockford? (05-29)
COVID-19 roundup (05-29)
All metro areas reporting record high unemployment rates (05-29)
School seclusion and restraint bill derailed after opposition (05-29)
Attorney DeVore asks appellate court to dissolve another TRO (05-29)
Question of the day (05-29)
Madigan issues new guidance to members, staff (05-29)
Architects abandon alternative reopening plan (05-29)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition (05-29)
House of worship attendance limit expected to be removed from stay at home order (05-29)
Open thread (05-29)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-29)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-29)
Sheriffs file suit against state for refusing to accept jail transfers (05-28)
Pritzker says IDPH has offered "suggestions" to churches - Says he's received "pushback" from some private nursing homes - IDPH will file new rule on nursing homes - Still looking at what to do about IDPH rule - Dodges question about Willie Wilson - Employers should use "common decency" when bring workers back - Will wait on feds before making any more budget decisions - Central Illinois hospitalization numbers improve - "We might potentially have to move backwards in the phases - "Not our intention" to make changes to Phase 4 guidance - No plans to dine at restaurant this weekend - No decision about ending daily briefing - Repeats that he has never encouraged police enforcement - Suggests GOP demand for IDES audit could be a "political move" - Still pondering school reopening - All testing is free - Asked about dangers of Legionella in large buildings - Testing and tracing metrics are "internal goals" - Points to federal rules on unemployment and workers who refuse to return - "Difficult for us to open theaters in the near future" - Dr. Ezike talks rules for malls - Dr. Ezike monitoring outbreak at county jail with ICE detainees (05-28)
1,527 new cases, 104 additional deaths (05-28)
Question of the day (05-28)
Our Democracy Is Too Important, The Fight Continues (05-28)
McSweeney forces removal of Blagojevich video, outs person behind it (05-28)
The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance Welcomes Illinois Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce (05-28)
COVID-19 roundup (05-28)
*** UPDATED x1 *** 21 million Americans currently receiving unemployment assistance (05-28)
Poll finds support for Clean Energy Jobs Act, Pritzker approval 56-40, State legislative Democrats more popular than Trump (05-28)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Justice Kavanaugh orders Illinois to respond to church filing by tonight (05-28)
You're making it too easy to mock you, Allen (05-28)
Open thread (05-28)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-28)
BoS Center staffer tests positive, but had no interaction with House session attendees (05-27)
Mendoza counters GOP claims that lawmakers voted themselves a pay raise (05-27)
Pritzker: "Being black in America cannot be a death sentence" - Talks about testing nursing homes - Asked about CDC guidance on antibody testing - Lays out what he's trying to do for ESL - "We're at about 30% of the contact tracing that we need today" - New IDPH recovery rate stats - Talks about sports returning, sports betting - Asked about massage therapists - Won't tell the mayor when or how to set up casino - No June 1 start for live horseracing - Deflects Willie Wilson question - Asked about QC PGA tournament - Needs federal help to facilitate hospital merger - No indoor movie theaters in Phase 3 (05-27)
1,111 new cases, 160 additional deaths (05-27)
COVID-19 roundup (05-27)
The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance Thanks The Illinois General Assembly For Creating The Kidney Disease Prevention And Education Task Force (05-27)
Question of the day (05-27)
The Wisconsin numbers are actually worse than Pritzker claimed (05-27)
Here's what getting to full testing of nursing homes and assisted living centers would take (05-27)
There's only one way to find out who's telling the truth (05-27)
Stay Safe Today, Be Vigilant For Tomorrow (05-27)
Skillicorn tells reporters with a straight face that he would "prefer to avoid" media coverage (05-27)
It's working! (05-27)
Open thread (05-27)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-27)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-27)
Pritzker hits the road (05-26)
Reporters actually take Skillicorn seriously - Was home on Monday - Warns of increasing hospitalizations in Wisconsin - Says USDOJ is "very much under the political thumb of the White House" - Next EO will continue eviction ban - Number of people with multiple tests "very small" - Asked about southern Illinois winery's refusal to require staff to wear masks - Dr. Ezike doesn't answer question about self quarantine for Illinoisans at Lake of the Ozarks - Repeats that legislature "abdicated their responsibility" on replacing his withdrawn IDPH rule - Will sign cocktail takeout bill when it reaches his desk - Dr. Ezike: "I can't give anybody a COVID free pass" - Says legislature should've made more cuts - State will carry on if Pres. Trump cuts off National Guard - "No deal" on cannabis with his office (05-26)
1,178 new cases, 39 additional deaths - But Dr. Ezike warns that weekend numbers are typically "a little bit lower" (05-26)
With strong union backing, penalty enhancement bill soars through General Assembly (05-26)
Question of the day (05-26)
COVID-19 roundup (05-26)
Before you get a haircut next week, consider this (05-26)
Budget roundup (05-26)
*** UPDATED x1 *** New Senate rule allows remote committees, limited remote floor voting (05-26)
ISP: "We’re between a rock and hard place" (05-26)
Stay Safe Today, Be Vigilant For Tomorrow (05-26)
Our Democracy Is Too Important, The Fight Continues (05-26)
Always zoom out on crowds (05-26)
*** UPDATED x1 *** I've changed my mind about remote legislating (05-26)
Open thread (05-26)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-26)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-26)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Budget and BIMP stuff (Updated with this week's password) (05-24)
Pritzker unveils business guidance; takes questions on budget, legislature, EO (05-24)
Senate President Don Harmon talks to reporters (05-24)
Madigan's closing statement (05-24)
Sunday programming note (05-23)
*** UPDATED x1 - Gaming bill passes Senate 42-14 *** Sen. Martwick is in town to vote for the Chicago casino bill (05-23)
*** UPDATED x5 *** Amendment introduced to allow remote legislating (05-23)
2,352 new cases, 75 additional deaths (05-23)
House approves gaming bill 77-32 (05-23)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Sen. Dale Righter cleans up Eastern Bloc member's mess (05-23)
*** UPDATED x1 *** IDPH stops reporting historical nursing home COVID-19 outbreak data (05-23)
End of session cheat sheet - 2020 (05-23)
Social media isn't real life (05-23)
New approp, BIMP amendments surface, casino push continues, cannabis bill hits a snag with Pritzker thumbs down (05-23)
Open thread (05-23)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-23)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-23)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Madigan: House will convene tomorrow (05-22)
$5.8 billion budget hole to be (mostly) "filled" with borrowed federal money, paid back (hopefully) with federal assistance (05-22)
Clay County judge again rules against Pritzker, but only applied the TRO to the tanning business which sued (05-22)
Elections omnibus bill clears Senate on final passage (05-22)
Pritzker announces childcare reopening schedule - Will use federal $ to pay for federal borrowing - Will be "very disappointed" if legislature doesn't pass legislation addressing withdrawn IDPH rule - Legislature can stay in town if it wants to - Says "look at the log data" will show only one person accessed IDES info - Says he "regularly" talks to clergy - Asked why legislators haven't taken up a bill on African Americans, Latinos - Supports Chicago casino bill - Republicans "linked themselves" to fringe protesters - Clay County ruling will only apply to Clay County - Plans to stay in Springfield through end of session - Lightfoot decision to go slower is hers to make - Comments on FEMA letter warning law enforcement about funding - Hasn't seen Sen. Rose's letter - Children over 2 will wear masks - Called out on food claim - Dr. Ezike explains spread at restaurants - Dr. Ezike says no easing of nursing home visit restrictions (05-22)
2,758 new cases, 110 additional deaths (05-22)
Question of the day (05-22)
If you want a state grant, you have to follow state laws and rules (05-22)
Today's quotable (05-22)
More than 1 in 5 people living in state developmental centers have tested positive (05-22)
Thursday session roundup (05-22)
Budget bill starts to move (05-22)
*** UPDATED x2 *** Um, no (05-22)
Open thread (05-22)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-22)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-22)
Pritzker says vote by mail bill "a reasonable compromise" - Explains federalism - Explains state needs legislation to distribute federal $ to local governments - Explains federalism - Talks about new job report - Dodges childcare question - Concerned about privacy issues with contact tracing apps - Repeats need for federal money - Repeats need for federal money - Repeats need for federal money - Repeats need for federal money - "Running government is not like running a business" - Now unsure about state fairs - IDPH working on guidance for youth sports - Won't apologize to Florida and Georgia - State workers coming back in Phase 3 - Asked about hiring Illinois union contractors during a recession to work on his Wisconsin farm - Happy for a workers' comp deal - Still wants a Chicago casino - "An awful lot can happen in a day and a half" - Defers lawsuit question to AG (05-21)
BIMP amendment filed (05-21)
Just grow up, already (05-21)
2,268 new cases, 87 additional deaths (05-21)
Question of the day (05-21)
US Census Bureau estimates Chicago's population has decreased by 1,676 between 2010 and 2019 (05-21)
COVID-19 roundup (05-21)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Illinois' April unemployment rate was 16.4 percent (05-21)
The Democrats' favorite Republican (05-21)
Member Impact (05-21)
AG Raoul files notice to remove Bailey's case to federal court (05-21)
The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance Supports The Kidney Disease Prevention And Education Task Force (05-21)
*facepalm emoji* (05-21)
Illinois eyes borrowing $4.5 billion from Federal Reserve program (05-21)
Pritzker activates National Guard to deal with flooding (05-21)
Illinois set to greatly expand vote by mail (05-21)
Open thread (05-21)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-21)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-21)
*** UPDATED x1 *** House votes 81-27 to remove Rep. Bailey from the House floor (05-20)
Pritzker changes course, state will allow limited outdoor seating at bars, restaurants in Phase 3 - Boating, camping up to 10 people - Tennis facilities to open - Golf foursomes - All state parks to open - Explains reasons for withdrawing IDPH rule - Leader Cunningham says new bill won't be anything beyond a fine - Cunningham explains JCAR process - Explains why Amy Jacobson was excluded - Says withdrawing rule was not an admission that he'd exceeded authority - "President Trump isn't following science or data" - Continuing to look at childcare rules - Time for ethics bills later this year - "Won't stand for" cut in breast and cervical cancer screening program - Supports raising tax credit threshold for biz paying higher minimum wage - Says will donate profits if any of his companies do business with Illinois government - Unsure on how much state will borrow from Federal Reserve program - Rep. Bailey showed "callous disregard for people's health" (05-20)
2,388 new cases, 147 additional deaths (05-20)
Question of the day (05-20)
Our Democracy Is Too Important, The Fight Continues (05-20)
An important programming note (05-20)
Nursing home association wants federal government to increase testing (05-20)
Administration agrees to repeal IDPH rule (05-20)
Supreme Court issues new COVID-19 order and guidance for courts (05-20)
*** UPDATED x1 *** House introduces new rule (05-20)
Caption contest! (05-20)
Metra says ridership down by 97 percent (05-20)
Winnebago County Health Department blesses accelerated reopening (05-20)
*** UPDATED x2 *** Today's quotable (05-20)
Judge denies attempt to force DCFS to allow parents in-person visits (05-20)
*** UPDATED x1 *** It's just a bill (05-20)
Open thread (05-20)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today's edition (05-20)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-20)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-20)
Dr. Ezike upbeat about latest numbers - Pritzker says no to lump-sum budget - Dr. Ezike talks data challenges, death counts - With $240 million spent on purchases, Pritzker says state watching for fraud - Pritzker says new emergency rule will be re-tooled in 10 days - Refuses to bend to mayors - Dr. Ezike talks excess deaths - "Disgusted by the failure of so many people" to call out extremism at rallies - Will be in Springfield Wednesday - "Optimistic that we are falling from a peak" - Dr. Ezike says it will take some time to see if peak has passed - "The very definition of a blind trust is that it's blind" - Again commits to making full pension payment - Defends decision not to cut staff - Addresses mask scam - Can't do widespread testing without more tests - Dr. Ezike says feds urge go-slow on nursing home visits (05-19)
Amendment filed to the House's appropriations bill (05-19)
Yes, we've had a lot of rain (05-19)
1,545 new cases, 146 additional deaths (05-19)
Question of the day (05-19)
COVID-19 roundup (05-19)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Madigan proposes changes to House rules requiring masks, temperature checks - Violators could be removed by vote of the chamber (05-19)
National Kidney Foundation Of Illinois Supports The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance (05-19)
Some of what you can expect this week (05-19)
Ford plant reopens (05-19)
*** UPDATED x1 *** A poorly drafted rule is causing unnecessary panic and may even be unneeded (05-19)
The company you keep (05-19)
*** UPDATED x1 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Another supplement to today's edition (05-19)
Our Democracy Is Too Important, The Fight Continues (05-19)
Martha Kohlrus needs our help (05-19)
JB cannot hide out at JB's Hideout (05-19)
Open thread (05-19)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today's edition (05-19)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-19)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-19)
State announces two counties will run pilot contact tracing program - Pritzker explains new IDPH rule - Says it's a "tool" for law enforcement - "Within the existing law" - Hopeful that people can get back to work at Ford plant - Talks about horse racing reopening - Full investigation of data breach - Blames Deloitte for breach - Free credit reports for victims - Says he's "reluctant" to interfere with churches - Fall surge would mean "big trouble" - No need for legislation on EO - Worried about family's safety - Slams legislators who were "perfectly willing" to speak to a crowd displaying Nazi and swastika signs - Won't ask ISP to enforce mask rule in Clay County court - "Balance weighs in favor of keeping people safe" - Asked about map - "The GOP wants to keep people from voting" on Fair Tax - Repeats that he wants help for small biz, including restaurants - Mail-in ballots top election-related session priority (05-18)
Reopen rally speaker upset that she can't ask governor questions during media briefing (05-18)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Committee report (05-18)
2,294 new cases, 59 additional deaths (05-18)
COVID-19 roundup (05-18)
Some detailed answers to your Restore Illinois questions (05-18)
Rep. Gonzalez tests positive, will not be at session (05-18)
Get ready for another Clay County judicial ruling (05-18)
Question of the day (05-18)
Brady and Durkin announce resolution to remove "Fair Tax" from the ballot (05-18)
Sears. Where else? (05-18)
Blagojevich officially disbarred (05-18)
Politicizing, grandstanding and twisting the facts (05-18)
Rep. Carroll is in self-quarantine, won't make it to session (05-18)
Protesters rebuked for use of Hitler, swastikas (05-18)
"The governor needs to get back to simple copycatting" (05-18)
*** UPDATED x1 *** IDPH issues new emergency rules (05-18)
IDPH weekend reports: 2,088 new cases and 74 additional deaths on Saturday, 1,734 new cases and 51 additional deaths on Sunday (05-18)
IDES says it had a "limited data access issue" (05-18)
Stay Safe Today, Be Vigilant For Tomorrow (05-18)
Open thread (05-18)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-18)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-18)
Reader comments closed for the weekend (05-15)
Take Care Of Employees (05-15)
Pritzker announces expanded testing - Talks about positivity rates - Warns people in QC to be careful about Iowa - Says he's at home in Chicago - Wife and daughter were in Florida before stay at home order and stayed there - Says wife and daughter are "home now" - Regarding Georgia, it takes weeks to see changes after opening up - Explains why charter boat tours are still banned - Regarding letter from GOP congressmen: "They're missing the point" - Still waiting to see if antibody tests are accurate - On a path to more testing in every region - Addresses Naperville Park District lawsuit threat - Says family was in Wisconsin at "working farm" - Claims GOP is "putting my children and my family in danger" - Governor's office clarifies that family is in Chicago now - Discouraging use of ABS rapid tests until FDA guidance issued (05-15)
2,432 new cases, 130 additional deaths (05-15)
COVID-19 roundup (05-15)
Question of the day (05-15)
About those Abbott tests (05-15)
Duckworth to interview for veep spot (05-15)
Unprecedented economic carnage (05-15)
Some Eastern Bloc members say they won't wear face masks during session, but they won't be allowed inside (05-15)
SoS will open seven drive-throughs next week for vehicle registration stickers (05-15)
DCFS fending off lawsuit over supervised child visitation rights (05-15)
Illinois Republican delegation launches another broadside against Pritzker (05-15)
Pritzker adjusts EO on nursing home liability (05-15)
Today's heroes: The 120 union workers literally living at their jobs while caring for developmentally disabled people (05-15)
Open thread (05-15)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-15)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-15)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Illinois Sheriffs’ Association: "It is outrageous that the Governor is threatening retaliation" (05-14)
House Democratic Women’s Caucus wants election day to be a state holiday (05-14)
Don't believe everything you read (05-14)
Pritzker talks unemployment insurance - As of right now, all regions are meeting guidelines to move forward to Phase 3 - Explains regionalization approach - Restates possible licensure and legal consequences - Says Leader Brady demand "sounds like grandstanding" - Brady responds - Answers "loaded" question - Explains rolling averages - Business guidance coming in next two weeks or so - Dr. Ezike comments on 12-year-old boy who died - Dr. Ezike says she has no info on reopen protesters catching virus - Dr. Ezike says people can refuse hospital admission - Asked about hospital rumor - Pritzker says he'd like to go to Springfield, but waiting on medical sign-off - Dr. Ezike explains that increased testing will result in increased cases - Dr. Ezike says woman who gave birth and died after being sent home a "significant tragedy" and vows probe - Dr. Ezike comments on WHO official claim that virus may never go away - Dr. Ezike explains mental health treatment options - Governor talks budget process moving forward - Revenue projections have not changed "a whole lot" - Could be population shift, but maybe not because of virus - Believes EO is on solid legal footing - Explains why Illinois has 28-day metric - Praises Catholic Church reopening plan, is working with other denominations - "It's just the very loud voices of people who are being defiant and ignoring science and data" (05-14)
3,239 new cases, 138 additional deaths (05-14)
Question of the day (05-14)
COVID-19 roundup (05-14)
Demand For Dialysis Soars Due To COVID-19 (05-14)
*** UPDATED x1 *** By the numbers (05-14)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Another 3 million Americans, 73,000 Illinoisans apply for unemployment insurance (05-14)
Careful what you wish for (05-14)
Unclear on the concept (05-14)
"Because I said so" is not a reason (05-14)
Bar leaders issue warning about legal consequences (05-14)
Bailey files new lawsuit based on informal 2001 AG opinion (05-14)
Our Democracy Is Too Important, The Fight Continues (05-14)
Open thread (05-14)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-14)
eBay founder's firm contributes $500K to group pushing "Fair Tax" (05-13)
Social media isn't real life (05-13)
Clay County salon owner loses first lawsuit round over notice requirement (05-13)
Pritzker warns businesses, counties - Apologizes for baseball remarks - Implore local officials "not to give into a minority" who ignore the science - "They're the ones who bear the responsibility" - Quarantined governor asked why he isn't traveling - Suggests business owners thinking of reopening should visit a hospital - Rambles through 28-day explanation - Asked about super-minority bills - No other staff has tested positive - Addresses more IDES complaints - Says nursing homes are getting "many more" tests than other facilities - Asked about a 2001 AG opinion - Calls Willie Wilson 100 church reopening "enormous mistake" - Dr. Ezike on death count - Dr. Ezike says child inflammatory syndrome a "spectrum of disorders" - Dr. Ezike explains positivity percentages - State needs federal help to fund any state aid package - "We'll be continually accessing the public markets" - Doesn't oppose Navy Pier federal PPP loans - Fall semester guidance too far off to predict - Repeats dire need for federal funds - Extends Bloomington drive-through testing through next week - Need more data on Chinese restaurant study - Horse racing will reopen when it's safe to do so (05-13)
1,677 new cases, 192 additional deaths (a record) (05-13)
Session will be limited to seven topics, some broader than others (05-13)
*** UPDATED x1 *** COVID-19 roundup (05-13)
Illinois pays high price on bond sale, but still pays slightly less than offering price (05-13)
"How many people dying are we willing to accept to open the economy?" (05-13)
The man doing the most to undermine the governor's stay at home order (05-13)
Childcare center owners say Pritzker "undercutting" them, "dictating who can be open or not" (05-13)
Yeah, that's probably not a good idea (05-13)
Pritzker criticized over baseball remarks (05-13)
A different sort of remap debate (05-13)
Question of the day (05-13)
Bailey plan fails to pass in home county (05-13)
*** UPDATED x8 *** Session could resume as early as next week (05-13)
SoS White looking at reopening possibilities (05-13)
Open thread (05-13)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-13)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-13)
Willie Wilson claims 100 churches will hold services this Sunday "in defiance" of Pritzker's EO (05-12)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Metro East Dems break with governor, want region moved to Phase 3 on May 15, want 28-day period abandoned (05-12)
Rate the new DPI video (05-12)
IDVA reports 39 additional cases at Manteno veterans home, including 10 employees (05-12)
Pritzker: "The legislature must convene" - "Pass a comprehensive plan to support families, small businesses and small towns" - Explains why suburbs are lumped in with Chicago - "We might not open the state if we were following the President's plan" - Says he's concerned about people traveling to neighboring states - Talks about childcare - Explains impact of mitigation efforts to a talk show host - Wants GA to increase relief programs - Dr. Ezike explains process for classifying coronavirus deaths - Brushes off Rauner - Claims state is testing all nursing home residents and staff - Says it's possible the peak could extend further - Says legislative package should be passed in "next two or three weeks" - Talks bonding and budgeting - Says locals opening up are "not relying on science in any way whatsoever" - Says he would consider witholding state funds for municipalities that open early - Talks about how to bring state workers back - Will test more prisoners when state has more tests - Says again he wants GA to reconvene and act before end of May - Explains why Bloomington test facility closed - EO changed substantially on May 1, so that's why clock started then, state needed a "solid baseline" - Talks challenges of increasing testing - New rules for dentists - Explains why some businesses are open and some are not - New case high - Wants MLB players to be reasonable in negotiations (05-12)
4,014 new cases, 144 additional deaths (05-12)
Patient Safety - While Continuing Treatment - Is A Top Priority During COVID-19 (05-12)
Stay Safe Today, Be Vigilant For Tomorrow (05-12)
Is there a future for casino gaming? (05-12)
*** UPDATED x1 *** COVID-19 roundup (05-12)
People may be voting with their feet when it comes to reopened restaurants (05-12)
Question of the day (05-12)
IDPH releases regional scorecard (05-12)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Poll: 70 percent support stay at home order, but 75 percent want small retailers opened immediately with social distancing requirements (05-12)
The return of Radical Candor (05-12)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-12)
Supreme Court refuses to issue ruling on EO issue (05-11)
Pritzker talks numbers - Talks about infected staffer - Won't divulge staffer's name - Staffer works down the hall - Done contact tracing - Staffer asymptomatic - Says he's at home in Chicago - Succession is in constitution - Says 44,000 successful connections for IDES today - But IDES site went down - Defends 28 days - Defends 28 days - Says reopening businesses are putting people and their regions at risk - Defends 28 days - Prisoners go through a monitored process before release - Talks contact tracing - Son cut his hair - Reopened churches "putting hundreds of people in danger" - Defends 28 days - Seniors in under-performing nursing homes can't easily be moved - Defends 28 days - No assurances that R Naught won't rise this summer - "Functions of the governor's office have really been operating well" - Says worth looking into property tax relief - Says he believes legislature should convene - Very difficult to have in-person summer school - Comments on IL Supreme Court refusal to hear case - No forms request gender identity or sexual orientation - Dr. Ezike explains why Cook got the lion's share of remdesivir - Says he misspoke on CNN about contact tracing - Defends 28 days - Looking into action on credit scores (05-11)
1,266 new cases, 54 additional deaths (05-11)
COVID-19 roundup (05-11)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - A bit of news (05-11)
Today's must-read (05-11)
Elections have consequences (05-11)
Nearly impossible to practice social distancing in multigenerational homes (05-11)
Nursing home residents and staff are contracting the virus at alarming rates (05-11)
Member of Pritzker’s senior staff tests positive, so all employees will work from home (05-11)
Opposition spreads (05-11)
Our Democracy Is Too Important, The Fight Continues (05-11)
Pritzker says yet again that Illinois is going it alone (05-11)
Weekend IDPH reports (05-11)
As if we don't have enough problems (05-11)
*** UPDATED x1 - Wisconsin GOP piles on *** Durbin piles on Harmon (05-11)
If you don't fear the governor, then fear lawsuits, no liability insurance and losing your business license (05-11)
Open thread (05-11)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-11)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-11)
Reader comments closed for the weekend (05-08)
Pritzker says Lightfoot plan will fit into his timing framework - Explains differences between two plans - Dr. Ezike explains the importance of averaging - Gov. explains why it's tough to eases up on restaurants - Supports federal help for restaurants - Sports teams won't be putting fans and players in danger - Says we need a federal plan instead of hodgepodge - Asked about summer camps - Explains more difference with Lightfoot plan - Outlines ideas for mass transit after reopening - Also hopes schools can open - Defends Chicago presence, but says he will be traveling - "This virus isn't limited to the four walls of that one business" - Has higher priorities than another Exelon bailout - Dodges contact tracing question - Talks about help for out-of-work black and Latino people (05-08)
In the words of Charlie Wheeler, always read the bill (05-08)
2,887 new cases, 14% positivity rate, 130 additional deaths - State tops 20,000 tests for first time (05-08)
COVID-19 roundup (05-08)
Lightfoot lays out her own reopening plan (05-08)
Question of the day (05-08)
Patient Safety - While Continuing Treatment - Is A Top Priority During COVID-19 (05-08)
Stay focused on the virus or the economy is doomed (05-08)
Harmon defends his letter (05-08)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Pat Quinn loses another case (05-08)
The fight over the regional map (05-08)
A real potential for a chaotic mess (05-08)
Yehudah indicted (05-08)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Toia crusades for his members (05-08)
Please, don't be a covidiot (05-08)
Simon says "kerfuffle" - Malls won't reopen (05-08)
Open thread (05-08)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-08)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-08)
Pritzker: More than $2 billion paid out in unemployment claims, $500 million more than all of 2019 - Answers question that could've been answered by a simple Google search - Explains local law enforcement - Repeats he may use state licensing to enforce EO - Asked another question that could've been answered by Google - Says he and staff have been wearing masks for about two weeks - Says again he wants mail-in ballot expansion - Asked another easily Google-able question - Can't answer question about distant future - Out of state hospitals not factored in to phased plan - Asks customers to not patronize a store that is suing to reopen - Still not close to testing needs - Recounts recent Jim Edgar call - Working on guidance for hair stylists - Explains new call center - All employees at the call center are from Illinois - ISBE and IDPH will oversee return of school sports - Asked yet another Google-able question - And another - Urges pastor not to reopen - Explains how state plan will lead to quicker reopening than White House plan - Pritzker, Ezike discuss plateau - Dr. Ezike explains data collecting on the fly - Avoids budget cutting question - Says he wants federal replacement for lost state revenues (05-07)
House cancels next week's session (05-07)
Despite Pritzker warning, Simon plans to reopen its malls (05-07)
2641 new cases, 15 percent positivity rate, 138 additional deaths (05-07)
No more weekend Pritzker briefings (05-07)
COVID-19 roundup (05-07)
ADL claims Three Percenters organized Statehouse rally (05-07)
Rep. Bailey proposes his own plan, and is getting hammered for it (05-07)
State inspectors ordered back to work, but workers and their union objected (05-07)
Credit Unions Responding To COVID-19 Crisis (05-07)
You first, Tribune (05-07)
State school superintendent looking at widely varied reopening plans (05-07)
Read the IDPH session guidelines (05-07)
*** UPDATED x1 *** Nursing home strike averted (05-07)
Our Democracy Could Be Decided By A Coin Toss (05-07)
*** UPDATED x1 *** 3.2 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, 74,476 Illinoisans (05-07)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-07)
Madigan issues statement about GOP demands for reconvening session (05-06)
Pritzker: Hispanics have a 60 percent positive test rate - Wearing face coverings in public "a collective act of patriotism" - Asked whether he was keeping the state shut down so IL could get more federal money - Restates what's in the plan - Talks post-pandemic business opportunities - Dr. Ezike: "Virtual hugs" for Mother's Day - Asked if he plans to continue 30-day EOs for next several months - Congregate facility infection data will be used for regions - No comment on CME plans - Employers will be given guidance on reopening - Urges patience from restaurant owners - "Highly unlikely" that Illinois State Fair will be held - "The virus hasn't gone away" - Why 28 days instead of 14? - Warns businesses could lose licenses - Will provide guidance on boating rules - Urges people not to travel to "potential hotbeds of infection" - "Kind of crazy" for Republicans to say he's dictating - Explains reasons for boundaries - Says the virus is holding things back, not the EO - No outside restaurant dining - Claims IDES website "actually has very good uptime" - Dr. Ezike: Allowing nursing home visitors would be increasing residents' risk - Contact tracing a "gradual process" (05-06)
2,270 new cases, 15% positivity rate, 136 additional deaths (05-06)
COVID-19 roundup (05-06)
Question of the day (05-06)
Republicans, biz groups knock Pritzker's plan (05-06)
Everyone, please, take a breath (05-06)
What Darren Bailey has wrought (05-06)
The full Wehrli-Mitchell exchange (05-06)
Credit Unions Responding To COVID-19 Crisis (05-06)
What some legislators are up to during the pandemic (05-06)
Some answers about what IDES has done and is doing (05-06)
Study claims state Motor Fuel Tax receipts could fall as much as $560 million this year (05-06)
Open thread (05-06)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-06)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-06)
React to Pritzker's new plan (05-05)
Rep. Buckner's mask story (05-05)
Pritzker takes questions - Says he can't predict when regions will move to next phase - Schools can open in phase 4 - Asked twice about Lolla - Repeats that you should look at averages, not one day - Not instructing IDOC to withhold masks from guards - Repeats he isn't asking for law enforcement actions - All state is looking for is replacement of lost revenues, not pension money - Saddened by Rep. Buckner mask story - Hints that GA could return in May - Says he sees progress away from plateau - IDPH working on a school reopening plan - Explains IDPH regions - Again hints that GA may reconvene before end of May - Repeats he will not restrict in-state movement - Not involved in nursing home union talks - Dr. Ezike: "We're not looking to create a police state" - Pritzker says local officials reopening prematurely are "encouraging people to get sick" (05-05)
*** UPDATED x3 *** Pritzker unveils regionalized reopening plan (05-05)
2,122 new cases, 176 additional deaths (05-05)
Question of the day (05-05)
House Speaker's office was billed $606,000 for sexual harassment report (05-05)
Roll Call moves Rodney Davis onto ten most vulnerable list (05-05)
Mask-haters causing problems at retail establishments (05-05)
Demand For Dialysis Soars Due To COVID-19 (05-05)
State delays $1.2 billion bond sale (05-05)
State asks Supreme Court to settle EO issue once and for all (05-05)
The consequences of reopening too soon (05-05)
COGFA: "Perfect storm" slams April revenues (05-05)
House starts slowly bringing back staff (05-05)
New, more contagious strain identified (05-05)
Breen overreacts (of course) (05-05)
Open thread (05-05)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-05)
Question of the day (05-04)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - House memo (05-04)
Pritzker defers to local law enforcement, mayors about policing EO - Promises more IDES details later this week - Discourages people from traveling to Indiana, but "people are free to to do what they want" - Explains regionalization approach - "As things are coming down more things can be opened up" - Repeats need for federal aid to local governments - Talks McCormick Place - Dr. Ezike had "a family matter" and couldn't make it - "We're headed in the right direction" - Hasn't seen rent control bill - Could be civil liability for businesses defying EO - Businesses could risk insurance coverage for defying EO - Has privacy questions about Apple and Google contact tracing - Avoids question on special session - Need a lot more testing capacity to test all prisoners - One-day total isn't a pattern - Hopes they won't have to send in teams to test defiant parishioners - Chicago casino maybe this year - No data on store occupancy, mask wearing (05-04)
2,341 new cases, 46 additional deaths (05-04)
COVID-19 roundup (05-04)
FDA finally cracking down on antibody tests (05-04)
So, you think Illinois' order is harsh? (05-04)
Please define "continued to grow" (05-04)
The vital importance of wearing masks (05-04)
Fayette County sheriff, state's attorney warn business owners that their state licenses could be at risk if they re-open (05-04)
Our Democracy Could Be Decided By A Coin Toss (05-04)
IDPH: "The stay-at-home order is not a quarantine" (05-04)
DCEO allows drive-in movie theaters to re-open (05-04)
*** UPDATED x1 *** A look at what some legislators are doing during the crisis (05-04)
A new twist on the GOP's circular firing squad (05-04)
Open thread (05-04)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-04)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-04)
*** UPDATED x2 *** Pritzker says federal judge denied church TRO request (05-03)
Pritzker warns of scams - Addresses boater protests in Fox Lake - Says data requested is online - Points out (again) that public transportation is a local issue - Seriously asked if contract tracers will have arresting authority (they won't) - Explains (again) why antibody results aren't being counted yet - Explains difference between barbers and pet groomers - Points out he's not negotiating federal package - "COVID-19 is causing this" - Asked if Illinois was going to do a stimulus program like the feds did - Says ISBE has issued graduation ceremony guidelines - Says no final decision made on extending implementation of hotel panic buttons - Believes state has enough ventilators in case of another surge - Kushner comment "a little bit inaccurate" - Look at positive testing rate, not total test numbers - Hopes plateau doesn't last too long, but doesn't know - Addresses violence in Peoria - Admits more messaging needed for young people of color - Explains DCFS policy - Church TRO denied - Out of state travel to visit dying family member is allowed (05-03)
2,994 new cases, 63 additional deaths (05-03)
The hollowing-out of state government: IDES (05-03)
AFSCME wants more safeguards, PPE for DCFS investigators (05-03)
Pritzker thanks, highlights volunteers - Explains infection rates (again) - Stresses importance of wearing face coverings - Says (again) that enforcement is a local matter - Ezike explains nursing home strategy - Replies to speech from Center Square on behalf of protesters - Says again that GA has the ability to return - Explains the curve again - Says few hundred protesters outnumbered by millions of Illinoisans "really good people who are doing the right thing" - Explains what a graduated income tax is - Says he hopes no one gets sick from attending protests - Dr. Ezike says R-Naught number "definitely came down" - Dr. Ezike says IDPH doesn't "have the time" to further analyze test data in real time - Dr. Ezike says state must be "tempered in our response" to antibody tests tests - Repeats IDES progress - Dr. Ezike says infected should consult with medical provider before deciding to skip or take tests (05-02)
2,450 new cases, 105 additional deaths (05-02)
Nazis, crackpots, anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists abounded yesterday - "Some people get touchy about swastikas" (05-02)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-02)
Reader comments closed for the weekend (05-01)
Question of the day (05-01)
Pritzker talks contact tracing, introduces new acting chief epidemiologist - "Soft rollout" for contact tracing in late May - $80 million cost - Asked about protesters, praises those who've stayed home - Governor says state could open up by region if adequate hospital beds and curve drops for two weeks - Dr. Ezike responds to Cicero suit - Talks about change to EO on religious services - Asked about spike in Latino areas - Explains gig worker deadline - Again says he is not recommending police enforcement, but it's up to locals - Refuses to answer hypothetical question about Bailey lawsuit - Rockford lawsuit "is not intended to be adjudicated anytime soon" - Points out that Lolla is a local matter - Talks about need for training of retail workers - Talks about difference between flattening the curve and bending it downward - State park decisions made by IDNR and have to do with staffing - Rules out skipping pension payments - Doesn't take the bait on Rep. Hammond comments - Says mayors who open up will result in lots of people getting sick - Talks about new treatments - Won't fully waive WARN Act notification (05-01)
3,137 new cases, 105 additional deaths (05-01)
*** UPDATED x1 *** COVID-19 roundup (05-01)
Protest pics and videos (05-01)
Caption contest! (05-01)
Poll: Illinoisans rate the handling of the virus (05-01)
Poll: Illinoisans rate various methods for tackling the virus, say when they'd like to reopen (05-01)
Poll: Illinoisans reveal how they're coping, what they're doing, what their concerns are (05-01)
Rep. Bailey asks to withdraw TRO, says he will file an amended complaint (05-01)
Pritzker revises new EO to allow for limited religious services (05-01)
Open thread (05-01)
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password) (05-01)
*** LIVE COVERAGE *** (05-01)

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