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* ICYMI: SCOTUS ruling could upend federal corruption cases for Madigan, allies. Capitol News Illinois…
An attorney for close Madigan confidant Mike McClain, a longtime Springfield lobbyist who is a defendant in both bribery cases, predicted Wednesday that the ComEd case will have to be retried.
“We will be asking the court to vacate the conviction at a minimum,” attorney Patrick Cotter told Capitol News Illinois.
As for the case in which McClain is a co-defendant with Madigan, Cotter said his legal team would likely challenge the charges that rely on the federal bribery statute and may make other arguments, including that the grand jury indicted Madigan and McClain under an “incorrect” law.
Former U.S. Attorney Scott Lassar, who represents former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, had vowed to appeal the case after the trial concluded last spring, but a delay in the ComEd defendants’ sentencings has prevented that so far.
* Related stories…
* The Alton Telegraph reported the sinkhole was caused by a collapsed mine…
ALTON SINKHOLE — Security video from Gordon F. Moore Community Park shows a sinkhole open up at the soccer fields and swallow a massive light pole.
The sinkhole opened Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported. pic.twitter.com/JLxV0CK5b8
— Joe Millitzer (@jmillitzer) June 26, 2024
* Tribune | Inmate’s death during heat wave ramps up criticism of conditions at Stateville: The Will County coroner’s office did not yet have a cause of death for Michael Broadway, who had earned a college degree while serving a 75-year sentence for a 2005 murder, and a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Corrections would only say the agency is investigating. But his death during a severe heat wave has led inmates and prison advocates to put the blame at least partly on the squalid environment inside Stateville, where accounts from people incarcerated there and others in legislative hearings and elsewhere describe poor ventilation, visible mold, rodent infestations and unsanitary drinking water. The prison’s housing units also lack air conditioning, according to the John Howard Association, a prison watchdog group.
* Tribune | Chicago White Sox shut out for 12th time and fall to 40 games under .500 in front of 1st sellout crowd of the season: The Sox were shut out for the 12th time this season, falling 4-0 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in front of 36,225. The Sox hosted their first Mexican Heritage Night, resulting in the first weekday sellout for a game that wasn’t opening day or against the Cubs since 2012. Manager Pedro Grifol referred to the crowd as “phenomenal.” “We just couldn’t take advantage of it,” he said.
* Illinois Times | Big plans for future of the State Fairgrounds: IDOA Director Jerry Costello says the master plan refined the concept of a Town Square gathering space and how that can enhance the appeal of the fairgrounds. This builds upon improvements already underway. In the 4 ½ years Costello has been director under Gov. JB Pritzker, the IDOA staff has increased from 299 to 408. In addition, $58.1 million was included in the capital budget in June 2022 for improvements to buildings and grounds to begin to address deferred maintenance. “Governor Pritzker has done more for the fairgrounds than at any time since Governors Thompson and Edgar,” said Costello.
* Capitol News Illinois | Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law: Proponents of the legislation, which include a who’s who of business leaders and representatives of organized labor, say it will help attract businesses to the state, encourage growth and generate jobs. The programs will generate an estimated $21 billion in new state revenue over the next 30 years, according to the governor’s office. The largest new program set up in the legislation would designate a “quantum campus” somewhere in the state. Businesses in that area would receive tax breaks on construction, materials purchase and use taxes, similar to an existing enterprise zone program.
* WGN | Illinois said to have ‘momentum’ in ending HIV in state: In 2022, more than 1,300 Illinoisans received an HIV diagnosis, but that number is diminishing, Gov. JB Pritzker said at a Wednesday workshop at the University of Illinois Chicago Student Center West on Wolcott Avenue. “The number of new cases diagnosed statewide has decreased 18 percent. In addition, the national HIV/AIDS strategy established a target to increase rates of care access within one month of diagnosis, to 95 percent,” Pritzker said.
* SJ-R | Illinois gas tax is set to increase on July 1. Here’s what to know: According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, the tax on motor fuel in the state of Illinois will increase to 47 cents a gallon, an increase of 3.5% from the 2023-24 fiscal year. The increase may lead to customers seeing higher prices at the pump, unfortunate timing coming days before the busy Fourth of July travel weekend.
* State Week | The Dobbs decision and Illinois — two years on: This week saw the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down Roe v. Wade. The result has been a patchwork of laws related to abortion. While some states outlawed the procedure or passed restrictions, Illinois has become a safe haven for those seeking abortions and other care.
* CBS | How Illinois soybean farmers deal with the effects of climate change: Michael Langemeier, a professor of agriculture economics at Purdue University, said the weather changes are something farmers are discussing more and more. “I don’t know if it’s directly impacting what the consumers pay to a large degree, yet,” Langemeier said. He and his team have surveyed 400 farmers nationwide. He asked farmers about how worried they were about the changing weather patterns, and about 25% said they were either “very worried” or “fairly worried.”
* Block Club | How Can Chicago Make More Money? First Revenue Committee Hearing Offers Few Specifics: “We’re going to continue to support as many options as possible. As you all know, we’ve dedicated an entire subcommittee to find revenue ideas,” [Mayor Johnson] said at a March 20 press conference. But Wednesday’s inaugural hearing of that body served more as a briefing for alderpeople on how the city currently collects taxes and other revenue than a forum for proposals to bring in new funds. Several alderpeople did ask questions about a head tax, a standalone grocery tax and a carbon tax for airlines.
* Crain’s | Service tax? Grocery tax? All ideas on the table as City Hall probes revenue options.: Since it was first created last year, Johnson has pointed to the new subcommittee on revenue, chaired by his ally, Ald. William Hall, 6th, when asked which taxes and fees he still supports to bring in the $800 million in new revenue he promised on the campaign trail. The discussion was more of a Budget 101 crash course on the city’s finances than a detailed presentation of which revenue options are on the table this fall. No votes were taken, and many of the potential taxes will likely never receive a vote because they either need state approval first or are nonstarters for a majority of the City Council.
* Daily Herald | ‘Evil and manipulative’: Families outraged after Highland Park suspect backs out of plea deal: Lance Northcutt represents the family of Kevin and Irina McCarthy, whose young son was orphaned after the Highland Park couple was killed at the parade. “What happened today, make no mistake, was nothing more than a re-victimization of that family and every family that has endured this tragedy,” he said.
* Daily Herald | Arlington Heights mayor won’t seek reelection, but believes Bears stadium talks are ‘in a good place’: The uncertain future of the 326-acre Arlington Park property and the NFL franchise’s ongoing stadium search “has weighed on my mind” as he contemplated running for a fourth four-year term, Hayes said. But “I do think we are in a good place with that. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be leaving.”
* WGN | Precious Brady-Davis blazing a trail as first Black trans woman to serve public office in Cook County: Precious Brady-Davis may be a first, but she doesn’t want to be the last. Three years ago, the trailblazing Cook County official published her memoir. It’s called, “I Have Always Been Me.” She says she’s always dreamed big and with every challenge, she refused to be refused.
* Tribune | Big Cook County property tax hikes coming for many in south suburbs: More than a dozen Cook County suburbs have median bills that have increased by more than 30%. That includes Dixmoor, where the median tax bill for homeowners jumped from $1,073 last year to $1,950 this year, and Hazel Crest, where the median bill jumped by $1,586 to $5,651.
* Tribune | DuPage: No criminal charges for officers involved in fatal shooting of Carol Stream man: An attorney representing the Goodlow family said they would continue pursuing that case in federal court and that the family “fundamentally” disagreed with Berlin’s decision. Berlin said he had not found that Officer Daniel Pfingston, who shot Goodlow, was justified in his use of force, but that he could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that Pfingston had not been justified. According to a village statement, Pfingston has not been employed with the Carol Stream Police Department since May 2.
* WCIA | IL program helping disadvantaged farmers fills need for local, fresh foods at one Central IL food bank: “We have seen a 90% increase in the number of people seeking our services since 2022 so the need out there is really high,” Amanda Borden, the food bank’s vice president of development, said. In March, Governor Pritzker announced nearly $29 million in grant money for the program to 15 food organizations including the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, which received $1.5 million. They serve about 55,000 people on average every month through 18 counties in East Central Illinois.
* The Atlantic | New, Ominous Signs for Gay Rights Keep Emerging: Now alarm bells are ringing for same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights in general. A new Gallup poll shows that Republican approval of homosexual rights has dropped from 56 to 40 percent in two years, and that support for same-sex marriage is down to less than half, at 46 percent. Liberal justices on the Supreme Court warned in a dissent last week that their colleagues are chipping away at the right to marriage. Over the past four years, Republican policy makers have mounted a campaign against transgender rights and discussion of homosexuality in schools, but the result appears to be a wider backlash against LGBTQ rights.
* Gallup | Same-Sex Relations, Marriage Still Supported by Most in U.S.: As with support for same-sex marriage, Democrats (81%) — and, to a lesser extent, independents (68%) — are more likely than Republicans (40%) to say relations between gays or lesbians are morally acceptable. Whereas a majority of Democrats have thought same-sex relations are morally acceptable since 2006, no more than half of Republicans have said the same throughout Gallup’s trend, except for three readings — 51% in 2020 and 2021 and 56% in 2022. The current 41-point gap between Democrats and Republicans ties 2011 as the largest on record.
* Crain’s | June auto sales could take ‘significant’ hit from CDK outage:
The cyberattacks on CDK Global and resulting turmoil at dealerships around the U.S. could reduce June new-vehicle sales by about 100,000, according to one forecast. J.D. Power and GlobalData estimate that U.S. light vehicle sales for the month will fall by 2.6 to 7.2 percent from a year earlier, for volume of 1.27 million to 1.33 million. They originally had expected sales of 1.41 million before the ransomware attacks that began June 19 created a “significant” disruption.
posted by Isabel Miller
Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 7:31 am
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Re: Gas Taxes story
Having just driven across country for vacation, I have no problem with paying taxes for roads. Not ironically, in North Carolina and Tennessee, I was buying gas for about $3.00 a gallon. Here (West Central Illinois), it is $3.65 or so. Illinois seems to be a bit ahead of other states in terms of having the proper number of lanes needed to accommodate traffic needs, and in a few places back east (e.g., Raleigh, NC; Lexington, KY, etc.), the interstate bi-passes were miserable.
An extra 2-3 cents is money being well spent here.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 8:47 am
Re: Two Stories on LGBT Acceptance
I cannot read the Atlantic story, but did read the Gallop story.
An interesting element to consider behind these stories is that they reflect time trends involving social categories that have changed significantly over the time trend.
Those who identified as Republicans in 2002 are not the same group as those who identify as Republicans in 2024. For example, the Tea Party Movement and the MAGA Movement have led to some who were “republicans” becoming “independents.”
Hence, it should make some sense that Independents’ support for same sex marriage, and defining same sex marriage as morally acceptable dips a little over time. It should also make sense that those still identifying as Republican are significantly more likely to define same sex marriage as unacceptable. In essence, the composition of the Republican Party has changed, and concentrated hate toward gays and lesbians and transitioning people.
Of note, the overall trend is one of long term growth, specifically after Obergefell v. Hodges, and a more recent leveling off at around 66% percent.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 9:04 am
Echoing H-W, last March I rode I-55 from central IL to Memphis. Yes, gas was cheaper in MO and AR, but the roads (especially in AR) were downright atrocious.
The cost of gas is not the only thing to account for too - hit a bump the wrong way, and the repair bill will wipe out the nickels and dimes you’re saving on gas.
Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 9:26 am
I’ve done quite a bit of road tripping around the past few years east of the Mississippi, and I’ve got to say that my impression of Illinois roads has actually improved. Indiana’s are hit or miss, but maybe a tad better on the whole. Michigan’s seems great at least out in the western half of the state. Virginia and North Carolina are solid, maybe slightly better as well. Kentucky and Tennessee average worse than Illinois. Ohio’s are are about on par with our’s. But holy cow, West Virginia’s roads are awful, even some stretches of the highways.
Comment by TJ Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 9:32 am
We probably shouldn’t be surprised that Crimo backed out of the plea deal. Both his parents are real pieces of work. His father wore a “Political Pawn” shirt when he pled to signing the paperwork so his son could illegally get a FOID card. His mother described that happened yesterday as a win and she is the proud mother of a faithful God loving son who is innocent and she has evidence of that. Maybe she should have given that evidence to his lawyers so the families of the victims wouldn’t have had to go through what happened yesterday.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 9:37 am
RE: Cook County taxes story
The whole “residential values up with commercial/industrial values down/even” really hurts everywhere. I’m in the city of Kankakee and our 2023 residential assessments rose by 14% while industrial/commercial value was flat. The city requested a 3% increase in the tax levy but that resulted in a 9% increase in the city portion of the taxes for residential owners while commercial/industrial are getting a reduction.
Comment by Aaron B Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 9:44 am
As a supporter of Heterosexual “Lifestyle” Marriage those rights still need to made part of the Federal Constitution.
Comment by Nerry Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 9:50 am
>Of note, the overall trend is one of long term growth, specifically after Obergefell v. Hodges, and a more recent leveling off at around 66% percent.
I don’t know, trends can change quickly. The rise of the far right throughout the world features effective demonetization of LGBTQ folk. And let it sink in that it was the SCOTUS that rang in national gay marriage, similar events not likely to recur for some time from that body.
On a side note, Outsports.com had a nice story yesterday on the Cubs’ Pride Night, and no mention of any kind of negative backlash like Target and other businesses experienced for their Pride Month activities.
Comment by Apple Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 9:54 am
@ Nerry
They already are constitutional.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 10:01 am
That anonymous post was me, if anybody cares about attribution
Comment by Leap Day William Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 10:02 am
@ Apple
By long-term, I am only referencing the study which covers 2002 to 2024. Obergefell v. Hodges was 2015, which actually did affect public opinion on sexual orientation and same sex marriage. Lots of social science studies bare than out.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 10:03 am
=- H-W - Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 8:47 am:
Re: Gas Taxes story
An extra 2-3 cents is money being well spent here.=
You better check your math. We’re paying far more than an extra 2-3 cents.
Comment by Recidivist Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 10:28 am
Drive to OKC several times a year. Best roads? OK’s toll roads. Worst roads? OK’s “free” roads - I-35 in southern OKC is a washboard.
You get what you pay for.
Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 10:32 am
New username
Comment by Alton Sinkhole Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 10:33 am
One very simple but important thing to do with the fairgrounds improvement money is to replace the old, mature shade trees lost to the emerald ash borers. On a blazing hot sunny day, the thing you need most is shade, particularly on Grandstand avenue. It’s trivial to plant trees, but nothing shows more commitment to the future. While waiting for them to grow, you could hang shade sails from poles and cables across Grandstand avenue. They could be subsidized by advertising placement if needed.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 10:34 am
@h-w:
Just searched the Constitution. No mention of Heterosexual “Lifestyle” Marriage.
Comment by Jerry Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 10:51 am
=but “regular” was 85 octane, so worse gas for the same price.=
There is nothing worse about 85 OCI vs 93 RON. At elevation 85 octane reacts as regular 87 does.
The main gripe I have right now on roads is how awful I find city streets and some county highways. The funding stream needs to trickle down to cities so those streets can be fixed too. I also find county highways are often in terrible condition.
The interstates? Never been better, the new pavement on 55 South into the Poplar Street Bridge in STL is amazing.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 11:27 am
Nerry/Jerry,
Is “Heterosexual “Lifestyle” Marriage under attack? Is any politician threatening to make it illegal? Are heterosexual couples being discriminated against? Are heterosexual businesses dealing with hatred and threats? I think you are making a false equivalence.
Comment by Steve Polite Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 11:37 am
@ Nerry or Jerry
Its called the 14th Amendment.
But I’ll be your Huckleberry.
What right do you feel heterosexuals and heterosexual marriages are being denied that other citizens have? As is often said here, “I’ll wait.”
Comment by H-W Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 11:40 am
I would like to thank Joe Millitzer for the video and the new irrational fear.
Comment by VK Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 12:11 pm
What right do you feel heterosexuals and heterosexual marriages are being denied that other citizens have?=
This is the same mindset/group that see a “war” on christianity and other boogeymen behind every corner.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 12:23 pm
The problem isn’t the tax increase.
The problem is gas station owners using a 3 cent tax increase as justification to increase prices a dime a gallon.
Comment by btowntruthfromforgottonia Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 3:29 pm
1.035(x)=$.047; x=$0.47/1.035; x=$0.4541
So the gas tax is going up less than two cents a gallon. Weird phrasing in the article implies like its a lot more than that. Will an extra $0.25 for a 16 gallon fill up really cause financial hardship for a summer vacation?
Comment by Benniefly2 Thursday, Jun 27, 24 @ 4:04 pm