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1. <?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610</id><updated>2025-03-02T17:47:38.319-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Capitol Fax</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default?start-index=26&amp;max-results=25'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>27</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-6287609902347021829</id><published>2024-12-02T01:53:00.003-06:00</published><updated>2024-12-02T01:53:53.603-06:00</updated><title type='text'>We&#39;re back up!</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://capitolfax.com/&quot;&gt;Click here to go to the permanent site&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp; Huzzah!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/6287609902347021829'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/6287609902347021829'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/12/were-back-up.html' title='We&#39;re back up!'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-3693764306932397723</id><published>2024-11-26T16:11:00.002-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-27T02:10:00.543-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Reader comments closed for Thanksgiving</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;*&amp;nbsp; Per our &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yLg_bzwvxg&quot;&gt;annual tradition&lt;/a&gt;...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot; class=&quot;BLOG_video_class&quot; height=&quot;266&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/-yLg_bzwvxg&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; youtube-src-id=&quot;-yLg_bzwvxg&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/3693764306932397723'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/3693764306932397723'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/reader-comments-closed-for-thanksgiving.html' title='Reader comments closed for Thanksgiving'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-yLg_bzwvxg/default.jpg" height="72" width="72"/></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-7328727107472310337</id><published>2024-11-26T14:33:00.002-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-27T01:08:04.491-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Isabel’s afternoon roundup</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;* The Nation published a piece about the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act today. Take a look at this &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.thenation.com/article/society/cash-bail-reform-illinois/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;snippet&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;Variations in the process will remain, however. Some prosecutors seek detention in every eligible case, while others target only the ones they think they’ll win. In Lake County, just north of Chicago, State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart’s office has sought detention in 100 percent of cases that involve charges of armed violence, criminal sexual assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and child pornography, among others. That doesn’t mean judges always grant his requests. But Rinehart pointed out that under a cash-based system, 70 percent of the people charged with child pornography, for example, posted bail and were released, but now all are being detained. The new law is “going incredibly well,” he said, because “we’re holding more dangerous people.”&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/hemp-growers-push-back-against-proposed-new-regulations/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Capitol News Illinois&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;A legislative committee and the Illinois Department of Agriculture agreed recently to delay finalizing new regulations governing hemp production amid an outcry of protests from small, independent producers.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Those proposed rules have been in development for at least two years. But the most recent draft, submitted in September, contained significant changes from earlier versions that caught many in the industry by surprise. That included provisions allowing unannounced inspections and testing of hemp crops, restrictions on who could obtain a license to produce the crop, and the possibility of criminal sanctions for violations of certain rules.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Norma Fuentes, a lobbyist for the Illinois Hemp Business Association, which represents small, independent and minority-owned hemp businesses, said the rules threatened to put many of them out of business. &amp;nbsp;[…]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fuentes also pointed to new provisions authorizing IDOA to conduct random, unannounced inspections and testing of hemp facilities, whereas earlier versions of the rule required the agency to give at least five days’ notice. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It opens the gate for overpolicing and criminalization of some of this industry, which is what we believe starts and fuels a second War on Drugs,” she said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Legislation to regulate delta-8 and other hemp products stalled in the House during spring &lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2024/05/29/delta-8-hemp-ban-illinois-regulations&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;session&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Statehouse News ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/illinois-legislators-demand-pritzker-comply-with-trump-policies/?utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_campaign=socialflow&amp;amp;utm_source=t.co&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WTVO | Illinois legislators demand Pritzker comply with Trump policies:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Members of Illinois’ Legislative Freedom Caucus have issued a demand to Gov. JB Pritzker, that he comply with federal mandates implemented by the incoming Trump administration. &amp;nbsp;Since Trump’s election victory, Pritzker has taken a combative stance against the President-elect’s policies, repeatedly issuing statements vowing to protect “vulnerable communities…who have been made to feel unsafe and unwelcome by the Trump campaign and its allies.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;*** Madigan Trial ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/26/madigan-trial-solis-continues-testimony/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune | ‘They say these outrageous things you can’t say any more’: FBI mole Solis continues testimony in Madigan trial:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; “So how does the Speaker deal with all this?” Solis asked, noting that the loose-lipped politicians they were discussing – like then-Democratic state legislators Luis Arroyo and Martin Sandoval and fundraiser Victor Reyes – were Madigan supporters. &amp;nbsp;“Well, he has surrogates,” McClain said. “A guy like me, he sends to go talk to Luis.” &amp;nbsp;“Smart,” Solis responded. “He’s gotta be one of the smartest, not just individuals, but elected officials, I‘ve met.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Statewide ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.fox32chicago.com/sports/illinois-high-school-football-ihsa-state-championship-schedule-matchups-dates-times?taid=67458e22988d9800014d63c0&amp;amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;amp;utm_source=twitter&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;FOX Chicago | Illinois high school football: IHSA State Championship schedule, matchups, dates and times:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;nbsp;When Thanksgiving arrives, so does the chance to win it all. &amp;nbsp;The IHSA state football championship games are set from Class 1A through 8A, culminating weeks of playoff showdowns and more drama.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Chicago ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/26/as-last-humboldt-park-encampment-residents-move-to-shelters-local-leaders-pledge-park-restoration/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Block Club | As Last Humboldt Park Encampment Residents Move To Shelters, Local Leaders Pledge Park Restoration:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Starting in early December, the remaining 30 or so families and individuals still at the encampment will move into shelters around the city, fully clearing the area before the winter holidays, said Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th). &amp;nbsp;“By the first week of December, everyone will either have moved into their apartments or moved to the shelter bed from the Humboldt Park encampment,” Fuentes said. “The Chicago Park District will then begin the remediation of the landscaping.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/26/rogers-parks-super-8-motel-migrant-shelter-closes/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Block Club | Rogers Park’s Super 8 Motel Migrant Shelter Closes:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;The Super 8 Motel shelter at 7300 N. Sheridan Road closed Sunday, according to the city. It opened in July 2023, initially housing 250 people with an emphasis on housing migrant families with children. &amp;nbsp;About 200 people were moved to other city shelters when the Super 8 Motel was decommissioned, Ald. Maria Hadden (49th) said. It’s unclear which locations shelter residents were moved to. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request to comment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-investigates/idot-kennedy-expressway-phase-2-completion-schedule/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WGN | IDOT targeted Oct. 31 to complete Phase 2 of Kennedy Expressway project. Is it behind schedule?:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The Illinois Department of Transportation is taking a scientific rather than a crystal clear approach to defining when the current phase of the Kennedy Expressway construction project will finish and drivers will finally be able to use the refurbished reversible lanes. &amp;nbsp;“Late fall” is the verbiage an IDOT spokesperson has been using for months, and when pressed for the definition of “fall,” reporters are reminded the winter solstice doesn’t actually occur until December 21st.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/money/2024/11/25/chicago-nonprofit-community-investment-record-breaking-15m-donation-mackenzie-scott&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Sun-Times | Chicago nonprofit sees record-breaking $15M donation from MacKenzie Scott:&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/b&gt;The nonprofit Community Investment Corp. has received another record-breaking donation to help fuel its affordable housing efforts, courtesy of author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. &amp;nbsp;CIC, which describes itself as “the region’s leading lender for affordable rental housing,” announced Monday a $15 million gift from Scott. It’s the second time Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has given CIC its largest individual gift to date — she previously gave it $8 million in 2020.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/26/chicago-street-named-for-music-legend-steve-albini-he-would-have-been-quite-impressed/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Block Club | Chicago Street Named For Music Legend Steve Albini: ‘He Would Have Been Quite Impressed’:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Albini, known for producing some of rock’s most iconic records and starting bands like Big Black and Shellac, died of a heart attack in May. He was 61. &amp;nbsp;Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th), who proposed the 2600-2700 block of West Belmont Avenue be named after Albini over the summer, spoke at the unveiling Monday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/26/chicago-bears-mike-ditka-streeterville/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune | Former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka buys Streeterville condo for $575,000:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Former Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka and his wife, Diana, on Nov. 12 paid $575,000 for a two-bedroom, 2,143-square-foot condominium on the 30th floor of a Streeterville high-rise. &amp;nbsp;With the purchase, the Ditkas now are once again owners in the same building where they had owned a two-bedroom, 1,904-square-foot condo on the 39th floor from 2000 until late 2023.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Cook County and Suburbs ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://thetriibe.com/2024/11/cook-county-states-attorney-kim-foxx-is-leaving-on-her-own-terms/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Triibe | Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx is leaving on her own terms: &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;The 52-year-old state’s attorney is a few days out from closing the door to her office for the last time, and she’s doing so on her own terms. Foxx decided not to run for office a third time after eight years of service. In that time, she brought a sea of criminal justice reform to a county notorious for carceral violence against Black and brown people, such as the Chicago police “black site” and the widely-publicized torture cases helmed by former Chicago police commander Jon Burge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wbez.org/communities/2024/11/25/residents-of-chicagos-south-suburbs-deal-with-crushing-tax-increases&quot;&gt;WBEZ | Residents of Chicago’s south suburbs deal with crushing tax increases:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;nbsp;Property tax bills rose nearly 20% this year for the median homeowner in south suburban Cook County — the highest increase in three decades, according to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office. Black residents in the south suburbs have been impacted the most. Of the 15 suburbs with the largest tax hikes, 13 are home to mostly Black people. In those suburbs, residents saw their property taxes go up 30% or more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://wgntv.com/news/south-suburbs/thornton-township-board-meeting-canceled-due-to-lack-of-quorum/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WGN | Thornton Township board meeting canceled due to lack of quorum:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Only one trustee showed up Monday night so there was not a quorum to hold a township board meeting, similar to last week. &amp;nbsp;Earlier on Monday, supervisor Tiffany Henyard called on all trustees to participate in Monday’s scheduled meeting to address agenda items, including approval of township bills, renewal of township insurance that expires on Dec. 1 and to vote on a promised property tax refund to residents.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241126/submitted-content/cook-co-treasurer-welcomes-visitors-to-celebration-of-christmas-trees-from-around-the-world/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Daily Herald | Cook Co. Treasurer welcomes visitors to celebration of ‘Christmas Trees from Around the World’:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; For the 21st year, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is celebrating ethnic holiday traditions of nearly 100 different nationalities at the “Christmas Trees from Around the World” display at her office. &amp;nbsp;The annual celebration of cultural diversity showcases handcrafted ornaments and decorations. “Christmas Trees from Around the World” is a display of 3-foot trees decorated by members of various ethnic and religious communities. Pappas invites the public to celebrate Christmas with music and festivities from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Treasurer’s Office, 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, Chicago.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;*&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/26/volunteers-will-county-forest-preserves/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; Daily Southtown | Volunteers contribute ‘major support’ in Will County Forest Preserves&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;: All told, the district has about 200 advanced, long-term volunteers and 900 others, which includes corporate groups who volunteer at least once a year. &amp;nbsp;District volunteers participate in a variety of programs, such as night hikes, litter cleanup, fall-themed events, trail sentinels and animal care at nature centers. Even costumed district mascot Willy Woodchuck, who walks around with kids and poses for photo opps, is a volunteer. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://wgntv.com/news/joliet/joliet-grinch-allegedly-stole-45k-worth-of-reindeer-decorations-from-baseball-stadium/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WGN | Joliet ‘Grinch’ allegedly stole $45K worth of reindeer decorations from baseball stadium&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt; Prior to his arrest, the baseball team took to social media by saying a “Grinch” used two different trucks for the heist. &amp;nbsp;The reindeers were stolen ahead of the Glow Holiday Festival at the ballpark. &amp;nbsp;Sessoms is accused of scrapping the reindeer, which are made of aluminum.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Downstate ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wcia.com/news/vermilion-county/new-safety-plan-in-the-works-after-danville-superintendent-says-she-received-threats/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WCIA | New safety plan in the works after Danville Superintendent says she received threats:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; For now, Geddis will continue remote work and said she has no intention of leaving the district before the end of her contract. &amp;nbsp;WCIA reached out to the FBI for more details. The public affairs officer said per the Department of Justice Policy, they can not comment at this time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tspr.org/tspr-local-news/2024-11-26/tastes-of-home-african-immigrants-become-restaurateurs-in-western-illinois&quot;&gt;Tri States Public Radio | Tastes of home — African immigrants become restaurateurs in western Illinois:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Weeks after Taste of Africa opened in Monmouth, another African restaurant opened in Galesburg. &amp;nbsp;Malewa Café is inside the Galesburg Selfie Museum, 144 N. Broad St. It’s currently open for pickup and DoorDash delivery, but will offer dine-in soon. &amp;nbsp;The café is the latest venture by Gogo Kupa, owner of the Galesburg Selfie Museum and executive director of the Lipanda Foundation, which helps Congolese immigrants with things like learning English and navigating the housing market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/mahomet-to-vote-on-pickleball-court-agreement-tuesday-night/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WCIA | Mahomet to vote on pickleball court agreement Tuesday night:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;nbsp;The Mahomet Board of Trustees will discuss approving an engineering and design services agreement for a 13-acre “Pickleball Project” Tuesday night. &amp;nbsp;The proposed park would be at the intersection of Elm and Dunbar Streets. Previously, the Mahomet-Seymour School District owned the space, but the village acquired it in 2021.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article295991009.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;BND | Belle-Clair Speedway has date with the wrecking ball. County plans other demolitions:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The St. Clair County Board approved two contracts for those demolitions and more throughout the county with Hank’s Excavating and Landscaping Inc. at its meeting Monday night. Hank’s Excavating and Landscaping Inc. submitted the lowest of four bids the county received for the work. &amp;nbsp;The racetrack demolition is expected to be the most expensive at $85,000. It will be paid for with federal COVID-related relief funds from the American Rescue Plan.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** National ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.propublica.org/article/porsha-ngumezi-miscarriage-death-texas-abortion-ban&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;ProPublica | A Third Woman Died Under Texas’ Abortion Ban. Doctors Are Avoiding D&amp;amp;Cs and Reaching for Riskier Miscarriage Treatments:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The 35-year-old’s death was preventable, according to more than a dozen doctors who reviewed a detailed summary of her case for ProPublica. Some said it raises serious questions about how abortion bans are pressuring doctors to diverge from the standard of care and reach for less-effective options that could expose their patients to more risks. Doctors and patients described similar decisions they’ve witnessed across the state.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/22/us/trump-states-democrat-legal-challenges.html?unlocked_article_code=1.ck4.FmGl.O7-d5IkQeVDs&amp;amp;smid=url-share&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;NYT | Blue States Worry That Blocking Trump Will Be Tougher This Time:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Around the country, states led by Democrats have expressed alarm about many of the new measures that Mr. Trump and his allies have described and have made broad preparations of their own. Lawyers have been scouring through the conservative policy plan known as Project 2025, and they have been strategizing how to challenge any such plans in an altered judicial landscape. Private advocacy groups have hundreds of lawyers ready to go to court. Governors in Democratic-led states have been preparing to coordinate. This week, Democratic attorneys general were gathering for a meeting in Pennsylvania.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/11/25/bird-flu-virus-h5n1-milk/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WaPo | Bird flu detected in raw milk sold at California store: &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;The H5N1 virus was found in a sample of unpasteurized milk at a store, prompting a recall of one batch. Health agencies have warned against the growing dietary fad.&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/7328727107472310337/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/isabels-afternoon-roundup_26.html#comment-form' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7328727107472310337'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7328727107472310337'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/isabels-afternoon-roundup_26.html' title='Isabel’s afternoon roundup'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-5695248643709098984</id><published>2024-11-26T14:23:00.004-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T14:25:10.385-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Feds say businessman&#39;s $15,000 payments to the late Sen. Sandoval are now considered legal</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;* I think this is the first local impact of the Snyder ruling.&amp;nbsp; &lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/11/26/vahooman-shadow-mirkhaef-martin-sandoval-snyder&quot;&gt;Sun-Times&lt;/a&gt;...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Federal prosecutors say they do not oppose a suburban businessman’s
2. appeal to overturn a 2021 conviction in which he admitted paying off <a class="Link" data-cms-ai="0" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/metro-state/2020/12/5/22155965/martin-sandoval-dies-covid-senator-illinois-federal-corruption-investigation" target="_blank">the late state Sen. Martin Sandoval</a> to help his business.</p><p>Vahooman
3. “Shadow” Mirkhaef, who ran the Cub Terminal logistics depot in McCook,
4. is using the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder ruling to argue that his
5. payments to Sandoval in 2018 should be considered legal “gratuities” —
6. and not illegal bribes — because they were given after Sandoval helped
7. him. <br /></p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Mirkhaef <a class="Link" data-cms-ai="0" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2021/11/17/22787515/businessman-pleads-guilty-rewarding-then-state-sen-martin-sandoval" target="_blank">pleaded guilty</a>
8. in November 2021 to paying the rewards after Sandoval assisted in the
9. sale of land owned by the Illinois Department of Transportation to
10. Mirkhaef’s adjacent business. Mirkhaef was <a class="Link" data-cms-ai="0" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2022/7/26/23279481/suburban-businessman-gets-probation-for-bribing-state-sen-martin-sandoval" target="_blank">sentenced to two years of probation</a>, which he completed early in August 2023.</p><p>
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29. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The feds, in their written response Monday, said they do not
30. oppose Mirkhaef’s motion to vacate the conviction for three reasons:</p>
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32. <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Mirkhaef
33.     cooperated and “substantially assisted the government.”</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">He
34.     faces legal consequences beyond the conviction, including being unable to
35.     run a business or travel to Canada, where some of his family lives.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">His
36.     $15,000 in payouts to Sandoval are all now considered legal under the
37.     Snyder ruling.</li></ul></blockquote><p><style>@font-face
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86. {margin-bottom:0in</style> * Speaking of Sandoval, here's the <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/26/madigan-trial-solis-continues-testimony/">Tribune</a>...</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Nearly seven years ago, two political insiders sitting in a City Hall
87. office agreed: These days, you have to be careful how you talk.</p><p>Too
88. many politicians are much too obvious about their corrupt intentions
89. and self-dealing, said then-Ald. Danny Solis and Michael McClain, an
90. ally of powerful Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. [...]<br /></p><p>On the recording, in fact, McClain said the Department of Justice was
91. planning to send 40 more prosecutors to Chicago. “They’ll wanna go
92. after white collar crime,” McClain said.</p><p>And in a later
93. conversation also played for the jury, McClain had even blunter words
94. for Sandoval, then the powerful head of the Senate Transportation
95. Committee known for playing fast and loose with the rules.</p><p>“Sandoval
96. — that guy is a…He’s a piece of work,” McClain told Solis in a recorded
97. phone call. “I mean, I’ve never wanted the guy on my side. I think he’s
98. an indictment waiting to happen frankly.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Also, during the veto session, yet another person asked me if I thought Sandoval was still alive and hiding out in Mexico.&amp;nbsp; It&#39;s wild how so many people believe this weird rumor. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/5695248643709098984/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/feds-say-businessmans-15000-payments-to.html#comment-form' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/5695248643709098984'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/5695248643709098984'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/feds-say-businessmans-15000-payments-to.html' title='Feds say businessman&#39;s $15,000 payments to the late Sen. Sandoval are now considered legal'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-442857118875753513</id><published>2024-11-26T12:07:00.003-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T12:13:54.975-06:00</updated><title type='text'>IDOC defends drug tests, reveals 414 workers&#39; comp claims have been filed &#39;relating to exposure to a chemical substance,&#39; many by the same lawyer</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;* Remember this?...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa9KmSBN4BJYctNUXfu86GsNkQJIRWZAI-jOjWTvZeZYbtz_qXijrIoMLEamtg9E88hlJsJsAuK3twUM2pbS6xQQSrEeMu_-HwzOFpB5J-iMlfTL2Z5miF_JKA5abOFeST8cflDffaGUNevSvZfM9Mf750069wDoitnWlKsLDykM95UW93qiuQdxgWG6U/s544/Screenshot%202024-11-26%20at%2012.08.55%E2%80%AFAM.png&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;166&quot; data-original-width=&quot;544&quot; height=&quot;122&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa9KmSBN4BJYctNUXfu86GsNkQJIRWZAI-jOjWTvZeZYbtz_qXijrIoMLEamtg9E88hlJsJsAuK3twUM2pbS6xQQSrEeMu_-HwzOFpB5J-iMlfTL2Z5miF_JKA5abOFeST8cflDffaGUNevSvZfM9Mf750069wDoitnWlKsLDykM95UW93qiuQdxgWG6U/w400-h122/Screenshot%202024-11-26%20at%2012.08.55%E2%80%AFAM.png&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The story was also about claims that drugs are being sent through the mail and about growing demands that the Illinois Department of Corrections start electronically scanning mail and sending images of that mail to prisoners, even though that hasn&#39;t really done much about the prison drug problems in other states. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;* Anyway, I reached out to IDOC about the failure rate and here&#39;s what they sent...&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;The statistics for the IDOC tests are dramatically different than the reports from New York. IDOC has facilities that use the Detectachem test kits, the Sirchie Nark II test kits, and/or SwabTek test kits. ISP believes these tests are suitable for DOC to use as a preliminary step to detect and identify potential illegal drugs. All positive tests are considered preliminary positives, and the results are sent to the ISP lab for independent testing.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In total (all scheduled drugs) this year, IDOC has submitted and received results back from ISP for 323 items that tested positive when using the tests at the facilities. Of those 323 preliminary positives, 235 (72.5%) were confirmed positive by ISP and 88 (27.25%) returned negative results. It is our understanding from detailed discussions with ISP that given the significant challenges in testing in this area, a 72.5% confirmation rate for positive results is a good rate that supports the continued use of these test kits.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The drug test kits are a tool but not reliable for a full identification, which is why results are considered preliminary and are sent to ISP for confirmation. The three test kit groups listed below (Sirchie NARK II, Detectachem and SwabTek) all work on the basis of a chemical reaction and an observed color change. This is why the process considers on-site testing preliminary and conducts further testing.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This can be subjective.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Given the prevalence of fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids in the prison system across the United States it presents a challenge for the use of test kits.&amp;nbsp; These are some of the more challenging drugs to screen with reagent color changes, especially given the sheer number of compounds available. It is all the more challenging given the lack of control status for many of the substances. The ISP laboratory performs a general screening on these types of submissions and does not take results of field testing into consideration to prevent bias in the analytical process&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;* At the end of the emai&lt;/b&gt;l, the IDOC spokesperson justified the move to mail scanning by pointing to the huge number of workers&#39; comp claims filed...&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;IDOC
99. must address the mail in an effort to stop the increase in workers’
100. comp cases. As of now, CMS has received 414 workers’ compensation claims
101. [as of last week] from IDOC employees relating to exposure to a
102. chemical substance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the governor&#39;s office, 102 cases have advanced to the Workers’ Comp Commission and all of those workers are being represented by attorney Tom Rich.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;* You might remember Mr. Rich.&amp;nbsp; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2012/03/22/240338.htm&quot;&gt;This is from 2012&lt;/a&gt;...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;Some Illinois prison guards who received workers’ compensation settlements had only mild carpal tunnel syndrome in their wrists or similar elbow injuries and might not have needed surgery, according to a newspaper investigation.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;Guards at the Menard Correctional Center have filed about 230 repetitive trauma cases that resulted in more than $10 million in partial disability settlements since January 2008. They claimed their injuries were from locking and unlocking cell doors and were awarded between $20,000 and $80,000 each. The surgery that guards had was a factor in how much money was awarded.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;The Belleville News-Democrat reported that it asked two neurologists to review diagnostic nerve testing results for 50 of the guards that it obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;The neurologists concluded that of those cases, 80 percent to 85 percent were mild and likely could have been treated without surgery. They cautioned, however, that without examining the patients, their conclusions would not be up to medical standards. [...]&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;-webkit-standard&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;Attorney Tom Rich, who handled many of the 230 claims, said many of his clients were “horribly injured” by repeatedly operating locks but returned to work after surgery and received settlements. The newspaper said he declined to comment for the article.&lt;/span&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Time is a flat circle. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/442857118875753513/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/idoc-defends-drug-tests-reveals-414.html#comment-form' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/442857118875753513'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/442857118875753513'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/idoc-defends-drug-tests-reveals-414.html' title='IDOC defends drug tests, reveals 414 workers&#39; comp claims have been filed &#39;relating to exposure to a chemical substance,&#39; many by the same lawyer'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa9KmSBN4BJYctNUXfu86GsNkQJIRWZAI-jOjWTvZeZYbtz_qXijrIoMLEamtg9E88hlJsJsAuK3twUM2pbS6xQQSrEeMu_-HwzOFpB5J-iMlfTL2Z5miF_JKA5abOFeST8cflDffaGUNevSvZfM9Mf750069wDoitnWlKsLDykM95UW93qiuQdxgWG6U/s72-w400-h122-c/Screenshot%202024-11-26%20at%2012.08.55%E2%80%AFAM.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-8860427045083492143</id><published>2024-11-26T09:55:00.001-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T09:55:05.476-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Roundup: Madigan corruption trial</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/michael-madigan-corruption-trial-daniel-solis-witness/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis had been secretly cooperating with the FBI for more than a year when he received an unexpected voicemail that surely caught the attention of agents listening in from the wire room.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;“Danny, it’s Mike Madigan,” said the unmistakable voice on the June 2017 message. “Would you call?” […]&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;“I think they understand they’ve got some issues that they still have to deal with me in terms of zoning,” Solis on the June 23, 2017, call, which was played in court.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;“I think they understand how this works, you know, the quid pro quo, the quid pro quo.”&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Madigan sounded a bit caught off guard by the remark, but answered “OK.”&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/you-shouldnt-be-talking-like-that-madigan-scolded-alderman-turned-fbi-mole-for-bringing-up-quid-pro-quo/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Capitol News Illinois&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;On Monday, nearly 7 ½ years after that conversation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur asked Solis why he’d used the phrase “quid pro quo” in the call. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;“I don’t know,” Solis said after a pause. “It was dumb.”&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;“Say that again, please?” MacArthur asked, one of many times she asked Solis to keep his voice up during his hours on the stand Monday. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;“I thought it was too blunt but basically what I was trying to say was we could have this meeting and he could probably get business from them, and I could work on the zoning,” &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Solis testified that his FBI contacts hadn’t instructed him to use the phrase. But according to testimony from Special Agent Ryan McDonald last week, Solis was carrying out directions to give Madigan the impression that the alderman’s approval of necessary zoning changes was contingent on the developers hiring the speaker’s law firm.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;*&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/live/michael-madigan-trial-danny-solis-testimony-live-updates-tuesday&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Sun-Times&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;In another phone call five days later, Madigan is heard asking Solis: “I’m going to see you tomorrow? … Could you come a little early?” &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;That was a reference to the meeting with Union West, set for July 18. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;“Maybe you and I could talk before we meet with them,” Madigan suggested. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;They did meet early, behind a closed door, and Madigan brought up Solis’ comment about a “quid pro quo” that MacArthur had asked him about earlier Monday. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;“You shouldn’t be talking like that,” Madigan is heard saying, very quietly. “You’re just recommending.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;*&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.courthousenews.com/ex-chicago-city-councilor-turned-fbi-mole-testifies-in-mike-madigan-corruption-trial/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; Courthouse News&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;[J]urors also heard Solis ask Madigan to keep discussions about the Chinatown development on &quot;the QT.&quot; &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;When MacArthur asked him why he wanted to keep the issue quiet, Solis explained he was worried then-Republican Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and other Illinois Republicans might use it as political ammo against Chicago Democrats. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&quot;I didn&#39;t want people, especially in Rauner&#39;s camp, to think this was something they could do against Democratic aldermen in the city,&quot; Solis said on the stand. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Solis will likely speak more about the Chinatown deal on Tuesday. He has been on the stand since late Thursday afternoon, though there were no trial proceedings on Friday. His testimony is expected to last several days at least.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/8860427045083492143/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/roundup-madigan-corruption-trial.html#comment-form' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/8860427045083492143'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/8860427045083492143'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/roundup-madigan-corruption-trial.html' title='Roundup: Madigan corruption trial'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-7875996645910376810</id><published>2024-11-26T09:01:00.003-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T12:41:50.830-06:00</updated><title type='text'>It’s just a bill</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;* First, some background from&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/11/26/how-ai-has-and-will-continue-to-transform-healthcare/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Forbes&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;AI&#39;s primary role in healthcare has focused on back-office automation and infrastructure improvements. This includes streamlining intake forms, generating meeting notes, and providing comprehensive summarization services. Companies like DeepScribe have successfully implemented AI for transcription services, while emerging platforms like Thoughtful AI are revolutionizing back-office automation through enhanced payment claims processing and claims management using AI agents. Agents have the ability to take actions and perform work autonomously, similarly to a human, such as by opening applications, copying and pasting, etc. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Language models combined with agents will create artificial general intelligence (AGI), an AI that can do almost anything a human can. Many experts now project that AGI could arrive as soon as 2028, a significant acceleration from previous estimates, due to rapid advancements in the technology. AGI trained on appropriate medical datasets could surpass clinicians&#39; abilities in diagnosis, treatment planning, and even the administration of treatment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://medcitynews.com/2024/11/how-payers-are-using-ai-to-deny-claims-and-dent-provider-revenue/&quot;&gt;Med City News&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Many providers may not realize AI tools are being used to review their claims, and these systems are not built with provider interests in mind. While AI has the potential to streamline processes, its current use in the revenue cycle is resulting in more claim denials, payment delays, and a greater need for appeals, particularly because payers often use AI to retroactively review medical necessity determinations. To navigate this AI-driven landscape, hospitals need to develop expertise to combat the biases and errors inherent in these systems.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;One of the biggest issues with AI in claims processing is the lack of transparency. Payers rarely disclose that AI is being used or explain how it operates, and providers are often unaware of the algorithms driving these AI systems. This leaves hospitals with little information to contest AI-generated denials.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Without insight into the logic behind these denials, hospitals are at a disadvantage, especially given the added administrative burden of contesting them. For example, AI audits frequently occur after hospitals have completed due diligence, received authorization, and have been paid for a claim. AI systems may retroactively re-evaluate the claim and decide that medical necessity wasn’t met. This can lead to payment reversals, requiring hospitals to use even more resources to contest claims that were initially approved. In short, AI-driven post-payment audits delay payments and erode trust between hospitals and payers, putting hospitals under financial strain. […]&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;In an effort to combat payer AI denials, some hospitals have implemented their own AI tools to handle claims. While this might seem like a good solution, it can backfire. Payers’ AI systems are increasingly sophisticated and can sometimes detect when they are countered by another AI system rather than a skilled human. This can trigger more denials, as payer systems may overlook or reject automated responses, perceiving them as less credible.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/illinois-bill-aims-limit-ai-health-insurance-decisions&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Crain’s&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Illinois Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, is introducing a new piece of legislation today aimed at regulating how health insurance companies leverage artificial intelligence to make coverage decisions. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;The bill’s working title, Artificial Intelligence Systems Use in Health Insurance Act, would give the Illinois Department of Insurance regulatory oversight of Illinois health insurance providers&#39; use of AI to make or support adverse determinations that affect consumers, such as care claims denials. And it would effectively ban the sole use of machine-learning or generative AI to deny care or coverage. […]&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;The legislation would require any adverse decision be reviewed by a health care professional. It would also expand the type of information insurers would be required to share with the IDOI when using AI. […]&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Health insurers, like other insurance companies, often use AI to expedite claims approval and denial processes as they deal with high claims volume. But concern over how that&#39;s affecting consumers and their health is growing, especially as more patients and physicians report insurance plans denying coverage for care. Investigations by ProPublica and others have revealed the use of AI can sometimes contribute to care denials.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;*&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5918&amp;amp;GAID=17&amp;amp;GA=103&amp;amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;amp;LegID=155646&amp;amp;SessionID=112&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;HB5918&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;Creates the Artificial Intelligence Systems Use in Health Insurance Act. Provides that the Department of Insurance&#39;s regulatory oversight of insurers includes oversight of an insurer&#39;s use of AI systems to make or support adverse determinations that affect consumers. Provides that any insurer authorized to operate in the State is subject to review by the Department in an investigation or market conduct action regarding the development, implementation, and use of AI systems or predictive models and the outcomes from the use of those AI systems or predictive models. Provides that an insurer authorized to do business in Illinois shall not issue an adverse consumer outcome with regard to the denial, reduction, or termination of insurance plans or benefits that result solely from the use or application of any AI system or predictive model. Provides that any decision-making process for the denial, reduction, or termination of insurance plans or benefits that results from the use of AI systems or predictive models shall be meaningfully reviewed, in accordance with review procedures determined by Department rules, by an individual with authority to override the AI systems and determinations. Authorizes the Department to adopt emergency rules to implement the Act and to adopt rules concerning standards for full and fair disclosure of an insurer&#39;s use of AI systems. Makes a conforming change in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/7875996645910376810/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/its-just-bill_26.html#comment-form' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7875996645910376810'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7875996645910376810'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/its-just-bill_26.html' title='It’s just a bill'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-386934043820567393</id><published>2024-11-26T07:57:00.004-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T11:28:58.245-06:00</updated><title type='text'>&quot;Reese walked into my office, closed the door, sat down, and, without any context, said, &#39;Jews...&#39;&quot; (Updated)</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/10/23/mayor-brandon-johnsons-communications-director-exiting/&quot;&gt;October&lt;/a&gt;...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mayor Brandon Johnson’s communications director is leaving City Hall, sources told the Tribune Wednesday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ronnie
103. Reese, who led Johnson’s press office since the transition in May 2023,
104. will exit the role after a tumultuous year-and-a-half that’s seen the
105. administration struggle at times with media strategy. He did not
106. immediately respond to a request for comment.</p><p>A spokesperson for
107. the mayor said Johnson press secretary Erin Connelly has been appointed
108. acting communications director and will run the mayor’s press office
109. moving forward. The departure was not a voluntary decision by Reese,
110. sources with direct knowledge of the situation told the Tribune.</p><p>Reese
111. leaving marks a key shake-up in the mayor’s inner circle. Long a close
112. friend of the mayor’s, Reese previously worked as a deputy press
113. secretary for the Chicago Teachers Union before serving as press
114. secretary for Johnson’s winning 2023 mayoral campaign.</p></blockquote><p> </p><p>* <a href="https://x.com/miriamcbthinks/status/1861197086932242740?s=46">Fast forward</a>...</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://x.com/miriamcbthinks/status/1861197086932242740?s=46" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="582" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDPfcCkunM0NxhVPX9UYhyphenhyphenMQhBF5927rZC9EpKgh4cb1obSF-gFTku772udZ0APiFQ5zU7JjbTC5YUhBKSx7umTd2tSMGuvXksSKNDYi7OoOrVN0vHQm5mARe9n0O04fROVUrauT68rMlf2Eqde9DQiYiGqXGxLhdBTDvRTdvtaETToxXufRTb27Fyqmb/w400-h399/Screenshot%202024-11-26%20at%202.46.40%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>OK, remember these are only allegations.  But  Reese wasn't exactly revered as a nice guy while he was on staff. <br /></p><p>* From <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHhOQJGcQ43tNvAS4fnmdMT1TtPhiJNw/view?usp=sharing">one of the files</a>... <br /></p><blockquote><p>I'd like to begin by stating that | was extremely reluctant to bring forward this complaint due to the hostile and retaliatory environment created by Ronnie Reese, a senior staff member of the Mayor’s Office. Reese has already fired seven former members of the Mayor’s Press Office, has threatened current staff with termination, and has blacklisted three former employees on the City’s Do Not Hire list. He is also named in other complaints and his mistreatment has been documented by the press. | hesitate to come forward out of fear of retaliation and termination. </p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Under Reese's management, the Mayor’s Press Office has become a hostile workplace where anyone can be deemed what Reese calls an "opp" (operative or opposition) and face severe exclusion and retaliation. This label is often given simply for talking to certain staffers or colleagues. Those labeled as “opps” are systematically left out of crucial emails and meetings, treated coldly, and have their role reduced by Reese. Attempts by staffers to address these concerns would only make things worse, as Reese takes suggestions as criticism and concerns as challenges to his authority. </p></blockquote><blockquote><p>| have personally experienced mistreatment by Reese in the form of sexual harassment, misogyny, exclusion, and unfair treatment. The increasing hostility in this environment has left me in constant fear for my job and well-being. </p></blockquote><blockquote><p>Below | outline incidents that | have experienced along with documentation:<br /><br /></p></blockquote><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHhOQJGcQ43tNvAS4fnmdMT1TtPhiJNw/view?usp=sharing">Keep reading</a>. <br /></p><p>* <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M_H1V09Z2fMoNtgFPllTblttNjZ09hi7 ">More</a>...<br /></p><p></p><blockquote><p>In a disturbing incident, Reese walked into my office, closed the door, sat down, and, without any context, said, “Jews...” His inappropriate and antisemitic remarks left me feeling deeply uncomfortable. [...]<br /></p><p>Referred to [Redacted] as the "Jew." [...]<br /></p><p>He has shown a
115. pattern of misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic, and anti-latine
116. behavior. He has made comments to and around his staff, including asking
117. a [Redacted] "so, the Jews?" </p><p>He routinely treats women on staff
118. differently, making comments that they're stupid and incompetent. He
119. degrades his staff, people he works with outside the Mayor's Office, and
120. talks disparagingly about other staff to his junior staff. Not only
121. does he harass verbally, but he also bullies people via email and text
122. messages on City devices, with some of his direct reports keeping the
123. screenshots. His reports have not gone to DHR or EEO in fear of
124. retribution and firing, and some are already being retributed against by
125. icing out and more harassment. <b>This has been consistent since the Mayor
126. has taken office in May 2023. </b></p></blockquote><p><b></b></p><p>* Another...</p><p></p><blockquote>Date Created: 2024-07-18 21:52:15<br />Description of Incident: | was a part of a conversation with several members of the Mayor's Office Comms/Press team where several members of the team expressed grave concerns with their manager Ronnie Reese. Concerns included intimidation, hostile work environment, and nappropriate comments around race. Several of the team members indicated that Mr. Reese either blatantly indicated that he was "untouchable" and couldn't be fired or eluded to that.</blockquote> <p></p><p>* This is quite <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M_H1V09Z2fMoNtgFPllTblttNjZ09hi7 ">something</a>...<br /></p><p></p><p></p><blockquote><p>THE MAYOR’S PRESS OFFICE MEETING WITH THE CHIEF OF STAFF <br /></p></blockquote><blockquote><p>-  Reese did not attend the meeting as he was on PTO.<br />-  The beginning of this meeting was incredibly off-putting as it began with blaming the previous administration for parking meters, for a lack of infrastructure, and no updated personnel handbooks. While this may be true, it felt unrelated to the issue at hand and felt like a way to shift accountability.<br />-  The Chief of Staff (CoS) also stated at the beginning of the meeting that “all firing and hiring goes through me” and told us we don’t have to worry about retaliation. However, this was visibly unconvincing to the group as the questions that followed her statement challenged this in the context of the seven firings that had already occurred.<br />-  The CoS repeatedly advocated for Reese’s inclusion in meetings about this matter and referenced “peace circles” but the team was unanimously against his inclusion due to the shared fear of retaliation.<br /></p><p>-  As team members spoke up, others used terms like “misogynist,” “hostile,” “narcissistic,” and “petty.”<br />- The CoS brought up restorative justice but one member of the team pointed out that in order for restorative justice to work, there has to be an ability and willingness for change which the team does not see in Reese.<br />- Members of the team repeatedly rephrased questions about how this situation would be dealt with that the CoS did not directly answer.<br />- The meeting did not result in any additional clarity or changes.<br />- The meeting ended with a unanimous agreement that the present members of the Mayor’s Press Office team did not want to meet with the CoS and Reese to discuss this matter.</p></blockquote><p><b>...Adding... </b> <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/26/mayor-brandon-johnson-press-director-accusations/">Tribune</a>...</p><p></p><blockquote><p>In a statement he released on Tuesday, Reese denied all the accusations and said he never mistreated any staffers.</p><p>“I
127. strongly and unequivocally deny any allegations of wrongdoing,” Reese
128. wrote. “Throughout my career, I have carried myself with the utmost
129. professionalism and respect for all of my peers, something to which many
130. of my former colleagues at the City of Chicago and previous employers
131. can attest. There are many, many others who know my character, and who
132. know the truth. I stand confident in that truth as I continue to
133. prioritize my wife, my children and the health of my family in the next
134. chapter of my career.”</p></blockquote><p></p><p><b> ...Adding...</b>  Best comment so far...</p><blockquote><p class="comment-content">Peace circles and restorative justice for
135. sexual harassment — can’t make this stuff up. It’s like SNL doing a
136. parody of a progressive workplace. If they burn enough incense and snap
137. their fingers to the positive vibes, the harm will go away.</p><p></p></blockquote><p><style>@font-face
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178. {page:WordSection1;}&lt;/style&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/386934043820567393/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/reese-walked-into-my-office-closed-door.html#comment-form' title='33 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/386934043820567393'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/386934043820567393'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/reese-walked-into-my-office-closed-door.html' title='&quot;Reese walked into my office, closed the door, sat down, and, without any context, said, &#39;Jews...&#39;&quot; (Updated)'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDPfcCkunM0NxhVPX9UYhyphenhyphenMQhBF5927rZC9EpKgh4cb1obSF-gFTku772udZ0APiFQ5zU7JjbTC5YUhBKSx7umTd2tSMGuvXksSKNDYi7OoOrVN0vHQm5mARe9n0O04fROVUrauT68rMlf2Eqde9DQiYiGqXGxLhdBTDvRTdvtaETToxXufRTb27Fyqmb/s72-w400-h399-c/Screenshot%202024-11-26%20at%202.46.40%E2%80%AFAM.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>33</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-8555143259750151566</id><published>2024-11-26T07:57:00.001-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T07:57:51.887-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;[The following is a paid advertisement.]&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;, serif; font-size: 14pt;&quot;&gt;Retail
179. provides one out of every five Illinois jobs, generates the second
180. largest amount of tax revenue for the state, and is the largest source
181. of revenue for local governments. But retail is also so much more, with
182. retailers serving as the trusted contributors to life’s moments, big and
183. small.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; widows: auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;&amp;quot;Century Gothic&amp;quot;, sans-serif&quot; style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot; class=&quot;BLOG_video_class&quot; height=&quot;266&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/qD7KFBN1G80&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; youtube-src-id=&quot;qD7KFBN1G80&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;i style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: black; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;, serif; font-size: 14pt;&quot;&gt;We Are Retail&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;, serif; font-size: 14pt; orphans: auto; widows: auto;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;and IRMA are dedicated to sharing the stories of retailers like&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;, serif; font-size: 14pt; orphans: auto; widows: auto;&quot;&gt;Stephanie&lt;span style=&quot;color: black;&quot;&gt;, who serve their communities with dedication and pride.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/8555143259750151566'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/8555143259750151566'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/showcasing-retailers-who-make-illinois_26.html' title='Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qD7KFBN1G80/default.jpg" height="72" width="72"/></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-3518825531706371378</id><published>2024-11-26T07:38:00.004-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T07:38:38.361-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Open thread</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;* What’s going on? Keep it Illinois-centric please…&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/3518825531706371378/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/open-thread_26.html#comment-form' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/3518825531706371378'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/3518825531706371378'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/open-thread_26.html' title='Open thread'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-2240811453150153246</id><published>2024-11-26T07:38:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T07:38:09.121-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Isabel’s morning briefing</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;&quot;&gt;*&amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;ICYMI:&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);&quot;&gt;‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever&#39; expected at airports across the country this week, including Chicago. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/thanksgiving-travel-chicago-ohare-midway-tsa-airports/3610059/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;NBC Chicago&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;&quot;&gt;...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;-&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9); color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9);&quot;&gt;According to TSA, more than 18.3 million people expected to move through airports across the country beginning Tuesday.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9); color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9);&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;-&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9); color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9);&quot;&gt;In Chicago alone, 1.8 million people are expected to pass through Midway and O&#39;Hare International Airports between Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2, the Chicago Department of Aviation said.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;- The surge in passenger traffic&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9); color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9);&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;amounts to an expected increase of 11.4% compared to Thanksgiving 2023, the CDA said.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9); color: rgba(13, 13, 13, 0.9);&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*** Statehouse News ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wandtv.com/news/safe-at-home-illinois-lawmakers-left-veto-session-without-passing-gun-control-plans/article_50696a40-ab77-11ef-9019-bfa9654e823c.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; &lt;b&gt;WAND | Illinois lawmakers left veto session without passing gun control plans&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;: &lt;/b&gt;Many hoped gun control would be a major priority for lawmakers during veto session, but that period has come and gone. Now, lawmakers and advocates are determined to get guns out of the wrong hands during lame duck session in early January. &amp;nbsp;&quot;When a firearm is involved in a situation of domestic violence, time is of the essence,&quot; said Amanda Pyron, Executive Director of the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence. &quot;Risk of intimate partner homicides increase 500% when abusers have access to a gun.&quot;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*** Statewide ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/conservative-group-asks-u-s-supreme-court-to-review-mike-bosts-challenge-to-how-mail-in-votes-are-counted-in-illinois/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Capitol News Illinois |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/conservative-group-asks-u-s-supreme-court-to-review-mike-bosts-challenge-to-how-mail-in-votes-are-counted-in-illinois/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Conservative group asks U.S. Supreme Court to review Mike Bost’s challenge to how mail-in votes are counted in Illinois:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Two lower courts have already ruled against Bost’s 2022 case against the Illinois State Board of Elections. The U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled in August Bost lacked standing to sue in the case. &amp;nbsp;But the legal fight is not over for Judicial Watch, which filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 19 asking the court to take up the case in hopes justices might strike down Illinois’ law. &amp;nbsp;“Specific holdings in this case will tend to make the next electoral cycle as fraught as 2020,” the group argues.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*** Chicago ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wbez.org/criminal-justice/2024/11/26/chicago-policing-real-costs-could-be-nearly-double-next-years-2-1-billion-budget-former-city-analyst-finds&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WBEZ |&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;Chicago policing real costs could be nearly double next year’s $2.1 billion budget, former city analyst finds:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Johnson’s nearly $2.1 billion CPD budget does not account for pensions, benefits or vastly underbudgeted spending on overtime and legal defense, according to Jonathan Silverstein, who left the Council Office of Financial Analysis in 2020. Silverstein’s report says these and other hidden costs could total $1.7 billion, lifting next year’s police spending total to $3.8 billion.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/small-business/2024/11/26/chicago-artisans-hosting-different-black-friday-holiday-shopping-experience&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Sun-Times |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/small-business/2024/11/26/chicago-artisans-hosting-different-black-friday-holiday-shopping-experience&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Chicago&#39;s upcycling artisans host alternative Black Friday shopping experience:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The artisans include Maggie Joyce, who makes colorful jewelry from recycled eyeglasses; Kate Wolicki, who uses old textiles such as thrifted neckties to create bags and more; and Chris Wooten, who transforms furniture found in Chicago’s alleys into unique wooden bowls, utensils and even chessboards. &amp;nbsp;The upcycled crafts fair will also feature eco-friendly activities and coincides with Small Business Saturday. It’ll be held at several shops, including Irish bistro Mrs. Murphy &amp;amp; Sons, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave.; fitness studio Free MVMT Shop, 3868 N. Lincoln Ave.; and Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream, 1943 W. Byron St.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/24/too-midwestern-for-a-megasale-in-some-markets-mansions-are-selling-for-100m-and-up-but-not-in-chicago-heres-why/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune | Too Midwestern for a megasale? In some markets, mansions are selling for $100M and up, but not in Chicago. Here’s why:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The dearth of megasales in the Chicago area is probably linked to the fact that local listings tend to be less pricey than in other cities, families here tend to assemble large homesteads rather than buy them, and buyers bring good old-fashioned Midwestern sensibility to the process, agents said.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/25/inside-chicagos-essential-dive-bars-photos-from-14-iconic-watering-holes/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Block Club |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/25/inside-chicagos-essential-dive-bars-photos-from-14-iconic-watering-holes/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Inside Chicago’s Essential Dive Bars: Photos From 14 Iconic Watering Holes:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; &amp;nbsp;Reporter Linze Rice and photojournalist Colin Boyle hit up many of the classic Chicago spots. Here’s a peek inside and outside the ones they visited. &amp;nbsp;For the full story about the bars’ histories, vibes and clientele, click &lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/25/chicagos-essential-dive-bars-the-history-and-legacy-of-14-iconic-watering-holes/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*** Cook County and Suburbs ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241125/local-politics/one-aurora-mayoral-candidate-removed-from-the-ballot/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Daily Herald |&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;One Aurora mayoral candidate removed from the ballot:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Karina Garcia’s name will not appear on the ballot because the electoral board ruled she did not file a proper economic interest statement. &amp;nbsp;Instead of listing the position she was seeking in the form, Karina Garcia entered her job. &amp;nbsp;The form, which candidates had to file with the Kane County clerk, asks for a person’s job title. Underneath the lines to be filled in, it reads: “Office, department or agency that requires you to file this form.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/thornton-township-illinois-trustees-fight-supervisor-tiffany-henyard/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;CBS Chicago | Some suburban Chicago leaders say Supervisor Tiffany Henyard is using turkey giveaway as distraction:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The township holds turkey giveaways annually. But some believe Henyard used the event this year to defer from the work that needs to be done by township government. &amp;nbsp;Henyard was enthusiastic giving out smoked ham hocks and smoked turkey at the Thanksgiving giveaway. She called herself, &quot;You super Mayor Tiffany Henyard&quot; and &quot;the people&#39;s mayor-slash-people&#39;s supervisor.&quot;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241125/news/mundelein-pot-store-wants-second-recreational-lounge/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Daily Herald | Mundelein pot store wants second recreational lounge:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The first lounge opened in 2021 and was the first in the Northwest suburbs. &amp;nbsp;Creating a second lounge will allow Rise to offer live comedy and musical performances or art classes without disturbing lounge customers who don’t want to partake in such activities, according to a memo from its parent company, Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries, to the village.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Downstate ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/springfield-grapples-with-increased-crime-19390931&quot;&gt;Illinois Times |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/springfield-grapples-with-increased-crime-19390931&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Springfield grapples with increased crime:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;[&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;&quot;&gt;Antwaun Readus Sr.]&lt;/span&gt;, a barber at First Class Barbershop, 100 N. Wesley St., and vice president of the nonprofit Better Life Better Living for Kidz, pleaded at the council meeting for approval of a $30,000 loan from the city for the financially strapped but respected organization.&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;More youth programs are needed to intervene in the lives of young people to prevent them from becoming victims or perpetrators of crime, he said. The 43-year-old Springfield native was frustrated by bureaucratic delays that had prevented Better Life from getting access to a $215,000 grant awarded to the group a year ago.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wsiltv.com/news/illinois/eeoc-sues-employer-alleges-transgender-employees-were-subjected-to-harassment-at-carbondale-wendys/article_8cd75804-ab7f-11ef-9d63-73fc7a05072f.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WSIL |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wsiltv.com/news/illinois/eeoc-sues-employer-alleges-transgender-employees-were-subjected-to-harassment-at-carbondale-wendys/article_8cd75804-ab7f-11ef-9d63-73fc7a05072f.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;EEOC sues employer, alleges transgender employees were subjected to harassment at Carbondale Wendy&#39;s:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;The EEOC stated in its lawsuit, the agency charged the Wendy&#39;s location in Carbondale subjected a class of transgender employees to persuasive sexual harassment which includes misgendering, graphic sexual comments, unequal access to bathrooms, intrusive questions and degrading conduct based on gender identity.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #222222;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wsiltv.com/news/illinois/giant-city-state-park-plans-programs-for-december/article_d0c8e2a6-ab45-11ef-922a-37420cbd1326.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WSIL | Giant City State Park plans programs for December:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;&quot;&gt;On Saturday, December 7th, grab your cold weather gear for an easy stroll to spot winter birds. Starting at 9 a.m., Vicki Lang-Mendenhall, park volunteer and Southern Illinois Audubon Society member, will guide spotters along the easy third-of-a-mile Post Oak Trail. You&#39;ll want to bring along your binoculars for that one.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*** National ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://apnews.com/article/walmart-dei-inclusion-diversity-34b06922e60e5116fe198696201ce4d9&quot;&gt;AP |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; letter-spacing: -0.5px;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://apnews.com/article/walmart-dei-inclusion-diversity-34b06922e60e5116fe198696201ce4d9&quot;&gt;Walmart becomes latest - and biggest - company to roll back its DEI policies:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;The changes, confirmed by Walmart on Monday, are sweeping and include everything from not renewing a five-year commitment for an equity racial center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd, to pulling out of a prominent gay rights index. And when it comes to race or gender, Walmart won’t be giving priority treatment to suppliers. &amp;nbsp;Walmart’s moves underscore the increasing pressure faced by corporate America as it continues to navigate the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 ending affirmative action in college admissions. Emboldened by that decision, conservative groups have filed lawsuits making similar arguments about corporations, targeting workplace initiatives such as diversity programs and hiring practices that prioritize historically marginalized groups.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/2240811453150153246/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/isabels-morning-briefing_26.html#comment-form' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/2240811453150153246'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/2240811453150153246'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/isabels-morning-briefing_26.html' title='Isabel’s morning briefing'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-5679192715557618107</id><published>2024-11-26T07:02:00.006-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T07:02:41.511-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Live coverage</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp; Hi all! Thanks for sticking with us through this predicament. You can&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/i/lists/1635657810846294017&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;to keep up with the Madigan trial. For our old live coverage list click&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/i/lists/1791505369157562823&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;and&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/i/lists/22616376&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/5679192715557618107/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/live-coverage_26.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/5679192715557618107'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/5679192715557618107'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/live-coverage_26.html' title='Live coverage'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-4905910117104961762</id><published>2024-11-26T07:01:00.003-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-26T07:01:43.635-06:00</updated><title type='text'> Selected press releases (Live updates)</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
184. <div data-eid="3592037709156269597" id="LB24_LIVE_CONTENT"></div>
185. &lt;script src=&quot;https://v.24liveblog.com/24.js&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/4905910117104961762/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/selected-press-releases-live-updates_26.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/4905910117104961762'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/4905910117104961762'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/selected-press-releases-live-updates_26.html' title=' Selected press releases (Live updates)'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-6907541997605181980</id><published>2024-11-25T14:31:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T14:31:35.177-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Isabel’s afternoon roundup</title><content type='html'>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.northernpublicradio.org/wnij-news/2024-11-25/illinois-education-leaders-unveil-vision-2030-a-blueprint-for-the-future-of-education&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;NPR Illinois&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;A group of five statewide education organizations released a blueprint for the future of Illinois education called&lt;a href=&quot;https://illinoisvision2030.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; touch-action: manipulation;&quot;&gt;Vision 2030&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;The broad plan revolves around three pillars: future-focused learning, shared accountability, and predictable funding.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;Gary Tipsord with the state’s regional superintendent group says the school code has more than doubled since 2000. But with more responsibilities, schools need flexibility to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;“How do we get more agility in the system of public education,&quot; he said, &quot;so that we can better meet the needs of the students, the economy, the opportunity base that they may have?&quot;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;blockquote style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;That could be learning flexibility like expanding college and career exploration opportunities; financial flexibility for districts to use funding to address their specific needs; or license flexibility to attract new teachers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;* Another view on licensing &lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/capitolfax/status/1861117952709243092&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;flexibility&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b5Mh5yfIAUBd5tlF7zRHONM9wsz3nOUSXrXwW9lH9nU6bIHcHdnQjXvst8MbtZd21dGiXwL1j3ygpQpnwjV_19CQnZLHmabBcJg6AZ6MaeD_u2CXfEB5N1VdE_tZEpyTyQyF2xVlB3oSZz9f7K-UDdsoWRkPz9PRd8Z5EeEiMKGuWXu6hXE5XRFBRF4/s1047/IMG_2167.jpeg&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;565&quot; data-original-width=&quot;1047&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b5Mh5yfIAUBd5tlF7zRHONM9wsz3nOUSXrXwW9lH9nU6bIHcHdnQjXvst8MbtZd21dGiXwL1j3ygpQpnwjV_19CQnZLHmabBcJg6AZ6MaeD_u2CXfEB5N1VdE_tZEpyTyQyF2xVlB3oSZz9f7K-UDdsoWRkPz9PRd8Z5EeEiMKGuWXu6hXE5XRFBRF4/w551-h298/IMG_2167.jpeg&quot; width=&quot;551&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Several years ago, the legislature made it easier for business people to get certified to teach. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wglt.org/illinois/2024-11-25/illinois-school-leaders-envision-more-useful-state-tests-fewer-burdensome-mandates-by-2030&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WBEZ&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;Vision 2030 says the state should continue pumping an additional $350 million into the “evidence-based” funding formula, as it has since 2018. The report asserts school districts need that kind of predicability when it comes to funding for building repairs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;“We have not made significant investments, year over year, in establishing equitable statewide funding for capital and safety needs,” Monn said. “Some of the suggestions are increasing access to state maintenance grants and perhaps exploring a statewide sales tax, similar to some county sales taxes.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;The officials also recommend a host of changes to the state’s assessment and school rating system. Currently, students only take one set of tests at the end of the year; ratings, such as exemplary or commendable, are based heavily on the results of those exams. While students take the tests in the spring, schools don’t get the results until the fall.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 700px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;The delay in getting the scores “really impacts the utility of those results and makes it difficult for us to make any real, quality decisions about improving our schools and the potential outcomes for our kids,” said Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/noxious-weed-invasive-plant-banned-in-illinois-discovered-in-area-waterway/3609443/&quot;&gt;NBC Chicago&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;Illinois officials are investigating after “one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds” was discovered in a suburban waterway. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;According to an alert from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, naturalists discovered Hydrilla growing in a waterway in suburban DuPage County.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;The reported cluster of Hydrilla is only the second known instance in the state of Illinois, according to an alert. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;The weed is illegal to buy, sell or transport in the state of Illinois, and may have inadvertently been released from a homeowner’s aquarium or water garden, according to the alert.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/bears-stadium/2024/11/25/bears-stadium-arlington-heights-lakefront-michael-reese-soldier-field&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Sun-Times&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Bears say they want to stay in Chicago, but their potential drive to the northwest suburbs just got easier. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Team officials announced Monday they’ve reached a tentative agreement with the village of Arlington Heights and local school district leaders who’ve sparred with the Bears over the property tax valuation on the shuttered Arlington International Racecourse, the 326-acre plot the team closed on early last year as a potential new stadium site. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After about a year of wrangling over the size of the team’s property tax bill — and a year of political roadblocks to the Bears’ hopes for funding a new stadium in Chicago — the team says it has a memorandum of understanding that opens the runway for them to land in Arlington Heights.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But their first choice is still Chicago, team officials insist, raising the constant question of whether Bears’ latest announcement is a push for leverage in stadium negotiations that have now stretched over three years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*** Chicago ***&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/mayor-brandon-johnson-plans-to-restore-consent-decree-positions-in-chicago-police-budget/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Tribune |&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/mayor-brandon-johnson-plans-to-restore-consent-decree-positions-in-chicago-police-budget/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to restore consent decree positions in Chicago police budget&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt; The mayor’s office released a statement that he would introduce a budget amendment adding back the 162 vacancies he slashed in his 2025 budget that center on roles across the offices of constitutional policing, community policing and more. It’s the latest instance of the mayor reversing course on a controversial provision in next year’s budget, which faces a $1 billion hole, including backing down on an original proposal for a $300 million property tax hike. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/25/race-secure-federal-funding-red-line-extension-advocates-say-trump-administration-poses&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WTTW |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/25/race-secure-federal-funding-red-line-extension-advocates-say-trump-administration-poses&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;A Race to Secure Federal Funding for the Red Line Extension as Advocates Say Trump Administration Poses Risks to Chicago-Area Public Transit:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; With transit advocates hopeful they’ll see shovels in the ground next year to kick off the long-awaited Red Line Extension, the Chicago Transit Authority is racing to finalize the $1.9 billion in federal funding needed to complete the 5.6-mile project before the Biden administration leaves office. “We are in the final phases of that process,” CTA President Dorval Carter told the agency’s board of directors earlier this month. “We’re working very closely with (the Federal Transit Administration) to complete their portion of the review process so that we can stay on track to execute a grant agreement between now and early next year.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;*&lt;b&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/high-profile-police-commander-tied-to-troubled-kevin-jackson-case/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/high-profile-police-commander-tied-to-troubled-kevin-jackson-case/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;High-profile police commander tied to troubled Kevin Jackson case&lt;/a&gt;: &lt;/b&gt;Kevin Jackson was released from prison last month, more than two decades after he was convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of a man at a West Englewood gas station. &amp;nbsp;Now 43, Jackson has always maintained his innocence. Police and prosecutors said several witnesses identified him as the shooter, but each recanted at Jackson’s 2003 trial while claiming threatening, intimidating and coercive efforts by the two lead Chicago police detectives assigned to the case.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/illinois-center-owner-hit-massive-foreclosure-lawsuit&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Crain’s | Illinois Center owner hit with massive foreclosure lawsuit&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt; A venture led by AmTrust RE defaulted on its $260 million mortgage backed by the two-tower, 2.1 million-square-foot complex at 111 E. Wacker Drive and 233 N. Michigan Ave., according to a lawsuit filed late last week in Cook County Circuit Court. The complaint, filed by lender Deutsche Bank on behalf of bondholders in the loan, alleged the AmTrust entity has failed to make its loan payments since January.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/new-illinois-tollway-takes-steps-forward-as-planning-wraps-up/3609500/?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_CHBrand&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;NBC Chicago | New Illinois tollway takes steps forward as planning wraps up:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; A brand-new Illinois tollway will aim to connect motorists to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, with the project taking significant steps forward. &amp;nbsp;Numerous officials were on-hand this week as renderings and planning details were shared on Interstate 490, which will connect the Jane Addams Tollway near Des Plaines on its northern terminus to the Tri-State Tollway in Franklin Park on the southern end, skirting the western edge of O’Hare in the process.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/thanksgiving-holiday-travel-chicago-midway-airport/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;CBS Chicago | Thanksgiving holiday travel already picking up at Chicago&#39;s Midway Airport; airfares jump&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;Founder and chief executive officer of Points Path Julian Kheel said because there is seeing such high demand for airfare, prices are higher. &amp;nbsp;&quot;We are seeing record numbers increases over last year; increases over the rest of 2024,&quot; said Kheel, &quot;and especially if you&#39;re buying a ticket this late, you&#39;re going to have to expect to pay a pretty penny for it.&quot;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Cook County and Suburbs ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/25/county-to-streamline-unwieldy-electronic-monitoring-programs-but-nobody-wants-to-manage-it/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Block Club | County to streamline unwieldy electronic monitoring programs - but nobody wants to manage it:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;Sheriff Tom Dart has been vocal about shuttering his office’s electronic monitoring program for years, notably blocking the release of 55 people in 2018 that he deemed too high-risk for ankle bracelets, according to the Chicago Tribune. Last month, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans told the Cook County board that consolidating the programs under his office was “not something I embrace readily.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241123/local-politics/lake-judge-throws-out-charges-against-waukegan-clerk-but-appeals-coming/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Daily Herald | Lake judge throws out charges against Waukegan clerk, but appeals coming&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt; “We respect the court’s opinion but strongly disagree with its findings on this matter,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement. “We appreciate the hard, ethical, and principled work of the investigators on this case, and plan to appeal in short order.” &amp;nbsp;Kilkelly’s attorneys said Friday in a statement they were “thankful” but not surprised by the ruling and “were always confident that Janet was 100% innocent of all charges.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/downers-grove-based-hearthside-alleged-child-labor-files-for-bankruptcy/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune | Downers Grove-based Hearthside, under investigation for alleged child labor, files for bankruptcy&lt;/a&gt;: &lt;/b&gt;Downers Grove-based Hearthside Food Solutions, which is under investigation by the U.S. and Illinois labor departments for alleged child labor violations, voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Texas on Friday. &amp;nbsp;The food manufacturer, which was named in a sweeping investigation into migrant child labor published by the New York Times last year, said it didn’t expect any disruptions to production or other company operations. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/west-aurora-school-district-charges-ahead-with-plan-to-add-electric-buses/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Aurora Beacon-News | West Aurora School District charges ahead with plan to add electric buses&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;: The district has a fleet of 73 buses powered by diesel engines, half of which are under two-year leases due to expire at the end of the school year. &amp;nbsp;Several changes made the school district’s administration look closer at a proposal to make a switch to add some electric buses, including competitive pricing, federal funding and rebates. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241125/transportation/with-15000-tons-of-salt-on-hand-kane-county-dot-is-ready-for-winter/&quot;&gt;Daily Herald | With 15,000 tons of salt on hand, Kane County DOT is ready for winter&lt;/a&gt;: &lt;/b&gt;Drivers have already run practice routes and trucks have been serviced and inspected in preparation for the season. Way said the only thing left to do is finish putting up snow fencing to help prevent drifting in rural areas. &amp;nbsp;Each year, the Kane County DOT uses an average of roughly 8,000 tons of salt. &amp;nbsp;Thanks to lighter winters in recent years, Way said they have maintained a healthy supply of salt, with about 15,000 tons of salt currently on hand.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241125/news/sen-murphy-collecting-holiday-cards-for-long-term-care-residents/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Daily Herald | Sen. Murphy collecting holiday cards for long-term care residents&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;: Murphy, a Des Plaines Democrat who represents the 28th Senate District, is encouraging residents of the Northwest Suburbs to write handmade or store-bought cards for donation. She is also encouraging local teachers and students to participate and use their creativity to bring joy to older adults in the community during the holidays.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot; style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Downstate ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sj-r.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/11/25/springfield-capitols-illinois-college-esports-ihsa-ihesa/75399530007/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;SJ-R |&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.sj-r.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/11/25/springfield-capitols-illinois-college-esports-ihsa-ihesa/75399530007/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;How Central Illinois became a hotbed for esports on high school, college levels&lt;/a&gt;:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;Skeptics may think esports is just kids playing video games, Bibb said, “but there’s also a lot of strategy that goes into it.” &amp;nbsp; Teamwork is imperative. It&#39;s something that becomes especially visible in an esports arena. &amp;nbsp;The Capitols, a co-op between Springfield High, Southeast and Lanphier that began in 2019, recently settled into its decked-out arena at Lanphier last winter. Part of the school’s $93.5 million renovation, it resembles a computer lab, but the space is exclusive to the Capitols.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/top-stories/illinois-landmark-to-appear-on-ornament-this-year/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WMBD | Illinois landmark to appear on ornament this year&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;: A Southern Illinois State Park iconic formation to be showcased on an ornament this year. &amp;nbsp;The Iconic Devil’s Standtable formation at Giant City State Park was chosen by the Illinois Conservation Foundation to be featured on this year’s state park series ornament, said Jenny Vaughn, the acting executive director for the foundation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wcia.com/news/dana-howard-indicted-on-federal-wire-fraud-charges/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WCIA | Illinois football legend Dana Howard indicted on federal wire fraud charges:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Just weeks after Howard was given a notice to appear in Champaign County court, a federal grand jury indicted the all-time leading tackler in Illinois Football history on wire fraud charges related to his construction business in East St. Louis. Howard’s business partner, Richard Myers, and his bookkeeper, Glenn Sunnquist, were also named as defendants. The 21-page indictment charged Howard with nine counts of wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, making false statements and failure to pay taxes. Myers was charged with eight counts and Sunnquist with three.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p1&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** National ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;p2&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;s1&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/microsoft-365-down-outage-what-to-know/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;CBS |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/microsoft-365-down-outage-what-to-know/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage. Here&#39;s what to know:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; On social media service X, Microsoft posted a message early Monday that it is assessing &quot;an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar.&quot; The problem appears to be affecting Microsoft users globally, according to posts from users. &amp;nbsp;&quot;We&#39;ve identified a recent change which we believe has resulted in impact. We&#39;ve started to revert the change and are investigating what additional actions are required to mitigate the issue,&quot; Microsoft added in a subsequent post.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 17px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/6907541997605181980/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/isabels-afternoon-roundup.html#comment-form' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/6907541997605181980'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/6907541997605181980'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/isabels-afternoon-roundup.html' title='Isabel’s afternoon roundup'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b5Mh5yfIAUBd5tlF7zRHONM9wsz3nOUSXrXwW9lH9nU6bIHcHdnQjXvst8MbtZd21dGiXwL1j3ygpQpnwjV_19CQnZLHmabBcJg6AZ6MaeD_u2CXfEB5N1VdE_tZEpyTyQyF2xVlB3oSZz9f7K-UDdsoWRkPz9PRd8Z5EeEiMKGuWXu6hXE5XRFBRF4/s72-w551-h298-c/IMG_2167.jpeg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-2534149346751503052</id><published>2024-11-25T14:19:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T14:19:01.465-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Illinois Needs Energy Storage Now!</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Gill Sans&amp;quot;,sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;&quot;&gt;[The following is a paid advertisement.}&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;white-space: pre-wrap;&quot;&gt;In six short months, Illinois families will see their energy bills rise, as much as $30 per month for the average homeowner, due to a recent energy capacity auction. New legislation – HB 5856 and SB 3959 – would help avoid future increases by building battery storage to increase our energy capacity and keep our grid reliable, clean, and affordable.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.solarpowersillinois.com/legislation-hb-5856&quot;&gt;Keep Illinois energy reliable, clean, and affordable by passing battery storage legislation now to help prevent future rate increases, before it’s too late.&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Gill Sans&amp;quot;,sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;
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223. {page:WordSection1;}&lt;/style&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/2534149346751503052'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/2534149346751503052'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/illinois-needs-energy-storage-now.html' title='Illinois Needs Energy Storage Now!'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-1578009656862529268</id><published>2024-11-25T13:26:00.004-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T13:26:55.131-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Madigan trial roundup: Prosecution airs out ex-Ald. Solis’ dirty laundry </title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/michael-madigan-corruption-trial-daniel-solis/&quot;&gt;Tribune&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jurors in the Michael Madigan corruption trial on Monday got their first look at a secretly recorded video of the then-powerful House speaker soliciting business for his law firm from the developer of a Chinatown hotel project.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;“We’re not looking for a quick killing here,” Madigan said near the end of the August 2014 meeting, which was recorded on a hidden camera by developer See Wong, who was cooperating with the FBI. “We’re interested in a long term relationship.” &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The video was played during the testimony of former Ald. Daniel Solis, the then-head of the City Council’s Zoning Committee, who told the jury he’d arranged the meeting at Madigan’s request. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the time, Solis was not cooperating. In fact, the meeting took place nearly two years before the FBI confronted him with evidence of his own wrongdoing, leading to Solis’ decision to go undercover himself.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/live/michael-madigan-trial-solis-testimony-live-updates&quot;&gt;Sun-Times&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solis says that Chinese developer Kin Kuong Chong — introduced to him by See Wong — wanted to build a “franchise Best Western hotel” in Chinatown across Wentworth from Chinatown Square, just north of the Red Line parking lot. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;MacArthur shows jurors a picture of the parking lot. &amp;nbsp;Solis testifies that Madigan reached out to him about Chong, asking “if I could bring Mr. Chong over for a meeting so he could make a presentation.” &amp;nbsp;“&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I complied,” Solis says. &amp;nbsp;“Were you aware that one of the participants [of the meeting], See Wong, was audio and video recording the meeting?” MacArthur asks. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“No,” Solis says. &amp;nbsp; […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;A key comment from that second part of the meeting came from Solis, who said Chong “will get anything he needs for that hotel” by working with Madigan on his real estate tax bill.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/mike-madigan-trial-solis-testimony&quot;&gt;FOX Chicago&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solis testified he told the Chinese developer there was no better firm than Madigan’s and if he gave Madigan the real estate tax business, then Solis would make sure the Zoning Change would happen. And it did pass. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The developer said he would contribute to a fundraiser to re-elect Solis.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Madigan’s attorney said the tapes prove that Solis was the real criminal, trading favors, accepting bribes, taking payoffs. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Solis testified he told the Chinese developer to do business with Madigan because the speaker can get anything he wants when it comes to state government. The hotel was never built. &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Dave Byrnes from Courthouse News is covering the trial on &lt;a href=&quot;https://bsky.app/profile/djbyrnes1.bsky.social/post/3lbrsohpvok2i&quot;&gt;Bluesky&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xPOq4_mz2peVWriuAdNU-1tjC0iEly48jlebtSgp57HfY-GSnUMzuleugXU7X7_TIVK1twuSPIeNEtdTm63tryG4ZnlmAEM_JZFvm5xpcNirt8HGXDwPsKkHOuJ86HW5SKdvG5vYKJxlgZatvsQXmhB6MWDlyFt119z3-Zo5Q-5jyANWBmjBGtOG-mw/s1268/IMG_2164.jpeg&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;1268&quot; data-original-width=&quot;1170&quot; height=&quot;621&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xPOq4_mz2peVWriuAdNU-1tjC0iEly48jlebtSgp57HfY-GSnUMzuleugXU7X7_TIVK1twuSPIeNEtdTm63tryG4ZnlmAEM_JZFvm5xpcNirt8HGXDwPsKkHOuJ86HW5SKdvG5vYKJxlgZatvsQXmhB6MWDlyFt119z3-Zo5Q-5jyANWBmjBGtOG-mw/w527-h621/IMG_2164.jpeg&quot; width=&quot;527&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* The Sun-Times’ federal courts reporter &lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/SeidelContent/status/1861105701478625464&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Jon Seidel&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYt6NO4K8VBkMa-dQcDMYlKrWjWjQ7FpZ-vpCQmai_KgjejOkUwWfnAPMFLHf3Qw5UAmtG-Rb7UCid5PfZoJSGvebkVx7K9NXJwx_OjE8RnSGxvil6NvyuR9t8Lm6VXPi2q1s2Ku9t-9BZ535Ui3cXMx32WybQSOsosOp_jl7LNXmLCCdkGSQueVzFctQ/s1005/IMG_2165.jpeg&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;877&quot; data-original-width=&quot;1005&quot; height=&quot;526&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYt6NO4K8VBkMa-dQcDMYlKrWjWjQ7FpZ-vpCQmai_KgjejOkUwWfnAPMFLHf3Qw5UAmtG-Rb7UCid5PfZoJSGvebkVx7K9NXJwx_OjE8RnSGxvil6NvyuR9t8Lm6VXPi2q1s2Ku9t-9BZ535Ui3cXMx32WybQSOsosOp_jl7LNXmLCCdkGSQueVzFctQ/w478-h526/IMG_2165.jpeg&quot; width=&quot;478&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;* The Tribune’s &lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/jmetr22b/status/1861107966054711444&quot;&gt;Jason Meisner&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsuV4T-fnDxld1OT4fNWTFUNQw64CUgdJWUP1ymf9ufmagsJ-05s2Fy2LK8lm3YnYFBqdKyq-LGX7sJqthp0xLCemwgcNXelV8FyfMEUvf0kYjV4t8R3ytAVpjT9CNoM977VP-4Eh-y6B65BwHw6Te9OZmNyBp2caxdPWW3MhS59vTVvx-9Uh8ivkpbg/s1011/IMG_2166.jpeg&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;993&quot; data-original-width=&quot;1011&quot; height=&quot;401&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsuV4T-fnDxld1OT4fNWTFUNQw64CUgdJWUP1ymf9ufmagsJ-05s2Fy2LK8lm3YnYFBqdKyq-LGX7sJqthp0xLCemwgcNXelV8FyfMEUvf0kYjV4t8R3ytAVpjT9CNoM977VP-4Eh-y6B65BwHw6Te9OZmNyBp2caxdPWW3MhS59vTVvx-9Uh8ivkpbg/w447-h401/IMG_2166.jpeg&quot; width=&quot;447&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/1578009656862529268/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/madigan-trial-roundup-prosecution-airs.html#comment-form' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/1578009656862529268'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/1578009656862529268'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/madigan-trial-roundup-prosecution-airs.html' title='Madigan trial roundup: Prosecution airs out ex-Ald. Solis’ dirty laundry '/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xPOq4_mz2peVWriuAdNU-1tjC0iEly48jlebtSgp57HfY-GSnUMzuleugXU7X7_TIVK1twuSPIeNEtdTm63tryG4ZnlmAEM_JZFvm5xpcNirt8HGXDwPsKkHOuJ86HW5SKdvG5vYKJxlgZatvsQXmhB6MWDlyFt119z3-Zo5Q-5jyANWBmjBGtOG-mw/s72-w527-h621-c/IMG_2164.jpeg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-7121611589302734255</id><published>2024-11-25T13:18:00.009-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T13:18:55.042-06:00</updated><title type='text'>I don&#39;t get it</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;* The voracious&amp;nbsp;hunger of massive data centers for electricity is most definitely becoming a major issue.&amp;nbsp; Illinois subsidizes their construction, but, other than those construction jobs, they typically employ only a few full-time people.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, while I was glad to see the Sun-Times tackle this topic, &lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2024/11/22/comed-electric-bills-quantum-computing-data-centers-ai-pritzker-pjm-cub&quot;&gt;I was confused when I saw this passage&lt;/a&gt;...&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;A large data center uses enough electricity to power entire
224. neighborhoods or even small cities. This is happening as Illinois and
225. other states seek to <a class="Link" data-cms-ai="0" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/9/17/22678787/clean-energy-law-illinois">phase out fossil fuel energy sources to fight climate change</a>.</p><p>Linda Young, 68, sees nothing positive about a proposed <a class="Link" data-cms-ai="0" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/technology/2024/07/26/pritzker-silicon-valley-quantum-development-south-works-crg-related-midwest">“quantum computing” project at a long-abandoned steel mill site</a>
226. along Lake Michigan just over 2 miles from her South Shore home. She
227. worries about the effects on the lake and other environmental
228. ramifications from the almost 130-acre development, but is also
229. concerned about the potential for higher property taxes.</p><p>The South Side quantum project is separate from AI research <b>and is
230. not a data center</b>. But its electricity use is likely to be similar to
231. that of a “small” data center, a spokesman for the company PsiQuantum
232. said.</p><p>Told that data centers and other projects by tech companies are
233. helping to increase ComEd bills because of high electricity demand,
234. Young, a retiree and grandmother of four, said: “Just living is enough
235. of a struggle. Is quantum computing really about making our lives
236. better?”</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Emphasis added because what the heck? <br /></p><p>Do you know what else can use huge amounts of electricity?  Manufacturing.  But when a factory expands or is built in Illinois, rarely does anyone even mention the increased strain on the grid.  Why? Because new jobs and wealth are created.  <br /></p><p>Quantum is still a gamble. But it will likely create lots of high-paying jobs in the near term as it develops.  Comparing that benefit to a far more power-sucking and near human-less data center is just bizarre.</p><p>Anyway, <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2024/11/22/comed-electric-bills-quantum-computing-data-centers-ai-pritzker-pjm-cub">the rest of the story is pretty good.</a>  And Illinois most definitely should rethink its data center subsidies.  </p><p>* Also, a recent Sun-Times editorial mentioned something else that must be in the mix: <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/editorials/2024/11/16/illinois-legislature-climate-change-environment-lame-duck-session-global-warming-editorial">More high-voltage transmission lines</a>...</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Also up for the lame-duck session are proposals backed by the Clean
237. Jobs Coalition for improving energy conservation and writing new rules
238. for the power sector to make it more climate friendly. There also will
239. be legislation to support the construction of large electrical battery
240. storage facilities that can store electricity from peak solar and wind
241. generation and make it available when needed.     </p><p>Yet another
242. bill would encourage the construction of high-voltage transmission lines
243. to connect clean energy generation facilities to the power grid and
244. distribute the power where it is needed. That’s an important part of any
245. effort to shift to clean energy.     </p>Those measures deserve
246. support from lawmakers. So does improving public transit, which can help
247. reduce pollution from the transportation sector.”&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/7121611589302734255/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/i-dont-get-it.html#comment-form' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7121611589302734255'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7121611589302734255'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/i-dont-get-it.html' title='I don&#39;t get it'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-9134183049951106019</id><published>2024-11-25T12:11:00.007-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T12:37:17.457-06:00</updated><title type='text'>New Chicago poll shows Mayor Johnson at 15 percent favorable, 70 percent unfavorable (Updated)</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;* I&#39;ve used Change Research in the past for legislative polling.&amp;nbsp; &lt;a href=&quot;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u0TfOT6_liI4hGDjHfllRuiEOsrzomNm/view?usp=sharing &quot;&gt;The poll&lt;/a&gt; was conducted for a group &lt;strike&gt;backed by business and real estate interests called &lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2024/07/24/new-pac-nonprofit-group-one-future-illinois-business-leaders-taxes-spending-mayor-brandon-johnson&quot;&gt;One Future Illinois&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strike&gt; of alderpersons who have regularly stood in opposition to Mayor Johnson. &lt;a href=&quot;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PUG568hvcAe_ThtG-EGu7DAqbslTqonU/view?usp=sharing&quot;&gt;Click here for more on that&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp; Apparently, the pollster messed up the memo.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Obviously, these numbers are really bad for the mayor (check out his &quot;very unfavorable&quot; numbers), but the CTU doesn&#39;t fare well, either.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Also, check out the immigration questions.&amp;nbsp; Whew.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And the city cannot just cut 8-10 percent across the board because much of what it does is required spending (for example, pension payments).&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anyway, I skipped over a few questions, so &lt;a href=&quot;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u0TfOT6_liI4hGDjHfllRuiEOsrzomNm/view?usp=sharing&quot;&gt;click here for all the toplines&lt;/a&gt;...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u0TfOT6_liI4hGDjHfllRuiEOsrzomNm/view?usp=sharing&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;520&quot; data-original-width=&quot;700&quot; height=&quot;380&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHhQniNy-VKfHP8rnC66Q_32suaPG2N25FKxgMc9b6R_e5g9dxMkGC7gtAR-w7vF1oDv0gFRBuAmJirPywaALTPWXoA5Xd50Jpce0zgpeiyneDTp27Ym_6T6alA7sfeW6UwUz7hFHSNebpqFr54o_t8VPpameLN-EswHqvU_fPyA_gFFqze38VlALBmwd/w624-h380/Screenshot%202024-11-25%20at%2011.36.32%E2%80%AFAM.png&quot; width=&quot;624&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u0TfOT6_liI4hGDjHfllRuiEOsrzomNm/view?usp=sharing&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;277&quot; data-original-width=&quot;863&quot; height=&quot;206&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8XHIswH34YR2L2CKeTDU4eqs79oceakXO07IjcHk9NYVAduivEi7gvNz0SqL7D-C0Mfg8MTPZNeu6QFgb2KoM4xtcfZrCfI3MqeULrvgMiICDEXUhj_76dkuanAtR7MhUxZoSdql-J3Wc-Jy1TP0PN813eKFIYkecb3I4w0e908M31BZ40BY_QOEX3CJ/w626-h206/Screenshot%202024-11-25%20at%2011.56.01%E2%80%AFAM.png&quot; width=&quot;626&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u0TfOT6_liI4hGDjHfllRuiEOsrzomNm/view?usp=sharing&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;789&quot; data-original-width=&quot;941&quot; height=&quot;536&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx763DE0AewXRz7M2bslrEPRyQI_GL-l_eNhKbC0hmKxSAe6dUsuf8cyDhHhEXS3mGSG_Irrvem9nHh4FLd7kBe7znPQkheFr2kUmhD3t3yec_P6kKE-F8o5FCwfoywjbl2aqborINOENnXd6Jk_TFNHPH54wXJGtuIoRIHzcGvV56x_mx394I1YlH6wy4/w626-h536/Screenshot%202024-11-25%20at%2011.41.48%E2%80%AFAM.png&quot; width=&quot;626&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u0TfOT6_liI4hGDjHfllRuiEOsrzomNm/view?usp=sharing&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; data-original-height=&quot;661&quot; data-original-width=&quot;985&quot; height=&quot;430&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFbQXvPtddbkzh-0N7vY4a3FbpEoa5gHmMVwjrRaendRHZkfPZQWBapnYLMW8__HGnR911Y4ppvn7BGOWbjsUwOQYXCEuJfcc0aXtaNU6tdzJLXRLibfSRoCtzmZz6uH_hPo3J0m2yjWIHXRF9tljlDNIVyWlu1L9Uz-LwtBEqeLfI7F-IFe9iVO0-LGW/w612-h430/Screenshot%202024-11-25%20at%2011.55.23%E2%80%AFAM.png&quot; width=&quot;612&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u0TfOT6_liI4hGDjHfllRuiEOsrzomNm/view?usp=sharing&quot;&gt;Methodology&lt;/a&gt;... &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;
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265. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Polling was conducted online from November 18-21, 2024.
266. Using Dynamic Online Sampling to attain a representative sample, Change
267. Research polled 801 2024 general election voters in Chicago.
268. Post-stratification was performed on age, gender, race/ethnicity, education,
269. region, 2020 presidential vote and 2023 Chicago Mayoral runoff vote.<span style="color: #212121;"> </span>You can see a full methodology statement </span></i><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B1XbyR4SP3ylDK4_qXi1_5yITiWFgwUEjS0aXlrYz5Y/edit?tab=t.0"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 9pt;">here</span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">, which
270. complies with the requirements of AAPOR's Transparency Initiative. Members of
271. the Transparency Initiative disclose all relevant details about our research,
272. with the principle that the public should be able to evaluate and understand
273. research-based findings, in order to instill and restore public confidence in
274. survey results.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;..Adding... &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qstE25ZhSDlKrffJ4TcE8KwiRq2LTtye/edit?usp=sharing&amp;amp;ouid=102206217656428377469&amp;amp;rtpof=true&amp;amp;sd=true&quot;&gt;Crosstabs are here. &lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/9134183049951106019/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/new-chicago-poll-shows-mayor-johnson-at.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/9134183049951106019'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/9134183049951106019'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/new-chicago-poll-shows-mayor-johnson-at.html' title='New Chicago poll shows Mayor Johnson at 15 percent favorable, 70 percent unfavorable (Updated)'/><author><name>Rich Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/11449539013077509292</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHhQniNy-VKfHP8rnC66Q_32suaPG2N25FKxgMc9b6R_e5g9dxMkGC7gtAR-w7vF1oDv0gFRBuAmJirPywaALTPWXoA5Xd50Jpce0zgpeiyneDTp27Ym_6T6alA7sfeW6UwUz7hFHSNebpqFr54o_t8VPpameLN-EswHqvU_fPyA_gFFqze38VlALBmwd/s72-w624-h380-c/Screenshot%202024-11-25%20at%2011.36.32%E2%80%AFAM.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-5392124194115284754</id><published>2024-11-25T10:57:00.023-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T11:14:37.881-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Martire: A service tax would generate $2 billion in annual revenue </title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;* &amp;nbsp;In May, I asked the governor if he’d be open to a tax on services in Illinois.&amp;nbsp; Rich wrote about it in his &lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2024/05/03/illinois-gov-jb-pritzker-no-longer-rules-out-taxing-services-mass-transit-fiscal-cliff-rich-miller&quot;&gt;newspaper column&lt;/a&gt;...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you may know, the Chicago area’s mass transit agencies are facing a $730 million “fiscal cliff” in 2026. The federal government’s COVID-era subsidies will expire that year. While ridership has declined as service worsens, operating costs have increased and average fare prices have fallen. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, my associate Isabel Miller (who contributed to this column) asked Pritzker during an unrelated media event if he wanted to take any state taxes off the table before the talks heat up, including the service tax.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;“I have never been in favor of that before,” Pritzker said of the service tax. He has indeed opposed the tax all the way back to his first 2018 gubernatorial campaign, often calling it regressive. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There may need to be a source of revenue here,” Pritzker said, “but that’s not something that I have favored in the past.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As far as specifically ruling out a service tax, however, the governor said: “I really don’t want to start saying, ‘We’re not going to do this, we’re not going to do that.’ At this point, there are just so many pieces of this that we have to look at before we’re going to pay for what’s necessary here as we come off of support from the federal government and making sure we’re restoring transit services.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Executive Director for the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241122/columns/taxing-services-would-be-start-to-fixing-states-structural-deficit/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; Ralph Martire on Friday&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s politically difficult to get tax policy right for one simple reason: No one really enjoys paying taxes, so most politicians disdain the subject. Paradoxically, sound tax policy is the only sustainable path to ensuring adequate investments can be made in the very core services — like educating children and caring for vulnerable members of society — that help build prosperous communities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For proof, look no further than the projected $3 billion revenue shortfall facing the state’s General Fund next year. That shortfall means Illinois will be hard pressed to maintain its current investments in education, health care, human services and public safety, which collectively comprise over 94% of all General Fund spending on services. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unfortunately, Illinois taxes less consumer spending than any other state with a general sales tax. That’s because Illinois’ sales tax applies primarily to the sale of goods, not services. That’s a loser proposition, considering about 74% of Illinois’ economy — and around 68% of all consumer spending — are transactions involving services, not goods. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Simply expanding the state’s sales tax base to include the same consumer services already taxed in our neighboring states of Iowa and Wisconsin would generate over $2 billion in annual revenue for Illinois. That’s good tax policy, which would go a long way toward eliminating Illinois’ structural deficit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thoughts?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/5392124194115284754/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/question-of-day.html#comment-form' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/5392124194115284754'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/5392124194115284754'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/question-of-day.html' title='Martire: A service tax would generate $2 billion in annual revenue '/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-7890570105158692677</id><published>2024-11-25T09:48:00.004-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T11:10:09.952-06:00</updated><title type='text'>It’s just a bill</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.propublica.org/article/illinois-attorney-general-schools-police-ticketing-students-illegal&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;ProPublica&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the strongest rebuke yet of Illinois school districts that ask police to ticket misbehaving students, the state attorney general has declared that the practice — still being used across the state — is illegal and should stop. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the attorney general’s office did not alert other districts of its findings, which came in July, and did not issue guidance that the common practice violates the law. That means its findings against the suburban Chicago district could have a narrow effect. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;State lawmakers have tried several times to pass legislation intended to stop the practice by specifically prohibiting schools from involving police in minor disciplinary matters. But the bills have stalled. School officials have argued ticketing is a necessary tool to manage student behavior, and some lawmakers worried that limiting officers’ role in schools could lead to unsafe conditions. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Democrat from Chicago, told ProPublica this month that he plans to try again next year. “We don’t want police doing schools’ work,” Ford said. &amp;nbsp; […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“What will really address this is a state law that would have an impact on all Illinois schools. That is the only possible way I see because it is so pervasive across Illinois,” said Angie Jiménez, an attorney at the National Center for Youth Law, which has pushed for reforms in Illinois law.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a name=&#39;more&#39;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/22/illinois-legislature-veto-session/&quot;&gt;Tribune&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;The state’s perennial pension problems are among several budgetary matters that will likely be taken up in the coming months by the legislature, along with how to deal with a $730 million fiscal cliff for Chicago-area public transit once federal pandemic aid dries up in early 2026 and whether to set aside more state funding for Chicago’s public school system. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Other unresolved issues include gun safety measures that Democrats haven’t been able to bring over the finish line. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Legislation often referred to as “Karina’s Bill,” named after Chicago resident Karina Gonzalez, who, along with her 15-year-old daughter, was shot and killed by her husband last year, would require police to remove guns from people who have orders of protection against them, clarifying when and how authorities can confiscate such firearms. As it stands, firearms aren’t always taken from people in those situations even if the firearm owner’s identification card is revoked. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Illinois lawmakers could weigh a proposal to create a statewide office to help under-resourced public defenders. One of the proposal’s goals is to address the lack of public defense resources in rural areas, many of which don’t even have a public defender’s office.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.forestparkreview.com/2024/10/28/rep-la-shawn-ford-calls-for-state-to-sell-white-sox-property/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Click here&lt;/a&gt; for some background. HB5916 from &lt;a href=&quot;https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5916&amp;amp;GAID=17&amp;amp;GA=103&amp;amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;amp;LegID=155612&amp;amp;SessionID=112&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Rep. La Shawn Ford&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amends the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act. Provides that the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority may sell certain specified property. Provides for the disposition of moneys received from the sale. Authorizes the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to enter into any agreements and execute any documents necessary to arrange for the sale of the property.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-legislation-sex-abuse-survivors-protection/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;CBS Chicago&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Illinois lawmakers have passed new legislation spurred by the story of a woman who was sexually abused by a teacher, only to have a psychiatrist claim that not all cases of sexual abuse are traumatic when she sued Chicago Public Schools. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;It was a terrifying experience. It&#39;s kind of hard to heal from, and it&#39;s hard to have people try to invalidate that,&quot; the victim told CBS News Chicago earlier this year. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now state lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at making it clear that sexual assault on students is always traumatic. It also includes language that prevents defendants from blaming child sexual abuse survivors in civil lawsuits.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;The Illinois House unanimously &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-house-passes-protect-people-sue-sex-abuse/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;approved the legislation in May&lt;/a&gt;, and the Illinois Senate passed it unanimously this week. It will now go to Gov. JB Pritzker for his signature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* Sen. Willie Preston introduced SB3992 &lt;a href=&quot;https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3992&amp;amp;GAID=17&amp;amp;GA=103&amp;amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;amp;LegID=155611&amp;amp;SessionID=112&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;last week&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;Creates the Best Customer Price Act. Provides that a public institution of higher education or a State agency may require best customer pricing for any goods it procures. Provides that, if goods are to be purchased by the State from a supplier or reseller, the supplier or reseller shall attest that the price is the best customer price. Provides that the supplier or reseller shall include a provision in the letter of supply from the manufacturer that the supplier or reseller can secure the supply and quantity of goods to be purchased, and that the manufacturer has extended the same best customer pricing from the manufacturer to each of the suppliers or resellers registered with the State for the goods to be purchased. Provides that, if a public institution of higher education or a State agency requires best customer pricing for the goods but does not believe the price is competitive, the public institution of higher education or the State agency may decline to award the bid. Effective immediately.&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wcia.com/news/illinois-news/il-senator-helps-pass-bill-supporting-dcfs-involved-youth/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WCIA&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mattie Hunter’s legislation — the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act — focuses on increasing support to relative caregivers and reducing barriers to permanency. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;House Bill 4781 works to improve family connections and outcomes for children in foster care. The bill would require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to notify relatives within 30 days of a child’s entry into care. Hunter said this will strengthen family engagement. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On Thursday, the Senate passed House Bill 4781 with bipartisan support. […]&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;“We thank Senator Mattie Hunter for her stalwart leadership and relentless efforts to secure passage of the KIND Act. We urge the House of Representatives to act to concur with the Senate vote as soon as possible,” [Nora Collins-Mandeville, director of Systems Reform Policy at the ACLU, said].&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/7890570105158692677/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/its-just-bill.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7890570105158692677'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7890570105158692677'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/its-just-bill.html' title='It’s just a bill'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-9172782843804424448</id><published>2024-11-25T09:44:00.001-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T11:10:33.428-06:00</updated><title type='text'>&#39;Name-change bill,&#39; other measures to &#39;Trump-proof&#39; Illinois will wait until early January</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the wake of Donald Trump’s national victory and his losing margin dropping to 11 points in Illinois from 17 in two prior races, state legislative Democrats here have different views on how their party should proceed. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, told my associate Isabel Miller last week that Illinois Democrats have “forgotten about the people in the middle.” &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I think we have done a lot of really good, progressive things,” Morrison said. “But sometimes I think we have the tendency to not think about the people in the middle.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, told Isabel that stepping back from progressive social issues is not on the table.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There’s compromise, and then there’s erasing the existence of people,” Cassidy said. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The leaders at the top, however, have been talking about “Trump-proofing” Illinois since Election Day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Commonly called the “name-change bill,” the legislation would cap the cost of name changes in the state, halve the state residency requirement to three months and allow certain people to ask their name change be exempt from public disclosure. The bill passed the House 67-39 in April but was never assigned to a Senate committee. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why did it stall out in the Senate? Well, the bill includes several justifications for keeping the records out of the public eye, including the person seeking the name change is transgender; has survived domestic or intimate partner abuse, gender-based violence, human trafficking or conversion therapy; is a refugee; or has been granted special immigrant status or asylum, etc. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The measure is supported by Equality Illinois, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, among others. &amp;nbsp;Newspapers like the Chicago Tribune originally filed in opposition, as did the Illinois Press Association.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Newspapers make money off public notices, of course, but they also stand on general principles of public disclosure with things like this, and they asserted the legislation would get rid of the publishing requirement for everyone, not just these folks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Somehow, despite all the hot buttons, the bill managed to mostly escape the outrage machine throughout the spring, summer and fall. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A large number of people, including at least some Democrats, believe the party’s stance on transgender rights and immigration hurt them this year. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Other Democrats, including Gov. JB Pritzker, have strongly insisted the party cannot now back away from supporting vulnerable populations simply because of partisan political considerations. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The bill was scheduled for its first Senate committee vote on Wednesday (Nov. 20). As Isabel reported at the time, the far-right Illinois Family Institute sent a blast e-mail to its followers ahead of the hearing, claiming the legislation would “make it almost impossible to find illegal immigrants with a criminal history and/or those who have committed crimes while on American soil, for the purpose of deportation.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The group also claimed those who benefit from the legislation include, “Those who have committed rapes and murders who don’t want law enforcement to find them; A man who is pretending to be a woman and a woman who is pretending to be a man.” &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some Democrats waved off the claims as fear-mongering falsehoods, and the bill passed the Senate Executive Committee on a partisan roll call, with nine Democrats voting for it and four Republicans opposed. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But when it came time for the full Senate to vote on the bill and send it to the governor, the chamber decided to set it aside.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, said he had the votes to pass the bill, regardless of Republican opposition and increasing pressure exerted by the IFI. He said some technical process issues were raised during the hearing, and the decision was made to fix those before proceeding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It’s just making sure that on the administrative side, on the implementation side that each of the different entities that are involved are able to communicate with one another about these petitions,” Villivalam said. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whatever the case, there was no “Trump-proofing” vote during veto session. That’ll have to wait until at least early January when the General Assembly returns for its lame-duck session. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By then, the governor’s office hopes to have at least some additional bills for the legislature to work on.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/9172782843804424448/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/name-change-bill-other-measures-to.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/9172782843804424448'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/9172782843804424448'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/name-change-bill-other-measures-to.html' title='&#39;Name-change bill,&#39; other measures to &#39;Trump-proof&#39; Illinois will wait until early January'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-6402513573717873489</id><published>2024-11-25T07:45:00.005-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T07:46:03.762-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;[The following is a paid advertisement.]&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;, serif; font-size: 14pt;&quot;&gt;Retail provides one out of every five Illinois jobs, generates the second largest amount of tax revenue for the state, and is the largest source of revenue for local governments. But retail is also so much more, with retailers serving as the trusted contributors to life’s moments, big and small.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; widows: auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;span face=&quot;&amp;quot;Century Gothic&amp;quot;, sans-serif&quot; style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; letter-spacing: -0.5pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot; class=&quot;BLOG_video_class&quot; height=&quot;266&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/qD7KFBN1G80&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; youtube-src-id=&quot;qD7KFBN1G80&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;i style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: auto; widows: auto;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: black; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;, serif; font-size: 14pt;&quot;&gt;We Are Retail&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;, serif; font-size: 14pt; orphans: auto; widows: auto;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;and IRMA are dedicated to sharing the stories of retailers like&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;, serif; font-size: 14pt; orphans: auto; widows: auto;&quot;&gt;Stephanie&lt;span style=&quot;color: black;&quot;&gt;, who serve their communities with dedication and pride.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/6402513573717873489'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/6402513573717873489'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/showcasing-retailers-who-make-illinois_25.html' title='Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qD7KFBN1G80/default.jpg" height="72" width="72"/></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-7016255213694083188</id><published>2024-11-25T07:43:00.002-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T07:43:32.598-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Open thread</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;* What’s going on in your part of Illinois…&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/7016255213694083188/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/open-thread.html#comment-form' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7016255213694083188'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/7016255213694083188'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/open-thread.html' title='Open thread'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-5729962578340709396</id><published>2024-11-25T07:42:00.005-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T14:55:41.591-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Isabel’s morning briefing</title><content type='html'>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;ICYMI:&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;The&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;Illinois’ AG said it’s illegal for schools to use police to ticket students. But his office only told one district. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.propublica.org/article/illinois-attorney-general-schools-police-ticketing-students-illegal&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;ProPublica&lt;/a&gt;…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;The AG’s office found that Township High School District 211 in Palatine broke the law when administrators directed police to fine its students for school-based conduct, and that the practice had an “unjustified disparate impact” on Black and Latino students.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;But the AG’s office did not alert other districts of its findings, which came in July, and did not issue guidance that the common practice violates the law. That means its findings against the suburban Chicago district could have a narrow effect.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;The office also said that it is not investigating other districts for similar civil rights violations.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* Related stories…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;- &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/school-ticketing-palatine/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/25/school-ticketing-palatine/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;AG finds Palatine schools broke law by using cops to ticket students, urges other districts to review policies&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;- &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.propublica.org/article/federal-civil-rights-complaint-rockford-illinois-schools&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;ProPublica:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.propublica.org/article/federal-civil-rights-complaint-rockford-illinois-schools&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;An Illinois School District’s Reliance on Police to Ticket Students Is Discriminatory, Civil Rights Complaint Says&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;- &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/06/29/bill-to-stop-student-ticketing-suffers-setback-delaying-action-to-protect-families-from-costly-fines/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/06/29/bill-to-stop-student-ticketing-suffers-setback-delaying-action-to-protect-families-from-costly-fines/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Bill to stop student ticketing suffers setback, delaying action to protect families from costly fines&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/24/fluoride-water-illinois/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.93px;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/24/fluoride-water-illinois/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;98% of Illinois residents drink water with fluoride. Why is this mineral’s longtime role being rethought?&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;“I’d say all of those claims have either been soundly refuted or he is exaggerating what the evidence really shows,” said Scott Tomar, associate dean of prevention and public health sciences in the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois Chicago. “Water fluoridation — one of the nice things about it is it doesn’t require any special behavior on people’s part. Just drinking water or preparing your food with fluoridated water confers prevention benefits. And it’s one of incredibly few public health measures that actually saves money.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241122/news/aqua-illinois-customers-to-see-water-bill-hike-in-the-new-year/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Daily Herald |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(176, 176, 176);&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241122/news/aqua-illinois-customers-to-see-water-bill-hike-in-the-new-year/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Aqua Illinois customers to see water bill hike in the new year&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(176, 176, 176);&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;The privately owned water utility has not released an estimate of the exact impact the increase will have on customer bills in 14 northern Illinois counties. But the approved increase represents a 43% reduction from the utility’s original request, which would have raised bills by an estimated $30 per month, according to the Citizens Utility Board consumer advocacy group.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(176, 176, 176); color: #b0b0b0;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/environment/2024/11/23/wild-mile-nick-wesley-chicago-river-park-ecopark-goose-island-urban-rivers&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Sun-Times |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/environment/2024/11/23/wild-mile-nick-wesley-chicago-river-park-ecopark-goose-island-urban-rivers&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Chicago’s Wild Mile — an urban oasis built on a dream&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Day and night, visitors can descend an aluminum gangway behind the REI Co-op at North Kingsbury Street and West Eastman Street near Goose Island and find themselves seemingly walking on water, wandering across an almost imperceptibly rocking wooden boardwalk, surrounded by five-foot-high plants.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a;&quot;&gt;This fall, the area of this string of small, human-made islands known as the Wild Mile, drew migrating white-throated sparrows, fall warblers and dark-eyed juncos to feast on the seeds of sedge, prairie clover and Joe-Pye weed. Tropical white and pink hibiscus blooms stood out among the fading greens and rusty browns of summer’s bounty, 60 native species in all.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(42, 42, 42); color: #2a2a2a; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Statehouse News ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.yahoo.com/news/mccombie-halpin-illinois-veto-session-170100861.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WHBF |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(35, 42, 49); color: #232a31;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.yahoo.com/news/mccombie-halpin-illinois-veto-session-170100861.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;McCombie &amp;amp; Halpin on Illinois veto session &amp;amp; budget deficit&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(35, 42, 49); color: #232a31;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;“The purpose of eliminating the grocery tax on the state level was to make sure that the state wasn’t benefitting from that tax, we weren’t getting any money from it, and in a time of high inflation we wanted to make those prices at least a little bit easier for constituents,” Halpin said&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(35, 42, 49); color: #232a31;&quot;&gt;“The language was amended so they could choose to use that tax for property tax relief, which I think we had already heard several municipalities had kind of hoped to do it that way, but also if they also wanted to use it for public infrastructures they could do that as well,” McCombie said.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Madigan Trial ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;*&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/24/madigan-trial-turns-to-solis-testimony/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.93px;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/24/madigan-trial-turns-to-solis-testimony/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Madigan corruption trial turns to the Danny Solis show&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Solis, the former 25th Ward alderman-turned FBI mole, took the witness stand late last week to begin what will be a fascinating dive into one of the biggest public corruption cases in Chicago’s sordid history.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;His testimony — which could stretch well into December — will include clandestine video recordings Solis made in face-to-face meetings with Madigan, where the longtime House leader and head of the state Democratic Party allegedly used his official influence to shake down developers for business for his private tax appeal law firm.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Chicago ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/23/cook-county-politician-told-cops-im-an-elected-official-during-dui-arrest/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.93px;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/23/cook-county-politician-told-cops-im-an-elected-official-during-dui-arrest/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Cook County politician told cops, ‘I’m an elected official’ during DUI arrest&lt;/a&gt;:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;According to the arrest report, officers saw two crashed cars near the intersection. One officer reported that Steele was lying on the sidewalk near the accident and that Steele told him she had hit another car. At that time, the officer wrote in the report that Steele’s “eyes were bloodshot and glassy. I also detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from her breath as she spoke.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/24/chicago-food-pantries-thanksgiving/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Tribune |&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.93px;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/24/chicago-food-pantries-thanksgiving/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Chicago food pantries respond to ‘extraordinary demand’ during Thanksgiving holiday season&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;Verenice Martinez, director of food distribution services, said Pan de Vida Midway Pantry — which is open Wednesdays and Fridays — has seen a 30 percent increase this year in people seeking assistance. She attributes the increase to inflation and the rising cost of living, including elevated food prices, after the COVID-19 pandemic.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.165px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;&quot;&gt;“The pandemic is clearly over, but we see that every walk of life is still being affected. There are some people that are still recovering from whatever COVID did to their families,” she said, adding that the&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.165px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;&quot;&gt;pantry wants to get a walk-in fridge and freezer to increase its capacity.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.165px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;*&lt;b&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wbez.org/communities/2024/11/23/backpack-bed-tent-homeless-tony-clark&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WBEZ |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525; letter-spacing: -1px;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wbez.org/communities/2024/11/23/backpack-bed-tent-homeless-tony-clark&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Aussie pitches fundraising drive to provide 1,632 &#39;backpack beds&#39; for every homeless person in Chicago&lt;/a&gt;:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;Clark was in Chicago then, in 2013, to accept an award for the “backpack bed” he co-designed with his wife for the unhoused. The idea, which he said came to him in church, was to give people “warmth, comfort and dignity.”&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;He helped distribute about 150 of his backpacks that convert into tents with a built-in mattress to homeless people across the city then.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;Now, Clark has returned to Chicago with the goal of handing out many more of the backpack beds. The goal is 1,632, to be exact. That’s the number of people estimated to be living on the streets, according to the city’s last&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;Link&quot; data-cms-ai=&quot;0&quot; href=&quot;https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/fss/supp_info/Homeless/2024PITCOUNT/FINAL_2024%20Point-in-Time%20PIT%20Count.pdf&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Point in Time&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;survey.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/22/west-rogers-park-hate-crime/&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Tribune |&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/22/west-rogers-park-hate-crime/&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Man googled synagogues and Jewish community centers prior to West Rogers Park attack, prosecutors say&lt;/a&gt;: &lt;/b&gt;McCord said the examination of Abdallahi’s cellphone is continuing, but so far, investigators have located more than 100 antisemitic images, videos and screenshots. &amp;nbsp;His search history included a suburban gun store, firing range and two Jewish community centers, she said. He used Google Maps to favorite the locations of two synagogues, according to McCord.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;*&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/23/family-of-murdered-portage-park-woman-raising-funds-for-funeral/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Block Club Chicago |&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111; letter-spacing: -0.025em;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/23/family-of-murdered-portage-park-woman-raising-funds-for-funeral/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Family Of Murdered Portage Park Woman Raising Funds For Funeral:&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;&quot;&gt;On Friday, Lacramioara Beldie’s children, Ani, Antonio and Felix, launched a&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a data-wpel-link=&quot;external&quot; href=&quot;https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-honor-our-mothers-beautiful-soul&quot; rel=&quot;external noopener noreferrer&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111; hyphens: none; overflow-wrap: normal; text-decoration-color: rgb(233, 76, 33); transition: color 0.11s ease-in-out; word-break: normal;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;GoFundMe to raise money for their mother’s burial&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;&quot;&gt;According to&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a data-wpel-link=&quot;external&quot; href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/20/man-suspected-of-killing-estranged-wife-before-being-found-dead-was-previously-released-on-electronic-monitoring/&quot; rel=&quot;external noopener noreferrer&quot; style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111; hyphens: none; overflow-wrap: normal; text-decoration-color: rgb(233, 76, 33); transition: color 0.11s ease-in-out; word-break: normal;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;reporting from the Chicago Tribune,&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Lacramioara Beldie, who friends called Mirela, worked as a nanny. The fundraiser, organized by her daughter Ani Beldie, said she was “a second mother to many.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #252525;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37);&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/23/chicago-presidential-election-voter-turnout/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tribune |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/23/chicago-presidential-election-voter-turnout/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Chicago voter turnout was second-lowest rate in 80 years for a presidential election:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;While election officials initially expected a high turnout, it ended up being markedly low for a presidential election. According to unofficial results, the Chicago Board of Elections reported that roughly 67.9% of registered city voters cast ballots in the election, roughly 3 percentage points less than the 71% turnout in 2016 and 5 percentage points lower than in 2020, when turnout was 73.3%. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*&lt;b&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/21/plan-transform-abandoned-railway-pilsen-sparks-gentrification-concerns-some-residents&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WTTW |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/21/plan-transform-abandoned-railway-pilsen-sparks-gentrification-concerns-some-residents&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Plan to Transform Abandoned Railway in Pilsen Sparks Gentrification Concerns for Some Residents&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;CDOT recently hosted a community engagement meeting to gather residents’ input on repurposing the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway from West 16th and South Sangamon streets to West Cermak Road and South Laflin Street, near Benito Juarez High School. Officials emphasized that plans remain in early stages, with a final framework not expected until 2026.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/21/burst-heavy-snow-made-mess-roadways-brookfield-zoo-s-polar-bear-had-time-his-life&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; WTTW |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/21/burst-heavy-snow-made-mess-roadways-brookfield-zoo-s-polar-bear-had-time-his-life&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Burst of Heavy Snow Made a Mess of the Roadways, But Brookfield Zoo’s Polar Bear Had the Time of His Life&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;Hudson the polar bear looked positively giddy as he frolicked in the snow at Brookfield Zoo. We should all love something as much as Hudson loves snow.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/24/waves-of-snowcould-impact-thanksgiving-travel-weather-service-says/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Block Club |&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/24/waves-of-snowcould-impact-thanksgiving-travel-weather-service-says/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;‘Waves Of Snow’ Could Impact Thanksgiving Travel, Weather Service Says&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt; The exact location and intensity of the storm system has yet to be determined three days out, National Weather Service meteorologist David King said. &amp;nbsp; “There’s still a lot of uncertainty with it,” King said. “With what we’ve been seeing in the models, it’s really kind of difficult to be able to pinpoint … where the focus is going to be, but there’s at least this kind of consistent signature we’ve been seeing where we’re expecting some sort of winter storm to happen.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2024/11/24/bears-vikings-week-12-score&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Sun-Times | Bears find a new way to lose in heartbreaking fashion, but Caleb Williams offers reasons for hope:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The Bears found another creative, cruel way to break your heart Sunday, losing 30-27 to the Vikings in overtime after trailing by 11 with 1:56 to play in the fourth quarter. &amp;nbsp;To get there, quarterback Caleb Williams threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen with 29 seconds left in regulation and a two-point conversion pass to DJ Moore to cut the lead to three. Kicker Cairo Santos converted only the third onside kick in 31 tries across the NFL this season when safety Tarvarius Moore jumped on the ball after it hit a Viking’s foot. Santos then drilled a 48-yard field goal to force overtime.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;*** Cook County and Suburbs ***&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wbez.org/cook-county/2024/07/02/ex-employee-of-a-cook-county-agency-sues-over-his-firing-alleging-retaliation&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WBEZ |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525; letter-spacing: -1px;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wbez.org/cook-county/2024/07/02/ex-employee-of-a-cook-county-agency-sues-over-his-firing-alleging-retaliation&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;A former employee of a Cook County agency sues over his firing, alleging retaliation&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;The ex-employee, Frank Calabrese, said he was an appeals analyst and communications director for Steele until he was fired in May — after talking about Steele and chief of staff Dan Balanoff with investigators for the county’s independent internal watchdog.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;In the complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Calabrese also accused Steele and Balanoff of pressuring him “to engage in political activity” against the two other Board of Review commissioners, Larry Rogers Jr. and George Cardenas.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525;&quot;&gt;* &lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2024/11/24/officials-announce-23-candidates-that-applied-to-fill-vacant-lake-county-associate-judge-seat/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;County Scanner |&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2024/11/24/officials-announce-23-candidates-that-applied-to-fill-vacant-lake-county-associate-judge-seat/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Officials announce 23 candidates that applied to fill vacant Lake County associate judge seat:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The Administrative Office of Illinois Courts notified Lake County Chief Judge Daniel Shanes that 23 local attorneys applied for the associate judge vacancy in the 19th Judicial Circuit. &amp;nbsp;The seat has been vacant since former Associate Judge Theodore S. Potkonjak retired on October 4.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241121/education/he-can-park-anywhere-except-his-public-high-school-district-student-in-fight-over-parking-in-l/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Daily Herald |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(176, 176, 176);&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #2b00fe;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241121/education/he-can-park-anywhere-except-his-public-high-school-district-student-in-fight-over-parking-in-l/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;‘He can park anywhere...except his public high school’: District, student in fight over parking in lot&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(176, 176, 176);&quot;&gt;The family emailed the school officials before the school year began to notify them that Gavin had an accessible parking placard and to ask which of the eight designated accessible parking spaces in the lot he should use.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(176, 176, 176);&quot;&gt;Central High officials told them Gavin would not be allowed to park at the school because he did not have a parking pass. Gavin applied for a parking pass through a lottery but was not selected before the school year or in a later lottery when spaces opened following a construction project.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(176, 176, 176);&quot;&gt;* &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241124/news/crystal-lake-man-pleads-guilty-for-part-in-jan-6-assault/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Daily Herald |&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailyherald.com/20241124/news/crystal-lake-man-pleads-guilty-for-part-in-jan-6-assault/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;Crystal Lake man pleads guilty for part in Jan. 6 assault:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Court documents showed Giacchetti attended a rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., and afterward made his way to the U.S. Capitol building. There, while on a restricted walkway on the South side of the Capitol, Giacchetti used a bullhorn to yell profanities and insults at law enforcement officers responding to the riot.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/22/column-after-breaking-hip-former-butterball-hotline-lady-from-aurora-to-be-stuck-in-turkey-for-turkey-day/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; &lt;b&gt;Aurora Beacon-News |&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.93px;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/22/column-after-breaking-hip-former-butterball-hotline-lady-from-aurora-to-be-stuck-in-turkey-for-turkey-day/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;After breaking hip, former Butterball hotline lady from Aurora to be stuck in Turkey for Turkey Day&lt;/a&gt;:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;For more than two decades, Phyllis Kramer was not just a wise and calm voice on the other end of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, the Aurora woman became a recognized face, featured on TV shows and in regional and national news stories at this time of year.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;The New York Times. Good Housekeeping. Business Insider. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fox News. Rachael Ray. Kramer even worked alongside comedian Stephen Colbert when he flew to the hotline headquarters on Diehl Road in Naperville to tape a segment for his late night show.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;This holiday, however, her story has taken an ironic twist: The Turkey Lady is stuck in Turkey for Turkey Day.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;b style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;*** Downstate ***&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;letter-spacing: normal;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;*&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/springfield-pd-addresses-social-media-rumors-about-migrants&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;WBBM |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #090527;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/springfield-pd-addresses-social-media-rumors-about-migrants&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Springfield Police Department addresses social media rumors about migrants&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;&quot;&gt;“We are aware of recent social media rumors circulating concerning potential threats involving Venezuelan gangs,” the department wrote.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;“The Springfield Police Department did not generate this information and has no evidence to support claims of gang-related activity involving Venezuelan migrants.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;letter-spacing: normal;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;&quot;&gt;*&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/comptroller-mendoza-and-staff-provide-thanksgiving-meals-to-cairo-families/article_93f7c93c-aa9b-11ef-a7cd-9b77ea4261ad.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;WPSD |&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/comptroller-mendoza-and-staff-provide-thanksgiving-meals-to-cairo-families/article_93f7c93c-aa9b-11ef-a7cd-9b77ea4261ad.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Comptroller Mendoza and staff provide Thanksgiving meals to Cairo families&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;The Illinois State Comptroller, Susana A. Mendoza, and her staff will distribute 150 turkeys and canned goods for Thanksgiving meals to residents in Cairo from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, for the 8th year in a row.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;&quot;&gt;The effort is in partnership with Arrowleaf, which pre-screens the families in the Cairo area who will receive the meals. Donations from Laborers&#39; Local 773 in Marion and Krispy Kreme in Marion also make the event possible.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; letter-spacing: -0.165px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;letter-spacing: normal;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/5729962578340709396/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/isabels-morning-briefing.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/5729962578340709396'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/5729962578340709396'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/isabels-morning-briefing.html' title='Isabel’s morning briefing'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096139442318424610.post-2560884713837984279</id><published>2024-11-25T07:15:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2024-11-25T07:15:00.338-06:00</updated><title type='text'>Live coverage</title><content type='html'>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;Hi all! Thanks for sticking with us through this predicament. You can &lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/i/lists/1635657810846294017&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to keep up with the Madigan trial. For our old live coverage list click &lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/i/lists/1791505369157562823&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://x.com/i/lists/22616376&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/feeds/2560884713837984279/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/live-coverage.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/2560884713837984279'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='https://www.blogger.com/feeds/7096139442318424610/posts/default/2560884713837984279'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='https://capfax.blogspot.com/2024/11/live-coverage.html' title='Live coverage'/><author><name>Isabel Miller</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/18417776489386020800</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>

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