Latest news with #AspenIdeasClimate
Time Magazine
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Magazine
Companies Are Starting To Get The Big Picture On Climate
If, like me, you've been closely following the evolution of how the private sector is thinking about and reacting to the climate challenge, it's easy to get lost in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. This week at Aspen Ideas Climate, held for the first time in Chicago, was a good opportunity to zoom out. There, I led a discussion focused on the macro business case for continuing to work on climate. Two key points stood out to me. The first is that addressing climate change needs to be viewed through a strategic lens rather than as an altruistic act or even an opportunity for short-term financial gain as with tax credits. Today, we are getting a glimpse of the effects of extreme weather and other consequences, but we know the long-term effects will be much more severe. And we can also anticipate that, one way or another, the present disposition of policymakers is bound to change. 'As long as emissions continue to accumulate greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, the climate is going to change, and people are going to respond to those changes,' said Sarah Kapnick, global head of climate advisory at JPMorgan. 'So consumer behavior will change in response to that. Physical risks will be altered. Supply chains will have to respond. Business operations will have to respond. Insurance pricing will change.' Kapnick, who advises the bank's clients on how to navigate complicated climate realities, said she sees increasing sophistication in the private sector when confronting this challenge. 'Conversations about climate are more and more complex and sophisticated… about what does climate mean for my business, for my operations, for business, resiliency, for risk,' said Kapnick. When and how those effects may play out are hard to predict. As I was leaving Chicago, news broke about the International Court of Justice ruling that countries have a legal obligation to act on climate change—and might be liable for the cost of damages if they fail to do so. While unenforceable at this juncture, the ruling provides precedent and legal reasoning that will likely trickle to other jurisdictions in the years to come. While this ruling focuses on the responsibility of states, soon enough courts will be forced to address what if any liability corporations face. Another key theme raised during the discussion—and one I've encountered frequently when talking to climate folks in recent months—has been the increasing focus on climate action as an avenue for cost savings. Technology like AI can help map opportunities for cost-saving—and emissions reduction. And more modern infrastructure often means more fuel efficient infrastructure. Lauren Riley, the chief sustainability officer at United, boiled down the business case for climate work in the simple terms of one of the company's biggest costs: fuel. 'Our second largest operating expense is fuel, right behind labor. It's very significant,' she said, adding that the company spent $12 billion on fuel last year. 'We want to find ways that we can control that supply chain, diversify it, find cost effective alternatives and make sure that we're in control of those really high costs.' At a moment when companies are navigating an array of costs, from high interest rates to unpredictable tariffs, what's a better business case than saving money?
Politico
5 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Johnson heading to survival summit
TGIF, Illinois. Cubs at Sox this weekend, a city series that matters for both sides, says the Tribune's Paul Sullivan. TOP TALKER FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is heading to Cleveland today for a strategy session with fellow Democratic mayors who find themselves increasingly on the defensive. The occasion is the 2025 Summit, hosted by the Democratic Mayors Association and led this year by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, a rising mayoral star and a close ally of Johnson. Bibb was just in Chicago for the Aspen Ideas Climate conference and stopped by Chicago's City Hall. 'Community Over Chaos' is the theme of the mayors' event, a not-so-subtle response to how cities feel as they navigate under the Trump administration. As Democrats attempt to govern from the ground up while federal support gets pulled from under them, mayors are leaning on each other more than ever — swapping best practices, policy ideas and, even, survival tactics operating in a Trump world. More than a few cities have been on the receiving end of Donald Trump's wrath. The president has called Chicago an 'embarrassment,' Milwaukee 'horrible' and Philadelphia 'ravaged by bloodshed.' The weekend agenda includes discussions on public safety, infrastructure and housing. And Johnson, whose administration is now pointing to a real decline in Chicago's crime numbers, is set to lead a conversation on how cities can achieve public safety goals. Chicago's mayor will also co-host a separate roundtable with Black mayors to address their own unique issues in governing a city. The speaker list reads like a mini-Democratic convention. On the agenda are DNC Chair Ken Martin, former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and California Congressman Ro Khanna and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear — who might have their eyes on 2028. If you are Ken Martin, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON At Loyola Beach Park at 12:15 p.m. for the 49th Ward Day in the Ward press conference Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. BUSINESS OF POLITICS — SMALL WORLD: Dora Pekec, the former campaign manager for Chicago Ald. Bill Conway, is now the press secretary for New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. After Pekec's stint in Chicago, she went on to serve as a spokesperson for the U.S. House Majority PAC and then comms director for Brad Lander in his run for New York mayor (before Mamdani swept the primary). — In IL-02: Donna Moore, a Cook County commissioner, has won the endorsement of a handful of suburban mayors and 10 of her colleagues in her bid for the open congressional seat now held by Robin Kelly, who's running for Congress. Among the supporters are Lynwood Mayor Jada Curry, South Holland Mayor Don DeGraff, Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson and Commissioner Bill Lowry. Here's the full list. — In IL-08: Democratic candidate Neil Khot has been endorsed by Congressman Shri Thanedar, a Michigan Democrat. — In IL-09: Kat Abughazaleh appeared on the CNN roundtable with host Abby Phillip on Thursday talking about the lack of food distribution to Gaza, which has caused some children to die. 'I do not want Israeli children to live in fear. And I don't want Gazan children to starve to death,' she said. 'And there is no enemy of either state that could want me to wish that or excuse the starvation of children. It is that simple,' she said during the heated conversation. — Elizabeth Granato, who's running for an open seat on the Cook County Board, has been endorsed by veteran Commissioners Scott Britton, Bill Lowry, Stanley Moore and Josina Morita. — Rob Russell, the former Kane County coroner, is running for county sheriff. Details here THE STATEWIDES — Illinoisans will see reduced SNAP benefits under federal bill: 'The legislation removes work requirement exemptions for 23,000 unhoused, veterans, or youth aged out of foster care in Illinois, according to the governor's office,' via the State Journal-Register's Tom Ackerman. — Madigan's political fixer gets 2-year prison sentence: 'You preferred secrecy and lies': 'Michael McClain was sentenced Thursday for his role in a plot to illegally influence former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on behalf of ComEd,' by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel. — Tariffs, DOGE cuts and more: How Trump's first 6 months have impacted Illinois, by the State Journal-Register's Tom Ackerman — Nuke bill: State Senate Minority Deputy Leader Sue Rezin has filed legislation to streamline the siting and permitting process for new small modular nuclear reactors: The goal is 'to meet electricity demand,' she said in a statement. CHICAGO — Never mind. Johnson rules out property tax hike in 2026 budget: 'Days after Chicago's chief financial officer said a property tax increase would 'likely' be included in the 2026 budget proposal, Mayor Brandon Johnson backed away from the claim. 'I will not be proposing a property tax increase in my budget,' he told reporters,' via Crain's Justin Laurence. — Community members to CPS board: Don't cut schools, get money from city or state to fill deficit: 'Many Chicago Board of Education members agree with community members and want additional revenue from Chicago or Illinois officials to fill the looming $734 million budget deficit. But they say they can't force the city or state to act,' by WBEZ's Sarah Karp and the Sun-Times' Emmanuel Camarillo. — Chicago school board moves to make more students eligible for accelerated coursework, by Chalkbeat's Reema Amin — Judges appoint Andrew Boutros as Chicago's top federal prosecutor: 'Boutros was appointed by the Trump administration on an interim basis and took office in April. His appointment was set to expire in early August. Thursday's order installing him as U.S. Attorney is effective Aug. 5,' by Bloomberg Law's Megan Crepeau. — NASCAR wants to revive the Chicagoland Speedway: 'We do hope to bring NASCAR racing back to Chicagoland Speedway at some point in the future,' a spokesperson told Crain's Jack Grieve. — More people have been giving up their dogs and cats, citing a tough economy and housing restrictions, by the Sun-Times' Mariah Rush — Downtown Chicago building renamed after longtime Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, by ABC 7's Evelyn Holmes COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — ICE arrests person without warrant at Maywood Courthouse, coalition says, by the Sun-Times' Kade Heather — Eileen O'Neill Burke calls program allowing CPD officers to directly file felony gun charges an 'overwhelming success,': 'Critics renew their objections,' by WTTW's Heather Cherone — Former Glendale Heights village president accused of forgery, perjury, by the Daily Herald's Susan Sarkauskas — Former Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard released from contempt, fines in one FOIA lawsuit; village assessed in another, by the Daily Southtown's Olivia Stevens TAKING NAMES — Barack Obama says grown-ups shouldn't be eating ketchup: 'The former president's anti-ketchup stance, which he reiterated on a recent episode of former first lady Michelle Obama's podcast, is rooted in Chicago's hot dog culture,' by the Block Club's Patrick Filbin. — Carol Moseley Braun reflects on life, historic political career in new memoir, by WTTW's Bridgette Adu-Wadier MEDIA MATTERS — Tribune begins newsroom layoffs in wake of failed buyouts: Seven people were laid off, including Guild reporters. 'The layoffs come as the paper's owner, Alden Global Capital, an investment firm known for buying news media ventures and then slashing their staffs to cut costs, makes an $88 million bid for the Dallas Morning News through its subsidiary, MediaNews Group,' by Crain's Laura Turbay. Reader Digest We asked what policy or law noticeably improved your community. Kay Hatcher: 'The 'Right To Farm' plat amendment in Kendall County that protects farmers from noise and animal complaints by newer residents. We welcome new neighbors, but don't move here and complain about tractor noise or pigs -- because they were here first.' Mimi Cowan: 'The zoning changes to allow more multi-family housing construction passed in the 1990s in Naperville's downtown area. Density = Life.' Joan Pederson: 'The 1967 ban on burning soft coal in Chicago: Air became breathable and spring vacation was no longer for scrubbing away winter's soot.' James Scalzitti: 'The 2014's 'Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act,' aka Illinois' Marriage Equality law, in numerous ways, tangible and intangible.' Timothy Thomas: 'In the early 2000s, the alderwoman and residents of Chicago's 17th Ward implemented a liquor license moratorium that effectively reduced certain behaviors. However, it was lifted in 2016 by the current alderman, without public input, leading to predictable outcomes.' NEXT QUESTION: What did you accomplish in your student government role? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), with the support of the entire Illinois congressional delegation, has introduced legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Bloomington the 'Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.' — Congressmembers Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and Robin Kelly (IL-02) has joined a handful of their colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act. The legislation would re-establish the federal water-assistance program created during the Covid-19 pandemic and expired in 2022. If approved, funding will go from states to utility companies and be deducted from household bills. — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) has reintroduced the Choosing Our Own Lives Over Fast Firearms (COOL OFF) Act with 16 original cosponsors. The legislation would implement a mandatory three-business-day waiting period for all handgun purchases nationwide. THE NATIONAL TAKE — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers will not seek reelection, by POLITICO's Jacob Wendler and Elena Schneider — Independents are increasingly souring on Trump, new poll finds, by POLITICO's Cheyanne M. Daniels — Trump's 'South Park' Problem: A sign he's lost control of the Epstein narrative, by POLITICO's Calder McHugh — RNC Chair Michael Whatley to run for Senate in North Carolina with Trump's support, by POLITICO's Dasha Burns TRANSITIONS — Juliette Chandler is now deputy comms director for Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi's U.S. Senate campaign. She was digital director and press secretary for Congresswoman Lori Trahan a Massachusetts Democrat. — Kyle Southern has been named executive director of the national Partnership for College Completion, based in Chicago. He was associate VP for the Institute for College Access & Success in Washington, D.C. — Catherine Goldhaber is now a partner at Lathrop GPM's Chicago office in its tort, insurance and environmental practice group. She was a partner at Hawkins Parnell & Young. EVENTS — Saturday: U.S. Senate candidate and Congresswoman Robin Kelly will be a headliner at the Annual Democrats Day at the Stephenson County Fair. Details here — Aug. 6: State Rep. Maurice West is holding his WESTFest fundraiser to prepare for his run for a fifth term. This year's event is special because it comes as he celebrates his 40th birthday. West, who's also a saxophonist and music composer, will showcase three new songs to mark the occasion. Details here TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to La'Mont Williams for correctly answering that Wrigley Field was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006. TODAY's QUESTION: What Chicago street shares its name with two Illinois rivers? Email your answer to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, Rep. Chuy Garcia's District Outreach Director María Velázquez, Lactalis Group Government Affairs Director Jeff Troupe, Schwalb Realty Group Executive VP Joyce Wippman, BRick Partners co-founder Karen Muchin and MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepulveda's Environmental Policy and Comms Director Rolando Favela Saturday: Former state Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson, former Ald. Michael R. Zalewski, public affairs consultant Thom Serafin, SEIU Local 1 Political Director Mario Lopez, former University of Illinois administrator Barry Munitz, entrepreneur John Vlahakis, former Chicago Bear Tarik Cohen and former Ald. Ike Carothers Sunday: former National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett, One Future Illinois VP Jonathan Swain, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation's Chandra Brown, Lime Chief Policy Officer David Spielfogel, strategic comms expert Brian Berg, former City Treasurer Barbara Lumpkin and Jenner & Block Chicago Managing Partner Melissa Root -30-
Politico
22-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
Pritzker on Dems: ‘We've lost our way'
Good Tuesday morning, Illinois. And h/t to the music lovers in Reader Digest. TOP TALKER TESTING THE WATERS: Gov. JB Pritzker sounded like a candidate road-testing a stump speech Monday at the Aspen Ideas Climate conference in Chicago. 'We've lost our way,' Pritzker said of Democrats' recent messaging. 'Let's not walk away from Civil Rights because we lost an election. We haven't talked enough about Civil Rights. We haven't talked enough about health care,' he told a crowd of global climate leaders and thinkers at the Salt Shed. During the Q&A with ABC News' Linsey Davis, Pritzker railed against the insurance industry's control on health care and called out the $7.25 federal minimum wage as a national disgrace. 'Why are Democrats not out there arguing for raising the minimum wage?' he asked, prompting applause from the crowd. 'What a great issue for Democrats.' Democrats reclaiming the populist mantle is a message Pritzker is likely to use on the campaign trail running for his third term. And it's a message that could carry through to 2028, too. On Monday, Pritzker toggled between policy and politics during the half-hour 'fireside chat.' He recounted legislative wins — like Illinois tripling its renewable energy output since 2021 — and painted a vision of a future where clean tech and climate action are economic drivers, not burdens. 'We're proving out the idea that you can accelerate progress even without the federal government's engagement,' he said, referring to the Trump administration's efforts to pull back on federal programs. Illinois is still achieving wins, Pritzker said, in spite of 'disturbing' federal rollbacks. He pointed to Rivian's electric vehicle plant in Normal and its thousands of new jobs as a 'proof point' of how green energy and middle-class economics aren't mutually exclusive. Everything's cyclical. Pritzker also looked ahead, saying, 'the nightmare … will end in three-and-a-half years.' RELATED: New Rivian supplier 'Adient' set to bring dozens of jobs to town of Normal, by 25 News Now's Imani McClay THE BUZZ FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: The race for Cook County's 12th District commissioner seat is already taking shape with Elizabeth Granato, currently head of the Cook County's Bureau of Asset Management, officially jumping in. In her campaign announcement, Granato struck a defiant tone. 'Cook County is on the front lines of the battle against the Trump MAGA Republican effort to take away health care from those who need it most, raise the cost of living and let the wealthiest corporations and billionaires dump their tax obligations on the middle class,' she said in a statement. 'I'm running to make sure nobody is left behind in Cook County.' Granato is positioning herself as a progressive standard-bearer in a district up for grabs after news Monday that Commissioner Bridget Degnen won't seek reelection. Degnen has thrown her support behind Cat Sharp, chief of staff to Ald. Andre Vasquez in the 40th Ward and before that Degnen's outreach director. Also considering a run: Jose 'Che-Che' Wilson, a noted LGBTQ+ policy advocate and community leader, is exploring a bid to replace Degnen, too. Granato, a Latina and the first in her family to graduate from college, is leaning into her personal story as she courts Democratic voters. She's already been endorsed by the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers ADC 1 Illinois and Ironworkers District Council of Chicago and Vicinity. And Granato has the backing of her husband — state Sen Ram Villivalam. Look for Granato to file more than $200,000 in Illinois State Board of Elections filings today. Degnen's announcement that she won't seek reelection comes on the heels of Commissioners Kevin Morrison and Donna Miller also announcing their exits from their county jobs as they seek higher office. If you are Bridget Degnen, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At Chicago's Union Station at 1 p.m. to deliver remarks for the site's centennial celebration honoring 100 years of service WHERE's BRANDON At Navy Pier at 9 a.m. for the Chicago Police Department recruit graduation and promotion ceremony — At Malcolm X College at 12:30 p.m. for People with Disabilities' Disability Pride Celebration — At City Hall at 3 p.m. to meet with reporters — At Salt Shed at 6:15 p.m. for the Aspen Climate: Chicago conference Where's Toni At La Rabida Children's Hospital at 10 a.m. to announce $25 million in community safety funding Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — Endorsement: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle endorsed Robert Peters on Monday in his bid for Congress in the 2nd District. The Tribune's Dan Petrella has details. — George Danos, the Champaign County auditor, who's running for state comptroller, says his research shows he'd be the first CPA to serve as comptroller of Illinois if he won the seat — and the first openly gay statewide office holder, too. The Elgin native says his focus is on transparency. 'To keep the state on a sound financial basis, the legislature and governor must be assisted by honest, direct and timely financial reporting,' Danos said in a statement. — Patrick Cortesi, chair of the McLean County Democrats and a longtime grassroots organizer, has launched his campaign for Democratic State Central Committee in Illinois' 16th District. Current Committeeman John Daniel is not seeking reelection and is endorsing Cortesi for the position. — IL-09: Another look at who's leading the money race, by the Daily Herald's Russell Lissau THE STATEWIDES — Gov. JB Pritzker joins letter demanding release of federal education funding, with billions still in limbo: 'The grants, already appropriated by Congress, were abruptly frozen the day before they were set to be disbursed July 1. The paused funding included $241.8 million for Illinois schools and community colleges,' by the Tribune's Kate Armanini. — Illinois joins suit to block Trump administration from barring undocumented immigrants from public benefits, by the Sun-Times' Violet Miller — Following state rep's encounter, Pritzker signs 'squatter bill' into law, by Capitol News' Ben Szalinski — Former ComEd CEO says she's innocent, even as judge gives her 2 years in prison, by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel — COLUMN: Illinois ranks last in financial reporting, by the News-Gazette's Jim Dey CHICAGO — Police Department brass accused Mayor Brandon Johnson's budget office of 'systemically' delaying paychecks: The mayor's office says it was an 'administrative' error that has since been rectified, by the Tribune's Alice Yin. — Online sports betting, legal video gaming could be cash cow for Chicago, alderpersons say: 'But Chicago would only benefit if it demands a greater cut of video gaming tax revenue from Springfield, city officials say,' by the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Steven Montano guilty of first-degree murder in killing of CPD Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso, by the Sun-Times' Sophie Sherry — City leaders, including the mayor, call on state lawmakers to act to unmask ICE agents, by the Block Club's Francia Garcia Hernandez — City Council v. Chicago Cops in 16-Inch softball: 'Despite the Police Knights batting opposite-handed, the City Council softball team showed their legislative skills don't transfer so easily to the diamond — though they still eked out a questionable win,' by the Block Club's Noah Asimow. — American Airlines drops federal lawsuit, escalates Chicago O'Hare gate fight in local court, by View From The Wing's Gary Leff TAKING NAMES — NEW FELLOWS: In the often-fractured world of Illinois politics, the Edgar Fellows Program stands out as a rare and hopeful experiment in bipartisan collaboration. Next month, 41 new public policy leaders — from lawmakers to nonprofit directors — will gather in Urbana-Champaign for a weeklong crash course in ethical, solutions-driven leadership. Launched in 2012 by former Gov. Jim Edgar, the program pushes civility over conflict and promotes bridging political, racial and regional divides. 'Though they each have their own unique life experiences, they find out that they have more in common than they have that separates them,' Edgar said in announcing the latest cohort. Among this year's participants: state Sens. Mary Edly-Allen, Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Darby Hills and Craig Wilcox; state Reps. Harry Benton, Mary Beth Canty, Brandun Schweizer and Nabeela Syed; Chicago Alds. Ruth Cruz and Timmy Knudsen; Chief of Staff to the Illinois Speaker Clayton Harris III; Climate Jobs Illinois Executive Director Joe Duffy (the former campaign manager for Attorney General Kwame Raoul); Illinois Chamber CEO Lou Sandoval; Validus co-founder Nicholas Klitzing (the former Illinois GOP executive director); and Intersect Illinois Comms Director Amanda Vinicky. Here's the full list — Darren Walker, the outgoing president of the Ford Foundation, is joining the Obama Foundation's board of directors on Nov 1. — Bill Adair is joining the line-up of the Printers Row Lit Fest in September. Adair, who won a Pulitzer for his work at PolitiFact, is among seven Pulitzer Prize winners at the event. Reader Digest We asked what album you'd take with you on a desert island. Denise Barreto: 'Black On Both Sides' by Mos Def (also known as Yasiin Bey). Josef Michael Carr Jr.: 'Songs in the Key of Life' by Stevie Wonder. David Eldridge: ''We Are' by Jon Batiste. When I am down, I place this album on my record player to be uplifted.' Mike Gascoigne: 'Stand for Myself' by Yola. John Howell: 'Herb Alpert's 'Whipped Cream' (a masterpiece).' Robert Kieckhefer: 'Jazz Samba' by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. David Kohn: 'The Power and the Glory by Gentle Giant.' Joan Pederson: ''John Prine,' his first.' Fred Lebed: 'The Burning Spear.' Ron Michelotti: 'Tapestry.' Marilynn Miller: 'Any album of Frank Sinatra's that includes 'My Way.' It's my theme song.' Jeff Nathan: 'Big Boat' by Phish. Timothy Powell: 'The only album that matters by 'The Only Band That Matters': 'London Calling' by The Clash!' Alison Pure-Slovin: 'Sounds of Silence' by Simon and Garfunkel. Elliot Regenstein: 'The new EP 'Vacation Home' from the Illinois-based band North Grove!' Ebony Scott-Anderson: ''The Lion King: The Gift by Beyoncé.' It's full of hope and reminders of one's inner strength. Something I'd need to survive until I'm rescued.' Scott Simon: 'Erik Satie's 'Gymnopedies.' Moves from pensive to haunting to joyful and back again.' Steve Smith: 'Rubber Soul.' John Straus: 'Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto recording featuring Arturo Toscanini leading the NBC Symphony Orchestra with Vladimir Horowitz soloist.' Michael Strautmanis: 'Prince's 'Sign O' the Times' — an experimental narrative from our generation's Mozart.' Matt Sullard: ''Reggatta de Blanc' by The Police, just to play 'Message in a Bottle' on repeat unironically.' Wendi Taylor Nations: 'Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction' because I grew up with Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin and 'Sweet Child O' Mine' reminds me of home.' Timothy Thomas: 'Stevie Wonder's 'Songs in the Key of Life,' the first album I bought with hard-earned paper-route money.' Patricia Ann Watson: 'Stevie Wonder's 'Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants.'' Judith Weinstein: 'Talking Book' by Stevie Wonder. Steve Weiss: 'The Tour de Force by Brian Wilson.' NEXT QUESTION: If you had to filibuster for 12 hours straight, what topic could you ramble about? THE NATIONAL TAKE — GOP megabill's final score: $3.4T in red ink and 10 million kicked off health insurance, CBO says, by POLITICO's Jennifer Scholtes, Robert King and Benjamin Guggenheim — Frustration and fear ripple through NPR and PBS affiliates, by POLITICO's Aaron Pellish and Irie Sentner — Why Ross Perot caught the zeitgeist — and Elon Musk might not, by John Ganz for POLITICO DELEGATION — Congresswoman Robin Kelly joined in introducing the Gun Safety Incentive Act. The bill promotes safe gun storage practices by providing a federal tax credit for individuals who purchase certified firearm safes and secure storage devices. IN MEMORIAM — Veteran Chicago defense attorney Thomas Anthony Durkin dies at 78, by the Tribune's Jason Meisner TRIVIA MONDAY's ANSWER: The Forum in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood was known for its large ballroom and being a go-to place for Jazz and Blues music. TODAY's QUESTION: Which of August Wilson's 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays is actually set in Chicago? Email your answer to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar, lobbyist and former Ald. Joe Moore and lieutenant governor's Comms Director Taylor Brown -30-
